MELAINE SPRUCING UP ISLANDS' IMAGE
By Adnews Staff
Forget Hurricane Marilyn. The U.S. Virgin Islands is still a great vacation spot. This is the message Toronto-based Melaine Communications Group has been given to pass along to Canadians making holiday plans. Melaine was hired for the public relations job earlier this month by the tourism division of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Economic Development and Agriculture. The Caribbean territory wants to change outsiders' perceptions that it was completely knocked out of commission by the natural disaster that struck in September and won't be fit or visitors for a long time. In fact, the island of St. Thomas expects to have 50-60% of its hotel rooms ready for the winter season which begins Dec. 15. All hotels rooms on St. Croix and the majority on St. John are ready for visitors. In addition, the beaches have been clear for over a month and cruise ships have been docking since Oct. 31. Shopping and restaurant facilities have been operating for some time.