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Scrub Island group leases Marina Cay; Restaurant to be revived

Marina Cay is now under a long-term lease to Scrub Island Development Group. Photo: BVI Traveller/File photo
According to Joe C. Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging and Development, a reclamation project is underway at Marina Cay and the heavy debris and rubble from the previous storms have been removed. Photo: mainsailhotels.com
According to Joe C. Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging and Development, a reclamation project is underway at Marina Cay and the heavy debris and rubble from the previous storms have been removed. Photo: mainsailhotels.com
General Manager of Scrub Island Resort Mr Michael J. Schoonewagen also confirmed to our newsroom that Marina Cay is now under lease to Scrub Island Development Group and anticipates that a restaurant will be among the facilities available to guests. Photo: File
General Manager of Scrub Island Resort Mr Michael J. Schoonewagen also confirmed to our newsroom that Marina Cay is now under lease to Scrub Island Development Group and anticipates that a restaurant will be among the facilities available to guests. Photo: File
SCRUB ISLAND, VI- When Charles C. Tobias, the former owner of Pussers British West Indies Limited, announced in 2019 that Pussers would no longer have a presence on Marina Cay after more than 25 years, many residents, as well as tourists, had expressed sadness.

Now comes news that Marina Cay is under a long-term lease to Scrub Island Development Group.

There are also reports that the restaurant will be revived.

The restaurant was damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017 and never rebuilt.

According to Joe C. Collier, President and Founder of Mainsail Lodging and Development, “A reclamation project is underway and the heavy debris and rubble from the previous storms have been removed.

“New activation plans are being developed and the island will be brought back to life in the next few months,” Mr Collier told Virgin Islands News Online.

Meanwhile, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort Mr Michael J. Schoonewagen also confirmed to our newsroom that Marina Cay is now under lease to Scrub Island Development Group and anticipates that a restaurant will be among the facilities available to guests.

“This is all new and we are still in discussions, but I‘m sure one of the moving parts will be reviving the restaurant,” Mr Schoonewagen stated.

History

Marina Cay, an 8-acre island, was occupied in the late 1930’s by newlyweds Robb and Rodie White. Robb’s best-selling book of 1953, Our Virgin Island, chronicled their life on Marina Cay. It became a film starring Sidney Poitier and John Cassavetes, much of it filmed on the island.

For 20 years after American Robb White’s departure for WWII, the island lay uninhabited for some time until it was purchased by American entrepreneur and lawyer Eugene K. Tonkonogy and a small hotel opened on the island in 1960.

In the early 1990’s, Charles S. Tobias, on leasing the island, set about building a very small and intimate resort with a gift shop and Pusser’s Restaurant.

12 Responses to “Scrub Island group leases Marina Cay; Restaurant to be revived”

  • Tourist (18/11/2022, 19:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Not a bad lease
  • Doll (19/11/2022, 07:20) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
    That's great news! I have eaten there twice, the food and ambience was exceptionally subperb. Didn't know the history of the island though. Thanks VINO for the history lesson. I will definitely buy the book and search to see if I can find the movie on Satellite TV.
  • smart (19/11/2022, 09:04) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good move they ruled out their competition. Who know know.....
  • CHAK. (19/11/2022, 09:39) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Smart move.
  • Just saying (19/11/2022, 10:08) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    Hope the locals can afford the prices
  • Miss Pusser's bad. (19/11/2022, 11:35) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Pusser's was a great company. I miss it. Since that Super Market man took it over its not the same...Tobias understands the business,, So I am very happy and pleased to know that someone who understands the restaurant business is reviving the historic Marina cay..
  • Hmm (19/11/2022, 12:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I hope the hired some of the ols pussers chefs whos delicious food everyone is talking about, marina Cay days.
  • Excited (19/11/2022, 13:45) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very excited for the reopening! It’s been a long time coming. Please do not disappoint. Great food and drinks and a peaceful ambiance is all we ask for. Many locals and past tourists alike have missed Marina Cay immensely. A great place to hop over for dining that feels like a little “getaway” from the main island. I hope the boat will also remain free and that the restaurant will reopen by Summer 2023. All the best!
  • bvibuzz (19/11/2022, 15:21) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    What a love about vino is the large variety of articles!! Thanks for this update vino only you can publish these different pieces
  • musa (20/11/2022, 21:50) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    hope they add some good veg food on the menu
  • Fam (22/11/2022, 16:39) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    Bvi is on its way back


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