Issue 6 - 2017
SPECIAL CENTENNIAL EDITION BLENDING FAMILIES after the wedding & pre-marital planning
WEDDING PLANNING:
THE GROOM’S ROLE
CARIBBEAN WEDDING STORIES ON THE BEACH TRADITIONAL RESORT STYLE YATCH CLUB
WRITING YOUR OWN WEDDING VOWS
Contents
Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings | Issue 6 - 2017
On the Cover “Oh Happy Day! When Takisha Garcia and Kenroy “Orman” Clouden tied the knot on St. Croix VI. It was the beginning of a great New Year. Here they are on the bandstand near Fort Christiansvaern. They are a delightful couple and we enjoyed photographing their engagement session and elegant wedding day.“ Denise Bennerson, Photographer, Homeland Collections
REAL CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS
CARIBBEAN CULTURE & HISTORY
10 Takisha & Orman
39 Why You Need a Travel Agent
13 May Belle & Doug
57 Great Foods of St. Croix
17 Jeanin & John
60 Quadrille Bride & Groom
20 Ami & Luis
61 Virgin Islands Transfer Day 67 Mocko Jumbie
WEDDING TIPS & PLANNING
69 History of Cariso Music
27 Tips for Writing Wedding Vows 30 Why Buy Your Wedding Dress In-Store 33 The Role of the Groom 41 Makeup Ideas MARRIAGE & HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS 37 Precious Memories 45 His, Hers & Ours: Blending Families 51 Marriage Can Win 54 Pause for Clarity
Portrait Gallery
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A Message from the Founder and Publisher Welcome! Engaged couples and soon to be newlyweds to the beautiful island of St. Croix US Virgin Islands in the Caribbean. Have a wonderful time reading Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine which is filled with ideas to make your wedding day exceptional and introduce you to de` island’s culture and history. What a wonderful year to get married in the US Virgin Islands. This is the US Virgin Islands Centennial Year where we commemorate Denmark transferring the Virgin Islands to the United States 100 years ago – March 31,1917. It will be recognized by many yearlong activities. Please do participate in our Centennial. For more Transfer Day information www.VITransferCentennial.org We are very proud of our sixth issue of Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine. Thank you to all our advertisers! Do call and visit their businesses for they are ready to serve you with their products and services. Our advertisers are local and off island, but also ready to serve anyone on the big island of St. Croix and beyond. Thank you to all the writers who have taken the time to write an article. Your articles add a rich flavor to the magazine as well as help couples and families work on solving problems and enhancing their wedding day. In addition, we would like to thank our most recent sponsor for Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine – the United States Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. We are happy and honored to have their support. Visit their website www.VisitUSVI.com for more information. And to our many readers locally, from the US mainland and across the World – thank you for your kind words of encouragement and support. We receive emails and phone calls locally and worldwide telling us how much they love the magazine and it is refreshing. I recently received two calls, one from St. Croix where the person stated, “I am getting your magazine from the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts to send to the states for a friend who is getting married – Thank you!” and a few days later I received a call from London, England and the person said, “Keep up the good work, we love your magazine!” In addition, thank you to all those who carry a few magazines to conventions. In addition to the print edition the magazines are also viewed all over the world online and they had over 52,953 impressions - read issues online here: www.StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com/issues. All we ask is that you continue to support our advertisers and spread the good news. Do you know that before most couples get married – the wedding is one of the most intricate and expensive event they will pay for during their life time? According to the “The Knot 2015 Real Weddings Study” they found after polling nearly 18,000 couples that the average wedding spending nationally is all-time high of $32,641. They also reported that the number of guest has gone down while guest spending has gone up. This is good news for many businesses.
Take time and peruse this issue of Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine. In addition, I want to thank the wedding couples who allowed us a peep into the window of their wedding planning and wedding day on St. Croix by writing about their personal story. Their stories demonstrate that you can have your Caribbean dream wedding right here on the beautiful island of St. Croix – where no Passport is required for US Citizens. Welcome to St. Croix…the United States Virgin Islands.
Denise Bennerson Denise Bennerson, PhD Founder & Publisher
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DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
By the way many of you know I am a photographer and business owner of Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery as well as publisher of this magazine. I want to thank my clients and readers of the Virgin Islands Daily News for voting me the “2016 Best Photographer of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix.” I also received this award in 2008 and 2012. In addition, I thank my numerous clients whom I have had the pleasure to serve over the last 20 years.
Founder, Publisher Denise Bennerson, PhD
Associate Publisher Randy S. Germain
Contributing Writers Dr. Denise Bennerson
Eric Hylick
Ami Mohr Caban
Dr. Sakeisha Hylick
Cedelle Petersen-Christopher
Beew Khan
John Counts
John Lindholm
May Belle Fellenz
Dr. Eugene A. Petersen
Takisha Garcia-Clouden
Olga Pomeransky
Randy S. Germain
Tierra Destiny Reid
Etienne A. Gibbs
Geri Simpson
Annamaria Heyliger-Hector
Graphic Design/Layout Amber Chancey For back issues email estcwbackissues@sent.at For editorial queries please write to estcwedqueries@sent.at For advertisement placement contact estcwadvertise@sent.at Address all correspondence to Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings, Attn: Denise Bennerson, P. O. Box 3164, Frederiksted, VI 00841, Phone: 340-772-2386 Visit our website for more information: www.stcroixcaribbeanweddings.com. © 2017 St. Croix Caribbean Weddings. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. All projects described in this publication are for private use only. We accept no financial responsibility for errors in advertisement. Acceptance of advertising does not carry the endorsement of the publishers or associates of this magazine, nor the quality of service providers. Any information in this publication is not necessarily those of the publisher or associates.
Resources &Websites Photography Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery - www.HomelandCollections.com
St. Croix History and Tourism St. Croix Caribbean Wedding Expo - www.StcCroixCaribbeanWeddingExpo.com Virgin Islands Department of Tourism - www.VisitUSVI.com St. George Village Botanical Garden - www.sgvbg.org St. Croix Landmarks Society - www.StCroixLandmarks.com
Culture and Events Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) - www.chantvi.org Crucian Christmas Festival - www.stxcarnival.com Annual Agriculture and Food Fair - www.viagrifest.org Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings - www.StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com
Resorts and Hotels Arawak Bay Inn 340 - 772 - 1684 / 877 - 261- 5385 Caravelle Hotel and Casino 800 - 524 - 0410 Company House Hotel 340 - 773 - 1377 George’s Royal Inn 340 - 719-4546 / 340 - 690 - 2597
Visit local jewelers on St. Croix to find a variety of unique engagement, wedding and anniversary jewelry.
Hotel on the Cay - 855 - 654 - 0301 The Inn on Strand Street 340 -772 - 0500 King Christian Hotel 340 - 773 - 6330 Sand Castle on the Beach 800 - 524 - 2018 St. Croix Guest House 340 - 719-4546 / 340 - 690 - 2597
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Villa Morales 340 - 772 - 0556
Greetings! As we prepare to celebrate our Centennial 100 years since Denmark transferred the Virgin Islands to the United States of America, we welcome you to St. Croix and to our sixth issue of Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine. Please do take a moment to read about St. Croix as we prepare to celebrate our Centennial. Read about our rich history, culture and of its natural beauty that surrounds us in this part of the world. During your stay on St. Croix, please do take a few moments and visit the historic towns of Christiansted and Frederiksted; and last, but not least, do visit our other historic sites.
DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
To our advertisers and contributors, we say thank you for your continued support and contributions. To those of you considering a vacation or stay-cation and planning a wedding on St. Croix, Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings magazine is an invaluable resource guide. It will help you discover St. Croix and its businesses. Engaged to be married or not, this magazine provides extremely valuable information for individuals, families and businesses. Please do enjoy.
Randy S. Germain Randy S. Germain Associate Publisher
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REAL CARIBBEAN WEDDINGS
ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS From traditional weddings to resort hosted wedding weekends, St. Croix offers the perfect venue for any style destination wedding. Read how four couples created their perfect destination wedding.
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Takisha Orman FRIEDENSTHAL MORAVIAN CHURCH CHRISTIANSTED Article by Takisha Garcia-Clouden Photography by Denise Bennerson, Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery
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My name is Takisha and I was born on the beautiful island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. I met my husband, Orman, through a mutual friend. I had just purchased a new home in Maryland, and he came to assist me with some electrical work. Throughout the weeks of helping me, we became good friends and discussed everything, including relationships, music, and things going on in the Virgin Islands, where he was also born and raised. Weeks later he asked if I was dating anyone, and I told him it was none of his business. He then persisted and proceeded to ask me if I would like to go and get something to eat, so we started going to the movies and dinners. I loved that Orman made me laugh, and we could talk about anything. He never agreed with anything I liked, but I loved that challenge. He loved that I was a very independent woman, outgoing, and full of energy. Once we got engaged it was no hesitation to where we were getting married. St. Croix was our home and there was no other place we would rather be. It is so beautiful, cultural, and peaceful and I wanted my wedding guests to get that feeling when they came to our wedding. I came home the summer before to plan everything in advance. The
process was very easy in terms of where I wanted it to be and what I wanted. The people at the various venues that I used were professional, talented, and well versed in their area of business. Orman and I got married on January 1, 2010, at Friedensthal Moravian church in Christiansted Town, and our reception was at pool side of Divi Carina Bay. The weather was beautiful and the energy was so tranquil. My wedding was such a wonderful day. My event planner, Troy, was the best. He designed everything and understood my vision of water and tranquility. I even had fish in a bowl as part of my centerpieces. My flowers were from Wild Orchids, in which I gave Beatrice an idea and she created it to fruition. I loved the beauty and colors that she created. My amazing cake was made by Manuel Lugo, who gave me lots of shells on my cake, representing the love I have for my St. Croix beaches. My photographer, Dr. Denise Bennerson, from Homeland Collections was fabulous. She was very professional, patient, and creative. She gave me everything I envisioned for my wedding pictures. We decided to have our wedding during St. Croix’s carnival week because there is so much historical culture for our guests to enjoy
during that time of the year. My guests truly enjoyed the entire ambience of the music, food, parades, and all things from the festival. Some still tell us it was one of the best wedding destinations they ever attended. Orman and I still live in Maryland with our two children, Kyrell and Kianni. We go home to St. Croix every year to visit our family, friends, and to enjoy the wonderful beaches. It will always be our home, full of wonderful memories, especially from my St. Croix wedding. St. Croix offers a variety of religious venues for traditional weddings including a variety Christian churches, an Islamic mosque and a Jewish synagogue. StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com | 11
May Belle Doug THE PALMS AT PELICAN COVE CHRISTIANSTED Article by May Belle Fellenz Photography by Lindsay Kammerzelt, Lindsay Kammerzelt Photography
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When my then fiance and I I decided to move to St. Croix from Arkansas about a year ago, we decided that we wanted to have a beach wedding. After all, we were moving to an island paradise where beautiful beaches are almost always less than five minutes away in any direction. Our dream wedding wouldn’t have come true without the help of the wonderful people of the Palms at the Pelican Cove, who provided us with the perfect venue, Gloria Powell of Antilles Lilies for our superb flower arrangements, and Lindsay Kammerzelt for her wonderful photography. It was with great luck that I found last year’s edition of this Bridal Magazine while I was planning my wedding and found an ad for wedding cakes. I want to thank Rasheeda Farrell of Seaside Market and Deli for working with me to make sure she 14 | StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com
created exactly the wedding cake that I wanted without breaking the bank. My husband and I want to thank everyone for their dedication and hard work in making our Caribbean wedding dream extra special. Being an RN, I can never underestimate the importance of having an emergency medical plan for any eventuality. If you are planning to have a destination wedding, here are some helpful tips that you can use to start an emergency medical plan.
Things you need to do and know: Get to know the island. Know where the hospital is located. Visit it and decide whether you would want to be treated there in case of an emergency.
Before leaving the mainland, check with your insurance to see if they will cover medevac flights for emergencies while on vacation. Most U.S. health insurances do.
If you have a wedding planner, ask them if they have their own emergency medical plans. If you have any concerns, discuss these with your wedding planner so that they can be addressed and planned for at the soonest possible time. Be aware that not all doctors in the phone book are on the Island at all times. If you have a condition and may need a physician while vacationing, you may want to call ahead to see if the physician will be on the island during the duration of your wedding vacation. Be aware that 911 is not always 911. There may be different numbers used for calling the police department, the first responders (fire fighters), and the ambulance. It will be beneficial to know these numbers and have them pre-programmed on at least two phones.
If a member of your party has to be flown out of the island, make sure you know where they are going so that family members can find them later. Not all medevac flights have room for additional passengers. Finally, every bride wants to look and feel her best on her wedding day. You can do this by going on a cleansing diet a few (3-4) days prior to your wedding. Make your own water infusion by adding lime, cucumber, and rosemary to your water, drink 6 to 8 glasses each day. Instead of heavy meals, take the opportunity to eat the plentiful tropical fruits that can be bought cheaply from local farmers and side street vendors. Cleansing your body, even for a few days will make you feel healthy and rejuvenated for your special day.
Beach front weddings are popular and many resorts on St. Croix offer wedding and honeymoon packages.
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Jeanin John BUTLER’S BAY BEACH FREDERIKSTED Article by John Counts Photography by Eliane Neilson
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Getting married on St Croix was by far the best venue we could have ever decided on. We met in California before moving to the islands, and we were considering getting married back home, but once we saw the gorgeous beaches we knew we needed to have our ceremony here. We chose Butler’s Bay beach as our ceremony site because it was quiet, private, and had a great view of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. Best of all, there was no fee to use the beach for our ceremony! Our wedding was very small, and some of our family doubled as photographer and officiant. Due to how small our guest count was, we decided to have our reception 18 | StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com
down the road at Rhythm’s at Rainbow Beach. They were phenomenal. The food and drinks were great, plus there was live music playing. I would highly recommend R&B Connection to play at weddings. The songs were lively and upbeat, but still had the air of romance. Even though we didn’t have a traditional wedding, the setting made it so beautiful and magnificent. There was even a rainbow after our ceremony concluded. Getting married on the wonderful island of St Croix was a truly magical experience and one we’re going to remember for the rest of our lives. Remember, some public beach weddings may need permits. Check with the local government to be sure.
Ami Luis ST. CROIX YACHT CLUB CHRISTIANSTED Article by Ami Mohr Caban Photography by Denise Bennerson, Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery
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Louis and I were married in St. Croix, since this is where I grew up and is the island I love. Louis and I met in Charlotte, NC, and we got engaged on the beach at Magens Bay, St. Thomas. Since my sisters and I had been Junior Members at the St. Croix Yacht Club, I’d always dreamed of a wedding there on the beach. And that dream came true! Arrangements couldn’t have been easier. First we contacted the Divi Beach Resort, which is also at the east end and near the Yacht Club. We knew that many of our friends would be coming and would want to be right on the beach, so the Divi Carina Bay was the perfect spot and we received a great group discount! They also provided lists of popular bands and DJs, florists, an open air bus (Sweeney Safari Tours) to take our guests to the wedding and retrieve them at midnight, and names of ministers who would be willing to do a beach wedding. Rev. Rodney Koopmans, of the St. Croix Reform Church, arrived at our ceremony wearing a black collar, black shirt and beach sandals to officiate and make our day complete.
We chose Wild Orchids as our florist. She personally delivered all our bouquets and was waiting for us at the Club when we arrived. For inexpensive table centerpieces, the Yacht Club lent us glass globes that we filled with a candle, sand and sea shells. The Yacht Club’s caterer made a delicious Island Buffet complete with Johnny Cakes, plantains, salads, pigeon peas and rice, Cruzan sweet potato stuffing, Mahi Creole, slow roasted Le Chung (pig), and lots more. Our wedding cake was a three tiered masterpiece with edible sea shells and “sand”, made by Jennifer Jordan, a long time resident of St. Croix. We chose a combination of Cruzan and popular dance music, which was provided by Erik Erickson. We provided him with a playlist of over one hundred songs and he filled in the rest, and even played straight through until midnight. Our wedding photos were taken by Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery, and Denise Bennerson personally did every shot. Our wedding album is a treasured masterpiece, and our the DVD brings back every magical moment of our wedding day!
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It was easy to arrange a sail to Buck Island for all our guests prior to our wedding. Llewelyn sails directly from the Yacht Club, and Teroro goes from Green Cay Marina, which is also on the east end. We snorkeled at the underwater trail, picnicked on the beach, and all had great tans for the big day!
With plentiful island flowers, our friends decorated the Yacht Club and an arbor, for the beach ceremony. Bill Bass Steel Drums entertained for an hour following the ceremony, and the DJ provided dinner music followed by our fun dance music which really got the party started. It was a perfect day, in every way.
We chose the Mermaid Restaurant on the beach at the Buccaneer Hotel, for our rehearsal dinner, and included many of our out of town guests as well as the wedding party. A choice of seven entrees, and several appetizers and salads, including Cruzan Black Bean Soup and Caribbean Jerk Wings‌all delicious and a great place for everyone to get acquainted before the big event!
We are fortunate to return to St. Croix each year, along with our two young children, to visit their grandparents, play on the beach and sail to Buck Island. St. Croix will steal your heart and tempt you to return year after year.
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There are many alternative sites to host a wedding in St. Croix including many great historical sites.
COOL DOWN
COOL
COMFORTABLE
TIPS FOR WRITING YOUR OWN WEDDING VOWS by Annamaria Heyliger-Hector
Wedding vows used to be based only on tradition, a solemn promise, an expression of love and commitment but times have changed. The length of a ceremony is based on the culture and the order of events, which is up to the couple. A few examples of ceremonies are religious, traditional, civil, short and sweet, or commitment. The traditional/ religious vows depend on the faith of the couple and include promises of staying together, obeying, faithfulness, loving one another until death and following the sacred bonds as set forth by the church. Some couples write meaningful vows and they can take some time and are based on their religious books or teachings. I recommend spending time with leaders for guidance, as it is courteous to follow those religious traditions. Civil ceremonies are usually performed by a justice of the piece and not as strict as the traditional ceremony. Short and sweet are just what they say and may include poems, readings and any
other writings that are quick and to the point. In modern day, most of the ceremonies are non-denominational and exclude any reference to religion or higher power. Couples are opting to write their own vows, skipping the traditional commitments of “till death do us part.” Others think that vows are not really necessary and have no real legal significance, it is just a part of a wedding ceremony and do not give vows much attention. Wedding vows vary from commitment to convenience and can be in a church, beach, cruise ship or anywhere the heart desire. You can elect to have a wedding without any vows, you can stand before a licensed public official, indicate that you are going to take each other as husband and wife, sign the papers before witnesses and the requirements have been met. Wedding vows can be very serious or funny depending on the demeanor of the couple and their courting experience. Short ceremonies are extremely
popular and are simple promises to bind couples together. Whatever style is selected it should be expressive and clear.
Featured Contributor
Annamaria Heyliger-Hector has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in organizational psychology and development, also a Master’s Degree in Education with a concentration in leadership of educational organizations. She is a Life Coach, Certified Wedding Specialist, Events Planner, Etiquette Trainer/Consultant and an Officiant. She has worked for many years in management, education and training. She is currently an elementary education teacher and previously worked as a property manager/consultant. She owns a consulting and event planning business and has made many presentations to schools, businesses and professional organizations. Some of the presentations include: women helping girls with choices, dressing for success, customer service, human resource management, time management, interventions, motivation, mentoring and tutoring. She is involved in many community organizations while serving on a board or as a member. She has received numerous accolades and awards for community service. Annamaria is a married mother and grandmother who is excited and gregarious about working on life changing activities and life coaching developments.
Annamaria Heyliger-Hector Evolve Consulting - Owner Wedding Officiant, Consultant and Event Planner 340-513-1971 evolveconsulting14@gmail.com
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WHY YOU SHOULD BUY YOUR WEDDING DRESS IN-STORE AND NOT ONLINE by Olga Pomeransky, Best for Bride
The internet is a popular shopping destination for almost anything you may need. Nevertheless, there are certain things that shouldn’t be purchased online. Your wedding gown is one of them! For most brides, their wedding gown is the most expensive dress they will ever buy. It is also the focal point of the bridal look and deserves to be chosen with care. Shopping in-store is the sensible and correct way to buy a dress that is so important. One of the biggest risks of shopping online is that it is impossible to determine the credibility of an online wedding dress shop from their website. Many shops advertise designer wedding dresses, but sell cheap knock-offs. When you place your order for a dress with sellers like these, there is every chance to receive an entirely different dress.
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PHOTO COURTESY OF MORI LEE
Many thrifty brides have learned this the hard way. Often attracted by bargains that sound too good to be true, these unsuspecting brides end up being duped by counterfeit shops. It isn’t uncommon for the dresses that finally arrive to be made from low-cost material or in a different design. There have even been incidences of the dress not arriving at all! Now, if you were to locate an authentic online wedding dress shop, you would still be compromising on many aspects. Once again your decision would be based on a picture. Remember that even designer dresses can look quite different from how they are in a picture. Although you wouldn’t receive a cheap substitute when shopping at a reliable online store, you still
never know if the dress will be just as appealing until you actually see it.
no way to experience that special moment when you purchase your gown online.
Take the example of brides who come for their dress appointment with a list of dresses they shortlist during research. Very few actually end up buying a dress from the list.
So, if you do decide to buy a gown online, proceed with caution. Or choose the safer and more exciting option of shopping at a bridal boutique.
Moreover, shopping at a bridal boutique is a unique experience in itself. Good boutiques have experienced bridal consultants who will help you find the best wedding dress silhouettes for your body type. They can make valuable suggestions if you are unsure or confused. When you shop online, you do not have any of this guidance. Also, the most exciting part of wedding dress shopping is usually that “Aha” moment, when you try on a dress and fall in love with it. There is
Best for Bride is a wedding dress chain in Canada. They specialize in designer wedding dress collections, bridesmaids dresses and a range of bridal services. With over a decade of experience in wedding fashion, they are the top destination for all bridal needs. Find their locations at www.BestForBride.com
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THE ROLE OF THE GROOM IN YOUR CARIBBEAN WEDDING by John Lindholm
So you’ve decided to have a destination wedding on the US Virgin Islands in St. Croix. Fantastic choice! A Caribbean wedding is romantic and memorable, but requires a lot of planning and coordination. The going joke is that the bride plans 90% of the wedding, and while that just may be true, the 10% that the groom is responsible for is crucial to pull off the perfect island wedding. But let’s start with what the groom need not worry about one single bit: the invitations, the bride’s dress, the bridesmaid dresses and their flowers, the cake, and the flowers for the ceremony and reception. The bride wants to take care of this. The bride will take care of this. Trust me. However, the groom should plan a scouting trip to St. Croix to pick a venue for the ceremony and the reception. There are many options, so reserve enough time to get around and see everything. Part of this visit will include choosing an officiant, photographer, and either a band or DJ. If you are planning on bringing any of them with you from home, the groom must plan all the travel arrangements and any lodging that will be required. Once the venues have been selected, the groom should work with the bride to decide upon the wedding date, the menu for the
reception, and the groom and groomsmen’s attire. Now it’s time for responsibilities that are exclusive to the groom. There are aspects of a destination wedding that are vital to the success of the event that the bride won’t want or care to worry about. Travel First and foremost are the travel plans. How is everybody going to get to St. Croix? Will the bride and groom make flight reservations? Who is paying? The groom should gather the details, consult with the bride and whoever is paying for the event, and set the plans in motion. Accommodations Next are the accommodations. At the very least, the groom should reserve a block of rooms for the guest to reserve, or purchase them for the guests if the bride and groom plan to pay. Marriage License A bride and groom need a marriage license from the Virgin Islands Superior Court in order to get married on St. Croix. The groom should do all the research and apply for the license. He should also check in closer to the wedding to make sure all the paperwork is in order. Visit VISuperiorCourt.org.
Transportation Wedding day transportation is another consideration. Most, if not all, of the guests will not have a vehicle. You might need to move more than 100 people from a hotel, to the beach, and then to the reception venue. Also, the groom will want to set up special transportation for his bride and the wedding party. Insurance Although it is not at all glamorous, wedding insurance is crucial for a Caribbean wedding. Weather, illness, and myriad other situations could arise that might require a postponement or cancelation. The groom should make sure that the wedding insurance is purchased, and that it will cover a wedding in St. Croix. Bride’s Gift Finally, the groom should purchase a gift for his bride, to be given at the rehearsal dinner if that is appropriate. Certainly a Caribbean, Virgin Islands, or St. Croix themed gift would be perfect. Any wedding requires tons of planning, and a destination wedding would necessitates even more. The advice above should help any groom make his Caribbean wedding the memory of a lifetime.
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Precious, Precious Memories – How They Ever Linger & Why They Should Never Leave Our Souls by Randy Germain
Imagine waking up one morning just to realize that today is your wedding day on the beautiful and enchanted little island of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. Oh what a magical moment...your wedding day on St. Croix. Precious, precious memories that last a lifetime. Imagine beginning your day or even your future on the beautiful island of St. Croix. Imagine the experience of clear and bright sunny skies, warm blue waters, the assortment of tropical flowers and the enjoyment of our local spices that create such unique and distinct flavors in our foods. But most of all imagine all of the extraordinary people who will welcome you and share with you our history, culture and the
natural beauty that surrounds us in this wonderful part of the world. Memories of a lifetime. Whether you choose your vows in a church, a synagogue, on a hilltop, or at the beach no matter where, Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery and Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings Magazine will make your dream come true and will give you the experience of a lifetime – A perfect Caribbean destination wedding with memories that last forever. The memories of your wedding day come once-in-a-lifetime. Our goal is to share your wedding day to the world and to showcase our beautiful and enchanted little island St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, as the ultimate Caribbean wedding destination.
Life is made up of all of us mankind, womankind, we belong everywhere. No one - male, female, gay or straight should never ever be deprived nor be denied the right of life, liberty, justice and the pursuit of happiness. Yes same-sex marriage is the law and is recognized here in the US Virgin Islands. We are ready, willing and able to make St. Croix part of your precious memories. We see you, we hear you and we are with you. We are ready and willing to serve you and to provide you with memories that last a lifetime.
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DO YOU REALLY NEED A TRAVEL AGENT? by Geri Simpson
DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
Featured Contributor With all of the easy access to online travel portals and the myth that using a travel agent is an added expense, it is easy to see why folks believe that they are not a needed source. It is only when they run into problems with their travel plans that they feel, “I should have called an agent!” An expert agent can save you time and money in most cases. I say in most cases because all that is cheap is not necessarily the best. An expert agent analyzes your needs and wants, and matches them to the best results. They are usually the first to know when an airline changes routes, raises the fare, or are out of seats. They know if you will have to make 3 stops to get to your destination or if it is better for you to pay a few dollars more and fly direct. They know if a hotel is 30 miles from the airport and in the jungle with dilapidated rooms, poor service, a seaweed filled beach and rooms facing construction.
If it’s a destination wedding, sure the hotel has their own wedding planner, but who’s going to make sure you get everything you want and whether or not the property is even right for you and your guests. Speaking of guests, do you really want to have to answer all of their questions regarding the flights, things to do and everything else that goes with the planning? Your local agent can fill in the gap and will be able to answer those questions for you. That is what we are here for and why we are really indispensable. In the end we can save you money, headaches. It is why we do what we call ‘qualifying our clients’. It is why we spend so much time learning the destinations and the products and developing relationships with the vendors. It’s all about you! You also must remember that time is money, so while we want to be there for you, we really appreciate when you answer our questions honestly, pick our brains, and that you book with us.
Geraldine ‘Geri’ Simpson is a native New Orleanean that has lived in Southern California 15 years and on the beautiful island of St. Croix for 18 years before returning back to Louisiana where she has been since 1997. She is considered a ‘perpetual learner’, with a motto, “There is always something new to learn”. Currently she is the owner of travel agency The NolaCaribe Connection, LLC, and wedding and event planning company G.Simpson and Associates, LLC, both of which she has had for over 40 years. She has been involved in almost every aspect of both businesses in every place she has lived including St. Croix. She has owned and operated a catering business, restaurant, hotel management, hotel sales, public speaking, fashion design studio, employment agency, music studio where she taught piano and organ. On St. Croix, you may remember her at the Hotel Association, Toastmasters, St. Croix by the Sea, Professional Placement Services, The Seafood Haven Restaurant, Camp Arawak, Creative Sales Enterprises, St. Croix People Society, People to People Program, St. Croix Jazz Society, UVI Extension Service and St. C Condos. Her belief is that the more you know the more flexible you are and if done right you can easily find a combination that will work for you such as her knowledge of the wedding, travel and customer service business melding into one that can service local as well as destination weddings, independent travel as well as honeymoons, and business travel. For more info you can visit www.NolaCaribeConnection.com and/or www.GSimpAssocs.com
Geraldine Simpson Owner/Agent The NolaCaribe Connection G. Simpson and Associates 504-909-1318
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MAKEUP IDEAS FOR YOUR CARIBBEAN WEDDING by Beew Khan
There is something truly magical about Caribbean weddings. Everyone wishes to have a wedding like that, but those who do are quite lucky ones. Your wedding day is one of the most important occasions in your life, and that means everything needs to be perfect. Your makeup needs to be on fleek and according to the theme of your wedding. Here are a few makeup ideas for your Caribbean Wedding: Light Smoky Eyes A very classic makeup idea for your Caribbean wedding is to go for a light smoky eyes look. The trick to this makeup idea is to for subtle smoky eyes and combine that well shaped eyebrows, a natural looking contour and nude lips. Since you will have a dark shade on your eyes, it is best to play it simple on the other parts of your face.
Soft Romantic Look This makeup idea is perfect for those brides who love playing with their feminine side. This soft romantic makeup look is perfect for a Caribbean wedding. Fill in your crease with a dark shade of purple and apply a lighter shade on your lid. Make sure that both the shades are blended well so that your eye makeup looks nice and romantic. Finish off this look with a medium coverage foundation, a nice coral colored blush and a pink lipstick with some shine to it.
Keeping It Natural The 3rd makeup idea we have for you is to go for a natural makeup look. The secret to this makeup look is to only enhance your natural features. Light foundation coverage, a very natural looking eye shadow, some mascara, a little bit of bronzer and nude lips. This is a go-to makeup look for many brides having a Caribbean wedding.
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HIS, HERS & OURS: Blending the Family Marriage with Ten Step-Parenting Challenges and Solutions by Etienne A. Gibbs, BA, MSW
Preparing for the wedding date is such a joyful and stressful experience! For most single couples entering into their first marriage, the love they have for each other carries them through the joys and the stresses. Not quite so easy for either partner who will bring their children into the marriage. The already stressful event of the wedding day with all its preparations is now compounded and complicated by the number of relations that comes with the new marriage. As stressful as it might be, there are countless number of marriages that have successfully entered into and managed a blended family. If you are preparing to enter into a marriage that will produce a blended family, here are some tips that you might find helpful in navigating the challenges of a blended family. (Note: For simplicity’s sake, I’ll refer to the child in the plural and substitute the male/female, the he or she, with the generic pronoun, “they”.) What are the challenges? What are the solutions?
Challenge #1: setting up household Solution: Stop complaining and be specific about everyone’s needs. Tell your partner exactly what your needs are and what you need from him or her. Do you need to feel more special? Do you want your children to feel more accepted in their new home? Do you need a different division of labor? Articulate your needs and explain precisely how they can be met. Nobody can read your mind. In turn, you need to ask your partner what is needed from you. Challenge #2: setting up the family titles Solution: Agree on discipline strategies for all parties. Make a commitment to developing a relationship with your stepchildren that has nothing to do with your partner. Set aside some special time in which you and the children can interact alone. You also need to stop thinking of your stepchild as “his child” or “her child.” Make no doubt about it: You are now a pivotal person in that child’s life too.
Set the standards by developing with your partner which title will be used to address each family member. Don’t assume that your style of communicating and disciplining will be appropriate for your stepchildren. It’s important that you talk to your partner about the titles, rules, and disciple that existed before you joined the family. It’s unfair to change the rules on children overnight. They will let you know it, especially if any of the children are teenagers. Challenge #3: managing the ex- files Solution: Form an alliance with your former partner(s). You and your former partner(s) have not ended your relationship; instead, you have changed it from an intimate, emotional affiliation to a relationship that’s held together by common goals for your children. Joining with your ex, unselfishly putting hurt feelings aside, and leaving behind the pain of betrayal, or a dysfunctional history are tremendous gifts to your children. To be cold, sabotaging, hurtful or exclusionary with your former partner is, in some sense, to do the same for your children and your newly blended family. StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com | 45
Challenge #4: step-parenting rules & regulations Solution: When your families merge, a plan book with rules and regulations need to be addressed. What would go into your plan book? Here are a few suggested questions you should discuss with your partner. After you both have come to a settlement, immediately insert it into your plan book. What is the role each parent will play in parenting and facilitating the development of all of the children? How will the division of labor concerning the children be equitably managed? Will the parents’ date night fit into the new family schedule? What kind of access will grandparents and other extended family members have? And of course, what long-term goals and financial planning are needed to be put into place? Challenge #5: facing the jealousy beast Solution: Realize and act on the pain your children may be experiencing following your divorce. It’s important to realize that because of the pain children experience after divorce - and continue to feel with a remarriage - they may act out. They may not have the skills to talk it out and express what’s really going on inside. Many couples go for counseling and express to the counselor, “Fix these children.” However, the children aren’t the ones broken:
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the family is. Are you willing to acknowledge your children or stepchildren may be exhibiting jealousy from the pain and brokenness that your divorce created? If the couple is able to gain the skills to listen and understand what children are going through, over time, the children will usually respond productively. Challenge #6: expanding love & forgiveness Solution: Act lovingly because actions speaks louder than words. The reality is that you may never love your stepchildren as your own or even like them. And remember, you can’t make your stepchildren like you, either! You are the ‘intruder.’ In their minds, you’ve displaced them. But even if you don’t like them, you can learn to act lovingly toward them. Love is an action; so behave in a loving manner toward your stepchildren. It may surprise you down the road; as the relationship develops, love and forgiveness just may develop! Challenge #7: constant races against the clock Solution: Develop time management techniques. If you’ve been a single parent for any length of time, you’ve probably develop excellent multitasking, delegating, and time management skills. If not, then you need to develop them. Buy a time management book, or borrow one from your library. Learn to delegate among the children, particularly if they are teenagers. In fact, incorporate delegation into the children’s chores. Have a weekly meeting with time management at the top
of meeting’s agenda. Review and improve it at each meeting. Challenge #8: the coach or step-parent dilemma Solution: Try walking in your children’s and each other’s shoes. It’s difficult to see things through someone else’s eyes if you haven’t walked in their shoes. Your children, step-children, and partner(s) are passengers in the same boat; they didn’t get the opportunity to choose whether they wanted a new family member. Great care and patience should be taken to help all parties concerned, the children, the partners, and other family members, to adapt to the situation. Whether you’re the step-parent or it’s your partner who’s in that role, talk frequently with the children collectively about how it’s going and what are the experiences from the other’s point of view. If all parties have good intentions and a loving heart, this challenge will work itself out, but first there must open communication from and with each member. Challenge #9: nurturing love & respect among the tribal members Solution: Don’t make your partner choose between you and his child. Your relationship with your partner will not suffer if he or she has a close relationship with each other’s children. We all have multiple ‘accounts’ from which we draw our love. There’s a child account that has an infinite amount of love in it, and there’s a completely different account that you draw from for your partner. In other words, loving, respecting, and nurturing your child in no
way decreases the balance in the account for your partner because they’re two completely separate deals. With that in mind, ask your partner how you can help him or her nurture their relationship with each other’s children. Challenge #10: establishing communication, expectations & behavioral boundaries Solution: Have discussions with your partner outside an argument. Ask yourself this question: “Are most of my discussions taking place within the context of an argument with my partner or their children?” If the answer is in the affirmative, bring it to and end
immediately before it blazes into a wildfire. Agree to make time to talk calmly and rationally with all parties. This is important not only for you as you attempt to reach resolutions, but also for your children or stepchildren if they are within earshot. If they have already watched a divorce unfold, they have internalized plenty of parental conflict and may be shaken to their core. Don’t make it worse. When you argue in front of children, you change who they are. For you, the fight is over when it’s over. For your children, it doesn’t end. They don’t see you make up, and they don’t participate in the healing. They go to bed at night thinking that their parents are fighting because of them.
Conclusion: I’m sure that there are more than ten challenges; however, I have decided to stop at ten because of limited space. Should you find this article helpful and/or you wish to address additional challenges you might be experiencing, please feel free to contact me. Resource Corner: Behavior Management Expert and Maximizing Your Potential Mentor™ Etienne A. Gibbs is a lifeobserving author, successful consultant, engaging talk show host, and humorous speaker, who teaches small business owners, managers, parents, and employees how to speak, think, and perform in ways that will help them shine. In the end, they maximize their skills in critical thinking, public speaking, and management. Reach him at www.EtienneAGibbs.com.
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MARRIAGE CAN WIN by Eric & Dr. Sakeisha Hylick
We are so excited about your journey. Whether you are considering marriage, are recently married or have been married for quite some time, we want your marriage to WIN!
As a couple we have spent the last 10+ years of our 18 year marriage empowering husbands and wives to WIN in their marriage. Why winning you may ask? Most couples at some point in their marriage will have to overcome some challenges in what we refer to as ‘The Great Divide’ in marriage. That is a challenge in either communication, finances and /or sex. A couple that is determined to WIN in their marriage realizes that marriage is a marathon and not a sprint! It will require endurance, strength and commitment!
ARTWORK BY NAIA JOZAME
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While we can’t go over every single strategy in one article we wanted to provide you with 5 Simple Strategies that can help you on your pathway to winning in your marriage. #1 – Planning Have you ever heard the adage that says those that fail to plan, plan to fail? Pre-marital counseling is a must! Just like getting a drivers license or even when I obtained my pharmacist’s license, I needed to have an understanding of what was expected of me, and what kinds of challenges I may have to overcome or tests that I may encounter. #2 – Prayer It is essential that you find a scripture or several scriptures to stand on daily in your marriage. My favorite scripture to stand on is Jeremiah 29:11(NIV) “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” So when challenges come we don’t run in opposite directions. We recognize the challenge and we are equipped on how to overcome it together. #3 – Partner We whole heartedly encourage you to find a like minded individual outside of your immediate family that can hold you accountable in your marriage. Eric has intentionally connected with a few of the men in the men’s ministry at our home church to hold him accountable and to impart wisdom into him when there is a challenge that he is having. This person should not be your mother or your father - we discuss why in our book Marriage Can Win!
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#4 – Persevere Marriage is an amazing journey. Some days we may not see eye to eye, but we know that we were brought together for a reason. God’s desire for us is to experience success in every aspect of our lives. This will require us to persevere. That means don’t give up and throw in the towel just because you hit a rough patch! Ask yourselves this question: What can I learn from this so that moving forward I am even more prepared to succeed in my marriage? #5 – Prioritize We know that life happens. We all have responsibilities be it our jobs, or businesses, or our children. However, remember that God comes first, then your spouse. It may require some creativity on your part, be it making adjustments in your schedule, establishing effective boundaries with your in laws and friends and/
or children then recognizing The power of the word “No!” Genesis 2:24 tells us that “For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and shall be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. While the two of you are planning your wedding which lasts for a day, don’t forget to plan your marriage to last a lifetime! Please connect with us via Periscope, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Visit our website at www.MarriageCanWin.com and join our community. You will receive our free monthly newsletters and will be notified about the dates and times of our upcoming classes and retreats and coaching options. Here’s to your success! HUSBAND AND WIFE TEAM ERIC AND DR. SAKEISHA HYLICK PICTURED ABOVE.
PAUSE FOR CLARITY by Tierra Destiny Reid
A new life begins with a new decision. A new decision is best after a pause. Taking time to pause allows us to see our lives clearly. We are then able to honor our past while also welcoming new beginnings. Whether it is a new relationship, job, or personal goal, taking the time to pause will reduce future regrets and allow you to take all factors into consideration. When approaching a major crossroad or decision in your life, consider these five things: 1) What is it that I desire? 2) What is my intent? 3) Why do I desire this? 4) How does this decision impact my future goals? 5) What am I willing to commit to, for me to maximize this opportunity or season of life? These questions allow us to truly think beyond the moment and begin envisioning ourselves in the reality of the new decision. Sometimes, we are so anxious about making a decision, that we can become overwhelmed and stifle our growth by over thinking. Allowing yourself to zone out and think about your life beyond all options, makes it easier to process 54 | StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com
and embrace what feels right both intuitively and rationally. Following this process would allow couples to see what they are contributing as an individual to a union, as well as what expectations they may have coming into a new marriage. After many mistakes in my own love life, I now understand the importance of taking time to pause, gain clarity, and envision the life you truly want and deserve before involving another human being. It is then, that we can truly infuse our best selves into any opportunity or relationship that is right for us. We know this is right for us, because we would have taken the time to hear ourselves prior to listening to the opinions of others. For instance, at the ripe age of 22, I was getting married. I was in my last semester of college and had never lived alone as an independent adult. I came into my marriage without much life experience and assumed it would naturally work out if we both had great intentions for our marriage. However, intentions are not enough. Healing from our past, learning who we are without expecting someone else to know this fully, and being mindful of healthy boundaries and the needs
of those we love, are very critical. Unfortunately, I was very immature in this department and had a lot of healing to do from my childhood and past relationships. It was the power of peace in taking a pause that allowed me to explore these deeper truths that ultimately attract what we truly deserve and desire. As you embark on your season of change and new beginnings, I encourage you to take moments to pause and gain clarity, so that you can hear those quiet whispers that are always nudging us in the direction of our deepest desires. The love, life, and future you envision awaits. Make sure you are ready to embrace it.
Featured Contributor
Tierra Destiny Reid is a proud mother of two, and an innovative trailblazer in retail, entrepreneurship, and women’s empowerment. She has also began to sink her teeth in real estate investing. The author of the revolutionary empowerment guide ‘The Power of Peace in a Pause’, Tierra is passionate about using her life lessons and gifts to inspire women around the world to pause and propel their way to authentic success, leadership, and service.
TierraDestinyReid Author, Public Speaker www.TierraDestinyReid.com.
GREAT FOODS OF ST. CROIX by Dr. Denise Bennerson
Guavaberry and smaller tarts
Fish and Fungi
Red Grout
DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
Recently, St. Croix Virgin Islands has been recognized in the media for preparing great fresh Caribbean food – which is wonderful; however for those of us that live on St. Croix – traditional fresh food – sometimes referred to as ‘from farm to table’ is nothing new. We have always had farms and fishermen to buy food from and there have always been wonderful cooks that cook with lots of love. Like many on island, I have been surrounded by great cooks – my mom, aunts, and friends, plus great cooks in the community too numerous to mention. In addition, my mom was the owner of a restaurant on King Street in Frederiksted.
Fresh Crucian food is reportedly in Vogue now, however I remember as a child tying out the goats and sheep and Mom buying fresh food from the farmers or the butcher. I’m not into cooking, never have been, but I do enjoy eating ‘Good Food.’ I have many favorites and will speak about a few. We have always used fresh ground seasonings in our food. As a child I remembered pounding the ingredients in a mortar and pestle to make the seasoning. One of my favorite Crucian traditional meals is Fish and Fungi, but you have to know how to turn the Fungi, make the balls with the right texture and cook up a mouth-watering butter fish
sauce…Nice! So nice you could eat it twice! Another one of my favorite foods that is prepared on island and my mom used to make is Red Grout topped with homemade rich cream (not can milk). What a treat! It is a dessert made with tapioca and guava. Have any of you ever seen a ‘Horse Shoe’ cookie? My mom used to make them by the trays. It is a cookie made in the shape of a horse shoe and when you bite into it you can taste all the distinctive spices including the fresh cinnamon and mace. Another favorite food of mine is a nice moist slice of Vienna Cake. StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com | 57
One of my aunts used to make the best Vienna Cake on St. Croix, made with various layers including the real ‘green lime.’ I would consider her cake for adults only because it would be seriously soaked down with some local, Cruzan Rum. By the way I also like tarts and my favorite is Guavaberry and next in line is Guava… mmm. Usually, I buy a Guavaberry Tart for special occasions like Christmas along with my Sweet Bread. One compromise in taste I cannot and will not make is our local drinks such as Maubi, Ginger Beer, Passion Fruit and Sorrel. Each one of them has their own distinctive mixture to get it right. It’s great to see numerous restaurants serving local drinks. Many years ago they were hard to find. However, I find myself
asking the restaurant for a sample to taste before I order a glass to make sure that the drink producer got it traditionally right. When it comes to local food, I’m a traditionalist, because eating certain foods brings back great childhood memories. I am not much into experimenting with traditional foods. However, if it’s different I might try it. But that’s just my taste. I also realize that St. Croix is a multicultural society and I often times try to appreciate foods prepared a different way. In addition, I am very particular about what I eat because I have allergies and sensitive to various foods. I always appreciate when I ask the server what is in the food and they know or ask the chef. Once I am assured about the ingredients, then I can sit back, relax and enjoy my food to the
fullest and not have to worry about adverse reactions. I admire people who have a joy and love for cooking, because I love to eat. It is superb when the presentation of the food is appealing; it shows that the cook really cares and it is prepared with love. So I hope that the various journalist and visitors keep writing and talking about the wonderful fresh food on St. Croix. There are many great restaurants on St. Croix that I visit and I encourage you to do the same. Many of them are showcased in Elegant St. Croix Caribbean Weddings Magazines and you can view them on line at: StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com/ issues or pick up a copy from our advertisers. In summation, great cooks of St. Croix keep on cooking, because I will keep on eating.
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TIRES & BATTERIES
One Beautiful City.
Quadrille Bride & Groom
Some wedding couples invite Quadrille dancers to their wedding to perform and eventually join the dancers on the floor. The “Quadrille� is the official dance of the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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VIRGIN ISLANDS TRANSFER DAY – TO CELEBRATE OR NOT TO CELEBRATE by Dr. Eugene A. Petersen
Many times we jump on a band wagon because people that we like or trust are on the band wagon. I would like to suggest that we begin to think for ourselves and in order to process reasonable thoughts we must educate ourselves and be aware of the facts. Our leaders have not initiated or lead sufficient discussions on our status and self-determination over the last twenty years. How do they know what we desire, independence, statehood, some other form of association, or just simply to remain the same? How can we make decisions as a people if we are not educated and have an understanding of all the possibilities? Do we know what
must be sacrificed in return for the vote, full citizenship, and all the amenities of full inclusion as citizens of the United States? What do we know about independence? What are the parameters that we must consider, and the possibility of assistance from the United States to facilitate the move to independence? Can it be amicable or must it be contentious? If we as a people are expected to make wise choices these decision must be preceded with education and extensive analysis of the facts. The Virgin Islands are approaching the centennial years since the transfer from Denmark to the United States. There are those that are deliberating the sanity of
celebrating or commemorating this important bench mark in our history. I am also a bit ambivalent on this issue since I know the history surrounding the transfer and the travails of our ancestors prior to, during and after the milestone. I am only too aware of the pain and suffering endured by all especially the African population. However, I am concerned that we are not taking this opportunity to take advantage of the immense attention that will focus on us during this period of time. There are several issues that we should focus on. One is the opportunity to market our main
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product which is tourism. We should use this opportunity to improve our infrastructure and prepare ourselves for the curious, the historical, and cultural tourist that would be interested in visiting our shores. It will be an item on the bucket list of many who are seeking sites to visit annually, and are planning their next tourist vacation. Another opportunity is that it gives us the impetus to discuss and determine for ourselves what is the preferred Status or relationship that we as a people will seek with the United States. As we know inhabitants of all U.S. Territories do not enjoy all the benefits and provisions provided for in the U.S. Constitution. This in fact makes us a second class citizen. Since the early 1960s the United Nations passed a resolution, of which the United States is a signatory, that all territories and colonies of all nations must be given the opportunity for self-determination.
Danish West Indies was higher than the birth rate and do you know that one out of every five babies did not make it to the age or 3? Do you know that public health and education was almost none existence. The population of the Danish West Indies was constantly declining for over 30 years prior to and for some time after transfer? Yes the Navy rule was no picnic and had troubles of its own, but there is ample reason for us as Virgin Islanders to commemorate and even celebrate this epoch in our history. I want you to consider this thought: Should a family not celebrate the birth of a child because the birth was problematic and painful or even unwanted? Of course, we all celebrate our birthdate regardless of the circumstances surrounding that
The U.S. Congress has given us the mandate to discuss and propose a V.I. Constitution and to engage in a deliberation on status. There is nothing preventing us, as a people, from determining by poll, referendum or survey what the people of the Virgin Islands want for itself. We can structure the survey or referendum to determine, nativity (born and live in the V.I.), residency (born elsewhere but reside in the V.I.) or ex-patriot (born in the V.I. or offspring or a V.I. born person, but lives elsewhere). This information will be useful in petitioning the U.S. for changes in our status based on the results of these surveys, polls or referendum. Do you know that before the transfer the death rate in the
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OLIVER EXTERMINATING
birth because it is an important beginning of our existence. Therefore, the Virgin Islands of the United State was born on March 31, 1917 which is an “epoch in our history and is deserving of a grand celebration”. (D. Hamilton Jackson) We know that the previous 50 years or so leading up to the transfer were not a happy time in the Danish West Indies. The initial attempts to sell met with mixed emotion. At first many were against the sale and when initial attempts failed it was a relief to many. In the years following the initial attempt, which included the “Fire Burn” year of 1878, the situation changed drastically. Denmark was having trouble in Europe and hardly any financial assistance was given to the colony.
Health care, sanitation, public works and other government interest were minimal or in many cases non-existent. Food was difficult to come by other than what were grown for exchange of sale in the local markets. The population began to decrease that by the time of transfer it went from 48,000 to about 23,000 due the low birth and survival rate mentioned above and emigration to other parts of the world. The United States had started to become a regional power and had acquired Puerto Rico as a result of war and was occupying both Haiti and the Dominican Republic. World War I was in progress and with the Harbor in St. Thomas being of strategic value, and Germany a concern the United States applied political pressure to insure the transfer. Upon the transfer of the Danish West Indies to the United States improvement in infrastructure began to take place. Navy doctors were assigned to civilian care, sanitation was improved and water catchments were built (including Creque Dam, and the reservoir in Estate Contentment on St. Croix and Contant on St. Thomas). Local nurses were trained and some government jobs became available for locals. Luminaries began to agitate for changes and U.S. citizenship, which was granted in 1927. The Organic Act in 1936 granted some home rule after the Navy left and established elected municipal councils and appointed civilian Governors and the Organic Act of 1954 established our current legislature and paved the way for
our elected governor, representation in the U.S. Congress, and the establishment of our Supreme Court.
As a step toward more self-determination, or home rule, Congress has also allowed the territories to write our constitution. The Virgin Islands have made five attempts to do so and each time for varying reasons have failed to have it ratified. Virgin Islanders are very vocal about the fact that we are not fully incorporated as citizens in the United States while residing in the territory (even mainland citizens lose some rights and benefits while residing out of the mainland) and cannot vote for the President, and our Delegate to Congress does not have a vote on the floor. The Centennial has brought the issue of status to the forefront and both the University of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Centennial Commission are actively engaged in education and capacity building on self-determination. Hopefully, based on these discussions, studies and possible referendum we will be able to determine the desires of Virgin Islanders, and what course to pursue in attaining a final status.
Featured Contributor
Eugene A. Petersen was born on February 3, 1949 to James and Evadney Petersen in Frederiksted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He entered St. Patrick kindergarten and elementary school, attended Claude O. Markoe Junior High School, and Graduated from St. Croix Central High School in 1968. Because of his affection for horses and other animals he matriculated at Tuskegee Institute (University) where he studied veterinary medicine and was the first Virgin Islander to earn a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree in 1975. Dr. Petersen returned home to practice his profession, and owned the Princesse Veterinary Hospital in La Grande Princesse, St. Croix where he practiced for 25 years. Dr. Petersen is an avid horse racing fan and raced horses for many years on St. Croix. He also managed the Randall “Doc” James Race Track as the President and CEO of the Virgin Islands Racing Corp. where he was instrumental in introducing simulcasting and account wagering to the Virgin Islands. One of his major interests is music and entertainment. He began singing as a teenager and learned to play the guitar to accompany his singing. He excelled in the cultural music of the Caribbean, calypso, but is also a balladeer and sings various genre` of songs. Doc Petersen, as he is known, have travelled worldwide as a solo artist or with small groups. His travels have taken him to places such as India, Denmark, most of Western Europe and many places in the United States. He can still be heard as a solo artist in several clubs and restaurants on St. Croix or at major events such as carnivals and festivals. He is a recording artist and has written and produced four music albums and several musical plays for the theater. Besides begin a popular radio talk show/ music show host for many years, an author of his book “Tan Tan Tales and Tan Tan Tails”, Doc Petersen has served on many boards of directors, such as, the Virgin Island Veterinary Board, The Frederiksted Economic Development Board, WTJX public television, and Island Center for the Performing Arts, where he also served as Executive Director for 8 years. He was an integral part in the production of Sunset Jazz, Wednesday evening in the Park, Blue Bay Jazz Festival, and The Virgin Islands Cultural Expose` and Extravaganza.
Eegene A Petersen, DVM Cultural Consultant PO Box 801 Frederikted St. Croix, US Virgin Islands 00841 340-690-0617 doc1.petersen@gmail.com DIEGO CONDE PHOTOGRAPHER
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This Mocko Jumbie had fun performing for the tourist on a cruise ship day in Frederiksted! We all applauded his performance. Â Denise Bennerson, Photographer Weddings
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN Weddings Issue 2 - 2013
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN Weddings
Your Distinctive Caribbean Wedding
Including:
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN Weddings - Choosing St. Croix
- Finding the Perfect Photographer
- The Importance of an Engagement Photography Session
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN Weddings
Premier Issue 2012
Elegant ST. CROIX CARIBBEAN Weddings
Issue 2 - 2013
DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
HOW DID CARISO BEGIN? by Cedelle Petersen-Christopher
Cariso is a melodic memory of our African past. It is an art form that was brought to the Virgin Islands and the rest of the Caribbean during the enslavement of West Africans. It is a form of communication that was done secretly so that the slave master could not understand. It is an art form that was sung by the ancestors to transmit secret messages of rebellion; freedom songs of historical and current events; storytelling of long, long ago; and to make biting and stinging social commentary. Cariso which means “carry it so” was sung by women exclusively in a call and response style accompanied by the men playing the barrel drums. At times the women would compete with each other and use their wit, poetic skills and singing ability. It is on the sugar cane fields, towns and villages, vegetable and fish markets this art form was practice throughout the Caribbean. Long ago it was called Cariso and today it is called Calypso.
Events are highlighted every year throughout the Virgin Islands remembering what took place through songs and stories: The freedom songs tells the story of Moses Gotlieb ‘General Budhoe’ a courageous liberator who mastermind the revolt of July 3, 1848 known as Emancipation Day, which culminated the emancipation of the slaves.
The memorable deeds of David Hamilton Jackson, ‘Black Moses’ a crucian teacher, judge, journalist, Minister and labor leader who gave the laborers hope on November 1, 1915 known as Liberty Day/ Bull and Bread Day.
The four daring young women, Mary Thomas(Queen Mary), Batty McBean(Queen Matilda), Susanna Abramson(Bottom Belly) and Axelina Solomon (Queen Agnes) who played the leading role in the bloody uprising of October 1, 1878 known as Contract Day/ Fireburn Day.
CARISO SIGNER AND A HISTORICAL ICON CADELLE PETERSEN-CHRISTOPER
StCroixCaribbeanWeddings.com | 69
DENISE BENNERSON, PHOTOGRAPHER
Cariso Singers 1800-1900s Mary Catherine Williams: Queen of Cariso Marie Richards Vivian McIntosh Ida Joseph Etel McIntosh Maude Andreas Leona Brady Watson Cedelle Petersen Christopher (Aminah) Freedom Songs:
There is a saying: “A people without it’s history is a tree without it’s root” It’s important for me to share this art form that was handed down from generation to generation. It must be continued for the preservation of the history of the Virgin Islands. This is just a piece of our rich history. This song form must be embedded in the minds of our future generation. So that they can become aware of the importance of who we are, where we came from and where we are going. And most of all the importance of having pride in one self.
Clear De Road Queen Mary Do My People Do
Cariso is performed at the Estate Whim Museum, pictured below. Estate Whim was one of the most prosperous sugar plantations of the 18th century and is an important historical site in St. Croix.
Featured Contributor
Cedelle Petersen-Christopher was born on the island of St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands to Edna and Pierpont Petersen. She was the tenth child of the family. Her father, Pierpont, was a guitar player with Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights in the early years of which he played an important role in the naming of the band. Her mother sang in the choir at the Lutheran Church in Christiansted. Almost all of her siblings were in the music industry whether singing, drumming, limbo dancing, or playing bass you would hear the rhythms throughout the house. Cedelle along with her sister, Sherryl Petersen, joined the St. Croix Talent Club in the sixties singing blues, R&B in local shows and traveling to many Caribbean islands. After graduating from high school she went to college and received a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of the Virgin Islands and a Masters in Education from Cambridge College. She worked as a school teacher for 31 years and retired in 2014. During those years as an educator she transferred her musical talent to the classroom. Singing, storytelling and puppetry were the tools that she used in her teaching. Outside of the classroom Cedelle joined a Cariso group under the leadership of Leona Watson, a well-known St. Croix Cariso singer and culture bearer. She learned the creole songs of freedom on St. Croix. When Cedelle retired she continued the art of Cariso by explaining the good days of traveling with Leona Watson for the Smithsonian Institute. Today she continues to share the Art of Cariso in the schools and throughout the community by sharing the richness of our culture.
Cedelle Petersen-Christopher Educator & Cariso Singer
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Picturesque day at the St. Croix Yacht Club. Christiansted, St. Croix VI Denise Bennerson, Photographer