(St. Croix, VI, September 21, 2006) — In keeping with their “Think Caribbean” initiative, Delegate to Congress Donna M. Christensen addressed the Tyson’s Corner Rotary Club in Vienna, Virginia last Thursday touting the advantages of doing business in the Virgin Islands, particularly St. Croix.

Delegate Christensen provided an overview of history, governance structure and the future outlook to the group of Northern Virginia businessmen and women.  The delegate explained the territory’s economic profile detailing incentives to small business development, the territory’s economic advantages to the tourism, watch and rum industries and current efforts to revitalize the EDC program.  She also discussed issues before the territories such as conservation and development, property taxes, municipal government, the attempts to develop a constitution,  and pending congressional legislation on Medicaid, HIV/AIDS, homeland security and other issues.

“The Club was eager to know more about or territory and has already initiated efforts to partner with the St. Croix Mid-Island Rotary Club and the University of the Virgin Islands,” Christensen said.  “They hope to establish business and student exchange programs between Virginia and the Virgin Islands.  There is much that can be shared between the two jurisdictions. We all hope that this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship.”