The construction site as seen today July 14, 2015: Photo: VINO

This sign warns road users about the presence of trucks going in and out of the construction site. Photo: VINO

Another view of the construction area. Photo: VINO

Another sign warning drivers and other road users at Nanny Cay. Photo: VINO

The works commenced on Thursday July 9, 2015. Photo: Provided

The project was put to the residents mid 2014 when it was announced that it should have started in September 2014. Photo: VINO/File

Chairman and Principal Shareholder of Nanny Cay Mr Cameron McColl promised that some 100 new jobs will be created during the first phase of expansion of the entity he has owned for some 15 years now. Photo: VINO

Construction of the peninsula and docks should be completed by February 2016. Nanny Cay plans to start construction on the first two outermost residential buildings on the peninsula in the Summer of 2016. The project was approved by the BVI Planning Authority in May 2014. Photo: Provided

Jobs rolling out

“Wah we know at least for a good while we got work. My brother over deh was out of work long time and was just thinking going St Thomas and make hustle when we got call for this. Jobs man people need jobs in this place and we glad this start now. Since last year I was holding waiting doing little hands here and there when they come by,” one man told this news site during a visit to the area last Friday July 10, 2015.

The operations at Nanny Cay accounts for 400 jobs directly and indirectly. Nanny Cay employs 100 staff. Nanny Cay estimates that the completed outer marina and related amenities will create 100 new jobs. This news site understands while the first phase will be in the vicinity of $8 million, the entire project should be about $30 milion.

At the time of the visit this news site was seeking an interview with management especially about the challenges that would have affected the moving of the previously scheduled start. After valiant efforts to secure an interview we were not successful.

General Manager of Nanny Cay Resort and Marina, Miles Sutherland-Pilch had told this news site a week prior that the start was eminent and they were in the process of preparing a press release subsequent to which they were willing to offer an interview.

However over the weekend management did circulate a release which indicated that the works commenced on Thursday July 9, 2015.

What’s happening in 1^st phase?

“Construction started on the Nanny Cay marina expansion project. The new Outer Marina will have 120 slips suitable for yachts from 30-75 feet with T-heads and a bulkhead capable of berthing mega yachts up to 160' in length. A 6.5-acre outer marina peninsula and revetment will have 8 new condo blocks each with three 4-bed and four 3-bed condo units,” it said.

Construction of the peninsula and docks should be completed by February 2016. Nanny Cay plans to start construction on the first two outermost residential buildings on the peninsula in the summer of 2016.  The project was approved by the BVI Planning Authority in May 2014.

In addition to the marina facilities, the expansion will include: new and enhanced walk ways and recreational areas; a new restaurant, wellness center, gym, and social areas; an improved youth sailing center and facilities; improved resort areas and event facilities; new commercial retail and service space.

The rescue of Nanny Cay

Nanny Cay is a full-service marina and boatyard with a hotel and residential areas. It was rescued from bankruptcy and purchased in 2000 by the current owners. Over the last 15 years, the owners have invested and continue to invest in the growth and success of the business. Nanny Cay is now a popular and well-recognized marina attracting local, regional and international events, sailors and tourists.

“The sun, sea, sand and wind together with its unique 60-plus islands are the BVI’s major export over which it has total control. As a country, efforts to attract additional visitors with additional amenities must be made - but with minimal environmental impact. Nanny Cay’s expansion offers the best solution to providing an accessible marina for mega yachts in the BVI with the least environmental impact. This investment and development is a clear indication of our commitment to, and our faith in, the British Virgin Islands as a marine tourism destination,” said Cameron McColl, Chairman of Nanny Cay, according to a release.

Community consultation

This is a project that was well received by residents and other stakeholders during a community consultation meeting which was called by the Town and Country Planning Authority back in July, 2014. It was then that residents were told that they were looking at a September, 2014 start.

Among those present at the meeting was Third District Representative Honourable Julian Fraser, RA who has expressed high optimism about the project and said that it stands not only to benefit his District but for the greater part Tortola and the Territory as a whole.

“You know that he is not shooting in the dark… it is a viable investment,” said Hon Fraser. “I am very optimistic, positive, happy, happy to see that there is still interest in my District,” Hon Fraser had told this news site. Hon Fraser could not have been reached recently for comment on the now moving forward of the project.