This is pretty much the underlined message I was left with after meeting with Mr. Warren Mosler.

The two articles I submitted and posted in the Media, Speaking For the Silent Majority and Refurbish the Hotels Already Here on St. Croix, to address our need to increase the housing accommodations for guests and travelers and the need to create jobs for our residents, I forwarded to Mr. Mosler. He responded and invited me to meet with him to discuss the Bed & Breakfast proposal, which he expressed to be a good idea.

Mr. Mosler's first question to me was," Exactly how do I fit into the development of Bed and Breakfast Industry proposed for here on St. Croix."

I pointed out to him it had recently been announced that he, Mr. Mosler, was to serve as the financial advisor to the Senate President, Ronald Russell; therefore, he would have the ears of the legislators to which their support would be crucial in the establishment of a regulated B&B industry here in the Virgin Islands.

Mr. Mosler stated as a businessman he looks at the bottom-line and he has offered to come to speak with any group or organization interested in discussing the merits of this proposal.

I have given some of these examples to the immediate boost to the economy: loans and grants for property owners to bring their properties up to standards; jobs for small contractors increasing the demand for building supplies, tools and equipment; increased tax revenues from property and income; jobs in house keeping, gardening and security are also needed at B&Bs. The B&B Industry can up in operation within months, long before any new hotel can be built.

Instead of complaining, now is the perfect opportunity for those intending to remain here, like after a hurricane, to set themselves up in a service business or to invest in someone else. I have listen for too long to the attacks, complaints and naysaying to outsiders coming in starting businesses and developing the land, especially from the ancestral / native Virgin islanders who in most part seem to be investing their money elsewhere.

I have approached Roger and Claudia of Carrington Inn on St. Croix, since they have been in the B&B business for years and Claudia is a licensed realtor. Claudia has agreed to work on this proposal with me.

From the feedback, here are some notes I have made on how I would approach this proposal.

Bed & Breakfast Industry Plan

Plan of Action:

Search for established B & B regulations from other countries, counties and states to use as a guide.

Meet with interested relators willing to establish a board overseeing the development and monitoring of a B & B regulated industry.

Invite those already operating a B & B business to introduce to them a worked out regulated proposal for their input and support.

A public broadcast for interested potential B & B business operators to attend a workshop offering information, guidance and support.

Partner with other supporting industries, such as the department of tourism, licensing and consumers, insurance, banks, car rentals, taxi, wholesale food / liquor suppliers, airlines, building contractors, interior decorators, landscapers, etc.

Lobby the legislature for ordinance or variance changes to accommodate B&B businesses at specific locations now restricted.

Having a small art service business creating souvenirs, it sickens me to witness vendors selling our culture here made in CHINA and everywhere else. I and other artisans and crafters can be the ones to furnish and to supply the B&Bs with our locally made products.

In the near future there will be a call to meet with those interested in moving forward on this enterprise.

Our future here can be and should be left up to us.

Ivan Butcher II
St.Croix, US Virgin Islands