St. Croix on a Budget!

In the midst of the economic crisis that others are experiencing state side St. Croix has been been experiencing an even greater crisis. Since the closing of the Hovensa Oil Refinery (2012), the primary employer on the Island, residents of St. Croix have been struggling to regroup from the loss of 2,000 positions that resulted directly from the closing. Because Hovensa was the largest contributor to the many non-profits on the island it has impacted all aspects of life. Thus, residents are struggling. A recent migrant like myself are faced with trying to identify ways to provide income revenues in an environment with an already low paying job, facing increasingly higher costs of living poses challenges. Having recently turned 65 years of age I am preparing for future retirement. This means really thinking about job skills that might produce income to supplement social security along with pensions such as 401k's etc.

Career Preparation
Recently, on November 6 I boarded a plane to St. Thomas to take the social work exam for the National Association of Social Workers Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) . While I need my LCSW to work as medical social worker at the Caribbean Kidney Center, I also need it as I prepare for my retirement which allows me additional options to generate income. Thus, being able to be a Medicare provider allows me to do some counseling and perhaps work with vulnerable populations such as the elderly on a part time basis to generate small streams of income. Living in paradise has so many advantages that I am willing to struggle with the inconveniences of the high cost of living (food, utilities and just about everything), limited employment opportunities, low salaries, limited cultural outlets, poor roads and limited romantic possibilities (to name a few). 

My current income is less than half of what I was making in Chicago, IL. Rent is surprisingly about the same. I currently pay $750 for a two bedroom duplex with one bathroom. In Chicago I was paying $850 for an apartment that bordered Hyde Park and the South side of Chicago. So it was about location. I live in walking distance from the beach and ocean. I can see the cruise ships from my bathroom window that come into port. My bedrooms and kitchen also have views of the ocean. I can stand at my kitchen sink washing dishes and watch the beautiful sunsets.

At sixty five I have exhausted my 401k on educational pursuits and life's other emergencies and so working is not an option but a requirement. But being able to live in such a beautiful place surrounded by nature and the constant reminders of the beauty of creation is healing and sustaining to my soul which is why I am here.


Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St. Croix
A compelling factor that drew me to St. Croix is the beautiful Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists that stole my heart and imagination when I came as visiting minister in February, 2012. Their presence prompted me to say yes to the resounding voice that rose up inside me with such a compelling force and made me realize without hesitation that this move was intended to be. Here are some pictures of the Fellowship members that I have grown to love and respect as I work with them as their spiritual guide and minister:

L-R "Cat" Franks and Susan Kraeger, enjoy a sisterly chat at choir rehearsal. Currently the choir is on break because we have no musician.

 

Our adorable children attending Sunday School. You can see they are having big fun!

 
With all the celebrations come some losses. Our matriarch, Marge Tonks, died July, 2013 and we miss her tremendously. This is a picture of a small tribute we set up for her Celebration of Life.

 

L-R Rumi, Rev. Qiyamah and Marge Tonks ( This picture was taken one Sunday after Service and during social hour.)

 

Covenant Groups are held the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month when we do not have worship service. Gail Nealon (red shirt) is talking to Marge Tonks. Gail leads the Covenant group which often has as many attendees as our worship service.

 

Sunday School is Way Cool as you can see!

 

Our new members gathered after service during social hour for a group picture. Six of the ten new members that joined the Fellowship in 2013. As is often the case, some have become very active and some are exploring their path. We hope to entice those not active to find something that they are passionate about and renew their membership commitment.

L-R Emy and Gail celebrating a recent birthday of Gail's at Victory Camp in the Rainforest 

 

I can say from experience that one can survive on a limited income with some budgeting. Here are some tips:

Utilities
utilities are very high so watch your water usage and if you can  use a cistern rather than public water from WAPA that is even better. My water bill was running approximately $38.00 a month (before my daughter came to live with me).  I unplug everything except the refrigerator when I am not using things and I also unplug everything (except the refrigerator) when I leave the house.

Food
Food is expensive and it has been my experience that many of the stores do not carry high quality produce. If you purchase from the stores you want to prepare and eat your produce within 2-3 days (or sooner). Think about starting a small garden to grow your most popular produce. For me this would be tomatoes, greens (kale, spinach, romaine), and fruits (watermelons, cantaloupe, strawberries).

I have not been a big coupon person because they only work if they discount the  items of food you use. If you have to buy new foods to take advantage of the sales then it is not helpful. Looking into food coops is a good idea and helps local farmers.

Clothes
Look good for less! Let go of the need to be high fashion. Comfort is more important in a tropical climate. Cotton fabric with simple but stylish designs go a long way. Sandals and open toed shoes reflect the more laid back environment. You will want to take advantage of online shopping. Who would have thought that KMart and Payless would be my go-to stores for shopping. However, these are the major department and shoe stores on the island. Many folks take advantage of trips to the state and to St. Thomas and Puerto Rico to shop for clothing. If you sew that is even better.

There are a few flea markets and consignment shops on the Island that can supplement your wardrobe. Smaller sizes are easier to find.

 

Here is a gorgeous dress that my daughter purchased from a consignment shop for $5! She gets many compliments on it!

Housing and Furnishings
I made the decision not to ship any of my furnishings. So I was forced to purchase all new furniture. I shopped the consignment stores and I have successfully created a home environment that nurtures me with colors and textures and yet did not cost me an arm and a leg.

One of the best consignment stores for furniture is Uniqueties Consign and Design. While they carry primarily furniture they also have a small selection of clothing, handbags, dishes, vases, lamps and shoes. Folks are always moving off island and so there is a steady supply of used items to choose from. The Animal Welfare Center also runs a flea market and sells everything from books to furniture. They have a great selection of paper backs and their volunteer librarian is a retired librarian , Habiba, that has a fantastically organized selection of classics and just about anything for your reading pleasure.

 

Here is an example of using family heirlooms to decorate around a quilt theme. The quilt on the bench was made by my grandmother and conceivably the pattern passed down by my great grandmother in Hawkinsville, Georgia. The one on the wall was made by a quilter in Chicago using African inspired designs and textiles. The quilter, whose name I do not recall, is a part of an African American quilters guild.

 

 



Life Style
When on a budget one must prioritize and look for the bargains. Balancing the times one might eat out versus cooking a meal at home might be important so that the savings will allow special treats from time to time.   If you work then taking your lunch to work can save anywhere from $50 a week or more!

Entertainment
Looking for free or low cost social opportunities can be another cost saver. When you want to throw a party or dinner think pot luck! I love the variety of food and dishes. Everyone usually wants to prepare their signature dish!

 

This was a free event with great food and Crucian dancing that featured these little girls that were darling. Here I have caught them taking a break for a bite to eat!