Thank you for all of your support thus far for our friends in The Bahamas. If you are interested in making a donation, please
click here to view our email blast with more details about how you can contribute or
click here to learn how to donate a room stay through the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association's online auction. You can also begin bidding on donated room stays
here.
And don't forget - time is running out to reserve your advertising space in the 2020 issue of
Places to Explore and
Visit! Email
lisa@usvihta.com to learn how to take advantage of your membership discount with valuable advertising!
MicroMentor Caribbean Innovation Challenge Offering up to $5000 for Small Businesses
In partnership with Bacardi and MercyCorps, MicroMentor (a free and easy to use online platform for entrepreneurs to connect with experienced business mentors around the world) is offering the Caribbean Innovation Challenge 2019 as part of their efforts to promote economic recovery in the USVI after the 2017 hurricanes. The goal of the challenge is to support licensed small businesses throughout the USVI. The contest is free to enter and 25 winners will receive a cash prize of up to $5,000 USD. All USVI entrepreneurs are also invited to join the MicroMentor platform to find free mentoring in our global community. The Challenge launched on Aug. 15 and concludes on Sept. 30. Submit your application today! If you have any questions, please contact the MicroMentor team at challenge@micromentor.org.
Coral World September Events
Click here to view September events from Coral World Ocean Park including Jazz by the Sea on Sept. 15 and a clean-up at Coki Point on Sept. 29.
Rescued Green Sea Turtle Khepri is Coming Home!
A juvenile green sea turtle rescued on Feb. 28 is returning to the Virgin Islands after nearly five months at the Turtle Hospital in Florida Keys. The turtle was fittingly named after the Egyptian god Khepri who represents sunrise and new life. The turtle had stranded at the bottom of the Coculus Point cliffs. The rescuer thought the turtle was dead, but contacted Coral World for assistance. Erica Palmer, Coral World veterinary technician, and Ryan Firment, an aquarist at the park, responded to the call.
Read more.
Support My Brother’s Workshop for a Night of Sleuthing
Join us for a night of sleuthing and fun at the 3rd Annual MBW Mystery Event on Feb. 8, 2020 at VIMSIA. The theme this year is Mystery in the Wild West. It will be a night of mystery and mayhem in the Wild West and ALL are invited to attend. All proceeds from the event go towards furthering the mission of MBW. Tickets will go on sale Dec. 1, but you can donate to MBW any time! Click here to view the flyer. More details to come. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for the event, please call 340-715-2765 or email communications@mybrotherworkshop.org.
VI EPSCoR's Annual Conference
On Sept. 20, the Virgin Islands Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) will host its annual conference from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on the first floor of the Administration and Conference Center on the UVI St. Thomas Campus and we would like to invite you to attend this important event. Click here to view the agenda. Click here to learn more and register for the conference.
Silver Airways Stands with The Bahamas with Resumed Flights and Relief Efforts
Silver Airways, a long-standing partner and necessary air service link to The Bahamas, has resumed flights to all airports that it serves in The Bahamas that have reopened following Hurricane Dorian. Silver Airways, synonymous with The Bahamas, is fully committed to resuming service to Treasure Cay (Abaco), Marsh Harbour (Abaco) and Freeport (Grand Bahama) as soon as these airports reopen. Read more.
U.S. Virgin Islands Launches Marketing Efforts in Canada
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is on a dual mission of getting on the radar of Canadian travelers while also attracting more film productions to the territory. While attending the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) last week with a team from his department as well as the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte addressed more than 40 journalists to provide an update on the U.S. Virgin Islands' tourism product, signaling the territory's return to the Canadian market. Read more.
Department of Human Services Offers Jobs Training to SNAP Recipients
The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP-E&T) advises recipients who reside on St. Thomas of available training opportunities. The department recently received additional funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) for the SNAP-E&T program. Read more.
FEMA Update: National Preparedness Month Week 2 - Make a Plan to Prepare for Disasters
The second week of National Preparedness Month 2019 highlights the importance of knowing your community’s risks and what to do when they occur. Having a plan and taking action in advance means that everyone can be prepared, no matter where or when disaster strikes. Read more.
Register to Sponsor the 2019 Paradise Jam for Valuable Exposure!
Paradise Jam is back with an incredible lineup of NCAA teams! We hope members will consider sponsoring this event during its milestone 20th anniversary. Each year, Paradise Jam brings valuable tourism dollars and national exposure to the USVI, and we don't want our members to miss out on an opportunity to be a part of this esteemed event! Click here to read more about sponsorship.
Bryan Williams’ Tip: One Button
When it comes to customer service, it's rarely about the transaction; it's about the relationship. More importantly, it's about the long-term relationship. Whenever someone expresses an interest in patronizing your business, you should always ask yourself, "What would it take to grow this from a one-time transaction to a relationship filled with many transactions?” Read more.
