The 3rd annual Emancipation art exhibition “Blackfullness” at Fort Frederik Museum celebrates USVI’s cultural heritage from July 12 through October 2024. The exhibition showcases a diverse array of artwork from local and regional artists, including Waldemar Brodhurst, Jeffrey Rezende, Victoria Rivera, Elisa Mackay, and many more.
“Blackfullness” is a word coined by the late Black feminist Audre Lorde to describe what she loved about her chosen home of St. Croix. Specifically, the Black community that provided her with a sense of great belonging and purpose that transcended place. The late artist and poet’s experience of St. Croix as a healing space and a source of inspiration is echoed in the works of many artists who have drawn from the island’s vibrant community and history.
According to the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resource, this year’s exhibition spotlights the spirit of resistance that is at the core of Virgin Islanders’ identity and that is etched into everything that makes Virgin Islands’ cultural production so powerful.
The V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery has announced the launch of the “Own a Lot, Build a Home” First-Time Homebuyers Assistance Program. This new initiative is designed to help Virgin Islands residents who own land but lack the necessary financing to construct a home. The initiative provides a zero percent interest forgivable loan to qualified applicants, easing the financial burden of constructing single-family homes on undeveloped properties. The program plans to utilize disaster recovery funding to help Virgin Islands subsidize expenses relating high construction costs.
The VI Consortium reported that the program provides 50 percent of construction costs to first-time homeowners. On St. Croix, the sum is capped at $498,257; $639,400 on St. Thomas, and $1,09,150 on St. John.
To apply for the landowners who have resided in the territory for at least three years must complete the first-time homebuyers program offered by the V.I. Housing Finance Authority and an application through participating lending institutions Banco Popular or Rural Development. Read more about the program in this VI Consortium article and this VI Daily News article.
Purchasing real estate is likely to be the biggest and most complex financial transaction a person will make in their life. A trusted real estate professional is a strong advocate who understands the information and the process. As experts with knowledge of the local market, we are well prepared to guide Buyers through all the practical details and potential obstacles which may occur during the purchase process.
We are your information resource, negotiator, advocate, problem solver, and calendar watcher. Even if you have bought property in the states, buying in the US Virgin Islands can be different.
Buying real estate is unlike buying anything else. It’s complicated. An experienced Realtor is the close professional ally who can make a world of difference for you. If you are considering buying property here on St. Croix, please contact us, and let’s start working together towards reaching your goals!
In the video below we walk you through the 15 steps to buying a home. Let us know if you have any questions!
We are excited to hear about Seaborne Airline’s addition of the new aircraft and overhaul of the existing seaplanes! According to Seaborne’s general manager as reported by WTJX, the new fleet will result in more connectivity and reliability when it comes to inter-island travel and allow Seaborne to expand its operations throughout the Caribbean. The new seaplane will be operating between St. Croix and St. Thomas.
The U.S. Virgin Islands is considering expanding its maritime capabilities with a new shipyard in the South Shore Trade Zone (SSTZ) on St. Croix, according to the V.I. Economic Development Authority, which commissioned a feasibility study conducted by First Marine International, a subsidiary of Royal Haskoning DHV. The VI Consortium reported recently that a feasibility study indicates a new shipyard could substantially increase employment and economic benefits in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The article points out that while the study concludes the economic viability of the shipyard, it recommends further evaluations concerning capital expenditures and exploring alternative funding sources before proceeding. The potential for private sector involvement and the development of a skilled workforce through local training and apprenticeships are seen as critical elements for the shipyard’s success.
The possibility of the shipyard bringing significant boost to local economic growth is fantastic news. Read the full article here.
