Jon,
The Antiguan varnish "guild" has a long and distinguished past. (Actually, varnishers come from many of the Leewards and Windwards).
You'll find several West Indian varnishers in Newport of a summer (some have settled year-yound) . . . and in other ports too. We had half the Falmouth (Antigua) cricket team in our team in Newport!
They are excellent workmen, love what they do, and very often help sail the boats to and from the Islands. You'll probably find some as full-time crew on those boats.
Back in the 1970s, they would get about $5 West Indian a day . . . I think they do a whole lot better than that now.