Houwer Family Praised for Biras Revival
Hon Wheatley praised the Houwer family during the January 2, 2026 opening of The Mangrove at BIRAS, calling the project the beginning of a long-term vision for Biras Creek and the North Sound area. The new restaurant occupies the former site of the Fat Virgin Cafe, destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, and signals renewed investment and tourism activity on Virgin Gorda.
The opening of The Mangrove at BIRAS on January 2, 2026 drew praise from Hon Wheatley, who highlighted the Houwer family’s long-term commitment to redeveloping Biras Creek and the wider North Sound area. The new restaurant sits on the site of the former Fat Virgin Cafe, which was lost when Hurricanes Irma and Maria struck in 2017.
Hon Wheatley told guests the reopening is “only the beginning of a further vision,” noting that the Houwers have worked toward this project over a 15- to 20-year period and still hold substantial property at Biras Creek for future development. “I commend the Houwer family and their commitment to this project and to the development of the North Sound area,” Hon Wheatley said, adding that many people in the room had supported the family’s efforts over the years.
He described the site as “beautiful,” said the reopening brought back many memories, and called Biras Creek “once again an iconic spot” for the island and the territory. For residents of Virgin Gorda and the British Virgin Islands, the arrival of The Mangrove represents more than a new dining option.
It is a visible sign of recovery from the devastation of 2017 and a boost to the local tourism product. The restoration of a popular waterfront venue can help attract visitors, sustain small businesses, and create employment opportunities for the community. Local stakeholders have long emphasised the importance of carefully planned development in North Sound that balances tourism growth with environmental protection and community benefit.
Hon Wheatley’s remarks framed the Houwer family’s work as part of that modern vision for responsible growth, noting the long-term nature of the family’s plans for the area. The Mangrove’s opening is expected to draw both residents and visitors back to Biras Creek, reviving an important stretch of shoreline on Virgin Gorda.
With further projects hinted at by the Houwer family, the site may continue to evolve in the coming years, offering renewed economic activity while also preserving the character that makes Biras Creek a cherished destination for the BVI.
Primary source: VINO