Love the Virgin Islands? Love Rum? Now You Have a Great Excuse to Drink More to Help the USVI

Cruzan Rum is made in the US Virgin Islands

Each year the US Virgin Islands receives tens of millions of dollars from the federal government as the result of a 'Cover Over Rate Tax' which is USVI rum excise tax monies returned to the US Virgin Islands from the federal government. Actually, over $250 million each year comes back to the US VIrgin Islands as the result of people buying USVI made rum! The cover over tax has been in place for nearly 100 years and benefitting the US Virgin Islands since 1954. The Congressional Research Service produced a history of the Rum Excise Tax Cover Over 3 years ago. 

The 'per gallon' excise tax rate is now in dispute between the US Virgin Islands government and the federal government. The difference is not peanuts in that the USVI is projecting $264 million and the federal government is projecting only $193 million. The difference is based on a lower per gallon reimbursement rate $10.50/gallon vs $13.25/gallon.  If you want to get into the details you might read the letter the USVI's Budget Director sent last Friday to the Department of the Interior appealing for relief of the per gallon rate calculation.

The bottom line for us, though, is the more US Virgin Islands rum that is sold the more money that is returned to the US Virgin Islands for support of our schools, streets,  etc so....drink up to help the islands you love.

USVI Tops list of 'Bargain Destinations for Fall 2013'

Thinkstock photo of popular Trunk Bay

Smarter Traveler names USVI #1 destination on their list of Top Bargain Destinations for this fall saying:

U.S. Virgin Islands

First, the downside: Hurricane season runs through November 30. But the traditional peak in activity falls in early September, so a fall trip isn't as foolhardy as it might seem. The upside, particularly for bargain hunters, is that air-and-hotel vacation deals from a variety of providers make a trip to the no-passport-needed Caribbean islands appealingly affordable in the coming season.

Others on the list include China, Oregon, Florida, and Southern California. Hands down, for me at least, it is the US Virgin Islands (and, specifically --St John) !

Snorkeling in Paradise

Enjoy our September newsletter...

Snorkeling Around St John is Worth the Trip

The beauty of St John often leaves people speechless.Our crystal clear waters are calm and pristine so that the snorkeling is phenomenal. Even for novice swimmers, because the entry at most of the beaches is so gradual, you can stand in knee deep water and watch the colorful fish and graceful turtles. With over 30 beaches, there are almost endless options to explore the warm waters which surround this paradise island. Some of our favorite spots for seeing lot of fish and sea turtles are the beaches of Maho, Francis, and right in front of Great Expectations in Chocolate Hole harbor. Waterlemon Cay is the hands-down favorite spot to see huge colorful starfish scattered about just 3 or 4 feet below the surface of the water on the ocean floor.Check out some of these great resources for finding the best snorkeling spots:Books --St John Beach GuideSt John: Off the Beaten TrackSt John Feet, Fins, & Four-Wheel DriveWebsites and blogs about St John snorkeling --Snorkel St John -- great pictures and an identification gallery of different fish, coral. Tips for snorkelers.See St John -- blog about St John's beaches, snorkeling spotsSt John Snorkeling -- lots of information about beaches, snorkeling tours, and snorkeling 101.Boat trips -- One of the best ways to spend a day around St John is to be on the water whether you rent your own boat or get a captain to escort you around. Here are some fun and popular options...Kekoa Sailing Expeditions -- is a 50' Catamaran which is available for private charter or a day sail with others. This is one of St John's most popular sailing vessels which is famous for spotting whales as well as wonderful snorkel spots.Sadie Sea -- is a popular 40' Motor Trawler which can accommodate up to 35 people. Sadie Sea offers 1/2 or full day private or group.Kayaking -- St John offers wonderful opportunities to kayak around our shores and coral reefs.There are lots of great organizations that offer snorkeling around St John.

September St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John is #1 again!  Caribbean Journal includes St John on their 'Caribbean's 10 Best Beaches for 2013' list.
• Recently, we have heard encouraging news that airfares are going down and lower this year than last! Recently, there have been several posts on Trip Advisor about great airfares for JetBlue's Boston - St Thomas flights.

• Welcome to St John - Gallows Point Gift & Gourmet has a new owner. This couple are truly in love with St John (and, who could blame them) having gotten engaged and married on St John.
• Love St John and love birds?  St John has some wonderful sanctuaries for wildlife and birds and now we will have a great opportunity to view them without being intrusive. St John will have a new bird viewing walkway in Frank Bay within walking distance to Cruz Bay which will be easily accessible for all to enjoy.
• Caneel and Rosewood Hotels & Resorts are parting ways this fall but, worry not, Caneel will still be Caneel. They anticipate no changes in local personnel other than those already announced such as the opening of Zozo's Restaurant this fall in the space that has long been the Sugar Mill Restaurant.
• Found on the beach of Cruz Bay recently were three 7' long cannons which by all accounts had been there for over 100 years! While no one knows for certain the origin of these cannons, it is thought that they were moved along with ammunition from Fortsberg in Coral Bay to Cruz Bay after the Coral Bay fort was decommissioned in 1765. Pretty cool.
• On-line registration for this year's 8-Tuff Mile Race will start October 1. Registration is limited (and final) so if you are planning to walk or run the race this year (February 22, 2014) mark the date on your calendar and make sure you register early.

• Great Expectations has a few openings this winter. If winter time is your preference to be on St John, do not dilly-dally since our calendar is already filling up for this winter (and spring). Contact us today to secure your week on St John to make sure you have a place in the warmth

Cheers, Kristin & Chuck

Celebrate 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' by learning about the Real Pirates of the Virgin Islands

Today, September 18, is 'Talk Like a Pirate Day' so when better to learn about the real pirates of the Virgin Islands than today!

Famed Pirate Blackbeard

According to Wikipedia, along with the facts we find a certain amount of legend, the most famous of which is probably the Territory's association with the famous pirate Blackbeard. Blackbeard was known by a number of names including Edward Teach, Tatch, and Thatch. There are two "Thatch" islands in the BVI and almost directly opposite Road Harbour is the island known as 'Deadchest,' where Blackbeard allegedly marooned a number of his men[4] giving the island its name. These men were supposed to have tried to swim to the adjacent Peter Island but drowned, hence the name 'Dead Man's Bay' on Peter Island.

The reality is that there is no documentary evidence to support any of this and academically speaking, there is no proof to show that Blackbeard ever sailed through the Virgin Islands. It is known that Blackbeard did maroon some of his pirates but this happened in the Bahamas and not the Virgin Islands. More conclusive is the fact that a map from the early 18th century shows that Deadchest Island was known by this name far earlier than when Blackbeard was operating, which was only between the years 1716-18.

TREASURE ISLAND: The Blackbeard myth was perpetuated in the BVI when Robert Louis Stevenson wrote his now famous book "Treasure Island". In the book is the famous song mentioning 'Deadchest' and some suggest that Stevenson based his Treasure Island on Norman Island. Included on his Treasure Island is a hill known as 'Spyglass Hill' which is actually the highest peak on Norman Island. The reality is though that whilst researching his book, Stevenson probably chose a group of islands that suited his story from a sea chart. He would have taken their names and adapted them for this own purpose but in fact, his diaries show that he never visited the BVI.

Acts of piracy were committed in the BVI and the documentary resource proves this. In 1685, a Spanish pirate vessel called the Longue attacked Tortola and captured an English sloop and its crew of eight, one of whom was killed. In the following year, another Spanish pirate expedition which was in fact led by an English Doctor, attacked, invaded, and held Tortola for a number of days. Plantations were pillaged and the Deputy Governor's son, Thomas Bisse, was held captive and physically abused. Damage estimated at £3,977.00 was committed which was enough for the juvenile colony to collapse.

===

Whether or where pirates really existed in the Virgin Islands (US or British) really is secondary to some of the wonderful tales that are told by many a sea captain as they navigate the waters of St John today! Makes for a fun story and great reason to consume the pirate's favorite beverage - da rum!

Check out lots of links and info about the real and not-so real pirates of today and yesteryear. 

St John to Get Wildlife Sanctuary Walkway and Pier at Frank Bay

Great Blue Herons are known to visit St John's Frank Bay

Friday, September 13 proved to be a lucky day for the wildlife, birds, and all those who will visit the new Wildlife Sanctuary at St John's Frank Bay. Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. and members of the Audubon Society of the Virgin Islands gathered at The Battery on St. John to execute a Memorandum of Agreement for Frank Bay Pier. 

When completed, the wooden walkway and pier will create a special vantage point from which to observe and appreciate the diverse and spectacular birds that inhabit the sanctuary. It will allow observers for the first time to view the full pond without disturbing its avian inhabitants doing the important work of breeding and nourishing themselves. The project will also add new signs offering information to visitors about Frank Bay and its wildlife.

The Spotted Sandpipers call Frank Bay 'home'

“The great ornithologist and naturalist John James Audubon said a true conservationist knows that the world is not given by his fathers, but borrowed from his children. The native and migratory birds that populate our islands are a part of our children’s inheritance,” the governor said.

“Those birds—the Great Blue Herons, Black-necked Stilts, Spotted Sandpipers and so many other magnificent species—need refuges on these islands for rest and sustenance; the health of their population depends on sanctuaries like Frank Bay that are safe from predatory animals and unspoiled by human development.”

The governor noted the new infrastructure at the Frank Bay sanctuary will enhance public awareness and understanding of a unique wildlife environment and the local and migratory birds that populate it by allowing visitors to view them in their natural habitat.

“This, above all else, I consider a gift to our children, who in their backyard will find a world-class outdoor classroom that no amount of technology could replace,” he said.

Best St John Snorkeling Pictures

'Isabel Traveler' captured this fabulous turtle photo last month

St John is fortunate to have a number of professional photographers who are able to capture the incredible vistas and vibrant underwater sea life, however, we also often have visitors who also capture very special pictures. Yesterday, I read a Trip Advisor posting by 'Isabel Traveler' who was on-island this August. She is a pretty frequent visitor to St John but, before this trip, she had only come during January. She was pleased to find even more sea-life during this trip than her previous winter vacations. Her pictures are stunning! She captured lots of pictures of turtles and even has a turtle movie on her photo stream so you can really feel as though you are truly swimming along with the turtle.

The colors and variety of fish (including lots of sharks, octopus, and tons of starfish) are really amazing. 

What a colorful fella!

When 'Isabel Traveler' dried off and was above sea level for a bit of the week she captured some fun shots of new life on St John.

Doesn't this little guy look like he is smiling and pretty happy to be hugged?

This Christmas Bush you do not want to mess with

Christmas Bush is the Virgin Islands equivalent of Poison Ivy

& is really, really nasty stuff

There are so many wonderful things to see and do on St John including

hiking

, whether along our wonderful beaches or through the National Park hills, however, we do have a couple of nasty plants that - if touched - can ruin your day or vacation! One of them is commonly called the 'Christmas Bush', probably because its leaves look like the leaves of a holly tree and are red and green. The formal name of this plant is

Comocladia Dodonaea

.

Here is a close up of it. The effects of rubbing up against it are quite similar to the rash one can get with poison ivy. Nasty! Be  forewarned and give this plant plenty of space!

Summer Over for You? Not For Us on St John!

Averaging 80 degrees year round, truly!  St John weather is ideal!

	Spring March - May	Summer June - Aug	Fall Sept - Nov	Winter Dec - Feb
St John average seasonal temperature (F)	78	82	81	77

Southeast Regional Climate Center (SRCR):

Come on down to where we have summer 12 months a year!

We all know that it never snows on St John and the only ice one ever sees is in your drinking glass, however, many do not know that during the summer months often it is actually cooler on St John than in mainland USA where it can easily reach 100 degrees (as it has recently even in southern California). 

Ah, welcome to the land of the endless summer...

Francis Bay, one of over 30 fabulous beaches around St John

Foxy is turning 75!

The one and only Foxy is having a major birthday!

This Saturday, August 31st, from 1 PM - 6 PM (and probably way beyond!) will be the party that beats all parties! The one and only Foxy is turning 75 and celebrating this weekend by throwing himself - and all who want to attend a - a birthday bash!

If you have ever been to the Virgin Islands (either US or British) most probably you have heard or been to Foxy's Bar on Jost van Dyke.  It is known as THE 'in' spot for boaters to spend New Years Eve (or as it is called in the BVI's 'Old Year's Weekend' - not limited to just one night but a whole weekend of activities).  It is also a great destination if you are out and about on the waters around St John to just stop by and enjoy the music for a while. Livin' is easy @ Foxy's.

As Trip Advisor reports: "This bar is full of character, particularly the character of Foxy himself, who greets visitors with impromtu songs to a calypso beat." 

This hammock has your name on it!

If you are anywhere around Jost van Dyke this weekend stop by to say happy birthday.  Regardless of where you are on Saturday, raise a glass (or two) to wish Foxy a happy birthday and many, many more!

Farmer's Almanac Predicts a 'Bitterly Cold' Winter! What to do?

This weekend the famed Farmer's Almanac released its forecast for this winter and it is a bitterly cold one!  By their own admission they are using words like 'piercing cold' and even a strong four letter word in caps: C-O-L-D!  You can read the entire Farmer's Almanac report - 2014 Long-Range Weather Forecast - which is broken out by sections of the USA to see just how chilling your part of the world will be this winter.

So what is a warm blooded person to think or do? Yes, plan your trip for St John in the warm Caribbean where the only cold thing you will find is the ice in your smoothie!

Don't be left out in the cold this winter. Where would you like to put your toes this winter?

Do you think they are reading about the winter forecast while dipping their toes in the waters at Cinnamon Bay?

US Virgin Islands makes short list of 'Best Islands to Raise a Family'

We know the US Virgin Islands, and in particular St John, to be one of the best places in the world to vacation, but according to Islands.com the US Virgin Islands is one of the 5 best islands to raise a family.  

Cafe Roma Rises from the Ashes (Literally), Plans to Reopen November 2013! The Owner has created his Own Kickstarter-Type Program...Help Make it Happen!

Work is well underway for the New Cafe Roma

As many of you know, this past spring Cafe Roma experienced a devastating fire that essentially gutted the very popular Cruz Bay restaurant. This happened right after the owner, John Hiebert, was awarded the Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center's 'St John Small Business Owner of the Year' award!  After the fire, John was down but not out. He has worked tirelessly to rebuild his beloved restaurant.  Insurance helped defray some of the costs but left a huge gap in the funding needed to purchase equipment and furnishings for the new space. Being the creative - and determined - guy that he is John has developed his own 'Kickstarter' type funding program. Read his announcement from his Facebook page, and if you love St John, 'the world greatest pizza', or just a really determined guy find your level of giving and support this worthwhile effort!

Straight from John's Facebook page:

This year has been a roller coaster ride for everyone involved with Café Roma and with great support the opening is planned for this fall during November 2013. There is still much to be done before the opening and we are offering great promotions for locals and island visitors. We are close to having the capital needed to complete the project. We do have a ways to go. So please take advantage of the offers below and SHARE this page.

The build out is not yet complete and funding is still ongoing. We have raised a great portion of what is needed, but we still need to buy more kitchen equipment, food, wine, liquor and beer inventory to open. There is also painting, wine rack, kitchen shelving, cabinetry, and the bar build out to complete. In order to help reach our funding goal, we are offering some creative ways for patrons, old and new, to contribute and be part of the historic rebuild. “Since we fell in love with the island on our honeymoon, and this tragic event happened on our wedding anniversary, we decided the promotion had to be love and special event themed. Since many people come to St John to celebrate special events such as weddings, birthdays, couples vacations, and anniversaries they should come celebrate at Café Roma.”

Café Roma is offering the following promotions to people who want to help finish the rebuild and celebrate something special at our location. You can contact John at CafeRomaStJohn@aol.com to plan and schedule your donation and special event.

$100- 1 free large pizza and bottle of house wine.

$250- Dinner for 2. Includes 2 entrees, 2 salads, a bottle of house wine, and a dessert.

$500- Your name engraved on a chair plaque plus everything included in the $250 package.

$750- A menu item will be named after you on the new menu plus everything included in the $500 package.

$1,000- Guaranteed reservations for up to 4 people for one year plus two of everything included in the $250 package. You will also receive 10% off up to 2 people for life.

$2,500- Restaurant dinner for 10 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. You will also receive your name engraved on a chair plaque and 15% off up to 2 people for life.

$5,000- Restaurant dinner buyout for up to 25 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. Your name engraved on a chair plaque and 20% off up to 2 people for life.

$8,500- Restaurant dinner buyout for up to 40 guests. Your choice of entrees, appetizers, salads, desserts and an open bar. Your name engraved on a chair plaque and 20% off up to 4 people for life.

** Discounts for life are dine-in only and non-transferable.

This is what the restaurant looked like just a few months ago:

"A Piece of Heaven in the Caribbean"

We are proud that on Trip Advisor Great Expectations has been rated the #1 vacation villa on St John.

The pool patio area is just one of many informal gathering spaces

Here is our most recent review:

Trip Advisor/Flip Key review by a recent guest

Thanks for the feedback. It sure makes our day! Can't wait to have you all return to 
Great Expectations.  We are glad that your entire family (of 19 people!) enjoyed 
   their time at our St John villa. I guess it proves we are family friendly!

National Rum Day - Life is good indeed!

Today is National Rum Day so we now have a great excuse to enjoy...

Tell the World How Much You Love St John!

Renowned St John Photographer Steve Simonsen recently captured this guy on film and challenged us to create a caption

Give it your best shot...What do you think this fella (or she) is saying?

Mine is: No, NO, NO I will NOT leave St John...ever!

St John: New Beginnings & New Special Discounts (4th Couple Stay Free!) at Great Expectations

Enjoy our July newsletter:

New Beginnings 

Steve Simonsen captured these amazing photos as baby turtles emerged to see their new surroundings for the first time on a Virgin Islands beach

I can count 16 baby turtles (which coincidentally is the same number of beds as at Great Expectations). What an amazing event! Just as amazing is planning a vacation, especially to St John, with a large group (of people, not turtles). It can - but, does not have to be - daunting! We found a blog thread recently which you might find fun, relevant, and reassuring, if you have ever traveled with a large group. RickG, a regular visitor to St John and a USVI-on-Line contributor to their forum, posted his 'Group Travel Rules for St John'. As interesting are the comments by other experienced travelers who added to Rick's list.RickG's 'How to Plan a Vacation to St John with a Large Group': 1. Don't invite a whiner. Don't invite anyone that you would not spend a week with 1-on-1. 2. I pick the villa and the week and people get to decide if they want to come. It's OK if no one wants to come with me. 3. You get to pick your room in the order that you pay. I've already paid the deposit, so I go first. This deals with the equal room problem and #1 deals with whiners (Note - @ Great Expectations all 4 Main Villa Master bedrooms are 'equal'). 4. One vehicle per two couples. Expect there to be an early group and a late group each morning. This is not a problem I get my own vehicle and my lover is in the late group. 5. Pick a beach each day you want to visit. 11 AM is a good rendezvous hour.  The late group can usually make it and the early group will have done a hike and another beach already. It is OK if no one else shows up (you do not have to be joined at the hip all week!). 6. Do some happy hours at the villa. It's cheap and 6 -8 + people is a party. 7. Do some dinners at the villa (you can even have them catered for no more than the cost of a meal at one of St John's nicer restaurants) and do some date nights. Dinner out for 6 - 8 + people is a pain in the a$$. Meet for drinks before and after dinner.

8. Expect to spend a day without leaving the villa. Start the blender at 10 AM, put sunscreen on all exposed skin first. 9. Put $100 in the food kitty for initial food/drink provisioning. If someone is concerned that they won't spend that much and want differential treatment, that breaks rule #1 - they don't get to come. $800 will cover food and booze for a week.Some of RickG's lessons learned: -If someone whines at home, they will whine on St John (STJ). -If someone pitches in at home they will pitch in more on STJ. -The herd moves at the speed of the slowest beast. -Don't be afraid to say "I'm heading out. I'll be back for sunset." -Newbies will assume the villa is on the beach, even if you tell them otherwise and show them pictures. If they can't get over this, they stay at the Westin. -#1 takes care of almost every possible problem.

Some additional 'rules' added by others were: 1.  Let everyone book their own airline tickets. 2. Some people assign the days to have a different person responsible for each dinner (or planning the activities for the day). 3. Don't feel as though you have to be joined at the hip. It is OK to go off on your own to explore STJ.

The most important common thread was the 'no whiners' aboard. We know that it can be hard to do the planning for a large group but, we also know how much fun it can be to vacation with a group of friends.

This is why Great Expectations has just added a new discount to our family of 'specials' (Bride & Groom Stay Free!, Grandparents Stay Free! Active Military Stay Free!). The new special is specifically for groups of couples traveling together. See our website for details:

                             4th Couple Stays Free! when accompanied by 3 or more couples

We hope that this will make the planning for your St John vacation a bit sweeter (and more affordable) for all.

July St John news flashes & fun St John clips:

• St John's 2013 Carnival was a great success again this year. This year's Festival Parade was colorful as usual. The winners, by category, were detailed in the St John Tradewinds and captured in this video by Virgin Islands Source.
• Delta and Jet Blue are expanding service to the US Virgin Islands. This winter Delta will have more direct flights to St Thomas including a daily flight from JFK to St Thomas. In addition both Cape Air and Seaborne Airlines are expanding their service from Puerto Rico to St Thomas.

• Speaking of airlines, News of St John recently had a great posting about 'Finding the Best Airfare to St Thomas' we thought would be of interest.

• Fodor's Travel Guide published its 'Top Reasons to Go to St John' including: beach hopping, hiking Reef Bay, Snorkeling at Trunk Bay, Relaxing at a Villa (we like this one the best and have a great villa to recommend!), and exploring Cruz Bay.
• Popular Cruz Bay restaurant ZoZo's will serve its last meal at Gallows Point this coming Saturday. Fret not though it is not closing but, rather, as of November it is just changing its vantage point for fabulous sunsets and panoramic views of Pillsbury Sound to the enchanting Sugar Mill Restaurant at Caneel Bay. We are now all waiting to see what will take its place at Gallows Point.
• Ever season the restaurant scene changes on St John and this year is no different. The successful Sun Dog Cafe owners are branching out and will open the Virgin Fire Bar & Grill Restaurant this fall in the Mongoose Junction space that housed the former LaPlancha del Mar restaurant. The owners promise to feature foods that are grown or inspired locally, hence the name.

• Great Expectations has a few openings during 2013 (summer and fall) and we are offering them at great savings so take a look our last minute specials. If winter time is your preference to be on St John, do not dilly-dally since our calendar is already filling up for next winter (and spring).Contact us today to secure your week on St John.

Best,

Kristin & Chuck 

owners of Great Expectations

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for news about Great Expectations specials & St John activities

St John Artist & Filmmaker Seeks Crowdfunding

Repeating Islands reports that St Johnian artist & filmmaker, Andrea Leland, is at it again. Leland, an award winning documentary filmmaker, is the director of Yurumein (Homeland). She has just launched a crowdfunding campaign for this upcoming, groundbreaking documentary. Yurumein captures cultural revival among descendants of Caribbean natives and slaves, the Garifuna nation in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. See excerpts of the press release with related links below:

YURUMEIN (Homeland) a documentary about the revival of Garifuna culture on the island of St. Vincent. Through her fiscal sponsor, the Center for Independent Documentary, Leland is trying to raise $20,000 by August 16th to complete post-production on the film. Leland is requesting help to finish graphics and animation, sound design and color correction for the film. Any remaining funds will be used towards outreach and distribution efforts.

When Leland began to film YURUMEIN, Garifuna culture had been all but lost on the island of St. Vincent for the last two hundred years. The Garifuna people, descendents of the native Carib and Awarak people and West Africans, once lived freely on the island of St. Vincent. Forced into hiding and exile by British colonial forces during the 18th century, St. Vincent’s Garifuna descendants knew little of their ancestral language, rituals, dance, music or food. While traditions may have been lost on St. Vincent, Garifuna culture flourished in the exiled communities of Central America. In the film, Leland captures the efforts of St. Vincent’s Garifuna descended population to recover their cultural traditions by connecting with their brothers and sisters in the larger Garifuna disapora.  

For a video:

The Film:  

YURUMEIN (your-o-main) is an important UNTOLD STORY of Carib / Garifuna resistance against slavery that deserves its place in the annals of the African Diaspora. The film recounts the painful past of the Caribs on St Vincent and the extermination of scores of their ancestors at the hands of the British, while building an intimate portrait of Garifuna culture-in-transition today. We are given firsthand accounts from both Carib descendents who remain on the island of St Vincent and voices of returning descendents whose ancestors were exiled to Central America—where Garifuna traditional culture was able to survive and flourish.

When members of the Diaspora are first reunited and make a collective pilgrimage to the sacred site of Balliceaux (where the genocide occurred) the film reveals the beginnings of a movement among Garifuna people to revitalize traditional language, music, dance, and ritual. As Garifuna from around the world come together to remember and celebrate the lives and resilience of their shared ancestors, they also begin to discover possibility and hope for the future of Garifuna culture and a greater worldwide community....more info on the film can be found on the Center for Independent Documentary site. After reading about this amazing story, sign up to support her efforts. For as little as $5 you can help a St Johnian filmmaker realize her dream and help get an important story told.

Another related story of interest is the Miami Herald's Caribbean Becoming Hotbed for Film Production

Enjoy Carnival Music This Coming Week on St John

St John Sailor Takes 'Top Girl' During International Optimist Regatta

113 Sailors competed during this past weekend

The 21st International Optimist Regatta took place in US Virgin Islands waters this past weekend. Winds were tricky varying widely over the three day race with gusty squalls to barely a breeze to move the boats along. 

Sail World reported that the trophy for Top Girl was awarded to 14-year-old Paige Clarke, from St. John, USVI. Clarke also finished an impressive eighth overall. 

'I felt more confident this year,' says Clarke, who has the experience of a number of continental Optimist championships now under her belt. 'I called every shift and always saw what was coming.' 

The USVI’s Clarke also won the Pete Ives Award, given for a combination of sailing prowess, sportsmanship, determination and good attitude both on and off the water. 

Covering the fleet and staying in front proved successful strategies for 15-year-old Romain Screve. Screve won the 21st International Optimist Regatta presented by Glacial Energy and held out of the St. Thomas Yacht Club, U.S. Virgin Islands, from June 21 to 23. At the conclusion of today’s final two races, the San Francisco, California-based sailor lengthened his lead from three points to a very comfortable twenty. That’s quite a feat considering the keen level of competition in the 81-boat Advanced Optimist fleet. 

A total of 113 sailors competed in the Advanced Red, Blue and White Fleets and beginner Green Fleet. The Advanced Fleets completed 10 races and the Green Fleet a total of 18 races over the three days of competition. Sailors hailed from 9 nations – Antigua, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Mexico, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten and the USA and USVI. 

15 year old Romain Screve took overall top honors

If you are interested in doing some sailing yourself when you are on St John check out these sailboats.

Khadijah Lee Crowned St John Festival Queen and Faith Sweeney Princess St John 2013

Khadijah Ashiya Ann Lee as queen and Faith Marie Sweeney as princess - both contestant number 5. Guess that is the lucky number this year! Congratulations to all: