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Presents BUILDERS OF TORTOLA |
Fred and Judy Carlson The population of the BVI is extremely varied in its composition. Most people live here more-or-less full-time, but an important component is composed of more temporary visitors. Many of these are, of course, vacationers/tourists, but others come down as what the tourism researchers have chosen to call “snowbirds”. Snowbirds come here for large parts of the year (often up to six months), principally to get away from the cold winters f the Northern Hemisphere. Most, but not all, are North Americans. Some rent, or camp, at least initially, but many buy a property, once they have decided that the BVI are going to be their second home. They are an important component of the BVI ‘scene’, and have helped to make the BVI what they are today. Fred and Judy Carlson are two such snowbirds, usually appearing on Luck Hill in November and staying till the end of April.
Fred and Judy hail from New Hampshire (Judy originating from British Columbia, Canada). They met when they were volunteering in South East Asia and spent some time in that region before returning to the USA. They have been coming to the BVI since the early 1980s. Judy was a travel agent at the time, and one year settled on the BVI for a vacation. Originally they came to camp at the campground in Brewer’s Bay. They saw it as a quiet place (Judy still goes down there nearly every day) and a good community place that was relatively inexpensive.
They originally had no intention of buying. But, after a few years they decided that they wanted more permanence and started to look for a property in 1986, getting their Land Holder’s license in 1989. They were originally looking at a house in Cane Garden Bay, but after an experience that became a “comedy of errors” a friend living on Soldiers’ Hill introduced them to their current piece of land. Luck Hill was beginning to grow as a largely expat-enclave and they fitted right in. They came here on and off for months at a time, for a few years, and built their house (with the invaluable help of a local contractor Ernest Rhymer). In the mid 1990s they were finally able to begin to regularly spend six months here at a stretch.
Since they first came here the BVI have changed a lot. The road system has grown considerably, electricity has become more widespread (if sometimes uncertain) and the overall communications system is much better. The population has increased greatly –with the number of large new homes visible from their house overlooking Cane Garden Bay being testament to this cultural landscape change. The population has become, they feel, much more used to foreigners than it was when they first arrived.
On the down side the campground they loved in Brewers Bay has deteriorated markedly and the Police Force although much larger numerically, has problems dealing with the difficulties that result from growth – ranging from traffic problems to serious crime. The governance of the islands and the legal system has not always kept up with the economic growth and cultural change that has taken place. Drugs and guns are particular challenges that have not been adequately met.
Fred and Judy had few problems building their house, as Fred is a contractor and they had the advantage of working with an experienced local - Ernest Rhymer. They got their building materials ok despite the more limited selection on offer twenty years ago. But if they were starting out here now they think they might not be able to afford it! Prices and costs have increased a lot over the years. If they were building now, however, they would build a smaller house and upon reflection they would have like to have been in the Brewers Bay area.
Judy feels` that they have not made the same kind of contribution to the BVI that is possible for permanent residents. But they have helped develop Luck Hill and the BVI economy. They hope to keep coming to the BVI and Luck Hill as long as their health allows it.
Draft of January 20th of interview of January 14th 2010.
Builders of Tortola Guide