Are there any natives on here?

You've made a good start. The term 'native' is a disputed term with many definitions, with no consensus as to who a native is.

I'm a native, but many others would dispute it.

Native - hmmm, not sure I'd go there. Even the term 'born-here' can be disputed based on one's shade. You're heading down a sticky wicket with your inquiry, but best of luck. Should make for an interesting dialog.

Oops, maybe I should rephrase?

I'm interested in the perspective of someone born and raised in USVI, not the color of skin. I do get the point about "native" vs "local" and didn't mean to kick a hornet nest, as I truly don't see color.

As residents of a mostly tourist industry ski town now, we are amused/irritated by pretentious folks who have moved in from California and and within a year are telling 5th generation folks how things are, should be, etc. in the town their families built and homesteaded.

As residents of a mostly tourist industry ski town now, we are amused/irritated by pretentious folks who have moved in from California and and within a year are telling 5th generation folks how things are, should be, etc. in the town their families built and homesteaded.

As a 30 year resident, I can assure you that many of us feel exactly the same way.

IMHO, you are still kicking the hornets' nest while you are surrounded by pythons.

I had a uncomfortable experience when I called a good friend at HOVENSA a "native". He stopped me and told me not to call him that again. He said "I am a local that hailed from Africa". I had to apologize.

There are locals with many generations from PR, DR, St. Lucia, Martinique, etc...

I got very close with the locals and I can assure you, just like in these boards, they agree that they don't agree. Some have radical ideas, that STX should separate from the rest of the VIs and vote for a commonwealth like they have in PR. Others want and independent STX. Others want to remain a territory yet have their own constitution. Other can't wait to get out of there an into the mainland. The same goes with politics, education, cost of living, etc.

Unfortunately, some of them will look at the skin color, your accent, and if you follow traditions.

Yes, a few post here every know and then. Recently one started a thread about the Jouvert. I give them my due respect and well earned space.

Visit the VI Consortium an read the comments on the news reports. That will give you some idea. And you will quite a bit of bickering too.

P.S. My good friend, the local that never wanted to leave STX had no choice. Got fed up and is now a resident of the USA. Of course, he is not pleased, but feels he chose wisely. Most I keep in touch with feel the same way too. They just hope some day they get the chance to return.

imo anyone who was born here should be considered a native. anyone who is not born here should not

I'm 12th generation and have lived here most of my life with the exception of schooling and travel.

I'm seventh generation. All my life also except school and vacations.

What's being from California got to do with it? Being from SoCal has taught me to shut up and be cool when talking to locals or anybody else around here. Like anywhere else some like you and some don't and some have seen me as a target and I let them know in no uncertain terms that I'm not as stupid as I look. Still STX is a very nice place to be.

Local, Schmocal. Some who were born here are; light/dark/whatever and are either a'fore or against you. I'm a five year newbie and get along with almost everyone. If you come, you will either like it or not. STX isn't for everyone. If you mind your P's and Q's, greet everyone with a smile and a "Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Night", and stay away from the 'questionable' parts, life on the island will treat you well. Common sense rules the day. Come for an extended PMV to see for yourself…

One more 'ting mon'; Patience is really a virtue.

Any chance of getting back to the OP' s original question of, "Wonder what a native's thoughts might be on all the conflicting opinions we read on here?"

Born and raised.....I specifically joined this forum because some of the slanted views posted on here would piss me off.

My husband's family goes back I don't even know how many generations in the the islands, his great (to the not sure how many greats) aunt was the first born USVI'er after transfer day (so the story goes) and when he and his friends get together they will debate ANYTHING for hours on end without coming to a consensus. So in my experience, whether native, local, transplant, you are going to have conflicting views across the board.

Any chance of getting back to the OP' s original question of, "Wonder what a native's thoughts might be on all the conflicting opinions we read on here?"

Some of us natives are the ones that post 'conflicting opinions' here.

I realize that Cruzaniron. I just wanted to get back on topic about what you all thought about the differing of opinions rather than the term "native."

There are truths on both sides. Some people here get bent out of shape by others posting what they believe to be negative first hand accounts of bad experiences. I stopped my 'negative' postings for that reason. Some, like me, have lived here many years with extremely few and minor negative incidents, others have had the worst of things happen after a short while. When it is first hand accounts, those are the truths.

There is also many negative perceptions ( public schools, for example) posted by people that are hearsay, or with no basis other than rumor. They lead to contentious conversation and have be viewed for what they are, opinions and not facts.

No disrespect is intended to anyone, just curious about perspectives.

As mentioned in this thread, we read a lot of negative comments and wonder if those folks are mainlanders expecting STX to meet their high standards, even though they specifically moved away from the mainland to get away from certain issues, or if those posts are from folks who have lived there a long time and are giving an accurate account of life there. (My comment about Californians was strictly limited to our experience with the greedy land developer-types who have swarmed and taken over our little community with mixed results. I would imagine anyone, from CA or elsewhere, who moves to STX has a different agenda. At least we sure hope so, as our town has lost a considerable amount of its charm and uniqueness over the last decade.)

We read about a lot of crime (murders, muggings, etc.) but some of our friends there seem to not know anything about those incidents, making us wonder if they really happen or not? Or are some trying to bring up the drawbridge behind them so to speak, to keep others from following them? Obviously, being out late at night near bars, etc. would be foolish anywhere on the planet, but do home invasions really happen? We live a low key lifestyle, not flashy with expensive toys so hopefully we can blend in and not attract any unwanted attention. And of course, bad things happen in good places all the time, sometimes it's just a matter of wrong place, wrong time. Overall, is crime a serious issue or not?

Another topic we are curious about is employment. Of course a favorite subject here is the Hovensa debacle, which we are following with interest for a variety of reasons. But generally speaking, can a couple with marketable skills find work and be able to survive in a simple way? Again, we don't need flashy speedboats or a high end villa, just to be able to pay bills and go visit family on the mainland a couple times per year.

Housing seems to be doable so we aren't too concerned about that part. We've been there and have made some friends we stay in touch with so we aren't going in blind. Just hoping to be prepared for any of the drawbacks we are reading about so we can handle appropriately.

Thanks to all for contributing to this thread! We appreciate any and all feedback.

AGAIN, when people post crime stories-they are the truth if they happened to them or a friend. some people have been lucky and have not had any crime happen-more power to them and happy for them. some have had serious and some have had minor.

depends on your definition of serious and whether crime has happened to you or not. if you have lived here for 10 years and never had so much as pain cream stolen from you, its not serious ( btw-fast eddie stole pain cream out of our vehicle ) but if you have been murdered ( like a past poster TRW ) that is serious .

job market? it is tight to say the least. but still most people who are looking do find jobs even though they may not be the same type of jobs from the mainland .

again-read some more past posts

wahini: If you want to see some "greedy land developers", come to the VI. LOL. Seriously, when you say you have marketable skills, what do you mean? Nurses are always needed,for example...

Message Removed: Please revisit board rules.

Reply Removed.

Overall, is crime a serious issue or not?

The three main VI islands compete with each other for tourist dollars, and for businesses that create jobs. This completion drives the marketing campaigns which are meant to represent a particular island in the best possible way. Public safety is a high priority for many people considering a short visit or a permanent move to an island, and as such, the discussion about public safety is often a fight.

Half of the people who post here don't even live in VI (myself included). Some would say that they were never affected by crime, and others would say that they have been murdered twice in the last 3 days. Many would attempt to blur the issue completely by saying things like "crime is everywhere", "use common sense", and "don't attract attention". In my limited stay on all 3 VI islands, I learnt to trust my "back of the neck hair" test. No matter what advertisers talk and write about the crime, you can confirm or deny it by feeling the crime (or the potentiality of thereof) with the hair of your skin. Come to different parts of different islands, and you can tell very quickly whether crime is an issue or not. Then you can compare that feeling with wherever you are in the states now, using it as a reference point.

But generally speaking, can a couple with marketable skills find work and be able to survive in a simple way?

You would be paid about 50% less, while your cost of living would be about 35% more. Will you survive?

When someone who comes here for a brief visit decides that their superficial overview of island life empowers them to authoritatively advise those thinking of moving here, their comments should be taken for exactly what they are - a vacationer's opinion.

good post old tart.