Moving to the Island of Aruba

Rodger's Beach, San Nicolas, Aruba — Rodger’s Beach, San Nicolas, Aruba

If you want to enjoy beautiful white sand beaches, friendly locals, windsurfing, kitesurfing or terrific diving – Aruba is a good place to call home (1). You may have been searching for the perfect spot in paradise to retire – or you may just be looking for adventure in a faraway and tropical country. Either way, Aruba could be the right choice for your next destination.

Though you may have spent months or years looking before deciding to choose Aruba, the process of moving can also take time. You’ll need to prepare yourself beforehand, by packing up your household and selecting a qualified international moving service provider. A key part of preparation is also getting all the required paperwork pulled together, and learning about the various import regulations and duties. Here’s most of what you need to know, in one easy guide.

What Are the Duties?

Duties can add a significant amount to the total cost of your move, but fortunately Aruba allows you to be exempted from this expense. To receive import duty exemption, there’s a handful of requirements that you must meet.

First, your primary place of residence must have been outside of Aruba, for a minimum of the last year. This means you must have lived at that address, for a minimum of 185 days in the previous 12 months. You must demonstrate that you lived there for a job, and if not – then show documentation proving you were indeed residing there (not just had an address at that location). Second, you cannot already be a resident of Aruba.

The third requirement is that the belongings you’ll be importing, be used in the same way as in the origin country. For example, if an item was for personal (not commercial) use in your previous residence, it should remain so in Aruba. Fourth, these goods are required to have been used by you, in your residence within your country of origin for at least six months. Fifth, only used goods are eligible for duty exemption (2). Finally, you’re not allowed to sell, let others borrow or even give away these items while in the country (3).

Import Regulations

Customs has some regulations that you must follow, when importing your belongings into the country. There’s a time limit to receive duty exemption, and you can’t import a shipment more than 12 months after you enter Aruba (some sources say 6 months). However, if you need more time, it’s possible that an extension may be granted by the Customs Commissioner (if you request it). You can also only receive duty exemption on two shipments total of household goods (4).

Appeal Process

If your shipment is denied duty exemption by customs, you have one month to appeal this decision (the Commissioner of Customs will make the final determination). If your appeal to the Commissioner of Customs is again denied – you have another month to appeal to the Board of Appeals in Tax Affairs. It appears that the board’s decision will be final (5).

Clearance Process

Aruba requires that you be at the point or port of entry, during the processing of your shipment. Be aware that customs has the full legal authority to examine your shipment, and this could take up to one month to complete. If your shipment violates the import regulations, the Customs Authority can impose fines or disciplinary action. Finally, you’re required to speak with the agent working on your behalf in Aruba, as soon as you enter the country (6).

What Paperwork Will You Need?

When it comes to importing your household belongings, customs requires that you provide the necessary paperwork for your shipment. This includes your passport and Original Bill of Lading (for sea shipments) or Air Waybill (for air shipments). An import declaration and Tax ID from the Tax Service Office are also required (7). An ID card may also be needed, and whether this is a separate document isn’t clear.

For census purposes, you’ll also need a Certificate of Registration from the Population Register in Aruba (customs will want this in triplicate). You’ll also need a Residence Permit from the Directorate of Alien Integration, Policy & Admission (DIMAS for short). A packing list is also mandatory documentation, along with a Household Goods Form and Exemption Declaration Form. A Duty Exemption Request Form (Form C420) should also be provided (8).

Finally, customs will need to see a comprehensive inventory, which includes monetary values for all of your items. This also must be submitted in triplicate, and it should bear your signature and the date (9).

What Are the Duties For Your Vehicle?

Turning from the importation of your household goods to your vehicle, you may be wondering what duties you’ll pay. You’ll be relieved to discover, that Aruba does allow you to be exempt from import duties – if you meet a single requirement. You must have owned and used the vehicle at your previous primary residence, for a minimum of the last six months.

If your vehicle successfully receives duty exemption, you’re not allowed to sell or transfer ownership of it while in the country. The vehicle also can’t be lent to others, used as security or placed in escrow. Exceptions to these rules are possible, but you must request one from the Commissioner of Customs. You also must give the Technical Department of Customs the Excise Documents for the vehicle – and you’re not guaranteed approval of your request (10).

Import Regulations For Your Vehicle

Aruba is quite open to the importation of all different types of vehicles. If you meet the requirement for exemption covered above, it’s possible to import not only your personal motor vehicle – but also your motorcycle, boat, sports craft or airplane without paying duty. Whether you can bring in more than one of these vehicles at a time isn’t specified, so speak to customs to learn more.

Another regulation imposed by customs, is that your Original Bill of Lading display the engine and chassis numbers, make, model, year and the size of the engine (11). Your shipment can also be examined by customs. Just like with your household goods, this process may take as long as one month. Also, once again if you’re found to be in violation of any regulations – you could face fines or disciplinary action (12).

What Paperwork Is Required For Your Vehicle?

J.E. Irausquin Blvd 59, Oranjestad-West, Aruba

Failure to provide the necessary paperwork, can delay the processing of your shipment – or cause it to be denied entry altogether. Therefore, it’s important that you have the correct documentation. According to knowledgeable international vehicle shipper A1 Auto Transport, Inc. – you’ll need to have your passport, driver’s license and proof of insurance. You’ll also need to show both the title (from the origin country) and a purchase invoice or receipt (13).

Registration from the origin country and insurance documents proving you’ve used the vehicle are also required. Finally, any paperwork that demonstrates you’ve owned the vehicle for the necessary six months to receive duty exemption, should also be provided (14). Typically, the purchase invoice is sufficient for this purpose, but you may choose to give customs additional paperwork – like your maintenance records or receipts.

Lastly, if you’ve never been to Aruba and want to experience this paradise island for a few days or weeks, we suggest you book a room at a resort on the beach and rent a car from a local car agency.

SOURCES:

(1)

https://www.royalresortscaribbean.com/top-ten-reasons-to-visit-aruba.php

(2)

http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3457

(3)

Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Aruba” page.

(4)

Ibid.

(5)

http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3457

(6)

Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Aruba” page.

(7)

http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3457

(8)

Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Aruba” page.

(9)

Ibid.

(10)

http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3457

(11)

Found on Atlas Int’l “Importing Personal Property Into Aruba” page.

(12)

http://www.iamovers.org/ResourcesPublications/CountryGuides.aspx?ItemNumber=3457

(13)

https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-aruba/

(14)

https://www.a1autotransport.com/ship-car-to-aruba/

Top 10 Mega Projects in the Caribbean 2021. Game-Changer

Will these Caribbean mega projects be a game changer? Ultimately enhancing the standard of living of people living in the Caribbean. Caribbean Governments & private investors are eager to steer the region away from depending on hotel tourism to adopting modern technology and creating technical jobs for graduates and returning residents (expats). Which project really inspires you the most?

Video and text posted on Youtube by Caribbean Villa Life

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October 12, 2021January 27, 2022

Coral Reef Restoration Needs Volunteers 2021

More than ever, Caribbean coral reefs need your help! Caribbean Reef Buddy is going to resume their volunteer program once the international travel ban has been lifted. Projects which urgently require volunteers are Coral Reef Restoration and the Invasive Lionfish Containment Program, although all projects will be available to participate in. Caribbean Reef Buddy understands that volunteers may only have a limited choice on which dates they can travel, so they will be running their project weeks and training on a flexible basis until the end of the year.

Caribbean Buddy Reef’s volunteer programs are designed to get you actively involved in their ongoing marine conservation projects. Whether you are looking to work in marine ecology and conservation as part of your course work, or you simply want to spend your summer learning close to the ocean, they offer you a warm welcome.

Travel to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea to work on critical marine conservation projects around the beautiful island of the Carriacou.
You will contribute towards various conservation-related surveys aimed at providing data to the local government on coral reef research, fish, and invertebrate surveys, assist with the development of an environmental education and awareness program, monitor sharks, assess diver impacts, as well as marine plastic pollution clean-ups and surveys.

Read All Info Here

October 11, 2021April 27, 2022

Puerto Rican Favorite Recipe – Try My Upside Down Stuffed Chicken Mofongo!

By CoolestCarib.com

When you are from the Caribbean and especially from Puerto Rica, you will soon miss a stuffed mofongo.

It’s one of the most satisfying comfort street foods you will ever find.

Besides Puerto Rican grown, freshly brewed coffee, I miss a good stuffed mofongo the most when I’m not at home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

You can buy a stuffed mofongo on nearly any street corner in Old San Juan, whether you want a pork, beef, chicken, sea food or vegetarian version is up to you. All are equally tasty.

The classic stuffed mofongo is made with plantains and pork. However, since I’m missing my home in Puerto Rico now, it means I’m not there and couldn’t readily find plantains. Therefore I’m substituting it with nice organic Idaho potatoes. In fact, in Puerto Rico I’ve often had the option to get a potato or plantain stuffed mofongo, no worries.

Do note, the recipe is the same whether you use plantains or potatoes, there is just a bit of a difference in how you cook plantains.

*A note on potatoes, since they are one of the most laden-with-pesticides or GMO forms of food in the USA and the world, I choose organic potatoes whenever I can.

This recipe is for potatoes, how I made it, but you can also see the original recipe I followed here. Also, I made the mofongo upside down because that’s how I got to know it in Puerto Rico. For me, the filling part is supposed to be served inside a bowl that is made of potatoes or plantain. In other words, an edible bowl.

Lastly, I didn’t use pork cracklings because I don’t eat pork, but you can find it in the original recipe.

Here goes my version, prepare to have your taste buds dance the salsa! That is, the Puerto Rican salsa, of course!

Ingredients

Lots of whole garlic cloves
2 onions
4.0 Large diced chicken breasts
1.0 Packet Sazón
Adobo seasoning or any of your favourite seasoning
Chicken broth
Organic potatoes
Oil
Nonstick cooking spray

October 5, 2021February 11, 2022

Caribbean Foiling Championships 2021

3 Days of Racing

The Caribbean Foiling Championships will celebrate its second edition in 2021 from 10 to 12 December. This new and innovative event will offer three days of racing for professional as well as leisure kite/windsurf foilers!

Pro & Leisure Classes

There are two categories; kite- and windfoiling. To suit all needs we created two groups for each category; the professional and the leisure kite/wind foiling group. By doing this you will race against your ‘equals/rivals’, which results in competitive racing on every level.

1 round the Island race

The Round the Island Race, a race around St. Maarten/St. Martin and is the most anticipated race among competitors. A leg destroying stretch of 26 Nautical Miles with a current record of 1:29:32h. Are you up for the challenge?

Get all the info here

January 4, 2021April 27, 2022

An Antiguan Favourite – Yummy Conch Fritters!

By CoolestCarib.com

Ever tried conch fritters?

If you’ve ever been to St. Johns, Antigua long enough, you would’ve had the pleasure to taste a local conch fritter. They are special on this island, we believe because of a combination of the spices. Maybe it’s the Scotch Bonnet Pepper or the Shadow Beni herbs mixed with my favourite, cilantro, that makes it so different.

Do note, when you’re done frying the fritters and drying them on paper, you can eat them as they are or dip them in a lovely sauce of your choice.

This is a recipe from Caribbean chef, Nicole Arthurton Dennis of Nicole’s Table that I adjusted to make it gluten free. Instead of using regular flour, I substituted it with almond flour. I also used coconut oil to fry them in because of the unique flavor and health benefits of using coconut oil. Coconut oil also has a very high heating point, so is well-suited to frying.

Lastly, if you’re not in the Caribbean it may be a bit difficult to find conch meat. Therefore, I used scallops, cut into small pieces instead of conch. It tastes just as good and quite similar to conch, albeit a little different in texture.

But what is a conch and where do I get it?

Conchs can be found all over the Caribbean, in the oceans around many islands. It is nearly a staple food there. Conch shells are used as decorations and even added to cement to build walls and other structures. Conch (pronounced “konk”) is a common name for medium- to large-sized sea snail or shells. In North America, a conch is often called a queen conch, indigenous to the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean.

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs conch, cut into small pieces
1 Sweet (bell) pepper, chopped
1 Medium onion, chopped
5 Leaves of herb (coloantro, shadow bennie, cilantro, basil or thyme)
1 Stalk celery, chopped
¼ Teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
¼ to ½ Scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional… but you have to love them!)
1 ¼ Cups almond flour
½ Teaspoon baking powder
1 ½ Cups water

Method

Place all the ingredients conch thru scotch bonnet pepper into a large mixing bowl. Working in batches place 1/3 of the ingredients into a blender along with 1/3 cup of water, and blend for 10 seconds. Pour the blended mixture into a second mixing bowl, continue until the process until all the ingredients have been blended.

Sift the flour and the baking together, and add to the blended conch mixture. The batter should be the consistency of cake batter. Should you need to add more water add a little bit at a time.

Heat the coconut oil over medium heat, when the oil reaches 375 degrees drop tablespoon size balls into the hot oil. Turn over the fritter when the edges are golden brown, continue to cook until the entire fritter is golden brown. Drain the fritters on a paper towel and place on serving plate.

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

By Liz Piano.

December 16, 2020October 11, 2021

Attention Snowbirds – Caribbean Travel 2021

“It’s Christmas in the Caribbean, snowbirds fill the air…
We don’t get in a hurry, we send away for mistletoe…
Christmas in the Caribbean,
We’ve got everything but snow!” Jimmy Buffet.

That should have most American or Canadian snowbirds as soon as they read – “We’ve got everything but snow!” On top of that, it’s also hello, end of the year or all years! We’ve had our hair down all year during lock downs and quarantines. Now there is snow and it’s time to get some wind in our hair concurrently with sun on the skin and palm trees flapping in view.

Here’s the low-down on what, where and when for travel to the Caribbean when it gets too cold or gloomy back home.

First, take note of PCR Test requirements before you , of course.

PCR test requirements – most Caribbean islands are requiring that the traveler present a negative PCR test result to enter the destination. Several are now accepting rapid result antigen tests.

Where to Spend a Sunny Christmas ’20?

Most Caribbean islands have reopened to tourism. Below is a list of Caribbean islands and regions that you can travel to now, and what the requirements are. These updates are based on official government announcements, as summarized also on www.wimco.com

Wherever you travel internationally, you will be required to present proof of a negative PCR or Antigen Test, and in several cases you will be required to log on to a travel entry request portal to submit the info in advance.

Riviera Maya, Cozumel & Tulum, Mexico – No testing required for entry, screened for symptoms upon arrival, no quarantine required.

Punta Cana, Cap Cana & Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic – No testing required to enter, random screening of arrivals.

St. Barths – PCR or Antigen tests required for entry, within last 3 full days, no portal upload required, no quarantine required. No tests for trips to St Martin/Sint Maarten and Guadeloupe from St. Barths.

Turks & Caicos – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required

British Virgin Islands – PCR test required, with last 5 full days, portal upload required, 4 day quarantine in your villa or hotel , then second test required

US Virgin Islands – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required

St Martin/Sint Maarten – PCR or Antigen tests required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine required

Mustique – PCR test required, within last 5 full days, portal upload required, second rapid test required upon entry, then no quarantine after testing negative

Anguilla – PCR test required for entry, within the last 5 full days, portal upload required, quarantine in your villa or hotel for 10 days, with select excursions and activities allowed if requested first

Bahamas (and associated private islands there) – PCR test required for entry, within the last 5 full days, portal upload required, no quarantine, however second rapid test required after 4 days

Jamaica – PCR or Antigen tests required for entry, within last 10 days, portal upload required, no quarantine required

Barbados – PCR test required for entry, within the last 3 full days, portal upload required, quarantine in your villa or hotel until results from second test are received (within 24-48 hours)

Antigua & Barbuda – PCR test required for entry, with last 7 full days, no portal, 14 day quarantine in place and second test required

Grand Cayman – PCR test required for entry, with last 5 full days, portal upload required, 14 day quarantine and second test required

St Kits and Nevis – PCR test required for entry, with last 3 full days, no portal, 7 day quarantine and second test required

DO NOTE: Reopening dates and entry requirements announced by local governments are subject to change.

Getting There

The TSA is allowing passengers to carry up to 12 ounces of hand sanitizer in a carry-on bag. Many airport restaurants have reduced service to take out, and airlines are encouraging passengers to bring their own food and beverages as in-flight meal service is reduced. Airlines are performing sanitizing “wipe downs” of the planes during change overs.

In Conclusion

So, if you scan through the above you will notice that most islands require a test and/or portal upload or second test followed by quarantine of varying amounts of days. In other words, be prepared to be spending up to 2 weeks in a hotel room in Antigua, for instance. But Barbados seems a bit easier with only up to 2 days quarantine until results from a second test is received. It really depends on you.

For that matter, skip all this and go to Cozumel/Riviera Maya/Tulum area in Mexico or the Dominican Republic. Public Health minister, Rafael Sánchez Cárdenas, stated that there are no requirements for entry, no testing is required, and there is no quarantine for vacationers planning to stay in villas or hotels in Cap Cana, Punta Cana or Casa de Campo (Dominican Republic). You are, however, advised to wear a mask in the airport and to maintain adequate social distancing.

Interestingly, travel to Anguilla allows tourists to leave the (quarantine) villa for certain pre-approved outings such as boat rides and travel to select restaurants. Managing these strict entry procedures does come at a cost.

Source: www.wimco.com

Having stated all the above, there are some doctors who disagree with the main stream narrative. Whatch this video, but we do encourage you to always use common sense and do your own research.

https://brandnewtube.com/embed/qIsNohSIeSgfz2J

July 3, 2020October 11, 2021

7 Remote Islands Viewing Solutions Amidst Government Restrictions on Travel

So, you’re wondering what it’s like at the beach on a faraway island right now. Who is in the water – that cute guy with the red hair and hockey jock, muscle tower body? Or the kitesurfing girl with the long, curly hair? But. You’re stuck because of travel bans. We know the feeling.

May we present some remote island viewing solutions.

You can now view webcams of Caribbean island spots in the Virgin Islands on any of your devices right now!

Even better, why not set the right atmosphere for remote island viewing at home right now?

Solution 1: Make yourself a fresh Margarita – or any cocktail that you have ingredients for at home. Next, swipe your iPad and find some soft steel drum music or reggae to hum in the background. If you don’t have that ready, may we suggest you listen to Soggy Dollar Radio which streams live worldwide from the Soggy Dollar Bar. One tune and you’ll feel like you’re sitting on the soft sands of White Bay. (See Solution 7 for more info on this world famous party bar.)

Anyway, run a nice bath, add some bubbles and soak in it. Now, bring up an island on your iPad screen – maybe one in the US Virgin Islands like a view of the Caravelle Hotel in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands – and sip away at that home-made cocktail in your hand.

Solution 2: But now that you’re alone in your bathroom with that Sex on the Beach in your hand, you’re feeling a little lonely, right? Not to worry. If you visit these following links, you’ll realize other people who are probably lonely and watching too will comment on what’s happening at the location you’re viewing. (We’re starting to get the hang of this ‘together alone’ thing now.)

Or mostly, when they are there, virtually, they just connect with whomever is also there at the same time and chatting online via Youtube. Some may use this function to hook up with the closest person willing.

At this point you may want to swipe to iTunes and find that song that talks about “lov(ing) the one you’re with…”

This webcam seems to be particularly popular in the abovementioned sense:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x10kOY5zVhA

St. John Spice Webcam – Cruz Bay Ferry Dock, St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Others – this might or might not be more your style – may use this for the greater good.

Solution 3: For those who miss getting out and appreciating wildlife, the next best thing could be to check for sea turtles nesting in the middle of the night right where a beach bar was built. Normally beach bars like this come into existence during a season when the sea turtles are not nesting. The next webcam location is a bar and was named after a type of sea turtle, a Leatherback Turtle. Please note, that doesn’t mean the bar was built on a sea turtle nest. But why not just check for live, night roaming sea turtles? Wild life seems to be more rampant during human lockdown anyway. Just keep staring, maybe with a Mud Slide to sip on now? (I couldn’t think of anything more “wildlife” than a drink based on looking like mud…) – Leatherback Landing, Cane Bay, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands:

You may one day even stare at the beach in Cruz Bay, St. John and realise you’re looking at a dolphin – or golly, an alien – doing a jump for the webcam, just to show ‘em! The Beach Bar, Cruz Bay, St. John, US Virgin Islands:

or a live webcam overlooking Schooner Bay in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands:

Solution 4: See calm waters ripple and palm trees flap in an easy, possibly balmy (we hope) breeze. You’re so tired after making that umpteenth sourdough bread or attending that Zoom exercise class, like nearly everybody else was during lockdown. This webcam is basically simply for watching the beautiful ocean as it is at the newest hotel in Frederiksted, The Fred Hotel, Restaurant & Bar, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands:

Solution 5: Since you can’t physically be at a party in the Virgin Islands right now, what you can do is click on this webcam of downtown Christiansted, St. Croix – which normally is the location for a party, provided it’s not under the influence of a pandemic or hurricane. This link may help on a Friday or Saturday night as many concerts and parties happen in this area. Also, just so you can check and see that everyone else, even at a notorious party place, is also not partying.

Caravelle Hotel & Casino Concert Cam, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands:

Solution 6: Worried about your career – like mostly everyone else in the world – and whether anyone else is mingling with potential business contacts and not you? Well, check out the remote view of 5 star, Buccaneer Hotel – that potential client you’ve been wanting to approach with your business card might be playing golf or tennis again right now or in the next week – Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort, St. Croix, US Virgin Islands. At least you can know now how often and when he normally plays tennis or golf there.

Solution 7: Make a list of all these locations and venues for when the travel ban lifts. That way you will immediately know where and when to go in the Virgin Islands. When you get there, and the travel bans are now slowly lifting, you may also be in a boat party mood. Therefore, you shouldn’t miss a remote view of the famous Soggy Dollar Bar in Joost van Dyk now. I mean, you have to check where is the best spot to dock your boat. If you have a boat. Or if your friend has a boat. Or if your friend has a friend with a boat. Or if your boat has a friend. Soggy Dollar Bar – Jost Van Dyke, White Bay, British Virgin Islands.

How to get there? No worries, we’ve got you covered. You can rent a boat like the Caribbean Blue Boat Charters. They can take you from St. Thomas to the British Virgin Islands, just be sure to bring your passport.

May 12, 2020May 19, 2020

Chat with Rebel Outdoor Piano Man in St. Thomas, USVI, during Covid-19.

Freddie Rabuse. www.facebook.com/freddierabuse

I’m sure you’ve seen them on Facebook and Instagram during this worldwide lockdown – almost every musician, famous or not, has taken to posting in-home concerts online. Hence, it’s refreshing to see someone doing live outdoor concerts on the back of a pick-up truck! Freddie Rabuse, the well-known Piano Man from St. Thomas, USVI, is doing just that and making some listeners and his own pocket very happy.

Well, why not be a bit of a rebel and make some sweet noise outside? He’s not breaking any rules. He’s social distancing plus getting some healthy Vitamin D. He is also bringing the power and charm of live music to the people. It’s a win-win situation!

Sure, a Caribbean musician’s life during a pandemic can be challenging. But according to Freddie, who always is full of fun and jokes, the pros outweigh the cons. It’s still a lifestyle like none other.

While living on an island, you must never forget that life’s speed is always measured at the island’s pace. And it’s actually really simple in Caribbean climes: stay indoors when it’s hot and go outside when it’s cool. For an island musician, or any musician anywhere, that translates to practicing during the day and performing at night. With the pandemic in the mix, Freddie the maverick, however, has now taken to playing outdoors during the day and resting at night because most venues are closed, even night curfews are in place.

In times like these, people have to make do, make some dough by drawing on any skill the outside world might deem buyable. Freddie is originally from New York and that is where he learned to play the piano. In fact, he has been making a living like this for a few decades now, having travelled the world for it – from St. Tropez to Norway to New York City to St. Thomas. He also has a strong talent for ball sports – he still plays a mean game of basket ball and tennis. Being multi-talented sure helps to keep the pot cooking in the kitchen, meaning he teaches these sports on the island when the opportunity arises.

I asked Freddie some questions, since he is not so busy at the moment, like everyone else in the world practicing social distancing, really.

What is it like to run a business on a Caribbean island? I enjoy being self-employed in the Virgin Islands. With my entertainment skills I usually have a good choice of venues to work at.

How are you coping during the Covid-19 crisis? I’m able to do a few things for money – keyboard rental, piano lessons online and in person, tennis lessons, online mini concerts. This brings in much less than when I’m normally performing, but it’s something. No governmental assistance has come in but that window is still open. Health-wise, I’ve respected the social distancing mandate but I have been out, getting exercise. It’s good for the immune system.

What is the first thing you will do to spark interest in your business when the crisis is over? When the crisis is over, hopefully I’ll be reinstated at the restaurants I worked at.

Check out Freddie’s special touch on keyboards and his off-the-cuff jokes, here and there, on www.facebook.com/freddierabuse. Also, on YouTube just search: “Freddie Rabuse pickup”. Once one hears his skills, one realizes it takes many years of practice and a special talent to do what he does. This must be celebrated in an age where Guitar Hero and Wii deceive kids into thinking they can play a musical instrument when they actually can’t. You can donate to his virtual tip jar at:

VENMO: Venmo.com/Freddie-Rabuse

PAYPAL: PayPal.me/freddierabuse

Next time you’re in St Thomas, check out Freddie Rabuse and his music by staying up to date on his movements via Facebook. Or you can just embark on a trip to a beautiful Caribbean island right now by following him, as he virtually transports you to a beautiful ocean-side bristling in the background.

Chat with Local “Ms Congeniality” and Restaurant Owner of St. Croix, USVI during Covid-19.

If you know Elena of Christiansted’s fun hangout, New Deep End, you know that calling her Ms Congeniality (as she was dubbed in high school) is not really far-fetched.

She runs one of the most socially interactive spots on the island where every night is potentially a theme night for the entire family, from crab races to dress-up parties to ‘Disco Bingo’ on Thursday nights for which reservations need to be made weeks in advance. And not to forget the Sunday Fundays and sometimes even Monday Fundays when beach goers and beach-bar bums dance from noon to close.

Steven Katz performs at New Deep End almost every Sunday brunch.

Adrian Rogers – Performs at New Deep End almost every Monday Night

Of course, Covid-19’s global reset, and its lockdown effects, also reached the sandy shores of St. Croix where Elena excites the socialites.

Can you imagine being on a Caribbean island, confined to your house? Must be tough not being able to move freely, knowing the ocean, the palm trees, the sunsets are just outside your door… let alone enjoying a cocktail or lovely dinner at your favorite local beach hangout.

But don’t despair too much, Caribbean islanders have known tough times for hundreds of years. Alexander Hamilton, a former resident of this island, wrote how devastated – post-hurricane – this island was 250-odd years ago. The islanders have become very resilient and accustomed to hurricanes and tropical storms, to these uninvited visitors to their shores. Somehow they always manage to receive tourists and travelers from far and wide to join them on their beautiful islands though. Just give them a little time to clean up, get some fresh air and brush off the cobwebs – no problem.

Elena, too, stepped up like any vigilant denizen when the last hurricane hit St. Croix, and helped supply food and rescue packages to sister islands St. Thomas and St. John. That was, until St. Croix was hit a second time and then needed help from anywhere they could get it.

Back to today, here’s some good news – some beaches in the Caribbean have now been re-opened. But like anywhere else in the world right now, life is not what it is supposed to be in the mega land of sun and sand. Businesses forced to close, or in the case of restaurants like New Deep End – just serving takeouts – are at the forefront of the worst hit in this part of the world too. What’s more, many islands are still struggling to find their feet after a particularly bad hurricane season in 2017.

I asked Elena, whose popular bar and grille, located at the Tamarind Resort in the US Virgin Islands, to give us some insights into the “through thick and thin” of an island restaurateur’s life.

What is it like to run a business on a Caribbean island?

Running a business in the Caribbean is always challenging. In the restaurant business, consistency in product delivery is one of our biggest challenges. Our food and beverage distributors ship in all of their inventory from the States. Many times it is not always the same brands or they weren’t able to get the product on the boat in time.

In the Virgin Islands, since the last two cat 5 hurricanes hit us in September 2017 (within a week of each other), our housing situation has caused a tremendous toll on staffing.

Following Hurricane Maria our hotels that were still standing filled up with Rescue Relief workers. There were not enough rooms to support all those, including the linesmen and additional FEMA workers, so they turned to private homes. Those who owned houses that were in good shape were able to rent them at a higher price than they had been charging locals. Rents went from $1,200 a month to $12,000 a month, forcing a lot of the restaurant industry to leave island.

We are still trying to recover from loss of staffing as a result of this.

How are you coping during the Covid 19 crisis?

Deep End Bar & Grille’s struggle with staffing increased when we finally began to see a “tourist season” around Christmas. We worked the few staff members we had with a lot of overtime until we came to a screeching halt with the Coronavirus. Many restaurants closed down while others have been struggling to stay open with the “take out only: park, pick up & go”.

I have changed my hours every week, to balance paying staff to work when there is a demand for food. I have gone from 9am to 5pm the first week 7 days a week to Mon- Fri. 3-8pm. I am still not making ends meet.

What is the first thing you will do to spark interest in your business when the crisis is over?

During this “down time” I am painting, cleaning and reorganizing the restaurant for reopening in the future. I also post regularly on facebook.com/ElenaLeeHensley, facebook.com/newdeepend and www.newdeepend.com about what’s up and menu specials.

Elena has all kinds of food specials running at New Deep End. Wednesdays, for instance, are Buddy Burger Night. Buy one and get any second one 1/2 off. You can choose from the regular menu too, excluding the Caprese Burger. Regular menu begins at 3pm and the following specials begin at 4pm. But like she said she changes the times weekly, so rather check out her postings on her social media pages or website. Here are some of her current specials:

Smothered ‘n Covered Burger —–$16 (covered with sautéed onions and mushrooms, swiss cheese, may and BBQ sauce).

California BLT Burger ——$16 (topped with fresh avocado and mayo).

Snapper Sandwich Supreme ——$16 (fried with sautéed peppers and onions, Marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese).

Spicy Jerk Chicken Quesadilla ——$14 (with pineapple veggie chutney and mozzarella cheese).

Sides available: Tomato/cucumber salad, coleslaw, regular fries, wedge fries, sweet potato fries.

Cream of Broccoli Soup – Cup ——$6 or Bowl ——$8.

$8 Dessert: Mango Cream Pie or Pineapple Upside Down Cake.

What can you do to help a business like New Deep End?

Support them by ordering takeout or by sharing the news of their great food with your friends, so they can also enjoy it’s many delectables. Or, dream ahead and buy a food voucher for when you do get back to St. Croix. Their menu is available on the website: www.newdeepend.com or call now: +1 (340) 718-7071 (No Voice Mail).

By Liz Piano. www.facebook.com/lizpiano