🌱 If Foreign Boats Register Here + Free Youth Cooking Classes

Good morning and happy Febuary. Let's get started with the headlines. Here's what you should know:

• Looking for a new gig? See who's hiring, via USVI Patch.
• Governor Bryan is exploring making the USVI an open-registry flag state, which would mean foreign-owned vessels could register in the territory and make USVI ports a major player in global trade. What does this mean for residents? Experts predict it could "bolster the global supply chain, improve U.S. security, and ignite countless infrastructure projects and long-term employment prospects in the territory," according to The Source.
• Shipping something big to the territory? There's a new game in town. Dennis Alphonse, a St. Thomas resident, started Florida VI Mailbox as an alternative mail service for Virgin Islanders to receive packages more affordably. Learn more about Florida VI Mailbox in The Source.
• The Winston Raymo Center is hosting free, youth nutrition and cooking classes every Tuesday and Thursday in February. Classes are from 3:30-5:30 and students will learn how to make healthy meals, smoothies and snacks. The program is sponsored by the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. Learn more here and sign up today!

From our sponsor:

Last week, we told you about our new favorite non-alcoholic go-to — the refreshingly bitter drinks from our partners at Betera. They’re chef-created from natural botanicals, lightly effervescent and worthy of life beyond “Dry January.” We mentioned that their Ginger-Orange was excellent; we’ve since tried Elderflower-Lime and loved it as well — light and floral with the perfect amount of zing. We're converts.

Enough of you took Betera up on their 15% discount on first orders for Patch Daily readers that they’ve extended the offer for another week. Use PATCH15 at checkout. Highly recommended — try Betera here.

Today's weather: Sunny and nice. High: 82 Low: 73.

Today's Events:

• Downtown Walking Tour - St Thomas History (9:00 a.m.)
• Join AARP in The Virgin Islands and SoKh Caribbean Dance Fitness for a virtual Firm and Flow exercise class (8:30 a.m.)

Social Highlights:

• "Great discussions with the White House today! And then while doing national media rounds I got the great news that the GERS funding proposal has been approved. Great day for the VI!- @govbryan" (Twitter)
• VI Waste Management is hiring. All applications are due by February 11, 2022. (Twitter)
• "The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation is hosting a fastpitch softball tournament this weekend in memory of two men who were members of the softball community on St. Thomas." (Twitter)
• Friends of Virgin Islands National Park: "Trail Crew volunteers! This week’s work locations and meeting times..." (Facebook)
• The St. Croix Agriculture & Food Fairis scheduled for May 28-30, 2022.

  

Enjoying these emails? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
• Get your local business listed in front of readers
• Send me a news tip or suggestion at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.