May 28, 2021 | Island News
From our May 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I’m interested in buying a condo on St. Croix, and I have a pet. Are there condos which will accept pets? How do I bring my pet to the island?“
Christie’s Answer:
There are several condo complexes which will accept pets, usually with board approval. Some will take only cats, or just inside cats. Others will accept dogs. Often there is a weight or size limit for dogs. Please let us know about your pet, and we will help you find a wonderful condo.
When we moved to St. Croix, we brought two cats with us from Oregon. It was a long day, with 3 different flights. Each cat traveled in a carrier, and those carriers went under the seats in front of us in the airplanes. In between flights, we rented a cart for them, and put a thin sheet over the carriers so that the cats would not be overwhelmed with all they would see around them. Although we brought food and water, they did not take anything until we were in our new home. They traveled amazingly well.
Small dogs can travel in carriers under the seat, too. Larger dogs go in the cargo hold, and can only travel at certain air temperatures. It’s best to check with the airlines to discover their regulations. A friend of ours traveled to St. Croix several times a year with her large Golden Retriever. One time, the dog had to spend a couple of days in Miami until the temperature came down a few degrees for him to travel in the cargo hold. Fortunately, the dog was a sweetheart, and the airline employees enjoyed his company!
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #pets #movingtothecaribbean
May 27, 2021 | Island News
Are you traveling or moving to St. Croix or the Caribbean and wonder how your dog may fare in warm tropical climate? Rest assured, most dogs can adapt to the tropics. Even without air conditioning, your dog can be comfortable. Keeping your dog cool and recognizing heatstroke will be important. A writer for Pethelpful.com and veterinarian shares tips to help your dog handle the heat and humidity in tropical environment. Read the recommendations in full here.
May 24, 2021 | Island News
When moving to St Croix with your pet(s), research ahead to help make the process of traveling and moving with animals easier. Jennie Ogden of GoToStCroix.com recommends getting all your required documents in order and keep the comfort and safety of your pet in mind when making your travel arrangements and while in transit. To bring any pet to the US Virgin Islands consider Jennie’s tips:
- Make travel arrangements for your pet, particularly if you are traveling on an airline.
- Obtain an Import Permit or Health Certificate.
- Ensure you have the proper kennel/carrier for your pet prior to travel.
- The day of travel, hand-carry your Health Certificate and Import Permit with you and allow yourself extra time to check-in and get through airport security.
Read recommendations in full here.
May 24, 2021 | Island News
Agriculture has long been at the heart of St. Croix’s identity dating as far back as the 1600s. The fruitful bounties of food yielded from the Earth have steadily fed generations of families with an assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables. This is why when the COVID-19 pandemic made its way to the island’s shores, it rocked the agriculture community to its core. Every Wednesday and Saturday for as long as many can remember, people would head to Estate La Reine Farmer’s Market to purchase their weekly share of lettuce, tomatoes, provisions, fresh farm eggs, herbs, spices and more. When the global pandemic placed many activities on hold, the farmer’s market was directly affected due to its close-range proximity among vendors. There was no space to allow social distancing, farmers crops were going to waste and regular market attendees were desperate for their farm fresh produce.
With increased calls and reasonable concern from farmers and residents, the VI Department of Agriculture, with advice from the Police Department and Health Department, relocated the farmer’s market to a spacious location to ensure health and safety of the community. Now residents and visitors can experience St. Croix’s vibrant agricultural offerings every Saturday from 5am until 12 noon. Here is where you go to discover a new fruit or try one-of-a-kind foods. Sugar cane juice, locally made pepper sauce, cakes, sweet treats and local fruits and vegetables are available for purchase. As the saying goes, “the early bird catches the worm” so be sure to arrive by 8am to get the best of the various items on sale before it’s all gone.
Market goers can also catch a glimpse of longtime traditions like spotting hot, fresh bread baked in a metal drum or seeing long stalks of sugar cane hand cut with a machete. Grab a Crucian breakfast plate from one of the vendors. Saltfish, johnny cake, cucumbers and spinach will keep bellies full well past lunch time and wash it all down with a cup of our local bush tea. Don’t miss out on visiting St. Croix’s farmer’s market located at the Rudolph Shulterbrandt Agricultural Complex located at #1 Estate Lower Love. Open Saturdays from 5am to 12 noon.
Photo taken by and article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #farmersmarket #foodie
May 24, 2021 | Island News
Introducing Khnuma Simmonds, a 3rd generation Crucian woman whose pride for her heritage runs deep. This woman of many hats has made her life’s work focused on women empowerment and is passionate about her island home, the people and the community as a whole. In 2011, Simmonds opened a women’s boutique called My Girlfriend’s Closet (MGC) with a mission in mind to “empower women through fashion, faith and friendship.” In creating this welcoming environment for women of all backgrounds, Simmonds offered exclusive art and fashion items at her store. “I wanted MGC to have a high end feel while being this open, welcoming and comforting safe space for women,” said Simmonds.
Over time, the word that best described the vibe and feeling of MGC was “Girlfriendism,” the art of being a girlfriend whose empowerment serves other women in friendship, business and beyond. Simmonds recently launched a “Girlfriendism Campaign” in August 2020 which includes six different businesses under the Girlfriendism umbrella: fashion, fitness, wellness, business, travel and H.O.P.E. “Girlfriendism is the business that encompasses all of my many hats,” she said, “with each piece coming together to complete my vision of women empowerment.”
My Girlfriend’s Closet is the fashion piece and Sokh Caribbean Dance Fitness is the fitness arm. Simmonds leads weekly dance classes that focus more on what makes women beautiful and less on how many calories are burned. Through the rhythms of Kizomba (Anglolan music), reggae, soca, calypso and bachata, women are encouraged to get comfortable in their own skin. The wellness piece incorporates Simmonds mental health work and experience working with domestic violence survivors. Equipped with a B.A. in Communications and a M.A. in Education Guidance and Counseling, Simmonds creates wellness sessions centered on care, purpose and mindfulness. On the business side, the emphasis is on women interested in entrepreneurship where “women are coached in identifying their purpose and attaining their vision.”
The nonprofit piece of the Girlfriendism umbrella is H.O.P.E. which stands for Helping Ordinary People Every Day to be extraordinary through the arts and creative expression. The nonprofit supports those who suffer trauma as a result of domestic and sexual violence by using the arts to reduce stress.
Simmonds’ upcoming Girlfriendism Retreat will take place July 30 to Aug 1, culminating on National Girlfriend Day (August 1). Various workshops will cover all sectors of girlfriendism and will be led by local and visiting women professionals. “Highlighting local women-owned businesses while collaborating with women in business both locally and nationally is the epitome of Girlfriendism,” said Simmonds. Ultimately, the goal is to take Girlfriendism from a local concept to a global vision. It’s clear that Simmonds is well on her way to doing so and bringing those in the community along with her. To learn more, visit www.girlfriendism.com.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Photo courtesy of Khnuma Simmonds featuring a private sunset social held at Khnuma Simmonds’s My Girlfriend’s Closet Boutique where women sipped, shopped & shared.
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #fashion #smallbusiness #art
May 24, 2021 | Island News
Any visit to St. Croix will always result with a visit or two to the Christiansted Boardwalk. With mesmerizing views of turquoise waters and clear blue skies, it’s no wonder this location is a favorite of visitors and locals alike. One view that surprises many visitors on their leisurely stroll along the boardwalk is the large schools of fish found swimming in the waters beside them. These large-eyed silver fish are called tarpon; they congregate along the boardwalk lying in wait for someone to throw them food scraps. You name it, they eat it: chicken wing bones, pizza crust, nachos, burger buns, French fries and so much more. Tarpons are best described as bottom feeder fish, hovering around docks, boardwalks and charter boats in hopes of catching unwanted leftovers.
When the food scraps are thrown into the water, these widemouthed game fish race through the waters at breakneck speeds to get first dibs at the food. Don’t be surprised when they jump out the water to catch the food before it even hits the water! Because of the spectacular show they put on for their viewers, this activity is a beloved pastime for many along the boardwalk.
Their pronounced dorsal fin slicing through the water’s surface lends to their intimidating size. Not to worry though as tarpons are not a danger to humans, feeding mostly on crabs, needlefish and other mid-water prey. Next time you’re on St. Croix and grab a meal along the Christiansted Boardwalk, be sure to toss the remaining scraps on your plate to the tarpon in the nearby waters below. They’ll be thankful for the snack and you get a free show in return!
Photo taken by and article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #boardwalk #tarpons
