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Malaysian Reserve
19 hours ago
- Malaysian Reserve
Celebrating Caribbean Pride: U.S. Virgin Islands Leads with Impact at CTO Week in New York City
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, led by Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, proudly celebrated a successful week of collaboration, connection, and cultural showcase during the Caribbean Tourism Organization's (CTO) annual Caribbean Week in New York City. The week of celebrations kicked off with a high-energy cultural activation at Citi Field during the New York Mets game, where the U.S. Virgin Islands brought vibrant island spirit to a sold-out crowd of 43,224 fans. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies lit up the stadium concourse, delighting attendees with the sights and sounds of the territory. The performance energized the fans and gave thousands of New Yorkers a taste of the USVI's rich cultural heritage, setting the tone for a dynamic Caribbean Week ahead. Held in the heart of Times Square, the four-day Caribbean Week event featured a series of CTO organizational meetings and insight-driven panels highlighting voices from across the Caribbean and the global tourism industry. Commissioner Boschulte helped kick off the week with a powerful welcome address, encouraging deeper regional collaboration and reinforcing the collective economic impact of Caribbean tourism. Following his remarks, Commissioner Boschulte participated in the 'Around the Caribbean in 60 Minutes' panel, joining tourism leaders from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Martin. The panel was moderated by Emmy Award–winning travel journalist Peter Greenberg and focused on regional trends, opportunities, and the shared vision for a stronger Caribbean. 'Each year, the team at CTO curates a meaningful event that brings together the Caribbean's top leaders and changemakers,' said Commissioner Boschulte. 'As a proud member of the CTO, the U.S. Virgin Islands remains committed to deepening cross-regional partnerships that not only enhance our tourism sector but also contribute to the long-term growth of our local economy.' On Tuesday, the U.S. Virgin Islands hosted and sponsored the Jean Holder Memorial Scholarship Luncheon, benefitting the CTO Foundation. Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, a member of the foundation's board, delivered a warm welcome address, followed by Commissioner Boschulte's remarks on the importance of investing in the next generation of tourism professionals and regional leaders. Special guests included St. Thomas native Pastor Gilford Montrose, faith advisor to the Mayor of New York City, and iHeart Radio's DJ Whutever, whose roots trace back to both St. Thomas and St. John—underscoring the deep cultural connections between the U.S. Virgin Islands and New York City. The Tri-State area remains the U.S. Virgin Islands' largest source market, making Caribbean Week an essential opportunity to connect directly with travelers, media, and stakeholders from the region. Beyond the official CTO events, the Department of Tourism also sponsored the annual AFAR Happy Hour, hosted by AFAR Media CEO Greg Sullivan and Caribbean Ambassador Barry Brown. Guests were welcomed by USVI cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies before enjoying signature cocktails sponsored by Mutiny Island Vodka in a vibrant, invite-only celebration of Caribbean culture. To cap off the week, the U.S. Virgin Islands delegation brought the spirit of Carnival to Times Square during the first-ever CTO Caribbean Cultural Showcase. Cultural dancers and Moko Jumbies delighted crowds with an electrifying pop-up performance at the Crossroads of the World, captivating tourists and locals alike. The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism remains focused on strengthening regional ties, reflected in the expansion of inter-Caribbean airlift, including recently added routes to St. Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla, Dominican Republic and Saint Barthélemy. For more photos from Caribbean Week, click here. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces St. John Celebration 2025: Honoring History and Culture
ST. JOHN, U.S. Virgin Islands, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, in partnership with the Division of Festivals, is proud to announce the 2025 St. John Celebration, will be taking place from June 28 through July 4, 2025 under the vibrant theme: "History and Culture Come Alive for St. John Celebration." This beloved annual festival promises a week of heritage, music, food, and community spirit on the island of St. John. Rooted in tradition and cultural pride, St. John Celebration culminates in a fusion of festivities that honor both Emancipation Day and Independence Day. "This year's theme is a powerful reminder of who we are as a people," said Joseph Boschulte, U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism. "As we celebrate our heritage, St. John Celebration gives us the opportunity to share our stories, showcase our culture, and warmly welcome visitors to be part of our unique Caribbean experience." Adding to the excitement, the festival's signature events will spotlight local musicians, artisans, dancers, and chefs, offering a cultural experience for residents and visitors alike. "Our goal this year is to deepen the connection between community and culture," said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals and Events. "From traditional moko jumbies and calypso to modern performances and local cuisine, we're inviting everyone to celebrate what makes St. John and the Virgin Islands so special." St. John Celebration 2025 is open to the public and welcomes attendees from around the world to experience the spirit and culture of the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information and a full schedule of events, please visit High-resolution photos from last year's St. John Celebration are available here. About the U.S. Virgin Islands About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook ( View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
