Interesting Island News

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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

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Profile of Jeffrey Epstein

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

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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.

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Easily accessible for US residents, and particularly affordable in the summer because of hurricane season, the ferry from St Thomas to St John during July to September is recommended by VirtualTourist members. Departing from Red Hook on the far eastern side of St Thomas, the ferry runs to Cruz Bay on St John every hour on the hour starting at 5.30am. The 20-minute ride is incredibly affordable and the crystalline waters are reason alone to make the trip. For only a few dollars one way, visitors to St Thomas can take a day trip to St John where more than two-thirds of the island is a nature preserve with ample hiking and public beaches to explore. http://www.travelweekly.com.au/holidays/destinations/top-10-most-scenic-boat-rides