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
Sep 20, 2022 | Island News
We’re off to the races – crab races, that is! One of St. Croix’s beloved pastimes is an exhilarating sporting event featuring a few friendly, multi-legged crustaceans. Weekly crab races have returned to St. Croix since its hiatus due to the global pandemic. Husband and wife duo Tito and Sue “and their nifty kazoo” have been organizing crab races all around St. Croix for over 20 years. The tradition of Soldier Crab Racing has been a form of entertainment enjoyed by many for centuries; the same remains true here in present-day St. Croix.
For a small fee, racers choose their beloved crab and name them before the main event. Armed with their “name tags” – usually a piece of tape on their shells – the hermit crabs are placed into a bucket as they await their debut on the racecourse. After a series of bull’s-eye circles are drawn on the ground in chalk, the buckets of competing crabs are placed upside down in the innermost circle of the course starting point. At the animated sound of Sue’s kazoo, the race is on! The buckets are lifted off the crabs and they take off! The first crab that makes it outside the course circle is declared the ultimate winner. Thanks to local businesses and organizations, the prizes include a variety of items such as gift certificates for shopping or dining, trips to Buck Island, scuba diving lessons, local handmade jewelry, bottles of rum and more.
There are two important rules to follow during crab racing. Don’t point your fingers and don’t stomp your feet as these gestures can scare the crabs. For those rule breakers, Tito is always prepared with a roll of tape to bind anyone’s hands if they start pointing. Fun Fact: the culprits are almost always adults! Join in on the fun each week at Crab Races with Tito & Sue for a delightful outing that is fun for the entire family. Head to Brew STX on Christiansted Boardwalk each Wednesday starting at 5pm* and choose your winning crab for a chance to win awesome prizes. Win or lose, you’re guaranteed to have a great time and leave with more laughs and memories than you came with. *Times and locations are subject to change. Call ahead to confirm.
Written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com)
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#stcroix #usvi #caribbean #crabraces #crabracing
Sep 20, 2022 | Island News
The newest restaurant on St. Croix located in the heart of downtown Christiansted is slowly becoming a hidden gem on island! Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill is a vibrant Spanish tapas inspired restaurant offering a unique blend of Latin cuisines under one roof. Unlike other restaurants, Coco Loco is focused on highlighting the foods from multiple Latin countries instead of focusing on just one.
Spanish, Mexican, Cuban, Peruvian and Puerto Rican cuisines are peppered with a Caribbean twist thanks to Chef Josh Zona. A self-taught culinary artist, Zona has been working tirelessly in the kitchen for the past 7 years. He started as a bus boy in a South Florida Latin restaurant, working his way through multiple positions in the establishment. It was there he found his calling. “I am passionate about creating unique culinary experiences and LOVE being in the kitchen,” said Zona. It was natural that he took a liking to Spanish cuisine; his family is of Puerto Rican descent. However, Zona said his desire was to have more than just another Latin restaurant. “Universal Spanish cuisine is what I thought about when I envisioned Coco Loco.”
Opened in February 2022, Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill prepares specialty dishes such as Spanish paella and a host of “tapas” – also known as small plates – that customers can mix and match to make a one-of-a-kind meal. Try dishes like maduros (sweet plantains) wrapped in bacon, fresh ceviche, fried pork belly and crispy tostones with a citrus- based dipping sauce. Their nightly specials feature locally caught fish like mahi, wahoo and tuna and uses seasonal ingredients to create mouthwatering appetizers and entrees.
One of the unique things to note about Coco Loco are their specialty cocktails. Each one is served in a coconut shell glass and topped off with the universal paper umbrella that signifies you are officially on island time! The popular Cocobana cocktail is described as “St. Croix in a glass and features Cruzan Rum, banana liquor, amaretto and pineapple juice. Their house made sangrias are also made fresh daily and pairs perfectly with several menu items. Coco Loco Tapas Bar & Grill is open for dinner five nights a week starting at 5pm. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, they close at 10pm; Friday through Sunday, they close at 11pm. For more information, visit their website at www.cocolocostx.com and head to their social media pages on Facebook & Instagram (@cocolocostx) for their nightly specials.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#restaurant #stcroix #usvi #caribbean #foodie #culinary #food #tapas #bar #tourism
Sep 8, 2022 | Island News
Creativity and community connect at St. Croix’s newest addition to the island’s burgeoning nightlife. LEVELS is a live music venue, bar and creative space in downtown Christiansted that has been newly renovated and modernized to create a safe and fun place where everyone is welcome.
Sibling owners Andrea and Kamal Russell acquired the building in July 2019 with an intent focus on creating a space where artistry can be created and fostered by music lovers, artists and creatives in tune with the culture. The Russell family is no stranger to sharing the love of music with the community. In the 1990s and early 2000s, the Russell family band would perform at various events and fundraisers throughout the community. Eddie Russell is the man behind the well-known Jazz in the Park at Fort Christianvaern. Most recently, Kamal Russell held a host of musically charged events under his KDM Productions brand. When opportunity knocked, Andrea and Kamal decided to transform the former nightclub and live music venue into a modernized version centered on creativity and community.
LEVELS is laser-focused on their goal to create a platform for local and independent creatives to showcase their art, whether music, performance, film or mixed media. “Cultured creatives – and the community as a whole – are who we are trying to bring into the space. By building this community, we can expand our culture and create new ways of what it could look like, what it could be,” said Kamal. The only staged indoor/outdoor live performance event space in Christiansted, LEVELS is home to many events centered on shining a light on the extraordinary local talent that often goes unrecognized. “We host a regular open mic night with amateur poets and performing artists are welcome to share this art.” Additionally, their series called “Between Two Speakers” is where local business owners are invited to tell their story to inspire other entrepreneurs. “Hearing from other entrepreneurs, someone is more inclined to have the confidence to try new things, think outside the box and to recognize that sometimes, there is no box.”
As far as event spaces go, LEVELS has something for everyone. Its clean and modern decor combined with sweeping spaces and interwoven spaces makes this multi-level space perfect for private events and special occasions. Learn more about LEVELS, their upcoming events and hours of operations at www.levelsvi.com or follow them on Facebook (@levelsvi) and Instagram (@levels.vi).
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#stcroix #usvi #caribbean #virginislands #livemusic #music #arts
