Here’s what  the tourism commission has to say (I copy and paste this with a smirk on my face):

As a component of its ongoing local tourism awareness campaign, the Department of Tourism is launching five new television spots designed to raise the level of customer service in the territory and promote the customer service pledge. The ads will air locally on the Government Access Channel and other local cable channels beginning this week, according to a press release from Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty.

Each spot features a mocko jumbie character who intervenes when poor service is being delivered and inspires the service provider to take the customer service pledge. In the spots, taking the pledge results in the delivery of superior customer service, produces satisfied customers and fills the service provider with pride.

Yea, sure…customer service is going to get better by a few ad spots?

Sure, the teeth sucking will stop because you’re putting the customer service person out by putting them out because they have to ring your order up?

Sure, the cashier talking on their cell phone while you wait in line at Kmart will stop. Management has done a stellar job of prohibiting cell phone use already.

Sure, Safari Taxi’s pulling over in the middle of the road (carrying tourists) then swearing at you because you want to drive by them somehow, that will stop right?

Sure, anything out of the box like adding pepperoni to a Subway sandwich that doesn’t already have it in the sandwich will happen right? Even if you ask the cashier (while she/he is on their cell phone) that you’ll pay extra and their response (after they finish their personal conversation) is there is “no button” to add it.  Then you say are you sure and they suck their teeth at you…

All that’s gonna stop people, the Tourism Board is putting out 5 whole ads

I’m not trying to sound bitter. I expect poor service and overall rudeness because I see it happen on a regular basis. We all know this to be “normal” here in St. Thomas, we’d love for it to change. And of course there are great people delivering great service.

But a few ads is one big pile of wasted money because customer service won’t change until local vendors and their employees realize they’d do much better financially if they provide good, friendly customer service. I know that sounds dumb to write but honestly I’m not sure local vendors/employees understand this basic concept.

What do you think St. Thomas? Are these 5 ad spots going to make any difference?

Today we are stepping away from the negative and hoping to shine a light on the positive people that making a difference in our community.

Scott and I are excited to promote a new awards program being brought to the US Virgin Islands by Southland Gaming. The program is called Southland Gaming of the VI Community Award Program.  

Shaine Gaspard of Southland Gaming explained to us why they created this awards program:

“Virgin Islanders from every community make positive impacts every day without expecting a ‘thank you’. However, respectfully, we believe these good people should be recognized. So we are reaching out to the heart of the community and asking them to nominate those people. This is truly an award program for recent successes and accomplishments by individuals and ongoing community programs.”

These successes and accomplishments can be found in many areas - sports, recreation, music, education, environment, social change, early childhood, youth mentoring…the list is endless.

We’re looking for the people that have been working quietly in the background…perhaps paying out of pocket to make sure schools have enough supplies. Sacrificing their own time in order to spend time with youths to try and drive them away from gang involvement. Teachers who stay after hours to help students who might be falling behind. Coaches who buy equipment and drive the players to/from games to keep them involved. People who volunteer to help feed and clothe the homeless. Good, honest people.

Have someone in mind who fits the bill? It’s time to recognize them and the positive person they are. And here’s how we plan to do that.

Southland Gaming has dedicated $25,000 to honor those who are making our community better. This amount will be broken down into 25 $1000 prizes for any individual or organization. All Virgin Island residents can nominate any person or association for a chance at a prize.

Yes, you are allowed to nominate yourself or your own group

The following link will take you to an application. This application needs to be completely filled out:

SGVI Community Award Application

Once filled out the application can  be emailed ( awards@sgvi.com ), faxed ( 340.776.4185) or mailed:

Awards

Southland Gaming

1003 Estate Ross

St. Thomas VI 00802

The Awards program will announce one $1000 winner every two weeks! Many eyes are focused on our island at the moment; this is as good a time as any to show them some examples of the great people that live here. That want the best for our kids. The selfless people who are happy to dedicate their time and energy and want nothing in return. It’s time to learn their names, see their faces and thank them for what they’re doing.

The St. Thomas Blog will be posting a story on each of the winners and detailing their positive contributions to the USVI. Personally I’m excited to meet these individuals and I’m anticipating a good response to this program! Hopefully, as you read this, you are feeling the same way!

Thank you Southland for creating this great program. I look forward to watching this $25,000 go to deserving individuals. C’mon people – it’s time to step up and give us some names!

After all the rain we’ve received over the last few weeks I’m sure you locals have noticed the massive attack of mosquito’s lately.

They are everywhere!

Here’s what you have to worry about:

Dengue Fever(pronounced Den-gay) is a viral infection caused by the female mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). Dengue fever occurs in tropical and sub-tropical regions and usually increases in the hot and humid months.

Dengue Fever commences with high fever for 2 to 4 days. Then, the temperature drops rapidly and intense sweating takes place. After about a day with normal temperature and a feeling of well-being, the temperature rises abruptly again. Rashes (small red bumps) show up on the arms, legs and the entire body simultaneously along with fever. However, rashes rarely occur on the face. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may be swollen and bright red. Although the patient may feel exhausted for several weeks, most cases of dengue take approximately one week to recover. Once a person recovers from dengue, he or she will have antibodies in their bloodstream which will prevent them from having a relapse for about a year.

Read all about it here.

Have you visited our USVI Social Network Love To Lime? Check it out, sign up, create your profile and connect to the only USVI Social Network.

Register here: http://lovetolime.com/register/