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CGB businessmen propose $2M attraction for community
Investors Bobby Hodge and Jenaro Callwood have been working on the concept for the last two years and wanted to get the feedback from the community.
Against this backdrop, over 30 residents turned up on April 12, 2012 to hear the benefits that the “thrill of the skyride” would offer to the Territory. Zip-Flyers are Hi-Tech zip line thrill rides that are exciting, breath-taking, and adrenaline rides several feet in the air.
Giving an overview of the project, Shawn Lerner, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Zip-Flyer told residents that when constructed the Zip-Flyer will be 3,800 feet in length and at the highest point of the ride will be 200 feet and the lowest is 40 feet. Top speed on the ride is 62 miles per hour.
The proposed starting point for the ride will be from Carrie’s Comfort Inn, Ross Hill to The Wedding restaurant and bar. It will cater to individuals who weight between 75 and 275 pounds.
Public safety
Public safety is the most important thing to Zip Flyer, Lerner emphasised. “We don’t do anything without thinking about safety. Structurally the Zip Line is constructed to high standards every part is precision engineered to equal or surpass the ANSI-B77 Tramway, ASTM and TUV SUD codes.”
The company has a 122 page safety operational manual. According to Lerner, the ride will hooked up to the Internet “so anywhere in the world engineers can make adjustment if any problems surface.”
Environmental impactCognizant of the fact that some persons may worry about noise pollution, the CEO of Zip-Flyer assured residents that his company uses a full locked coil cable or rubber sphere wheels that would minimise any noise along the route.
“Not only will it give the riders a smooth ride...the only time you will hear noise is from the exhilaration and how much fun they [riders] are having,” Lerner stated.
The CEO also added that the financial benefits will be vast, and pointed to the fact that taxis, ferries, restaurants and bars will prosper.“It’s ego-tourism, where the buzz will get everyone excited,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hodge made a pledge to residents that he and his partner will give back to the community. “I am from here, and that is a must to give back.” He also disclosed that a local contractor will be hired to execute the project.
Furthermore, the businessman added that it would take between 10 to 12 persons to operate the ride, and assured residents all will be Virgin Islanders.
Residents’ reaction
Residents were curious as to how they would get to the ride, the cost of the ride, safety mechanism and if the ride would pass over any homes.
To this end, Hodge stated that there will be a special offer to Virgin Islanders, the ride would not interfere with any “air space” of residents homes and that the company would have a hefty insurance.
However, one resident enquired why Cane Garden Bay, since it was already a busy tourist hub. She suggested that Sage Mountain could have been an ideal location. But Hodge explained that he had land rights in Cane Garden Bay, hence it was only fitting to bring the ride to his community.
Additionally, 2nd District Representative Hon. Alvin Christopher is in full support of the project, and reiterated that it will do well for the VI.
Virgin Islands News Online asked Hodge when he intended to construct the ride, however he stated that the Town and Country Planning has "some issues" with the plans which he hopes to be remedied shorty. "So if that is sorted out soon, I am hoping by November to have it up running in time for the peak season."
Also attending the meeting were Minister for Education and Culture Hon. Myron Walwyn and Chairman of the BVI Tourist Board Russell Harrigan. Courtney DeCastro is the company’s architect.
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