Mon Chari collects a huge check for winning the 2019 Scrub Island Invitational. Assisting with the presentation were Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, 2nd from left, who is also the Ninth District Representative and Junior Minister of Tourism, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles, 4th from left. Photo: Provided

Uno Mas, with owner Brooks Smith, was third at the 2019 Scrub Island Invitational. Photo: Provided

Wave Paver was second at the 2019 Scrub Island Invitational. Photo: Provided

The beautiful trophy collected by team Mon Chari for winning the 2019 Scrub Island Invitational, a three-day fishing tournament sponsored by Lewis Marine Supply. Photo: Provided

Mon Chari. Photo: Facebook

Wave Paver (owner James Davis) and Uno Mas (owner Brooks Smith) took second and third place respectively.

The top three anglers were James Davis (Wave Paver), Damon Chouest (Mon Chari), and Maria Magalhaes (Uno Mas), who also won top female angler.

During the tournament, participants enjoyed beautiful weather and unfettered access to the famous North Drop, known as the “honey spot” for world-record Blue Marlin fishing.

According to a press release from the organisors, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, a AAA Four Diamond resort in the Virgin Islands, more than $184,400 was distributed to the tournament winners and an additional $5,250 was raised through a live auction of original paintings by Carey Chen, with the proceeds split between the BVI Red Cross, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, and the Caribbean Fishing Academy.

‘Huge success’

“This was a first-time tournament for the resort and I’m happy to say it was a huge success,” said Scott McArdle, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort.

“We had great support from the BVI Department of Conservation and Fisheries and tremendous feedback from participants. We’re already making plans to grow this experience and make next year’s tournament even bigger and better.”

On hand to assist with the presentation of prizes was Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, who is also the Ninth District Representative and Junior Minister of Tourism, Honourable Shereen D. Flax-Charles.

During the tournament, anglers and their families enjoyed the resort’s top-tier amenities, including Ixora Spa, world-class restaurants, two private beaches, a four-tiered pool with waterfalls, a 55-slip marina and more.

Scrub Island’s Marina is the departure point for most of the water-oriented activities available at the resort. Yachts and watercraft of all sizes are available for group and private charters, from sightseeing to deep sea fishing. Here, visitors can explore the breathtaking sea life surrounding the island, in addition to the famous North Drop for the best Marlin fishing in the world.