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A unique island

Keep the Bay Blue Online Auction Happening Now Until October 19th

Keep the Bay Blue Online Auction Happening Now Until October 19th 1

Our friends in Coral Bay have announced some exciting news this week! The Coral Bay Community Council kicked off their 1st annual online “Keep the Bay Blue” fundraising auction running from Tuesday, October 1st to Saturday, October 19th. The fundraiser has some amazing selections for bidders, ranging from a luxurious 3 night stay at the Four Seasons Resort Nevis to a cabana day at the exclusive Lovango Resort & Beach Club.

auction poster

Funds raised from this online auction will support the CBCC’s work in natural resource preparedness and education outreach. You can access the auction site and learn more about the CBCC’s dedication to maintaining the local watershed here.

Read moreKeep the Bay Blue Online Auction Happening Now Until October 19th

“Personal Legends” – A Testament to the Virgin Islands

"Personal Legends" - A Testament to the Virgin Islands 2

Good morning, and Happy 1st of March, also known down here as Virgin Islands History Month! 

Over the last three years, as a resident on St. John, I’ve learned about the deeply rooted, rich culture of the Virgin Islands. Picking fresh fruit from mango trees, eating saltfish and pates, and listening to the harmonious sounds of the steel pan are all aspects of this beautiful culture that I’ve come to know and love. 

"Personal Legends" - A Testament to the Virgin Islands 3
Moko Jumbies © Tsunami’s Photography

Recently coming across a series of interviews titled Personal Legends, created by the Friends of the Virgin Islands artist-in-residence Kayden Richards, I am reminded of the time-honored and diverse heritage of the Virgin Islands. By exploring generational traditions shared by nine subjects from St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, Richards perfectly encapsulated the vibrant spirit of these islands and its people. 

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Caneel Bay Part II – What Is This RUE All About?

Caneel Bay Part II - What Is This RUE All About? 4

In 1977, Laurance Rockefeller separated the “Premises”, the land that Caneel Bay Plantation sat on, from the “Improvements”, the structures and operation of the resort. 150 acres of the “Premises” were deeded to the Rockefeller family land trust, Jackson Hole Preserve, Inc. (JHPI); the structures or “Improvements” on that land were kept by Caneel Bay, Inc. with a future Deed that would revert the “Improvements” to Jackson Hole Preserve on September 30th, 2023

Read moreCaneel Bay Part II – What Is This RUE All About?

The Legend of the Cartanza Senora

The Legend of the Cartanza Senora 5

Good morning and happy holidays! I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving yesterday. How many of you tuned in for the annual Macy’s Parade? I know I did!

If you are a history buff like me, then you are going to love the story of the Cartanza Senora, a former WWII freighter that has been transformed into one of the most popular diving sites in the Caribbean. Resting in about 45 feet of water off the coast of Buck Island, this maritime relic serves as a sanctuary for vibrant fish, colorful coral, and the occasional sea turtle or octopus. It’s also an ideal diving spot for adventure enthusiasts. Broken into three pieces, this haunting vessel tells a tale that began around 80 years ago. 

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What is currently happening with Caneel Bay?

What is currently happening with Caneel Bay? 6

What is the fundamental issue between the U.S. Government, NPS and  EHI/CBI Acquisitions?  The following 3 Part Article will attempt to delve into some of the key components of the 1983 Indenture, scripted by Laurance Rockefeller in 1983, that outlines the Retained Use Estate (RUE) leasehold within that document which is central to both parties’ pending Motions for Summary Judgement. The author will do her best to explain the facts in detailing what has already transpired and what the future may hold.

Read moreWhat is currently happening with Caneel Bay?

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Drunk Bay

Off the Beaten Path: Exploring Drunk Bay 7

Good morning and Happy CARNIVAL!

As a resident of this beautiful island, I love spending my days off beach hopping along the North Shore, but every now and then, I really enjoy stepping off the beaten path and doing a little exploring. A couple of weeks ago, on a picturesque, sunny day, a few friends and I drove out to the southeast part of St. John. 

We parked at Salt Pond and walked down the short trail to the beach. I love this area of St. John, because it has a different climate and altogether feel that distinguishes it from the rest of the island. Whereas the north side and closer to Cruz Bay tend to be lush and green, walking the trail to Salt Pond beach reminds me of the deserts found in Utah and Arizona. Cactus and frangipani line the path and the soil is reddish brown, very different from the powdery white beaches of Trunk Bay. 

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Guest Contributor: Thank You, St. John

Guest Contributor: Thank You, St. John 8

Good Morning! St. John is undeniably a special place, with aspects that are so captivating, they resonate with the entire community, locals and tourists alike. There are also incredible memories that are unique and have special meaning to individuals, families, and friends. We encourage you to take a moment, step away from the noise of every day life, and read a story submitted from a guest contributor while you reflect on the time you’ve spent on St. John over the years.

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Reclaiming Paradise: St. John’s Mangrove Restoration Project

Reclaiming Paradise: St. John’s Mangrove Restoration Project 9

Tucked away near Annaberg and Leinster Bay is a collaborative initiative between the National Park Service, Friends of the Park, and Iowa State University. Students and community members alike have been hard at work revitalizing the local ecosystem by planting mangrove saplings around the existing Annaberg salt pond. 

When Hurricane Irma struck in 2017, a majority of the mangroves were destroyed, and a once thriving coastal forest was almost completely wiped out. Since October of this past year, Friends of the Park employees and Iowa State University students have been restoring this area. What are sometimes referred to as “rainforests of the sea”, mangroves protect our shorelines from erosion, maintain a biodiverse marine life, and encourage carbon sequestration, all vital to the balance of a healthy ecosystem here on St. John. 

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The Taino Legacy of a Peaceful, Joyous and Ingenious People

The Taino Legacy of a Peaceful, Joyous and Ingenious People 10

In honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, we are exploring the earliest inhabitants of our beloved Virgin Islands. The Taino were a creative, peaceful culture who left a unique cultural legacy in the Caribbean. For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Taino,” it refers to “the Arawakan-speaking peoples of the Caribbean who arrived from South America over the course of 4,000 years,” according to an article in National Geographic. 

Read moreThe Taino Legacy of a Peaceful, Joyous and Ingenious People