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Big ship on the ocean! No need for commotion!

- Cruise ship anchors off CGB, some residents call for investigation
An amateur photograph taken at Myetts and sent to this news site to authenticate the claim that a cruise ship had anchored off Cane Garden Bay. This was later confirmed as factual by Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Mr Claude Skelton-Cline. Photo: Provided
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI – Indeed it was a strange sighting for residents of the Cane Garden Bay and nearby community two nights ago when a large ship was seen anchored off shore between Cane Garden Bay and Brewer’s Bay.

But while it was a strange sight for some, Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority Claude Skelton- Cline said that it as in the “name of safety” that the captain and crew of the cruise ship “The World” decided to anchor off the shore of Cane Garden Bay.

The sighting had aroused the curiosity of some residents who called for a public investigation. “Late yesterday (Sunday January 5, 2012) we watched a really big cruise ship come into Cane Garden Bay and dropped its anchor out on the point. The police had no clue, said there was not a problem though. We have lived here for many years and never seen this before,” said a curious resident, who gave her name as Denise.

She provided Virgin Islands News Online with an amateur photograph, which was taken from Myetts to authenticate here claim, which was later confirmed as factual by Mr Skelton-Cline.

The Ports Authority Managing director explained that “The World” had left Jost Van Dyke en-route to Virgin Gorda when it encountered heavy winds and high waves and thought that, in the name of safety, the weather pattern had becoming suitable to continue the journey to Virgin Gorda.

Mr Skelton-Cline assured that, while it was probably the first time such a large ship had anchored at Cane Garden Bay, there was no harm or danger posed. 

47 Responses to “Big ship on the ocean! No need for commotion!”

  • CGB resident (08/01/2013, 17:25) Like (11) Dislike (17) Reply
    Excuse me,,, HEAVY WINDS & HIGH WAVES,,, look at the picture,,, I was there!!! There were not winds & seas that that cruise ship should not have been able to deal with. These ships go to sea day in and day out,, it was out in the channel... Pretty scary that ship could not deal with winds & seas in "the channel" the "protected" channel.. Heaven help them when they do encounter high seas and high winds...
    • tell the truth (08/01/2013, 19:30) Like (6) Dislike (10) Reply
      The idiot is probably not telling us the full story!!
    • tretretrete (09/01/2013, 09:18) Like (7) Dislike (2) Reply
      The high winds and Seas were encountered on its way to Virgin Gorda not in Cane Garden Bay, Why would someone dock in High Seas? They had to dock in a calm area to avoid such conditions, that is why they at CAne Garden Bay.
      • Blackeye (09/01/2013, 09:29) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Thank you. People just dont take the time to read.
      • nonsense (09/01/2013, 21:47) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
        Listen, this is ridiculous now...obviously if it has never happen before, something had to have made the ship change its route...another thing...REALLY...people making a stink about this? Why? If its not damaging the corals or something why are they making it an issue??? who are these residents???I live there and I really do not see what the issue is here. The area chosen had to be calm obviously and they making THIS an issue...NONSENSE!!!
        • LET IT B KNOWN (13/01/2013, 09:28) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
          I BET IS THE EXPATS HO DISGRUNTLED ABOUT THIS CASUE THEY INVESTED IN A BVI THAT SHOULD NOT BE DEVELOPED ONCE THEY HAVE WHAT THEY WANT...THE ISLANDS SHOULD STAY UNDEVELOPED, BEHIND TIME AND NO PROPER INFERSTRUCTURE. THATS THE WAY THEY WANT IT....SO THEY WILL ALWAYS BE ABOVE LOCALS...APPARENTLY ITS THEIR WAY AND NO OTHER WAY!
    • CGB Real (10/01/2013, 09:33) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      do u sail boat i sure u dont and this time of the year the water on the north side is bad.Get it together
  • qq (08/01/2013, 19:09) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    WOW
  • Music (08/01/2013, 19:13) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I dont know the circumstances but this ship is unusual. All the cabins and suites of various sizes were sold to investors to be their home, or rental or whatever they wanted to do with it, and it just cruises around the world.
  • qc (08/01/2013, 19:16) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    The least they could do is provide some evidence that the big ship did not damage the environment!
  • con man (08/01/2013, 19:20) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    I think partna testing the water to see the feasibility of ships going straight to cane garden bay
  • DOCKED? (08/01/2013, 19:53) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Mr Skelton-Cline assured that, while it was probably the first time such a large ship had docked at Cane Garden Bay, there was no harm or danger posed. WHAT WAS IT "DOCKED" TO?
  • Kiki (08/01/2013, 20:06) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Denise was the only person to discover that sophisticated surprise.she had so much info and she can explain to the news what happened. She even make a swing at the police by saying that they did not have a clue but she had so much clue and she gave some out. Bravo Denise!
  • Take us for fool (08/01/2013, 20:12) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Soon alot more goin be out there alternate site for when them start muck up the dock
  • bigger picture (08/01/2013, 21:22) Like (14) Dislike (16) Reply
    I wouldn't put it past Skelton-Cline to actually give permission as a trial balloon to see whether CGB could be added to the anchoring areas for bigger ships. See what the reaction would be. This ship has no business being here. It is invasive and cuts off the view. Who knows what damage it could be doing dragging an anchor, discharging etc. This is disgusting and will soon encourage others to "stop By". Skelton-Cline has no knowledge or sense about ships, marine life and protocol. He is useless in the position other than say yes to the pier park and ship dock.
  • Complain Complain Complain (08/01/2013, 22:28) Like (8) Dislike (13) Reply
    BVI people complain to dam much always keeping back progress. Keep it up and get left behind. Check out progress and the money other governments are making for their countries where the people complain so much less and enjoy the goods offered you idots
  • kkk (08/01/2013, 22:59) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Once again, how exactly did we get here!
  • bam see (09/01/2013, 00:53) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am wondering the same thing or I may be having spooks as a similar one was seen close my island in the wee hours of Monday morning and you know what dawn me are they letting off illegal immigrants then my poor country is going to be overflooded with foreigners that do not belong then who we are known to be high income owners with the rich yachts in our harbours or slike jets on our runways and then for me as a belonger can't open own a piece of the rock or can't find a job because after awhile my BA-PhD won't worth anything but the amount of money I have to offer to buy of the national debt. Then later down the road and I must say right now many are indulged in illicit trade of drugs,crime, prostitution, you name it. May the good LORD HAVE mercy on us
  • 411 (09/01/2013, 03:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    The World is a cruise ship serving as a residential community owned by its residents.[1] The residents, from about 40 different countries, live on board as the ship travels the globe—staying in most ports from 2 to 5 days. Some residents live on board full time while others visit periodically throughout the year.

    As of 2010 the following prices were applicable:
    Studio (Ocean Studio 661), 328 sq ft (30.5 m2), list price of USD $600,000.
    2 Bed (Ocean Residence 1006), 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, list price USD $2,950,000.[citation needed]
    Suite (World Suite 1108/1110), list price of USD $13,500,000.[citation needed]
    Monthly homeowner dues range from $20,000 per month (for the smaller units) and up, and cover fuel, crew, maintenance and a meal allowance for the owner.
    • to 411 (09/01/2013, 23:45) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      what does these stats have to do with having a big evasive floating hotel in a quiet smaller harbour? If they can't even get from JVD to say, Sopers hole, what kind of sea-worthy ship is this? That is why I say Skelton-Cline playing with getting ships to his district without understanding the social and environmental impact of off-loading and pollution. Does money really allow them to go anywhere they want?
  • 411 (09/01/2013, 03:24) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    THE GOVERNMENT OR PEOPLE RESPONSIBLE ARE REALLY TRYING TO TAKE THE VI NATIVES FOR SOME FOOLS! THEY BOUGHT OUT OUR LEADERS TO HAVE THIS AS PART OF THE SOLUTION FOR THE CRUISE SHIP TRAFFIC. THEY WILL BE SNEAKING THIS ONE IN ON POOR OLE CANE GARDEN BAY. ANYBODY WITH COMMON SENSE KNOW THAT THESE SHIPS ARE HEAVILY EQUIPPED AND PREPARED FOR TYPSY TOPSY WEATHER......ESPECIALLY IF THEY ONLY TRYING TO GO VIRGIN GORDA OF ALL PLACES. IDK WHO THEY TRYING TO FOOL BUT PEOPLE OF CANE GARDEN BAY AND TORTOLA.... YOU ARE BEING DECEIVED BY THE VERY PEOPLE WHO HAVE THEIR HANDS IN ON THIS. THEY ARE GOING TO BE GIVEN A PRETTY DAMN PENNY. ALL OTHER CRUISE LINES TAKE ROUTE AROUND THE STORMS IF THERE ARE ANY.... WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS ONE? THIS CRUISE SHIP TRAVELS THE WORLD AND IM SURE THEY ENCOUNTER WAY WORSE......LETS CHECK THE FORECAST FOR THAT DAY TO SEE WHAT WEATHER CONDITIONS THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT..........
  • ta ta (09/01/2013, 07:30) Like (1) Dislike (5) Reply
    What all the hullabaloo about such a trivial matter?
  • ...... (09/01/2013, 09:22) Like (1) Dislike (8) Reply
    is this really disturbing to y'all culture no change oriented folk? like is this a problem to y'all really? smh... anything to bicker and complain... tola ppl good for it... smh..
  • Complain Complain Complain (09/01/2013, 10:11) Like (0) Dislike (8) Reply
    High 5 to you, thats what am talking about. Instead of complaining ask that the Government Officials allow these millionaires to come off the ship and visit Cane Garden Bay and spend some money into the various businesses, I am quite sure both parties will be happy to do so
    • 411 (12/01/2013, 14:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      No one should be against people coming here to vacation and spend money, but millionaires dont show up to spend money they CANNOT get back in return. You better wise up and see the bigger picture, they come here and try to make investments like buy our land and trick many of the locals in contract agreements and soon you gon catch people from ireland down here sayin them is natives. Why dont you check out whats going on in Hawaii. All im saying is that while people coming here is good, we as the locals have to be up to date and understand what our REPRESENTATIVES are doing UNDER the table.
  • threat to opportunity (09/01/2013, 10:33) Like (2) Dislike (12) Reply
    considering the environmental impact of course, it seems like a fresh idea if cane garden bay and other points of the island could start to be used as docking areas for ships...that way more ships can come in on a daily basis and this will also open up opportunities for more local businesses to be developed to cater to more tourists. road town suffers from overcrowding...cane garden bay has lovely beaches, restaurants...this incident poses new possibilities that may be beneficial and should be looked into further. turn a potential threat into an opportunity.
  • bam see (09/01/2013, 10:57) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    I can't agree more with you COMPLAIN .Boost up the economy to decrease unemployment,lowering taxes,etc. Let get positive on this with creative ideas and not too much negativism. Good suggestion there
  • Sherry (09/01/2013, 11:48) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    does this mean Smugglers is next? This is the beginning of testing whether Big ships can come north side. I agree with other posters. they are distructive and their passengers will NOT spend money the way you imagine.
  • pete (09/01/2013, 11:51) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    ships very rarely contribute to the economy. read the facts. please google "Caribbean Cruises Leave a wave of Bitter Merchants", about the development in Falmouth, Jamaica.
    according to Florida Caribbean Cruise Assoc (2011-12), passengers spent $1.48 Billion at ports of call in 21 destinations. $583 Million went for watches and jewelry purchased at chains like Columbian Emeralds and Diamond International. $270 mil went to shore excursions typically sold by cruise lines. Just $87 mill went to local crafts and soveniers according to the report.

    Another report says the cruise ship industry injects $2 Billion in Caribbean economies but as much as 80% of that leaves the Caribbean. Of hotels, only 20% of revenue returns to local economies but ONLY ABOUT 5% OF CRUISE SHIP REVENUES RETURN TO LOCAL ECONOMY.
    NOt only are they invasive, they are disrespectful and cheap.
  • what if (09/01/2013, 21:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I think this was a test run to see if Cane Garden Bay could become an anchorage for these ships, just think about it most tourist go there with the taxi's so it could be something that they are thinking on doing and they did it to see the response, I am just thinking out loud.
  • ggg (10/01/2013, 14:57) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    THIS SEEMS TO BE MUCH TO DO ABOUT NOTHING!!
  • under the bus (10/01/2013, 17:23) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bad idea to raise his housing allowance
  • $$,$$$.$$ (11/01/2013, 21:16) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    this is not the first time "the world" been here but the winds and waves were high en route to vg on those days, ispeed cater to this ship, but they should have came ashore and spend some $$,$$$.$$ tho.
  • Stinks (12/01/2013, 17:22) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I can tell you, the diesel exhaust fumes that permeated the entire bay and the hillside villas was nauseating.There was no reason for the ship to stop there, the sea conditions were not unusual at all. They left around 6 am and had no problem heading over to VG.
  • BLIND VISION (13/01/2013, 09:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    cgb reSIDENT IS AND UR POINT IS????? cHRISTOPHER cOLUMBUS IS COMING....RUN MY PPL RUN!!! FEAR OF WHAT....??? IM STILL WAITING JUST BECAUSE ITS DIFFERENT YOU DONT NEED TO FEAR IT! GET WITH THE PROGRAMME FOR TOURISM TO FLOURISH YOU NEED BETTER IDEAS, YU NEED TO EXPERIMENT AND COME UP WITH NEW IDEAS! WE WASTED 4 YEARS DOING NOTHING, WE CANT AFFORD TO WASTE ANOTHER 4....STOP MAKE A FUSS OVER ABSOLUTELY NOTHING


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