Road Town: The Heartbeat of the British Virgin Islands

• HelloGood day
  [gud dey]
• GoodbyeGoodbye
  [gud-bai]
• YesYeah
  [yeh]
• NoNo
  [no]
• Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pliiz]
• Thank youThank you
  [tenk yu]
• Excuse me/SorryExcuse me
  [ek-kyus mi]
• How are you?How you doin?
  [hau yu doin]
• Fine. And you?I dey aight. An yu?
  [ai dey ait. an yu]
• Do you speak English?Yu speek Inglish?
  [yu spik inglish]
• I don't understandMi no sabi
  [mi no sa-bi]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMi wan si di menu, pliiz
  [mi wan si di men-yu, pliiz]
• I don't eat meatMi no et meat
  [mi no et meet]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheers]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMi wud laik fi pay, pliiz
  [mi wud laik fi pay, pliiz]

• Help!Help!
  [help]
• Go away!Go weh!
  [go weh]
• Call the Police!Kol di Polis!
  [kol di po-lis]
• Call a doctor!Kol a dokta!
  [kol a dok-ta]
• I'm lostMi loss
  [mi los]
• I'm illMi siik
  [mi sik]

• I'd like to buy...Mi wan fi buy...
  [mi wan fi buy...]
• I'm just lookingMi jus a luk
  [mi jus a luk]
• How much is it?How much dis dey?
  [hau mach dis dey]
• That's too expensiveDat tuu praisi
  [dat tuu prei-si]
• Can you lower the price?Yu kyan lowa di prais?
  [yu kyan lo-wa di preis]

• What time is it?Weh tym it dey?
  [weh ta-im it dey]
• It's one o'clockIt a wan a klok
  [it a wan a klok]
• Half past (10)Aaf past (10)
  [aaf past (10)]
• MorningMawnin
  [mawnin]
• AfternoonAftanun
  [af-ta-nun]
• EveningIvinin
  [iv-in-in]
• YesterdayYistade
  [yi-sta-de]
• TodayTudeh
  [tu-deh]
• TomorrowTomara
  [to-ma-ra]
• 1Wan
  [wan]
• 2Tu
  [tu]
• 3Chrii
  [krai]
• 4Fo
  [fo]
• 5Fav
  [fav]
• 6Siks
  [siks]
• 7Seven
  [se-ven]
• 8Eit
  [eit]
• 9Nain
  [nain]
• 10Ten
  [ten]

• Where's a/the...?Weh di...?
  [weh di]
• What's the address?Weh di adres?
  [weh di ad-res]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Yu kyan show mi (pan di map)?
  [yu kyan sho mi (pan di map)]
• When's the next (bus)?When di neks (bus)?
  [when di neks (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)A tiket (to ....)
  [a ti-ket (to ....)]

The area now known as Road Town was originally inhabited by the Taino and Arawak peoples, who were the earliest settlers of the British Virgin Islands. These indigenous communities lived off the land and sea, fishing and farming to sustain their way of life. The name 'Road Town' is derived from the nautical term 'the roads,' which means a place less sheltered than a harbor where ships can anchor.

In the late 17th century, the British established their presence in the British Virgin Islands, including Road Town, to capitalize on the lucrative sugar industry. Sugarcane plantations flourished, and enslaved Africans were brought to the islands to work on these plantations. The remnants of this era can still be seen in the form of old plantation estates and ruins.

During the 17th and 18th centuries, the waters around Road Town were frequented by pirates and privateers. The British Virgin Islands' strategic location made it a hotspot for maritime activities, both legal and illicit. Famous pirates such as Blackbeard and Captain Kidd are said to have sailed these waters, adding a layer of intrigue to the area's history.

The abolition of slavery in 1834 marked a significant turning point for Road Town and the British Virgin Islands. The local economy, which had been heavily reliant on slave labor, had to adapt and diversify. Many former slaves turned to subsistence farming and fishing, while others moved to different Caribbean islands or emigrated to places like the United States and the United Kingdom.

In the mid-20th century, Road Town began to transform into the bustling capital of the British Virgin Islands that it is today. The development of tourism, spurred by the area's natural beauty and favorable climate, became a significant economic driver. The construction of hotels, marinas, and other infrastructure helped to modernize the town and attract visitors from around the world.

Road Town is rich in cultural heritage, which is celebrated through various festivals and events throughout the year. The BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival is one of the most anticipated events, attracting sailors and enthusiasts from around the globe. Additionally, the Emancipation Festival, held annually in August, commemorates the abolition of slavery with vibrant parades, music, and cultural displays.

In September 2017, Road Town was severely impacted by Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms ever recorded in the Atlantic. The hurricane caused widespread devastation, but the resilience and spirit of the local community shone through in the aftermath. Extensive rebuilding efforts have since taken place, and Road Town has made significant strides in its recovery.

Road Town is the capital of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and is located on the island of Tortola. The closest international airport is Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, which is connected to Tortola by the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Road Town, a journey that takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from other islands in the Caribbean, such as St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Road Town is relatively small, so many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, taxis are readily available and can be hailed on the street or arranged through your hotel. Car rentals are also an option, with several agencies available in the town. Public buses operate on a limited schedule and are less reliable for tourists. Scooter and bicycle rentals are less common but can be found for those who prefer a more active mode of transportation.

The official currency in the British Virgin Islands is the U.S. Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are available in Road Town, but transaction fees may apply depending on your home bank.

Road Town is generally considered safe for tourists, but like any destination, it's important to stay vigilant. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings. While the crime rate is relatively low, pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Stick to well-populated and well-lit areas, and always use reputable transportation services.

In case of an emergency, dial 999 or 911 for immediate assistance. Road Town has a police station, and there are medical facilities available, including Peebles Hospital for more serious health issues. Pharmacies are also available for over-the-counter medications. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for tropical weather. Avoid overly revealing attire, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and considerate to other passengers. Don't expect public transport to run on a strict schedule. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Good morning' or 'Good afternoon.' Handshakes are also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local cuisine and seafood. Don't be overly critical of local dishes, as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Road Town like a local, visit the Crafts Alive Village, where you can buy handmade crafts and souvenirs. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don't miss the Saturday morning market at the Road Town Market Square for fresh produce and local delicacies. For a unique experience, take a ferry to nearby islands like Jost Van Dyke or Virgin Gorda.