Got TIPS or BREAKING NEWS? Please call 1-284-442-8000 direct/can also WhatsApp same number or Email ALL news to:newsvino@outlook.com;                               ads call 1-284-440-6666

VISAR, TPP partnering on VI’s first ice-skating rink

- venue to open from Nov 28, 2020, as part of a ‘Winter Wonderland’ fundraiser
The Virgin Islands through VISAR in collaboration with the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (TPP) will be introducing the territory’s first synthetic ice-skating rink for the 2020 holiday season, as part of a fundraising initiative. Photo: VISAR
VISAR’s Executive Creative Director Julie Schneider, speaking at a press conference last week, said the skating fee will be $10 per skater for 30 mins on the ice. This also includes skates. Photo: Facebook
VISAR’s Executive Creative Director Julie Schneider, speaking at a press conference last week, said the skating fee will be $10 per skater for 30 mins on the ice. This also includes skates. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Virgin Islands, through VISAR in collaboration with the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park (TPP), will be introducing the territory’s first synthetic ice-skating rink for the 2020 holiday season, as part of a fundraising initiative.

The ice-skating rink, scheduled to open on November 28, 2020, is said to be the first in the Leeward Islands, and will be the main attraction at VISAR’s new annual fundraiser, which will also feature a quaint holiday village, nightly snowfall and family events on the weekend.

Initiative long in the works - Julie Schneider

VISAR’s Executive Creative Director Julie Schneider, speaking at a press conference last week October 8, 2020, said the skating fee will be $10 per skater for 30 mins on the ice. This also includes skates.

A release on the initiative noted that socks will also be required and will be for sale at a minimal price for those who need them.

“During the week, the rink will be open from 2:00pm -7:00pm, and on weekends until 10:00pm. For special events, the rink will be closed to the public. Opening times may change depending on whether the cruise ship industry is operational. The rink will open on Saturday, November 28, 2020, and close for the season on Wednesday, January 6, 2021,” the release said.

Ms Schneider said the organisation is working out of its contingency fund to get the project off the ground, and that plans were in the works for several months with the skating rink being sourced from a company in Switzerland.

Liability waiver & skaters under 18 Years Old

VISAR will also be looking to protect itself from liabilities through a code of conduct before persons get on the ice as well as a hefty liability policy from Caribbean Insurers Ltd.

“All skaters must sign a waiver and follow the ‘Code of Conduct for Skaters’. Anyone under 18 years old will need to present a signed waiver by a parent or guardian in order to skate; anyone under 12 years old will need to be accompanied to the ice rink by a parent or guardian and, anyone under 6 years old will need a parent or guardian on the ice with them when skating,” a release noted.

Other merchandise that will be on sale includes Santa hats and headbands, VISAR event branded gear, cotton candy, and popcorn.

Employment opportunities 

Ms Schneider said VISAR will also work with the Department of Labour as well as the Department of Education to hire persons to work on the rink. They will also bring in students who need community service hours for graduation.

Social distancing rules, monitering and other COVID-19 policies will be in place with the local environmental health team making rounds at the venue.

23 Responses to “VISAR, TPP partnering on VI’s first ice-skating rink”

  • whity (13/10/2020, 20:23) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Can’t wait
    • Hot ine (14/10/2020, 08:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      As first and accurately reported by other other blogs last week.
  • My girl (13/10/2020, 20:44) Like (9) Dislike (47) Reply
    This extremely dumb, this is a Caribbean country.
    • @Jack. .Stop it. (14/10/2020, 06:03) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      What's the government bringing?
    • .. (14/10/2020, 06:22) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
      Actually, this is a Caribbean TERRITORY, so you're wrong there.
    • Azz (14/10/2020, 07:22) Like (29) Dislike (0) Reply
      I think u forget the last part of ur name
    • My girl (14/10/2020, 08:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      My thoughts exactly.
    • resident (14/10/2020, 16:00) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Amen...... warm climate we are, this is a foolish idea, if you want to skate, let’s do normal skating not ice skating. Leave that for the countries that does get cold weather, so you know this have to be powered by generators.
  • Just wondering (14/10/2020, 03:32) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    How a SAR organization has a "creative director"?? Who approved that and why!? And how the Government approved this work-permit. Makes no sense...
    So creative that came with this stupid idea... Just wondering how much electricity will be wasted to keep the ice... Not a green initiative!
    • Stupidity can’t be hidden (14/10/2020, 09:18) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
      It is artificial ice - it does not need electricity.
      • Just wondering (14/10/2020, 12:44) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
        So... fake ice, fake position (Creative Director)... probably fake job opportunities... what else is fake?
  • How many Jobs (14/10/2020, 06:00) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    The government need the economical help, as it is right now almost seems like they have no clue, So any Job bringing investments are more than welcome... Hope the Jobs will be equally balance......
  • Jamdown (14/10/2020, 07:04) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Come on Jack eh not a bad idea man. You hear me say.
  • Heckler (14/10/2020, 07:23) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Ankle snap city
  • @Jack (14/10/2020, 07:54) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why is it dumb?
  • Comment (14/10/2020, 09:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good news this will attract tourists whenever them come it have one of these in Jamaica and tourists love it whenever them visit Jamaica i love it there in Jamaica nice place and peoples
  • lol (14/10/2020, 09:48) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    Make sure we have enough bone doctors on hand to fix all the broken ankles and legs. Who here can ice skate?
    • Skater (14/10/2020, 10:21) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Don’t underestimate we Caribbean ppl
      Remember Jamaica had a sledge team at the olympics
      Years back UP and his Rotary club build a Christmas village that was out of the world beautiful and a huge success. We don’t have much entertainment here. That can be a great success. VISAR is mainly supported by whites and many of them are used to ice skate. Let’s give it a try
  • Executive creative director? (14/10/2020, 11:10) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why does Visar need an executive creative director? Do they promote big events often? Just curious.....
  • Pool? (14/10/2020, 14:35) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    It would be great if there are funds available to build a pool. In keeping with safety at sea this would be a great initiative for VISAR to spearhead and raise funds for. That would benefit so many and prevent more sea related accidents.
  • The Baths Boulder syndrome (15/10/2020, 15:01) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Most of you hollow morons have never travelled extensively. So, how would you know what works and what doesn't?
    I think it's a wonderful initiative, especially for the youngsters/and not so old to engage in some form of recreation.


Create a comment


Create a comment

Disclaimer: Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) welcomes your thoughts, feedback, views, bloggs and opinions. However, by posting a blogg you are agreeing to post comments or bloggs that are relevant to the topic, and that are not defamatory, liable, obscene, racist, abusive, sexist, anti-Semitic, threatening, hateful or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be excluded permanently from making contributions. Please view our declaimer above this article. We thank you in advance for complying with VINO's policy.

Follow Us On

Disclaimer: All comments posted on Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) are the sole views and opinions of the commentators and or bloggers and do not in anyway represent the views and opinions of the Board of Directors, Management and Staff of Virgin Islands News Online and its parent company.