Jul 7, 2021 | Island News
It’s official! The US Virgin Islands has their very own madras fabric that represents the unique characteristics that make the territory the cherished Caribbean gem that it is. Originated in India, madras is a lightweight cotton fabric with a colorful patterned texture and distinctive plaid design that was named for the small, remote fishing village of Madraspatnam (Madras). It became a household fabric throughout the Caribbean when it was traded by Dutch and British settlers in the 1600s. Islands throughout the region have adopted their own unique madras pattern to use in their cultural costumes and modern-day clothing. On June 5th, 2021, the official Virgin Islands of the United States Madras fabric was unveiled to the public at the Frederick Dorsch Cultural Center in Frederiksted. The official madras fabric was established by Act No. 8424 (BILL NO. 33-0226). This Act amended the Virgin Islands Code Title 1, Chapter 7 to establish the official Madras of the Virgin Islands of the United States. Thanks to a grant awarded by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts to the St. Croix Heritage Dancers, the official design was created by local artist and textile designer Debbie Sun. The woven plaid consists of seven different colors:
- Green represents the islands’ natural resources and production
- Turquoise represents the natural beauty of the waters of the territory
- Royal blue represents the deep sea and transport and discovery
- Red represents strength and love
- Pink represents the conch shell and the call to freedom
- Yellow represents the territory’s official flower, the yellow cedar
- White represents the traditional dress made from flour sacks
St. Croix Heritage Dancers Vice President Alvin Milligan shared that “the vision is to have the Virgin Islands madras showcased on all cultural attired dancers and performers at the cultural events and pageants.” Additionally, he anticipates that the fabric will be used in contemporary fashion and interior décor. The fabric is available for purchase on St. Croix at Divi Divi Fabrics, Ebbe’s Store and Clara’s Special Occasions.
Article written by Anquanette Gaspard (agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com) for Coldwell Banker, St. Croix Realty
Photo credit Elisa McKay, St Croix Source
Interested in reading more about the new madras? Check out articles on GoToStCroix and VI Consortium.
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #madras #heritage
Jul 1, 2021 | Island News
From our June 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I have heard of the word “limin.” What does that mean?“
Chris’s Answer:
Limin is a word used in the Caribbean to mean hanging out, relaxing, or taking it easy. You are usually limin with friends, but could be limin by yourself. When thinking of property to buy, where would you like to lime? Since we have a moderate climate year ‘round, think about both indoor and outdoor spaces for your limin.
Definition from Urban Dictionary
Photo: Coral Princess Condominiums
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #movingtothecaribbean
Jul 1, 2021 | Island News
From our June 2021 St Croix Newsletter
Question: “I would like to buy a property near a great beach. Which are the best beaches on St Croix?“
Christie’s Answer:
Your perfect beach will depend on what you like in a beach. Some beaches are known for their powdery sand. Others are great for snorkeling. Some beaches have restaurants nearby. Our favorite beaches are where we can take our dogs to play and swim, and are remote enough that we rarely see another person. We have the whole beach to ourselves!
Beach guides:
https://www.vinow.com/stcroix/beaches_stx/
https://www.gotostcroix.com/guides/st-croix-beaches/
#StCroix #Realtor #Buying #Selling #IslandLiving #Caribbean #beach #movingtothecaribbean
Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The historic Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort will be converting to Wyndham’s Trademark Collection. The Buccaneer is the oldest family-run resort in the Caribbean, opening as a hotel in 1947 with buildings that date to 1653, when the Knights of Malta were in St. Croix. The family-owned-and-operated resort said that the current ownership, management and staff will remain in place, but the resort will gain access to the 86 million Wyndham Rewards members via the brand’s reservation system. The resort plans to complete transition to the Trademark Collection by Wyndham over the next several months.
A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Buccaneer’s historical features include a sugar mill from the early 1700s, the Cotton House that was used in the early 1900s when cotton replaced sugar as the Virgin Islands’ primary crop and the Hamilton Wing, rumored to have been Alexander Hamilton’s home during his time on St. Croix. Read about the property’s history on the island here on Travel Weekly.
Read the Caribbean Journal and Travel Weekly for articles about the Buccaneer joining the Wyndham.
Photo credit: Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort
Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The US Virgin Islands is one of the hottest yachting destination in the region right now. According to the Caribbean Journal, “From an increase in bold-faced names bringing their boats to the USVI to a sizzling charter industry, there’s no buzzier marine getaway in the region.”
According to the USVI Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, USVI has been hosting a number of marine events amid the pandemic due to the territory’s “diligent adherence to public health protocols, including our Travel Screening Portal, we have been successful in delivering marine events in the Territory over the past year.”
We are looking forward to the possibility of USVI Tourism and the Office of the Governor creating a marine program specific for the island of St Croix. This would be exciting for St Croix!
Read the full article on the Caribbean Journal.
Photo credit: The Caribbean Journal
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #yachting #boats #sailing #marine
Jun 29, 2021 | Island News
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation dedicates a race in June every year to promote cycling, which has been an Olympic sport since 1896. On June 13th this year, 31 VI cyclists took part in the Ride To The Rings Road Race, which was sponsored by the Virgin Islands National Guard (VING) to celebrate Olympics Month. Cyclists participated in Elite (45 miles), Expert (36 miles), or Sport/Masters/Women (18 miles) races. Read more about the race on St. Croix Source and on the US Virgin Islands Federation Facebook page.
Photo credit: US Virgins Federation
#StCroix #USVI #Caribbean #cycling #olympics #vicycling
