The Settler’s Handbook
for the U.S.Virgin Islands
St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas
18th Edition
For those of you who are
considering settling in this
part of the tropics, or for
those already here,
this handbook provides
an objective look at living,
working, or investing in the
United States Virgin Islands.
For the visitor, this book
should help you get better
acquainted with these islands,
and explore them with a
greater awareness.
On the cover:
No time to waste!
Straight from the suitcase and into the sea!
Cover design by Pink Elephant Promotions
www.pinkelephantpromotions.com
Special thanks to Ivan Minarik
and other photo contributors to this edition.
Library of Congress Control Number
(reverts to Serial #)
ISSN 1554-9739
The Settler’s Handbook
18th Edition
is published by
Chey’nanigans, Corp.
1524 Acorn Way, #1G
Solvang, Ca 93643
(888) 867-5979/ (340)277-6994
Publisher: Cheyenne Harty
Editor/Production Manager: Cheyenne Harty/Pink Elephant Promotions
Layout: Cheyenne Harty
Sales Manager: Sandra Harty Gutierrez
[email protected]/[email protected]
© 2016 copyright Chey’nanigansCorp. All rights reserved.
Published in eBook format by eBookIt.com
ISBN-13: 978-1-4566-2776-8
The current owner / publisher has revised the e-book in:
June 2016
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and validity of the information contained in this book. We cannot be responsible for accidental errors, omissions or changes in facts or figures made, just prior to, or after, the publishing date. Reproduction in whole or in part of any original material in this book without express written permission of Chey’nanigans Corp. is prohibited.
Acknowledgements
Much appreciation for the foresight of those who sowed the VI Settler’s Handbook’s first seeds during the early 1970s. That fine idea has continuously blossomed since, and this publisher hopes to continue the tradition. Special acknowledgements to previous publishers: Doug Burns, Gloria Bourne, Judy Megnin, and Linda Bruton for growing this book.
Consultation thanks to historian, William Cissell, various government agency personnel, as well as individuals, non-profits and businesses from the Virgin Islands too numerous to mention. Many thanks to all, past and present, who added a fact or clarification. Your assistance was a godsend.
http://www.paradisefreight.com
Introduction
Yes, the Caribbean... visions of azure waters, swaying palm trees, pulsating rhythmns and rum punches. Sweet! Truly a dreamer’s vacation, but can you imagine living here? Some people make those dreams a reality. The Settler’s Handbook is for those who are vacationing here, contemplating moving here, investing here, or for those who have just moved here. It is for those who are lured to the tropics, and specifically to the Virgin Islands which charmed not only Christopher Columbus, but millions of others who have since landed on their shores.
How do you identify those who live here? For one thing, check out those bumper stickers that say, “Not all of us here are on vacation!” What’s it like to live here? What can you expect? Read on.
The Settler’s Handbook, 18th Edition, hopes to enlighten you on island living, whether you are a prospective settler, a vacationer, or a new business person. While each of the three islands, St. Croix, St. John and St. Thomas, has a unique style, they all share the charms and flavors of the Caribbean and the protection of the Stars and Stripes. In this up-dated 18th edition of The Handbook, we present the latest facts, figures, trends, pros and cons, about visiting, living and working in our islands.
It is virtually impossible for any one publication to incoporate every detail but we have given it a valiant attempt to consolidate relevant information here or at least direct you to a more detailed or practical source.
All information and contents of websites listed in this publication are for the convenience of the reader and are proprietary to their owners. Neither Chey’nanigans Corp. nor Pink Elephant Promotions is responsiible for errors, misinformation in or misuse of these websites We do hope this book will make your transition smoother.
Welcome! Bienvenidos! Velkommen! Bles’sed Love!
The physical location and relationship of the United States Virgin Islands (see inset) between the North and South American continents. United States Mainland, the Atlantic Ocean and the other islands of the Caribbean.
Chapter 1
An Overview
The United States Virgin Islands, geologically formed of sedimentary rock and undersea lava flows, are located in the beautiful waters of the northern Caribbean, within the chain of all the Antilles, just west of the Atlantic Ocean. Surrounding the three Virgin Islands of St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas—are 50 small, mostly uninhabited offshore islands and cays of which two are noteworty as the other two inhabited Virgins – Water Island and Hassell Island.
St. Croix,