Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

UK teen flying solo around world makes VI one of her stops

UK teen flying solo around world makes VI one of her stops

A teenager from the United Kingdom (UK) flying solo around the world has made the [British] Virgin Islands one of her stops.

19-year-old Zara Rutherford landed in her Shark ultralight at Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport today, September 1, 2021, and was given a warm welcome with BVILove by Jr Minister for Tourism Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL).

Zara Rutherford is trying to become the youngest woman to fly around the world solo.


Inspiring


The Jr Minister, speaking to Virgin Islands News Online, as well as sharing on her Facebook page, said on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands she had the distinct pleasure of welcoming a brave, independent and awe-inspiring young woman to VI’s shores.

“It was truly a privilege for me to meet 19-year-old Zara Rutherford who has embarked on a journey of trying to become the youngest woman to fly around the world solo.

“Zara is an example that when barriers are removed and doors opened equally young women will spread their wings and fly. This teenager took off from Brussels on August 11, 2021, on a journey across the Atlantic, Greenland and the Americas. As such, this morning she made it to the British Virgin Islands and I am so proud to have met this brilliant young woman who is determined to make history.”

Closing the gender gap


Hon de Castro said she believes that Rutherford is an example to young people across the territory.

“Her journey is proof that no dream is too grand or unreachable. If you can imagine it, it’s possible! Young girls, in particular, can pattern this bold move as an example of not being limited to stereotypical gender roles but rather take charge and pursue their own passions. Zara’s goal in flying around the world is to make history but most importantly to close the gender gap in aviation. “

Hon de Castro said this is a “glaring reminder” that here in the Virgin Islands we must do our part to ensure that our young people are provided with every opportunity to fulfil their passions.

She said Zara indicated that one of her missions in life is to support women and girls entering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) fields early.

“This is also a passion of mine and I am indeed motivated and committed to continue the development of this very area here in the Virgin Islands.”

‘BVI kinda stood out’- Rutherford


Meanwhile, Rutherford expressed her joy of being able to visit the VI on her journey.

“I think it is a beautiful destination, and I really wanted to stop somewhere in the Caribbean islands, and the BVI kinda stood out …there were multiple factors, but I am so happy to be here," Rutherford said.

According to Hon de Castro, in making the [British] Virgin Islands a stop on her journey, Rutherford has once again proven that the Virgin Islands is a destination of choice for travelers.

“The people and Government of the Virgin Islands are excited and pleased that today Zara gets to experience BVI LOVE.

“We wish her all the best on her remarkable journey and we look forward to celebrating with her upon the successful completion of her heroic around-the-world mission,” Hon de Castro stated.

Zara Rutherford’s journey


Rutherford’s journey started in Belgium and takes her west through 52 countries, five continents, and crosses the equator twice -- first in Tumaco, Colombia, and again in Jambi, Indonesia -- which is part of the Guinness World Records' requirements for an around-the-world flight.

The two-month trip is self-funded, and the teenager has sold her car to help pay for it, as well as seeking out sponsors. Her sponsors have included Virgin and Holly Branson, the daughter of Virgin Islands Belonger Sir Richard CN Branson.

Another cost of the trip is the environmental impact. While Rutherford says the total fuel for her trip is the equivalent to the amount used in 10 minutes by a Boeing 747, she's spending €600 ($710) on tree-planting projects to offset her carbon footprint, the BBC reported.

Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×