Someone on Facebook posed the following question, "Whitney Deh Drummer Jones - So how you plan to improve some of your personal gripes?" Here is my response: On the part of Wapa, I propose privatizing just as our neighbor PR did. Internet - as mentioned hopefully the competition with Liberty acquiring BBVI would lead to cost of VIYA going down. Addressing system, there's an app that can be created using 2 or 3 reference points to navigate to location, lack of customer service creates a business opportunity for for someone or the government to start a "training institute" that specifically trains employees in customer service something similar to like what Tourism had the that "Tourism - it's all of us" campaign! On transportation all the taxi personnel need to get associated with an app "like" Uber where you can be rated and someone can easily call a fare. The gripe about airfare may be settled by some kind of grant/fund that can contribute towards a lower fare for "locals". Cellphone service - they need to work on deadlines. Average wage - school traditionally teaches us how to work for others and NOT how to be business owners, once we get a group of business minded people to come together we can "brainstorm" and come up with business ideas to start and infusion into the USVI economy. I stated my ideas for entertainment for the youth in the video. Cost of food - We need to start growing our food on islands, when we were purchased by the US in 1917 we started to get the idea that working in the fields was beneath us. We need to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds!"
Puerto Rico has privatized their electricity and its even worst than what it has been before. If you have followed the news lately about that situation in Puerto Rico, they have been experiencing tremendous power outages island wide. A congressional investigation has actually started 😳 because of the outages in Puerto Rico.
First off ALL your videos are informative, that is why I save a lot of them to my Virgin Islands playlist. I definitely added this one. You basically outline what most continentals complain about and leave the island because of. The thing I tell people to keep in mind about the islands is everything is, "Tomorrow, mon", as a way of life. As far as power, I've heard laying power cables from Puerto Rico as a possibility. It is only 36.8 miles point to point STT to PR. As far as internet, you should know that building with the razor wire around it out on Magens Point is a major international confluence of connectivity for the internet, with the cables going out Magens Bay. I remember the ditch (more like a huge hole) Hugo dug out with water where the cables were laid - do you remember part of the Peterborg road being destroyed during Hugo? Thanks, VI people need to watch this. Keep going, this is permanent record and you will attract more viewers especially since you don't have the day youtubers from the cruise ships recording the VI to compete with.
@@johnphantom thanks for your encouragement. One of the reasons I went to DeVry for telecommunications was my dad taking me up to the AT&T CO building in Petersburg. We have the fiber passing through and through our islands. So there is no excuse why service should be as shabby and as expensive as it is.
@@johnphantom laying power from Puerto Rico when they can't even keep their power on. Dont know if you have been following the situation in Puerto Rico lately but they can't even keep the power on over there. That would be a disaster for the virgin islands knowing how they already treat situations such as the U.S mail that has to pass through there. Things in Puerto Rico is not as rosey as it seems. Hurricane maria proved that they are lacking in so many aspects.
Well said, our like minded brethren should get together and work to address the issues. I know I am working on but could use help. Regards, John from CCIT Services a local technology company
Everything you mentioned (other than cell phone reception, which I've never had a problem with) is exactly why after 2 years, I'm elated to be returning stateside. However, you forgot to mention the cost of rent (equally outrageous as everything else) and apartment building owners turning their units into AirBnbs, thereby reducing the available housing stock for the locals and people who arrive here with good jobs already in hand. The overall cost of living is brutal, so yeah, this island really is a paradise -- if you're a tourist who gets to go back home after 5 days.
As a recent visitor I can say you are correct. Customer service was definitely lacking, but it’s the same everywhere here in mainland. Idk if it’s Covid laziness or the new normal but it’s not good
As for customer service its a reflection of the people. The way we treat each other has transfered to how employees treat customers. People thinks being rude is cute in addition to not facing any consequences for their bad behavior. Post office?? The horrible Customer service is throughout the entire postal service. Even in the states they behavior as if you are bothering them.
Bless up. The USVI is my 2nd home. I was fortunate to have met friends from STX back in the day who introduced me to a place that transformed my mind and outlook on what is possible. Considering the challenges that the African Diaspora faces, we must educate ourselves and obtain professional degrees that will allow us to afford the little things and invest in our future. It is not enough to have a "job" you need skill sets that will not only pay the bills but will also allow you to have passive income. For me, real estate is the best option for most people to invest in. You have to have a plan or two to navigate this life, multiple pots need to bubble meh son! I'm going into the legal field after working tirelessly in blue collar positions. No matter where you live there will be challenges; it is how you prepare yourself to meet those challenges that determine if you will win or lose. Jah bless all ah you! 🌞🌴🇻🇮
Thank you for your comment I agree with you wholeheartedly. When I lost my IT job during the pandemic, I was able to make a living off off doing photography and media production. As a people especially in the VI, must have multiple streams of income! Bless up 🙏🏽
Everything you said was spot on. My biggest gripe, now living in the states, is the cost of travel back home. I've been living in Colorado for nearly 8 years now, and have returned home 3 times. Each time I've spent no less than $1k on my flight, and flights are always overnight or just over 12 hrs. It is such a deterrence to traveling back home.
Those are 10 reasons why I will not move back. I miss living there since I left in 2014. I can't give up what I have now. I can afford to live here in the states. It's not perfect here, but a lot more convenient.
I lived in the USVI for eight years. The stories I could tell...The most hurtful to me, was how I was treated as a customer. I am 68 years old, but have never been treated the way I was. I had to leave because of medical care. There are things I miss everyday about the islands
Mr. Blyden, I’d like to hear your opinions on solutions not just the problems. Also, when discussing issues you should have references of data to support your claims.
These are the exact reasons I won’t return. I love my island Graduated from CAHS in 2000 returned in 2004 for a year then I left. Nothing changed and in 2021 to hear you say these same problems are unacceptable. Hope everything work out for you for the best.
I agree about the customer service. I was there in 2016 and in 2022. I saw a difference between 2016 and 2022 in attitudes among the locals in the stores. Less friendly now.
The youth are consistently overlooked. I feel that the non profit organizations need to take a more holistic approach to include entertainment for the kids not just bare necessities
People are surviving in the Virgin Islands because they have section 8 vouchers from the housing authority. They also have food stamps. The Hawaii Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the mainland have section 8 vouchers. You can transfer you voucher to any place you want to live. People from the mainland transfer their section 8 to the Virgin Islands.
$100 is actually below average for a lot of people living in 1bedroom apt in the NORTHEAST part of the USA. My power bill is more than that during mostly the summertime and a lot cheaper during the winter times. This video is very informative, keep up the good work.
The problem with high airfares from some cities can be a direct result of the airlines serving those cities having a monopoly. For example, Delta is the only player out of Atlanta, United is the only player of Texas, basically they can charge whatever if you want a direct flight the virgin islands. On the other hand, out of miami there is American,Spirit and Frontier. Competition tends to drive prices.
You are wondering 🤔 how people survive with the high food prices but you do realize that there is SNAP in addition to other government assistance programs that people depend on. Section 8. Light assistance etc.
That’s a fact. I forgot to factor that since thanks to the Almighty Yah, I have never had to get on either since living down here! The father literally provides my “daily bread”
My brother, CUSTOMER service at MOST DMV's and Post Offices ESPECIALLY in the HOOD and URBAN area's in the USA (I know this for a fact up and down the East Coast) is basically NON existent and SADLY the BW that work at these places (not all but most) are extremely rude and unhelpful. I say this as a black man. I live in NJ and I PURPOSELY go to NON urban areas to get customer service for everything I do SAD but TRUE!!
Having just moved here I agree with most of your reasoning….. wapa & customer service especially. I’m starting to think the powers that be refuse to change anything because this is paradise and they really don’t want people to come here and stay , so why make it accommodating .
Thanks for this. Our journey is definitely similar. (Devil ray tho☺️)I’m in Atlanta right now but seriously contemplating moving back home with my daughters in the very near future. Another thing is due to how expensive everything is the possibility of having to move in with family for a while for survival purposes, for some it’s good but for others it could be challenging.
All true what he said and I would like to add, the quality of the food and variety is very low. Also the Banking system is crappie, try getting a loan, and customer service is bad. Medical system no real hospital.
Quite funny how many view this video has recieved when it comes to things you dont like. All of the other positive videos have never gotten so many views in such a short time. Hmmm
Facts all day. I am planning a 10 things I like video, but per psychology class led off with the negative first. Stay tuned to see how the ten things I love video goes. I also in a comment pinned to the top of the page, did reply to someone who asked me how do I think these ten thing may become better. Check my response when able.
That woman’s package was probably already sent back. I used to live in St Croix and have had this happen a few times sending things to people on island. All of those services have gotten worse in the last ten years.The outages are happening much more often and for longer periods. Unfortunately, food/power cost are going to skyrocket as the supply chain problems worldwide continue. Good luck to all y’all in the USVI.
I live in Philly in a small apartment and I pay well over $150 a month for electricity...food is high, rent is high, And PA minimum wage is currently $7.25/hr.
Damn shame, its our selfish legislature that has not addressed this issue, however I must say it is a very complicated one. However, I see better times on the horizon with Stacy Plaskett, our Governor Bryan are in my opinion making some strides in the right direction. Unfortunately, a lot of our professional brethren whom have moved back tend to look at the glass half empty, just like they did before they left. Not sure why they came back.
Careful with religion. If you want us to follow you..It might be a good idea to focus on the 10 problems you listed versus religion…Good work.. thank you for sharing… I look forward to more posts on this channel.
Blame a god for everything wrong with the Virgin Islands , hurricanes are the problem. Rebuilding, mental destruction, the list is endless, politics, nothing better to do but wait for better days to come. Change happens if you like it or not. Beautiful world there, people .
Again having your voice amplified is much needed . I would love to see local voices, local buisness, and history of the families of the VI who own buisnesses. I think you should turn this into a tour buisness..witg my experience going home after so many years is the lack of local places to experience . So many places no disrespect is American and whitewashed ...when I go I want to vibe with Caribbean folks.....its the beauty of the island and culture.. you should start a Local tour buisness...
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Someone on Facebook posed the following question, "Whitney Deh Drummer Jones - So how you plan to improve some of your personal gripes?"
Here is my response: On the part of Wapa, I propose privatizing just as our neighbor PR did. Internet - as mentioned hopefully the competition with Liberty acquiring BBVI would lead to cost of VIYA going down. Addressing system, there's an app that can be created using 2 or 3 reference points to navigate to location, lack of customer service creates a business opportunity for for someone or the government to start a "training institute" that specifically trains employees in customer service something similar to like what Tourism had the that "Tourism - it's all of us" campaign! On transportation all the taxi personnel need to get associated with an app "like" Uber where you can be rated and someone can easily call a fare. The gripe about airfare may be settled by some kind of grant/fund that can contribute towards a lower fare for "locals". Cellphone service - they need to work on deadlines. Average wage - school traditionally teaches us how to work for others and NOT how to be business owners, once we get a group of business minded people to come together we can "brainstorm" and come up with business ideas to start and infusion into the USVI economy. I stated my ideas for entertainment for the youth in the video. Cost of food - We need to start growing our food on islands, when we were purchased by the US in 1917 we started to get the idea that working in the fields was beneath us. We need to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds!"
Puerto Rico has privatized their electricity and its even worst than what it has been before. If you have followed the news lately about that situation in Puerto Rico, they have been experiencing tremendous power outages island wide. A congressional investigation has actually started 😳 because of the outages in Puerto Rico.
First off ALL your videos are informative, that is why I save a lot of them to my Virgin Islands playlist. I definitely added this one. You basically outline what most continentals complain about and leave the island because of. The thing I tell people to keep in mind about the islands is everything is, "Tomorrow, mon", as a way of life. As far as power, I've heard laying power cables from Puerto Rico as a possibility. It is only 36.8 miles point to point STT to PR. As far as internet, you should know that building with the razor wire around it out on Magens Point is a major international confluence of connectivity for the internet, with the cables going out Magens Bay. I remember the ditch (more like a huge hole) Hugo dug out with water where the cables were laid - do you remember part of the Peterborg road being destroyed during Hugo? Thanks, VI people need to watch this. Keep going, this is permanent record and you will attract more viewers especially since you don't have the day youtubers from the cruise ships recording the VI to compete with.
@@johnphantom thanks for your encouragement. One of the reasons I went to DeVry for telecommunications was my dad taking me up to the AT&T CO building in Petersburg. We have the fiber passing through and through our islands. So there is no excuse why service should be as shabby and as expensive as it is.
@@johnphantom laying power from Puerto Rico when they can't even keep their power on. Dont know if you have been following the situation in Puerto Rico lately but they can't even keep the power on over there. That would be a disaster for the virgin islands knowing how they already treat situations such as the U.S mail that has to pass through there. Things in Puerto Rico is not as rosey as it seems. Hurricane maria proved that they are lacking in so many aspects.
Well said, our like minded brethren should get together and work to address the issues. I know I am working on but could use help.
Regards, John from CCIT Services a local technology company
great vid! super honest and right to the point in terms of day to day necessities.
I love St Thomas. It’s great to hear your perspective. Thanks.
Thanks for listening
VI resident here. Showing love & support for fellow Virgin Islander. Liked & Subscribed
Thanks for the support!
Thanks for the info, x this island out for relocating to...
Thanks for watching. Glad I can be of some assistance
I really appreciate these videos they really gave me the info and clarity I needed to make my decision.
You’re welcome!
you are a good brother, and I subscribed to your channal- pl. keep us informed and updated- brother El- from Detroit, now in switzerland 20+ yrs.
Thanks for watching and subscribing! Keep warm or at least may all the footage from the balmy West Indies keep you warm-hearted!
Customer service is one of the top reasons I wouldn't move back home. Its trash and it spills over to tourists sometimes
St Croix usvi wapa uses solar power..but light is still not cheap lol..we only get power outtage when weather is bad..maybe twice a year
Everything you mentioned (other than cell phone reception, which I've never had a problem with) is exactly why after 2 years, I'm elated to be returning stateside. However, you forgot to mention the cost of rent (equally outrageous as everything else) and apartment building owners turning their units into AirBnbs, thereby reducing the available housing stock for the locals and people who arrive here with good jobs already in hand. The overall cost of living is brutal, so yeah, this island really is a paradise -- if you're a tourist who gets to go back home after 5 days.
GOOD RIDDENCE
Lol wtf @@mshellyboo59
This is a great video. I love this. We truly need to improve in the VI for sure. Subscribed to your second channel.
Are tasers legal
As a recent visitor I can say you are correct. Customer service was definitely lacking, but it’s the same everywhere here in mainland. Idk if it’s Covid laziness or the new normal but it’s not good
As for customer service its a reflection of the people. The way we treat each other has transfered to how employees treat customers. People thinks being rude is cute in addition to not facing any consequences for their bad behavior. Post office?? The horrible Customer service is throughout the entire postal service. Even in the states they behavior as if you are bothering them.
Bless up.
The USVI is my 2nd home. I was fortunate to have met friends from STX back in the day who introduced me to a place that transformed my mind and outlook on what is possible. Considering the challenges that the African Diaspora faces, we must educate ourselves and obtain professional degrees that will allow us to afford the little things and invest in our future. It is not enough to have a "job" you need skill sets that will not only pay the bills but will also allow you to have passive income. For me, real estate is the best option for most people to invest in. You have to have a plan or two to navigate this life, multiple pots need to bubble meh son! I'm going into the legal field after working tirelessly in blue collar positions. No matter where you live there will be challenges; it is how you prepare yourself to meet those challenges that determine if you will win or lose. Jah bless all ah you! 🌞🌴🇻🇮
Thank you for your comment I agree with you wholeheartedly. When I lost my IT job during the pandemic, I was able to make a living off off doing photography and media production. As a people especially in the VI, must have multiple streams of income! Bless up 🙏🏽
@@mblydenvlogs
I hope you find a new IT position fam!! Stay up!! 🌞🌴🇻🇮💪
@@Caribbean_King I did already! July of this year will make 2 years, thanks
Everything you said was spot on. My biggest gripe, now living in the states, is the cost of travel back home. I've been living in Colorado for nearly 8 years now, and have returned home 3 times. Each time I've spent no less than $1k on my flight, and flights are always overnight or just over 12 hrs. It is such a deterrence to traveling back home.
What about the farmers market? Is that a cheaper option to buy local fruits and vegetables?
God bless you and shalom from Portland Oregon
Shalom to you as well.
Those are 10 reasons why I will not move back. I miss living there since I left in 2014. I can't give up what I have now. I can afford to live here in the states. It's not perfect here, but a lot more convenient.
I feel you.
I lived in the USVI for eight years. The stories I could tell...The most hurtful to me, was how I was treated as a customer. I am 68 years old, but have never been treated the way I was. I had to leave because of medical care. There are things I miss everyday about the islands
If you don't mind , may you provide us with a brief description of how you were treated as a customer ?
Agreed customer service at frenchtown post office at the worst.
Mr. Blyden, I’d like to hear your opinions on solutions not just the problems. Also, when discussing issues you should have references of data to support your claims.
Good day. I do state possible solutions for each in a comment pinned to the top of the list of comments.
We have a huge technology gap here on the island. However, there are several organizations and the administration are working to address this issu.
Michigan 1000 down 1000 up $80 per month, VI 150 Down and 10 up $150...
Yup. It’s highway robbery. Plus after paying that price in the VI the video still buffer a a couple secs before playing! #madness
These are the exact reasons I won’t return. I love my island Graduated from CAHS in 2000 returned in 2004 for a year then I left. Nothing changed and in 2021 to hear you say these same problems are unacceptable. Hope everything work out for you for the best.
I agree about the customer service. I was there in 2016 and in 2022. I saw a difference between 2016 and 2022 in attitudes among the locals in the stores. Less friendly now.
Love hearing about life in the VI. Thank you!
Thank you for your insight. I lived in STT in 1969-70 and nothing has changed... except now the cell phones.
Customer service and WAPA...two reasons I ain't moving back.
The youth are consistently overlooked. I feel that the non profit organizations need to take a more holistic approach to include entertainment for the kids not just bare necessities
People are surviving in the Virgin Islands because they have section 8 vouchers from the housing authority. They also have food stamps. The Hawaii Islands, Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the mainland have section 8 vouchers. You can transfer you voucher to any place you want to live. People from the mainland transfer their section 8 to the Virgin Islands.
Thanks for the insight … very informative. Agree with all of it !!!
$100 is actually below average for a lot of people living in 1bedroom apt in the NORTHEAST part of the USA. My power bill is more than that during mostly the summertime and a lot cheaper during the winter times. This video is very informative, keep up the good work.
Thanks for watching. I must mention that I am on the lower end of the spectrum for utility bills on the island.
Most of the time $100 dosen't include air conditioning.
@@williamssister8804 correct, I don’t use A/C
As a lawyer from the V.I., I must mention that it would be unconstitutional for airlines to provide lower fares to Virgin Islanders.
Thanks for sharing. I knew that one would be a bit tricky, but it would be nice.
Can you explain why is that exactly?
I live in miami and always pay low fares to the Virgin islands. No more than 3 hundred
The problem with high airfares from some cities can be a direct result of the airlines serving those cities having a monopoly. For example, Delta is the only player out of Atlanta, United is the only player of Texas, basically they can charge whatever if you want a direct flight the virgin islands. On the other hand, out of miami there is American,Spirit and Frontier. Competition tends to drive prices.
Thank you for sharing.. I told Mr. Blyden if he is to continue this vlog he needs the facts like Nevvel James brings to us on NPR every weekday!
You are wondering 🤔 how people survive with the high food prices but you do realize that there is SNAP in addition to other government assistance programs that people depend on. Section 8. Light assistance etc.
That’s a fact. I forgot to factor that since thanks to the Almighty Yah, I have never had to get on either since living down here! The father literally provides my “daily bread”
Yea the safari is running now. VI taxi sucks too smh! Great video! Looking forward to linking up one day!
Also I get paid 4.20 an hour, I bartend so I make tips but 4.20 in 2021….
Did you know the administration has hired a firm to fix the address problem?
No. I did not know that.
What’s the farm?
My brother, CUSTOMER service at MOST DMV's and Post Offices ESPECIALLY in the HOOD and URBAN area's in the USA (I know this for a fact up and down the East Coast) is basically NON existent and SADLY the BW that work at these places (not all but most) are extremely rude and unhelpful. I say this as a black man. I live in NJ and I PURPOSELY go to NON urban areas to get customer service for everything I do SAD but TRUE!!
Thanks for your comment “Govt may be of the people but definitely not for the people” in terms of service to us.
You are so right about everything !!! I remember buying a Martha Stewart wash cloth at K Mart and paying $5.95 for one. 😱
Having just moved here I agree with most of your reasoning….. wapa & customer service especially. I’m starting to think the powers that be refuse to change anything because this is paradise and they really don’t want people to come here and stay , so why make it accommodating .
Taxi commissions should be disbanded. They are not customer service friendly. Need Uber!
With all the low cost airlines that has started flying flights has came down.
Thanks for this. Our journey is definitely similar. (Devil ray tho☺️)I’m in Atlanta right now but seriously contemplating moving back home with my daughters in the very near future. Another thing is due to how expensive everything is the possibility of having to move in with family for a while for survival purposes, for some it’s good but for others it could be challenging.
Thanks for sharing!
How's the motor vehicle traffic jams from Airport to Red Hook.?Less I suppose.
Traffic has subsided quite a bit due to the ships not coming in like they used to.
That's understandable. What about rental vehicles and 2 wheel motorized? Are they plentiful? Locals using them more.
WoW 😯 eye opening
All true what he said and I would like to add, the quality of the food and variety is very low.
Also the Banking system is crappie, try getting a loan, and customer service is bad.
Medical system no real hospital.
Thanks for sharing.
All points for me will be power
Better than living in Canada!
He tells it like it is. A dam shame. All
true.
Quite funny how many view this video has recieved when it comes to things you dont like. All of the other positive videos have never gotten so many views in such a short time. Hmmm
Facts all day. I am planning a 10 things I like video, but per psychology class led off with the negative first. Stay tuned to see how the ten things I love video goes. I also in a comment pinned to the top of the page, did reply to someone who asked me how do I think these ten thing may become better. Check my response when able.
We need more data on the salary information you are sharing. You can get it from Department of Labor
That woman’s package was probably already sent back. I used to live in St Croix and have had this happen a few times sending things to people on island.
All of those services have gotten worse in the last ten years.The outages are happening much more often and for longer periods.
Unfortunately, food/power cost are going to skyrocket as the supply chain problems worldwide continue.
Good luck to all y’all in the USVI.
I live in Philly in a small apartment and I pay well over $150 a month for electricity...food is high, rent is high, And PA minimum wage is currently $7.25/hr.
Wow that’s very low average income to high cost of living ratio!
Minimum wage is 10.50
I stand corrected.
Damn shame, its our selfish legislature that has not addressed this issue, however I must say it is a very complicated one. However, I see better times on the horizon with Stacy Plaskett, our Governor Bryan are in my opinion making some strides in the right direction. Unfortunately, a lot of our professional brethren whom have moved back tend to look at the glass half empty, just like they did before they left. Not sure why they came back.
Careful with religion. If you want us to follow you..It might be a good idea to focus on the 10 problems you listed versus religion…Good work.. thank you for sharing… I look forward to more posts on this channel.
Great review up until the god stuff.
I agree leave religion out of this!
@@johnjoseph8105 Leave religion out of everything...
Blame a god for everything wrong with the Virgin Islands , hurricanes are the problem. Rebuilding, mental destruction, the list is endless, politics, nothing better to do but wait for better days to come. Change happens if you like it or not. Beautiful world there, people .
Can you do a video on Radtafari people and culture in St.Thomas
I’ll will check with my Rastafarian friends and do a video!
Again having your voice amplified is much needed . I would love to see local voices, local buisness, and history of the families of the VI who own buisnesses. I think you should turn this into a tour buisness..witg my experience going home after so many years is the lack of local places to experience . So many places no disrespect is American and whitewashed ...when I go I want to vibe with Caribbean folks.....its the beauty of the island and culture.. you should start a Local tour buisness...
Great idea 💡