‘Willy T’ to return to ‘The Bight' off Norman Island
This was announced by Government via a press release today, June 6, 2019.
Willy T will be back!
“The public is hereby notified that effective July 1, 2019, the ‘Willy T’ floating restaurant and bar will be relocated to its original location anchored off The Bight near Norman Island, following a decision by the Government of the Virgin Islands,” the press release stated.
The press release noted; however, that the relocation of ‘Willy T’ is dependent on the ability of the owners of the new vessel to meet various environmental, health and safety criteria.
“The ‘Willy T’ has been operating in the Virgin Islands for over 35 years providing a unique experience to visitors and locals alike, and has become a very important component of our tourism offerings. The Government of the Virgin Islands expects that the legendary floating restaurant and bar will continue to provide the same level of enjoyment as it has over the years, and for many more years to come in the Territory.”
Original Willy T now a dive site
According to Government, the original vessel, however, which was destroyed by the hurricanes of 2017, will continue to live on as an integral part of the Virgin Islands’ tourism offerings at its new location on the seabed serving as part of the Territory’s artificial reef system.
“This artificial reef system will also allow diving enthusiasts to continue to enjoy the ‘Willy T’ from an entirely new and different perspective.”
NDP Gov’t faced heavy criticisms over treatment of ‘Willy T’
The previous National Democratic Party (NDP) Administration had come under heavy criticism over what many labeled as unjust treatment of the legendary floating restaurant and bar.
In 2018 the ‘Willy T’, owned by Ms Heather L. Anderson, a Belonger of the Virgin Islands, with her husband Ewan C. Anderson, who manages the business, was forced from ‘The Bight,’ off Norman Island.
This was after they had invested some half a million dollars on a new boat after the original ‘Willy T’ was destroyed by Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
In an exclusive interview with our newsroom on May 11, 2018, Mr Anderson said he was called to a meeting with the then Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith (AL), and Honourable Archibald C. Christian (AL), the then Junior Minister for Tourism, where he was told that he had to find a new location for the Willy T because there was a “large development on Norman Island that does not want the Willy T in the bay”.
They had found a new home in Great Harbour, Peter Island, through an arrangement with the Romney family, one of four owners of Peter Island, and started the operation there on June 5, 2018.
However, in November of 2018, Mr Anderson related to our newsroom that the ‘Willy T’ was given until the end of December 2018, to vacate the location as the owners of Peter Island Resort & Spa, Amway Corporation, did not want them there and had “placed in writing their major objections.”
Mr Anderson had also confirmed that the then Premier Smith, whom he went to, supported Amway’s’ decision for ‘Willy T’ to leave ‘Great Harbour’ on Peter Island.
The owners of ‘Willy T’ had said at the time they were considering all the options, including leaving the Virgin Islands for good.
‘The Bight’ best place for Willy T- VIP Gov’t
However, the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government has decided to allow ‘Willy T’ to relocate to its original location at The Bight, Norman Island.
Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) said, “The Marine Estate Policy confers the authority on the Crown and the Crown alone to decide how the seabed is to be used. After studying the matter very carefully we have agreed that this is the best location for the Willy-T”.
The various Government agencies responsible for health, trade and the environment will work with the owners of the Willy T regarding its transition back to its original location.
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20 Responses to “‘Willy T’ to return to ‘The Bight' off Norman Island”
continue to keep the faith and it’s only people blogging their opinion no need to get bent out of shape(it is all love!!)
Jeraki never wanted the Willy T to move that was all L****a Smith , she was the one who pushed for the resort Jeraki has no wish to build and will never be built, Norman Island was bought as a reserve and will remain so...Welcome home Willy T
After all, been operating in VI for over 35 years ... Justice must reign for ALL Justice must reign for ALL Justice must reign for ALL ...
the Bomba Shack back?!
L**na Sm**h was be drinking herself crazy on this. Take that old gyal.