British Virgin Islands cultural stalwart and tourism icon Philicianno ‘Foxy’ Callwood, MBE was inducted into the Charter Yacht Boating Association (CYBA) Hall of Fame in Antigua and Barbuda on December 6.

Foxy was recognised for his contributions to the tourism sector of the Caribbean. He is one of only ten persons to have received this honour.

The induction ceremony was held at Copper and Lumber Store Hotel, Nelson's Dockyard as part of the Antigua Charter Yacht Show held from December 4 to10.

Representative for the Second District, Honourable Melvin ‘Mitch’ Turnbull who attended the ceremony, stated, “For us in the British Virgin Islands, I think it is important to understand who Foxy Callwood is as an individual, who puts his country above himself.  He was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen and his New Year’s Party is considered to be in the top three places in the world to be on New Years’ Eve.”

Honourable Turnbull added, “But on this level, he has been sailing from about 1971 and just taking people around the world and getting people to come to the BVI. As a cultural stalwart and tourism icon, and what it means for the Territory, it was a tremendous honour that was bestowed upon Foxy and one that we should all be proud of.”

Honourable Turnbull noted that in terms of tourism, Foxy should be applauded and recognition be given to him to ensure that he remains one of the Territory’s tourism ambassadors.

The Second District representative said it was a pleasure to be a part of the recognition ceremony and engage with officials from CYBA and other friends and well-wishers.

He said “We had an opportunity to tour the yachts and boats that were there and it was tremendous to see how many of the captains had been coming to the BVI, and sailing persons over because of Foxy’s efforts.”

Foxy Callwood is the proprietor of Foxy’s in Jost Van Dyke. According to his website, his mini empire sprang from humble beginnings, just down the beach from its current location, beside the quaint little Methodist Church in Great Harbour.  In anticipation of the BVI harvest festivities, Foxy saw a need for libations to be served for those giving thanks for another successful harvest. He built a cement slab and erected what has since become a typical beach bar seen almost everywhere on Jost Van Dyke.

In January of 1968, after he had already made a positive impression, he moved to the present location, expanding a little at a time as finances permitted, and the rest is history. He now has two restaurants. The second one, Foxy's Taboo, is located beside Diamond Cay in East end.

The mission of CYBA (Charter Yacht Brokers Association, International, Inc.) is to promote and maintain a high degree of professionalism within the yacht charter industry. They are committed to a strict Code of Ethics; furthering fiduciary responsibility, sponsoring educational programs that increase industry knowledge & awareness and acting as a liaison between our members and industry related groups