You are here: Start › Country Virgin Islands (BR) › History

Virgin Islands (BR)

Origin

First inhabited by the Arawuacos and later by the Caribes (who had been already exterminated by the Europeans in the mid 16th Century), the Islands were discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus; then colonized by the Netherlands in 1648 and conquered by England in 1666. Christopher Columbus named them Virgin Islands as homage to Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins. Buccaneers frequently visited these Islands during the 17th Century.


Constitution

Standing Constitution: June 1, 1977.


Government

Government: Peter Alfred Penfold, Governor designated by the British government. H. Lavity Stoutt, head minister. There is a legislative Council, integrated by nine elected and three designated members. Executive system: governor (representative of the British monarch, president of the executive Council), head minister.Legislative system: legislative Council (eleven members, nine of them elected by universal vote). Judicial system: Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, minor courts. Political parties: Virgin Islands Party (VIP); Independent Popular Movement (IPM); United Party (UP). The governor, who is elected by the British crown, is responsible for defense, internal security, domestic matters, public services and courts..


General History

The British Virgin Islands are a group of 36 islands located to the East of Puerto Rico (between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea) and which are part of the Smaller Antilles. They sum up 36 islands and coral reefs, 16 of which are inhabited. These islands offer unmistakable tourist destinations of great beauty: Tórtola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke, Anegada, among other islands. All that you want to know. Visit entertainment centers, beautiful architectural places, and colorful natural parks like the J.R. O'Neal Botanical Gardens, the Queen Elizabeth Park, and the Sage Mountain National Park. Bars, discos, nightclubs and the live music are the best offers for night amusement. You and your family will find beach hotels with excellent decoration and well equipped facilities where activities are scheduled to make your stay pleasant, together with a top quality service and restaurants for the most demanding taste. If you are looking for a quiet vacation in a natural environment, visit Little Dix Bay and beaches like Savannah and Trunk Bay, among others. The ones in Anegada Island are ideal for diving and water sports due to its beautiful coral formations and impressive seabed.