This weekend, thousands of Virgin Islands residents are expected to head to the beaches armed with garbage bags and gloves…to clean, of course.

V.I. Coastweeks is happening at the same time as the Ocean Conservancy’s 22nd annual International Coastal Cleanup day. In its 12th year, V.I. Coastweeks will continue on until October 6th.

During the last two years, the event has seen local participation shoot up from 674 volunteers in 2005 to 1083 in 2006. Organizers are expecting an even larger turnout this week.

From my previous experiences cleaning up shorelines in the Bay Area, it’s mind-blowing to witness the amount of trash that settles in an area inhabited by wildlife. Needles, plastic containers and wrappers are actually quite harmful to birds and sea creatures. Only last year, the Ocean Conservancy estimates that over a million seabirds and 500,000 marine life died from consuming random debris.

The volunteer effort isn’t just a beatification project. The vitality of the Virgin Islands’ precious wildlife is at stake and it is our duty to clean up the mess we made.

- Joseph Natividad

Dominican Republic Is Becoming The “Chic” Caribbean
Have you visited this undiscovered Caribbean “jewel” yet?

The first words that came out of my mouth when I stepped onto the beach at Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic was – WOW! My past impressions of the Dominican Republic – DR to the people in the know, was an island with two countries, one of which seems to be generally in turmoil most of the time – Haiti. The only other information I had about the island is that most of my cigars are made here by the Arturo Fuente’s family – my personal opinion is they are some of the best cigars in the world.

Again, this Old Dog was wrong – my wife reminding me daily of my confusion and misconceptions regarding many topics. The best way I can describe the DR I am discovering is, AMAZING! As you know, I love to discover unspoiled beaches, new sailing grounds, diving and snorkeling sites, and, of course, an unforgettable bar or two. It is all here to be discovered in the DR!!! There are five or six distinct regions in the DR. The one I am exploring is the Northeast coast – the region of the best windsurfing and kite sailing in the Caribbean.

The first DR beach I dug my toes into was Las Terrenas, right on the Samana peninsula. As I mentioned, it was a WOW! moment for me. As I explored the area I stumbled onto an construction site right on the water and started asking questions. Even though the DR is highly influenced by it’s history with France, there was no problem finding someone to speak English. What I had stumbled upon was Jardins de Coson – a luxury fractional ownership resort right on the beach! Check out the link.

I had no idea that the some of the best beaches in the world are on the DR! Conde Nast Traveler has rated Playa Rincon as one of the top ten in the world! It was only a short goat ride from Las Galeras to this unforgettable, unspoiled paradise of a beach. The DR is known for it’s mash potato white sand that is always a pleasure to walk on because it is never hot because of being made from coral. This three mile long beach is surrounded by coconut palms and almond trees, not to mention the 2,000 foot mountain on one end of it.

The Dominican Republic is a country and an unforgettable Caribbean experience all wrapped into one package. It will take me months to discover it all, so I will just hang out in the Las Terrenas area and find a new rum drink to add to my 30+ year journal. ( I snuck into the bar at the Viva Wyndham Samana all inclusive resort and had my old favorite – a Navy grog.)

Let me know what you have discovered in the DR. I am looking for my next unspoiled paradise. Until next time….

Claudia Creque, a 66-year-old retired educator from Anegada of the BVI, has recently garnered the honor of Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Gov. David Pearey was on hand during the awards ceremony at the Government House to praise Creque on her accomplishments that improved the overall quality of education on the island.

Having worked as a student teacher and principal at the Anegada School, she is credited for adding a full secondary division that made it possible for all children — not just those who could afford it — to receive a full education.

Outside of her professional life, Creque has also done many things to promote the culture of Anegada. Through a museum and the music programs she organizes at church, there is no denying her involvement for the greater good of the community.

Almost all of us have had at least one teacher who has made a difference in our lives. Claudia Creque has had an impact on the many children she has taught or encountered through her career, which has spanned four decades. The BVI government, along with nominations by its citizens, show the appreciation they have for her.

- Joseph Natividad

Parents should be used to their kids’ grumbling and muttering at this time of year. It’s back to school for most of the Virgin Islands’ children and youth – some are excited, others are indifferent, but most wonder why summer seems to always end too soon.

There are 34 public schools and programs, about 1500 teachers and approximately 16,500 students in the Virgin Islands.

With a new school year comes another batch of college-bound seniors who have taken a hack at the SATs and ACTs, America’s standardized tests that hold influence on the college admissions process. Mixed results can be taken from how last school year’s graduating class fared against the national test score averages.

According to testing date release by the College Board, the class of 2007 fared slightly better than the previous year’s class in critical reading scores but didn’t fare as well during the math and writing section. VI students showed the greatest decrease in its writing scores, having averaged 426 this year as compared to 434 in 2006.

I have had my share of standardized test taking and I was relieved when it was all over. I wasn’t too fond of the pressure-filled time limit and the large amount of sections that I had to complete in a matter of four hours. The best advice I could give to any student looking to take the SAT or ACT in the near future is to sleep well the night before, have a filling but healthy breakfast, and get ready for a very…very long morning.

- Joseph Natividad

A ceremony took place earlier today to dedicate a National Guard warehouse in honor of Sgt. First Class Floyd E. Lake Sr. Sgt. Lake The officer passed away on January 20th when his UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter was struck down by enemy fire in Iraq.

On board were 13 other members of his personnel along with fellow VI native Lt. Col. David Cagenata III. There were no survivors from this unfortunate event.

Kristine M. Munn, a spokesperson for the National Guard Bureau, described Sgt. Lake as “a soldier of the utmost professionalism and dedication.” Family members, friends, soldiers and number of government officials were on hand for today’s dedication ceremony. Brigadier General Renaldo Rivera presided over the event.

Another facility will be renamed in honor of the late Lt. Col. Canegata later this year. Sgt. Lake is survived by his wife and five children.

- Joseph Natividad

(image courtesy of “The St. Thomas Source”)