UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS, “THE AMERICAN PARADISE”
by clay larroy
by clay larroy
There is nothing more exciting than travelling. Whether
you are going for a road trip to see something new in your own state, or
heading off to the Caribbean for the very first time to visit a city you have
always dreamed of, there are some travel
basics that you should know. Travel in the
off seasons to avoid crowds, save money and enjoy temperate weather. In those
months, many families with children cannot travel due to school commitments,
making many tourist attractions much less crowded. This may also result in
lower costs for airfare and hotels. As an added bonus, the weather in May and
October is usually perfect for traveling -- not too hot and not too cold. When you are ready to
plan a vacation contact me!
The result of the US Virgin Islands' history and location is
a unique blend of Danish heritage and American modernity combined with a
relaxed and friendly attitude typical of the Caribbean. Add to this miles of
glistening beaches, first-class diving facilities and verdant tropical vegetation,
and there is more than enough to seduce any visitor.
The Danes' legacy is evident in Christiansted, on the largest island, St Croix, whose historic sites include Fort Christiansværn (dating from 1774) and the Old Custom House. St Thomas too retains much of its Danish influence; in the capital, Charlotte Amalie, converted warehouses now house stylish boutiques. Those seeking unspoiled natural beauty should head to St John. With no airport, and two-thirds of the island's deep valleys set aside as a national park, this is an ideal Caribbean retreat.
The Danes' legacy is evident in Christiansted, on the largest island, St Croix, whose historic sites include Fort Christiansværn (dating from 1774) and the Old Custom House. St Thomas too retains much of its Danish influence; in the capital, Charlotte Amalie, converted warehouses now house stylish boutiques. Those seeking unspoiled natural beauty should head to St John. With no airport, and two-thirds of the island's deep valleys set aside as a national park, this is an ideal Caribbean retreat.
The Virgin Islands were first inhabited by Carib and Arawak
Indians but, in common with the rest of the Caribbean, they endured various
waves of European invasion and settlement from the 1490s onwards, finally
becoming part of the Danish West Indies. The US government purchased the
islands in 1917 and they are now an unincorporated territory of the USA. A
measure of self-government was introduced in 1954, along with the introduction
of an elected Senate.
Politics on the islands follow the Republican-Democrat division of the USA itself. From the evidence of gubernatorial elections, the political complexion of the islands was distinctly Republican from 1970 until 1987. This is when the governorship passed to the Democrats, who held the post until Roy Schneider, representing the Independent Citizens' Movement, was elected in 1994. Despite the fact that the Republicans did not even put up a candidate, Schneider's efforts to secure a second term failed when he was defeated by Democrat Charles Turnbull at the 1999 election. Turnbull went on to rule for the next eight years before fellow Democrat John De Jongh succeeded him in 2007.
Politics on the islands follow the Republican-Democrat division of the USA itself. From the evidence of gubernatorial elections, the political complexion of the islands was distinctly Republican from 1970 until 1987. This is when the governorship passed to the Democrats, who held the post until Roy Schneider, representing the Independent Citizens' Movement, was elected in 1994. Despite the fact that the Republicans did not even put up a candidate, Schneider's efforts to secure a second term failed when he was defeated by Democrat Charles Turnbull at the 1999 election. Turnbull went on to rule for the next eight years before fellow Democrat John De Jongh succeeded him in 2007.
REFERENCE SITES
http://www.travelresearchonline.com/
“Islands are natural workshops of evolution.”
Richard Dawkins
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