Craig Johnson is currently the development manager at The Cellcast Group, a global leader in the provision of participation television programming and interactive mobile content.
Craig’s Linkedin profile.
Profile:
- Extensive experience managing and training technical resources in Brazil, Europe, Middle-East, South-America & South-East Asia
- Proven track record in coordination, project management and delivery of interactive broadcast solutions
- Extensive Web-service, client-server and multidisciplinary application programming experience
- Specialist database design, performance monitoring, tuning, deployment and administration skills
- Solid systems architecture experience spanning broadcast, web, telecoms and wireless platforms
- Innovative and valuable when brainstorming and conceptualizing products and solutions
- Proven ability to deliver projects in foreign markets and work in foreign countries
Craig,
Are you from the US or Australia?
Hi there, I’m from Melbourne, Australia.
Hi Craig,
Just came across your blog and have enjoyed reading your posts about living on Tortola.
I’m a freelance reporter/writer and English teacher considering doing the same type of thing, a second time around.
Wondering if Internet access is good and reliable, its cost and the cost of a l-t rental?
Best,
AB
Craig – I have the same questions. Also, have you had to apply for an extension once you’ve hit the 30 day limit – if not, how did you get past this requirement?
Hi Ted,
I signed up for a pay per month EDGE account with CCT Boatphone. They run on the Cable & Wireless network. I had to buy a modem as it’s CDMA. It’s EDGE so it was a little slow for streaming video etc, however it was reliable on Tortola. There are also places you can get free and pay per/hour/minute WiFi. Often you need to buy a coffee or something. I found it easier just to have my own modem as it meant that I didn’t have to worry about WiFi when renting accommodation roaming around etc. CCT Boatphone have an office in Road Town.
There may be a better option on Tortola now for mobile internet. It was about $70 USD per month without a contract for EDGE with CCT Boatphone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_in_the_British_Virgin_Islands http://www.sailonline.com/charterers/Email_access.html
As for long term accommodation, it’s definitely available. I was there in the off season so I was able to negotiate good monthly rates (for Tortola) with guesthouses. I negotiated a nice 1 bedroom self contained apartment in front of the water for $1,000 USD. In peak months you will struggle because it’s just not worth it for the owners to rent monthly when they can make the same in a week from short term tourists. However if you do your homework beforehand, you could rent a house depending on how long term you plan to stay. Also there are always people looking to rent rooms on a share bases. Check the BVI Beacon classifieds online
In regards to Visa requirements:
When I got off the boat at Road Town immigration, they asked me how long I plan to stay. At this point, try and get as many days as you can. They may only give you a max of 30 days though. Then before my Visa ran out I went into the Road Town Immigration office and took my passport, proof that I was employed outside the BVI’s and some other documents, one stating that I didn’t have a criminal record (anything that would support my request to stay longer). There was a fee to extend my Visa but they were helpful and it was a relatively easy process of simply talking to the immigration officer and explaining my situation.
I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Craig
Hi Longshore drifter,
I signed up for a pay per month EDGE account with CCT Boatphone. They run on the Cable & Wireless network. I had to buy a modem as it’s CDMA. It’s EDGE so it was a little slow for streaming video etc, however it was reliable on Tortola. There are also places you can get free and pay per/hour/minute WiFi. Often you need to buy a coffee or something. I found it easier just to have my own modem as it meant that I didn’t have to worry about WiFi when renting accommodation roaming around etc. CCT Boatphone have an office in Road Town.
There may be a better option on Tortola now for mobile internet. It was about $70 USD per month without a contract for EDGE with CCT Boatphone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telecommunications_in_the_British_Virgin_Islands http://www.sailonline.com/charterers/Email_access.html
As for long term accommodation, it’s definitely available. I was there in the off season so I was able to negotiate good monthly rates (for Tortola) with guesthouses. I negotiated a nice 1 bedroom self contained apartment in front of the water for $1,000 USD. In peak months you will struggle because it’s just not worth it for the owners to rent monthly when they can make the same in a week from short term tourists. However if you do your homework beforehand, you could rent a house depending on how long term you plan to stay. Also there are always people looking to rent rooms on a share bases. Check the BVI Beacon classifieds online
I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Craig
Great. Thx, Craig.