Port to Paradise
The marine entrance at Gun Creek in Virgin Gorda’s pristine and upscale North Sound has been declared an official port of entry, signifying what officials and business owners trumpet as a probable economic booster for the territory. The plan was first hatched more than four years ago as a means to allow for seaplane travel to the area but was shelved during a change in government. Now, officials say plans for air travel are back on the agenda.
Legislators, business owners and residents met under sunny skies in late May for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially welcome international traffic to the port. There, traveling yachters will now be able to clear customs without taking a pitstop through Road Town or West End ports of entry. BVI Premier Dr Orlando Smith spoke highly of the newest port, which he believes will open lines of business in the area, while providing more security through the northerly checkpoint.
“Declaring Gun Creek as a port of entry is a catalyst for the development of a very important segment of our tourism industry,” the premier said at the ceremony, adding that securing tourism would be a team effort. “We all must move forward together, and we must do what we can to make our islands attractive and marketable for ourselves and our visitors.”
In a separate interview, BVI Tourist Board Chairman Russell Harrigan noted that businesses in the area had helped to secure the traffic of high-end yachting and megayachting markets from St Martin to St Barths—clients that will prefer the one-stop clearance to the North Sound.
“The port cements the importance of that area as a major playground,” the BVITB chairman said. “So it’s important that we make sure the traffic into that area is made as easily accessible as possible. … It’s good that we have a proper facility to welcome them.”
The port will effectively act as a gateway to nearby waterfront destinations like Bitter End Yacht Club, Biras Creek, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, and Sir Richard Branson’s Necker and Moskito Islands. These upscale resorts and marinas of the area have lobbied for the port’s opening for some time and now welcome the easement the port opening will afford their guests.
YCCS General Manager Keith Mutch spoke highly of the port, which could encourage new slip owners to utilize their megayacht marina. “The opening of Gun Creek port is brilliant, and will go a long way toward making boat owners and captains happy here in the North Sound,” the GM said. The marina and yacht club, which is the newest player to the North Sound business network, is planning an increasing number of events with international draw to the territory.
Chelsea Cannon, Biras Creek’s Marketing Coordinator, welcomed the project with open arms and commended government for “having the wisdom to see the importance of this initiative and keeping tourism at the forefront of its manifesto.”
Without any audible opposition, the opening of the Gun Creek port stands to draw tourists by sea and air to one of the most celebrated and pristine locales in all of the Virgin Islands.
