🌱 Limetree Closing Will Result In Steep Economic Losses For USVI

The news about Limetree isn't good. But it's not all doom and gloom this Wednesday. Read on for the latest headlines, a few snippets of social chatter, and a couple of events you won't want to miss.

First, today's weather:

Mostly sunny with a shower. High: 86 Low: 77.

Here are the top stories in US Virgin Islands today:

• A new V.I. Bureau of Economic Research report takes a grim stance on the closure of the Limetree Bay Refinery. According to the report, closing the St. Croix refinery is projected to result in significant economic losses for the U.S. Virgin Islands, including the loss of nearly 1,000 jobs and the loss of more than half a billion dollars in gross domestic product. The V.I. Consortium summed up the report well. It's worth reading the full article (V.I. Consortium)
• Governor Bryan made a few COVID-19 announcements during his Monday press briefing. First, travelers to the USVI will soon be able to submit a U.S. vaccination card to the V.I. travel portal, meaning they can skip the test. Second, the USVI vaccination rate is actually higher than initially calculated (but that's only because, thanks to the 2020 census, the territory's population is 18% lower). (Virgin Islands Daily News)
• WAPA continues construction on its underground electrical project on St. John. The next phase will begin work on King Street in Cruz Bay on November 10, 2021. (News of St. John)
• Let's end these headlines on a high note. Here's a good read from the Daily News: Ann Celicia Liebert, of St. Croix, celebrated her 100th birthday on Tuesday. Miss Ann, as she is known, raised eight children on her own. Today,s he has 30 grandchildren, 59 great-grandchildren and 31 great-great-grandchildren. (Virgin Islands Daily News)

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Today in US Virgin Islands:

• Wednesday Salon & Gallery Hours (9:00 a.m.)
• AARP VI & GERS Financial Workshop: Savings Tips, Estate Planning, Credit Score (9:30 a.m.)
• Talk DLCA (11:00 a.m.)
• AARP VI Entrepreneurial Workshop: Growing Your Business: Money is NOT the only issue (6:00 p.m.)

As seen on social:

• Let's keep the good news going: Mim's Seaside Bistro got a very nice shout-out on "What's Going On St. Thomas?" The author recommends the lobster. I recommend the Mahi! (Facebook)
• Government House - US Virgin Islands: "Today Governor Albert Bryan Jr introduced 12 promising young adults participating in Bryan/Roach Administration's first-ever "GVI Financial Fellows Program." (Facebook)
• Friends of Virgin Islands National Park: "Bidding for the Villas For The Park Auction opens on Friday November 12! Are you ready to bid on a fabulous vacation stay and give back to our beautiful park at the same time?" (Facebook)
• Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands: "🙋‍♂️🙋‍♀️ Raise your hand if you want good news! Now check out CFVI's Fall 2021 eNewsletter" (Twitter)

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That's it for today. I'll see you tomorrow morning. Same time, same place!

— 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.