Oct 26, 2022 | Island News
We saw an article from The Caribbean National Weekly about the top 6 reasons to visit USVI. If you are planning a vacation in a tropical island around the winter holidays, visit the US Virgin Islands and all it has a lot to offer! Read article here.
- The Return of Frenchman’s Reef (St. Thomas)
- The Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef (winter 2022-2023)
- The Seaborn at Frenchman’s Reef (winter 2022-2023)
- The Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort’s 75th Anniversary (St. Croix, December 2022)
- St Croix Crucian Festival (St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, December 11-January 27)
- The Caribbean Charter Yacht Show (St. Thomas, December 8-11)
- UberSoca Cruise (a stop in St. Thomas)
- YES US Virgin Classic Is Back for More (St. Thomas, December 29-January 3)
In the future, visiting St. Croix and the other US Virgin Islands may get easier. As many may know, US citizens can visit beautiful US Virgin Islands without a passport because they are a US territory. Did you know that there is new bill has been introduced to the US Congress House Judiciary Committee, and if they approve The Virgin Islands Visa Waiver Act, this bill would allow visitors from the Caribbean to receive a nonimmigrant visitor visa exemption to enter the US Virgin Islands, for up to 45 days. named 6 reasons to visit the US Virgin Islands.
#stcroix #stthomas #stjohn #usvi #virginislands #tourism #vacation #winterholidays #caribbean
Oct 25, 2022 | Island News
This is big news for Virgin Islanders planning to be first-time homeowners! On October 20, 2022, Governor Albert Bryan introduced a new home loan program for moderate income Virgin Islanders. Governor Bryan said this new VI Slice Moderate Income Homeownership Program will help first-time homebuyers secure financing to become homeowners through a partnership between the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) and local banks that will be administered through the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (VIEDA).
Oriental Bank, FirstBank VI, Bank of St. Croix, Banco Popular, and Merchant’s Bank are part of the program. Governor Bryan emphasized in the announcement that the program is part of his administration’s effort to turn more Virgin Islanders into homeowners.
The program will provide up to $200,000 in gap financing to Virgin Islanders who qualify for a conventional mortgage through any participating bank and meet the other requirements of qualification for the program. According to the VI.gov website, applicants must be first-time homebuyers who meet established household income requirements; attain a commitment letter for a mortgage loan based on underwriting standards of the primary financing lender; be able to make a minimum earnest money deposit of $5,000; and be a resident of the territory for the last three years prior to the signing of a sales contract, with the exception of those applicants who were prior residents of the territory for at least 10 years and have now opted to return, or whose birthplace is the U.S. Virgin Islands.
More information about the program, read the program fact sheet from the official Virgin Islands government website here.
You can also read more on St. Croix Source, VI Consortium, and the VI.gov website.
Photo from VI.gov
#homeownership #homebuying #realestate #usvi #stcroix #stjohn #stthomas #virginislands #mortgage #banking #caribbean
Oct 21, 2022 | Island News
When owners Damon and Yonka Maynard purchased Cafe Fresco in 2011, they never imagined the impact they would have on the community. Now 11 years later, the husband-and-wife team are reimagining their restaurant with a revamped name in a new location.
Originally opened in 2005 under previous owners, the Maynards became the owners of Cafe Fresco in downtown Christiansted in July 2011. “We have worked in the restaurant industry for over 30 years,” said Yonka. “The opportunity to purchase the business presented itself and everything came together in a way we couldn’t imagine.” Noting it to be an easy transition, Yonka and Damon made the restaurant their own with delicious lunches made to order and exceptional service customers have come to expect and enjoy. Located on King Street in downtown Christiansted, Cafe Fresco’s welcoming space in the courtyard of the historic Penthenny Building saw a multitude of people over the years. A physical sign hung over their door with the phrase “enter as strangers, leave as friends.” The Maynards shared they have made more friends than anyone could ever deserve, which is why they are excited about welcoming friends into the next chapter.
October 28th will be the last day in their current location in downtown Christiansted. In December 2022, Cafe Fresco will officially become Fresco’s Kitchen & Pub House at their new home in Gallows Bay. Customers can expect much of the same they’ve grown accustomed to with a few new details. This larger space will include indoor and outdoor seating for up to 90 people alongside a full bar. Their indoor air conditioned space will have a sports bar feel with several TVs throughout the space playing your favorite sports games. The outdoor seating in the new courtyard features ample shade thanks to the large mango tree. Expanded hours will include evenings and weekends and a larger space means a bigger kitchen. “We’re most excited about that,” said Yonka. “We’ll be able to have more help and create new dishes, which was a challenge in the previous location.” Customers will be happy to know that menu favorites will be available in the new location with new fun additions to the menu, not to mention a full bar with new cocktails, drinks and desserts. They also plan to host a weekly Sunday brunch that will segue into Sunday football.
The Maynards will use the month of November to get the new space ready for old friends and new ones. Interior designers Twila Wilson and Kobie Nichols are managing the decor and all the finishes in Fresco’s Kitchen & Pub House where guests can look forward to a warm, welcoming space perfect for the entire family. “While we are changing the name slightly and moving to a new location, not much else is changing other than a renewed energy being injected into the restaurant.”
Get a taste of Cafe Fresco before they close their doors on King Street on October 28th. For all the up-to-date details on the restaurant, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/usvistcroix.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#stcroix #restaurant #cooking #culinary #local #stcroix #virginislands #foodie
Sep 26, 2022 | Island News
Back in April 2022, we shared a post about the National Trust’s Hands-On Preservation Experience (HOPE) Crew team traveling to Estate Little Princess (which is part of the The Nature Conservancy) on St. Croix for a special project. This former sugar plantation and hospital became a space for teaching the practice of stone masonry restoration to five local Crucian participants. The estate serves as the primary location for Virgin Island coral restoration efforts.
The partnership between The Nature Conservancy and Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism‘s (CHANT) Invisible Heritage Pre-apprenticeship Program was created to train the local workforce in preservation trades skills so they can work on historically and culturally important sites in their own community such as this one on the estate. See the photographs from the project and read and great article about it here. Under the tutelage of masonry expert David Gibney, the participants learned about mortar analysis, inappropriate parging removal, repointing, stone carving, and resetting on the site’s old hospital building.
All participants excelled, adopting the new preservation trades skills, and allowing HOPE Crew to connect them with future employment opportunities.
#stcroix #historicalbuildings #preservation #usvi #heritage #nature
Sep 26, 2022 | Island News
This is WONDERFUL news for Virgin Islanders! Zero-down mortgages can open doors to homeownership for buyers with limited savings and free up cash for expenses.
Earlier this month, Governor Albert Bryan and his administration announced their preparation for a program that utilizes federal dollars for zero-down payment mortgages with the aim of making it easier for Virgin Islanders to own a home. Governor Bryan said the program would be similar to what’s being offered by Bank of America in 21 states according to the VI Consortium. The traditional mortgage requires a 20% down payment of the cost of the home. This is commonly a major hurdle for aspiring homeowners. Governor Bryan will be meeting with banks to discuss this program which will help more Virgin Islands families to become first-time homeowners. Read the full article here.
The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority has several programs that can help aspiring homeowners. The VIHFA has assisted many low to moderate Virgin Islands families to become first-time homeowners. Visit their website to learn more.
#stcroixusvi #virginislands #usvi #caribbeanhomes #homeownership #firsttimehomeowners #zerodownmortgage #mortgage
Sep 20, 2022 | Island News
Plant based skincare is what Cultured Naturals Body Care is all about! Marrying nature with science, Cultured Naturals Body Care (CNBC) sources ingredients from local Virgin Islands and Caribbean farmers to make high quality handmade products that smell amazing while boasting topical and aromatherapeutic benefits. Founder and CEO Ramone Reid Ventura launched the company back in 2015 after being diagnosed with cancer. “CNBC accidentally started as part of my selfcare and healing journey after my diagnosis,” said Reid Ventura. “People became interested in my products and that started the journey of creating items for sale.” Reid Ventura shared the importance of product research and development. “In the infancy of the business, I would sell products in a health food store and ask customers for ongoing feedback.” This is how she began refining product formulas, getting them to the point where customers started incorporating them into their self-care and wellness regimens.
There are several things that make CNBC a unique brand. First and foremost, it was created by a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge about biochemistry, Caribbean plant life and naturopathic remedies. The brand’s focus is centered on creating safe, toxic-free products that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Functional and effective, all items are made with ingredients that aid with minor hair and skin concerns such as acne, eczema, hyperpigmentation and much more. The company prides itself on being purposeful within their community. “We are intentional in working with our farmers and other artisans to also amplify their businesses so that we can all build and strengthen our local economy together.”
CNBC offers a wide variety of products for the face, hair, skin and home. Lovingly formulated with care, some of their products include plant powered ingredients and essential oils such as lemongrass, aloe vera, noni, papaya, neem, peppermint, lavender and virgin coconut oil. Additionally, CNBC offers private parties and events where attendees can make their own candles, face masks and learn about the art of history and power of the headwrap. Cultured Naturals Body Care is located at #55 Company Street in downtown Christiansted. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 10am to 6pm. Visit their website to learn about their products at www.culturednaturalsbodycare.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CULTUREDNATURALSBC.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#skincare #bodycare #natural #naturalskincare #stcroix #virginislands #beauty
