1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Events
  4.  » Spotlight on USVI Hotel & Tourism Association

Coconut Post

VI News ’n Views

Virgin

Islands

Spotlight on USVI Hotel & Tourism Association

Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., poses with Carla Gift and Tracy Wayman of Flamboyan On The Bay Resort & Villas.

Written by Coconut Post

Whether you’re in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands as a visitor, a local — or always in spirit — Coconut Post keeps you posted on fun-filled news ’n views. Published monthly by Flamboyan On The Bay Resort & Villas, we’re focused on sharing our people, places, and fun things happening in paradise.

June, 2022

Flamboyan On The Bay Resort & Villas is proud to be a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association.

The Association was officially incorporated in 1981; however, it has unofficially existed since 1950.  Alton Adams Sr. (1889 – 1987) served as the association’s very first president.

Adams is remembered primarily as the first black bandmaster in the United States Navy, as well as the composer of “Virgin Islands March.” Addressing the need to increase the number of available hotel rooms on St. Thomas, in 1947 he opened up his home as the Adams 1799 Guest House. 

In 1952, he became a charter member of the Virgin Islands Hotel Association and was elected president, a position he held until 1971.

Alton Adams, Sr. (1889-1987) poses for a photo in a uniform

Above: Alton Adams, Sr. (1889 – 1987) served as first president of what today is officially known as the U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association.

Top of the page: At the annual U.S. Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association meeting, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., took a moment to pose with Carla Gifft and Tracy Wayman of Flamboyan On The Bay Resort & Villas.

During that time,  in addition to being a hotelier, Adams worked as a stringer for the Associated Press and reporter for the Associated Negro Press. He also contributed articles to the Pittsburgh Courier and other publications. Although he never ran for public office, Adams was closely involved in island politics as an advisor and editorial commentator. 

Today, USVIHTA is a vibrant, forward-thinking, not-for-profit corporation that “… serves as the unifying organization for hotels, guest houses, inns, condominiums, campgrounds and other tourism-related business in the St. Thomas-St. John district of the United States Virgin Islands.”

On May 4, 2022, the USVIHTA held its annual general meeting at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. Highlights of the meeting included welcoming words from Chairperson Terri Brown, and President Lisa Hamilton. A vote on the 2022 Board of Directors slate included installing Scott Derrickson of Marriott Frenchman’s Cove as new chairman.

At the meeting, Flamboyan Resort was represented by Tracy Wayman, Carla Gifft and Teddi Davis. More than 100 attendees were on hand to welcome special guest, Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., who gave an inspiring speech on the future of tourism in the territory.

All year long, USVIHTA offers vital support to members — as well as the community at large — through a number of active committees. Everything from culinary training and education to ‘going green’ initiatives and entrepreneurial guidance from business experts is on the agenda.

For more information, visit usvihta.com.

image of a coconut and pineapple both wearing sunglasses on a beach

COCO BITS

A BIT ABOUT TRADE WINDS

For centuries, trade winds have been used by captains of sailing ships to cross the world’s oceans. The Caribbean is one of the few places on the globe where wind direction can be predicted with relative certainty. Due to the rotation of the earth — and the Coriolis Effect which makes planes appear to move at a curve as opposed to a straight line — the islands are blessed with Easterly trade winds. By the way, the term “trade winds” was coined centuries ago when those ever-predictable winds guided trade ships from Europe to the islands.

Archives

You May Also Like…

PRICKLY PEAR — TROPICAL PLANT AND AN ISLAND, TOO

PRICKLY PEAR — TROPICAL PLANT AND AN ISLAND, TOO

A genus of flowering plants in the cactus family, the prickly pear is known for its flavorful fruit and showy flowers. Prickly pear cacti are native to the Western Hemisphere and flourish throughout Caribbean. Prickly Pear also is the name of a lush, uninhabited island in the British Virgin Islands. Although the island has no permanent residents, it has a beach bar, restaurant and recreational water sports facilities.

read more
MOE’S FRESH MARKET OPENS FOURTH ISLAND LOCATION

MOE’S FRESH MARKET OPENS FOURTH ISLAND LOCATION

In 2014, Moe’s Fresh Market in Red Hook opened to rave reviews. Almost overnight, Moe’s became known for fresh fruits and vegetables, quality meats, baked goods, fully-stocked deli and large wine selection. Initially, shoppers were surprised and delighted by a personal signature greeting, “Welcome to Moe’s.” The practice remains to this day — and now there are four unique locations including the all new Moe’s in Northside Galleria.

read more
SPOTLIGHTING THE LATE CYRIL E. KING (1921- 1978)

SPOTLIGHTING THE LATE CYRIL E. KING (1921- 1978)

Cyril Emmanuel King was born on St. Croix in 1921. In 1949 he was appointed as an aide to Senator Hubert Humphrey of Minnesota, becoming the first African American to serve in the office of a U.S. senator. He was elected to the Virgin Islands Senate in 1972. In 1974, King was elected Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. He died in office in 1978. In 1984, the Harry S. Truman Airport was renamed Cyril E. King Airport by the Virgin Islands Legislature.

read more

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *