The Center for Education about Risks both Coastal and Aquatic (CERCA) invites the community to join us for our grand opening event at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum on Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
This exciting event will provide a unique opportunity to explore the significance of coastal hazards and their impact on daily living, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental risks and promoting proactive measures for resilience and preparedness.
At CERCA, hazard experts, including scientists, professors, and local stakeholders, will actively engage with visitors through live talks, multimedia resources, and interactive demonstrations and activity tables. Guests of all ages will have the chance to deepen their knowledge of environmental risks and hazard mitigation strategies while engaging in fun activities and earning prizes.
Admission to the Grand Opening event is free, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from experts and contribute to a more resilient and prepared Virgin Islands community.
The Grand Opening will feature activity stations facilitated by scientists from the Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) and others. Guest speakers such as Regina Browne, Deputy Director of Planning and Preparedness at the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency; Roy Watlington and Dr. Lincoln Critchley with Ocean Coastal Observing – Virgin Islands (OCOVI) and representatives from the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) in Puerto Rico will engage with the public starting at 1:30pm. These esteemed experts will delve into discussions on local hazards and emphasize the critical importance of coastal and aquatic safety.
CERCA St. Thomas will be the 5th center of its kind in the region and the 1st in the territory, showcasing a commitment to educating and empowering individuals about environmental risks. To learn more about CERCA and its upcoming events, visit https://school.caricoos.org/ and the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum website at www.vichildrensmuseum.org.
In addition to the Grand Opening, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum will host educational open house events throughout 2026. These CERCA Saturdays events will align with national initiatives such as Pi Day, Infinity Day, Fibonacci Day, and more, offering interactive learning opportunities, hands-on activities, and educational workshops to promote mathematical literacy and environmental awareness within the community. Experts from organizations such as CARICOOS, CGTC, Integrated Ocean Observing System, International Tsunami Information Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, OCOVI, VITEMA, and others will be on hand to share their knowledge and insights.
Don’t miss this chance to engage with the community, deepen your understanding of environmental risks, and contribute to a more resilient and prepared Virgin Islands community. This FREE community event takes place at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum located in Buccaneer Mall, Havensight, St Thomas. Join us at the Grand Opening of CERCA on Dece. 13, and be a part of this collaborative effort to promote coastal and aquatic safety.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Amber McCammon, CEO of the VICM and CERCA St Thomas: amber@vichildrensmuseum.org.
