BVI Hometown Heroes: A Glossary of Folks You Should Know

We're just getting started -- help us build the largest list of BVI Hometown Heroes!
Please add to this list and make suggestions. Also, if you have edits to each islander's story, please make suggestions, as the goal here is to respectfully and accurately portray those in BVI who have and are making an impact for future generations:
 
Linnell Abbott: Linnel is the founder, publisher, and editor of The BVI Beacon. With a passion for recording -- and shaping -- BVI history, Linnel manages the territory's major and most popular newspaper.  More
 
Inez Archibald is the first woman to have held the position of Speaker of the Legislative Council. She serves as an inspiration for all BVIslanders, especially women throughout the Virgin Islands... More
 
David Brick:  David has lived in the Virgin Islands for 20 years, 10 of which spent in BVI.  He is the manager of Saba Rock... More 
 
Hunter Butler:  Though not technically an islander, Hunter is still considered a BVI hometown hero.  Hunter is the owner of Blue Escapes, winner of the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine's "Best Villa Agent for the British Virgin Islands" for the second year... More
 
Delores Christopher:  One of the most well liked and influential BVIslanders, Delores has served the Territory in many capacities, such as serving as the Head of the Trade Epartment, and she runs Moods Indigo, a home decore business in Road Town...More
 
Cindy Clayton:  Cindy is the owner of the Tamarind Club... More
 
Martha "Chef Mimi" Collymore:  Chef Mimi is a private dinner chef in Virgin Gorda known for her Anegada Rock Lobster, conch fritters, and pumpkin soup... More
  
Norwell Durant:  As the last resident of Salt Island, a tiny spit of land in the British Virgin Islands, Norwell lived alone for a number of years until his late seventies. He was a friend to many, and known as the "Salt Man"... More
 
Roger Eills:  One heck of a BVI artist, enviromentalist, and... More
 
Moviene Fahie is following a strong family tradition in local farming and is in turn cultivating the BVI landscape and community at large. The daughter of Ilva Lettsome (“Doctor Ilva”), Moviene was born in the Virgin Islands and has had a lifelong passion for local agriculture. More
 
Phillip and Anne Fenty: Phillip and Anne Fenty, owners of D’Best Cup coffee shop, offer some the finest java available in the British Virgin Islands... More
 
Joe Giacinto:  Joe is the owner of the popular Dive BVI, with its three locations (two in Virgin Gorda, and one at Pusser's at Marina Cay)... More
 
Father Gibson:  Father Gibson became the director of St. George’s Tortola in 1956, where he directed all of the Virgin Islands... More
 
 
Tina Goschler:  Tina is the owner of Guavaberry Homes in Virgin Gorda... More 
 
 
Tessa Gunter, a founding member of the Humane Society in the British Virgin Islands, has provided shelter
and care for injured animals and strays for over three decades... More
 
Bert Kilbride:  Though Bert now lives in California, he certainly left his mark on BVI! Bert is a diver, treasure hunter, and the owner of the original Saba Rock... More
 
Walker and Nancy Mangum:  Two BVI transplants that have become not only regulars at the Cow Wreck Bar, but online heroes for excellent stories, recipes, and the like on Travel Talk Online and... More
 
Miss Mermaid:   As the most popular BVI blogger, Miss Mermaid (identity kept top secret) has dazzled islanders and tourists alike with tales of the tropics, family recipes, and informative weather reports for over ten years.  Fans can’t get enough of her writings on “life in a strange island world"... More
 
Joyce Murraine:  Joyce is the Managing Director of Scotiabank (BVI) LTD.  Under her leadership Scotiabank has won a boat load of awards...More
 
Julian Putley:  Julian is the author of the famous BVI book, Sunfun Calypso (Virgin Island Books 1999)... More
 
 Laurence Rockefeller:  Rockefeller was the pioneer designer and builder of the famous Little Dix Resort on Virgin Gorda... More
 
John Rhymer:  John is the owner of North Sound Superette Store and one heck of a pstry chef... More
 
Quito Rhymer:   Quito is BVI music!  A self-taught musical phenom, Quito and his band currently enjoy a loyal and growing fan base... More
 
Mary Jo Ryan:  Mary Jo is the longtime manager of Bitter End Yacht Club.
 
 
Lorna Smith:  Lorna was born in the BVI and is now the Executive Director of the International Finance Center and the International Affairs Unit. Known on the islands as someone who makes things happen, Lorna has a track record for positive results in the BVI...More

Joan Soncini:  Joan is the author of one of the best books about Virgin Gorda, entitled Virgin Gorda: An Intimate Portrait (Virgin Island Books)... More
 
Clementine Helena Leonard Smith:  Clementine grew up on Salt Island, and, like Norwell Durant, left her impact. Spending her days tending to the burial ground of passengers from the wreck of the Rhone, Clementine... More  
 

Lois Walters:  Lois is the former Minister of Education for the British Virgin Islands...More
 
Chris Yates:  Chris is the owner of Yates Construction Company, a popular business that he co-founded with the late Sam Leonard, a friend to all in BVI... More