Caribbean VILLAGE CULTURE ZINE USVI

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Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 22 100 Mall Circle Drive . Suite 100B-1 . Monroeville, PA, 15146 . Phone: 412-377-7951

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Greetings Patrons, Partners and Friends, HERE WE ARE with another CULTURE-ZINE issue JUST FOR YOU!!! It is best viewed on a larger screen [larger than a smartphone screen] to get the full impact of the style, imagery and page turning feature that is also accompanied by the sound of the pages flipping. Also, don’t forget that you can now visit, browse, shop and communicate with “The VILLAGE” via www.caribbeanvillageusa.com. We want to HEAR FROM YOU!! As we state in each issue of The Insider, our objective is to educate, inspire and entertain our readers as we present content that is of interest to: • The Caribbean diaspora, in particular, as well as, • A multi-cultural diaspora, and also • The Caribbean Enthusiast - anyone who is interested in the Caribbean Experience The FOUNDER’S Notes WELCOME BACK!! This month we are featuring the United States Virgin Islands or U.S.V.I., where US mainland citizens and U.S.V.I. citizens can travel conveniently without a passport!! Inside is an engaging and educational interview with Educator, Cheryl Joseph , about the U.S.V.I. Also included is an introduction to important historical facts about the archipelago. Also note that each month we provide a bit more information about the study of Flags on the VEXILLOLOGY page . I’ll meet you INSIDE…. Kahila 1

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Table of Contents Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Pages 1: Welcome and The Founder’s Notes Page 2: Table of Contents Page 3: The Flag and Coat of Arms of the United States Virgin Islands Page 4: Important U.S.V.I. History Page 7: An Interview with EDUCATOR, Cheryl Joseph Interviewed By: Keywanda Battle Page 13: Gastro Caribe Page 15: Kahila’s Taste Page 18: TWO BOOKS of the Month Page 20: CARIBBEAN NEWS Page 25: The VEXILLOLOGY Next Page: Caribbean Village OFFER Next Page: Building STRONG Communities ADVERTISING Pages Next Page: Come VISIT CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Next Page: U.S.V.I. Flag Youth Coloring Page Next Page: PRODUCERS Advertising Page Last Page To open the links in this Newsletter, simply CLICK the Link 2

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 The FLAG and COAT OF ARMS of the United States Virgin Islands The flag of the U.S. Virgin Islands features a field of white charged with an eagle, centered and flanked by the letters, V and I. Upon the eagle’s chest is a shield of blue with red and white stripes. In its talons are a sprig of laurel and three arrows. The colors of the USVI flag also have symbolic meaning. The flag of the United States Virgin Islands was adopted on May 17, 1921. It consists of a simplified version of the coat of arms of the United States between the letters V and I (for 'Virgin Islands'). The yellow-colored eagle holds a sprig of laurel in one talon, which symbolizes victory, and three blue arrows in the other (unlike the thirteen arrows in the US coat of arms), which represent the three major islands that make up the U.S. Virgin Islands: Saint Croix, Saint Thomas, and Saint John. When the Virgin Islands were owned by Denmark, the flag was a blue ensign with the Danish flag, or Dannebrog ('cloth of the Danes'), in the canton. U.S.V.I. Coat of ARMS The national coat of arms/seal of U.S. Virgin Islands were designed by Mitchlyn E. Davis, Sr and was adopted on January 1, 1991. The Seal features the three main islands that makeup the Virgin Islands: St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas. The Flag of United States and the Flag of Denmark is also featured on the seal. In the center of the seal is the national bird of U.S. Virgin Island: a Bananaquit; and a ribbon bearing the national motto: “United in Pride and Hope”. The outer rim of the seal reads, \"Government of the United States Virgin Islands.\" 3

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 National Motto “United in Pride and Hope” National Anthem Being an insular territory of the United States, \"The Star-Spangled Banner\" is the official national anthem of the U.S. Virgin Islands. People from the Virgin Islands are called Virgin Islanders and based on the island of residence are called St. Thomian, St. Johnian, Crucian [or Cruzan] and Water Islanders respectively. The first people known to have inhabited what is today the Virgin Islands were the Carib, Arawak and Ciboney Indians. The Virgin Islands are an archipelago in the Caribbean Sea, the Leeward Islands of the Lesser Antilles. The GPS Coordinates are 18.3358° N, 64.8963° W. Important U.S.V.I. HISTORY Residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands have been U.S. citizens since Feb. 25, 1927. The U.S. Virgin Islands – St.Thomas, St. John and St. Croix - are an organized, unincorporated United States territory. Although those born on the islands are U.S. citizens, U.S. Virgin Islanders residing in the territory are ineligible to vote for the president of the United States. Virgin Islanders are eligible to vote if they become a resident of a State. Water Island - Water Island offers visitors a superb opportunity to relax away from everything and enjoy a laid-back vacation. It is a small residential island; the smallest of the four USVI islands at just 491.5 acres. It is also the youngest having been transferred to the local government in December 1996. Early Inhabitants The first residents of the present United States Virgin Islands were the Ciboney, Caribs, and Arawaks. In 1493, Christopher Columbus visited these islands. He had been searching for a route to India and consequently he called the people he encountered Indians. Columbus named the beautiful islands ‘The Virgins’ in reference to the legendary beauty of St. Ursula and her 11,000 virgins. The period after Columbus’ visit was quiet as far as exploration and colonization is concerned. Explorers as late as 1587 reported evidence of Indian habitation however settlers by 1625 reported not finding Indians. It is believed that Spanish settlers on nearby Puerto Rico raided the islands on a regular basis. Some Indians were forced to work while others fled. Indian groups lived throughout the Caribbean, however European exploration and colonization brought demise to the indigenous groups. They had no immunity to European diseases and were not pre4pared to deal with the harsh labor they were forced 4

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 into. Within several decades following colonization of the Caribbean, Indian populations plummeted. Today they are found on reserved lands on only a few islands. St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John In the early 1600s many countries took interest in the Caribbean and in “the Virgins”; Holland, France, England, Spain, Denmark and the Knights of Malta all sought colonies. England and Holland colonized and jointly inhabited St. Croix in the 1620s. The neighboring Spanish on Puerto Rico invaded the small colony; the French then quickly moved in, removing the Spanish and taking over themselves. St. Croix remained a French colony until 1733. The Danish West India Company first attempted to settle St. Thomas in 1665. They successfully established a settlement on St. Thomas in 1672 consisting of 113 inhabitants. They expanded and settled on St. John in 1694. The Danish had claimed St. John as early as the 1680’s, however hostility from the neighboring British on Tortola prevented the Danes from establishing a settlement. The British, in order to maintain hospitable relations with Denmark, eventually ceased their opposition. After the Danes settled St. John, plantation agriculture developed rapidly. The Danish West Indian Company purchased St. Croix from the French in 1733 bringing St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John together as the Danish West Indies. Slave Trade and Piracy In 1685, the Danish government signed a treaty with the Dutch of Brandenburg. This treaty allowed the Brandenburg American Company to establish a slave-trading post on St. Thomas. Early governors also approved of St. Thomas becoming a pirates’ safe haven. The governors realized an influx of pirates would benefit local merchants. While piracy ceased to be a factor in the island’s economy in the early 1800s, the slave trade continued. In the Danish West Indies slaves labored mainly on sugar plantations. Cotton, indigo and other crops were also grown. Sugar mills and plantations dotted the islands hilly landscapes. Each island’s economy prospered through sugar plantations and slave trading. While St. John and St. Croix maintained a plantation economy, St. Thomas developed into a prosperous center of trade. Slave rebellion on St. John and St. Croix are well documented. Legitimate trade and business on St. Thomas influenced a different society where many more slaves were given freedom and an opportunity outside of plantation life. A July 2, 1848 rebellion on St. Croix, where some 5,000 blacks were free while another 17,000 remained enslaved, prompted liberal governor Peter von Scholten to declare what he had long pressed for, that all unfree in the Danish West Indies were from that day free. While his proclamation was in direct contradiction of the King’s orders and while plan5tation owners refused to accept the proclamation, 5

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication slavery was abolished on July 3rd, 1848. Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Strict labor laws were implemented several times after emancipation and the populous reacted in tense labor riots. Planters began to abandon their estates and the population and economy in the islands declined. The islands and its residents fell on rough times in the late 1800s due to the poor economy and numerous natural disasters. US Territories The islands remained under Danish rule until March 31, 1917, when the United States purchased them for $25 million in gold in an effort to improve military positioning during critical times of World War I. St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John became the U.S. Virgin Islands. While conditions improved, change came slowly and frustrations brewed. Residents felt deceived when they were not granted American citizenship immediately following the transfer and disappointment also existed in that the islands were run by Naval administrators and appointed officials. The Military and the Interior Departments managed the territory until the passage of the Organic Act in 1936. Today the U.S.V.I. is a U.S. territory, run by an elected governor. The territory is under the jurisdiction of the president of the United States of America and residents are American citizens. National Park In 1956 Laurance Rockefeller gave the National Park Service a generous gift of 5,000 acres of land on St. John. This gift, along with subsequent additions, increased the holdings. Today almost two thirds of St. John’s beautiful forest, shorelines and underwater lands are protected by the Park. Historical and marine treasures on St. Croix including Buck Island are also protected by the Park Service, as are portions of Hassell Island. Water Island: The 4th Virgin Island In 1996, Water Island, located in St. Thomas’ Charlotte Amalie harbor, was officially returned to the U.S.V.I. from the Department of the Interior. Today Water Island is the fourth United States Virgin Island. Tourism In the mid-1900’s the Virgin Islands saw the dawn of new times, more prosperous times. Tourists seeking the warmth, beauty and relaxation the U.S.V.I. offers, vacationed in the islands. Hotels, restaurants and shops began popping up on beachfront properties and in main towns. With the rise in business and economy came a rise in the population as immigrants from neighboring islands flocked to the U.S.V.I. to work. Today the population of .t6h.e…U.S.V.I. is made up of people from all over the Caribbean. The islands entered the new millennium as one of the premiere destinations for tourists visiting the Caribbean. 6

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 An interview with Educator, Cheryl Joseph This month CARIBBEAN VILLAGE is honored to share our interview with Crucian EDUCATOR [by way of Antigua], CHERYL JOSEPH. As always, we remind our readers, that the goal of the interviews presented in The CARIBBEAN VILLAGE Insider CULTURE-ZINE is three faceted: · We aim to edify our readers with informative , useful , little known and perhaps, unsung or undiscovered information about the U.S.V.I. · We aim to delight our readers from the U.S. Virgin Islands and bring pleasant memories of HOME. · We aim to imbue a curiosity in the reader - to want to learn more about the United States Virgin Islands Legend: CV = CARIBBEAN VILLAGE’S Question CJ = Cheryl Joseph’s Answer Now, let ’s move on to our interview….. CV: What is the population of the U.S.V.I.? CJ: The population of the United States Virgin Islands forms a complex society with multiple diverse ethnic groups: Virgin Islanders, Eastern Caribbean Islanders, Puerto Ricans, D7ominicans, French , Americans (locally 7

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 known as \"continentals\"), Arabs and Asians. As of June 16, 2022, the population of the U.S.V.I. is 104,125. CV: What is the official language of the United States Virgin Islands? CJ: The official and most widely spoken language in the Virgin Islands is English . The literacy rate in the Virgin Islands is around 90-95%. It is common to hear French Creole and Spanish spoken , particularly on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Spanish is spoken in the Virgin Islands by immigrants of Puerto Rico and Santo Domingo. CV: What languages do you hear on the streets? CJ: Mostly English . Remember the islands are a melting pot with different ethnicities', so you might hear different languages that some people use amongst themselves. But for the most part, it is English . CV: What is the national costume of the Virgin Islands? CJ: The national costume is the madras fabric which is colorful plaid . The women costume is usually madras fabric long skirt, top is usually the same plaid , with white eyelid trimming around the neck and arms. The females also wear a headdress from the same madras fabric, which is usually tied in a certain way, traditionally, depending on how the head is tied , depicts whether they are married , single , or widowed . The male usually wears black pants with the madras fabric shirt. CV: What are the special customs or traditions? CJ: Colorfully costumed dancers on stilts, called mocko jumbies, are prominently featured in many US Virgin Islands holidays, from one of the world’s liveliest Valentine’s Day celebrations to the traditional Caribbean Carnival festivities. In contemporary Virgin Islands society, there are various dance traditions, given its history of 8migration . The dances most commonly 8

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 associated with indigenous Virgin Islander culture are the quadrille , which is also performed in many other Caribbean islands, and the bamboula. CV: What are the most celebrated festivals holidays? CJ: Carnival on St. Thomas, Three Kings’ Day in January on St. Croix, Independence Day in July on St. John’s are the most popular events but you shouldn’t miss the following events when you visit the islands. Arts and Crafts festivals, music festivals, and yacht races are just some of the other kinds of US Virgin Islands festivals that visitors can consider taking part in . For those who like food festivals, the Taste of St Croix festival is one of the St Croix events to add to your list of possibilities. CV: Are there playful nicknames or terms of endearment for the U.S. Virgin Islands? CJ: Twin City is a nickname used for St. Croix, in reference to the two towns, Frederiksted , and Christiansted . Rock City is the nickname used for St. Thomas, and Love City. Water Island , is usually called the “fourth Virgin Islands. CV: What is the political system in the virgin islands? CJ: The Governor is the head of the local government, and of a multi-party system. United States Virgin Islands are an unincorporated and organized territory of the United States, administered by the Office of Insular Affairs of the United States Department of the Interior. Executive power is exercised by the local government of the Virgin Islands. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature . CV: How have the islands been impacted by the Covid pandemic? CJ: A lot of businesses were forced to close down . It had a negative impact on tourism. Little to no tourist ships cam9e to the island . The islands depend on tourism as the main industry, and speaking from an academic level , many students’ reading levels dropped . 9

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 CV: What are the principal economic activities of the Virgin Islands? CJ: The country's economy is dominated by the areas of tourism, trade and other services. Most of the territory’s food is imported . Most prevalent export is the rum that is distilled on the island of St.Croix. CV: Is there taxation in the Virgin Islands? CJ: The U.S. Virgin Islands uses a mirror system of taxation , also known as the “Mirror Code ,” meaning that U.S.V.I. taxpayers pay taxes to the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (\"BIR\") generally to the same extent as U.S. taxpayers would under the Code to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service . CV: What is the most popular sport? CJ: Americanization in the U.S. Virgin Islands has led to the preponderance of American sports such as baseball , American football and basketball , while sports more popular in the English-speaking Caribbean , such as cricket and association football , are also played . CV: Is the weather very different on the islands? CJ: The Virgin Islands climate is basically tropical all year round . For the most part, our weather is sunny, barring hurricanes. Sometimes it would rain on one island and not on the others. CV: Can you describe the seasons? CJ: The best times to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands are December through April during the dry season . The warmer months of March and April are even better. The worst times to visit St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands are September through November. These months fall inside the heart of the Virgin Islands hurricane season , also known as the rainy season . 10 10

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 CV: What are the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S. Virgin Islands? CJ: Tamarind Reef Resort and Spa, Sand Castle Beach Hotel , Carambola Beach Resort and Spa, The Buccaneer Hotel and Beach , St. Croix). (Marriott French man's Reef, Secret Harbor Beach Resort and Spa, The Ritz Carlton Club, Elysian Beach Resort, St. Thomas) Westin St. John Resort, (St. John). CV: What are some of the interesting architectures on the islands? CJ: Government House , both on St. Croix and St. Thomas, Whim Great House on St. Croix, Fort Christianvaern , Fort Fredericks, on St. Croix, St. Thomas also has a Fort Christian , Victorian Building on St. Croix. CV: Who are the notable artists on the islands? CJ: I am familiar with veteran musician , Bulley Petersen. Sculptor, Waldemar Brodhurst, I know personally. There are also, Reggae artists – Dezarie , Junior P, Pressure , Niyorah , Mada Nile , Queen Imah , General , Ras Attitude , Express Band , Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Nights, just to name a few. There are several others. Come VISIT to experience their talents. CARIBBEAN VILLAGE gives THANKS to Ms. Joseph for honoring us by sharing her in-depth knowledge of the U.S.V.I. in this interview. Her expertise as an educator shines through in her thorough and enlightening answers to our questions. We believe the inquiring minds of our readers will be satisfied with her answers to the questions we posed. Next month, Ms. Joseph will grace our pages again by sharing with us the story of her CRUCIAN connection by way of ANTIGUA, the island of her birth, and her journey to PITTSBURGH! 11 11

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The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 GASTRO CARIBE This monthly segment offers ISLAND recipes, food talk, serving advice and helpful tips. We always start by defining GASTRONOMY - Gastronomy is the study of the relationship between food and culture, the art of preparing and serving rich or delicate and appetizing food, the cooking styles of particular regions, and the science of good eating. A National Dish of the United States Virgin Islands Fish and Fungi (pronounced foon-ji), is the National Dish and a main staple of the U.S.V.I. Fungi, The Caribbean version of polenta, is also viewed as a national dish of nearby Antigua and Anguilla. It dates back to the days of Danish rule, when cornmeal and salt herring were the foundation of slaves’ rations. Photo Courtesey brassieriecayman.com 13

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Fungi, a staple on dinner tables throughout the Virgin Islands, this filling, earthy side dish is a healthy and delicious accompaniment for any fish or stewed protein. In the U.S.V.I., you can find it accompanying tender stewed snapper or butter-braised conch, acting as a sponge for luscious sauces. Some like their fungi thick enough to stand on its own while others prefer it thinner and a bit runny. Enjoy it whichever way is best for YOU! Also, leftover fungi can be chilled and cut into squares and pan-fried in a bit of oil until golden, as a base for scrambled or poached eggs with a side of bacon…YUM!! WHAT YOU NEED: FOR: Virgin Islands Styled Fungi and Fish • 4 1⁄2lbs fish, scaled and gutted • 2 medium onions - chopped • 1 tomato – chopped • 1 tablespoon vinegar • 3 tablespoons lemon juice or 3 tablespoons lime juice • 2 cups water • 2 teaspoons butter WHAT YOU NEED: For: OKRA FUNGI 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra 2 1⁄2 cups boiling water 1 1⁄2 cups yellow cornmeal, ground fine 2 tablespoons butter 1⁄4 teaspoon salt Pepper to taste 14

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 WHAT TO DO: 1. Place fish with all ingredients [For: VIRGIN ISLANDS STYLE FISH] into a saucepan and cook gently until fish is cooked, about 20 to 30 minutes. 2. Place frozen okra in boiling water. Cook until just barely tender. 3. In a medium size saucepan, bring 2½ cups water to a boil. 4. To make lump-free OKRA FUNGI, mix about ¼ cup of the cornmeal with ¾ cup water in a separate small bowl. Then, add this mixture back into the larger pot of boiling water. 5. Let cornmeal cook for about a minute, then add the rest of the cornmeal into the pan in a slow steady stream, while stirring constantly. 6. Add hot cooked okra to cooked cornmeal. Stir well. 7. Then, stir in the butter, salt and pepper, to taste. 8. Simmer for about 5 minutes more. To serve, put 2 scoops fungi and a fish fillet on each plate, spoon sauce over and around fish....DELIGHT and ENJOY!!! 15

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Kahila’s Taste Greetings Friends! If you don’t know about the “Chop-Up”, especially, the Antiguan version, LET ME INTRODUCE YOU….. Chop-up is one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most distinctive and delicious dishes! Made with leafy green spinach or callaloo, eggplant and pumpkin, onion and garlic, this traditional Caribbean vegetable mash or medley is most popular for breakfast but it’s also a favorite for lunch, dinner and just about every meal as a side. It’s easy to make and ready in around 45 minutes, you can enjoy this healthful powerhouse of a vegetable dish any time of day. Try this recipe. This dish is a “keeper”. You and your family will LOVE IT!! ~ Kahila ~ WHAT YOU NEED: • 4 medium eggplant peeled and diced • 8 ounces callaloo substitute whole leaf spinach - not baby spinach roughly chopped • 1 lb pumpkin peeled and medium diced • 3 garlic cloves finely diced • 1 small onion finely diced • 2 ounces butter 1/2 stick • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 1/8 teaspoon pepper black pepper 16

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Equipment • Knife • Potato Masher • Medium Pot WHAT TO DO: • Peel and chop eggplant and pumpkin into medium-sized pieces. • Heat butter and add onions and garlic in a medium sized pot set to medium to high heat. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened but not browned. • Add pumpkin and eggplant. Sauté for an additional two to three minutes. • Add water just to cover the vegetables. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are soft. • Add the chopped spinach, stir and cook for an additional 3 minutes. • Pour the vegetable mixture into a colander and let drain. • After vegetable mixture has been drained return it to the pot and mash vigorously with a potato masher or a thick whisk. • Add salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. This dish is DELICIOUS for Breakfast or as a Side Dish!! • The Chop-Up is very versatile and adaptable. You can enjoy it any time of day. It’s low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamins A, B2, C, K and E. • It’s vegetarian, low carb and gluten-free. • The Chop-Up is a seriously HEALTHY option AND way to use up a bounty of seasonal vegetables from your garden or local market. 17







The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 BOOK of the Month writing on roots By Biko McMillan Writing on Roots is a collection of poetry broken up into five sections, which the author calls “musings.” They are musings on: childhood, love, heartbreak, blackness, and poems which asked to be written. This book is powerful, yet vulnerable, and open-ended enough to connect with a wide variety of readers. Biko McMillan is a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, with degrees in Biological Sciences and Spanish and is the editor-in-chief of State of the Territory News. In college, he joined the Mu Delta Chapter of Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity, Incorporated. He was born and raised on the island of St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands. To Find this Book, GO TO: www.Amazon.com SEARCH: writing on roots By Biko McMillan The book’s image appears in the 1st position, top to bottom OR….. Visit your Local Library 18

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 BOOK of the Month Broo Nancy and Sis Iwana By Yohance Henley A graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands, Yohance Henley is an author, story-teller, and designer who carries early Caribbean culture on his back. His vivid storytelling is well represented in his book “Broo ‘Nansi and Sis Iwana.” Broo Nansi (that good for nothing fellow) has a dilemma. He and Sis Iwana are such good friends, they never leave each other’s side. But when it comes to the feast under the river, Broo Nansi is determined not to share any food, and he’ll go to any length to make sure he has it all to himself! However, Sis Iwana knows Broo Nansi well and does not fall for his trick that easily. Yohance tells another great Broo Nansi story filled with the humor and wisdom that only a true culture bearer could create. To Find this Book, GO TO: www.Amazon.com SEARCH: Broo “Nansi and Sis Iwana By Yohance Henley The book’s image appears in the 1st position, top to bottom OR…..Visit your Local Library 19

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Caribbean News U.S.V.I. “The project is planned for 16 months, with policy and geography experts from the Horsley DPNR signs contract to develop Comprehensive Witten Group working closely with DPNR staff Land and Water Use Plan and local advisory groups from each island to develop a land and water use plan that can be The Department of Planning and Natural proposed to the Legislature for approval and Resources has signed a contract with Horsley legal authority to enforce,” according to the Witten Group to develop a Comprehensive Land news release issued Wednesday. and Water Use Plan, which has been under discussion for decades and could help modernize “The contract commences with a review of the territory’s zoning and development strategies. historic and current materials related to zoning, natural resources, geography, and DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol announced community development. Project kick-off the agreement Wednesday, and spokesman Jamal meetings will be hosted on each island to Nielsen said the contract is for $1.3 million. explain the project intent, goals, timeline, and milestones. DPNR is committed to a “The contract includes spatial planning, policy transparent process with accessible public review and development, and public comment as review periods, and a Public Participation Plan part of the process,” according to a news release will be developed and followed throughout the from DPNR. project.” “The purpose of a Comprehensive Land and Water Please click the link below to see date/day and Use Plan is to strategically, sustainably, and article authorship references: responsibly distribute and balance the development of land across the Territory in order http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news to maximize community and environmental /dpnr-signs-contract-to-develop- benefits for Virgin Islanders today and protect comprehensive-land-and-water-use- those benefits for future generations,” Oriol said in plan/article_81bcc1d0-d584-5806-bf99- a statement. 63210a80d920.html There have been efforts to create a Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan for the territory since at least the 1990s, and multiple iterations of such plans have gone before previous legislatures, who failed to act on the studies and codify the recommendations so they can be enforced. The lack of a comprehensive, territory-wide development plan has long been a source of frustration for residents, businesses, and government officials, who have often clashed or struggled to navigate questions of appropriate development, zoning and land use conflicts, erosion and flooding, and impacts to the marine environment. 20

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Caribbean News U.S.V.I. Chambers said in an email Port Hamilton says refinery restart could come in Tuesday, July 12, 2023 2022, that Port The new owner of the refinery on St. Croix, Port Hamilton “is Hamilton Refining and Transportation, issued a owned by a statement Tuesday saying the company hopes to group of Caribbean and United States based restart operations in 2023. investors and was formed to purchase the “The reality is that the demand for refined refinery on St. Croix.” petroleum products such as gasoline and diesel is exceeding the industry’s current capability to Three founding owners of West Indies supply this demand. This shortness of supply in the Petroleum “including myself, are among the market has contributed to price increases that are main stakeholders in PHRT,” Chambers said. straining the finances of many hard-working “However, WIPL is a separate legal entity from people. PHRT and does not have a stake in the refinery. WIPL is not a special purpose vehicle. It’s an Our objective is to restart the refinery on St. Croix energy company which is based in Jamaica and in a safe and environmentally sound manner which has been around for approximately a decade.” we hope will help to alleviate this tight supply In terms of the way the companies were set up, situation,” one of Port Hamilton’s chief principals, Chambers said that, “It’s not unusual for Charles Chambers, said in a written statement. companies across the world to structure their Chambers is also the director and chief executive business model in this way when embarking on officer of West Indies Petroleum Limited, a new and exciting projects.” Jamaican energy company which was a joint bidder alongside Port Hamilton in the Dec. 18 bankruptcy The information above has been excerpted from auction for the refinery, formerly owned by the complete article to provide an overview of Limetree Bay. this news event. Please click the link below to read this article in its entirety which includes West Indies Petroleum issued a statement on Jan. 7 date/day and article authorship references: saying the company, “won an auction for Limetree http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/ Bay Refinery with its bid of $62 million,” and was port-hamilton-says-refinery-restart-could- committed to restarting operations, but later come-in-2023/article_acba45ff-2049-5570- denied ownership interest and said Port Hamilton b867-2a0ceb7072fb.html had taken title to the refinery. In response to questions from The Daily News, 21

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Caribbean News U.S.V.I. endeavoring to open the facility in September, but that will be dependent on Public concern grows while repairs to shuttered adequate staffing,” Nielsen said. libraries continue Repairs have begun at the Elaine I. Sprauve On St. Croix, the contractor is continuing Library and Museum in Cruz Bay, St. John. The work on the interior of Florence Williams library was damaged during hurricanes Irma Library in Christiansted, “however, and Maria in September 2017. The Federal damages to the roof have been observed. Emergency Management Agency is providing DPNR is working to secure the additional $267,227 for the upgrades. funding necessary to replace the roof in its entirety,” Nielsen said. Only one library is currently open in the territory, but the Department of Planning and In Frederiksted, “minor repairs are being Natural Resources is working to repair and made to Petersen which will allow us to reopen other facilities, according to DPNR open while repairs to Florence Williams are spokesman Jamal Nielsen. being made. We are endeavoring to have Petersen open by Aug. 1 and operating DPNR oversees all public libraries, archives, and through the completion of the repairs at museums in the Virgin Islands. In response to Florence Williams.” questions from The Daily News, Nielsen said in an email Tuesday, July 12, 2022, that th Turnbull Library on St. Thomas is closed due to “The department understands the a faulty chiller unit, and Nielsen said a new community‘s frustrations, and thanks them chiller has been installed. But the department is for their patience and understanding,” still working to fix a mechanical issue with the Nielsen said. building’s water, and Nielsen said the library will reopen to the public once the problem is Carla Sewer of St. John recently started an resolved, hopefully “before the end of this week.” online petition on Change.org, that had [Saturday, July 16th] more than 100 signatures as of Tuesday On St. John, contractors working to repair night, calling on the department to hire Elaine Sprauve Library are about halfway done, experienced librarians with Masters of and “repairs are anticipated to be completed by Library Science degrees. end of August/early September. We are “Change in leadership needs to happen. A 22

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Caribbean News Library Advisory Board or Board of Trustees Sewer said she is currently looking for two needs to be in place to oversee these public graduate assistants to help with the library libraries and keep them open,” according to research project from August through the petition. October, and each would receive a $2,500 Sewer said she worked at the Sprauve library stipend. Interested college or graduate for a year and left in frustration in January students currently living in the territory 2019 after obtaining advanced library degrees should call Sewer at 940-222-9336. at her own expense, and is still concerned about the lack of funding and resources being Please click the link below to see date/day directed to the libraries. Sewer now runs an and article authorship references: education consultation business and recently started a nonprofit, The Future is Here Inc. http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/n ews/public-concern-grows-while-repairs- Staffing remains a serious concern, and to-shuttered-libraries- “they’re not letting the public know when the continue/article_ddc795c2-455d-541e- library on St. John is going to be open.” af72-4caad7984c00.html Sewer said she has obtained a grant in partnership with St. JanCo: the St. John Heritage Collective, to research public libraries in the territory from 1917 to present, including Williams, Sprauve, and Enid Baa, the long- closed historic library in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol announced in December that the Baa Library is being renovated to make way for retail space, a computer lab and a Tourism Department welcome center with public bathrooms. 23

The Caribbean Village Insider Our Monthly Culture-Zine Publication Volume 1, Issue 9, July 2022 Caribbean News Jamaica Jamaica to increase maternity leave, introduce leave for new fathers and adoptive parents The government of Jamaica is increasing paid maternity leave from 40 days to three months, and for the first time in the public service, will be introducing paternity leave for fathers of newborns, and family leave for adoptive parents who are bringing a new child into the home. Minister of finance and the public service, Dr. Nigel Clarke, made the announcements at a virtual press conference on Tuesday, July 12. He said that the changes are coming out of the current public sector compensation review and will be facilitated by updating the Public Sector Staff Orders of 2004. To give effect to the changes, Dr. Clarke informed that a circular will be sent to all employees of the public service on September 30, specifying the details of the new leave arrangements. The leave for fathers of newborns will be for a specific time and on terms to be finalized. Dr. Clarke noted that restructuring public sector compensation not only relates to wages and salaries but takes into account benefits like pension and terms and conditions such as leave entitlements. We are working to modernize our public service. Modernization is multifaceted. The information above has been excerpted from the complete article to provide an overview of this news event. Please click the link below to read this article in its entirety which includes date/day and article authorship references: https://www.caribbeannewsglobal.com/jamaica-to-increase-maternity-leave-introduce-leave- for-new-fathers-and-adoptive-parents/ 24

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