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Topic starter
Hello "Virgin Islanders",
I am "sizing up" the U.S. Virgin Islands for a possible relocation destination. My husband and I have dreamed of a slower-paced life in the islands. We live in Palm Beach County, Florida, and our lives are becoming increasingly hectic, not to mention the traffic! We have the typical middle-American "baggage", i.e. plenty of student loans, and a small child to raise. Therefore, we would need to work, and we want to relocate somewhere that will a positive move for our daughter.
I am an Attorney, and enjoy my profession. Therefore, I would definitely want to practice law there. Does anyone have any helpful hints and/or information regarding the job market in the legal profession in the USVI? Any advice would be appreciated.
Next, I would also be interested to learn more about family life in the USVI. How are the schools? What sort of activities are available for children and families? Are drugs, delinquency, etc. as prevalent there as in my neck of the woods? Are there many families with children living there that accept newcomers into their social circle?
I have many more questions, but it's getting late. Looking forward to hearing from some of you.
Ansley
Posted : March 19, 2004 2:24 am
Ansley -Onik'a, a frequent poster here is an atty in St Thomas. She should be helpful to you.
PH
Posted : March 19, 2004 4:00 am
Topic starter
thanks. I noticed that last night, and e-mailed her directly.
Posted : March 19, 2004 11:25 am
Hello Ansley,
You might visit
http://onepaper.com/vibarherald/?v=d&i=&s=Welcome:The+VI+Bar+Herald&p=%28null%29
You could also look in the yellow pages for a listing of law firms at http://www.viphonebook.com
The public elementary schools are ok, some are better then others it seems. There are issues though that range from teachers to supplies. Private schools exist and range in tuition, student population ect. The public junior high and high schools have bigger problems that include lose of accreditation - which they are trying to regain. You might check out the school section of this web site, the schools with web sites have links and you can visit the web sites and web pages and gather more information. Activities for kids; boys and girls scouts, lots of watersports, fishing tournament for kids, sailing groups, swimming groups, community baseball teams and school teams, ballet, karate classes, theatre, summer camps. There are some family, mom-baby, parent-kids type groups; often set up by a group of friends, co-workers or pta members. There is drugs and delinquency here, not sure if its as much as where you are now. From attending school here as a kid and seeing the bar scene now as an adult I will say; drinking is 18 years old but if you are 16 but look 18 you can get served - kids figure out which bars are more relaxed about carding - although most places do card. In terms of drugs - marajuana is the most predominant and for the most part is the only one talked about or experimented with as far as school age folks go and I would say this is around the end of junior high - start of high school. (I am referencing my experiences, situations might be different now, haven't been in school for a quite some time.) Teen pregnancies are an issue. So yes the pressures of teen years/high school (sex, alcohol, drugs) exist here too.
Families with kids social circle - you will meet people through work and through your kids school or groups. This shouldn't be a problem.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions be sure to ask.
--Islander
Posted : March 21, 2004 1:06 am
Topic starter
Thanks for the info Islander! I will check out the websites you recommended. I have already done a search on line to learn what Firms have offices there. There are not alot, but some of them do practice in the same areas that I am currently practicing.
I have to do some more research on the schools. Wasn't surprised to hear that drinking and marijuana usage are part of the teen experience there. Most places are similarly affected these days!
I'm sure you'll hear from me again. In the interim, I love reading the other messages, and am learning a lot in the process. You are always very helpful and informative.
Talk to you later,
Ansley
Posted : March 22, 2004 9:49 am
Hello Ansley,
Saw a job openings for lawyer on St. Thomas:
Employer: Birch, deJongh, Hindels and Hall
accepting applications for a lawyer and paralegal. Litigation experience preferred. Send resume to the attention of Office Manager at P.O. Box 1197, St. Thomas VI 00804.
General practice firm, with emphasis on civil litigation, seeks experienced attorney for associate or of-counsel position. Prefer current admission to Virgin Islands bar. Contact Watts, Benham & Sprehn, P.C. E-mail resume to jhbenham@wattsbehnam.com or fax to (340) 776-3630
Good Luck.
--Islander
Post Edited (03-24-04 15:06)
Posted : March 24, 2004 7:48 pm
Topic starter
Hey Islander,
Thanks for the info! I'll check out the opportunity.
I also want to jump on the bandwaggon and say "Thanks" for all your helpful advice on this website. I love reading your messages. I always know that when I see your name on the message board, I'm going to get some useful or interesting information. Great job! I hope to meet you some day.
Ansley
Posted : March 24, 2004 11:23 pm
Islander,
You know how I feel about you. But I got to say I want to buy a piece of you (real estate), with all the kudos your getting, You may become the 4th USVI.
Hee Hee Hee Lol for fun
Posted : March 24, 2004 11:47 pm
Hello Ansley - you are welcome!
Eve - the 4th Virgin Island is taken - Water Island is the 4th USVI. Check it out www.vinow.com/waterisland 🙂 So maybe the 5th!! LOL
Thank you for the kudos - I appreciate the appreciation, makes the work aspect of the web sites worth while 🙂 ... you know the inspecting beaches, making sure the snorkeling is good and of course the programming and computer stuff 🙂
Thanks for using the site and board!
--Islander
Posted : March 25, 2004 12:36 am
