MAPP ANNOUNCES MAJOR FOUR-STAR HOTEL DEVELOPMENT FOR ST. CROIX; DISNEY’S ‘DESTINATION EXPERIENCE’ ASSESSMENT TO BE REVEALED IN FEBRUARY

Are these millenials getting their qualifications from PS4's or XBox One's? No offense but Gen Xer's are in a much better position currently to take the reigns.

Living on STT and having been too STX a couple of times made me realize right away that they are not comparable. One isn't better or worse than the other. The only thing that they have in common is that they are both islands. I really think that STX should be a seperate territory. STX too me would be a great market for retired people who want to stay under the US flag. Room to grow gardens, fish, ect. Live a simple life in a beautiful place with great weather. The three islands will each always have appeal and a chance at a bright future. However an incompetant, bloated government will always limit their success.

Are these millenials getting their qualifications from PS4's or XBox One's? No offense but Gen Xer's are in a much better position currently to take the reigns.

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no mega resorts. I'd like to see a few small (10-20 room resorts). Locally owned and operated. Have the resort have a small bar with snack food only. That way guests need to get a taxi or rent a car to go eat. Get them a break on taxes and WAPA for 3 years to get a foothold, this would work.

There are two new small boutique hotel developments in Frederiksted right now, FYI...The Fred and the old Royal Dane which is currently being gutted and renovated.

There are two new small boutique hotel developments in Frederiksted right now, FYI...The Fred and the old Royal Dane which is currently being gutted and renovated.

The Fred... yes!

the chief there is one of my favorites on the island, I'll definitely be checking that place out.

I don't think a few resorts would change this, but I don't want to see a ROLEX store on prime waterfront property on STX... EVER.. so pretentious.

I disagree. I get the "keep STX primitive" movement by some transplants, but I cannot support it. Young people cannot find high paying jobs on STX. A Rolex or Cartier store would give young, educated locals an opportunity to learn sales techniques in a dynamic environment, and make great money on commissions.

If millenials are ever let into the decision-making ranks in the VI, I think that economic development will be paramount. For all its "pretentiousness," Main Street has created a middle class in STT that is largely independent of the government. STX would be wise to mimic STT's entrepreneurial model.

Most bling stores are owned by Indian families. They bring their own to work there. WIs have a LOT to learn in customer service skills. Oto they sometimes respond to my friendly GOOD Morning, thereafter, they focus on playing with their hair or cell phone. That attitude can sell milk or potatoes but will not sell any Rolexes or LV. Some exceptions exists. Most notable these educated on mainland come back with a nice skill set and better attitudes.

Be careful what you wish for.
Those big hotels are going to want to be on your prime waterfront locations and beautiful beaches, limiting your access, changing the landscape forever and impacting your ocean environments, wetlands and wildlife.

That's my concern. We're already complaining about having to pay the Buc to get to Mermaid beach. Just imagine a few more of those big resorts swallowing up access to our favorite beaches. Yes there are rules requiring public access but they can make it very inconvenient. More cruise ships bringing in lots of folks to patronize the local merchants, beaches, attractions during the day for a few weeks during the year would be great. One or two more nice resorts done right might be nice.

WIs have a LOT to learn in customer service skills. Oto they sometimes respond to my friendly GOOD Morning, thereafter, they focus on playing with their hair or cell phone. That attitude can sell milk or potatoes but will not sell any Rolexes or LV.

Not true at all. Other islands find ways to employ WIs in high-level service jobs.

I think the rampant (and vile) stereotyping such as the sort you have illustrated better explains the relative lack of local representation.

Not true at all. Other islands find ways to employ WIs in high-level service jobs.

I think the rampant (and vile) stereotyping such as the sort you have illustrated better explains the relative lack of local representation.

How many locals (black bahn-heres) have you personally interviewed to fill spots in your service industry business? Exactly - none, since you don't own a business and have no clue about running one or selecting qualified applicants to staff it. Maybe when YOU stop stereotyping (those dastardly "transplants" you consistently refer to in derogatory terms) and get some more mileage on you, you'll have a better understanding of exactly what the poster means and then devote some time and effort into providing those locals with the tools and attitude they need to be employable.

Obviously you've not traveled much down island to understand how very differently so many of those islanders are raised and educated ...

If millenials are ever let into the decision-making ranks in the VI, I think that economic development will be paramount. For all its "pretentiousness," Main Street has created a middle class in STT that is largely independent of the government. STX would be wise to mimic STT's entrepreneurial model.

Why?

STX had a nice middle class when the refinery was running that provided a unique experience in the Caribbean – a local population that wasn’t dependent on the tourist $. When the refinery was open Little Switzerland and Colombian Emeralds were both open and I’d guess did more business with the folks that worked at the Refinery Vs the cruise ship clientele.

In most West Indian jurisdictions, the service staff are likely to be young, upwardly mobile West Indians clawing their way into the middle class. It can be said, then, that the tourist dollars flow down into the pockets of the poor and serve to improve the economy:

In the VI, however, the staff will most likely be transplants:

We can chalk this up to the inherent laziness of the VI locals, as is typical in some circles, or, we can arrive at a more sensible conclusion. Importing unskilled employees for easily-trainable jobs while local unemployment is sky-high is immoral, in my opinion. But reasonable minds may disagree (perhaps Marco Rubio?). The practice is also questionable from a macro point of view if employees take the money and flee the territory, as is typical given the attrition rate.

PS- I love Tap and Still and have many friends there.
PPS- Virtually all biographical details I have divulged on this account have been subterfuge. Be careful assuming where I have traveled to or whom I have employed.

If millenials are ever let into the decision-making ranks in the VI, I think that economic development will be paramount. For all its "pretentiousness," Main Street has created a middle class in STT that is largely independent of the government. STX would be wise to mimic STT's entrepreneurial model.

Why?

STX had a nice middle class when the refinery was running that provided a unique experience in the Caribbean – a local population that wasn’t dependent on the tourist $. When the refinery was open Little Switzerland and Colombian Emeralds were both open and I’d guess did more business with the folks that worked at the Refinery Vs the cruise ship clientele.

I agree. Note that I did not say that STX should necessarily pursue jewelry stores; just that STX should mimic STT's creative entrepreneurial spirit. STT's might be tourism, STX's might be tech or finance (see Caymans).

PS- I love Tap and Still and have many friends there.
PPS- Virtually all biographical details I have divulged on this account have been subterfuge. Be careful assuming where I have traveled to or whom I have employed.

What does "Tap and Still" and your friends there have to do with anything?

Not only did you totally miss the point being made but be assured that no assumptions have been made. I wouldn't have known there'd been any attempts at "subterfuge" if you hadn't brought it up so it seems you're not very good at that either.

I've talked to a handful of STXers that DONT want it changed here. Want it exactly how it is. Personally I don't get it but different strokes I guess. I think people get the wrong idea about STT. YES its busier for sure but Northside and West End is the same vibe at east or west here. Quiet - country-ish style and mostly made up of small neighborhoods where everyone knows you. Not country in the steepness and inability to have livestock... in general.

I Went to STT for my birthday last weekend and I realized just how run down STX is. I am sorry - please don't flame me. It is fact. I realized the island in general is just more maintained, more put together, less dilapidated - minus the roads. STX roads are still better but I did see lots of improvements in STT. Maybe with the Hovensa deal, things will get better here. The pure hatred spewed by many Crucians for STT still shocks me every time.

I Went to STT for my birthday last weekend and I realized just how run down STX is. I am sorry - please don't flame me. It is fact. I realized the island in general is just more maintained, more put together, less dilapidated - minus the roads.

You shouldn't be flamed for the truth. STX hardly looks like part of the U.S.

Crucians' generations-long aversion to development has taken a toll.