Your Caribbean lifestyle detective in the WCR Fashion Show

Ann Marie and I were visiting our San Francisco Bay Area home this past week. Last Thursday, my friend, Jean Metz, who is the president of Women’s Council of Realtors called me and asked if I would be a last minute addition to their models for their 29th annual Fashion Show. How could I say no? So, last Friday I was in a fashion show in the segment called “Fredrick’s Of Truckee”. ( Truckee is a fun town at Lake Tahoe.) The segment was five guys in cross dressing fashion attire, so there was no problem with me participating given all the things that I done in the Caribbean the past 30+ years.

The show was a sellout success at the San Ramon Marriott Hotel. For the last 29 years this event has raised over $500,000 for women’s issues in the Bay Area. This year’s event focused attention on supporting Shelter, Inc. – an organization that supports women and children in abusive relationships. What an honor to have people laugh at me while such great results are being created for those less fortunate.

Ann Marie and I had a slow morning the next day, Saturday. We laughed about the Fashion Show and were also thrilled that we could contribute to such a worthy cause. At 10:30 am, Ann Marie suggested we get in our car and drive over to Sam’s Café in Tiburon for lunch. Oh, my gosh…it was 80 degrees on September 30th in San Francisco, and Sam’s Cafe deck was packed. We started out with Bloody Mary’s and met a couple visiting from London – Dave and Nicole.

As our conversation unfolded we found out they were interested in buying a place in the British Virgin Islands in the next few months, so we told them all about Raffles Tortola. ( I told you all about Raffles Tortola in my Lambert Bay Mystery Solved blog posting.) They even took a photo of us at Sam’s. We have now emailed them more information as to how they can get on the waiting list for the Founders Program of the 25 villas for $2.2 million each. Isn’t it a small and wonderful world? We have a busy travel schedule the next month or so, but I am planning on being at the St. Thomas Charter League Boat Show the first week in November. If you are on-island at that time it would fun to share a beer at one of my favorite bars.

Contact me about Raffles Tortola if you want more information. Until next time…

Can I make a living in the Virgin Islands?

Moving to the Virgin Islands is wonderful, but how are you going to earn a living? One of the first questions many ask when inquiring about the U.S. Virgin Islands is “Can I find a job?” Some people wish to move to the islands temporarily, so appropriately, they seek a seasonal job, often in the tourism industry. Others seek a professional long-term position, while others on retirement might just want a part time job. It is important to consider what you are seeking in terms of a job so that you can do the appropriate research concerning the Virgin Islands’ job market.

The Virgin Islands has a unique work/cost of living scenario; cost of living is high, averaging 33% higher then other US jurisdictions however the average salary is less then most other US jurisdictions. So, do you have a better understanding of the challenge facing you?

Tourism is the basis for the Virgin Islands’ economy. Job possibilities include sales, tours, bartending, wait staff, mates on sail boats and charters, hotel and resort staff, beach attendants and water sports attendants – and REALTORS.

Many of these jobs are easier to land during “the season” (mid-November to mid-May). Often times, managers and owners prefer applicants to be on-island when applying. Believe it or not, Duffy’s Love Shack is the place to start if you are looking for restaurant wait staff work- email Duffy’s staff.

People who plan to work in food/drink service need health cards. Health cards are issued at the Community Health Clinic. On St. Thomas the clinic is located in the Roy Schneider Hospital, second floor. The cost is around $46.60. Requirements are a photo ID, pictures, a social security card and you are required to take a stool test. For more information call the Clinic at (340)774-7477.

Although tourism is the largest employer segment, there are employment possibilities in government, health, law, journalism, education and other private industries. There are generally jobs of all types available; teachers, nurses, doctors, secretaries, paralegals, accountants, professors, chefs, managers. Some professions, in particular nursing and teaching, are in constant demand.

There are both public and private elementary and high schools in the Virgin Islands. There is also a university with two campuses. For application procedures and information on teaching in public schools visit Department of Education. Some private schools have web sites, they often contain employment information. For persons qualified to teach on a college level visit in the Virgin Islands go.

Again, if you want more help contact me and I will do all I can to help make your Caribbean dream come true.