Virgin Gorda

Virgin Gorda is the third-largest (after Tortola and Anegada) and second most populous of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Located at approximately 18 degrees, 48 minutes North, and 64 degrees, 30 minutes West, it covers an area of about 8 square miles (21 km²). Christopher Columbus is said to have named the island "The Fat Virgin", because its silhouette resembles a rotund woman lying on her back.

The main town is Spanish Town on the southwestern part of the island.

An unusual geologic formation known as "The Baths" located on the southern end of the island makes Virgin Gorda one of the BVI's major tourist destinations. At The Baths, the beach shows evidence of the island's volcanic origins, as huge granite boulders lie in piles on the beach, forming scenic grottoes that are open to the sea. North of the Baths is the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, formerly owned Little Dix Bay. The most notable ruin on Virgin Gorda is the old Copper Mine.

Transportation

Virgin Gorda Airport serves the island.

Education

The British Virgin Islands operates several government schools. [ [http://www.bvi.gov.vg/products.asp?iProd=35&iCat=12&hierarchy=0 BVI Government ] ]

Virgin Gorda residents are served by Robinson O'Neal Memorial Primary School, a primary school, and Bregado Flax Educational Centre, a combined primary and secondary school which opened in 1982. [cite web|url=http://www.islandsun.com/2002-July/12072002/local5-v8i16.html|title=Bregado Flax Graduates 21 Students|date=2002-07-12|work=Island Sun|accessdate=2008-05-27] In 2000 he government created plans to create a primary school on the island.cite web|url=http://www.dpu.gov.vg/PublicInvestment/CorePSIP/VirginGordaPrimary.htm|title=Virgin Gorda Primary School|last=Stoutt|first=Jerinice|date=2006-08-23|work=Development Planning Unit|accessdate=2008-05-27]

Gallery

References