For the ninth year the Virgin Islands Charter League and the St. Thomas Chamber of Commerce have hosted the parade of lights of decorated boats from all over the Virgin Islands.

Imagine the most spectacular decorated home for Christmas – lights, Santas, reindeer, and the whole works.  OK, now you have a bit of an idea of what it is like to see yachts decorated in the same manner cruising past “Miracle On Main Street” along the waterfront at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas.  This incredible event will happen on the evening of Friday December 19th with a $1,000 first prize for the best decorated yacht. 

After speaking with the VICL Director, Erik Akerson, he asked that I imagine the St. Thomas Harbor lighted up with boats of all types on parade for the Lighted Boat Parade.  Boats are judged on the originality and creativity of their decorations and lighting.  Judging categories include holiday lighting, creative use and amount of lighting, special effects and ornamentation.  Prizes are awarded to the top three placing boats.  The VICL and the Chamber of Commerce are delighted to announce its partnership with Yacht Haven Grande for this year’s event.  To entice boats from the East End and Red Hook area, the marina will be offering free overnight slips to furthest traveling participants.  Call Kristen Galloway, YHG marina manager at 774-9500 for boat slip reservations. 

The after parade party will be at the Fat Turtle Bar & Restaurant at Yacht Haven Grande.  You may remember the Fat Turtle from the articles I wrote about the VICL Charter Yacht Boat Show last month.  There are a lot of after hours parties at the Fat Turtle for that event, too.  This is such a fun event, that I hope many of you stop by downtown St. Thomas the evening of December 19th for the fun and festivities.  Until next time…enjoy the planning for your Holiday celebrations. 

The Caribbean charter crews and Brokers are congratulating Jonny and Mere on their wedding November 14th!

OK, so the 2008 VICL Boat Show  is in full swing today, and a fairy tail is unfolding before the very eyes of all the crews and the charter Brokers.  A wedding is being planned for the crew of s/y Conundrum – Jonny and Meredith on November 14^th – the day after the VICL Boat Show concludes!!!  What an exciting moment for all of the participants.  Jonny and Mere are two very popular members of the charter Crews and Brokers.

I learned from the ever-smiling Captain of Condundrum  that he grew up around salt water activities his whole life, however he is not an “old salt” yet.  Jonny as lived in the Virgin Islands since he was a teenager, and he has been a sailor for 18 years, and the Captain of several private yachts.  Jonny has the reputation of creating an unforgettable charter vacation experience.  I have heard Jonny say, “My biggest satisfaction is when our guests say at the end of the week, ‘That’s the best vacation we ever had!’ That puts a smile on my face.”

Meredith is from the Midwest.  She grew up in Missouri and has a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies from Kansas University. Interestingly, prior to becoming a chef, she obtained a Securities Exchange License Series Seven, working for three years with Morgan Stanley out of Santa Ana, California. Thank goodness she changed her profession in 2003.  We would have hated to have her be on the “sinking ship of security firms” during the last six months.  “I really enjoy seeing our guests experience a new environment, and I like to add little touches, like serving specialty drinks or having a themed menu for the day. I’m creating an atmosphere of informal elegance – nice but not stuffy, casual yet stylish. Simply pleasurable – every moment of the day”

Meredith, the bride to be, has years of culinary experience on private and charter yachts, with gourmet specialties in Caribbean, American, and Italian cuisine.  Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, lounge with a frozen cocktail in the cockpit as you watch the sun sink to orange with the “green flash”, and then dive into a luscious dinner served in the elegant salon. The perfect ending to a perfect day – and Mere makes it all happen for each of her charter guests.

The sailing yacht Conundrum is where the beautiful design of traditional yachting blends with contemporary conveniences. Their 62-foot sailing yacht, completely re-fitted in 2006, and features the latest in all the high-tech conveniences and simple elegance polished mahogany throughout. And, for they even have 6’6″ headroom for their tall sailing guests.  Go to the s/y Conundrum website for even more details.

More yachts to come and lots more fun awaits the participants as we continue our preview of another unforgettable VICL Boat Show.  This afternoon Sue Maki, the GM of Flagship  will be doing Part 2 of the new Broker training and certification.  The charter yachts are open for viewing until 5PM.   During the lunch event sponsored by Flagship, the Director of Homeland Security, Mel Vanterpool Homeland Security,  will be reviewing the issues his department is facing in the Caribbean.  And, you won’t believe the party that is planned tonight – The Paradise Party at the St. Thomas Sky Ride.  More yachts are yet to be preview…stay tuned!  Your charter yacht detective  is still on duty!

What a night that Director Erik and the Team put together for the Governor’s Reception!

Talk about a party with EVERYONE decked out in their finest “Black & Whites”, tonight was it!  The Andrew Douglas Steel Pan Band was the hit entertainment for the night.  Andrew is from Trinidad, the home of steel pan, and showed us how to play the pans!  The charter yacht suppliers were showing off their best stuff with samples for all to enjoy.  And there was plenty to drink, because thirst is a dangerous thing, expecially within the charter yacht industry.  I think I even remember a few Brokers who were a bit out of shape for the type of parties the Captains and Crews are accustom to.  But, let’s get back to the honored government guests at the event. Lt. Governor Francis, Senator Hill, Commissioner of USVI Tourism Board Nicholson Doty,  Lt. Commander Grant – USCG, and Director Mel Vanterpool of Homeland Security.

It was a night of honoring the charter yacht industry for their contribution the economy of the USVI, and an opportunity to have the elected USVI officials address the issues of how their administration is supporting the growth of tourism and of the charter industry.  Their remarks were focused on the reality that,  “…2008 has been one of the most challenging years for the USVI economy!”   That is an understatement given the hurricanes that touched the Virgin Islands, the issues facing the airlines industry and their proposed cut backs in flights to the Caribbean, and the financial meltdown of the U.S. economy.  It was a time of “straight talk” about what the USVI is facing with Tourism as the foundation of their economy.  However, they also let the audience know what the USVI government is doing to create a healthy Tourist economy, which is critical to the Charter Yacht Industry.  During their remarks, and also during my discussions with Gov. deJongh in past months he has made the following reports regarding how they are addressing the critical issues of supporting a healty tourist economy:

1. Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has participated in a series of meetings in New York City with investor groups in the past few months that are considering major investments in the Virgin Islands and particularly in St. Croix.  Resorts, industry, and real estate will create more visitors and more jobs.
2. He sent V.I. Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty to Florida for meetings with her Public/Private Sector Airline Committee and American Airlines.  American was planning to cut 40% of their flights  to the Caribbean on September 1, 2008.  Ms. Doty and her committee met with Peter Dolora from American Airlines and was instructed to not let the meeting end until they committed to reinstate their Winter flights to the Caribbean. The results are that American’s once-a-day flight between Miami and St. Croix will began again on November 2^nd.  The daily flight between New York’s JFK Airport and St. Thomas will resume next week November 20^th, and a second flight will be added on Fridays starting December 18^th.  American’s flight between Boston and St. Thomas will run on a twice-weekly schedule starting November 2^nd, and on December 18^th, it will be back flying five days a week.  This was a BIG result that is requiring a joint advertising and marketing plan with the various USVI tourist industries to be implemented through 2009.
3. The Six-Pak law  is still in effect and Gov. deJongh agrees it needs to be overturned.  He has worked closely with Director Erik of the VICL and Shelly Tucker from s/v ThreeMoons  to present a position paper that can be used with the Federal Government to have this law overturned.  The challenge the Governor has had this year in moving this initiative forward has been the non-stop challenged presented this year as stated above.  All of us know the incredible benefits that the repeal of this law would have within the Charter Yacht industry.  Director Erik and your VICL Board will continue to press for this issue to become a priority.

And…the Governor’s Reception party raged on!  It was another night of fellowship with old friends, and meeting new friends.  The Charter Yacht industry is made up of some of the finest people I have ever met.  Now, back to our berths, and preparing for another day of viewing the charter fleet.  More to come tomorrow with feature articles on many of the yachts and crewmembers attending the show.  Until then…sweet dreams.

The BVI Boat Show is one not to miss!  The “Best of the Best”  charter yachts show up for viewing, and parties!

The BVI Boat Show opened this week at Village Cay Marina  on Tortola, BVI!  This is one of the key Charter Vacation Yacht events of the year.  As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Charter Boat Shows  allows the Vacation Yacht Brokers from North America to view most all of the Charter fleet at one location the week before the Caribbean charter season officially opens in mid-November.

The Charter Yacht Society  was founded in 1982 by the owners of crewed yachts in the BVI.  CYS is the voice of the charter yacht industry as they are the education arm, and advocate for the issues facing the charter industry within the BVI.  Crewed chartered vacations in the BVI serve clients from around the world, and the member-yachts of CSY are viewed as the best of the charter industry.  Janet Oliver is the Executive Director  of BVI Charter Yacht Society, and is one of the hardest working advocates for the industry that I have every met.  Her tireless efforts are accelerated in the production of the Boat Show each year.  After Saturday we hope she takes a few days off to recharge her batteries.

Two of the yachts at this year’s Boat Show that I have personally chartered for sailing the BVI are s/v Double Feature – a Lagoon 57 – with Captain Jonny and Chef Kelly as your hosts, and s/v Dream Catcher II - a Privilege 51 with Captain Jean-Pierre as your host.  I can tell you first hand that both of these crews and yachts provide unforgettable experiences for whomever is their charter guests. Contact me  if you would like more details about these very special crews and catamarans.

Early in the morning the crews re-polish every inch of their yachts and prepare for the viewing of their “Floating Villas”  by the charter vacation Brokers.  From 9AM to 5PM each day of the show, the crews are welcoming aboard the people who will be promoting their business throughout the year.  The crews are dressed to the nines, and daily prepare appetizers and beverages for all who come aboard.  In addition, each day there are various other events happening for the Boat Show participants;

• Service Provider Expos:  Provisioners, Restaurants, Charter Yacht Services, and more.  They have live entertainment and various contests for the crews and Brokers.
• Education Seminars:  Best of practices resentations for both Crews and Brokers.
• BVI Governor’s Reception at the Governor’s Residence.
• Contests: There is fierce competition for Napkin Folding and Appetizers. ( At last year’s Boat Show s/v Zingara’s  crew won the Napkin Folding, and Emily from s/v Swish  won the Appetizer competition – a hot and crispy Mahi Mahi presentation.)
• The competitions are judged by several of the key members of the charter industry with Dick from CharterPort  always one of the favorites.

The BVI Boat Show is also one of only times during the charter season that the crews are together in one port.  Because of that fact, the after parties each night that crawl from yacht to yacht are over the top, and sometimes not even remembered!  I, Jim Walberg,  will never be able to run for public office because of photos and tales that could be told regarding my ability to run with the “Big Dogs” – even though I am considered the “Old Dog”  at 60 years old.

At the conclusion of the Boat Show a tradition has unfolded where many of the charter yachts sail to Deadman’s Bay  at Peter Island for what is now titled “Splish Splash”.  The crews take Brokers aboard as their guests, and the party continues this Sunday with water skiing, snorkeling, and cocktails.  The BVI Tourist Board  takes care of the transportation of the ferry transportation to St. Thomas and Yacht Haven Grande  for next week’s Virgin Island Charter League Boat Show - another week of viewing charter yachts and Broker/Crew events.  Stay tuned!  I will have several updates of next week’s VICL Boat Show, too.  Until then…

In spite of the double-digit growth of U.S. visitors in 2007 to the Caribbean the airlines are cutting back flights!

I am not an alarmist, nor do I ever look at my glass “half empty”.  But, there are a series of SERIOUS decisions being made by the major airlines serving the Caribbean!  The past year has seen on of the largest levels of visitors to the Caribbean in history – over 15 million people enjoying the most beautiful resorts and beaches in the world!!!  As I have written many times, the Caribbean is THE place to be for second, third and fourth homes – whether fractionals or full ownership real estate. 

During my 30+ years of traveling to the Caribbean I have NEVER thought about not being able to get there.  My only concern is planning my monthly and yearly schedules to fit in the hundreds of adventures I have enjoyed over the years – from the BVI to Trinadad/Tobago.  BUT, today, with the monumental impact the oil prices are having on all aspects of our lives, the ONLY method to get to the Caribbean – airlines, are cutting back or canceling their flights to Puerto Rico, the visitor’s hub to all the Caribbean islands.

Allen Castanet, the chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization said last week, “Billions of dollars of investment are being exposed, and thousands of jobs are being exposed.”  The weak link in access to the Caribbean is American Airlines.  They are in a mess and are struggling to stay in business.  Here is the rub…they currently control more that 60% of the passengers traveling through Puerto Rico as they connect to smaller airplanes servicing each of the Caribbean islands.  American Airlines has just announced that they are cutting back their daily flights to Puerto Rico this September from 93 to 51!!!  Holy Moly!!!  If you owned any tourist oriented business in the Caribbean, wouldn’t this news put shivers up your spine?  This is a BIG issue that will need to be addressed by anyone who has an interest in the tourist economy of this very special region of the world.

The flights that are being cut to Puerto Rico will also greatly impact the cruise line business.  San Juan is the city where most cruise line passengers meet their ships.  Over ten cruise lines use San Juan as their destination port.  Continental Airlines is another big player in flights to San Juan, and they are now expected to announce flight cuts because of the price of jet fuel and the soft American economy.   Last week Spirit Airlines has closed their Puerto Rico hub entirely!

Again, in past articles I have highlighted the amazing opportunities in the Dominican Republic -fractional and full ownership real estate opportunities.  Get this…from January through April of this year more than 407,000 tourists visited the DR – a 6% increase over the same period last year!  The question now is how will you get there?  Peter Muller who owns the Hotel Coyamar in Samana, Dominican Republic said, “This is just the beginning.  We’re going to reach a point where it’s no longer worth keeping the airport open.”  In spite of this latest blow to those wanting to travel to the Caribbean, solutions will be found.  Those travel solutions will cost a lot more, but they may be the only options we have.  One thought may be that Cancun becomes the airline hub to the Caribbean.  It would make traveling there much more difficult for those U.S. travelers from the East Coast, but it would be about the same travel time for those going to the Caribbean from the West Coast.  It would also immediately put the focus on Belize, Turks & Caicos, Bermuda, Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands as places to consider for your next Caribbean home.  I am absolutely sure viable solutions will be discovered.  But, for the short term, we will all need to make flight plans months in advance in order to make sure we get a seat.  Let me know your thoughts on these latest developments impacting traveling to the Caribbean.  Until next time…your Caribbean lifestyle detective is on duty.

A white Caribbean Realtor / Community activist, and a white graduating college senior continue to blur the color lines of our world.

History was made last week as Jim Walberg – a Caribbean Realtor was inducted into the Diablo Black Men’s Group, and Joshua Packwood – a U-Tube Link, was chosen as the Valedictorian of Morehouse College – the all-black men’s college outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  Both of these men are white and both realize that color lines are drawn by everyone, and they hoped that it would not prevent them from making a difference in worlds in which they live and serve.  Both of these men live by the value statement that Martin Luther King, Jr. gave us years ago,   “We are prone to judge success by the index of our salary or the size of our automobile,  rather than by the quality of our service to others and our relationship to humanity.”  

The Diablo Black Men’s Group

The Diablo Black Men’s Group began in the mid 1990′s as an outlet for Diablo Valley African American men. By 1999, the group had evolved into an organization of men who wanted to see their collective influence to enhance the lives of their members and families as well as make significant contributions to the community in which they live. They encourage each member to appreciate liberty and all that it encompasses, including embracing community involvement.

DBMG is committed to support activities with the goal of improving the health and welfare of their citizenry. In addition, DBMG is actively involved in promoting the education of the impact on heart disease, prostate cancer awareness, and health screening of African American men in collaboration with the Alta Bates Summit Ethnic Health Institute, Kaiser Permanente Hospitals, and the American Cancer Society with support from the ChevronTexaco Corporation. Additionally, DBMG helps socially and economically challenged Bay Area youth pursue cultural and educational opportunities through their college scholarship programs.

Moorehouse College 2008 Valedictorian

Founded over 144 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse College has focused on the mission to develop men with disciplined minds who will lead lives of leadership and service. A private historically black liberal arts college for men, Morehouse realizes this mission by emphasizing the intellectual and character development of its students. In addition, the College assumes special responsibility for teaching the history and culture of black people.  Founded in 1867 and located in Atlanta, Georgia, Morehouse is an academic community dedicated to teaching, scholarship, and service, and the continuing search for truth as a liberating force.

Editors Note: Some of the Morehouse College graduates who have made a significant difference in our lives and the world:  Martin Luther King Jr. led the country through one of its most transforming civic movements; David Satcher resuscitated the issues of health care disparity and access; Maynard Jackson taught the world the value of diversity and equal access as the first African American mayor of Atlanta; Donn Clenendon scored in the history annals and was part of a miracle when he was named a World Series MVP; and Shelton “Spike” Lee continues to challenge how the world views blacks in life with critically acclaimed films.  These are just some of the Morehouse Men.

In 2004 Joshua Packwood became one of the “Morehouse Men”.   The 22-year-old from Kansas City, Mo., graduated on May 18^th with a perfect 4.0 GPA and a degree in economics.  He could have gone elsewhere, to a school like Columbia, Stanford or Yale, but his four-year journey through Morehouse has taught him a few things that they could not have learned at any other university, and he makes it clear that he has no regrets.  The Morehouse College professors chose the Valedictorian, and he was their candidate of choice because of his academic accomplishments and his contribution to the college.  He graduated as a Rhodes Scholar finalist, and will be joining Goldman Sachs in New York City. “I’ve been forced to see the world in a different perspective, that I don’t think I could’ve gotten anywhere else,” he said. “None of the ‘Ivies’, no matter how large their enrollment is, no matter how many Nobel laureates they have on their faculty … none of them could’ve provided me with the perspective I have now.”  

It is important for all of us to make a positive difference in worlds we live in everyday.  Now it is your turn.  Let us know what you are doing with the legacy you are leaving behind…

Most everyone I know thinks the Bahamas are in the Caribbean – they are not, but you will think they are when you arrive!

For the past year or more, we have been getting inquiries from Buyers who want information about buying in The Bahamas since they believe these islands are in the Caribbean.  Up until about six weeks ago I told all of those inquiring that the Bahamas are not in the Caribbean. Starting about six weeks ago there has been non-stop inquiries about real estate opportunities in the Bahamas. If you remember my “Brits & Boomers” blog posting, most of these inquiries are coming from Brittan, Europe and Eastern U.S. With this type of interest I had better pay attention to what the consumers are looking for.

One of the BIG benefits is that the Bahamas are so darn convenient for visitors to get there – direct flights from England and the Eastern coast of the U.S. It is definitely a British experience when you arrive. The uniforms of the police and driving on the left side of the road are just the first two clues of the British influence on this 100,000 square mile cluster of 700 islands that include an estimated land area of 5,382 square miles, and the highest land elevation is only 206 feet!

The diving is over the top as one of the many draws since The Bahamas have the third largest barrier reef next to Australia being #1, and Belize being #2!  It also has 14+% of the world’s coral. There are just over 305,000 Bahamians living on the islands with the majority of them on Nassau and Paradise Islands. There are actually only 14 main islands that serve the remaining 686 islands – either by boat or plane. The boat anchorages available throughout the Bahamas allows a sailor to never have another boat anchored next them if they plan their sailing adventure properly.

The African culture has created the flavor and texture of The Bahamas.  There is definitely a British influence , but the culture is West African.  One of the amazing festivals in the Bahamas is Junkonoo. This would be a close cousin of the Caribbean Carnivals, but it is held twice a year on Bay Street in Nassau, so the typical tourist does not get a chance to experience it.  But if you venture down the Prince George Dock in Nassau, you can check out the Junkanoo Expo. 

If sailing is your deal, as it is mine, then you need to show up at Montagu Bay for The Valentine’s Day Sailing Regatta. This regatta is part of the Caribbean regattas that are some of the most competitive in the world.  Remember Ondeck Ocean Racing charters?  They will be entered in 2009 and they are always competitive. It is truly a championship race that has all the fun of Race Week in Antigua. I have finally accepted the fact that the world embraces The Bahamas as part of the Caribbean scene.  So, if you would like to check some of the real estate opportunities in this “paradise” that is only 600 miles off the coast of the U.S., email me and I will send you some fun stuff.  Until next time…

  They are not only targeting old and young visitors, lovers and divers!

The Virgin Islands Tourism Board showed off their newest cutting-edge marketing tools earlier this month in St. Croix at Buccaneer Resort in Christiansted. They are going to be using DVD, a music video, U-Tube, and print ads to reach their target audiences. “We want to target the young who can spend many vacation years here,” said Beverly Nicholson-Doty, Tourism commissioner.

The music is pop, with Jade Anderson singing an original tune, “Island Time.” She is the daughter of Jon Anderson, who sang such hits as “Roundabout” and “Owner of a Lonely Heart” in the 1970s and ’80s as front man for the British rock band Yes. “Worries are oceans behind …,” Anderson sings, “washing the tension from my mind … sleep beneath the trees … swim the seas, this is how life is meant to be.” The catchy tune communicates the feel of the islands.  Stanley & The Ten Sleepless Knights does the music.

The DVD tells of a young woman’s trip to “America’s Caribbean.” It is a scrapbook and travel journal; she narrates as the pages turn. The footage shows mocko jumbies, weddings, diving, history, culture and more. The printed guides target potential visitors, lovers and divers. Each printed guide is chocked full of island photos in order to hook in the consumers and travel agents so they will choose the U.S. Virgin Islands as their vacation destination.

The romance guide is for couples thinking of beginning lives together with an island wedding. The dive guide is an undersea exploration with shots of the “Wall,” shipwrecks and reefs. The new materials will be used at trade shows, and with travel agents. “We’re doing 500 sales calls a month with this material,” Nicholson-Doty said.

The Virgin Island Tourism campaign is currently focused in Atlanta as a test run, with signs on 75 buses and at airports. The next cities targeted are Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, New York, Cleveland and Chicago. The Tourism Board is also working with airlines to bring more visitors, Nicholson-Doty said. “We need to ensure filling the plane and solidly grow the market with filled seats,” she said. “These are exciting new marketing pieces promoting the Virgin Islands,” Nicholson-Doty said. “This is a first with exposure in mediums we haven’t used before.” All the Toursim Board needs to do is get their target markets to the islands and they will be hooked for life.  I visited the Caribbean over 30 years ago, and looked what happened to me!  Be sure to link on the V.I. Tourism Board to view their new marketing material.  They have done a great job with these new marketing tools.  Until next time….your Caribbean lifestyle detective remains on duty!

On March 19^th – 23^rd St. John is the place to be for the best Blues Festival in the Caribbean!The Beach Bar at Cruz Bay is the beginning venue and the ending venue of this unforgettable event. Reverend Raven & The Chain Smoking Altar Boys will be the headline for the kick-off at The Beach Bar on March 19^th. ( You will remember that The Beach Bar is THE spot to hang out at on Thursday late afternoon for blues music from local USVI talent.) Well, Steve Simon has organized a five day Blues Festival this year from March 19^th through March 23^rd! On March 22^nd is the BIG concert of the event at Coral Bay Ball Field starting at 7PM. Simon said, “It’s probably the single greatest evening of entertainment throughout the year in the USVI.” Advance ticket sales are $25 for the Saturday night concert and $30 at the gate. ( You can contact me for the various locations where tickets will be on sale for the next ten days.)

This year’s event features some of the finest Cajun music with three of the performers coming from New Orleans. The concert stars Tab Benoit, Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band, Waylon Thibodeaux, and Sean Carney and the Sean Carney Band. Benoit is a recording artist who remains true to his Cajun roots. Chubby Carrier and the Bayou Swamp Band play Zydeco music, with Waylon Thibodeaux playing a mixture of Louisiana-based music. Sean Carney and the Sean Carney Band was the winner of the 23rd annual Blues Challenge in Memphis. On March 20, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smoking Altar Boys will play on Bluesday in Coral Bay at the Aqua Bistro Café. The performance begins at 8 p.m. with free admission. Danny Draher and Mitch Woods play at the One Night to Go Party at Shipwreck Landing outside Coral Bay. The entertainment begins at 8 p.m. with free admission. The Blues Festival wraps up March 23^rd with a closing party at the Beach Bar in Cruz Bay. It runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m. with “surprise artists.” Admission is free.

Most of the proceeds from the Blues Festival will go to the Voice of the Wetlands to help Benoit’s efforts to put a stop to the dramatic loss of Louisiana’s wetlands. “A football-field length of wetlands is disappearing every 30 minutes,” Simon said. The loss of the protective wetlands puts the area at risk from hurricanes. Additionally, the wetlands loss has a huge economic impact on the region. “The seafood industry will be brought to its knees,” Simon said.

I love the Blues, and this is the event of the year for those that share this love. If you go to this year’s Festival, let me know what was your favorite performer. It would blow you socks off…well, I never wear any, so that will be a problem for me. Until next time…..

The biggest event in the Virgin Islands is coming April  6^th!

THE biggest event in the Virgin Islands each year is Carnival!  In fact, the Virgin Island Carnival is one of the biggest celebrations in the WORLD!  The highlight of the three week celebration is the grande finale – “Adult Parade”. It is the event that most of us think of as Carnival – colorful and BIG costumes, steel bands, floats, and the world famous “Mocko Jumbie” stilt walkers.  (Jumbies, they are stilt dancers who have their origins in West Africa where they were used to scare away evil spirits. You can find them appearing at street festivals and carnival all throughout the Caribbean.)  Every year it is an unforgettable experience. In addition, Virgin Island Carnival on St. Thomas has calypso competitions, local foods, arts and crafts, beauty pageants, concerts, and jump up parties.

The 2008 Virgin Islands Carnival plans have started way ahead of schedule. The plans started today! Beverly Nicholson Doty from the Virgin Island Tourist Board just joined the Carnival Committee, along with Ira Rosen from the States to assist with the planning. Carnival Committee Chairman, Kenneth Blake, and Executive Director, Caswil Callender, announced this year’s festivities Tuesday morning at a press conference at Palms Court Harbor View Hotel. The committee praised the participation of Gov. John deJongh Jr. in this years’ party. “He has done what he said he would do to work with us. We sat down with him two weeks ago and listened to his suggestions. He didn’t try to press anything on us just because he is the governor; he really listened to us.”  The hurdles each year are getting corporate sponsorship.  There are thousands of dollars that are earned by the local businesses in the Virgin Islands, but it is still a challenge for the committee to get the local businesses to give back to this critical annual event.

Mr. Rosen said, “We need to increase the number of cultural tourists. We need to promote Carnival because it is safe, because no passport is needed in the Virgin Islands, and because of what we have to offer to cultural tourists over leisure tourists. The cultural tourist will spend three time that of the leisure tourist, and will stay three times as long.” Mr. Rosen may need a year or more to spread the word on the mainland, but the committee is confident with their game plan that they will create this result.

This year’s committee has a total budget of almost $1.1 million. They are hoping to get $600,000 from the government, and they will raise the additional $500,000 from business sponsorships.
Again, Carnival opens April 6^th with the Prince and Princess Selection Show at 5PM at Lionel Roberts Stadium, and concludes when Carnival Village closes with a “Last Lap” from midnight to 2AM April 27^th. I hope to see you all there…