Opportunity Knocking......!

I would try and secure your VI Contractors License now in case the opportunity comes knocking. I've heard that it takes several months to obtain. I would also register with the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) to be FEMA approved in the event that any disaster (hopefully not!) would strike the island.

are you looking for a job or maybe somewhere you could volunteer?

I am open to any position that is of interest. I have donated in the past and volunteer, but this is not about either.

thank you for the feedback. I have been involved in alot of disaster recovery, mainly Cat 5/4 storms(Camille/Katrina and minor storms) and I familiar with process. I chose only to work for past clients in those circumstances as when there is a major recovery the envoirnment is not one I prefer to operate.

You might consider:

1. Contacting Habitat for Humanity (not sure if there's one on STX, but there is one on STT)
2. Contacting Historical Trust (I'm not sure of the one on STX, but there's one on STT, so STX should have something eimilar). The one on STT is very active in restoration on Hassel Island.
3. Put together a proposal to teach carpentry/construction at the youth centers or Skills Center.
4. Learn more about renewable energy, maybe get certified, and get involved with builders who are working on those projects. Somebody on St John has developed some housing, but of course, I can't remember the name of that company!

What were you hoping to do once you moved here?

For someone who has been a business professional for 30 years your initial statement is more then a little vague about what you want. You have to know what you want to do and then I'm sure someone here can point you in the direction of who you should try talking to. But exciting and interesting positions are snapped up in a nanosecond or already have people lined up for the job. Be more specific and people will be better able to help you, IMO your initial post for this thread sounded a tiny bit questionable. And it is impossible for someone who doesn't know you to know what would be interesting to You.

Thank you for the input. It is a fishing expedition to a degree. You never know what you might catch? Sure I could do lots in the development, construction field but who wants to in this market? Kinda like a dinosaur. There are only a trillion people in my field looking for a "job". Your are right, most positions are filled with insider knowledge or cousin referrals, but not all. Thanks again, and relax I am genuine.

No Worries been here about ten years, very little get me worked up. 🙂 Just trying to help you, which I know sometimes on a message board does not come across. There are not a trillion in the construction field here at all. A good contractor on island is worth his weight in gold. I know people say that stateside but here it is much much worse. Finding someone you can trust to build you a house here? Absolutely priceless and someone who can build and knows and understands green technology will always do well.

I would like to once again put my 2 cents worth into this forum.

vasecs this in no way refers to you, just my personal experience stateside and what prospective homeowners should be on the lookout for when selecting a contractor.

I have been posting on this board for several years now and have considerable knowledge of the building trades. When hiring a handyman personal references are the best. But if it comes to a larger project involving licenses and permits and upwards of $100K or more please do your research! We have had a successful family run business for over 30 years and have lost many bids to unqualified builders undercutting the job (too many ways to mention) only to be called into court as an expert witness when things have gone wrong. Do your due diligence and research. I do not know the formal application process for the USVI contractors licensing but I do know that it involves a backround check and testing of knowledge. If you are fortunate to have a contractor accredited with the Central Contractor Registration please make note of that. Although the CCR (Fema only uses approved CCR contractors and doesn't look kindly on carpet baggers) does not test or prequalify the expertise of the contractor they have done extensive research. Before you can even begin with the registering with them you need to file with Dunn and Bradstreet to check your credit record, then you move on to criminal files for all of the officers of the company and a Better Business Bureau check. Only then are you able to continue on. We do this yearly to keep our company up to date stateside and although it is a pain it's not so bad. Just multiple steps of red tape to weed out the winners from the losers.

Although my husband and I plan on finally moving down in 5 years I can't say that we will continue to be licensed, my husband will be 57 and would probably rather be a handyman or do simple work like vasec might be looking for.

Always make sure that you have licensed and insured contractors or really good homeowners insurance if you have day laborers.

Molly

Your use of the terms" fishing" and "catch" sounds like you are using HOOKS. Sounds like you need some more experience in being upfront ....!!!

just take it easy the right thing for you will come when you lease expect it