Destination: US Virgin Islands – Tourism, Leadership and Legacy

Destination: US Virgin Islands Tourism, Leadership and Legacy There are places that feel far away… and then there are places that feel like an escape—but are closer than you think. Today, we’re heading to the Caribbean—but no passport required. It’s where the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism, Leadership and Legacy come together. We’re talking about the United States Virgin Islands – a collection of sun-soaked islands where turquoise waters meet rich history, vibrant culture, and a rhythm that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Now here’s the beauty of it. if you’re a U.S. citizen, traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is as easy as flying to another state. No passport. No customs line coming home. Just pack your bags, grab your ID, and you’re on your way to the Caribbean.mThat’s one of those old-school travel perks that still feels like a well-kept secret. The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, each with its own personality. St. Thomas is lively, known for its harbor views and shopping. St. John is quieter, with much of the island protected as national park land. And St. Croix… well, that’s where history and culture run deep, with a laid-back pace that feels grounded and real. Together, they offer a little something for every kind of traveler. These islands weren’t always American. They were originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Taino and Carib. Then came European colonization. For over 200 years, these islands were known as the Danish West Indies. In 1917, during World War I, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. That’s when they officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands. And while the flags have changed over time, the culture has remained beautifully layered – African, European, and Caribbean influences all woven together. What truly defines the islands… are the people. The culture of the Virgin Islands is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee and Afro-Caribbean traditions – expressed through music, storytelling, food, and festivals. You’ll hear it in the rhythms of calypso and reggae…taste it in dishes like Callaloo, Johnnycakes, and fresh seafood…and feel it in the warmth of the people who call these islands home. There’s a pride that flows through the islands – a connection to land and legacy that you can’t miss. No passport. No stress. Just island time. Coming up next… we’ll dive deeper into what makes each island unique—and where you’ll want to spend your time once you arrive. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, women’s leadership isn’t new… it’s rooted in history. It reaches back to 1878 to the island of St. Croix, and the courage of the legendary Three Queens: Mary, Agnes, and Mathilda. Women who stood up, spoke out, and led the Fireburn uprising, forever shaping a legacy of strength, advocacy, and progress across the islands. And today… that same spirit is alive and well. Leading one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic tourism destinations is an all-women executive team guided by Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, a proud St. Croix native whose leadership continues to elevate the U.S. Virgin Islands on the global stage. Alongside her, Assistant Commissioners Alani Henneman of St. Thomas and Elizabeth Hansen Watley of St. Croix bring deep experience in marketing, communications, and public service. And at the heart of this leadership team, bringing a unique regional perspective is Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a woman who has called the Virgin Islands home for more than 25 years. Together, these women are shaping a tourism vision grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and opportunity while honoring the culture and community that make these islands so special. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rosie Farrington to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it means to carry that spirit forward in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Take a listen.