Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and businessman Mr Julian Willock has said he would like to see a development project for the Cows Bay Harbour that could drive economic activity in the Third District. Photo: RDA

During his appearance on Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Mr Julian Willock shared his plans for the harbour, stating,’’I want to have another look at that Which I thought was a good, a good project, and I think we need to resurrect that project, and see how we can bring some economic activity to District 3.’’ Photo: VINO/ File

Sea Cows Bay Harbour, located on the south side of Tortola and west of Road Town, is a sheltered bay that features Manual Reef Marina and extensive mangrove areas.

Plans for the harbour

During his appearance on Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Mr Willock said an existing proposal to develop the Sea Cows Bay Harbour should be considered.

The Sea Cows Bay Harbour Development Project, which has been around for over a decade, had proposed nine two-storey buildings for commercial investments;169,000sq ft of commercial space available; 2800 square feet of space designated to make available for a restaurant and a pub, which was to include varying levels of food service from fast food to formal dining; nine 200ft long jetties for approximately 125 yachts including provisions for mega yachts, water beds to accommodate yachts with drafts up to 15 feet and 79,000sq ft of office space.

"I want to have another look at that which I thought was a good project, and I think we need to resurrect that project, and see how we can bring some economic activity to District 3."

The businessman added that there could be potential spinoff projects to attract more mega yachts to the area, which would also benefit the nearby Nanny Cay Resort & Marina.

"It [Nanny Cay] has a $40 million investment project, bigger marine, new hotels, new rooms, et cetera. There could be some spinoff there for a harbour project. Where you can have some extra piers, maybe, just for one or two mega yachts, once they dock in the right direction."

Project to remove vessels 

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has been overseeing a project for the removal of derelict vessels from the Sea Cows Bay Harbour. Many of the derelict vessels have been in the harbour since the 2017 hurricanes. This initiative aims to improve safety, environmental conditions, and visual appeal.

Mr Willock praised the vessel removal initiative, stating, "I’m happy to also see that the boats that have been abandoned for about eight years have been removed and the harbour has finally been cleaned up."

He expressed gratitude to the District Representative Hon Julian Fraser RA, the government, the RDA, all contractors, and everyone else involved in the project.