Tag: st thomas

From Ashes to Assets: Making an Informed Decision on Buying a Damaged House

From Ashes to Assets: Making an Informed
Decision on Buying a Damaged House- this is a guest blog by Courtney Rosenfeld

Buying a home is one of the biggest investments anyone can make, which is why
it’s essential to perform the necessary due diligence when making such a
significant purchase. However, what happens when you’ve found the perfect
property, only to discover that it has suffered significant damage? Whether from
a natural disaster, burst pipe, fire, or other catastrophic event, discovering
damage in a potential home can present a dilemma for buyers. Should you move
forward with the purchase, negotiate repairs, or back out of the deal altogether?
In this article from Real Solutions Real Estate & Management Services, we’ll
explore what to do when buying a home with significant damage.

Navigating the Complexities: Hire an Attorney
The first step to take when discovering significant damage in a potential home is
to hire a real estate attorney. A real estate attorney can help provide legal advice
throughout the process and ensure that all aspects of the transaction are
handled properly. They can also review the home sale contract and assist in
negotiating the terms of the sale.

Consulting an Expert: Discussing Options with Your Agent
Next, call your real estate agent to assess your options. They have years of
experience in the industry and can guide you in deciding whether to continue with
the purchase or renegotiate the price based on the repairs required. They can
also help navigate the inspection process and negotiate with the seller. In
addition, your real estate agent can offer valuable insights on the potential resale
value of the property after repairs, helping you determine if the investment is
worth it in the long run. They can also provide recommendations for local lenders
who are familiar with financing options for damaged properties, ensuring a
smoother mortgage approval process.

Don’t Get Overwhelmed: Organized Housing Documents
Organize your housing documents by color-coding files. This seemingly simple
step can help you keep track of all necessary documents, including inspection
reports, insurance information, and repair estimates. Color-coding and labeling
files specific to a particular repair or issue can help you find what you need
quickly in the future.

Examine the Details of the Contract
Review the home sale contract and understand its terms. This contract should
stipulate what should happen if any damage is discovered during the inspection
process. It should also outline whether the seller or buyer is responsible for
repairs. Understanding the terms of the contract can help you decide whether to
move forward with the purchase, renegotiate, or back out altogether.

Seeing Clearly: Having an Evaluation
After reviewing the contract, have a home inspector and contractor assess the
damage. Having professionals assess the damage can help you better
understand the severity of the issues and the necessary repairs. They can also
provide estimates for repair costs, which can aid in negotiations with sellers.

Negotiating the Big Picture
Finally, do a thorough walkthrough before closing. This walkthrough provides an
opportunity to ensure that all necessary repairs have been made and that the
property is in the condition agreed upon in the contract. If there are any
outstanding repair issues, negotiations can continue to allow for necessary
repairs before closing.
Purchasing a damaged house can be a risky yet rewarding endeavor. By taking
the necessary precautions and seeking professional advice from a real estate
attorney and agent, you can make an informed decision. Organizing your housing
documents with color-coded files will help you stay on top of the process and
ensure a smooth transaction. Remember, turning ashes into assets is possible
when you approach the situation with caution, diligence, and the right resources.

For boutique realty services in the US Virgin Islands, contact Real Solutions Real
Estate & Management Services today!

Plans Underway to Create USVI’s First Territorial Park System

Mandahl
Mandahl Beach

The establishment and enforcement of a territorial park system could be the solution for disappearing green spaces in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and lawmakers are optimistic that fashioning a specific division to oversee its creation will enhance local and tourism opportunities for the territory.

Last week, senators forwarded Bill No. 34-0267 — sponsored by Senator Samuel Carrion — that will transfer authority from the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) to a division within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) to ensure the designation of various recreational spaces across the territory. 

If the bill passes the full body of legislators, DPNR will be expected to establish a Division of Territorial Parks whose duty will include the conservation and protection of unique habitats and ecosystems, as well as the cultural and historical resources of the Virgin Islands.

The division will operate a territory-wide system of parks and recreation programs that will enhance outdoor recreational activities such as camping, picnicking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, environmental education, sightseeing, boating, fishing, swimming, and similar recreational activities.

According DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, the department will be asked to formulate and put into execution a long-range, comprehensive conservation plan and program to acquire privately and publicly-owned properties that are suitable for development as parks or protected areas.

Vincent Richards, deputy commissioner of Dept. of Property and Procurement, said his team has already identified 43 government-owned properties which they believe can be developed for recreational use. They include 30 properties on St. Thomas, three on St. John and 10 on St. Croix.

Mr. Richards told lawmakers this is just a “starting list” as DPP plans to propose additional properties to place into the system for designation.

If the bill passes, DPNR will be responsible for Territorial Parks and Protected Areas whereas the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation will maintain responsibility for neighborhood parks and other areas for individual recreational use.

DSPR Commissioner Calvert White supported the bill, explaining that implementing this legislation would allow DSPR to focus primarily on its sporting and recreational facilities while still giving full support to DPNR.

A Territorial Parks System Revolving Fund and a Recreational Parks Revolving Fund will also be established to support the work of DPNR and DSPR.

“It is necessary. We don’t want to become a concrete jungle,” remarked Senator Novelle Francis Jr. He was supported by six other senators as well as non-committee member Senator Kurt Vialet.
Plans Underway to Create USVI’s First Territorial Park System (viconsortium.com)

What to expect if trying to purchase a vacation rental condominium in St Thomas, Virgin Islands

Sapphire Beach Resort
overhead view of Sapphire

The local Virgin Islands Real Estate market for Vacation Rental / Investment condominiums continues to struggle with very low supply and heavy demand.  Rarely does a day go by without receiving an inquiry for one of the “high demand” locations on island.  Let me try to help you understand what is going on.

Some of the more popular condo complexes include Sapphire Beach Resort, Sapphire Bay West, and Point Pleasant.  These locations offer excellent vacation rental income potential with “minimal” investment.  But because these are typically easy to rent (with options on management of units), they provide excellent income.  Hence the high demand, along with sellers unwilling to unload their investments.  These particular locations are also classified as “condo-tels”- making a purchase slightly more difficult.  Why?  Because financing in these spots is limited and you cannot get typical conventional financing.  For this reason, a majority of sellerss only wish to consider cash offers, and there are usually ample buyers willing to pay cash for these properties.  So those needing financing will struggle to be able to purchase in these locations until the market changes.

The two banks willing to lend at these locations are Merchants Commercial Bank and First Bank.  MCB is extremely efficient and professional in my experience- they do a great job.  But their financing offer includes a five year balloon payment and a higher interest rate than typical thirty year rates you read about online.  It may also require a higher down payment- this can fluctuate depending upon the buyer but you should expect to pay 25% and it could be 30%.  First Bank, and I am sorry to say this, rarely seems to come thru with a successful loan.  I have waited four months for loan approvals of a buyer only to be refused after all that time.  Since this has been going on for years, educated sellers may not consider an offer planning to utilize FB for a loan.  My hope is FB improves their business in the coming years, because we could use another local bank providing loans.  The opinion above is solely my own, but it is something I hear from many others over the years too.

Now, there are other locations where you can purchase and still get a more typical loan.  My favorite lender has always been First Liberty, and have closed dozens if not hundreds of deals thru them over the years.  They can do loans at some other desirable locations like Cowpet Bay and Mahogany Run.  In these cases, a typical 30 year loan with a reasonable interest rate can be expected.  But note: CASH IS KING and a seller will always prefer a cash offer if all other terms are the same.

So what can you expect knowing these things?  You are in a much better position as a buyer if you are paying cash.  It removes the financing contingency and can lead to a faster closing timeline.  It avoids the worry of a property not appraising for the sales price.  Besides how you plan to pay for the property, you should also plan to move very quickly if a new listing comes up.  There will surely be multiple buyers interested in the same condo, so you must act quickly.  And you should expect multiple offers.  The days of buying something “on the cheap” are no longer here.

Plan to keep up with the market.  Speak with an agent in our firm to get on a mailing list if one of these condos does pop up for sale.  And be ready to act quickly.

 

U.S. Virgin Islands Among Best Places to Live in the World if You Crave Clean Air – Report

If having clean air is of paramount importance to you, the U.S. Virgin Islands should be at the top of your list of destinations to consider, according to the “2021 World Air Quality Report”, conducted by IQAir and published on March 23.

According to the report, only 3 percent of cities and no single control met the World Health Organization’s PM2.5 annual air quality guideline. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. The air pollutant is a concern for people’s health when levels are high. 

IQAir’s said its 2021 World Air Quality Report is the first major global report based on updated annual World Health Organization air quality guideline for PM2.5.

Among several key findings was the U.S. Virgin Islands’ placement as one of three territories that met the WHO’s updated PM2.5 guideline. Puerto Rico also met the air quality guideline, as well as French territory New Caledonia, according to IQAir.

The report also found that Bangladesh, Chad, Pakistan, Tajikistan and India were among the top five polluted countries.

The key findings of the report are:

  • No country met the latest WHO air quality guideline for PM2.5 in 2021.
  • Only the territories of New Caledonia, U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico met updated WHO PM2.5 air quality guideline.
  • Only 222 out of 6,475 global cities covered in the report met updated WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • 93 cities in the report had annual PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 10 times the WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • Of 174 Latin America and the Caribbean cities, only 12 (7 percent) met the WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • Of 65 African cities, only one (1.5 percent) met updated annual WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • Of 1,887 Asian cities, only four (0.2 percent) met updated WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • Of the 1,588 cities in Europe, only 55 (3 percent) met the WHO PM2.5 guideline.
  • The report covered 2,408 cities in the United States and found that average PM2.5 concentrations rose from 9.6 µg/m3 to 10.3 µg/m3 in 2021 compared to 2020. Of the major cities in the United States, Los Angeles was the most polluted. However, the City of Angels saw an overall decrease in PM2.5 pollution of 6 percent compared to 2020.
  • The top five most polluted countries in 2021 were:
    • Bangladesh
    • Chad
    • Pakistan
    • Tajikistan
    • India
  • New Delhi (India) is the world’s most polluted capital city for the fourth consecutive year followed by Dhaka (Bangladesh), N’Djamena (Chad), Dushanbe (Tajikistan) and Muscat (Oman).
  • Air quality in China continued to improve in 2021. More than half of the cities in China included in the report saw lower levels of air pollution when compared to the previous year. Pollution levels within the capital city of Beijing continued a nine-year trend of improved air quality, driven by emission control and reduction of coal power plant activity and other high emission industries.
  • Central and South Asia had some of the world’s worst air quality in 2021 and was home to 46 of the world’s 50 most polluted cities. The only two cities that met updated WHO PM2.5 guideline were Zhezqazghan and Chu (Kazakhstan).
  • Air quality monitoring remains sparse in Africa, South America and the Middle East, although progress has been made by low-cost air quality sensors often operated by non-profit organizations and citizen scientists.

Frank Hammes, CEO of IQAir stated, “It is a shocking fact that no major city or country is providing safe and healthy air to their citizens according to the latest World Health Organization air quality guideline. This report underscores just how much work remains to be done to ensure that everyone has safe, clean and healthy air to breathe. The time for action is now.”

Greenpeace India Campaign manager Avinash Chanchal said, “We understand better than ever before how air pollution damages our health and economies. This report is a wakeup call, revealing how people worldwide are denied access to clean air. Particulate matter air pollution is produced through burning fuels including coal, oil and fossil gas, unsustainable development, and agricultural activities. Addressing the air pollution crisis requires the development of renewable energy resources and clean-powered, accessible public transport. Moreover, solutions to air pollution are also solutions to the climate crisis. Breathing clean air should be a basic human right, not a privilege.

U.S. Virgin Islands Among Best Places to Live in the World if You Crave Clean Air – Report (viconsortium.com)

Generational Wealth Starts at Home- by Sherrell Dorsey

Tropaco for Sale

For many Americans, purchasing a home is not only about establishing roots in a community, but it’s also a step towards building generational wealth.

However, barriers exist and, for Black Americans in particular, homeownership dreams have been historically diminished or denied and their neighborhoods and communities devalued.

Ayesha Selden grew up in the ’80s in a Philadelphia neighborhood which she describes as, “The kind of neighborhood where you played outside at your own risk. It was rough, however, it was just walking distance to downtown Philly.”

 

When Selden was nine years old, her mother purchased a small home where she, her sister and grandmother lived until her mother married and decided to sell the home. At this same time, Ayesha was moving on to begin her studies at nearby Temple University, but she advised her mom not to sell — Selden had a feeling the house would be worth more in the future. 

 

Selden was correct in her housing market predictions. By the time Selden was 24 and able to purchase her first home, she’d been priced out of the neighborhood she grew up in. The neighborhood, revitalized with green space, is now seen as desirable for its walkability and proximity to downtown. Selden says the house her mom once owned is worth over $600,000. Her mom had sold it in the late ’90s for just under $40,000.

Selden, now a successful certified financial planner, private wealth advisor and real estate investor, tells her clients and followers on social media to “not sell grandma’s house” in an effort to protect Black communities against housing instability and focus on ownership. “I knew our communities would turn,” Selden reflects. “The only way we get out of the rent being too high, is through ownership.”

Unfortunately, Selden’s experiences are not unusual. Her advice to Black communities to maintain prior generations’ assets to build wealth is wise. What’s more, it could take root for more people as lasting efforts to address these inequities by changing policies and lending practices to create more equitable access to homeownership.

A young couple moving items into their home.

 

Black homeownership historically

 

A 2015 Social Science Research Council report commissioned by the ACLU notes that the 2008 crisis all-but wiped out the gains of homeownership amongst Black Americans that hadn’t been seen since the 1960s. Compounding that, the current pandemic has exacerbated housing instability for Black families across the country.

However, this inequity is not just the result of economic ups and downs over the last few decades.

“Because of anti-Black legislation, many Black residents or residents of Black majority neighborhoods of the past could not pass on wealth to their children, and those children could not pass on wealth to their children,” explains Dr. Andre Perry, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Dr. Perry’s research points not just to barriers to homeownership, but also to how Black homes in Black neighborhoods are often devalued by as much as 23%, or about $48,000 per home, resulting in about $156 billion in lost equity.

“It goes without saying, we also need to remove the dredge of racism that extracts wealth from those neighborhoods: like bad appraisal practices, bad real estate agent behavior and predatory lending,” Dr. Perry says.

Two young girls run through stacks of moving boxes.

Policy plus affordability

Dr. Perry’s proposals for equity around homeownership also include the creation of new mortgage products that will enable low-income renters to purchase low-priced homes. “There are thousands of homes throughout the United States that are priced below a point that a bank will back with a mortgage,” Dr. Perry states. “So, we need to figure out ways to enable low-income renters to move into those homes.”

Alternative credit scoring systems may also help, Dr. Perry contends. “When you don’t have wealth, it’s much more likely you’ll fall into debt, and that’s one of the reasons why Black people, in general, have lower credit scores, is because we have lower wealth historically,” Dr. Perry explains.

Dr. Perry notes that a comprehensive approach is not focused only on individual homeownership alone. “We need policies that really revisit how we got out of the Great Depression, [where] we invested in people in the form of low-interest loans and down payment assistance. But we also need to invest in place. Many of the areas that Black and brown people live in have been, and are impoverished, because of a lack of investment in those areas,” Dr. Perry says.

Access to home loans

Homebuyers’ access to homes that are affordable goes hand in hand with access to home loans that can help them finance their purchase.

Quote

Homebuyers’ access to homes that are affordable goes hand in hand with access to home loans that can help them finance their purchase.

End Quote

While efforts to make capital more accessible to Black citizens seeking to purchase is key, it also requires a community. Selden even suggests that new homeowners “house hack”: rent out a spare bedroom to help with payments and find unique ways to use their homeownership to help put others in a position to buy a home of their own.

“Group economics will give [Black people] the ability to accomplish more together than individually. We need to make sure that we put [Black communities] in a position to win,” says Selden.

Sherrell Dorsey is founder, and CEO of The Plug, the go-to business media and insights platform examining the Black innovation economy. You can view more of her work at tpinsights.com.

Why You Should Care About Home Appraisals: Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Cowpet Bay

Whether you’re looking to move to the area or simply want to purchase a vacation home in St. Thomas, the experts at Real Solutions Real Estate and Management Services are here to help. Offering outstanding service, and expertise throughout the region, we’ll make sure your real estate journey is a successful one.

Why You Should Care About Home Appraisals: Guide for Buyers and Sellers

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, expect a home appraisal as a part of the process. The results of the appraisal matter – they influence the final sale price of the property and can make or break the transaction. As such, for a fair and smooth deal, Real Solutions Real Estate and Management Services advises both buyers and sellers to inform themselves about the whole process.

What is a home appraisal?

A home appraisal determines the fair market value of a property. An unbiased professional, called an appraiser, makes the evaluation. Lenders use the appraisal to calculate the amount they’re willing to give buyers. Further, sellers and buyers both use the results to check if the property’s contract price is equitable.

How long does a home appraisal take?

As Orchard can attest, home appraisals can take 20 minutes to 3 hours. The appraiser will visit your house for a walkthrough. They will take photos and make measurements if appropriate, review comparable homes, and finally make a (usually 10-page) report. The entire process can take from 2 to 10 days. Sometimes it can take longer.

Can I trust a home appraisal?

The Appraisal Institute says home appraisers are required by federal law to be impartial. They must have no direct or indirect interest in the transaction. However, be aware that appraisers are often used to support an existing purchase price or loan amount. They won’t give you an independent estimate of a home’s value. Finally, appraisers are human, like all of us, and sometimes make mistakes.

Essentially, you can trust your appraiser to give an unbiased opinion but you should always do your own research and come up with an independent estimate of the property’s value. Here are some tips for both sellers and buyers on the appraisal process:

When you’re selling

  1. Research and compare property values

Take a look at the properties sold recently in your area. How much did they go for and what features did they have? Compare your home with them to figure out how much you can expect. At this stage, you should also brainstorm ideas to drive up your property’s valuation.

  1. Clean, declutter, repair, and improve

Homes are typically appraised in $500 increments. Simply cleaning, decluttering, and making repairs can significantly drive up the property’s value. Cosmetic and functional changes have significantly more impact. If you do make upgrades to your home, you should document them.

  1. Be involved with the appraisal

Be the tour guide when your appraiser comes calling. Walk them through the highlights of your property and point out any features that may be easy to overlook. Finally, talk to your appraiser about the highest offers you’ve received and present them a list if you can.

When you’re buying

  1. Know the market

Research the market and find a dedicated agent from Real Solutions Real Estate and Management Services who knows the area. Without adequate research, you may end up paying far more than what it’s worth. You will also need the data to determine whether the appraisal was spot on or not.

  1. Negotiate and renegotiate

If the appraisal is lower than the agreed-upon contract price, you should be able to renegotiate with the seller. Sometimes they won’t be amenable, especially if it’s a hot market. In these cases, the lender may ask you to make a bigger down payment to make up the difference. Be prepared.

  1. Appeal the appraisal

Not all appraisals are spot-on. If you spot errors in the appraisal – such as comparing properties being in a different neighborhood or incorrect measurements – note the inconsistencies down and get in touch with your lender. A second appraisal might be in order.

Conclusion

Appraisals are put in place to protect all the parties involved – buyers, sellers, and lenders alike. Don’t stress the results of the appraisal. Whatever the outcome, sellers can still negotiate a higher price and buyers a lower one. Finally, remember that you’re always free to walk away from the transaction at any time.

Image via Unsplash

This blog was written by Courtney Rosenfeld of Gig Spark.   We appreciate her contributions and hope to hear more from her.

 

11D-100A Mountain Top

 

Bryan May Declare Energy State of Emergency Tied to WAPA as Fuel Costs Increase; Other Price Mitigation Measures Being Taking; Battery Systems Under Consideration

The V.I. Water and Power Authority’s Richmond powerplant on St. Croix. By ERNICE GILBERT/ V.I. CONSORTIUM

Governor Albert Bryan may declare an energy state of emergency tied to the V.I. Water and Power Authority, an action the governor said is being weighed because of the unprecedented increase in the cost of fuel being driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Speaking during an interview with the Consortium Sunday, Mr. Bryan said residents feeling pain at the pump would also see shocking increases in their electricity bills by way of the Levelized Energy Adjustment Clause, or LEAC, which is the cost of fuel to WAPA that is passed on to consumers.

Mr. Bryan described the increases in electricity bills as “imminent” and said his administration has been thinking of different ways to offset the cost. “We were set before to do it but this new development in Ukraine is a whole different ball game now. We were not expecting gas prices to increase by 30 to 40 percent,” he said.

The governor said while gas prices show the most immediate impact, other areas of the economy will be affected because of the importance of fuel in commerce. “We’re working on some plans now to determine what we’re going to do to respond on a whole, because it’s not only gas, it’s going to be reflected in food as well because transportation and energy cost more. So everything is going to increase as a result of this,” he said.

The governor said most of the plans to mitigate costs will focus on WAPA. “We cannot have the energy rate go to where it was before. And depending on what happens we might have to declare some kind of energy emergency,” the governor stated, though he had yet to decide what the declaration would entail.

The territory’s leader said he had given directives to WAPA leadership and the V.I. Energy Office asking for ideas on fuel cost mitigation, and said responses were due Monday. The governor referred to the fuel prices as “absolutely ridiculous.”

Currently, motorists on St. Croix are paying on average $4.50 for a gallon of unleaded regular gas; on St. Thomas some gas stations are selling a gallon of unleaded regular at $6, and St. John $5.

Other smaller actions currently being taken include the promotion of the use of electric vehicles. Mr. Bryan said he was “trying to get people off these gas guzzlers and get in line with what the president is doing, we’re doing the same thing.” He said he had a brief conversation with U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm during a trip to Washington, where the two discussed the U.S. Virgin Islands being a great location for renewable energy demonstration projects. Mr. Bryan did acknowledge that such efforts were far off. “We need immediate assistance,” he said.

Additionally, the governor lamented spending the territory’s funds on stop-gap projects. “When I invest our money, I want to see projects that’s going to have long-lasting impacts. You know, I pay $20 million and then I don’t have nothing to show for it; all I did was buy fuel,” Mr. Bryan said, giving an example of what might happen if he were to simply subsidize the cost of fuel.

The cost of fuel, already up 45 percent for the year, continues to fluctuate based on developments in Ukraine. On Monday morning, the price of Brent Crude, which is the global benchmark, fell by $4 a barrel to $108.55 following news that Russia was willing to have substantive discussions about its war in Ukraine. If those talks fail and the situation on the ground escalates, the price of oil could surge further. If the talks go well, the price could tumble. Last week the price of oil closed above $130 a barrel.

The governor also pointed to solar energy plants powered by battery systems, the most popular being Tesla’s Power Electronics which has a high range of scalability. “The Powerpack system scales to the space, power and energy requirements of any site, from small commercial businesses to regional utilities. It can be configured in various arrangements, offering far more modularity than competing models,” reads a description of the system on Tesla’s website.

“If we could get the battery systems in that would help a lot,” Mr. Bryan said.

Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett in December 2019 called on Governor Bryan to declare WAPA a state of emergency, albeit regarding a different matter. At the time, the authority’s financial blunders had plunged the territory into a crisis situation, and Ms. Plaskett’s statement came one day after WAPA’s liquid propane supplier had suspended delivery of the crucial fuel source to the territory. At the time, Mr. Bryan agreed WAPA was in a crisis situation, but he was against the state of emergency declaration, stating that it would have “zero effect.”

On Sunday, Mr. Bryan — seeing firsthand the impact of the rising cost of fuel to consumers — kept the option open.

LOBSTERS

spiny lobster

LOBSTERS

There are these funky alien looking creatures that live in the coral.  They are called LOBSTERS.  You know what I am talking about, that item on the menu that costs more than everything else.  Most of the time, they don’t even put the price on the menu.

Well, these things hang out on the bottom of the ocean, out of sight from the typical snorkeler, but often seen by scuba divers and the adventurous free diver.  They look different than the lobsters you see in the Northeast, as they don’t have claws.  The local lobsters are called Spiny Lobster, as they have spines on their back and face, making them difficult to handle.  But I am here to tell you that they taste great, in my opinion, better than elsewhere in the world.

So  I jump in my boat and head to various locations around St. Thomas and St. John.  Hop in the water with my snorkel gear, a pair of gloves, and a homemade snare.  Start snorkeling the reefs while diving below the surface and looking under rocks and coral.  When I am lucky, I see one of these “bugs” staring back at me, probably in awe of my strange looks.  Place the snare down its antennae, pull, and dinner is served.

As you can imagine, “lobstering” is my favorite pastime here in the VI.  Unfortunately, I don’t really find the time to catch these critters more than a few times per month.  Maybe if there was cheddar cheese or ice cream under there I would go more often?  I doubt it, but that would be pretty cool.

ProSolar Becomes First Local Company to Sign Marketing Deal With Basketball Star Aliyah Boston

Aliyah Boston and Pro Solar

ProSolar Becomes First Local Company to Sign Marketing Deal With Basketball Star Aliyah Boston

Business Published On March 07, 2022 05:07 PM
Staff Consortium | March 07, 2022 05:07:22 PM

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Aliyah Boston

ProSolar, which describes itself as the territory’s leading residential and commercial solar power provider, announced Monday an historic partnership with University of South Carolina basketball star Aliyah Boston, a native of St. Thomas.

This partnership serves to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of Boston as a player from the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands and is the first local endorsement of Boston by any company in the territory, the company said.

“We recognize the history that Aliyah has been making and could not resist associating our company and our brand with her,” said ProSolar’s Sales & Marketing Director, Drew Alston. “The excellence that she has represented on and off the court is a shining example of what the Virgin Islands can produce, and we are happy to be the first local company to provide Aliyah with an endorsement.”

According to the release, ProSolar has filmed a commercial featuring Boston that will air locally, as well as content and on their social media platforms.

“ProSolar wanted to be the company to step up to the plate, and when we saw a social media post encouraging local businesses and the Government to get behind Aliyah, it was an easy decision for us since her parents have been customers of our’s since 2014,” Alston added. “It has been sheer joy watching Aliyah grow as a player and as a person, and following her athletic accomplishments.  Her representation of the Virgin Islands is right in line with the ProSolar brand and the kind of excellence and service that we provide.  Aliyah’s parents made the decision to go with the Pros and we are proud to have them as customers.”

In February Boston made history by becoming the only player in the Southeastern Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament to have 20 consecutive double-doubles. The South Carolina Gamecocks star broke the record during a game against Texas A&M where Boston scored 18 points and 10 rebounds.

The achievement means Boston has now surpassed prior record holder Sylvia Fowles, who had 19 straight double-doubles in the 2005-06 season for LSU.

Elsewhere, Boston will be joining Klutch Sports Group, the agency announced on Twitter Thursday afternoon.

She will be joining the sports agency in the launch of its women’s basketball division alongside professional players A’ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Allisha Gray and WNBA agent Jade-Li English, the tweet stated.

In a Sports Illustrated article that was released Thursday morning, Boston was heralded as the “Face of Women’s College Basketball” and a “double-double machine.”

The SI article states that Boston is a front-runner for the Naismith Player of the Year.

Boston has been an Associated Press All-American her first two seasons at South Carolina and a two-time Lisa Leslie Award winner.

South Carolina is the No.1 ranked team in the country and has a record of 26-1 this season. The Gamecocks have won all of their 10 games against AP Top 25 opponents this season including three victories against teams that are currently ranked in the Top 10.

In the SI article, Boston’s head coach at the University of South Carolina, Dawn Staley, said, “She’s going to be a WNBA star, an Olympian, go overseas, make a lot of money … the sky’s the limit.  She is going to create generational wealth for her and her family.”

Klutch Sports Group was founded by chief executive officer and basketball agent Rich Paul in 2012. The group was listed as the #13 sports agency by Forbes Magazine in 2020 and is part of the United Talent  Agency.

After founding Klutch Sports Group, Paul “forged a unique and personal approach to representing some of the top NBA talent – putting athletes first and empowering them to build careers and brands on and off the court,” according to the United Talent  Agency website.

The sports agency represents athletes in basketball and football including Lebron James, Anthony Davis, John Wall, Draymond Green and Lonzo Ball.

The announcement on Twitter noted that Boston’s addition to the agency was in regards to her name, image and likeness.