The 2020 edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, slated for The Bahamas between Jan. 21 and 23, is generating lots of buzz and excitement, with officials reporting strong registration pace for the event. Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), reported that the region's largest and longest-standing tourism marketing event has confirmed close to 500 supplier delegates from more than 170 supplier companies to date. Read more . Register here .

Are you interested in participating for FREE in a five week training program in the marine industry for candidates ages 18-25 who graduated from a Virgin Islands high school to complete the following: five day sailing course at St Thomas Yacht Club; Power-boating; Swimming; SCUBA diving; First Aid and CPR; Navigation; Marina and dock management; Vessel Maintenance and Crewing; Marine Technical services; and STCW Basic Training. The purpose of the training is to introduce students to employers in the marine industry and for them to find jobs as yacht crew or technicians soon after the training is completed. Additional funding for further training may be available for successful and dedicated graduates of the program. View the flyer here. Click here to apply. VIPCA is also seeking captains and marine service businesses! If you are interested in assisting in the five week training program by volunteering or offering training at cost (VIPCA can pay for fuel and time donated) for a full/half or series of days training either in practical boat handling under sail/power or in marine technical skills. Contact [email protected] if interested.

Click here to view the 2020 State of the Territory Address from Gov. Albert Bryan.

Are you ready to be a part of a one of a kind charity Texa s Hold Em Poker Tournament? Click here to learn about sponsorship opportunities for the "All-IN" Against Cancer Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament on Feb. 22, 2020 at beautiful Old Stone Farmhouse. T he corporate sponsor deadline has been extended to today - Jan. 17! Click here to download the sponsorship form . View the official tournament rules and fundraising event guidelines here . Proceeds will benefit Cancer Support Virgin Islands to help fight the disease that impacts us all. This elegant tournament and experience is presented by The Executive Game, a non-profit operated on St. Thomas. The Executive Game started in 2014 and is now a registered 501c3. The Mission of the Executive Game is to promote the interests of worthy charities whose work makes our world a better place. Our world class Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament is both an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to change lives. Read more. Click here to read an attachment with detailed information regarding the even t.

My Brother's Workshop has upped the ante for this year's Mystery Event! Join MBW for a night of sleuthing and fun at the 3rd Annual MBW Mystery Event on Feb. 8 at VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy. Food will be provided by MBW Cafe and Bakery and drinks will be available for purchase. The theme this year is Mystery in the Wild West. There will be fun carnival style games and poker games for prizes, live entertainment and don't forget about prizes for best dressed, best sleuth and best actors! Attendees are encouraged to dress in costume, but not required. Totally immerse yourself in this mystery experience or come as you are for the entertainment and fun! It will be a night of mystery and mayhem in the Wild West and all are invited to attend! All proceeds from the event go towards furthering the mission of MBW. Purchase your tickets here. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please click here . If you would like to volunteer at the event, please fill out this form . Volunteer shifts are available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and are all 2.5-3 hours long. Each volunteer receives free admission to the event!

The USVI is updating its Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is mandated by FEMA so the territory can receive the appropriate level of funding pre- and post-disasters. The purpose of the Steering Committee is to guide the update of the Hazard Mitigation Plan for the territory. The planning process, as mandated by FEMA, requires that the Steering Committee meet on a regular basis to ensure that mitigation strategies are in line with the territory's strategic development direction, and reflect the capabilities and capacities present. VITEMA and the University of the Virgin Islands will be hosting the first Steering Committee meeting on Feb. 5 from 1-2:30 p.m. The meeting will be held on St. Croix at VITEMA’s Emergency Operations Center, and video-linked to the St. Thomas VITEMA’s Emergency Operations Center for those who cannot travel. A FEMA representative will be present at the meeting.

This month, FEMA launched the "Resolve to be Ready" campaign. The campaign is a reminder that disasters can strike at any time and that the beginning of a new year is the perfect time to ensure you, your family and neighbors are prepared before future disasters or emergencies occur. For more information and actionable tips to help prepare you and your family for any emergency in the new year, visit the Ready website . Read more from FEMA’s weekly bulletin .

When I was in grade school, students could not turn in their assignment unless they signed their work. Signing your work meant that you checked it and are proud of what you submitted. It meant something. By definition, a signature is a distinguishing feature, aspect or mark. No one has your signature! It is 100 percent completely unique to you. As you serve your customers every day, it is imperative that you learn to "sign your work." Read more .