USVIHTA

Update

June 23, 2023

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Summer Employment Program Launches June 16 with Student Orientation

USVIHTA’s Education & Training Committee is in its twentieth year of the Summer Employment Program in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators of the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The objective of the six-week program is to provide a meaningful learning experience for Virgin Islands high school and college students while stimulating interest in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Students were interviewed on June 10 for placement within the program and had orientation on June 16. During orientation, the 23 participating students heard presentations from tourism stakeholders regarding the industry, the program and tips to help them succeed and grow during the experience. Thank you to the following members for hosting students: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort; Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground; Diamonds International; Emerald Beach Resort; Gallows Point Resort; Lindbergh Bay Hotel and Villas; Secret Harbour Beach Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; The Ritz-Carlton Club, St. Thomas; and Virgin Islands Coffee Roasters. We’d also like to thank the Department of Labor and participating senators: Sen. Marvin Blyden, Sen. Dwayne DeGraff, Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory and Sen. Carla Joseph.

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LOCAL NEWS

USVI Prepares to Commemorate 175th Anniversary as "Birthplace of Emancipation in the USA"

The U.S. Virgin Islands is closing in on the historic commemoration of its 175th Emancipation Day, which marks the abolition of slavery in the former Danish West Indies some 17 years prior to the "Juneteenth" declaration of freedom in 1865 on the mainland. Honoring the U.S. Virgin Islands as the "birthplace of emancipation in the USA," the 175th Emancipation Commemoration includes a series of educational programs and cultural events designed to inspire Virgin Islanders to renew and strengthen their commitment to honor their ancestors and forebears.

Other local news:

Flagship St. Croix Property Celebrates Daily AA Flights from Charlotte this Winter

Gov. Bryan Signs Agreement with CRISP Shared Services to Participate in Health Information Exchange Pilot Program

Join the EZC & VICA For a Sunset Sip & Shop Event (Featuring "Made in the USVI" products)

My Brother's Workshop Graduation June 24

USA's Wilcox Wins 30th International Optimist Regatta

Team JK Sailing Manny USA Wins 2023 TOTE Team Racing Championships

REGIONAL NEWS

New York City Raises Flag to Celebrate 50th Anniversary of CARICOM

New York City’s Caribbean American community came together in a show of strength and unity in downtown Manhattan today for a special flag-raising celebration to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Gathered at Bowling Green, New York City Mayor Eric Adams; Kenneth Bryan, Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization; and other officials delivered remarks to members of the media and the Caribbean American community.

Other regional news:

FEMA Bulletin Week of June 20

Pasquines - The Week in Context in the Territories

Customer Service Tip

Wow Somebody

Catch Up

What's Going on Wednesday

Updates from the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands

Training Opportunities

Association Health Plan

MEMBER FEATURES

12th Annual King of the Wing Kicks Off Summer

The King of the Wing contest is an annual chicken wing cook-off that completed its 12th year of family-friendly competition at Magens Bay on June 10. There were 20 teams comprising the non-restaurant division and 26 teams in the restaurant division. Teams consisted of local businesses, organizations, restaurants and even one traveling team from Connecticut. All teams competed to create the best-flavored chicken wing in hopes of being crowned the King of the Wing. Several HTA members participated, with the VI Children’s Museum as beneficiary.

The VI Children's Museum is a 2023 Blue Star Museum

The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is happy to announce that it has joined museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. The 2023 program began on Armed Forces Day, May 20, and will end on Labor Day, Sept. 4. Find the list of participating museums at arts.gov/bluestarmuseums.

On the Hunt for Employee Engagement?

Successful businesses know that investing in their employees is one of the most important investments they can make. A recent Gallup survey showed that business units with engaged employees had 20% higher sales and 21% higher profitability, just two of many critical metrics proving that engaged employees are productive employees. Most employers would think that their employees are productive and engaged, but the study also showed that 85% of employees are either not engaged or actively disengaged at work – that’s one in ten!