Trying to adjust

I think anyone who starts a complaint with the fact that they moved into a ghetto and now are shocked at seeing a crack deal go down on the street out front isn't in touch with the reality of living anywhere. By recognizing she moved to a ghetto, she should also recognize that some of the more undesirable elements of life will be closer at hand than if she had moved into an upscale, gated community. That's part of how a ghetto is defined.

Also a little freaked by this message.

But then again - I thought the same thing about DC when I moved there. Was scared to go out at night (often rightly so) but you adjust and much of that is mental. Can't say what that is like on the island - nevere been, but imagine it is 10% location 90% attitude.

Smilie,

Try not to be freaked by the message that started this thread. The poster claims to have been here one week and is shocked because, "This is the united states so you'd think evrything would be the same [as the mainland.]" The islands are nothing like the mainland and anyone who comes expecting them to be will surely be disappointed. There are areas on island that could be characterized as "ghettos" but it's unlikely that anyone moving here from the states with a modicum of common sense would rent a place there.

LittleBleuWorld,

"I live in the ghetto up on Garden street and yesterday I saw a crack deal go down right as i was walking down the street here."

The exchange of drugs for money may be the most mainland United States aspect of life in the USVI!

Well let me say a few things. First of all Little bleu does exist. He lives at Villa Fairview which I own. If you condside this to be ghetto, I don't know what to say. Everyone that comes in is given the same speech by me. I show where the drug dealers hang out and say to take a cab home at night to be okay. This pretty much is for most places you go home to at night having no car.

I am sure that he was relaying things he may have picked up in the dentist's office he works in. He has cable at the Villa. I have never heard of anyone's cable taking two months to install unless maybe in an area where they don't already exist.

Tax returns ,well that too he must have heard through the grapevine. I see and hear of them coming sometimes right away and sometimes six to nine months. I am not in that catagory so I really can't vouch.

As far as expat's comment about Garden Street, I am appalled. Have no clue about someone being shot in the face anywhere n the area. There was a love triangle shooting at the hotel down on the bottom of the hill.

I have people that live on at the villa that I am trying to get to move on. My purpose for the villa is, as my idea, a place to get started. A place you can come to when first on the island to be while you search for an apartment. I tell everyone it is not really condusive for long term stay. One month , maybe two. Some try to stay longer. Ocassionally I may hear of a problem and it is usually brought on by the person who has it. I have had many single women that have stayed at the Villa and several can tell you they never felt safer. One person's garbage is another person's treasure. If little bleu feels unsafe, he should pound the pavement and find a place ASAP. I know I would.

There are worse places on island that I would call ghetto. Villa Fairview is not one of them. We are trying to revitalize the neighborhood. New faces are moving in all around the Villa that I have never seen before. They seem comfortable.

I once had a tenant that wrote negative things here on this board about the area as well. He provoked all of his problems on the street. He couldn't wait to get out and soon found his safe haven in Red Hook. Same night he moved in, someone got stabbed right down the hill from his house in his safe area! Oh well.

If little bleu moves tomorrow, he will be replaced, as there is a waiting list and I will give them the same welcome speech.

I do look forward to the day that the area will be back to where it was and I will continue to harass neighbors and the like to see to it! I spoke to one across the street just yesterday about the nonsense "finds" he drags home and leaves on the street. Another around the corner has her house boarded up and I keep after her to finish renovating. It will soon be a premier neighborhood to show off some day again.

RL

PS JetPilot has been on the board for some time now.

Thanks Ronnie. I just switched the search parameters to "all dates" and you're right. It makes the derogatory remarks over the past two days even more difficult to fathom.

I agree with having staying power. I don't even know why people move down there with out doing serious homework. I don't mean just read a few posts on the forum and then by a plane ticket thinking you got it covered.... You need to do research and think about it, do more research and then re think your decision, and by the time you have done this three or four times if you still want to move to the islands...start planning it. It sounds like several people moved with out sufficient planning or research...

Moving into the "Ghetto" no matter where you are is not pleasant. But you could be living in a lot worse parts of the planet. If you don't like where you live look for something else, if you want to stick it out and can't afford something better save up the money until you can, and in the mean time learn to look the other way when things like drug deals go down. Don't walk down back alleys ect. Normal precautions you would take in any city.

I'm sorry if this post is a little preachy , ecspecialy since I don't live down there yet. I have just read and heard so much negative by people who failed to do the proper research before jumping in feet first it makes me sick. Did any of these people even by the book that is available? It is full of wonderful info that might help them make a more informed decision.

I also think people like that make it harder on the rest of us than it needs to be. I totaly understand why residents of the islands are skeptical of new comers, they have seen to much whining about things not being like it is on the mainland. To much whining about prices and jobs and you name it.

Sorry if this has offended anyone, that was not my intent.
Tanya

Don't know why the post came through as C Isbell, But its me every one. I guess that is what I get for using a campus computer.
Tanya

Ok guys im not trying to cause problems, not trying to step on anyones toes and im not a troll. By the way, to me, a troll is an old gay man that goes for young gay guys, and that's defenatly not me. lol. In responce to evryones arguing and bickering, I do love this island. It's the reason I got a job here and moved here. Forgive me for "not doing any homework" but whats done is done. I do feel very safe at Ronnie's Villa, I take a breath of relief evry night when I make it home from work. It's walking the streets that i dont feel safe and the overall quality of the neighboorhood that I am calling ghetto. When people tell you not to walk alone at night it sends a scarry message to your brain. I think Ronnie has been nothing but nice to me and I appreciate it alot, but the drug deals and gangs here arent his fault. Their not my fault i just have to walk through them daily which scares me, thats all.I had no way to know this area of town was that way so i couldnt of known before moving here. Im trying to adjust and it's hard. Im looking at some places around the island for a more comfortable feel and hopefully I will find something suitable. By the way the power outages, the cable delays, the delays with tax returns and stuff is all what ive heard happens and im just questioning why does it take so long? Whats the problem, why cant those companys be efficent and timley? Thats all. Thanks all, for taking the time to write in on my toppic. I didnt know it would ruffle so many feathers. By the way, does anyone recommend buying a scooter for full time transportation? Some people say heck yea do it cuz the gas mileage will be awesome but some people say no way you'll die cuz people will target you and run you over and open their doors as you drive by and they say in the rain you'll never make it up the hills. Thats just what ive heard...any comments. (nice comments)

Tanya,

I think you are right: many of the negative posts about the islands are by people who came here with inappropriate expectations. Too many people think that because the islands are a U.S. territory, they are a tropical paradise incorporating everything positive about living in the states and absent anything negative about living in the states. Even the Settler's Handbook is often dismissed as blowing life here out of proportion.

You are also correct in your observation that islanders are reticent to admit newcomers to their circle of friends or recommend newcomers to friends who are looking to hire. Because the vast majority of newcomers leave after a few short months, islanders have learned to ration their investment in friendships until there's evidence that someone is here for the long haul.

It is expensive here, there is government corruption here, some residents are criminals and there are places here that could benefit from the proper disposal of garbage. Nevertheless, many of us with plentiful options CHOOSE to live here.

When people visit this board and post constructive criticism it is generally well received. On the other hand, when people visit this board and slam our home, claiming our island is a "sh1t hole," or a "dangerous poverty ridden crack dealer city," they should expect us to react vehemently. We know these islands are imperfect but we choose to live here nonetheless. Regardless of how anyone characterizes these islands, they are our home. We do not try to convince anyone to move here and if someone who lives here doesn't like living here they are free to leave. Islanders have to live with the consequences wrought by a President they have no voice in electing. Until mainlanders fix matters in their own glass house they should not be throwing rocks.

East Ender,

LOL !!

You're absolutely right 🙂

dntw8up said:

"Until mainlanders fix matters in their own glass house they should not be throwing rocks. "

How true. People living in crime-ridden areas like Detroit, LA, Compton, DC, Atlanta, Miami, and Chicago have the nerve to preach to us about "per capita crime rate" and "drug-infested neighborhoods."

Yeah, we have crime here too, but per capita or not, I still feel safer and more comfortable here than anywhere I've lived in the States.

I guess their crime is more palatable because they have WalMarts and IMax theaters.

Clean up your own backyard.

Littlebleuworld, it sounds to me as if you are in a very temporary housing situation right now. Liking your immediate surroundings (i.e., your home), and being somewhat settled in is highly important no matter where you live. So you should work toward finding more permanent housing in an area that you enjoy A.S.A.P.

Not having a car makes it tough IMHO. I would say that not having a car almost anywhere would be tough (except in places with great public transportation like NYC, D.C., Boston, etc.).

Therefore if I were you, I would also work on getting myself a car. There are island cars for sale in the Island Trader. There might be other posters on this board who would be able to give you leads on cars as well. Perhaps your co-workers might know of cars for sale -- ask around. I have seen all types of cars on this island and it seems to me that as long as the thing runs and is mechanically sound enough to endure island driving, it really doesn't matter what it looks like on the outside.

In the meantime, perhaps you could rent a car? If not, try to utilize public transportation. I am sure that Ronnie would be able to advise you on the available public transportation options.

My best suggestion to you is to get your housing and your transportation situated A.S.A.P., and then I think you will find other things starting to fall into place.

One last thing, moving anywhere is an adjustment and you are bound to have good days and bad days after making such a big move. I like it here quite a bit and have not found the transition thus far, to be that tough. That said I have had a few bad, frustrating days. I think it is just part of the process.

Take a deep breath, get it figured out, then Relax and Enjoy :)! STT has imperfections (as all places do) but overall I feel it has a tremendous amount of charm and beauty. There are interesting surprises everywhere -- you just have to get out and explore a bit. I think you will also start to see that once you get yourself situated.

autum youre statement is so true! outlook and attitude are everything. thanks for that comment I'm sure thats what alot of us on this site were thinking.

Ah...the newcomers favorite saying "why does it take so long?". As a former resident of STT and hopefully soon to be resident again, if I had a dollar for every time I heard a newcomer say that, I would be in tall cotton! The sooner newbies let loose of the notion that "the VI is America so everything should be EXACTLY the same", the easier and quicker there transition is.

The islands have a certain pace to them that you can NOT buck. I know, I tried for my first two months and seriously hated life. Once you accept that things are just different and slower, you should get to love it as I did. Things take as long as they take.

Don't know how scientific this is but a friend of mine told me that you could tell the newbies from the locals or expats that had enbraced island life by looking at their wrist...no watch...no problem!

That is so funny. I haven't worn my watch since I got to STX. That's so true!

I live on St Thomas part time. If it wasn't for the necessity to dock my boat here St Thomas would be worthless to me. I would avoid it like the plague.

Regards
JET

Jet: I think you should explain what your expectations were. As I recall when you started posting, you had a go fast boat that you wanted to put in high end day charter. Stop me if I am mistaken... I remember thinking that you expected stateside standards.

The biggest thing about St Thomas that bothered me were the open dumpsters of rotting refuse on the sides of the road around the island (most likely to be found around the east end). It disgusted me how filthy a large part of the island was. I expected others to have the same standard of living that I have.

It bothered me how a local can aquire a business license in about 5 days while it took me 5 weeks, or a vehicle registration in about an hour vs. 2 or 3 days.

It bothered me how nasty some taxi drivers, shop owners, and hotel employees are with tourists. If you derive an ncome from the tourist industry then don't sh@t on it.

The lack of respect for other peoples vehicles was very disspointing. You can't have a nice car there because within a week it will be covered in door ding rash. The "if I can't have a nice car then you can't either" mentality.

I didn't EXPECT stateside standards. But I was a bit dissapointed that it was SO far from it.

My boat business does well there. Unfortunately I had to close it becasue my house was damaged in FL by the last 3 hurricanes we had here. Now that my life is back in order in FL I'll be opening again in St. Thomas.

Themajority of my experiences are on the south and east end. The north side is beautiful to give credit where it's due.

These are my experiences on St Thomas.

Regards
JET

So can you answer the question about the alleged racism?

Jetpilot:

There are some times when the dumpsters are overflowing, more often than not after holidays and weekends. But the dumpsters are never ALWAYS in that state and are usually emptied quickly under such circumstances.

A resident can usually obtain a business license faster than a nonresident for the obvious reason that they have easily verifiable references and bases here. Obtaining my first business license (and I'd been a fulltime resident here for 11 years at that time) took three weeks because of all the paperwork and inspections, etc. and I didn't have a problem understanding that. In subsequent years I have used a qualified "facilitator" to renew my business license and take care of my car registration. There is nothing "underhand" or illegal about that at all but for a relatively small fee it's just a case of paying someone else to do something which otherwise often takes too much time out of one's working day.

As far as taxi drivers, shop owners and hotel employees being "nasty" a good attitude goes a long way in approaching anyone who lives here or anywhere else. Playing Devil's Advocate there are countless rude tourists and nonresidents who approach with a surly, "I need this, I want that now" attitude and fail to observe common courtesy. A cheerful, "Good Morning!" combined with a smile and followed by, "I wonder if you can help me, please," goes a LONG way in establishing reciprocal courtesy.

Vehicles are damaged by additional circumstances other than other cars dinging them. Our roads, weather and mountainous terrain are simply not conducive to maintaining a pristine car. To lump every ding under an all-encompassing comment of, "if I can't have a nice car then you can't either" mentality is derogatory and inflammatory.

To say that you were a "bit disappointed" is surely an understatement when you call our island a basic sh**hole." Albeit your personal opinion, it's a very rude comment directed to all of us.

You say your business does well here so one must assume you are reaping financial reward by basing it here. Well, good for you. Now maybe you should put a little effort into integrating yourself into a new community and learn a little more about the rewards of grace and courtesy instead of blowing off steam about all the perceived inequities.

And, yes, please do qualify your statement about racism. Thanks.

STT Res:

You provided excellent answers to JETs rantings. I would add that you would run into the same type of thing in ANY nortwestern city. Having taken a few cabs in Washington, Boston, NYC AND STT I can tell yo that STT cabies are no more (but in some cases no less) rude than their stateside brothers.

Overflowing trash? Try certain areas of LA in the middle of summer after a thunderstorm...literally an eye watering experience!

As for racism on the island...I wouldn't really call it racism as much as localism (if that's even a word). This is just my experience but IMHO the home grown islanders take care of their own. It is certainly frustrating but you either learn to live with it or you let it cloud your entire outlook. I choose to enlist the help of my local friends whenever I had to do any official government business. Must say they were ALWAYS ready to help...probably more so than any friend I had in the states!

Thank you for that dose of reality. My husband and I will be coming to St Croix in several weeks to look at property and the negativity in some of these post was discouraging. If it's true that all we need to do is follow the advice you posted - we will surely love the 'island way'.

Jet: I'm glad you brought up the dumpsters...Most stateside people are accustomed to things like home garbage pick up (very rare), "city water" (many have individual cisterns) and sewers (again septic tanks/fields are more common.) I guess if you expected those things, you would be surprised. There are dumpsters on the north side, too. You just can see 'em because of the mold and moss growing on them! 😉

You also mention the thing about "nice cars" being trashed. You aren't one of those "He who dies with the most toys" kind of guy are you? 😀 I think that part of life here is learning that "stuff" doesn't matter. I am sorry about your place in FL, but after a hurricane here, the saying is, "Thank God for life!"