The Taste of the Caribbean Competition, sponsored by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, is just weeks away, and the VI Culinary Team is sharpening knives and polishing skills in anticipation of an award-winning showing.

The United States Department of Agriculture has begun accepting applications for a High Energy Cost Grant Program that provides financial assistance toward the improvement of energy generation.

On Aug. 20-22, the Virgin Islands National Guard will host the 2010 Guard Youth Team Building Workshop for dependants between the ages of 7-17.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Jacksonville District Regulatory Division will host an open house from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Friday, July 2, at the Ritz Carlton, on St. Thomas.  

Haitian nationals (and aliens having no nationality who last habitually resided in Haiti) who have continuously resided in the United States since Jan. 12, 2010, and who remain in continual physical presence in the United States from such time, may apply for TPS in order to avoid removal from the United States and to obtain employment authorization.

Some of the finest barbeque in the West Indies is coming to St. Thomas on Sunday, June 20. The first annual Best of the V.I. BBQ Throwdown will be held at Mini Mango’s on the Havensight dock.

The 2010 Sprauve Family Reunion is scheduled for July 10-17 with activities taking place on St. Thomas and St. John. All Sprauve descendants and extended family members are invited to take part.

Applications are still available for the Virgin Islands National Guard Youth Leadership Camp from June 21-25, at the Howard M. Wall Scout Camp for Guard or military affiliated children between the ages of 7-17.

 A raffle to benefit the Hemodialysis Unit at Schneider Regional Medical Center has netted $22,40o. Six prizes were awarded during the drawing, which was held at 4 p.m. on May 28. 

The winners of the raffle to benefit the Hemodialysis Unit at Schneider Regional Medical Center will be drawn at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 28, in the lobby of the Roy Lester Schneider Hospital.