UVI Bulletin Board for October

Research tanks at UVI Marine Science lab on St. Thomas (photo by Kelsey Nowakowski)

VIUCEDD 15th Annual ‘Voices that Count’ Policy Forum to be Held on Nov. 5 and 7 The University of the Virgin Islands Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) presents the 15th annual ‘Voices that Count’ Policy Forum. The community-at-large (advocates, caregivers, family members, private businesses and organizations) is invited to join the conversation about accessibility needs for persons with disabilities.
This year’s theme, “Accessibility is a Civil Right,” emphasizes the impact of accessibility — or lack thereof — has on one’s life. Accessibility is not just about physical spaces, but it includes other aspects of life such as communication. Together, we will hear personal testimonies and explore the importance of access to the lives of persons with disabilities.
The forum will feature presentations and panel discussions that will demonstrate the importance of policies that are inclusive of persons with disabilities and how they can improve the “ability” to “access” services and spaces needed to have a quality life.
The presenters will include:
• Jeiri Flores – Disability Rights Activist from Rochester, NY
• Nina Garcia – Library Technician II, Self-Advocate from the Virgin Islands
• Panel Discussion from key stakeholders for accessibility policies

On St. Croix
Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
University of the Virgin Islands Albert A. Sheen Campus, Great Hall
On St. Thomas
Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Windward Passage Hotel – Caribbean Conference Rooms A and B

To register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/viucedd-11380188567
For more information, contact 693-1406 on St. Thomas or 692-4265 on St. Croix.

UVI to Receive $28.6 Million from EDA to Support Efforts to Diversify and Strengthen Medical Sector in V.I. The U.S. Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced on Sept. 30 that it is investing $28.6 million in the University of the Virgin Islands to support efforts to diversify and strengthen the resiliency of the economy by helping to grow the medical sector, primarily by investing in the medical school project and the medical simulation center. The two grants, to be located in a Tax Cuts and Jobs Act designated Opportunity Zone, will be matched with $3 million in local funds and are expected to help generate $35 million in private investment.
“The Trump Administration and the Department of Commerce understand the challenges faced by the U.S. Virgin Islands following the devastating 2017 hurricane season and are committed to helping them recover and build back stronger,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross.
“In 2018, EDA made $587 million in Congressional supplemental appropriations available to eligible grantees in communities impacted by natural disasters in 2017,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Dr. John Fleming. “We are pleased to support bottom-up, local strategies designed to help diversify and grow the island’s economy in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria and the location in an Opportunity Zone will help spur additional private investment.”
More information is available in a news release on the Media Section of the UVI website – http://www.uvi.edu/

UVI Lady Bucs Basketball Kick-Off New Season on October 9 The UVI community and the general public are invited to the kick-off of the Lady Buccaneers Basketball season with games scheduled at home court in the Sports and Fitness Center on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 9 and 10, respectively.
Tip-off begins at 7 p.m. sharp
Cost: Adults $5; Children $2
UVI students and staff admitted free
Come out and bring your friends to cheer on our Lady Buccaneers to victory!

Coastweeks Continues with Cleanups Until the End of October It is not too late to join #teamocean and participate in a Coast week’s cleanup.
The University’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies invites the community to take part in one of the largest international efforts to help keep our seas free of the trash.
No registration is required; simply show up and cleanup.
All cleanup supplies are provided; however, volunteers should walk with a reusable water bottle because we aim to reduce the amount of trash created during the cleanup.
Here is the listing of some of the upcoming cleanups on St. Thomas
Oct. 12 – French Town
Oct. 13 – Bolongo Bay
Oct. 19 – Lindbergh Bay
For more information, contact Howard Forbes at 693-1672 or email
howard.forbes@live.uvi.edu.