The St. Croix Class of the 80s, Inc. presents the “I Love STX” sign at Frederiksted Beach, Fort Frederik Cabana. (Source photo taken by Diana Dias)

Virgin Islands Source: I Love St Croix unveiling
By Diana Dias
June 11, 2022

The St. Croix Classes of the 80s, Inc. is spreading love to the town of Frederiksted and the rest of the island as they presented their “I Love STX” sign to a crowd of about 80 people on Friday at the Frederiksted Beach Fort Frederik Cabana

At the unveiling, the Class of the 80s held a short ceremony to thank all the participants who played an essential part in the presentation of the Class of the 80s. Lydia Rivera said that the idea began three years ago when their board of directors was trying to figure out what to give back to the community in a significant way. “During the pandemic, while we were on lockdown, we were not able to hold our annual events. We utilized the time to implement the design, construction, and funding for this long-awaited project.”

Also in attendance were Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr., and Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach. Roach said, “Love to me is not a noun. Love is an action word. When you love someone, you build them up, you take care of them, you provide for them, and if you love this island, you take care of it, you try and improve it, you lift it up, you keep it in your prayers. To see people work together like this to produce this symbol that I believe will be worldwide.”

Bryan, who also played a part in ensuring that the sign came to pass, said, “When I saw this, there was no question in my head.”

“This is a tremendous effort, and it shows that the classes of the 80s can do more than just party,” said Bryan jokingly, referring to the St. Croix Class of the 80s signature events, namely the “Labor Day Beach Bash,” “Veterans Day Party,” “No Money for Carnival Party,” and the “Christmas Throwback Affair.”

Bryan also said that tourism has more “I love” signs that will be placed on St. Thomas and St. John as well in the future.

The St. Croix Class of the 80s, Inc. was established in 2008 to promote unity of St. Croix high school alumni, as well as to create educational, cultural, economic, and social outlets for members of its generation.

The Class of the 80s said that the “I Love STX” sign is a testament to their organization’s return on investing in their community and tourism.

The project funding for the sign was made possible through the collective contributions of sponsors: Cane Bay Partners VI, LLP, David Johnson, Sorbetiere, VAR Consulting, LLC, V.I. Department of Tourism, and the V.I. Lottery. Other kind donations were made by Colorama, KGP, Omayrie Rivera-Williams, V.I. Council of the Arts, V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and V.I. Department of Sports Parks and Recreation.