"We Preserve US.VI"?!!!

“We Preserve US.VI” … yes, it has a meaning: a play on words of course. Anyone who knows me, knows that this is one of my trademarks. We preserve US because if we don't who will? We preserve the USVI (United States Virgin Islands)  because it's those of us in the know that need to speak up about what is here, why it is here, how it got here and how we are going to keep it here. Why we all need to get involved is because if you are fed up with everyone else charting your course for you, try setting the compass yourself and experience how shaping your own destiny is beyond a spiritual experience and is truly fulfilling. Embark on a journey with me  to learn about this unique set of Caribbean islands: how culturally rich they are and how we can restore and develop them wisely and effectively.  By using preservation and conservation practices as an economic engine, we can  build truly amazing green and sustainable spaces here in the USVI.

Sunday Market Square, Christiansted (northside) looking down Company Street - Jack Delano Dec. 1941

King Street, Frederiksted - Jack Delano Dec. 1941

Main Street, Charlotte Amalie from Grand Hotel - Jack Delano Dec. 1941

vonRohr Cruz Bay Survey 1766 (Danish National Archives) via David Knight, Sr. 

- a new USVI historic district in the making (justifiably so)

Here You Go ... Gerville!

The obvious question is always: “Why create a blog?” and I have no apprehension in providing a response. You create a blog because you need to express a viewpoint and if any place needs a plethora of viewpoints is this place, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Steeped in history and culture, the U.S.V.I. is rich in its built and natural environments. You'd expect that everyone living here would conserve these rich attributes at all costs, but alas … no such luck. Where it is most prevalent that there is a community disconnect is our historic towns (Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Frederiksted & Cruz Bay) which, I'm afraid to say, continue to loose their historical character each and every day. I am a firm believer if we help educate the populace and they learn the importance and value of place ... this place, we will see these towns and our islands come back to life in the best ways possible. Help me help us achieve this super important goal!

My place, my interior, my sanctuary ... my inspiration