Category Archives: Private Islands

On a clear enough day from just about any vantage point with real elevation around Los Angeles, the coastline of Catalina Island is visible out in the Pacific. The wavy outline of the 22-mile-long island hovers just below the horizon, calling to those on the mainland the same way it has for centuries. As part of an archipelago of islands that cluster off the western edge of the United States mainland, Catalina is a unique, inviting place with a deep history that winds back through the Civil War, past the earliest Spanish and Portuguese sailors, to early Tongva people, who are said to have lived on what is technically named Santa Catalina Island more than 8,000 years ago.

Its also like many islands with a subtropical climate and more than 260 days of sun per year an idyllic place to spend a day, sipping on mai tais, downing fish tacos, and taking in the sights from a golf cart. The island is everything all at once; a home for some of Californias oldest history, and a modern weekend getaway for families, boaters, and partiers. Weekend hikers trekking the length of the island or backpacking to remote campsites also make up a sizable portion of the million annual tourists that visit Catalina.

The primary town on the island is Avalon, a small hamlet that faces east toward Long Beach more than 20 miles away. (Kids who live on Catalina year-round are technically part of the Long Beach Unified School District, and take a boat to their away games.) Much of the island is held as a conservancy, handed over for protection by the Wrigley family (of Wrigley gum and Wrigley Field fame), the islands longtime owners. The Wrigley family still controls a large portion of the tourism market here, pulling in dollars and spearheading hospitality projects under the Catalina Island Company name. Two Harbors, a second small town toward the northern end of the island, is mostly a seasonal hospitality stop (with a small general store and snack shop) for campers and boaters, though it can be reached by occasional ferry trips as well.

In Avalon, a town that hovers under 5,000 residents for much of the year, the boisterous oceanfront walk and ferry drop-off area teem with restaurants, bars, hotels, and views. Sure, most of the food is standard tourist fare, but who doesnt like tiki drinks, mile-high burgers, and fried fish and chips platters?

If anything, its the everyday charm of Catalina that keeps tourists coming back year after year. Plenty of Angelenos who have lived here long enough have found themselves at Catalina one way or another, either on a field trip or with families or for a weekend getaway with friends. On Saturdays between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the shoreline swells with thousands of people, a crowd of floral prints, sandals, striped towels, and beach cruisers. Everyone eats in Avalon, and that means theres something for just about everyone, from coffee to seafood baskets to fine dining destinations. And while there is no singular, defining Catalina Island cuisine, there are opportunities to eat locally, from the chilly Channel Islands waters. Really, its just about knowing where to go.

Catalina Express ferries depart daily from the larger Long Beach port terminal and from San Pedro and Dana Point during the summer high season; the island is also serviced out of Newport Beach by the Catalina Flyer. Boats leave from Long Beach as early as 6 a.m. and from Avalon as late as 9:45 p.m. (on weekends), with round-trip tickets running just under $80 per person. Upgrades to the roomier Commodore Lounge are available, and passengers can drink citrusy bloody marys from a dedicated bar. Children and seniors get discounts, and there are extra fees for oversized luggage, bikes, and surfboards. The island can also be reached by private chartered boat, helicopter, or plane. (Con: The airport is a long drive outside of town, on a sometimes-ruddy bit of road. Pro: The restaurant at the airport serves a mean bison burger.)

Avalon itself is mostly walkable, though journeys to the Botanic Garden or up into the hills on foot can be tiresome, particularly in warmer summer months. Many folks opt to rent golf carts from one of several companies because, well, theyre fun, and offer easy opportunities to catch views overlooking Avalon and portions of the island beyond. Just be sure to book in advance or be prepared to wait in line for a time slot.

There is a small museum and art center on the island, as well as a golf course and endless knickknack shops to wander in. The round Catalina Casino, Avalons most noticeable landmark, still juts out into the water from town but rarely appeals to big movie crowds or ballroom dances anymore. Instead, consider it a small piece of walkable history to spend an hour at and no, there is no actual gambling at the casino, and never has been. There really is a Catalina Wine Mixer (though its a relatively recent addition to the calendar, having started only in 2017), which takes over a corner of the island early every summer.

Speaking of which, early summer can be among the best times to visit. The islands weather can and does change rapidly, going from foggy and coastal cool to hot and arid in a matter of hours. The boardwalk beach is sandy but small and can get crowded; those looking for solitude and serenity will need to book cabanas or lounge chairs at Descanso Beach Club. Rougher waters and cooler temps prevail in the fall and winter, the islands low season. And, of course, this being Southern California, expect the water to be chilly.

If you plan to stay overnight, there are dozens of hotels to choose from, as well as some limited home-rental options. Most hotels are on the small and spare side (owing to the high cost of construction on the island), with the most notable being Mt. Ada, the former Wrigley family mansion that has been converted into an upscale bed-and-breakfast. It books quickly.

Its no secret that, as in many other tourism-reliant communities, the quality and affordability of the food on Catalina Island can be hit or miss. Thankfully the views and sunshine do much to mitigate the mediocrity, and in-the-know travelers can find several gems along Avalons main streets. Here are some of the best spots to score food and drink not far from the ferry.

Its hard to think of a more iconic stop on any food and drink tour of Catalina Island than Luau Larrys, the decades-old tiki bar and restaurant right on the main drag. The no-reservations spot is small and seemingly always busy as tourists and locals file in for rum drinks and coconut shrimp. The drink of the house is the Wiki Wacker: a rum, brandy, and pineapple-orange juice concoction that comes with a woven hat to be worn while consuming. The restaurant is playful, easygoing, and impossible to miss plus, it serves pina coladas, mai tais, and zombies, ideal for tiki lovers hitting the town for the weekend. On the food front, expect grilled burgers with thick pineapple rings on top, as well as fried seafood, wings, and pizzas. 509 Crescent Street, Avalon.

For big platters of seafood served in a nautical environment (complete with watery blue tones and fish hanging from the ceiling), get to the Lobster Trap. The restaurant is located off of the front street but is no less busy, having become a kind of local must-try for the island. Steamed artichoke starters are a specialty (but alone theyre not worth the ferry trip), as is the namesake lobster, offered over salads, in sandwiches, and beyond. Southern California spiny lobsters are available in season as well, and a rotation of oysters (some local, some not) can be served raw or as cheesy, spinachy broiled oysters Rockefeller. The rest of the menu moves into pastas, burritos, and seafood plates like seared ahi tuna, while drinks lean colorful and fruity. 128 Catalina Street, Avalon.

Its rare that a new restaurant arrives on Catalina Island, let alone one as ambitious as the Naughty Fox. Located at the base of the Bellanca Hotel, the Naughty Fox feels more at home in Orange County than an island 22 miles off the California coast. Bright colors and a modern design aesthetic on the small patio marry well with an all-day menu that includes avocado toast, eggs Benedict (available with lobster), poke nachos made with fried wonton wrappers, and grilled ginger-scallion wings. There are lamb meatballs, grain bowls, a coconut-crusted fried chicken sandwich, and hummus and naan options as well. On the drinks front, find palomas, margaritas, some tiki nods, and standard beer and wine options (Veuve Cliquot for those celebrating, Bud Light for friends just hanging out). 111 Crescent Avenue, Avalon.

NDMK is one of the islands sleeper hits. Tucked away up from the main drag and abutting small cottages on a side street, this sushi-focused restaurant plays Dodgers games on a big television and knows how to season and grill up a mean piece of fish. The big, sometimes extra-saucy rolls dont always seem high-quality, but they are satisfying, as are the ceviche and large fish burrito. For best effect, snag a grilled fish plate, with the option to choose from a variety of seafood, listed by the location it was caught. Craft beer is plentiful here, including local brews from Monrovia-based OverTown Brewing. 109 Claressa Avenue, Avalon.

Sometimes simple is best, as is the case with Catalina Coffee & Cookie Co. Sure, theres hotel-grade coffee in the lobby and most restaurants will pour a cup, but for a morning jolt thats just a cut above, its best to swing in here. Better still, the shop is tucked up away from the endless crowds as part of the Metropole Market Place that surrounds the popular Hotel Metropole, allowing diners to score some seclusion with their espresso drinks. Savory morning bread, pastries, and frittatas round out the simple breakfast menu and of course, there should always be room for a cookie or two. 205 Crescent Avenue, Avalon.

While Catalina offers a lot for the day-tripping tourist, this is not the place of endless white sand beaches, body-temp water, and all-night raves. Perhaps the closest one can come to living that Instagram beach life is at Descanso Beach Club, around the bend from the casino and well away from the main Avalon attractions. Here, an endless cascade of sub-40 partiers arrive on weekends to dance, drink daiquiris, and down salads, burgers, tacos, and other beachy fare. Its best to book ocean-view loungers or group cabanas in advance (there are regular restaurant patio seats as well), but beware of their price: Primo cabanas run in the hundreds of dollars. There are weekend DJ sets on the property all summer long, but they only run from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Simply put: If you want the most beachy, sandy island experience that Catalina Island has to offer, expect to find it (and pay for it) here. 1 St. Catherine Way, Avalon.

While just about every restaurant in Avalon offers at least a partial view of the ocean, its hard to get much closer to the water than the back deck at Bluewater Grill. This is quintessential upscale island dining, the kind of place where boaters and families mix with weekend tourists and locals at the bar, surrounded by aquatic ephemera like fishing poles, wooden carvings of hanging seafood, and the occasional image of a marlin or tuna. The televisions are good for catching the game, but most eyes are on the water, where paddleboarders and swimmers compete for sunlight. Sailboats anchor just feet away, and the views facing the mainland are hard to beat. On the plate, expect the usual Bluewater fare (the group has other locations in Santa Barbara, Redondo Beach, Newport Beach, Temecula, and beyond), mostly composed of simply grilled or fried fish some seasonal, some local and the usual array of starters. Begin with a round of oysters and some wine, stay for the cioppino, and dont be afraid of the ice cream sundae. 306 Crescent Avenue, Avalon.

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Where to Actually Eat on Catalina Island This Summer - Eater LA

Travel

30 Jun, 2022 05:35 AM4 minutes to read

Banning "problem parties" and reopening to larger groups is Airbnb wanting to have its cake and eat it. Photo / 123RF

COMMENT:

Yesterday, Airbnb said it was banning parties for good. In the same instant it lifted the 16-person cap on property rentals, throwing open the doors on some very mixed messaging.

In a release the online rentals company said it would be making permanent the so-called "party ban" it imposed in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The US holiday rentals company began screening for problem bookings, looking for listings advertised on social media or profiling those making reservations a couple of years ago. They claim the largely automated screening process has been working and will be kept in place.

"We believe there is a direct correlation between our implementation of the policy in August 2020 and a 44 per cent year-over-year drop in the rate of party reports," the release states.

For its first decade the Silicon Valley-based rentals company was notoriously hands-off.

An early interview with the company on what they were doing to protect hosts' houses from being used for sex parties and destructive behaviour revealed a cavalier approach to controls.

"A lot of this stuff happens, and you just have to deal with it," said then head of global hospitality Chip Conley in a now-infamous 2014 interview with Fast Company.

We're doing what we can to stop orgies happening in your home, okay?

This changed in 2019 following a deadly shooting at an Airbnb property in Orinda, California, which was being used for a public party.

"Historically, we allowed Hosts to use their best judgment and authorise parties when appropriate for their home and neighbourhood," says the release.

The pressures from communities and a global pandemic forced the company to put a pause on party properties in August 2020, issued "until further notice".

The company says it had suspended 6600 accounts connected to "unauthorised parties" and "party houses" in 2021.

However, this did not put an immediate end to the problem. In New Zealand, revellers continued to find their way around screening methods.

In August 2021, a 16-year-old died at a party involving 80 young people in a Christchurch Airbnb. The devastated owners of the Medway Tce property said they had been "conned" by a fake profile.

The company says it will continue to screen suspicious bookings and properties and will be supporting neighbourhoods with a 24-hour phone line. Additional insurance has been made available by the platform to those who are letting properties.

However, the sheer scale of playing party police is more daunting now than ever.

As of 2022 there are 5.6 million listings on the website, more than there were pre-pandemic.

A tech-heavy approach, relying heavily on algorithmic screening of bookings, is very on-brand for Airbnb but will only go so far. One only has to look at other parts of the business to see there will always be a degree of trial and error in the "tech evangelism".

For example, there have been incidents of guests being left out in the cold and without lockbox keycodes after the Airbnb app began screening messages for phone numbers. There's never a perfect solution. Especially on the scale of a company the size of Airbnb.

But now Airbnb appears to want to have its party cake and eat it.

While saying the party ban will now be a permanent part of its policy, it also wants to remove all caps on guest numbers. Big bookings for large, speciality properties - castles, condos and private islands - are welcome.

Soirees, symposiums, get-togethers are all okay - just don't call it a "party". No pare la fiesta!

In the same release, the company said "plans are still under consideration" to grant party ban exemptions to hospitality venues.

Without giving any substantial information as to how they will be implementing this party ban, one presumes it will be much of the same.

Airbnb has 6000 employees, a number that's spread pretty thinly across what is fast approaching 6 million properties.

Here's a party plan: How about hiring more local staff in the 200-plus countries served by Airbnb?

At the moment Airbnb might have assumed the role of global party police but, when things go wrong, it's the hosts and house owners who end up being enforcers.

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Comment: Airbnb's party ban mixed messages are inviting trouble - New Zealand Herald

With 22,000 Tons of Fish Stolen Each Year,World Trade Organization Chief Hails Agreement on Harmful Subsidies

LISBON, June 28 An historic World Trade Organization (WTO) agreement to end harmful fishing subsidies set the stage for participants in an interactive dialogue held alongside the 2022 Ocean Conference today to outline long overdue measures that would help small island developing States and least developed coastal nations reap the benefits of the estimated $2.5trillion marine economy.

Trade is a solution to unlocking opportunities presented by the blue economy, World Trade Organization Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told Governments, civil society representatives and others participating in a discussion on Promoting and strengthening sustainable ocean economies, in particular for small island developing States and least developed countries. The accord reached two weeks ago by the 164WTO members is the fruit of 21years of negotiations.

She said the ban is particularly important for small island developing States, as 22,000tons of fish are stolen each year from coastal communities. This agreement speaks volumes about the need for global solidarity to solve problems, she said, especially those affecting global public goods such as the oceans. A $10million fund was also created to provide technical assistance and improve fisheries management rules.

To realize the economic potential, she said small island developing States and least developed coastal countries will need strategies guaranteeing the sustainability of their traditional activities and efforts to develop emerging industries, such as maritime transport, port activities, shipbuilding, marine biotechnology, sustainable tourism and aquaculture.

Marine trade generates an estimated $2.5trillion annually, she added, making it the seventh largest economy in the world. WTO and multilateralism provide a predictable trading environment and facilitate flows and investments. WTO rules, together with major advances in finance, transport and communications, have enabled innovation, supported the creation of value chains and can now support the sustainable blue economy.

Next, Mari Pangestu, Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnerships for the World Bank Group, focused on coastal marine ecosystem assessment, stressing that overexploitation of the ocean represents $80billion in losses each year. To strengthen the resilience of coastal communities and ecosystems, the World Bank supports initiatives to combat ocean acidification and advocates for approaches to developing a sustainable blue economy. The aim is to help countries diversify their sources of economic growth by focusing on sustainable treatment of ocean activities, she explained, citing island States such as Cabo Verde as examples.

In recent years, she said the World Bank has also helped Bangladesh on the issue of plastic waste and supported island countries such as Cabo Verde and Sao Tome and Principe to develop the competitiveness of their sustainable tourism industries. These actions require the necessary financing but also demonstrate innovation to promote the blue economy in all its aspects.

Usha Rao-Monari, Under-Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), said the estimate that the global ocean economy comprises $2.5-3.5trillion of global gross domestic product (GDP) does not consider the cumulative socioeconomic costs of poor ocean management from overfishing to nutrient pollution to invasive species making its real value closer to $1trillion a year.

These massive losses translate into fewer jobs and livelihoods, she explained, as well as less tax revenue for States. In these circumstances, coastal small island developing States and least developed nations need technical and financial assistance, along with capacity-building in a wide range of ocean management tools, such as compliance and monitoring of fisheries, marine spatial planning, the establishment of marine protected areas and the fight against marine pollution.

On financing, Ms.Rao-Monari said these countries need help to remove barriers to private investment and put in place innovative instruments, such as blue bonds, debt-to-nature swaps and blue carbon financing. In addition to their remoteness, small population, narrow fiscal space and high dependence on economic sectors severely affected by the pandemic, they are not eligible for concessional financing, due to their classification as middle- and high-income countries.

In response to calls by small islands for a reassessment of their eligibility, UNDP has developed a multidimensional vulnerability index reflecting the traditional and emerging risks faced by all developing countries. It shows that most small island developing States are much more vulnerable than their income level alone may suggest. If this index were used as a financing criterion, rather than per capita income, small island developing States would save an average 1.5per cent of their GDP per year in interest payments, she explained.

In turn, Sanda Ojiambo, Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations Global Compact, stressed the critical importance of the blue economy for coastal small island developing States and least developed countries whose ocean resources are a way to recover from the pandemic and move towards inclusive and sustainable development. As these projects require investment, she welcomed that the Global Compact saw exponential growth in private sector environmental commitments in 2021.

Business leaders are recognizing the urgent need for innovative solutions, she said, without which the global economy cannot be expected to move to net-zero carbon. In June 2022, nearly 3,200companies committed to the Science Based Targets initiative, of which the Global Compact is a founding partner. These companies cover more than a third of the global economy, with a market capitalization of $38trillion. Innovative financial mechanisms that catalyse private sector investment can also help these countries overcome some of the barriers preventing them from accessing capital to develop the blue economy.

In the same vein, Ricardo Mourinho, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, said the value added by the blue economy is $1.5trillion, which would allow it to sit at the G7 table if it were a State, according to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) estimates. If investments are made, the blue economy could more than double in value by 2030, making it one of the fastest and most sustainable economies in the world. But the lack of investment would need to be addressed, which is why the European Investment Bank, Governments, companies, banks, insurers and international financial institutions must do more to leverage public funds and generate private investment.

He said Governments would be tasked with better regulation to properly internalize climate risks, while insurers and banks would assess these risks to facilitate private investment. Recalling that the Bank has aligned all its activities with the Paris Agreement on climate change since 2021 and devotes more than 50per cent of its resources to climate and the environment, he assured that the institution has long been deeply invested in the blue economy. In particular, it has financed a third of the offshore wind farms in Europe, as well as the first floating wind farm, he said.

Rounding out the panel, Danny Faure, President of the Danny Faure Foundation and former President of Seychelles, estimated that a third of global investors are now interested in the sustainable blue economy. They are even more so when they see what island countries like Seychelles are doing: issuing blue bonds to finance the blue economy. Based on scientific data, Seychelles has decided to protect 30per cent of its ocean areas, allowing it to build resilience and support fisheries. This example must be followed around the world, he said, highlighting his countrys pioneering role in protecting the oceans, including within a coalition of 10countries in the Western Indian Ocean.

In the discussion that followed, the Prime Minister of Fiji, speaking for the Pacific Islands Forum, stressed that small island developing States cannot choose between preserving marine ecosystems and developing an ocean economy. In his view, the two can go hand in hand by finding a responsible balance between growth, social inclusion, livelihoods and nature protection. Countries can create a sustainable blue income stream that injects funds directly into their societies, helping to rebuild after disasters and boosting climate resilience.

We know this because we do this, he said, expressing regret that Goal 14 is the least funded and that there are no markets for carbon sequestration or coastal protection. His counterpart from Tonga said that full recognition of the special needs of small island developing States, particularly those in the Pacific, would go a long way towards strengthening the development of sustainable ocean-based economies. The achievement of target 14.7 of the 2030 Agenda must include the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism, which requires detailed knowledge of the specific requirements of island nations.

That view was shared by the Minister of Health of Antigua and Barbuda, who highlighted the vulnerability of small islands to external shocks, such as the impact of climate change or fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. In trying to recover, Antigua and Barbuda is taking on more debt because it lacks access to preferential financing, he lamented. To remedy this situation, he called for the development of a multidimensional vulnerability index, as GDP alone does not measure the fragility of States. Ocean-based economies in island nations cannot be strengthened without support from partners around the world, the Maldives Environment Minister added. This means finalizing work on a multidimensional vulnerability index for small island developing States and least developed countries.

The Minister of Development of Trinidad and Tobago agreed that small island developing States lack the tools to take full advantage of the blue economy, calling for stronger partnerships to enable technology transfer and strengthened institutional and legal frameworks. She was joined by Swedens Minister for Cooperation, for whom the tools shared with these nations must be adapted to all regions, a proposal that China has endorsed. This also means financially, the Vice-Minister of International Cooperation of the Dominican Republic pointed out, expressing hope that new flows would be created to help small island developing States and least developed countries strengthen their national capacities.

Financing flows must be expanded quickly, as the investment gap is widening, warned the speaker from the Ocean Risk and Resilience Alliance. Priority must be given to increasing the resilience of the 250million people in coastal areas, who are highly vulnerable to climate change. The representative of Ireland, another island State, announced the release of $10million in aid to promote the blue economy in small island and least developed countries, as they are victims of climate change when they have contributed the least.

For its part, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is supporting the capacity of small island developing nations to address the effects of climate change in key sectors of the ocean economy, said its Deputy Director-General, welcoming the implementation of the new Doha Programme of Action for Least Developed Countries. Small islands and coastal least developed countries must benefit from state-of-the-art technology to protect the oceans, added Singapores delegate, supported by Papua New Guineas representative.

The Prime Minister of Belize, meanwhile, recalled that more than half of the population of his country depends on sectoral activities related to ecosystems and coral reefs. He expressed regret that Government efforts to link the health of the ocean with economic growth in Belize were little imitated at the global level. Indeed, only 8per cent of the oceans are protected and a third of fish stocks are overexploited, he stressed, estimating that protecting 30per cent of the oceans, as Belize is doing in its territorial waters, would preserve fish stocks, increase resilience and help countries cope with climate change.

The African continent also has an important role to play in ocean action, the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture said, noting that out of 55member States, 39are island or coastal nations and therefore, rich in blue resources, including mangroves and coral reefs. For this reason, the African Union post-COVID-19 recovery plan includes ocean-anchored climate solutions. Indias representative highlighted her countrys assistance to 18small island developing States and least developed countries through 59blue economy projects, while the Director of International Law in Mexicos Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed pride that her country is a member of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Global Ocean Economy.

The Minister of Transport and Nature of Aruba, an island under the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted his countrys measures to reduce marine pollution, starting with the ban in 2017 on plastic bags, and more recently, single-use plastics. He said he is considering a ban that would also hit recycled plastic. The representative of Portugal recalled that his country had just created the most important marine protected area in the Atlantic Ocean in the Madeira archipelago.

Co-chaired by Abraao Vincente, Cabo Verdes Minister for the Sea, and Espen Barth Eide, Norways Minister for Climate and Environment, the interactive dialogue was moderated by Kristian Teleki, Head of the Secretariat of the High-Level Panel for Sustainable Ocean Economy and Director of the Group of Friends of Ocean Action.

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To Reap Benefits of 'Massive' Blue Economy, Small Islands, Least Developed Coastal States Need Multidimensional Vulnerability Index That Addresses...

Safari is a Swahili word that means journey or expedition. It comes from the Arabic word safar meaning to travel. Swahili is the most common language spoken in East Africa, but the word safari didnt appear in the English language until the late 19th century, and was then usually only used when talking about hunting trips in Africa. Today, most people think of going on a safari as a game-viewing trip. For the purposes of this story, Id like to go back to its original meaning, namely exploring, and to do that, Id like to take you on a safari in Botswanas beautiful and special Okavango Panhandle.

The Okavango Panhandle

Botswanas Okavango Delta is, without a doubt, one of the greatest natural sanctuaries in the world. Surrounded by the sands of the Kalahari Desert, this vast maze of meandering channels, waterlily-filled lagoons, and lush green islands is somewhere everyone should visit at least once in their lives. The Okavango Delta was the 1,000th location to be listed as a World Heritage Site, and is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.

The delta is fed by the Okavango River, which flows southeast from Angola and through Namibias Zambezi Region before entering Botswana at the small village of Mohembo. Here, the delta spreads out into a strip roughly 7 miles wide; a green mass of dense papyrus and reed beds, floating islands of interwoven underwater vegetation, calm lagoons, and a myriad of twisting channels with constantly changing courses.

Look at a map of the Okavango Delta and youll notice its shaped somewhat like a frying pan. The Okavango River is channeled between two steep-sided banks along a roughly 60-mile-long handle, before it meets underlying fault lines and floods out to form the Okavango Delta. The delta represents the pan part of our analogy; and that is how the Okavango Panhandle got its name! This is not a protected reserve or national park, but there are still vast areas of unspoiled wetlands and wilderness just waiting to be explored.

So now weve got ourselves orientated, lets journey together into the Okavango Panhandle. This is not your classic safari destination; it is so much more.

Elephants spotted during game-viewing

As I said, this is not the place for a traditional safari. The Okavango Panhandle is not known for its wildlife, and big game viewing is not the main focus or really an option here. Having said that, there are plenty of crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and, my personal favorites, otters. If you are fortunate, you might even catch sight of the shy, secretive, and special swamp-dwelling Sitatunga antelope hiding in the dense reeds.

For the birdwatchers amongst you, this is a wonderful destination for novices and experts alike. Of Botswanas 616 bird species, more than 350 have been recorded in the panhandle environs, including some Okavango specialties, like the Pels fishing owl and the African skimmer.

A fish eagle along the Okavango River

The papyrus and the reeds along the channels can be thick, and can definitely give the birds an advantage when it comes to hide and seek. Exercise a little patience and you will be rewarded with some special sightings. My personal favorites are the painted-snipes and rufous-bellied herons. The tiny malachite kingfishers are always a treat to see. As we floated quietly down the channel one afternoon, motor off under the watchful eye of a magnificent fish eagle, a kingfisher kept flitting back and forth across the channel, never seeming to sit still and always taking off just as I was about to take a photo! Another spectacular sight is the vibrant-colored carmine bee-eaters that migrate, gathering to nest in the dry banks of the Okavango River when the water levels are low, and sometimes burrowing their nests as deep as 6 feet into the riverbank.

The Okavango Panhandle is one of the prime fishing destinations in Botswana. The fast-flowing, deep waters are ideal for fishing. Fishing here is catch and release, and you can try your hand at catching a diverse variety from African pike to the sleek catfish, as well as tilapia, bass, and bream. In all, 17 species of fish can be caught in the Okavango Panhandle.

Watch for the lightning-quick, olive-colored backs and silvery underbellies of tigerfish.

The area is home to one of the worlds most exciting freshwater fish, the tigerfish. Tigerfish up to 22 pounds have been caught in the northern channels. If youre after a tiger, embrace your adrenaline-fueled inner angler, cast your rod into the water, and watch for the lightning-quick, olive-colored back and silvery underbelly of your prey.

During September and October, smaller bait fish find their way into the channels of the Okavango Panhandle, causing a feeding frenzy amongst the thousands of barbel (catfish), some of whom are over 4 feet long. The barbel in turn attract the tigers and an incredible feeding frenzy ensues. This is the perfect time for the serious anglers to strike!

For those looking for a quieter fishing experience, the panhandle offers fantastic fly-fishing for the delicious Okavango bream.

Boating safari on the Okavango Panhandle

Activities in the panhandle are mainly focused on the perennial waters of the Okavango River. Boat trips, particularly during sunset, are a wonderful experience. Watch the sun go down on another beautiful day in Africa with a drink in your hand and the warm sun on your skin. Or venture out on a tranquil mokoro (dug-out canoe) at dawn or dusk. Experience this traditional method of transportation as you glide almost silently through the clear blue channels, carving a course through the waterlilies and listening to the creaks, croaks, and calls of various insects, frogs, and birds.

Hiking Tsodilo Hills

On your typical wildlife safari in Botswana, its relatively rare to come across local people and learn about their lives, but here you will see some fishing and cattle farming. A number of local communities live here, their daily lives centered on the permanent waterway of the Okavango River. Meanwhile, just 20 miles from the panhandle lie the Tsodilo Hills, Botswanas first UNESCO site of cultural significance, home to a large collection of ancient rock paintings.

The panhandle is a great base from which to visit the Tsodilo Hills. In the immense flatness of this arid landscape, four large rocks dramatically rise 1,300 feet above the ground. The largest of the rock formations is known as the Male; a little smaller is the Female; the third is the Child; and the fourth rock is sometimes referred to as an earlier wife, sometimes as another child, or even occasionally as a grandchild.

Tsodilo Hills artwork

These hills are the spiritual home of the Basarwa (the San people) and Bantu people. Spread out over 5 square miles, archaeologists have found evidence of early human life dating back as far as 100,000 years ago. The north end of the Female hill is the best sight to visit for rock art. I spent some hours here with a local Banswara guide, learning about the symbolism and ancient traditions associated with the paintings.

There is other evidence of ancient civilizations here, with artifacts including beads, carved bones, and pottery dating back 90,000 years. There is a small museum on-site and Id recommend you take a guide with you on the walking trails, like we did, to explain and interpret the paintings, and to point out some of the more inconspicuous ones.

Other destinations in this area of historical, cultural, and geological interest are the Gcwihaba Caves (Drotskys Caves) and Aha Hills. These locations are extremely remote and visited by very few people. The caves are Botswanas only network of subterranean caves and pits with incredible examples of stalactites and stalagmites. There is a 3,000-foot passageway through the caves, interlinked by an entrance at either end. The Aha Hills on the Namibian-Botswana border are smaller than Tsodilo and famed as being one of a few remaining destinations where one may still see a San Bushman trance dance.

Pro Tip: We flew to Tsodilo Hills by helicopter from nearby Nxamaseri Island Lodge and I would recommend this as a truly spectacular way to approach the site. You can drive the route, and the road is well maintained.

You can drive from Namibia to the panhandle or make the long drive from Maun (the usual jumping-off point for visiting the pan part of the panhandle), but I would really recommend flying in. The Okavango Panhandle is the perfect place to visit as an addition to your more traditional game-viewing safari, either after visiting the main part of the delta or perhaps after visiting Chobe National Park. I flew in on a six-seater Cessna plane from Kasane Airport after spending some time at the fabulous Chobe Game Lodge inside Chobe National Park.

Along the western edge of the Okavango Panhandle, there are a handful of self-drive safari and fishing camps and, on the whole, the area is more low-key and affordable than elsewhere in the delta.

Nxamaseri Island Lodge

I would recommend Nxamaseri Island Lodge as the perfect place to stay. This is a small and intimate lodge, located on a tiny private island in the permanent waters of the Okavango Panhandle. The rooms are quiet havens, elevated above the water and interconnected with raised wooden walkways. Nxamaseri Island Lodge showcases the beauty of the permanent swamps, but without doing away with the creature comforts.

My room had a secluded verandah suspended over the water, perfect for some quiet time alone. I had a spacious bathroom with seemingly endless hot water, and a sublimely comfortable bed, complete with a hot water bottle tucked into it. I felt a real part of the surrounding landscape as I lay in bed at night listening to the sound of hippos splashing and grunting in the darkness outside.

This last point is really a tip to help you make the most of your time in the Okavango Panhandle, and indeed the rest of Botswana too. Id recommend you download the Botswana Wildlife App before your trip. Renowned safari guide Grant Reed, co-founder of Letaka Safaris, has put his vast wealth of knowledge and experience into creating an easy-to-use app that allows you to quickly identify any animal, bird, fish, reptile, flower, or tree you encounter on your safari. Its the perfect companion to your Botswana travels and is available on both Android and Apple. (You can watch a quick introduction on YouTube.)

The Okavango Panhandle really is one of the worlds last remaining natural sanctuaries. Immerse yourself in the surroundings and experience the undisturbed wilderness. Come to experience the incredible natural beauty, the fantastic birdlife, the incredible fishing, and the fascinating culture and history. This is a special place and one that really deserves a visit.

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Why This Great African Destination Is The Perfect Place For A Safari - TravelAwaits

A thin strip of asphalt reaches out into the Atlantic Ocean south of Islamorada and leads to an idyllic looking private island. Patti Stanley, a Coldwell Banker Schmitt real estate agent, is one of the few who have ever set foot there. She represented the former owner, who sold the nearly 16-acre lot for $10 million in December.

Amid a pandemic-fueled real estate boom in South Florida, real estate agents whove tapped into the niche private island and investment property market say theyre seeing unprecedented action.

Ive sold more real estate in the last year than Ive ever done in my life, Stanley said, and Im 67 years old. Ive been in the business for quite a while.

Stanley focuses on properties near the upper Florida Keys, which she said have become a hotbed for investment properties. But at least 21 private islands across Florida are listed for sale on privateislandsonline.com, ranging from $1.1 million to $95 million.

READ MORE: A new island emerges at the Jersey Shore, and boaters are angry its been closed to protect birds

She noted housing uncertainty caused by the pandemic as a factor in competition for the finite land of the Keys. Its just been the perfect storm so to speak, Stanley said.

Here is a look at three island properties.

A 5,000-square-foot mansion sits amid 26 tropical acres on the bay side of northern Key Largo. The $95 million island is reachable only by boat and is a short ride from the Ocean Reef Club, an exclusive marina club in Key Largo equipped with its own grocery store, veterinarian center, medical center, and school.

Theres not many buyers for something of that price, but theres lots of interest, said Russell Post, a real estate agent who holds the listing with Ocean Sothebys International Realty.

Pumpkin Key has its own water, electric and high-speed fiber cellular and internet service. A main home with three bedrooms is the islands prized estate, but there are also two cottages for groundskeepers as well as an office and apartment for a dockmaster.

The island is within three miles of the Florida barrier reef, the only living coral reef in the country; theres a marina large enough to accommodate a large yacht.

Current developments account for a fraction of the total land. The listing suggests a potential for up to 12 homes on one and one-half acre bay front lots.

Its just really a canvas for a new buyer to paint on, Post said. There have been people who look at it hoping to buy it for a price where they can then turn around and sell the individual lots. But I think ultimately the buyer will probably be a wealthy family that just wants that kind of island lifestyle with all the amenities.

Palm Beach is already a wealthy island enclave. But Todd Michael Glaser, a developer from Miami, is in the process of building a residence on a private island within that island.

10 Tarpon Isle, a nearly three-acre man-made island created by dredging in the 1930s, will be home to Glasers opulent mansion. The estate will build upon an existing 12,321-square-foot house and include new amenities. Glaser was tight-lipped about details but said the sticker price is currently $220 million.

READ MORE: Multimillion-dollar home sales in Philly have reached record levels as prices and remote working increase

Its the most expensive house in the United States, Glaser said. This isnt a private island in the Bahamas that were talking about; this is a private island in Palm Beach. Its a whole different animal.

The property will have its own bridge, tennis court, and in-ground swimming pools overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway. A six-car garage is another possible addition to the estate.

Glaser did not disclose when the construction will be complete or when the mansion will be formally placed on the market, but he said hes already begun showing the island off to interested buyers.

For $9.5 million, Cow Key offers nature-minded millionaires 50 acres of open space and mangrove shoreline. The property is accessible by a land bridge and is on the southern, ocean-facing side of Stock Island, an unincorporated community right next to Key West.

According to the listing, the current owners use the land to run a small farm, beekeeping operation, and summer camps.

Since the current owners make use of the land for farming, there currently no developments on the island. Yet the listing suggests a possible equestrian estate or an excellent place to host large events or possibly therapeutic programs or retreats, for someone who wants to spend a few extra million dollars adding event space or curating a personal nature park on the island.

Cow Key is commercially zoned. But Ellen Gvili, a real estate agent who holds the listing with Ocean Sothebys International Realty, said the current owners plan to request approval from the Monroe County Planning Department for the construction of residential units on the island. This would expand the islands possibilities for future owners.

Gvili said she received at least 10 calls about the property in the first week it was on the market.

Its been practically a call every day, she said.

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Private islands still exist in Florida, and theyre attracting the mega rich in a booming market - The Philadelphia Inquirer

A private island off the coast of Scotland with a 17th-century mansion is on the market for a little more than $2 million - and it includes a flock of pure bred sheep.

The Isle of Vaila, in the Shetland islands, is being sold for 1.75 million British pounds ($2.15 million). It includes 757 acres of land and a six-bed mansion with four front rooms, as well as 200 purebred Shetland ewes.

It also has a farmhouse, a cottage, and a coastline spanning around 6.5 miles, which is perfect for fishing or hiking where the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea meet.

For 30 years, Vaila has been owned by Richard Rowland and Dorota Rychlik, who left London for the remote island and married there in 1994 in front of 150 guests.

They bought up the mansion and all its fittings and furnishings and even the boat used to make the 10-minute journey to and from the largest island in the Shetland archipelago, which is known as the "Mainland."

The couple have decided to focus on their fine art gallery in Lerwick, the administrative capital of Shetland, and said it was "a wrench" to leave.

Rowland said: "We've had 30 fantastic years here, and we're getting on in years now, so I think the time has come for someone else to take on the place.

"One just has to be realistic that nothing is forever."

He spotted it in Historic Scotland's Buildings at Risk register, and bought it from the descendants of Yorkshire mill magnate Herbert Anderton, who had the six-bed Vaila Hall built as his summer getaway in the 1890s.

Vaila Hall has been lovingly restored and has stained glass windows, a baronial hall and a stone fireplace.

Also included in the sale is a three-bedroom farmhouse, a two-bedroom caretaker's cottage and the Mucklaberry watchtower dating from the 18th century, which overlooks the coast.

Prior to the Anderton dynasty, founder of P&O ferries Arthur Anderson leased the island in 1837 and established the Shetland Fishing Company there.

Rowland said: "We were looking for a project to take on and restore, and had really thought more of the Western Isles or mainland Scotland, and hadn't really thought about Shetland at all until we saw this.

"We've had innumerable parties.

"We used to charter planes to bring guests up here."

He wrote in a book about the island: "Vaila is a microcosm of all that is best about Shetland.

"Space, peace, natural beauty and wonderful light."

The skeleton of a 42-foot sperm whale lies in an outbuilding on the island after it was beached in 2000.

Luke French from estate agent Savills said: "At the meeting point of the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, this is a wild and beautiful part of the world.

"The juxtaposition of the dramatic, elemental land and seascape with the exquisite craftsmanship of historic Vaila Hall makes for a quite extraordinary property.

"A rare prize indeed for the next owner but also one which benefits from practical forethought by the sellers with the shore base building providing ease of access and the farming enterprise, farmhouse and cottage creating a variety of opportunities."

This story was provided to Newsweek by Zenger News.

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You Can Own a Private Scottish Island and 17th Century Mansion for About $2 Million - Newsweek

The amphibious, eight-passenger Cessna Caravan with the distinctive Coco Bahama Seaplane logo of native birds painted on its nose and tail took off from Odyssey, the private aviation terminal at Nassau's Lynden Pindling Airport. Forty minutes later, it glided to a smooth landing in the shallow turquoise waters hugging the shoreline of Kamalame Cay.

I scurried down three steps onto the beach and waded into the blue Bahamian water. It was 10 a.m. and already the day had been magical.

I waved a thank you to the two pilots for having deliberately flown the longer sightseeing route from Nassau, skimming Caribbean waters of every hue, flying low over uninhabited cays and over islands with few houses surrounded by grasses, greenery and the sea on all sides.

Kamalame Cay, a name derived from an Arawak Indian word for a type of hardwood tree used to make canoes, is a 96-acre, family-owned private island resort near Andros, the largest of the Bahamian Out Islands, bordered on its eastern flank by the world's third-largest barrier reef.

The excursion is one of several offered by Atlantis Paradise Island's new Sapphire Services customized concierge program that caters to the elite traveler looking for highly curated and exclusive experiences within the resort and beyond.

In partnership with Coco Bahama Seaplanes, the first year-round amphibious airline to debut in the Bahamas in more than 50 years, guests can be whisked off to Kamalame Cay for a 24-hour stay or a daylong excursion like the one my daughter Valerie and I experienced.

Coco Bahama Seaplanes takes guests from Nassau to Kamalame Cay on the island of Andros. Photo Credit: Courtesy of Coco Bahama Seaplanes

Greeting us as we stepped off the Coco seaplane were the Kamalame hosts and owners, Michael King-Hew and David Hew, who escorted us to Sugarcane, a 1,200-square-foot, beachside tiki hut smack in the middle of three towering coconut trees and facing the Atlantic.

Here we were directed to our golf cart and given directions by our friendly Bahamian concierge to Indigo Palm, one of nine breathtaking beachfront villas. "Go relax for a while, help yourself to the food and drink inside, walk on the beach, breathe," we were instructed.

We were also encouraged by a comforting message as we were sent on our way: "You can't get lost here. Just follow the sand road and read the signs."

Indigo Palm is the sort of place a traveler never wants to leave. We certainly did not want to, but we made the most of our short time there by exploring the interior's airy three bedrooms, the living area done in blue and white and the deck that was literally a few steps to the beach, a three-mile stretch of sand with nary a soul in sight.

Some in our small group instead opted to snorkel, take a bonefishing lesson or explore the island by golf cart or by guided motorboat tour instead of chillin' in the villa.

All too soon, it was time to hop back in the golf cart and return for cocktails and canapes at Sugarcane, named after the historical sugarcane route that traversed Jamaica, Cuba, the Bahamas and Haiti in the West to Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia in the East.

An elegant farm-to-table feast awaits guests who visit Kamalame Cay on Andros. Photo Credit: Gay Nagle Myers

The venue's open-air decor was barefoot chic with low banquettes, cane chandeliers and pops of pinks and yellows in fabrics and flowers. Appetizers were Bah-Asian, according to Hew, a nod to his Bahamian upbringing and Asian heritage.

"One thing the pandemic has given us all is a greater appreciation of life's simple pleasures, the very essence of life on Kamalame Cay: bright blue skies, long walks on white-sand beaches," he said.

Travelers' interest in low-density properties like Kamalame continues to grow, according to Hew, which is why, he said, "we're continuing to add villas. The way we work and play has changed post-pandemic. People don't have to be stuck at a desk anymore. They can work from almost anywhere."

We were there in late April to mark the launch of Kamalame's weekly family-style Chefs Ocean to Table lunch series, held at a grand communal table under the beachfront palapa with its thatched roof made of dried palm leaves.

The table seated 30, and every seat was filled with guests staying in the villas, daytrippers who had come by ferry, the owners' families and our group.

The menu, according to King-Hew, "celebrates the local fishermen, farmers, foragers, bakers and artisans from which each item is sourced, all deliciously paired with a selection of wines."

And what a feast! The multicourse, leisurely meal included heirloom Kamalame farm tomato salad, salt and pepper conch, flame-grilled flatbread, pork with pickled cucumber and scallion, blackened mahi-mahi with ginger and lemongrass, whole red snapper and steamed rice parcels in banana leaves.

Each course was paired with a different wine and culminated with Coconut Cartel rum served alongside the dessert of avocado ice cream with white chocolate sauce served in a green coconut.

Our return flight on our Coco seaplane was definitely heavier than the morning's run, due to the three-hour-plus culinary feast we all enjoyed. The pilots delivered us back to Nassau in a short 10 minutes, forgoing the sightseeing route we'd had that morning.

It had been a wonderful, full day in all ways, but we were at Atlantis after all and could not resist dinner at Nobu to sample the gourmet Japanese cuisine created by Nobu Matsuhisa. A Junkanoo parade at Marina Village after dinner capped the day's activities.

I slept well and dreamt of seaplanes that night.

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High-flying Atlantis Paradise Island excursion - Travel Weekly

(Francisco Kjolseth | The Salt Lake Tribune) Lincoln Beach at the southern end of Utah Lake on Friday, July 26, 2019.

By Marilyn Marshall | The Public Forum

| June 26, 2022, 12:00 p.m.

I applaud the excellent letter by Teri Lyn Harman disparaging the many so-called improvements to Utah Lake by Lake Restoration Solutions.

Their idea is not unique. Where I grew up, many artificial islands were created in the bay. These islands were not built to improve water quality. They were built to provide very expensive real estate for developers. They built multi-million dollar private homes, gated and with only access by low bridges to the mainland which eliminated use by larger boats in those waterways.

Then imagine each one of these homes needs a private dock and a private boat. Now the lake is a playground for the wealthy and restricted for enjoyment by recreationists.

Private boats leak oil, need septic, cleaning, chemical use; none improve the water quality. Also they need amenities, so businesses will pop up around the lake. Gas stations, fast foods, cafs, coffee shops, float up bars, retail and souvenir shops and more.

Remember that they will need increased security, too, so increased law enforcement.

Another environmental disaster waiting to happen and it seems our Legislature is complicit.

All this means jobs, so that is how they will justify it. Of course it has nothing to do with the fact that over 40% of our state representatives are real estate developers.

Marilyn Marshall, Magna

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Letter: Utah Lake islands plan is an environmental disaster waiting to happen - Salt Lake Tribune

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have an island all to yourself, even just for a few hours? Forget the luxurious Caribbean private islands or your typical British seaside beach holiday. If you're looking for an unusual and adventurous day to spend while on holiday in the UK this summer, look no further than the island of Cei Ballast on the western coast of north Wales.

It's perfect for a day trip if you're in the area, and at just five hours drive from London, if you were really keen you could even make it a weekend road-trip. The island sits just a hundred meters from the busy harbour town of Porthmadog, where there are plenty of places to stay, eat, drink, and entertain yourself.

Created in the Victorian era, the man-made Cei Ballast island gets its name from the slate ballast that ships used to dump in its spot which eventually went on to form the island. Once just a flat square of industrial looking land populated by just one man, the island is now teeming with wildlife and has been entirely overtaken by nature.

READ MORE: The beautiful seaside village named Britain's best hidden gem where you can find 'the best Sunday roast'

It's also deserted by humans now, with few of the thousands of tourists who make their way to the country every year having any idea that it's even there. This allows for a sense of real discovery and even secrecy when exploring Cei Ballast. To reach the island you'll have to time your visit based on the tides, with the river Glaslyn falling back and leaving a beautiful path to the island at low tide.

The best route is from the Cob by the line of the old Ffestiniog steam train. Here you'll have to cross a small tidal stream before you find yourself crossing a salt marsh and samphire beds, as well as sands full of marine life. Along the way you'll find some beautiful deep tidal pools, often warmed by the sun on a summer's day perfect for swimming.

As you near the island you'll reach the more rocky, craggy foreshore, this gives an opportunity to do some rockpooling among the colourful mix of minerals including red granite, chalk, brick, limestone, and the industrial slag which formed the island nearly 200 years ago. If you're lucky you may also be lucky enough to come across the odd piece of decorated pottery which lies among the rocks and discarded stone.

With the spectacular and colourful collage of a village that is Portmeirion nearby, you could easily enjoy a weekend exploring both Cei Ballast, Porthmadog and Portmeirion, making for a magical break from the city.

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The pretty UK island 5 hours from London with gorgeous secret beaches filled with rock pools - My London

On April 29th, a report by British judge Gary Hickenbottom on the current status of the British Virgin Islands government announced findings of corruption involving millions of dollars of state funds spent without proper process, dishonest sales of public property, and abuse of appointments. Governor-General of the British Virgin Islands John Rankin ordered the report in 2021 in order to investigate the corruption, abuse of office, and other serious dishonesty that occurred in the governance of the territory. Given its findings, the report recommended a suspension of the Virgin Islands constitution and the dissolution of the House of Assembly, as well as the transfer of governing authority to the Governor-General for two years.

The inquirys release coincides with Premier Andrew Fahies recent arrest in Miami on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to import cocaine. Fahie was allegedly attempting to negotiate a deal that would have allowed the use of British Virgin Islands (B.V.I.) ports to ship cocaine into the U.S.

Regarding the Virgin Islands governance, Rankin claimed that Britain owes them an obligation to protect them from such abuses and assist them to achieve their aspirations for self-government as a modern democratic state. Foreign Office Minister Amanda Milling stated that she spoke to community and religious leaders on the islands about the impacts of corruption and emphasized the need for significant changes.

While the decision about whether the U.K. government will directly rule the B.V.I. has not yet been made, the potential for direct rule has sparked protest and condemnation. Activists protested against the proposal outside the Governor-Generals office, and retired Virgin Islands politician Luce Hodge-Smith declared, Our message to the United Kingdom government and to the world: there will be no direct rule in this land.

The Organization of East Caribbean States issued a statement warning against the move, stating, It is ill-advised to impose direct colonial rule and the history of such imposition in the Caribbean has never delivered the desired result. The Virgin Islands government, led by Acting Premier Natalio Wheatley, rejects the plan for direct rule and instead proposes an interim unity government, which would include members of the National Democratic and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement parties and would remain in place until new elections in February 2023.

This contention displays the issue intrinsic to democratic states attempts to assert their control over overseas territories. These states proclaim democracy as an end goal, yet intervene against democracy in their territories when they deem it justified, creating a mirage of sovereignty where territories are allowed to govern themselves until the mother country decides otherwise. This issue is not restricted to British territories, but also includes territories across the world controlled by the U.S., France, and others.

The assumption behind the advocacy for British direct rule is that British governance will be more effective than local authorities. The evidence underpinning this argument seems clear: Fahies arrest and the high level of government corruption, especially compared to the British governments 93 out of 100 score on Freedom Houses Global Freedom rankings, make direct rule seem like an obvious choice. It is possible that the British government would rule the Virgin Islands better than local, democratically elected rulers. However, this possibility seems slim when considering the historical realties of colonial rule.

The B.V.I. were first settled by Europeans in 1648 when the Dutch established a permanent settlement on the island of Tortola. The English captured the island in 1672 and annexed the islands of Anegada and Virgin Gorda, with the remaining Virgin Islands falling under Danish control until they were sold to the U.S. in 1917. The 1967 constitution granted the British Virgin Islands a ministerial government, and more autonomy and a legislative council were established in 1977 and 1994 changes. In 2002, the British Overseas Territory Act granted British citizenship to the Virgin Islands population, and a new constitution ratified in 2007 established a larger degree of self-government. This combination, self-rule of local affairs with British control of military and foreign affairs, is what would be temporarily dismantled if Britain implements direct rule.

Without delving too deeply into the atrocities colonial governments did and do commit against their subjects, it should be acknowledged that this type of government has less incentive to represent its colonial subjects than a democratic one does. This is because a non-representative government cannot be voted out and thus faces no repercussions for enacting policies that do not benefit the people it serves. Britain, and Governor-General Rankin, may contend that it is focused on the Virgin Islanders best interests, but it is unlikely that British rule would be any better at securing them than a locally representative democracy. This becomes clear when analyzing two issues featured in the report and substantial to the Virgin Islands society: drug trafficking and the regulations surrounding corporations.

Since November 2020, the Hickenbottom report found, the Royal Virgin Islands police force has recovered over 3.6 tons of cocaine, with an estimated street value higher than the annual B.V.I. GDP. It is thought that huge quantities of drugs pass through the BVI undetected. The Virgin Islands have historically maintained a similar stance to drug use as the U.K., banning the recreational use of drugs such as cocaine and marijuana. It therefore follows that a British government would most likely implement policies similar to those that have already been tried and currently exist in Britain. The proposed coalition government, meanwhile, could fight trafficking by legalizing the recreational use of certain drugs, which would dismantle the cartels power and likely reduce drug flow through the Virgin Islands. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in the United States, according to David J. Bier of the Cato Institute, where state-level efforts to legalize marijuana reduced marijuana smuggling across the U.S.-Mexico border. It would be unlikely for a governor-general, whose job is to maintain stability during a transitional government, to implement this controversial policy.

Regarding corporate regulations, according to The Guardian, Britain intends to adopt a public registry of beneficial ownership of shares on the islands. This policy, which brings transparency to the ownership of corporations, was adopted in the U.K. in 2016. While the policy could help fight corruption, a public registry would likely drive many companies from the islands due to a desire to keep their ownership private, negatively impacting the B.V.I.s reputation as a tax haven and disincentivizing corporate investment in the islands banks. The Virgin Islands rely on this investment, with nearly 55% of the total government budget provided through fees on financial services. Corporate flight would slash the government budget, and would also reduce the islands standard of living due to lower wages and less ability to take out loans. A registry of companies that have attained funds through the government would be sufficient to address corruption while also protecting the privacy of the rest of the islands corporations.

Direct rule by the U.K. would therefore not be as effective as allowing the Virgin Islands government to root out its own corruption. Instead of suspending the constitution, Britain should permit the Virgin Islands to hold a constitutional convention under the leadership of elected delegates, giving the Virgin Islanders a voice in the new policies they will be living under.

The direct rule proposal reveals the issue surrounding overseas sovereignty. These territories are constantly at the mercy of the mother countrys whims even if said mother country preaches self-determination and democracy. To secure their democratic rights, these modern colonies should pursue one of two options. The first option is hold independence referendums, giving the populace a chance to express their desire for self-rule. The second option is to advocate for an arrangement similar to that between France and French Guiana, which allows French Guiana to be represented in Frances National Assembly and Senate. Territories that pursue these changes will face pushback from their mother countries. However, they are necessary to abandon colonial status and maintain self-rule.

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British Virgin Islands Report Reveals The Insidiousness Of Modern Colonialism - The Organization for World Peace