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Exclusive: The Obamas vacationing on Moskito Island, BVI

- former USA President & First Lady’s delegation includes members of the Secret Service
Our newsroom can confirm that former US President Barack H. Obama and former First lady Michelle L. Obama (inset) are vacationing on Moskito Island, Virgin Islands. Photo: dailymail.co.uk/Internet Source
The Obamas touched down in the Virgin Islands last evening, January 23, 2017 at around 8:40 PM on a private jet belonging to Sir Richard C.N. Branson, a Falcon 900EX that is no stranger to the tarmac at Beef Island. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman
The Obamas touched down in the Virgin Islands last evening, January 23, 2017 at around 8:40 PM on a private jet belonging to Sir Richard C.N. Branson, a Falcon 900EX that is no stranger to the tarmac at Beef Island. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman
Ex-US President Barack H. Obama and his wife were moved from the airport to the Trellis Bay, Beef Island Jetty via motorcade. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman
Ex-US President Barack H. Obama and his wife were moved from the airport to the Trellis Bay, Beef Island Jetty via motorcade. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman
Assistants were seen loading the Obamas' luggage on to a small boat near the airport before they launched for Moskito Island. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman/Daily Mail
Assistants were seen loading the Obamas' luggage on to a small boat near the airport before they launched for Moskito Island. Photo: Dean H. Greenaway aka The Sportsman/Daily Mail
This photo that has gone viral was taken by a BVI Ports Authority Staff at Trellis Bay, Beef Island and it included Mr and Mrs Obama with some Immigration staff, Nasheema Stoutt, Rosemary Callwood and Ameeka Stevens, as well as Coy Levons, Director of Operations of the BVI Airports Authority and the Police Commissioner Michael Matthews. Photo: Team of Reporters
This photo that has gone viral was taken by a BVI Ports Authority Staff at Trellis Bay, Beef Island and it included Mr and Mrs Obama with some Immigration staff, Nasheema Stoutt, Rosemary Callwood and Ameeka Stevens, as well as Coy Levons, Director of Operations of the BVI Airports Authority and the Police Commissioner Michael Matthews. Photo: Team of Reporters
MOSKITO ISLAND, VI- Our newsroom has been overwhelmed with calls from the international media, including from media houses in the United States and Canada, seeking information about former United States President Barack H. Obama, a Democrat, and his wife, former First Lady Michelle L. Obama’s visit to the British Overseas Territory of the Virgin Islands.

It was after all our newsroom that first and accurately broke the news locally last evening, January 23, 2017 at 7:00 PM, less than two hours before Mr Obama and his wife arrived at 8:40 P.M. at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport at Beef Island.

The Obamas on Moskito Island not Necker!

Our newsroom also had calls from the public wanting to know if our story was true; however, we had the information about the high profile visit some three days ago after the Governor’s Office was advised of the pending arrival from last Friday January 20, 2017. There was also a National Security Council meeting where the Police Commissioner Michael Mathews briefed members about security details in consultation with the United States Secret Service.

While the local and international media are reporting that the Obamas are staying at Necker Island, they are in fact staying at Moskito Island, another private property owned by British Billionaire and Virgin Islander via Belonger status, Sir Richard C. N. Branson.

Staff members at Moskito Island are not allowed to walk with any phones to work for the duration of the visit and are subject to searches from the US Secret Service, according to information obtained.

The former president’s delegation numbers about one hundred and includes mostly Secret Service officers and other aides for the former First Couple.

The Obamas touched down last evening, January 23, 2017 at around 8:40 PM on a private jet belonging to Mr Branson, a Falcon 900EX that is no stranger to the tarmac at Beef Island.

The famous photo

The Obamas were then moved from the airport to the Trellis Bay, Beef Island Jetty via motorcade. At Trellis Bay, the former First Couple took a boat to Moskito Island under the heavy protection of security detail.

All vehicles used were local cars and many of the security personnel came in at least two days in advance, and some stayed on Virgin Gorda.

In addition, the photo that was taken by a BVI Ports Authority Staff that has gone viral was taken at Trellis Bay, Beef Island and it included Mr and Mrs Obama with some Immigration staff, Nasheema Stoutt, Rosemary Callwood and Ameeka Stevens, as well as Coy Levons, Director of Operations of the BVI Airports Authority and the Police Commissioner Michael Matthews.

False photo & information

There is also another photo circulating on social network with Mr Obama drinking from a coconut. Please note that our newsroom can confirm that is NOT a photo taken on Moskito Island. In fact it’s an old photo taken from September 7, 2016 on a visit of the former president to a street market in Luange Prabang, Laos- a country located in Asia.

It is unclear if local officials, including the Premier and Leader of the Opposition, will meet the Obamas or if the media will have access for an interview as it’s a private non-official visit.

There is also conflicting information as to when the former First Couple will depart the private island in the Virgin Islands and if they will take the ferry or head to Beef Island airport via helicopter.

Our news room will stay on top of the visit.

63 Responses to “Exclusive: The Obamas vacationing on Moskito Island, BVI”

  • VG (24/01/2017, 14:39) Like (217) Dislike (2) Reply
    And we should leave them alone to enjoy their vacation in peace. BVI is known for hosting many celebrities where they are free to move around without being bothered. Lets keep our reputation intact
    • agreed (24/01/2017, 14:52) Like (81) Dislike (3) Reply
      I could not agree more, and please exercise decorum and discretion during these blogging moments as I am sure people from all over will be tuning in.
    • take note (24/01/2017, 15:02) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
      No-one said we were stalking or intruding on their peace. We are relishing the fact that they chose our islands as their relaxing spot.
      • Boukman (24/01/2017, 23:34) Like (5) Dislike (21) Reply
        @take note....... news flash.... Moskito island dont belong to us no more for one..... IF IT WAS PEACE AND PRIVACY THEY WANTED, THEY COULDA HAD THAT ARRANGED BEFORE THEY EVEN BOOK DA FLIGHT...... Hard to imagine the ex president himself wouldnt think of that IF they truly wanted to come and be peaceful....not allow their business to be posted all over. if they really came to enjoy what we have to offer they wouldnt choose a cultureless, modified rock isolated allll the way out there. But since we will be commercialising tortola, it will look just as nasty if not worse than st thomas with a philipino, chinese, a vietnamese, a guyanese (no disrespect to them, they run from their country who did to them wa they doin to us now)... no tolians thriving unless they cooning, chucking and jiving. Not because we dont want to but because we, like the other countries have been sold out by our government consistently. Starting with the sham education that doesnt allow the locals in significant numbers to effectively voice their concerns, solve day to day problems effectively etc.. hence the introduction of white envelopes during elections. So we stuck with the simple "Born Here" mentality as our only means to exercise our birthright. Branson has his cruise line now, the obamas have the spectacle of the media to direct its flow, their presence while pushing this so called vacation will not only flood our island with all the wanabes looking a piece of the pie but also benefit branson's cruise line.
    • tolian to the bone (24/01/2017, 15:31) Like (65) Dislike (2) Reply
      I agree. Leave them alone. They deserve a long, quiet and mind-clearing rest. We just want to say we love you to them both. They have shown black Men and Women and Boys and Girls the whole world over that Martin Luther King's dream of achieving the Mountain Top is not only possible but attainable. Thank you, Obamas, for the legacy and the new urge to dream BIG.
    • Hmm... (24/01/2017, 15:45) Like (13) Dislike (36) Reply
      Here's to hoping Mosquito Island lives up to its name......
      • No bites here (24/01/2017, 18:28) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
        This is Moskito Island
        • BS (25/01/2017, 09:17) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
          There is no damn "Moskito Island" in the BVI.
          • @BS (25/01/2017, 14:44) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
            You can tell you are not from the BVI or either too young to know better and certainly too arrogant to learn. My father who was born in 1900 educated us about all these islands, including Mosquito Island. If you don't know the history of these islands, please have a seat and be quiet.
            • @-@BS (25/01/2017, 17:14) Like (2) Dislike (7) Reply
              BS was referring to the way they change the spelling of the island... you was quick to react but u reacted and spell the. And if the Island correctly smh
              • @BS (28/01/2017, 21:01) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
                @@BS You are certainly not the only one to recognize that BS was pointing out a very trivial error and more. Forget the spelling, most of us can spell and so what if some can't. We need no correction here. Bul Shite. Go tell me how to spell that too.
    • stop (24/01/2017, 17:30) Like (15) Dislike (0) Reply
      I agree. Please stop bothering our guests!
    • the rock (25/01/2017, 04:11) Like (5) Dislike (8) Reply
      This is the BVI, no need for all them secret service men to be hounding him like that!
    • He has been on the golf course for 8 years (25/01/2017, 14:59) Like (7) Dislike (7) Reply
      ... and now needs a rest from golf. Amongst all his failures he did on t even manage to get his handicap down despite playing more golf than any other president. He is staying with his rich white friends.
  • dog (24/01/2017, 14:53) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Thanks vino you always have the good information
  • Xxx (24/01/2017, 15:14) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    This is nice welcome to the bvi
  • Wendy (24/01/2017, 15:49) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    I pro
    • Trump supporter (24/01/2017, 18:57) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
      People appear to be seeking change and disruption of the established order for their own sake, coupled with some vague hope that change will be for the better. The waters ahead seem treacherous, indeed.
  • Wendy (24/01/2017, 15:57) Like (11) Dislike (19) Reply
    I propose that when and if they meet with our Premier, the Obamas be given Honorary Belo ger status.
  • just asking.. (24/01/2017, 16:03) Like (3) Dislike (17) Reply
    Why so much secrect sevice ppl,?
    • tretretrete (24/01/2017, 16:17) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
      if trump n his vice get shot n the people want a election over oboma still there lol
    • Security Please! (24/01/2017, 16:32) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      He not only a past President, but a recent past President. Common sense should now prevail!
    • Protocol (24/01/2017, 17:47) Like (18) Dislike (0) Reply
      Protocol. All ex POTUS have secret service for life
    • you paying? (24/01/2017, 18:11) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply
      Them a trouble to you? If VINO didn't call the figure you wouldn't have known and you wouldn't have asked the question. It is not a bill on the BVI Government so that's 100 beds, departure tax, breakfasts, lunches, dinners and much more for the economy.
    • Shh (24/01/2017, 18:56) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      its a secret.
  • nicely done (24/01/2017, 16:28) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    VINO you the best.

    enjoy the hols mr and mrs obama, and if you want a really good time, swing by crystals or deuces.
  • Tola Chick! (24/01/2017, 16:32) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guys enjoy your stay! swim in our Beautilful waters! Take many many Pics! Someone get them some of our local peasoup pleaseee!
  • Opsec (24/01/2017, 16:49) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did you ever stop to think they're giving a general area versus saying exactly where they are? Well, it might just be for for SECURITY. Congrts, you're the first to give away their position
  • yes (24/01/2017, 16:51) Like (14) Dislike (3) Reply
    That's how God will come, like a thief in the night; unexpected and unannounced so this practice is good for you all. Be on guard that when He comes you are not dismayed. Mr and Mrs Obama we welcome you to our Territory with open arms. Do enjoy your stay. We appreciate it.
  • Fed up wid dem (24/01/2017, 18:35) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    The island is "Mosquito Island". Don't let Branson come here and change the name of our islands. I could change Road Town to Highway Town?
  • onlooker (24/01/2017, 18:49) Like (5) Dislike (5) Reply
    when will President Obama come out and speak to exuberant supporters in the BVI?
  • qc (24/01/2017, 18:51) Like (6) Dislike (11) Reply
    The next four years would be the most exciting four years in the history of the USA
    • Bozo (24/01/2017, 20:07) Like (15) Dislike (8) Reply
      @qc

      You mean the most entertaining. The white house is now a circus complete with clownish behavior.
    • dog (24/01/2017, 23:37) Like (13) Dislike (4) Reply
      you mean terrifying. He is a fascist dictator who is un-signing every good thing Obama signed. He is now abolishing the environmental protection agency and freezing any hiring or information output.
  • my two cents (24/01/2017, 18:59) Like (3) Dislike (1) Reply
    There has always and will always be a limit to any ideology be it conservative or liberal. What we are seeing is the the pendulum swing the other way (towards conservatism from liberalism.) I suspect 8 years of Trump and right-wing populism will bring in itself backlash and the rise of left-wing populism. I don't know which I dislike more.
  • Vigilant (24/01/2017, 19:20) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    this visit has given the BVI headlines around the world.

  • Virgin Gorda Residnet (24/01/2017, 19:29) Like (3) Dislike (4) Reply
    Quiet vacation with 100 staff. Give me break. Looks like a vacation for the staff!
  • Place names (24/01/2017, 19:39) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Why the Name change of the island. Why are we constantly allowing people t change the name of places here in the Virgin Islands
  • one eye (24/01/2017, 20:06) Like (6) Dislike (3) Reply
    this dude Mike Mathews really enjoying his vacation
  • OBAMA (24/01/2017, 20:24) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    wah going on in the bvi mom
  • staind (24/01/2017, 20:35) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    for a president to come here immediately after 2 consecutive terms says a lot about our islands.
  • Mark (24/01/2017, 21:11) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Once they leave at day light i will guaranty they are gonna leave on Larry Page helicopter direct to Beef Island. So chances of seeing them up close will b slim.
  • bad (25/01/2017, 06:46) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply

    Leave them a$$ alone U go to other people country too ur mine is stink so stuck ur headin the san an stay there gosh man you ave one life to life be happy nah LOVE we a sah by

  • WELCOME (25/01/2017, 09:06) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    Guys please respect the unofficial credo of the BVI. Let the guys rest in peace. We have always been a destination who has respected the privacy of our guests to have a non like ever vacation away from prying eyes. This is the BVI. This is how we do it. We are not like the Americans all nostalgic over another human being. Enjoy your vacation Mr. and Mrs. President.

  • Distractions (25/01/2017, 11:06) Like (0) Dislike (9) Reply
    IF you were invited to visit an Island some where in Europe or Africa and it had the name Mosquito Island you would most definitely have second thoughts.... When Beyonce and her husband visited Necker for there Vacation they had to run for their lives from the locally bred ....(Moskitos)......
  • Observer (25/01/2017, 11:18) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    The Obamas' well deserved vacation in the BVI is guaranteed to be undisturbed as they are reported to be staying on a mythical island called "Moskito" but there is no such island in the BVI. Unless the press is referring to Mosquito island, which does exist.
  • one eye (25/01/2017, 13:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    Heard they might be in tortola today
  • So.. (25/01/2017, 14:17) Like (0) Dislike (5) Reply
    So the staff can't walk with their phone because of the Obamas? wow. strict or slavery? I know I always like to have my phone because I have kids, emergencies and things come up...just saying
    • pat (25/01/2017, 18:00) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      IT's called security and the temptation is too big for those who violate the request to pull a selfie when it was requested not to. If you wanted privacy with lots of staff around, could you get it? take the phones...
  • appreciative (25/01/2017, 20:30) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    Thank you VINO. Glad you exposed that the architect of destruction of international banking, or even just of
    Americans having bank accounts abroad, Mr. Obama himself, is staying at Richard Bransons. That is beautiful.
    Very little comment further is needed. But I will say this %^&& Mr. Obama for making it so difficult for THIS
    American living abroad to even have a %^& checking account! You are an antichrist! Funny how Premier Orlando
    does your bidding too. Sick bastards.

  • Lucky D. (26/01/2017, 01:26) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    The year 2008, he was crowned the people's president.
    He traveled the world, touching many continents
    The citizens of the world marveled over President Obama
    And now in 2017, he is on to a new chapter
    Ohhh, let us rejoice for our President
    Let us sing for our President
    Ohh. the First Black US President
    Welcome to the BVI and stay resting and relaxing for a while.
  • home boy (26/01/2017, 06:53) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    @ appreciative. We hear u loud and clear Nice Art
  • gg (26/01/2017, 07:16) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Any siting of the obamas?


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