Richard Branson’s Necker Island back in business. Photo: Provided

“It’s been a busy year for our team involved with the island rebuild and we’re incredibly proud of the hard work, determination and dedication that has made it possible,” the company said in making the announcement. Photo: Provided

In 2017 during a visit to the hurricane-ravaged Islands, Sir Richard Branson, had committed to “…using our foundation @virginunite [Virgin Unite] to coordinate raising money for longer-term reconstruction projects.” Photo: IG/Provided

According to an announcement from parent company Virgin Limited Edition, dated November 22, 2018, “we’re continuing to support Unite BVI and the BVI community as the whole of the British Virgin Islands,’ recover and while there’s still a long way to go the progress is incredible.”

Busy year 

 “It’s been a busy year for our team involved with the island rebuild and we’re incredibly proud of the hard work, determination and dedication that has made it possible,” the company said in making the announcement.

 In 2017 during a visit to the hurricane-ravaged Islands, Branson had committed to “…using our foundation @virginunite [Virgin Unite] to coordinate raising money for longer-term reconstruction projects.”

 Virgin Unite is the entrepreneurial foundation of the Virgin Group and he noted, “Virgin Unite is also working with @unitebvi [Unite BVI Foundation] and @virginlimitededition [Virgin Limited Edition] to support the local BVI communities… They will be working with local organizations to identify the ongoing needs of affected individuals, families and communities affected by this disaster.”

 One year later while construction is still underway, the company notes that areas such as Turtle Beach has been completely transformed and they will continue to proceed with recovery works on the Necker Island and in the VI.

 Back in 2017 Branson noted that his company “was committed to serve the mid to long-term efforts on the ground and help provide support as that affected recover from the disaster,” while urging the international community to donate what they can.

Stars lining up

 Meanwhile, Tennis Star Maria Y. Sharapova, spared no moment in sharing snapshots of her 2018 vacation to the Necker Island via her Instagram account.

Posting a sun-kissed photo of a view overlooking the sea, she said, “…after the fire and hurricanes, Necker Island is charming as ever! I first visited the island 8+ years ago, looked over to my mother and whispered, “I’ve made it.”

Branson too recently returned to the Territory, where he collaborated in pop-up visits at schools to help students along their career paths and teach them about entrepreneurship.

 “Delighted to see the BVI getting back on its feet after Hurricane Irma and putting entrepreneurship at the heart of its recovery. Getting people into jobs and supporting the economy is so important for the region to bounce back,” Branson said on November 13, 2018, via Virgin Unite foundation Instagram page.

 Virgin Limited Edition is Sir Branson's collection of stunning retreats with a number of private islands, mountain retreat, game reserve, lodge, tented camp, vineyard and luxury villas including Necker Islands located in the Virgin Islands.

 In October 2015, VINO had reported that Mr. Branson had begun a push for sustainable energy for his private Necker Island, following his regional call for sustainable energy development.