Last year, after gaining some autonomy from France and becoming a COM, St Barth faced the task of generating money to compensate for the decrease in the amount that was previously budgeted by France for the island. One such endeavor was the requirement that every registered vehicle sport a "vignette" on the windshield. Despite the charming name, this is just a sticker. Last year the Collectivity made $1.3 million on the sale of about 8000 vignettes, which are good for one year. This year, they expect to sell about 10,000 due to the increase in the number of registered vehicles on the island during 2008. Vignettes went on sale on January 9 at the Treasury office in Gustavia and at an office set up in the parking lot by the stadium in St Jean. Owners have until March 31 to purchase a vignette for 2009. The price for a normal passenger car is 100 euros and increases for taxi vans and trucks.

Posted on January 16, 2009 6:33 AM| Permanent Link: It's Vignette Time Again| Comments (0)

For some time now, the Saint Barth Yacht Club (SBYC) has wanted to replace its fleet, but has not been able to afford such an undertaking. However, the organizers of the last St Barth Bucket put the SBYC in contact with Camper & Nicholsons, an American company who has been designing and building yachts for over 230 years. Camper & Nicholsons, who wishes to establish their company on the island, financed the purchase of 12 new Vanguard boats for the SBYC. Classes are now underway, with 25 registered children participating. In addition, two new instructors from Breton were present for the opening of this year's season. SBYC is hoping to undertake a project in which young, underprivileged American students can take sailing classes and sail in the island's waters - a project that may be partly financed by Camper & Nicholson.

Posted on January 16, 2009 6:31 AM| Permanent Link: American Company Helps the Saint Barth Yacht Club| Comments (0)

For whatever reason, the consumption of electricity on the island decreased an average of 4.2% during 2008. After many years of a steady increase in the use of electricity, EDF, the local electric company, added extra generators last year. However, with the recent availability of electric cars on the island, we'll have to see if this trend continues. The director of EDF has asked owners of electric cars to charge the batteries after 8:30 pm, if possible, and to avoid charging them between 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm, the hours when the most electricity is use.

Posted on January 16, 2009 6:30 AM| Permanent Link: Use of Electricity Decreased in 2008| Comments (1)

Registration is now open for the 7th edition of the Short Story Contest, which is organized by the association Saint B'Art. A couple of changes were made for this year's contest. If the topic continues to be up to the author to choose, the short story must start with the sentence "One forgets quickly, often too quickly..." The second change concerns the awarding of the prizes. Any previous winner who enters this year's contest can only win an honorary mention. To participate, you must fill out an application, which can be found in Le Journal or at bookshops. Judging will take place in March, and the prizes will be announced and awarded on April 26 during the Book Festival. The first-prize winner will receive a laptop. Other prizes will be various gifts provided by local merchants.

Posted on January 16, 2009 6:29 AM| Permanent Link: 7th Edition of the Short Story Contest| Comments (0)

The St Barth Music Festival will be celebrating its 25th anniversary this year! This special event will take place from January 8 to January 19, 2009 with concerts around the island. One of the two scheduled jazz concerts will take place at A.J.O.E., the tennis courts in Lorient. What could be better than good jazz, tropical breezes and a starry sky? Tickets went on sale for all concerts at the St Barth Tourist Office near the quay in Gustavia beginning January 2. Or, you can also buy a Season Pass for a savings of 10%. After January 7, tickets will be available at the door for each concert.

Thursday, January 8
John Ellis Jazz Sextet
8:00 pm
Catholic Church, Gustavia
$45

Friday, January 9
Duets for Piano and Clarinet
8:00 pm
Catholic Church. Gustavia
$35

Saturday, Janaury 10
John Ellis Jazz Sextet
8:00 pm
A.J.O.E., Lorient
$45

Sunday, January 11
The violinists of St Barth Harmony School
4:00 pm
Anglican Church, Gustavia
Free

Tuesday, January 13
"Bravo Bach" La Chorale de Bons Choeurs
8:00 pm
Catholic Church, Gustavia
$35

Wednesday, January 14
Orchestra Concert
8:00 pm
Catholic Church, Lorient
$45

Thursday, January 15
An evening of Mozart
8:00 pm
Catholic Church, Gustavia
$35

Friday, January 16
Opera: Puccini's "Madame Butterfly"
8:00 pm
Catholic Church, Lorient
$45

Sunday, January 18
Annual Benefit Dinner featuring star performers
8:00 pm
Eddy's restaurant, Gustavia

Monday, January 19
Chamber music: Miro String Quartet
8:00 pm
Anglican Church, Gustavia
$35

Posted on January 8, 2009 3:45 AM| Permanent Link: 25th Edition of the St Barth Music Festival| Comments (0)