VI SBDC Launches Mobile App in Apple and Google Play Stores The Virgin Islands Small Business Development Center (VI SBDC) is proud to share another milestone in becoming more accessible to U.S. Virgin Islands Small Business owners and entrepreneurs. The VI SBDC app is now live and available to download for both Apple and Android users. This medium gives users instant access to request one-on-one consulting at no charge, registration for affordable training events, small business announcements, downloadable and fillable guides and the client portal.
“The VI SBDC has been able to leverage federal CARES ACT funding to provide this resource not only for businesses affected by COVID-19 but for all entrepreneurs and businesses going forward” said Karen Jones, VI SBDC associate state director.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website www.uvi.edu/
UVI & VI Energy Office Seek Community Input on Energy Strategy for the Territory — Public Invited to Virtual Seminars in October The University of the Virgin Islands’ Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) in partnership with the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) are looking for community input on the development of comprehensive energy strategic plan for the territory. The aim of the plan is to outline potential strategies, actions and programs that will bring the Virgin Islands together towards a brighter, cleaner and sustainable future of energy management. The plan will establish both short and long-term objectives for progressing the Territory’s energy sector, in alignment with community principles.
“A comprehensive plan for the territory is urgently needed. What is our vision for the future of the territory? – What energy policies and strategies should be implemented to get us there,” said Ariel Stolz, assistant director of the CGTC. “Before we can move forward, we have to first be honest about where we stand now. The first step is to create a snapshot of the Virgin Islands’ current energy position.”
To emphasize the value of developing an energy strategic plan for the territory, CGTC will host three virtual webinars in observance of Energy Awareness Month in October. The one-hour webinars will take place at noon on Oct. 6, 20 and 27 as a ’Lunch and Learn’ series. Topics will include local solutions for sustainability, solar energy and electric vehicles. To register and for a list of featured guests, including Director Kyle Fleming of the VI Energy Office, visit www.cgtc-usvi.com/energy-month.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website www.uvi.edu/
UVI School of Agriculture to Observe World Food Day On Sunday, Oct. 17, the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture (SOA) Cooperative Extension Service will observe World Food Day from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is open to the public. Join us in our second virtual experience of this event. The program will include a formal opening ceremony, workshops, demonstrations, entertainment and free vegetable seedlings. This year’s World Food Day theme, selected by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is “Our actions are our future – Better production, better nutrition, a better environment and a better life.”
Each year, three agricultural products are highlighted, and this year’s selections are pepper, papaya and goat. The seedlings distribution will start at 1 p.m. and end at 3 p.m. on the grounds of the VI Department of Agriculture.
The World Food Day opening ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. followed by educational workshops on pepper, papaya and goat, until 6 p.m. via Zoom.
The Zoom ID is: 993 3904 8458.
Persons who attend the educational workshops will be eligible to receive additional seedlings. World Food Day, which is officially celebrated on Oct. 16 but is observed worldwide during October, brings attention to the plight of the hungry and undernourished in the territory and the world.
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI Website www.uvi.edu/
Coastweeks Cleanups Continues through October The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) is seeking volunteers to assist with upcoming Coastweeks cleanups through October on both St. Thomas and St. Croix at various beaches.
Interested volunteers should register for cleanups using this link: https://forms.gle/NMjEo6bkRMvKpsUU9
These cleanups help to remove trash found on coastlines and roadways that could negatively impact valuable wildlife and ecosystems of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students are eligible to receive community service hours for attending these cleanups.
For more information, contact Howard Forbes Jr. at 693-1672 (STT), Marcia Taylor at 692-4046 (STX) or email howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu.
The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) to resume Glass Collections The Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS) will be resuming the collection of glass beverage bottles however, this will be done by appointment only.
You can e-mail Howard Forbes Jr. at howard.forbes@uvi.edu to schedule a drop-off of glass beverage bottles. Bottles will be collected at the University’s MacLean Marine Science Center and not at the former West Bay Super Market’s parking lot.
For additional information, contact Howard Forbes Jr. at 693-1672.