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Hi all, first post and this newbie has a question. A little background first. My wife and I had been going to St. Kitts every year for 20 years and thought that would be the retirement destination. Things began to change as the island tried to appeal to the 1%, new 5 star hotels and new construction that starts in the high six figures, and the crowds were coming. We knew after our last visit in 2018 that we had to change our thinking. Someone recommended St. Croix and we visited for the first time in February. Fell in love immediately. St. Croix seemed to be what St. Kitts used to be and we couldn't be happier. So long story short we bought a house in Work and Rest and have made a few trips and hope next year to start spending our winters on St. Croix. I have been a daily reader of this forum for about 18 months and I searched about mail delivery. I called the Sunny Isle post office trying to find out if mail delivery was an option. I was told that if it was it would be handled by the Richmond office. I called the number listed for the Richmond post office and a recording said number is not in service. I know I am way ahead of the game as far as us being on island, but I am just trying to get all the little things understood. Our address is Work and Rest, Christiansted and our WAPA bill gives a location of Rosegate. Is Rosegate the name of the street our house is on in Work and Rest? So can someone please give me a number for the Richmond post office and is Rosegate the name of the street our house is on. I think the more information I have when I get through to the post office the easier it will be. Thanks in advance for any help with this.
Posted : September 21, 2019 10:23 am
Home delivery is almost non-existent in the USVI -- some areas will have community mailbox structures or a row of individual mailboxes. Packages will only get a notice and have to be picked up at the PO.
many people have a PO Box at the closest PO, price depends on size. So many stateside companies will not ship to a PO box or not even use the USPS at all - that pushes folks into using a private mail/business service, which can be convenient for many services but cost is a factor perhaps. It is the easiest option and they will accept packages - from USPS and shipping companies like Fed Ex etc. - but realize the national shipping companies charge International Rates - a big cost factor there. *Free Shipping* is often a hit or miss as well !!
Your physical address will always be the estate and plot # I don't know your particulars on the Rosegate question.
Your best bet initially is to find a private mailbox service especially if you are not here full time - they will be easier to deal with for forwarding when you are off island and worth the $$.
As you have discovered dealing with the USPS in the USVI can be frustratingly complicated.
Posted : September 21, 2019 1:25 pm
Topic starter
Can't thank you enough for the information. When appropriate I'll contact a private mail service.
Posted : September 21, 2019 3:07 pm
Any advice on island companies that offer this service. We're in the same boat as RSdream.
Posted : September 22, 2019 9:56 pm
MailBoxes & More, adjacent to Sunny Isle, is a good compromise for handling both your mail, and package deliveries. For a little while their service suffered badly, but the owner recently made changes and I haven't have any more issues with getting packages. The price for a rental is on the high side, but you will be supporting a locally owned business.
For the rest of the "stuff" I can't get using regular parcel services, I use VI Cargo. Again, a bit pricey, but this is life in the Caribbean.
Posted : September 23, 2019 7:37 am
From a quick internet search: Rosegate Hill is located within the footprint of Estate Work and Rest.
These VI addresses can be an issue sometimes. I have a friend who has a PO Box (mail), street address (WAPA) and estate location (physical). She gave up trying to prove to FEMA where her home was located after Irma and, consequently, her attempt to file for help went unresolved. She has lived in her residence well over 10 years.
To get a PO box, you'll need to apply in person with a copy of your deed and your passport in hand. Each person who receives mail at that box will need to do the same thing. We have a PO box at Gallows Bay and the operation there is efficient by VI standards. Gallows Bay PO is not open after hours to retrieve you mail so you have to plan to do that during business hours. The price is $60 per year for a small PO box and you can renew online after your initial signup.
Mailboxes & More may be easier to deal with while you progress through the stages of relocating. I assume they'll let you apply for a box without showing up in person.
No matter, you'll be sending/mailing lots of stuff to yourself - so figuring out how to do that is an important step to avoiding great frustration.
We use VI Cargo, too.
Posted : September 23, 2019 9:16 am
MailBoxes & More = (340) 719-5131
There is a reason why we have more USPS locations than shopping malls, er, strip malls.
Posted : September 23, 2019 9:43 am
Your correct physical address will be on your deed, also on your sales contract, closing statement.
Posted : September 23, 2019 11:45 am
Topic starter
Thanks for all the added information. I guess we will start with Mailboxes and More. We have used Vi Cargo and Paradise Freight already for some renovation supplies that our contractor has been able to pick up. Thanks Gators Mom for the Rosegate Hill information, our address is Work and Rest and we are located on a hill ?
Posted : September 26, 2019 10:21 am
