Wally Castro Marine, the organizers of the Xmas in July 2024 event, have donated $6,000 to Beyond the Reef, a nonprofit organization in the British Virgin Islands that is dedicated to marine environmental education and preservation. The generous donation was made possible through the sale of the event’s official stainless steel reusable tumblers, which was one of the event’s environmental protection initiatives.
“This initiative reflects our desire to create awareness on the importance of protecting our beaches and to send the message that our event takes beach and ocean conservation very seriously,” said Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the event’s main organizer. “With this donation, we are proud to support a local organization that shares our dedication to environmental stewardship.”This year’s Xmas in July event went beyond celebration to set a powerful example of eco-conscious event planning. From the reusable tumblers to waste disposal efforts, the event was designed to minimize its environmental footprint. The organizers implemented measures to ensure that attendees left no trace behind, reinforcing the message that preserving the natural beauty of the British Virgin Islands is a shared responsibility. The positive impact of these efforts was evident, as both locals and visitors embraced the eco-friendly initiatives, making the event not only a success but also a model for sustainable tourism.
Beyond the Reef members were actively involved in the event, overseeing the sales of the Xmas in July tumblers. They were joined by representatives from another local nonprofit, Valley Sound Lions Club, who prepared local dishes for attendees, further supporting fundraising efforts.
“We are deeply grateful for this donation, which will help us continue our work in promoting marine environment protection in the BVI,” said Kendyl Berna, founder of Beyond the Reef. “Our oceans are a vital but fragile resource, and it’s crucial that everyone who enjoys the sea does so responsibly. We commend the event organizers for their environmental initiatives and encourage them to continue these efforts in the future.”
The 2024 edition of Xmas in July was celebrated successfully on July 20, drawing nearly 5,000 attendees and 500 vessels to Pond Bay Beach, Virgin Gorda. The event, a staple of the summer season, was organized by Wally Castro Marine in collaboration with the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Marcos Rivera.
Wally Castro Marine, based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is Puerto Rico’s leading boat dealer, representing top brands such as Riviera Yachts, Boston Whaler, Bertram, Regulator, Belize, Nor-Tech, and Azimut Yachts. The company also offers a parts store, a service department, and repair and maintenance services for all boat brands.
“Each year, Xmas in July lights up our summer season, thanks to the Puerto Rican Navy and BVI fans who come in to enjoy the best that our territory has to offer,” said Clive McCoy, BVI tourism director. “By choosing the BVI, they support our marinas, hotels, resorts, villas, restaurants, and charters, giving a significant boost to our marine tourism industry as well as supporting the efforts of our local nonprofits.”
For more information on the Xmas in July event, visit www.wallycastro.com or contact the BVI Tourism Office in Puerto Rico at (787) 721-2525 or bvi@prlinksco.com. You can also reach us on social media as Islas Vírgenes Británicas on Facebook and BVITurismo on Instagram.