Chairman of the Anegada Lobster Festival 2014 Mr Rhodni A. Skelton is upbeat of the event for this year as he underscored the extensive involvement of key government arms. Photo: VINO

From the staff to passengers traversing that airport there have been many cries about the sorry condition of the airport. These were frequently reported on this news site in the past and it came as music to the ears when the announcement was made. Photo: GIS/File

The Lobster Festival is scheduled for November 29-30, 2014 and while the BVITB has alluded to the event being a big success last year they say more is expected this time around. Photo: VINO

Contacted yesterday for further details on this development Deputy Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) Ms Diana D. Maduro was not available to speak with this news site at the time. Directed to the operations department of the BVI Airport Authority we were told only Ms Maduro was authorized to speak to the media on such matters. Photo: VINO/file

Mr Rhodni A. Skelton shared the information yesterday September 29, 2014 as the BVITB launched BVI Food Fete, 2014. Photo: VINO

From the staff to passengers traversing that airport there have been many cries about its sorry condition.

These were frequently reported on this news site in the past and it came as music to the ears when the announcement was made.

The condition of the airport had resulted in staff staying away from work with claims of becoming ill as a result of the environment among other reasons.

“We have the Airport Authority and they are doing a full facelift of the Anegada airport so we are going to have an almost pretty new airport over there at Anegada,” announced Mr Skelton during the launch of the festival yesterday.

Contacted yesterday for further details on this development Deputy Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) Ms Diana D. Maduro was not available to speak with this news site at the time. Directed to the operations department of the BVI Airport Authority we were told only Ms Maduro was authorized to speak to the media on such matters.

However in a subsequent interview with Mr Skelton he told this news site that early last week he was accompanied by a team of six persons from the BVIAA to Anegada where they did the necessary assessment of what needs to be done to improve the appearance and comfort of the airport.

Among the things he noted that are earmarked to be done are the beautification of the surroundings with plants, the changing of certain rotted sections of the building, re-doing the roof, improving the existing and adding one more bathroom facility. He said too that some amount of painting is also on the slate.

Additionally the waiting area is said to the targeted for improvement with the addition of cooling devise/s, a refreshment appliance among other things.

He also alluded to the ongoing nuisance of stray cows that leave their droppings around which are usually smelly and unsightly. “That too will the dealt with, the Fire Department has committed to washing the area,” according to Skelton.

The Lobster Festival is scheduled for November 29-30, 2014 and while the BVITB has alluded to the event being a big success last year they say more is expected this time around.

According to Mr Skelton various Government arms have stepped in, in a big way this year. He noted that from their assessment of 2013 the call for a village like set up for the festival on the sister island was drowned out by the reports of the current style and setting of the event. However the residents and business owners are said to be currently working on planning another event that would add to the tourism drive on the island.

About Lobster Fest 2014

“What’s better than last year’s Anegada Lobster Festival and BVI Restaurant Week?” said a press release from the event’s launch.

“The 2014 BVI Food Fete! This November, join us again as we highlight the exquisite flavours of British Virgin Islands cuisine during our popular Restaurant Week and our second annual Anegada Lobster Festival where succulent Spiny lobster is served a number of ways. Try it curried, ceviche, barbecued, grilled, as fritters, and more. These two enticing culinary events are included in our first annual BVI Food Fete held along the shores of the British Virgin Islands!”

“We’ve also added new events this year for you to appease your palate and stimulate your taste buds! Throughout November, BVI chefs and visiting chefs will offer an array of delectable cuisine during Taste of the BVI, Local Fridays, Barefoot Gourmet Soirée, BVI Restaurant Week, and Anegada Lobster Festival! One month of tantalising dishes awaits you!” the release said.

“Meet award-winning chefs; dine, unwind and explore the beautiful beaches of the BVI. Local Fridays allows you to choose from a variety of local meals from restaurants around the Territory. Participating hotels are offering an array of culinary events. November is a flavour-packed month of the best Caribbean cuisine:

Celebrity Chef Cook-off – Come and watch as some of the BVI’s most talented and award-winning chefs challenge our visiting chef and Chopped champion in a cook-off.

Anegada Lobster Festival – Savour mouthwatering dishes of the renowned succulent Anegada spiny lobster. Experience the beauty and serenity of this pristine atoll through a non-stop island adventure that takes you from one end of the island to the next. Try lobster samplers from at least five of the participating restaurants and get a great gift bag filled with memorabilia and gift items from the BVI.

Local Fridays – Restaurants on Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, Tortola and Virgin Gorda will be serving some of the best local fare found on this archipelago. Get ready to choose from a wide selection of delicious dishes.

BVI Restaurant Week –What’s better than the menu? Take advantage of the reduced rates for prix fixe breakfast, lunch, or dinner menus this special week at participating restaurants.

Callwood Rum Distillery Happy Hour – The doors of the BVIs’ historic rum distillery will open for a unique rum tasting. Experience tradition and culture amid this family-owned property.

Barefoot Gourmet Soirée – An evening of fine dining amid a chic island setting. A five-course meal is prepared by our local and visiting chefs. Proceeds from this event will go towards a student who’s interested in pursuing a career in tourism and hospitality, or culinary arts.

On the Rocks Bar Crawl – Join the party and bar hop to different bars on Virgin Gorda.”

For more information log onto: www.bvifoodfete.com or call 1 (284) 494-3134