If you grew up on St. John, you know Easter Rock. When we were kids the adults said that Easter Rock went down into the sea early each and every Easter morning and that is why it was always wet on Easter. We believed them and as teenagers we would sneak out to North Shore Road to try to see its descent. Of course we never witnessed this miraculous event, but nevertheless that rock remains a symbol of our childhood innocence. Some cultures have the Tooth Fairy and Reindeers and St. Johnians have their Easter Rock.

The thing about childhood is that it encourages dreaming, hoping, and believing. Sadly, the reality of our current World shatters that for most if not all adults and even teenagers. In light of the constant suicide bombers in various countries like Beirut, Cameroon, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, France, and now Brussels it is no wonder we all don't have tremendous anxiety about our future. But we still have a choice. We can choose to focus on hope.

Whether we are Christian or not, Easter reminds us of hope:  hope in a Savior who has risen, hope in new beginnings, hope in the ultimate goodness of the human spirit and hope that good ultimately conquers evil.

Happy Easter and if you live on St. John remember to share with your kids the story of Easter Rock!

Are you enjoying your summer? Have you and the family gotten away to some exotic place or are the kids at home driving you up the wall by calling you at the office every 5 minutes and eating you out of house and home? Well if you can't get away, then maybe you need a mini staycation. A staycation is a vacation where you remain at home but you find new and interesting things to do.

There are so many things to do in the Virgin Islands. If you live on St. John, then hop over to St. Thomas and have some fun. Here is a link with interesting things to do in St. Thomas.  And if you are on St. Thomas then bring the kids over and relax and meditate on St. John. The Activities Guide has a lot of information of places to go and things to do in Love City. At least the kids will be able to report that the did something different when they return to school in August. And you won't be pestered so much anymore. 

The summer isn't over. Do something different. We are here to serve you. Book your round trip on board the M/V Capt. Vic and let your staycation begin.

Have you seen this Youtube video of St. John? Beautiful. In some of their other films of other locals, you see people. In this one, you didn't see anyone. But it shows a beautiful and serene ‪#‎StJohn‬ ‪#‎USVI‬

How do you catch a car ferry in the United States Virgin islands? It is easier than you think. Below are 5 simple tips that can help you.

1. If you are not a resident and you are not familiar with the landscape, you may first have to get a local map of the island so that you can find the docks. Click here and scroll down to find general driving instructions from the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas to the Red Hook terminal where the car ferries depart.
2. Call Love City Car Ferries, Inc. at 340-779-4000 to make a reservation or if you are computer savvy, just book online. Bookings must be made at least three days prior to departure.
3. Arrive to the docks 10-15 minutes before departure time.  If you arrive sooner, you may not catch the ferry you booked, especially since different companies use the same dock.  Love City Car Ferries, Inc. has black and white car ferries and the sailors wear blue shirts.  The vessels are the M/V Capt. Vic and the M/V Island Vic. Refunds are not given for incorrect boarding. So if you have a reservations, ensure you catch the correct ferry.
4. When you arrive at the dock in Red Hook, you will be greeted by a Virgin Islands Port Authority official who will collect a small government toll. Once you pay the toll, let them know you have a reservation. It will help them direct you where to line up.
5. Be prepared to reverse onto the vessel.  It is best to keep your windows rolled down so that you can hear the instructions of the crew member who is guiding you on board.  Once parked, engage your safety breaks and wait for the cashier to process your ticket.

After that, you are free to move around the vessel and enjoy the scenery.  The waterway between St. Thomas and St. John is one of the most picturesque in the world.

Have fun!

Below are some interesting news of the Virgin Islands especially any news that may have relevance to the island of St. John.

VI Marine Industry Forum
The Senate Committe on Economic Development and Agriculture and Planning held a VI Marine Industry Forum to discuss the plight of the marine industry in the Virgin Islands. Some key points:

1. A primary focus of the meeting was the need for job growth in the industry;
2. Noteworthy, Captain John Holmberg is the resident marine adviser for the VI Economic Development Authority;
3. There is a current underutilization of the territory's marine assets;
4. Poor infrastructure hinders progress;
5. St. Johnians expressed their discontent stemming from the inadequate use of their island resources;
6. Boat building was noted as a possible stimulus for the industry
7. Senator Millin-Young mentioned that apprenticeships in the form of a marine academy is warranted.

The following link gives the full story.
http://virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-marine-industry-leaders-agree-job-growth-resourcefulness-are-needed-to-revitalize-field-1.1752320

Science Education in the Virgin Islands Gets a Boost

Sometimes a helping hand is all a child/youth needs, and Jeffrey Epstein understand this quite well.  This entrepreneurial mogul gave a huge donation to the STEM program at the University of the Virgin Islands.  STEM stands for Science, Math, Engineering, and Technology.  Mr. Epstein donated funds for accomodations and travels for students and chaperones but he also donated more than one hundred Microsoft Surface W computers, Touch keyboards and Nylon Sleeves for Microsoft Surface. Students, staff, UVI and the community in general are all grateful for this valuable contribution.  Read more here:  http://world.einnews.com/pr_news/223288427/harvard-mogul-jeffrey-epstein-boosts-science-education-in-the-us-virgin-islands

Picture Courtesy ofOnline PRMedia

Boat Ride between St. Thomas and St. John has been listed as 1 of the 10 most Scenic in the World

They didn't have to tell me that, I knew that alread:)  Yes, the Pillsbury Sound route rounds in at number nine.  Nine in the world is an awesome place to be.  Here is a snippet of what the researchers said.  Click on the link to see who the other winners are.  But due to pride in my homeland, we will always be number one in my mind.

Have you gone to Tortola lately?  Well it is time to take a trip.  I visited Josiah's Bay just a couple of weeks ago and I was struck by the beauty of this white sandy beach, the picturesque ebb and flow of the waves, the quietness and solitude.  It was pure relaxation.  Sometimes we forget that all the islands of the Caribbean have their own unique beauty.

What is special about this region is that many islands are in relative close proximity.  Whether as a group you charter a boat, pay a ferry company or hire a crew for a private charter, you can enjoy several islands in just one visit. And if you are a local, you know what to do.

Go island hopping.  Try snorkeling, water skiing, scuba diving.  Enjoy our Caribbean!