Marina Cay facts for kids
Marina Cay on the right-hand side of the image
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 Marina Cay
Location in British Virgin Islands
Marina Cay
Location in Caribbean
The location of Marina Cay within the British Virgin Islands
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| Geography | |
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| Location | Caribbean Sea |
| Coordinates | 18°27′39.7″N 64°31′30.93″W / 18.461028°N 64.5252583°W |
| Archipelago | Virgin Islands |
| Administration | |
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United Kingdom
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| British Overseas Territory | British Virgin Islands |
| Additional information | |
| Time zone | |
| ISO code | VG |
Marina Cay is a small, beautiful island in the British Virgin Islands. It is located in the Caribbean Sea. This tiny island is only about 8 acres (3.2 hectares) in size.
Contents
The First Settlers: Robb and Rodie White
Marina Cay was not lived on by people until 1937. That year, an author named Robb White and his wife, Rosalie “Rodie” Mason, decided to make it their home. They had first tried living on the nearby island of Tortola. However, they found too many insects there.
Building a Home on Marina Cay
Robb White spent weeks sailing around, looking for a better island. He finally chose Marina Cay. The Whites lived there for three years. They worked hard to build their home. They dug a cistern to collect water from the rocky land. They also brought in concrete to build a strong house.
Adventures and Challenges
Their time on Marina Cay was full of adventures. They survived a big hurricane. They also faced other challenges, like unexpected visitors. Robb White wrote about these exciting years in his books. Some of his books include Our Virgin Island (1953) and Two on the Isle (1985).
Losing Their Island Home
When World War II started, Robb White had to return to military duty. Around the same time, he and Rodie lost Marina Cay. The British government had never given them official permission to own the land. They then formally refused, saying White's books had not shown the British Virgin Islands in a good light.
New Owners and Uses
After the Whites left, Eugene Tonkonogy took over the island. He convinced the British colonial governor to let him have it. Mr. Tonkonogy used Marina Cay as his own private getaway. He also started running it as a place for tourists to visit. He passed away in 2001.
Marina Cay's Promotional Use
In the early 2000s, a company that makes Jose Cuervo Tequila rented the island. They called it "Cuervo Nation." The company used Marina Cay to promote their products. They held special events there and invited contest winners to visit. This use of the island was even talked about on a radio show called This American Life.
Marina Cay Today
Today, Marina Cay is a popular spot for visitors. It is home to Pusser's Restaurant and Villa Rentals. The small house that Robb and Rodie White built so many years ago is still there. It is now used as a quiet reading lounge for tourists.
See also
In Spanish: Cayo Marina para niños
