The "Jolly" future!

Over the last few years, hospitality ventures have been proliferating the Virgin Islands and while many tourists come to enjoy the beaches, all offer different settings.

In Soper’s Hole, the Jolly Roger Inn, has carved out its own flair and flava on an Island where tourism is a major revenue earner and where businesses can easily be swallowed up in the fast-paced industry.

The Jolly Roger Inn, or the ‘JR’ as it is affectionately known throughout the Caribbean, is a lovely, casual five-room Caribbean inn resort and restaurant, located waterside at the entrance to Soper’s Hole overlooking Frenchman’s Cay, St. John, Little Thatch and St. Thomas.

The JR is a breath away from the ferry dock to St. Thomas and St. John and is said to be the “Heart-beat” of West End .

The JR is also popular among the sailing community and is actually a swinging restaurant and bar, serving very good food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with moderate prices and ‘ Caribbean friendly’ service.

Its current success can be traced to former New Yorkers, Louis and Kay Schwartz.

“Lou” as he is known, arrived here some 30 years ago and moved full time 16 years ago as Kay arrived full time some 10 years ago.

Louis said the Virgin Islands have become his home.

Jolly Roger’s staff, many of whom have worked for some 8-16 years, are dedicated to the future to fulfill hospitality at its best as they have a new lease through at least 2011.

The BVI Chamber of Commerce & Hotel Association (BVICCHA) recognised Louis’ success here and awarded him the Business Person of the year award in 2000 and 2006, for his work in the tourism and hospitality sector.

This year, the Jolly Roger Inn copped the 2007 business of the year award issued by the BVICCHA.

“It is an extremely competitive industry today. If I had won the award maybe five to six years ago, I would not have been competing with half of the businesses that currently exist,” Louis stated.

Reflecting on his years on the island, the former New Yorker resident said he connected with the Virgin Islands in more ways than one. “This Island had the people, the beauty and it had the simpatico on how I wanted to interact. I looked at many islands in the Caribbean , but the BVI had the lifestyle, the people and the potential for business,” Louis stated.

With a new land lease which run for another five years, Louis believes he can still return to his first passion: teaching and becoming a tourist again.

“Even if I sold the business, I would still be working here on the island and doing public service. I would definitely like to get back to teaching hopefully at the HLSCC,” Louis stated.

The JR is described as a hangout for local and visiting sailors so you will certainly enjoy the conversation and ambiance.

There are great hiking trails around with superb vistas and visitors are often encouraged to bring their walking shoes.