US Virgin Islands

In our last installment, we left off with Chris Columbus meeting the Indians at Salt River Bay in 1493. Skipping forward a bit -

In the early 1640s, England and Holland were sparring over St Croix, and a bit later, the French and Spanish got into the mix. From 1655 - 1665, the French leased the islands to the French chapter of the Knights of Malta, and the island produced cotton, indigo, tobacco, sugar and tropical foods. In the late 17th century, the French were forced to abandon the island, and eventually English woodcutters from Tortola moved in and engaged in lumbering.

France sold St Croix to the Danish West India and Guinea Company in 1733. Denmark took over as a Crown Colony in 1755 and began to expand the sugar plantations and control the African slave trade. The Danes established the towns of Christiansted (named for King Christian VI of Denmark) in 1735, and Frederiksted (named for King Frederik V) in 1752. Friederich Moth, governor of the West India Company, designed the town layout for Christiansted and had the island surveyed into 150 acre estates, the names of which we still use today! Moth encouraged settlers by offering tax benefits and reasonable prices on the land (sound familiar? We're still doing it!!). The tolerance of the Danes regarding ethnicity and religion made our island a cultural melting pot, which it still is. English eventually became the common language, but most people spoke a Dutch Creole, a blend of Dutch and African languages, and later a dialect of English - which I believe still influences the native language here. Our locals speak their own brand of "English," which is charming and lovely, although a bit difficult for us "mainlanders" to understand, at least initially. "All ah we tink dis is ah good ting, to ah talk Crucian...."

The sugar-based prosperity of St Croix reached its peak in the mid 1700's with exports of sugar, molasses, rum, hardwoods, and cotton. At one point, our island was called the "garden of the West Indies," which I think even captures our culture, although our new "branding" is labeling St Croix as "the Port of Solace." Today, you can see the ruins of over 80 sugar mills here on our beautiful island. They stand as a reminder to embrace our diversity and cherish our freedom, for it was on the backs of the African slaves that these mills were built and the sugar was produced - and our island prospered.

Members of our community still sit on the steps of our government house in protest of our government's lack of attention to the issue of reparation. They seek more and better education of our youth about the savage history of slavery, and seek to engage those nations who benefitted from the institution in helping to mitigate its devastating consequences. ACRRA (the African Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance) seeks to bring to the table all avenues of the topic of slavery and its repercussions so that healing - on both sides of the issue - can happen. But I digress.....

Join me next week for the final installment of my series on the history of St. Croix. Better yet, sign up to receive my blog posts through the RSS feed shown on the right.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.retireinthevi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

If you are like me, and just can't wait till you're 65 to "retire" to the virgin islands, but are SO READY to quit your current job and start a new life, then this post is designed specifically for you!  I started a new career here, and many other folks have done the same.  Some have turned former "hobbies" into paying jobs.  It's quite possible that you'll be served a fine meal by a former CEO of a large company!

Moving here or "retiring"  here does not mean that you can't be productive or have a full or part time job to bring in some extra money and/or contribute in a meaningful way.  There are numerous places to do volunteer work as well, and also plenty of job opportunities.

Your job research should start before your arrival on the island.  Checking local job websites and newspapers will give you an idea of what the job market on St. Croix has to offer. It is also a good idea to check the job opening/career pages of local and federal agency web sites, especially if your experience and training are in the areas of social work, business administration or project management. It is not likely that you will secure more than the prospect of an interview before your arrival, unless your area of expertise is in a specific industry, such as many of the positions utilized in the island's resident oil refinery. Check the links below for more information on local employment opportunities.

www.vidol.gov/Units/JobService/Job_Seekers.html:  Virgin Islands Department of Labor, Division of Job Services.  Registration with the Department of Labor is recommended shortly after you arrive, especially if you plan to work full time. It must be done in person, and you must submit identification (birth certificate, driver's license or state ID for copying) and an up-to- date resume with your application. You are given a copy of most recent job listings to review while you wait to see a representative. St. Croix locations: Frederiksted - 302 King St., (340) 772-2312; Christiansted - Sunny Isle Store #7, (340) 773-1440.

http://www.dlca.gov.vi/boardcertifications.htm :  Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs. The Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs is a necessary stop if you are interested in one of the fields that require passing an examination for board certification to be employed in the territory. Social worker, architect, and electrician are among the job titles for which this is a must.

http://www.dopusvi.org/careers.aspx : Division of Personnel.

http://www.viirb.com/: Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue.

http://www.vivote.gov/index.htm: Election Systems of the U.S.  Virgin Islands. Poll workers are needed for primaries and general elections. Call (340) 773-1021 for information or applications are accepted in-person, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., across from the K Mart annex at the Sunny Isle Annex #4, 93A.

http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/about/jobs.htm: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs.

This agency lists job openings through USAJOBS, the official job site of the U.S. Federal Government, www.usajobs.gov .

http://www.vipd.gov.vi/work_with_us/work_with_us.aspx: U.S. Virgin Islands Police Department.

http://www.viport.com/employment.html: Virgin Islands Port Authority. To file an application for employment at the Port Authority, contact VIPA's Personnel Department at (340) 774-1629, ext. 677; please mail your applications to: Virgin Islands Port Authority Attention: Personnel Department P. O. Box 301707 St. Thomas, VI 00803-1707

www.dpnr.gov.vi: Department of Planning & Natural Resources. Job openings are listed on the Division of Personnel's site, http://www.dopusvi.org/careers.aspx.

www.vid.uscourts.gov/pages/Body_employment/htm: U.S District Court of the Virgin Islands.

http://www.viig.org/careers.html: The Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General.

http://www.viwapa.vi/jobs_ext_list.asp: U.S. Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority.

http://hrweb.uvi.edu: University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix Campus (jobs on St. Croix are denoted with STX.

http://stx.onepaper.com/: St. Croix Source, online newspaper. Check the Classifieds page for employment opportunities.

http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/: Virgin Islands Daily News, online version. Check the Classifieds under the Employment link for job openings.

http://www.career.vi:  website dedicated to job openings in St. Croix.

http://www.caribbeanmonster.com - Caribbean-focused version of the popular job website.

I'm a Realtor now, sold my business and moved here a few years ago and have no regrets!  Our economy is very strong, and real estate prices are poised to do nothing but go up.

Contact me with any questions about relocation or retirement in St. Croix, and for real estate market information.  I'm livin' my dream - are you?

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758

St. Croix has a rich and interesting history. I've provided a very encapsulated version here - taken mostly from a wonderful resource that those of you who are considering moving here MUST have - and that's the Settler's Handbook for the US Virgin Islands (you can order your copy from www.gotostcroix.com).  

This book covers many topics of interest to anyone interested in St. Croix, and is also a great resource, guide, and source of valuable information about the island.  I've excerpted some of the key historical events from the overview of this book to give you a thumbnail sketch of our history.

For a good map of St. Croix and points of interest, visit the map page on my web site, www.retireinthevi.com.

Evidence suggests that the lovely island of St Croix has been inhabited since around 2500 BC. There have been three known pottery-making tribes who inhabited the island, starting with the Igneri (or Ancient Ones) , the Taino or Arawak, and the Caribs, who were here until the late 16th century.  Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to visit us in 1493, and anchored near Salt RIver bay. They were met by some of these Indians and as a result, 'Ol Chris named the site  "Cape of Arrows," which is a testimony to the less than warm welcome he received!

Check in next week for Part II of our history or sign up to subscribe to this blog.

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
340-626-3758

As we enter the dog days of summer, I am falling even more in love with this beautiful island. The days are hot, but the water feels oh so good! Nothing better than slipping into the pool or ocean on a hot summer day! And the evenings are so pleasant! I couldn't sleep last night and just stood on my gallery feeling the warm tropical tradewinds blow and smelling the lovely jasmine that is just starting to bloom in my yard.

If that's not enough, more announcements about new developments coming that were in today's paper got me all excited and made me want to rush out and buy buy buy more real estate here!

Contact me for a copy of my monthly newsletter - the August issue has info about the return of cruise ships to Frederiksted, more Delta flights scheduled to our island, and a new initiative to bury the power lines in Christiansted, which will make our town even more lovely and facilitate the restoration of power should we have a hurricane. You can also read the continuing saga of our water and power authority woes, and learn about our amazing athletes currently competing in the Olympics.

St. Croix is a busy place, bustling with economic vitality, growth, and a real sense that we are going somewhere! Let me help you invest in St. Croix, and live your dream in our paradise - I'm living mine!

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
340-626-3758
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com

Snorkeling is one of my favorite hobbies.  I addition to watching the sea life, I love to look for shells and chaney (small pieces of broken Danish pottery) in the shallows. There are good snorkeling spots ALL OVER this lovely island. Visit the maps page on my web site, to become familiar with the island of St. Croix.

I guess I enjoy the snorkeling on the west end best of all. Right in front of our condo at Harbour Beach Village (just south of Sandcastles on the Beach) are perfect coral formations and overhangs  - great spots for fish and lobsters to hang out!  If you go in either direction away from the condos, the snorkeling is still wonderful, but the bottom changes.  There are some grassy areas to the south,ideal for spotting turtles!  Last week we saw an ENORMOUS ray.  Wing span of probably 5 - 6 feet!  

There's actually an underwater snorkeling trail on the west end just off of the beach in front of N2 the Blue (best dive shop in St Croix) and Coconuts (best beach bar in St Croix!!!).  And snorkeling off the Frederiksted pier, you may get lucky and see seahorses!  That's a definite "seahorse hangout!"  

Going north, other good snorkeling spots include the beach off of Butler Bay (you'll see a sign and some old stone gates - just after that is a nice beach- park there to snorkel - but don't leave valuables in your car!).  Further north along the west end beach road, stay to the left and you'll be rewarded with great snorkeling at Ham's bay.  You'll see several spots to pull off and park - just make sure to mind your valuables.  Take along one of those waterproof containers for your keys and wallet - if you don't have one - you can pick one up at  N2 the Blue.   Nothing worse than having a perfect beach and snorkeling day ruined by a few punks who get their jollies by breaking into vehicles and stealing your stuff.

Along the North Shore, of course the famous Cane Bay is a great spot for snorkeling and diving. Continue on to La Valle and I understand the snorkeling is pretty good in that stretch just after you go left at the Corner Store.  Haven't checked it out yet - but it's supposed to be nice.  And so is the snorkeling right in front of Lobster Reef (restaurant across from Corner Store).   I hear that's a lobster hangout - and the restaurant is a hangout for those of us who like to eat them!  Salt River park (the beach side) has some interesting coral formations and is supposed to have wonderful snorkeling.  I haven't tried that yet, either.   To get there, continue down north shore road and turn left at the marina.  That road dead-ends at the beach - take security precautions here as well.

On the east end of the island there's also some great snorkeling.  Tamarind Reef is really nice.  Past the Buccaneer, turn left into Green Cay.  Follow signs for the Deep End Bar and go to the beach to the right of the bar.  They have an attendant and you can rent chairs, umbrellas, the whole works.   Fewer worries about thievery here, and truly world class snorkeling.  It's a bit difficult to get into the water here - but worth it.

Out east, the water in front of Duggan's Reef restaurant is  supposedly good for snorkeling.  Or, keep heading east and follow signs for the Divi, then turn left on one of the roads and find your way to the beach at Grapetree bay.  There are several spots where you'll see trails to the beach and some parking. Great snorkeling here, too.  The Divi hotel beach is also nice - with all the amenitie of a fine hotel (chairs, bar, etc.).  

Jack & Issac's Bay is supposed to be fabulous for snorkeling (also off of Grapetree Bay- but you have to hike to it).  I'm going to test that one out this week.  I understand it requires a significant hike - but it's supposed to be well worth it.  I'll report back!

And of COURSE  - there's Buck Island!  But for that - you need a boat!

Please feel free to post your comments about other snorkel spots YOU'VE found here on St. Croix!

Sound too good to be true?  Visit my web site on retiring in the Virgin Islands, contact me for a Relocation Package or Answers to Your Questions on Retirement.  We live our dream here in St. Croix - come down and visit!

Kim Lucas, REALTOR
www.kimlucasvi.com
www.retireinthevi.com
kim@coldwellbankervi.com
340-626-3758