The Jost Van Dykes Preservation Society (JVDPS) endeavors to protect key elements of the island’s culture and environment for the future generations of all people, to see, to feel, and to understand. There are many opportunities for the Society to follow in its preservation mission.  We currently have initiatives in Maritime Heritage and Our Environment which include education and experiences for youth and adults.

IMPORTANT NEWS!  U.S. Taxpayers can now make a tax deductible contribution to the Preservation Society.  Click the Donations button above and then look for ‘U.S. Donors’.

Unstoppable forces of economic and social development have a cost – the gradual erosion of natural beauty and cultures. Such change is seen worldwide, and the Caribbean islands are no exception. One particular island in the British Virgin Islands, Jost Van Dykes, has been only lightly developed, despite its three century history. With only 250 residents, it still serves as a microcosm of the rich history and natural beauty of the entire Caribbean. JVDPS was founded to capture, preserve, and protect the island’s environment and cultural elements that have evolved and make them available to future generations.

Our Island and Its Evolution

A hilly island of moderate size, Jost Van Dyke has been inhabited for over 300 years in modern times, and Arawak Indians had small settlements here about 1,000 years ago. In the 17th Century, Quaker pioneers came to Jost and established plantations that became dependent on slave labor.

With the emancipation of slaves in the 1830’s, according to the ruling British government, these plantations withered away leaving behind ruins we can see today, plus an island population of West Indians. Until the mid-20th century, the island’s residents survived, and even thrived, with farming, raising cattle and goats, and fishing with the support of exports to larger neighboring islands.

In the1960’s, however, these exports declined to zero in the face of government rules in the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the early 1970s pleasure sailors ‘discovered’ the British Virgin Islands and Jost Van Dyke. Today tourism is the primary industry of Jost.
 

Thanks to the friendliness of the island residents, the now world-renowned entertainment of Foxy Callwood, and the beauty of its beaches and small nearby islands, Jost Van Dyke is a must-see destination. Development of the island has been slow compared to its larger nearby neighbors, Tortola and St. Thomas. Electricity arrived on the island in 1992, and a water system started operation in 2003. Most of the land on Jost belongs to BVI citizens and their families and local laws constrain outside investment. As a result, Jost is still lightly developed, but the unwavering pressure for growth is evident.

Jost Van Dyke is one of the last islands to reflect the life and beauty of the Caribbean. It’s still a friendly community with memories and love for an unhurried life. One of its beaches has been named one of the 10 best in the Caribbean. Accessible coral reefs beg to be explored by snorkelers and divers. Small islands beckon boaters to stop by for a break on their white sand. Nearly untouched hills offer miles of hiking and the charms of bird watching and floral beauty. It is this island that is the focus for preservation of the Society.

Projects

The Society has begun the construction of a modern island wooden sloop to honor the island’s maritime heritage and to serve as an educational platform for building and sailing. Also, the Society is providing caretaking services for one of our beautiful out-islands under contract with the owner. Click on the Maritime Heritage button below.

We Need Your Support

Until 2003, the Society had been totally dependent on volunteer assistance and modest, informal contributions. Now, however, the Society is making a major push forward to complete the sloop, starting historical and environmental research, and exploring the acquisition of land.

Consequently, we are seeking donations small and large, writing grant requests, and inviting corporate sponsors. Your support in any manner will be well utilized to achieve the goals of the Society.

We will continue to utilize volunteer assistance as much as possible, as well as coordinating with related organizations, including the BVI Government, H.L. Stoutt College Marine Studies Program, the BVI National Parks Trust, and the Trustees of the BVI National Parks. It is easy for anyone to join in this endeavor. Professional support is needed and very welcome in legal services, communications, and project management. Of course, we need financial contributions to fund major initiatives and to keep moving ahead. Click here to jump to our Donations page.

The Jost Van Dykes (BVI) Preservation Society is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands as a not-for-profit corporation. Our official address is JVDPS, Great Harbour, Jost Van Dyke, VG1160 BVI. You can call our office at 284-540-0861 or send us email at moreinfo@jvdps.org