USVIHTA Update | August 2022
USVIHTA 2022 Summer Employment Program a Success
The USVIHTA Education & Training Committee closed its nineteenth year of the Summer Employment Program on Aug. 5 with 19 students completing the program fully. The objective of the six-week program, in collaboration with the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators of the 34th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, is to provide a meaningful learning experience for Virgin Islands high school and college students while stimulating interest in careers in the hospitality and tourism industry. Although we were unable to host an official closing ceremony due to the program ending right before school resumed, small certificate ceremonies were held for students by some businesses and participating senators. Congratulations to the following students for their dedication to the program: Department of Labor students - Jnique Rambaran, Alondra Henry, Amunique Francis, Sher’niah Freeman, Shrayne Martin, Omahri Allamby, Destinee Martin, Je’Raya Pickering, Jnaejah Scatliffe, Semaiah Smith, J’herisa Taylor, Torien Martin and Maia Aqui; Sen. Joseph students - Cassidy Caines and Corine Christian; Sen. Blyden students - Amoia Abraham, A’nijah Mills and Jaheem Letang. Sen. DeGraff students - Steven Webster and Shirlyn Charter; Sen. Frett-Gregory - Nikaya Nibbs. Thank you to participating businesses who assisted with placement of the students in the program. Businesses include: Bolongo Bay Beach Resort, Cinnamon Bay Beach & Campground, Cruz Bay Watersports, Emerald Beach Resort, Lindbergh Bay Hotel & Villas, MLB Creative, Secret Harbour Beach Resort, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, and Spenceley Office Equipment. We would also like to thank the USVI Department of Labor and participating senators, Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Sen. Carla Joseph, Sen. Marvin Blyden and Sen. Dewayne DeGraff. Click here to view more photos of participating students.

More local news:
Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix 2023 is Coming Your Way! Get Ready to Increase Your Reach! - Deadline Extended!
Back by popular demand! Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix is the best media buy in the USVI by miles. Can you afford NOT to be in it? Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix is a high-quality, full-color upscale magazine that will be EXCLUSIVELY and prominently displayed in hotel rooms, villas and Airbnbs throughout St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. By supporting our partnership with your advertising, you're also supporting USVIHTA!

Why advertise in Visit St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix?
  • It is the official in-room magazine of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association (USVIHTA).
  • It is distributed EXCLUSIVELY and prominently displayed in thousands of hotel rooms throughout St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
  • It reaches all the overnight visitors in St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, providing advertisers with access to a captive audience and the largest number of accommodations on the islands.
  • You will reach upscale visitors in the comfort of their hotel room or villa while they are planning what to see and do, where to shop, dine and more.

Sales Close: Aug. 26. Don't miss out on this great benefit of your membership! Inquire today by contacting Luis Sardinas at 305-497-0323 or Lsardinas@northsouthnet.com, Bobbie Bryan at 340-998-7025 or bobbie.visitusvi@gmail.com, or Garry Duell at 786-501-3434 or Gduell@northsouthnet.com. Read more.
FEMA Update: NOAA Releases Hurricane Season Outlook Update
On Aug. 4, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center division released its update to the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season. 
 
NOAA forecasters have slightly decreased the likelihood of an above-normal Atlantic hurricane season to 60%, down from the May outlook which predicted a 65% chance. The likelihood of near-normal activity has risen to 30% and the chances remain at 10% for a below-normal season. NOAA’s update to the 2022 outlook - which covers the entire six-month hurricane season that ends on Nov. 30 - calls for 14-20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or greater), of which 6-10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or greater). Of those, 3-5 could become major hurricanes (winds of 111 mph or greater). NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence.This outlook is for overall seasonal activity and is not a landfall forecast. That’s because landfalls are largely governed by short-term weather patterns that are only predictable within about one week of a storm potentially reaching a coastline.
 
This doesn’t mean you should relax if you live in a hurricane-prone area. The peak months for hurricanes, August through October, are currently underway. To learn more about how to protect yourself, your family and your pets from hurricanes, visit Hurricanes | Ready.gov. Read more from FEMA's Weekly Bulletin.

More regional news:
UVI CELL Culinary Arts Program Registration Open - Deadline TODAY!
The Certified Fundamentals Cook (CFC) is a six-month certification program for beginners. The program combines hands-on learning and immersive industry experience using a learn-by-doing approach in the program’s on-campus restaurant. The CFC program will provide the guidance and experience needed to work in a food service setting under the direct supervision of a chef and culinary instructor. Gain the practical experience, knowledge, skills and insight into the food-service occupation with the final goal of testing for and obtaining the American Culinary Federation Certification. Click the flyer to the right to expand or visit https://cell.uvi.edu/ for more information.
Association Health Plans Available Now through Elan
The Hotel & Tourism Association continues to work to identify great opportunities for our members. We've recently signed an agreement with Elan Insurance Group to offer Association Health Plans. Click the photo to view the PDF version in your browser. The PDF lets members know about:
  1. This great NEW benefit
  2. Who is qualified to receive it
  3. How to get started

For more information, contact Omar Andres Haedo directly at omar.a.haedo@elan.insure.
Save the Date

Don't forget to share your special events with members today by emailing kaufmann.laurel@gmail.com.
Lisa Hamilton 
USVIHTA President 
340-774-6835