Tech Village on St Croix includes agricultural investment

Tech Village on St Croix includes agricultural investment

Nov 18, 2021 | Island News

The Virgins Islands Tech Village project is estimated to cost around $40 Million, and is part of the economic revitalization effort on St. Croix. Senators recently showed support for a bill that authorizes the use of 18 acres of land for The Virgin Islands Tech Village in Estate Lower Love. The University of the Virgin Islands’ Research and Technology Park Corporation said the project proposes 18 acres of farmland, a farmer’s grant program and a first-of-its-kind revenue sharing program among local farmers. During the discussion on rezoning agricultural lands for RT Park development, issues on improving the leasing process for farmers had also been raised.

To read more about this, see the full articles from The Virgin Islands Consortium (click here) and from The Virgin Islands Daily News (click here).

Photo from RT Park and VI Consortium

#stcroix #stcroixusvi #usvi #techvillage #agriculture #farmers #landdevelopment

Beauty and the Beast Triathlon 2021

Beauty and the Beast Triathlon 2021

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

The race is on in America’s Paradise! St. Croix is home to one of the longest-running triathlons on record. Since 1988, St. Croix’s previous races such as “America’s Paradise Triathlon” and “IRONMAN 70.3® St. Croix” have been considered must-do events for triathletes worldwide. On November 28, 2021, athletes from around the world will descend onto the stunning shores of St. Croix to compete in the 2021 Beauty & the Beast Triathlon.

This year’s triathlon is led by USAT Certified race directors Scott Fricks and Theresa Harper. The race has partnered with the Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation, a local nonprofit organization committed to improving the triathlon training and racing experience in the Virgin Islands while giving back to the community. Each year, the committee designates local charities that will receive donations from the race proceeds.

The event name is the perfect description of the triathlon course. The “Beauty” can be seen in two parts – the swim in warm, pristine ocean waters and a scenic run route. On the other hand, the “Beast” is in the climb on the bike route. While the rolling picturesque ride rewards triathletes with breathtaking ocean views, a 0.7-mile ascent at 26 percent grade is its own monster for a host of different reasons.

At 6:45am, athletes line up at the start of the course in the heart of historic downtown Christiansted. A spirited swim in the harbor transitions to a demanding bike ride and culminates with the run that travels east from Christiansted. Residents, volunteers and visitors are always on hand along the course to cheer on competing athletes, providing them with water, snacks and other items to keep them fueled throughout the race. Due to the pandemic and construction at the prior location, this year’s course will experience a slight change. The race will begin at Cramer Park on St Croix’s East End and the course will primarily stay on the East End of the island. While the world-famous Beast will be missing from this year’s bike, the infamous hills of St Croix’s East End will still offer a “beast” of a challenge to participants.

There are three race events athletes can choose from: Olympic-Distance Triathlon, Sprint-Distance Triathlon and a Sprint-Distance Aquathlon with relays offered in the Olympic and Sprint Triathlon races. For more information about this year’s race, visit www.stxtriathlon.com.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #triathlon #athlete #swim #bike #run #paradisetriathlon #sport

2021 Crucian Coconut Festival

2021 Crucian Coconut Festival

Nov 16, 2021 | Community Events

Coconut lovers rejoice! The annual Crucian Coconut Festival is back from its pandemic hiatus to resume its mission to reignite St. Croix’s economy with the help of coconuts. Since its inception in 2015 by St. Croix Farmers in Action, the cultural display of this cherished Caribbean fruit has been a fun-filled family event complete with educational presentations, cooking demos, activities, games and live local music. Coconuts are one of the few fruits that create a wide assortment of byproducts that are used and enjoyed by people worldwide.

Ms. Yvette Ross, Director for Coconut Festival Committee, shared her excitement of the return of Crucian Coconut Festival. “It’s such a relief to know that we will be able to host Crucian Coconut Festival in 2021,” said Ross. “This year, we are expanding the live entertainment and introducing a fine art exhibit on the days leading up to the festival.” The art exhibit will feature artists from across the Virgin Islands, including woodworkers, painters and steel sculpture artists displaying their works.

This year’s festival will look a bit different due to challenges of COVID-19. For example, a crowd favorite of the festival is the coconut jelly scooping contest. Historically, participants stood shoulder to shoulder racing the clock to determine who could scoop out jelly from coconut husks the fastest. This year will still be based on speed, but participants will be timed individually. Whoever has the fastest time among all the participants will be declared the winner.

Several vendors will be in attendance selling coconut inspired crafts, local foods and treats. The on-site greenhouse will host aquaponic tours that show how produce is grown using this fish powered food production system. There will also be a host of interactive educational presentations about the coconut as well as a family activity center where craft baskets and bags filled with coconut learning activities are given to families to take home. Ross shared her hope for this year’s attendees of the Crucian Coconut Festival. “I want everyone to leave the festival with a greater appreciation for the coconut.” She expressed that the coconut is more than an economical tool; “it can improve your health and offer entrepreneurial opportunities.”

The Crucian Coconut Festival will take place on Sunday, December 5th from 11am to 6pm at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory; $10 entry fee for all attendees. The art exhibit, also taking place at Estate Bethlehem Sugar Factory, opens to the public on Friday, December 3rd. From 4pm to 9pm, enjoy live music from the Eddie Russell Band; $25 entry fee for the opening night. The exhibit will also be open on Saturday, December 4th from 10am to 3pm. Vaccination or proof of negative test within 3 days is required to attend all events. For more information, call 340.690.1389.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#stcroix #USVI #Caribbean #coconut #coconutfestival #celebration #festival #food #foodies

St Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance

St Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance

Nov 7, 2021 | Island News

Learn how to dance like a pro at St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio! Owners Garincha and Jennifer Hilaire have over 20 years of knowledge and experience in the art of dancing and brought their expertise to St. Croix. After honeymooning in St. John, the couple fell in love with the idea of island living. They decided a larger island was more their speed and chose St. Croix as their home, moving to the island in October 2020.

Garincha & Jennifer tried to find a social ballroom and dance spaces on the island and realized there weren’t any. From there, St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio was born offering various types of dance styles under one roof – salsa, swing, tango and ballroom. Originally, the couple planned on creating a dance club. “We wanted to create a space where groups of people could come together and dance,” said Garincha. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made that option impossible; instead, they opened their dance studio in June 2021.

Three types of lessons are offered – private, group and practice – with each one offering different benefits for the student. Private lessons are one-on-one coaching and is the most efficient way to learn how to dance. Students can practice any style of dance they want; questions are answered right away and lessons take place at the convenience of the student. A manual is provided to track progress, learning and development. Group lessons are always fun and energetic. With these lessons, students can use it as repetition and to fine tune what they’ve learned in one-on-one lessons. “Our group lessons are great because of the people who attend.” There is no need to be shy as the groups are noncompetitive where everyone supports one another. Practice sessions round out the offerings with a real-life setting featuring disco lights. Here, students get to apply the material they’ve learned and are supervised throughout the session. According to Garincha, it is ideal to have all three forms to be a well-rounded dancer. However, you can mix and match lessons as you choose.

As a beginner specialist studio, anyone who feels they have two left feet should come and see their teaching method. “We can make anyone a believer that they can be a great dancer.” The first lesson, which is a private lesson, is free. This ensures that each person enjoys their time with St. Croix Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio before making a decision to join. At that time, the pricing, packages and other offerings will be discussed and decided on.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

For more information, call their studio 340-642-2751 or their website. Also read see their page on GoToStCroix: https://www.gotostcroix.com/theatre-dance/st-croix-ballroom-and-latin-dance-studio/

#StCroix #USVI #dance #ballroom #salsa #swing #tango #latindance #lifestyle #caribbean

Kasavah – Modern Bohemian Boutique

Kasavah – Modern Bohemian Boutique

Nov 7, 2021 | Island News

Crucian-born Shanya Williams always had a passion for fashion. Her worldly travels deepened her love for this form of self-expression in a way she never expected. After visiting places like Thailand, Australia, Costa Rica and Caribbean islands like St. Lucia and Jamaica, Williams was “intrigued by the different cultures and how they represent fashion.” Enter Kasavah – a bohemian lifestyle boutique with a modern twist. This intimate space nestled in the historic Caravelle Arcade in downtown Christiansted features earth-friendly, eco-friendly apparel and accessories for women and children. Kasavah’s style offers modern hipster vibes with an edgy twist. “My goal for Kasavah was to make it appealing to a wide range of people,” said Williams, “and introduce a style that was different from the norm found on St. Croix.”

Williams knew having a business on St. Croix was going to be a challenge. That’s why she didn’t hesitate to open the boutique during the throes of a global pandemic. “This was a personal goal for me to open during the pandemic,” said Williams. “If we can get through this and be successful, we can literally do anything.” Opened on November 27th, 2020, Kasavah was welcomed with open arms by locals and visitors to the island with an unwavering support that surprised Williams. It became clear that many craved this free-spirited, hipster apparel and there was truly something for everyone.

Shopping at Kasavah is more than a shopping experience but a lifestyle! When you enter the boutique, you will quickly discover that every garment and accessory is a statement piece. The featured brands in Kasavah originate from countries and continents that many on St. Croix wouldn’t normally gravitate towards. Additionally, the clothing for most of the brands are rooted in sustainability and made with organic materials.

Kasavah is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11am to 5pm. For more information and to shop online, visit their website at www.Kasavah.com. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates on what’s happening in and around the boutique.

Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty

#StCroix #USVI #fashion #accessories #lifestyle #caribbean #shop #shoplocal #sustainable