An introduction to VI culture for us mainlanders

Very cool!!! Thanks for posting!!! 🙂

just keep in mind that the scenes that you have seen are not an everyday occourence,we are a 4thworld economy which means that we suck benefits from the US and contribute nothing

just keep in mind that the scenes that you have seen are not an everyday occourence,we are a 4thworld economy which means that we suck benefits from the US and contribute nothing

I don't know what you mean by the USVI not contributing to the US.

The USVI isn't a nation of it's own and it's citizens pay federal taxes and have representation is US legislature. They also pay into social security and medicare. It's not an island overrun with Aborigine's. The GDP per capita is $22k compared to Mississippi's $26k and still has some of the highest costs of living in the country. 6.2% of the VI population are unemployed compared to 4.6% in the entire US.

"Increasingly, the Fourth World is emerging as a new force in international politics because in the common defense of their nations, many indigenous peoples do not accept being mere subjects of international law and state sovereignty and trusteeship bureaucracies. Instead, they are organizing and exerting their own participation and policies as sovereign peoples and nations." - Bernard Q. Nietschmann "

I will admit the economy has deteriorated over the past 10 years, but certainly not to the levels of 4th world nations with no state.

Besides that, festivals aren't an everyday thing anyplace you go. I guess I could have posted some photo's of empty streets, but I don't think that is too representative of any state's culture.

The difference is the Federal taxes stay here & nothing goes to Washingon but lots of money comes from Washington TO here.

Actually we are a nation of our own, just not a sovereign one. The USVI is not a state, but a colony of the United States with its own national identity, according to the United Nations. According to the US Supreme Court, we belong to the US but are not part of the US.

I hope the families of the V.I. National Guardsmen who died in Iraq don't read this...

just keep in mind that the scenes that you have seen are not an everyday occourence,we are a 4thworld economy which means that we suck benefits from the US and contribute nothing

And while we may have a representative to Congress, she can't vote. We are also not allowed to vote for President in the general election. Which is ironic considering we currently have one of the highest deaths/number of troops in Iraq.

Pay attention to what DL just said too. Don't come down here saying we are not our own country and simply just part of the US or you will get some attitude. If you ask people, they say they are Virgin Islanders or Crucians or Thomians (unless you run into silly Aldebert with all his nonsense about natives), not "Americans". US citizens, but not "Americans".

And empty streets, homeless people, trash on the side of the road, decrepit buildings are just as much a part of our culture as the bright festivals, the sandy beaches and the palm trees. Those things show 1) tourists aren't swarming all over the place (to find out why, there is a long a complex history (at least on St Croix) due to hurricanes, a certain massacre, cruise ship controversy, the oil refinery to name a few). 2) Homeless people--recently some efforts have been made to increase infrastructure to help the homeless, but in the past it is been pretty dismal. Why? They are part of our society but people tend to turn a blind eye etc etc. That's part of our culture too. Your pictures are barely indicative of the culture here. For one, the picture of the Mongoose junction in St John is possibly one of the most touristy things in the VI, filled with upscale boutiques selling t-shirts for $40. Most people on island can't even afford to shop there (Well, I can't at least).

You seem really excited about your move and have learned a lot, which is terrific, BUT, you also need to realize that for every 1 thing you learn on this board (which is a great, honest resource) there are 10 things you don't know, that you could not have even conceived of, until you get on island and actually start living here.

And while we may have a representative to Congress, she can't vote. We are also not allowed to vote for President in the general election. Which is ironic considering we currently have one of the highest deaths/number of troops in Iraq.

Pay attention to what DL just said too. Don't come down here saying we are not our own country and simply just part of the US or you will get some attitude. If you ask people, they say they are Virgin Islanders or Crucians or Thomians (unless you run into silly Aldebert with all his nonsense about natives), not "Americans". US citizens, but not "Americans".

And empty streets, homeless people, trash on the side of the road, decrepit buildings are just as much a part of our culture as the bright festivals, the sandy beaches and the palm trees. Those things show 1) tourists aren't swarming all over the place (to find out why, there is a long a complex history (at least on St Croix) due to hurricanes, a certain massacre, cruise ship controversy, the oil refinery to name a few). 2) Homeless people--recently some efforts have been made to increase infrastructure to help the homeless, but in the past it is been pretty dismal. Why? They are part of our society but people tend to turn a blind eye etc etc. That's part of our culture too. Your pictures are barely indicative of the culture here. For one, the picture of the Mongoose junction in St John is possibly one of the most touristy things in the VI, filled with upscale boutiques selling t-shirts for $40. Most people on island can't even afford to shop there (Well, I can't at least).

You seem really excited about your move and have learned a lot, which is terrific, BUT, you also need to realize that for every 1 thing you learn on this board (which is a great, honest resource) there are 10 things you don't know, that you could not have even conceived of, until you get on island and actually start living here.

I agree 100%. I made the mistake of coming down on my PMV during STT's Carnival. Although it was fun...it wasn't representative of life there. Even staying at VF didn't quite give me the full gist of what it's like to live there. I didn't have to deal with WAPA, didn't have a cistern and have to learn to take quick showers. I didn't even have to go to the grocery like I did when I actually lived there. I think I got lulled into a false belief on my part. Eventhough things didn't work out for me, I am so glad that I had the experience and at least tried.

You guys might be being a little tough on David. He simply posted some pictures and invited others to do so. Carnival and Festival are very, very much part of the culture. Those events may not be as important to us who have moved here from somewhere else, but the "original locals" take them very seriously, Gee, even the banks close for some of the events. I particularly liked the picture of the cross section of people watching the parade. And Mongoose Junction may be a little pricey for lots of us, but they sure employee a lot of people. It goes without say, there are plenty of pictures that wouldn't be as pretty.

Anyway, not that big a deal, just thinking David wasn't saying that's all there is.....just here's some pics....enjoy! IMHO:)

Thank you Juanita - you are right. I received a couple PM's from people interested in the USVI that appreciated my post but were actually afraid to post here based on how people were replying. I didn't expect this thread to get so much attention. I just thought it would be fun.

The mainland has it's problems too. In my search for VI culture I came across a lot of things and I just wanted to share them. Juanita is right, I wasn't trying to misrepresent anything. I don't consider homeless people as part of culture (art/entertainment/history) - it's a problem and it's everywhere. If you think the VI has a homeless problem, you should come to LA.

If you have some photos you like to share it would be great but it sounds like some people just came in here to bash the VI.

As for the thread at hand,

David--I have lived in St Croix for several years, married a Crucian and love the island and would not live anywhere else (by the way, I was at the original Tempo concert in 2005 on the pier as well as Tempo turns 2 last year). If you misinterpreted my comments as 'island bashing" you are very mistaken. I am just trying to be realistic because so many people come down here expecting life to be one big carnival and it is not. An introduction to the culture would be a lot more diverse than festival photos and Mongoose junction. Sorry if I upset you and others.

The photo's were fun. They probably made almost everyone smile - right? I think we all know not everyday is carnival. (anywhere) The beauty is that no one celebrates like islanders. In comparison - city parades suck. I'll take Island parades any day. In fact can't wait to get there for one in 13 days!

David--I have lived in St Croix for several years, married a Crucian and love the island and would not live anywhere else (by the way, I was at the original Tempo concert in 2005 on the pier as well as Tempo turns 2 last year). If you misinterpreted my comments as 'island bashing" you are very mistaken. I am just trying to be realistic because so many people come down here expecting life to be one big carnival and it is not. An introduction to the culture would be a lot more diverse than festival photos and Mongoose junction. Sorry if I upset you and others.

Well if you have anything to share, by all means. Seriously, I haven't been there. But that's why I created this thread, because of how little I was finding. I was hoping if others would share; it would be fabulous if some locals or visitors could post some pictures of their experience of VI culture.

If you relocated from the mainland you should understand how others who have never been there probably feel. I know I won't be living in a fantasy world. Not even close. I expect it to be very difficult to put myself through school while support myself, but I've had bigger challenges.

People live there, love it, and stay for a reason. I'm not saying I will stay permanently, but at least in 20 years I can look back and say, "Yes, I did take a risk and now there is no question of "what if?" This thread was meant to be festive, and show some of the fun side of the Virgin Islands. And instead, it's become a train wreck of doom-and-gloom by locals and visitors alike. I just don't think it's necessary to destroy all hope and celebration at every turn.

just keep in mind that the scenes that you have seen are not an everyday occourence,we are a 4thworld economy which means that we suck benefits from the US and contribute nothing

Ok I usually stay out of these politically charged posts but I can't let this one pass. First off this is not the US, we may technically own the islands but our government doesn't run these islands. Depending on your point of view this may seem like a bad thing on the surface. This isn't suburban US with WalMart and all the trappings. We can argue all day about the efficiency of government or the lack there of but it will not make much difference. The West India Culture moves slow in day to day life and the way business is run. As colonials or mainlanders or what ever you want to call us, we tend to move here to escape the rat race that we left, then we get mad when the line at the store is long and no one cares. I have to say in the few short months that I have been here I feel more at home and more at peace with the slower pace of life than I have been in my whole life. I would be lying if I didn't say every now and then I am a little frustrated with a ting or two. I have to say most days saying good morning, good afternoon, or good evening and seeing a smile break out on the face of the person that I am talking to, from a simple greeting is absolutely wonderful. No Dorthy this isn't Kansas anymore. Fourth world is harsh to say the least. What we have is a developing economy, not so different from most US states in the early to mid 1900's, government jobs go to your friends and family. Contracts for Government work go to friends and family, kinda like good ole George in DC now. So if you think you can move here and change it into the burbs outside what ever city you come from, except for the ocean view, then you will be sadly disappointed. If you move here and embrace the culture and the people then things will be alright.
My .02 as a fairly new St Thomian.
Jay

For more images of St Croix check out my album.

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc296/cruzanrotorhead/

Awesome pictures Rotorhead!

For more images of St Croix check out my album.

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc296/cruzanrotorhead/

Thanks! Where was your plane ride to/from?

Just pulled a select few to post:

The aerials were from many helo flights around St Croix. Take off from my driveway and land on my driveway.

The Octoberfest picture is at Cheeseburgers in Paradise. My wife Laura is on the left in blue, Kevin in the middle and Robin on the right; also the back of Brad's head. This is in September every year.

The three kings day pictures are from the window of Farchette&Hanley RE.

The last picture is the Contessa's castle with Teaque Bay and the Yacht Club on the north shore and Buck Island in the distance.

rotorhead~
do you fly yourself or did someone come and get you?

I fly myself. I have been flying for 37 years.

Me and my ride on Little Hans Lollick Island north of St Thomas.

is this a hobby or business? i bet you have seen some amazing things in that bird! a friend of mine flies in a sesna but i'm chicken to go - ha. maybe one of these days
great pic of you and your ride!

rotorhead, Great pics of the Contessa's castle. I've stared at that place from the beaches below for hours (it seems) trying to imagine what it looks like up close.

EngRMP,
Here is a really close up. Check my album for an inside shot with the Contessa.

Great photos, thanks for a view that most will never see.