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Black Boaters Summit makes final trip to VI
Every year the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) welcomes this group of sailors to the Territory via a welcome cocktail party as a show of appreciation for their patronage. This year proved no different as Deputy Director of the BVITB, Mrs Malcia Smith-Hamilton was on hand to welcome the group of thirty four Black Boaters.
Mrs Smith expressed the territory's gratitude to Black Boaters for its long history of supporting the tourism market of the VI. She also applauded its organiser, Captain Paul Mixon, for his commitment to bringing tourists to these islands every year.
"This year is a little different," said Mr Mixon, "it's been 16 years, 16 really great years. I have had a lot of plans, it has not made me a rich man, my blood pressure is under control so it's not always about the money," he added.
The number of persons participating in the tourism blitz has significantly dropped, said Mr Mixon, as in 2011 there were 174 persons and 24 boats. "This year we have five boats and thirty four people." While not being able to point a finger to the direct cause for the reduction in the numbers, he said that he is quite sure that this is the last year of the Black Boaters Summit to the Virgin Islands.
"We will still be coming but not as the Black Boaters, it's going to be under another name because I am 74 years old now and having to spend more than half of my day for weeks trying to pull together persons for this expedition would not cut the chase for me. We will be coming now but based on an appointment system." Mr Mixon further explained, "Here is how I know it's not going to be a Black Boaters Summit; if I have to spend 6-7 days a week 8-10 hours a day just to full one boat then I know it’s another Black Boaters Summit."
But just what has kept the Black Boaters Summit coming to the Virgin Islands over the years? Mr Mixon said the reasons are many. He said the summit has been attracting persons over the age of 50 years and is responsible for a number of relationships being established. "Many persons have found their partners and have gotten married on the Black Boaters Summit. I found my wife on one of these trips and we have been married for five years," he said.
The Captain also said he feels honoured to have contributed to the tourism sector of the VI and will not stop coming. He said most of the persons that come on the summit would have never set foot on a boat prior much less seen the Caribbean. "So introducing them to the Caribbean, there is not a better place to start them off than the BVI. This place is a unique destination and it's a country that I would always recommend for a unique experience and introduction to the Caribbean," he said.
The Back Boaters Summit heads off to Leverick Bay today, August 2, 2013 where the visitors plan to party until their feet are sore. They will then return to Tortola to tour Cane Garden Bay. The group of tourists is also looking forward to experience some, if not all, of the activities of the Virgin Islands Emancipation celebrations during their time in the territory.
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19 Responses to “Black Boaters Summit makes final trip to VI”
@ac360, 20-30thousand vs 30-40million what is the surprise and who gives!!!!!!
people yick!!!!!
I have a child and although I gave birth to that child, everyone who encounters him thinks of him in terms of his skin colour, which is somewhere between his fathers' and mine. All who see him, see him as black and the truth never occurs to them, that he is in fact, more white than black, has more white ancestors than black.
I think you should take off your shades, maybe travel a bit, and then get back to us on this one. Either you don't get off-island much or you have a very strange perception.
The only solution is to accept that fact, embrace the reality, and do everything you can to break every stereotype you possibly can. Always be aware that you will be profiled and judged according to your race, so always be ready to defend your words and actions, and make sure to avoid doing anything that can ever be used against you. But pretending that things are equal and that race doesn't matter is not helpful at all. In fact, it is quite harmful.
So what's the problem with that?
or had any harsh words for anyone...they were Class...