Jan 11, 2021 | Island News
St Croix will soon have a way to recycle glass that can be used for sandbags and other applications! University of the Virgin Islands Marine Scientist Howard Forbes Jr. spearheaded a new project that recycles glass bottles into sandbags for hurricane season. This effort will help divert glass waste away from the landfill and beaches and be able to use it in a number of different applications including sandbags, water and septic filtration, as an aggregate for concrete and asphalt, landfill cover material, and more. Dr. Forbes purchased five glass crushers that will be distributed to community partners on St. Thomas with a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. Two more will be purchased for St. Croix with additional funding from the Ocean Conservancy.
To read the full article on St Croix Source, click here.
Photo credit Howard Forbes Jr.
Jan 11, 2021 | Island News
The US Virgin Islands was named Destination of the Year by Caribbean Journal. The journal announced its 7th annual edition of our Caribbean Travel Awards across 20 different categories and we are so happy to see that beautiful US Virgin Islands recognized.
The publication calls USVI “a model for tourism reopenings around the region — highlighting what was, before the pandemic, an increasingly hot tri-island destination its own right, from the launch of a new tourism brand for St Croix early in the year to a rekindled hotel development movement.”
Read more on USVI and the other awardees in various categories here.
Photo courtesy of Caribbean Journal
Dec 21, 2020 | Island News
The USVI 20-Year Economic Vision sets a pathway for economic growth, job creation, and wealth generation. We have highlighted how St Croix is strong economic hub for any type of working professional in our previous blog article. We are glad to see Ebony Media’s recent article about the advantages of starting and growing a business in USVI:
“Doing business in the U.S. Virgin Islands has many advantages beyond the world-class beaches and eco-tourism, incredible views and waterscape, and unique Caribbean culture and cuisine. With the United States’ legal protections, the familiarity of currency, and mirror tax-system, the U.S. Virgin Islands is an ideal location for starting, growing, or expanding a business.”
Read the full article here.
#USVI #Business #StCroix #CaribbeanEconomy
Dec 21, 2020 | Island News
We are pleased to read about 2 leaders of Caribbean Hotel and Tourism industries’ positive recovery outlook for the Caribbean. They also cautioned the importance sustainable development and preserving the cultural identity of the Caribbean when accelerating tourism recovery as highlighted in the recent presentations to travel and tourism stakeholders, Pablo Jose Torres Sojo, the recently appointed president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, and Frank Comito, CEO and director general of CHTA.
According to the St. Croix Source, “top Caribbean private sector tourism leaders are asserting that tourism is the region’s best hope for recovery and renewal and that the successful revival of the sector relies on its ability to enhance its strengths while simultaneously reshaping itself to adapt to a changing global environment.” See the full article here.
#USVI #CaribbeanTourism #StCroix
Nov 28, 2020 | Island News
Q: “When I buy a home, what should I look for in an outdoor entertaining space?”
Christie: Entertaining outdoors and St. Croix are a perfect combination! Homes and condos often have covered galleries, sunny patios, or lush garden spaces. When searching for or creating an outdoor entertaining space, think about your preferences, how you would use the space for yourself, and how you would use it for entertaining friends. Would you like a covered area for relaxing, reading, or working from home? Are you a sun worshiper? Do you want a cozy spot with a garden all around you? Perhaps you would like all of these different “outdoor rooms” depending on the number of people you’ll have over and the kind of entertaining you’ll do.
As you imagine the use of the space, think of furnishings which will make you and your guests comfortable – tables and chairs for dining with friends, and chairs, loungers, and outdoor sofas for relaxing. Would you like to swing in a hammock? At our home we have a large area with a view where we can sit under the shelter of huge mahogany trees. We have several bird feeders and bird baths to attract hummingbirds, sugar birds, finches, and doves because we love the air to be full of birdsong. There are umbrellas by the pool for shade. Just outside our home office we have tropical flowering plants in pots, and have created an orchid garden. We’ve planted a few scented flowers close to the house so that we see and smell them while we work.
If you have any questions or like our help in finding an island home perfect for you, contact us!
Nov 28, 2020 | Island News
Q: “With the holidays already here, what are some ideas for outdoor entertaining decoration?”
Chris: On St. Croix, think of the weather conditions and sun. Although today there’s just a gentle breeze, in winter we can we get some stronger breezes, especially the seasonal “Christmas Winds”. Be sure your decorations are secured, non-breakable, and heavier than ones used indoors. Having artificial trees, garlands and wreaths with UV protection will prevent sun damage and fading. Lights should be UL certified for outdoor use. Because many outdoor areas might not have outlets, look for other ways to create pockets of light, solar powered lights are a great option. Also, there are wreaths and garlands with battery powered lights and even LED “candles”, which won’t blow out or pose a fire hazard.
Windproof the table by using placemats and napkins made of sturdy material which won’t blow away. Stemless or plastic glassware and non-fragile dishes will put your guests at ease. You want everything on the table to sustain outdoor conditions and still look festive.
Decorate even if you don’t entertain. During these challenging times, bringing color, light, and decorations into your home and outdoor space will warm your heart. It’s a perfect time for remembering dear ones and good times.
