Sir Richard Branson is one of the most, if not the most, successful venture capitalists in the world. His London-based London Virgin Group LTD has holdings in about 400 companies involved in airlines, radio stations, publishing, bridal wear, vodka, soft drinks, comic books and too many more to mention. In total, the holdings bring in about $17,000,000,000/year, putting Branson’s name on the list of the world’s billionaires.
Pictures I’ve seen of the iconic Branson reveal that he is a youngish-looking, going-on-60 man with an aura that indicates a high degree of panache and I, for one, am greatly impressed with his attitude on life and his flair for adventure. It’s people like Branson who deserve to reap the benefits of their visions.
In 1978, Sir Branson purchased Necker Island, a small uninhabited jewel resting in the turquoise Caribbean waters and transformed the 74 acre island into an exclusive resort with a guest capacity of less than thirty people. If you want to spend an idyllic week on the island, all it will cost you is $300,000. Of course, if you want to rent the sleek submarine that will allow you to view sea life at depths up to 100 feet, it’ll cost you an additional $25,000.
Necker Island sees a lot of famous people - from royalty to politicians to international celebrities and I have to ask myself, “Why?” For only a fraction of that 300K, they could find any number of Caribbean resorts featuring the same pristine beaches, the same lush foliage, the same fine dining and top-level service. The number one answer, of course, has to be ‘privacy’ and I understand that. (God knows, I wish I could get away from the hordes of paparazzi and autograph seekers that continually camp outside my apartment door). But I wonder how much the ‘Snob Factor’ enters into the equation; the “I’m-here-because-I-can-afford-it-and-you-can’t!”
I’m sure I’m being unfair. I’m aware that a lot of the island’s guests have significantly contributed to charity and/or have given back to society in varying degrees. It’s just that $300K/week is such an obscene figure. The majority of people in the world probably won't earn that in a lifetime. It evokes thoughts of Marie Antoinette’s reply back in the 1700’s when she was told that the peasants could no longer afford to buy bread and she reportedly sniffed, “Then let them eat cake.”
Look, even given the fact that you’ve probably already given a huge chunk of cash to various foundations and charities, why are you laying out $300,000 for a quiet week in the sun? If you consider $300K pocket change, why not seek out a really cheap resort…say, one that only costs $100,000/week and use the other $200,000 to make your community, your country, your planet a better place?
Copyright February 2010 - phil cerasoli
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