Oct. 17, 2006 — "For fascinating culture and history as well as a gorgeous Caribbean landscape, nothing beats St. Croix." Those are the words of Chicago Sun-Times freelance writer Rosalind Cummings-Yeates, who gave the island a glowing review in the paper's Sunday edition.
In the article, Cummings-Yeates notes the island's impressive history of resistance, its well-preserved African culture and its dazzling seven-mile-wide stretch of lush tropical flowers, plants and sand.
The article is entitled "St. Croix Residents Not Afraid to Rebel," an apparent reference to two historic events — the 1848 slave rebellion that resulted in freedom and the 1878 Fireburn rebellion — mentioned in the article.
Cummings-Yeates also notes that St. Croix, the largest and most laidback of the territory's three islands, often gets overlooked and is designated as the territory's "hidden treasure." However, she added, "It won't remain hidden for long."
The Tourism Department's marketing director, Steve Bornn, agrees. "It's a sleeping giant," he said Tuesday. Bornn said Cummings-Yeates visited St. Croix on a press trip sponsored by the department.
He said that although Cummings-Yeates misspelled Frederiksted — she spelled it Fredericksted — she was right on target with the rest of her assessment.
"They were totally immersed in St. Croix as much as possible," he said.
The Buccaneer Hotel, in particular, gets especially kind words from Cummings-Yeates, who notes, "The resort defines Crucian luxury."
Vicki Locke at the Buccaneer said Tuesday that she's always glad when St. Croix gets good publicity. "We're always enthused when a writer is equally enthused," she said.
Several eateries also get mention, including Harvey's Restaurant in Christiansted and Twin City Coffee House and Gallery.
The writer notes that the "sweet-faced Ms. Harvey" is as famous for helping to raise NBA star Tim Duncan as she is for her cooking.
Cummings-Yeates also went shopping, stopping by Yellowhouse Gallery and Mitchell-Larsen Studio.
The article segues into the island's history with a mention of the Buccaneer's history, which dates to the 17th century, and a bit about Whim Plantation Museum.
"The former sugar plantation vibrates with ancient energy," Cummings-Yeates writes.
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