After the August Emancipation Festival each year, several Virgin Islands businesses close their doors as tourism slows to a trickle.
But the territory is not as quiet as many people think during the so-called “slow season.”
On Saturday, Beacon reporter Ngovou Gyang cruised Tortola to find out how residents and visitors have fun on a hot, seemingly uneventful day in the summertime.
12:45 P.M.: OPENING THE LUNGS
The heat from the sun did not faze a group of nearly 15 boys playing basketball at the East End Community Park. About half of them were shirtless.
“We get together and we just open up our lungs,” said Anfernee Dorsette, 20. “Sometimes, some older folks come to join us.”
The park offers a safe environment, according to the East End resident. “There’s all kind of drama on the street, so we stay out of trouble when we come here,” he said, adding that he hopes other young people around the territory will do the same. “Take advantage of these courts now; you might not have them later.”
Elvette Dore has played in the park since it opened in 2009, he said. “I come practice and build my skills. Now, I am one of the best in East End,” Mr. Dore said with a grin.
2 P.M.: DIVING IN
Zhane Farara stood outside the railing on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, looking down. She was about the jump for the first time.
“I am so scared; I think I am ready to go home,” she told her friends, Annecha Graham and Janique Fahie. “But I will try. I can handle myself in the water.”
A few moments later, all three H. Lavity Stoutt Community College students jumped off bridge, screaming excitedly.
Ms. Farara’s fear seemed to have washed away in the ocean. “Boy, let’s go again,” she told her friends as they climbed out.
For Ms. Graham, who encouraged the other two girls, the jump is a summer tradition.
“We go to the beach first, then on our way home we stop and jump off the bridge,” she explained.
Ms. Fahie said her friends’ support was crucial. “Sometimes you get scared and you’re not sure if you want to do it, but your friends encourage you,” she said as she joined the other two students on the edge, preparing to jump again.
4:30 P.M.: GRILLING OUT
Shortly after Marlon Abner got off the Scrub Island ferry, he made his way to the Trellis Bay Market, where several other men were gathered waiting to buy some jerk barbeque.
As smoke rose from a grill in front of the market, the smell of the cooking meat filled the air.
“I come here about four or five times a week. It is the best barbeque on this part of the island,” Mr. Abner said. “Everybody barbeques, but this place is better. I usually get the barbeque chicken and Red Bull.”
The Saturday event is a tradition for many, according to Pat Tony, a staff member at the market.
“We usually start at 3:30 and finish at 9 or 10,” Mr. Tony said. “We sell pork, chicken and ribs. People who don’t have anything to do come here for the breeze, the view and the food.”
6:30 P.M.: ‘EVENING SWEAT’
In the grassy field in front of H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, about 20 men were playing football. The game was just an “evening sweat” for the group, according to Avondale Williams, who coaches and plays.
“We have it every Saturday, and normally we start at 5 p.m.,” Mr. Williams said. “It is an exercise activity, and we continue to develop our individual football skills and build team skills too.”
The players welcome anyone, the coach added. “It is a fun sport,” he said. “You get to know your community better; you get to learn from different cultures and from people from different countries.”
8 P.M.: ‘BRAGGING RIGHTS’
At Mala’s West Indian Delight in Baughers Bay, eight men were gathered around two tables. They barely spoke as they looked sternly at their dominoes.
Marvin McCurdy reluctantly broke the silence when he was asked how often he visits the bar. “I come here at least three times a week,” he said. “Most times I’m here on Saturdays.”
The company and the happy hour keep the player returning to the bar and restaurant, he said. “And, of course, the bragging rights too,” he added.
Wesley Maduro agreed. “I’ve been playing dominoes for 10 years,” he said. “I have won plenty times. I come here almost every day.”
LATE NIGHT: EATING AND DRINKING
Later that night, dozens of people crowded Origin on Waterfront Drive.
Though many establishments close during the slow season, the sushi restaurant and bar is one of an increasing number that leaves its doors open year-round, according to manager Christian MacDonald.
“Saturdays can go either way,” Mr. MacDonald said. “This Saturday was pretty darn good: having people here and having a rooftop full of hungry and thirsty guests.”
The business, he added, has benefitted from traffic caused by the temporary closure of other restaurants during the summer.
Saturday’s customers, he said, “were just out for a relaxing time after a busy Friday.”
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