| Having just returned from St. Croix, I'm still trying to | | | | got the overall sense it wasn't a particularly high priority. |
| figure out what's happening with this island. Is it dying a | | | | This was really surprising to a first-time visitor, but the |
| slow death from neglect, or swollen with opportunity | | | | message coming across was clearly one of "what |
| & poised for serious growth? Its current state | | | | you see is what you get - take it or leave it". |
| might lead one to either conclusion. | | | | I would suggest that those there, in government and |
| While there, I had a great time, enjoyed some | | | | other groups involved in the tourism industry, who |
| spectacular scuba diving, ate excellent food at super | | | | clearly talk a good game, get serious about sprucing |
| prices, and even had time to drive most of the island | | | | up their island and making it inviting to tourists. |
| looking through history and rainforests. | | | | Otherwise, the promotion noise rings hollow. They |
| But the thing is, most everywhere I looked, the place | | | | should stop doing it immediately, and just fade away |
| seemed like it was falling apart. It reminded me of the | | | | entirely. |
| 3 C's of rehabbing houses - Clean it up; Cut the grass; | | | | For those who may be interested in finding their own |
| & Cover the walls. With the exception of a | | | | place in the sun, I have to say that St. Croix still has a |
| handful of places in Christiansted, and the Frederiksted | | | | lot going for it, regardless of whether it gains more |
| Pier & park area, much of the rest of the island | | | | prominence as a tourist destination. It's a beautiful island, |
| could use some serious attention. | | | | and one where prices remain well below most other |
| Many roads are a nightmare, and "scenic drive" should | | | | Caribbean destinations. You can still find plenty of |
| not mean the absence of anything resembling | | | | places to build, or existing places to buy, without |
| pavement. Simply cutting the 6' tall grass obscuring | | | | breaking the bank. |
| oncoming traffic on most northern roads would make | | | | Whether the tourism industry gets its act together or |
| those steep, sharp turns far less hazardous. It would | | | | not, doesn't really matter to someone looking for a |
| also let visitors enjoy the gorgeous views, not to | | | | good deal on property. If things stay as they are, |
| mention restoring 2 full lanes for vehicles. | | | | property values will continue to grow gradually, and the |
| The island has a lot of history, but sometimes it's hard | | | | island will remain much as it is. |
| to see or even find. For example, while visiting the | | | | On the other hand, it's a good time to get in, and values |
| Whim Plantation, most of the signage describing the | | | | could increase dramatically. The islands large size |
| exhibits and past culture were either faded away, | | | | (compared to many others) would allow for years of |
| washed out, or missing entirely. | | | | growth before it comes close to becoming densely |
| In Christiansted, I followed a map that notated the | | | | populated. |
| location of the house where Alexander Hamilton once | | | | So whether St. Croix stays stagnant or spruces up |
| lived. But arriving at that spot, found no sign, plaque, or | | | | and gains attention, there's not really a down side for |
| other indication I'd arrived at the correct place. After | | | | those looking for property. |
| asking several locals, one finally verified the correct | | | | I for one hope they get serious about fixing up and |
| structure. | | | | promoting the island. The handful of things mentioned |
| St. Croix has so much going for it, that it's hard to | | | | earlier would be a good start, and take hardly any time |
| understand why those who should be interested in its | | | | to rectify. |
| welfare don't appear to be doing anything about | | | | Whether they do or not, as someone interested in |
| improving the islands image. The advertising and | | | | scuba diving, it's still worth several trips back, just to |
| promotional materials found in all the usual places | | | | spend time visiting the famous "Wall" along the north |
| indicate that tourism is indeed desirable, and an | | | | shore, where the reef drops off a few thousand feet |
| acknowledged contributor to the local economy, but I | | | | down - awesome diving! |