relocating and needing advice

LM,

Unfortunately, I cannot answer all of your questions but I'm sure there are people on this board that will be able to. Here's what I can tell you from my experiences to the Islands (more specifically, St. Thomas, but I assume much of this can also apply to St. Croix):

1) I would definitely recommend getting a pair of big puppies for security. Many residents have either a dog or a gate for protection.

2) Latest I hear, the public schools are not accredited. This means you'll need to prepare to shell out about $15k for a good private education (scholarships should be available, though).

3) Can't help you with employment info.

4) The first couple of weeks might be a little bit irritating in terms of mosquito bites. Don't fret, though, as they will soon get tired of your blood.

5) Can't help you with quilting info but I can tell you that the local paper publishes most of the local clubs and organizations (such as the Scrabble club) so you might want to check into that when you get there.

Hope this helps!

James

I am curious as to the name of the book with such statements?

The hospitals do always need nurses. They are companies that have traveling nurses to cover shifts and positions, so I am sure they need nurses. There are horror stories, mostly about supplies. New hospital directors are trying their best to get it straight. Of course there is a psych ward.

The crime issue is always a concern. Can't realy speak for St. Croix, but make sure you live in a safe area, and it won't hurt to have an alarm system. Just be careful and aware of your surroundings and don't venture into areas that I am sure you will be told about.

Private school may be the better idea at this time.

Bugs, well, this is the tropics, you will get used to them and them you! It does go away!

The quilting thing, well, there probably is, I have no idea!

Ronnie

I am assuming you have never been to St. Croix?? Is that the case?

What books did you read by the way?

1. Crime. Most crimes are drug related - within the illegal drug trade community that is. Another high one is domesic violence. Gated Communities exist yes, big dogs, alarms - yes yes.

2. Schools. Public junior and high schools are in a bit of trouble right now - you might want to invest in a private school.

3. Employment. Not sure about RN field

4. Bugs. There are spiders not big ones - usually in the house from time to time. Roaches are common - try not to keep kitchen garbage in the kitchen - throw it out everynight is what I mean. Flys - not often. Sand flies on the beach - in the evening or when its rainy. Mosquitoes - when its rainy - dont leave pots or bowls that can collect water outside - mosquitoes breath in water. They are annoying. But they are not say alllll over the place ready to suck you dry. Try not to leave screens open - especially in the evening time.

5. Quilting. I dont think there are as many quilt and fabric, hobby stores as you might be used to on the mainland. No Hobby Lobby, Micheals, anything like that. There are fabric stores.

The two books I read are USVI: America's Virgin Islands by Arlene R. Martel. This is a pretty good book. The other book that freaked me out is Virgin Islands by the Lonely Planet publishing group. I would only reccomend this book to people I did not want to come visit me.

Re: the nursing questions...as you know nurses are ALWAYS in demand. There are lots of opportunities in St Croix at the Juan Luis Hospital, but also: school nurses, home health care, doctor's offices, the health department... since you are being relocated, you will be able to settle in and then look around. It is interesting that you say this nurse was negative. Living and working in the Virgin Islands is NOT like on the mainland. Some people figure that out and some people don't. And people, when they are unhappy, tend to want to pull everyone into their unhappiness. Since I gather you have a psych background, you probably know what I mean. I really wonder what is the agenda is of the author of the Lonely Planet book you read...

Re: schools...Country Day (340)778-1974 and Good Hope (340)772-0022 or www.goodhope.k12.vi might be places to start your search.

Re: bugs...ya gotta get over it in the tropics! But I find fewer bugs here than in Texas (those yucky, yucky June bugs and cicadas!) Keep a couple of lucky geckos in the house!!

LM:

My family and I are also looking to relocate to the islands. Would you please let me know how it's going for you? This would be a huge change for us and I need as much info as I can get. Also, it might be nice to already know someone going in to this. I have been to the islands before on vacation and I don't remember any bugs other than mosquitos, but bugs are also a huge issue of mine. I have three small children and am worried about the schools, population, job market, etc. My husband is a computer programer so I don't know what kind of jobs there are in this field. Also, I have been looking at real estate in the areas and it all seems very expensive. Any info you have would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Bonny