One of the major tourist attractions in the British Virgin
Islands, the Willy T floating restaurant and bar, will relocate to Peter Island's
Great Harbour from its original site at
Norman Island, according to owner Ewan Anderson.
The floating restaurant, long known to tourists for its
parties, good times and rum, was destroyed by Hurricane Irma last
September but has since been rebuilt and was headed back to its usual anchorage
on the Bight at Norman Island when the government informed Anderson on May 11
that he had to find a new location, according to the BVI News.
"Basically they kicked us out of the bay, where we have
been for 35 years, due to a new development project on Norman Island,"
Anderson said.
However, following a meeting with government officials on
May 14, Anderson said that the newly rebuilt Willy T would relocate.
"It will be another location, it's on the water and it
is good for tourism," Anderson said.
"The government of the British Virgin Islands has no
objection to the continued operation of the business of the Willy T at an
alternate location, provided that all the necessary requirements for licensing,
the mooring of the vessel, environmental protection, and the safe operation of
the business are satisfied," the government said in a statement.
Permits are now being processed in order for the Willy T to
resume operations at Great Harbour.