Young Professional Ahmad L. Mahoney has always had a love for the sun, sea and sand which led him to peruse a tourism-based career. On the surface, he might seem like just an average Virgin Islander, but that is far from the truth. Photo: Provided

Jack of all trades

Ahmad is employed at Island Time Powerboat Rentals where he holds the titles of Charter Captain, Jeep Tour Guide, and RIB Adventure Tour Guide.

A youth of many hats, Ahmad told us that he considers himself to be literally the jack of all trades, working also as the CEO of LiveLif3 Entertainment group, holding the titles of Audio Engineer, Stage and Lighting Technician along with Entertainment Promoter.

He is what you would consider the lifeblood of the local tourism industry in the Virgin Islands.

“At island time, my job entails educating and promoting the British Virgin Islands by chartering visitors and locals around the British Virgin Islands, providing water taxi services between the BVI and USVI, providing guided rib tours out of Scrub Island, leading Jeep tours around Tortola,” he underscored. 

“I enjoy being on the water, being able to explore natures little secret and being able to share it with others,” he added.

But it doesn’t stop there, Ahmad said at his company, Live Lif3 Entertainment, he is also responsible for creating and organising memorable events and setting up entertainment pieces of equipment like speakers, lights, mixing boards and several other types of equipment.

He said he was able to fund the business with personal savings and a few colleagues assisted along the way. “I don’t encounter many challenges at my job and in the event that I do I make the necessary adjustments in order to get through,” he said.

Charting the course

Ahmad who resides in Tortola, in the Virgin Islands is currently pursuing a degree in Business Management and also completed courses for his Captain’s licence.

Our Young Professional; however, was not always living in the Virgin Islands, but rather a place he fell in love with from summer visits to spend time with his dad.

“I went to Albermarle Road Elementary School when I was living in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended St George’s Secondary school when I moved to Tortola, graduated 2011,” he revealed.

Ahmad continued, “When I was younger every summer when I visited my dad I had the opportunity to be enrolled in sailing classes; growing up in the city of Charlotte, the island life truly amazed me so I became that kid who couldn’t stay away from the sea or a beach,” he said.

Even with a business career and running a company our Young Professional still finds time to relax. “Music has always been a part of my life so I must say that music therapy is a hobby. I’ve been doing poetry since I started college. I also enjoy exploring the different islands and beaches, and I can’t forget eating and travelling,” he said.

Life Lessons

Turning our attention to some of life’s challenges, Ahmad noted that living a life full of constant changes has taught him how to adapt to new environments.

He told VINO, “I’ve learned that life is unpredictable as well as people and having to move and change environments many times has taught me that you have to be flexible and be able to adapt in whatever jungle you end up in.” 

“I pay close attention to changes in my surroundings as well as the people surrounding me and make necessary adjustments in order to live a peaceful life,” he said.

Ahmad also crafted his outlook in life from working at Sea & Land Adventure Sports which was a family business, “at the time we offered water toy rentals and also ATV tours on Jost van Dyke. I had the role of ATV Tour Guide,” he revealed.

He said his current job at Island Time is very close to being the perfect job, “I once imagined myself in a nice office with a shirt and tie and attending meetings for some corporate company but upon moving to the islands I just want to charter the world,” he said.

Big Dreams

Our Young Professional said, currently, his dreams cannot be contained in small spaces, “My dreams are too big to fit in an office and I plan to pursue my dreams of becoming a local entrepreneur.”

Ahmad reasoned that family is everything and, for that reason, being able to give to his family members and close ties is why he burns the midnight oil as a hard worker in his career.

“I hope to become a world-renown captain in the British Virgin Islands and be able to show the public what we have to offer when it comes to having a good time,” Ahmad told VINO. 

The family business also still holds a special place in Ahmad's heart, and he revealed that he plans to one day revive it and offer additional service.

“My grandmother who recently passed away is my biggest inspiration. She has shown me you have to keep going no matter what... hell or high water, just get it done. To whom much is given much is tested and I truly believe in this parable,” he said.

Thanking those around him for helping with his journey in life, Ahmad said he wouldn’t be anything today if he didn’t have the village of people to raise him, to be the man he has become.

Even as he is filled with knowledge and experience, Ahmad still doesn’t take himself too seriously and is able to put a smile on almost anyone’s face with his sense of humour.

Parting Advice

To other Young Professionals, Ahmad advised to never let up on the dreams and remain focused even when it may seem like life has dealt the wrong cards.

“Feed the mind or feed the grind and never lose sight of what’s really important, money can’t buy you happiness.”

Ahmad also shared that he would would like to see more initiatives made to maintain the Virgin Islands, "from the way we dispose of our trash to the way that we run electricity to our homes. I would also like to see more programmes for the youths, whether it be after school programmes, basketball tournaments, anything to keep their minds busy in a positive direction.”