The men constructing the bohios.

the first four bohios – traditional beach umbrellas made with treated wood and coconut branches – were put together on Sunday, November 27, 2011.

According to a press release from the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB), the first four bohios – traditional beach umbrellas made with treated wood and coconut branches – were put together on Sunday, November 27; the two remaining bohios will be set on Sunday, December 4, 2011.

Shereen Flax-Charles, Sister Islands Tourism Development Manager of BVITB explained the importance of having these structures erected along the waters in which the ferries bring beach-goers and other travelers.

“We wanted a facility for people to enjoy, that would also afford them an opportunity to spend time at the beach. The bohios will hopefully provide a good service in terms of providing shade for visitors and residents who use the beach frequently and give those interested a chance to jump in, or relax between travelling,” she said. “We partnered with the Men’s Ministry and we aim to partner with a lot more charities and businesses in the community to get things done because everything is interrelated in tourism on Virgin Gorda.”

The Seventh Day Adventist Men’s Ministry is comprised of 20 men whose mission extends into the society.

“We are a ministry of the church and as a gesture of gratitude, and in an effort to give back to our community, we undertook to restore the six bohios along the beach to provide shade and comfort to those who use the facility,” said Orville Thompson, President of the SDA Men’s Ministry. “It would be nice if we could adopt a part of the beach to maintain it as God would want it; pristine, clean and beautiful.”

The community-wide effort that went into producing the bohios involved the BVITB supplying all the materials, Fischer’s Cove Beach Hotel donating the coconut branches and the entire Men’s Ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) on Virgin Gorda, dedicating their time and labour into building each bohio.

“The BVI Tourist Board has supported many projects throughout the year and we continue to partner with various groups to support a range of initiatives,” said Hadassah Ward, Director of Tourism.

“In completing this joint vision, the Seventh Day Adventist Men’s Ministry and our Sister Islands Tourism Development Department have exemplified what it means to unite as a community for the purpose of creating a product that serves all. I am proud of their accomplishments and efforts to take on a project that is good for tourism and the territory as a whole.”