Beef Island got it's name from the cattle that early English sailors put on the island as a source of food when sailing the ocean. It is an island and in the 17th century there
was no bridge to Tortola so the "food" was stuck on island, thus it became known as Beef Island until the 1950's when it's name was changed to Elizabeth Island named
after the Queen of England who actually visited the BVI. That is why the airport is EIS, for Elizabeth Island. The name didn't stick though and it's back to Beef Island.
I keep thinking that all of the free range goats and cattle just might be a result of early settlers on the island. And, is it May yet? Virgin Gorda look out, here we come...