VISTA+

WHAT IS THE VIRGIN ISLANDS STEM TALENT ARCHIVE?

VISTA+ is a signature talent attraction and retention program under the workforce development initiative of the Research and Technology Park (RTPark), which is an independent affiliate of the University of the Virgin Islands. VISTA+ is an online database that connects tech talent within the Virgin Islands diaspora with opportunities to work in the Territory. The program’s goal is to build capacity for the growing tech hub in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI).VISTA+ hosts a platform that allows USVI companies looking for tech or STEM talent to post current job vacancies including full-time and part-time jobs, apprenticeships, and internships in one central, curated location. Concurrently, Virgin Islanders around the world who seek local jobs can register to access the platform, create a profile that showcases their skills and experiences, and apply for employment opportunities. The program aims to build a network within our tech ecosystem. Visit the VISTA+ website to learn more at www.vistaplus.vi.

ELIGIBILTY

VISTA+ is a program made by Virgin Islanders for Virgin Islanders. Local talent attraction is a core part of the RTPark’s economic development efforts and not only helps reverse the “brain drain” in our community and economy but also illustrates the immense tech talent that the Virgin Islands produces which helps foster business attraction from abroad. Eligible Virgin Islanders and companies include:

CANDIDATES

- Any United States citizen domiciled in the USVI for one (1) year or more*;

- A person who has attended a school in the USVI for at least six (6) years or is a USVI high school or UVI graduate and who is registered to vote in the Virgin Islands;

- Any “Native Virgin Islander” defined as any person born in the USVI, is an offspring of a parent born in the USVI, or any person born outside the Territory to a “Native Virgin Islander”* or

- A holder of a permanent resident card* domiciled in the USVI for one (1) year or more;

- The spouse of any Virgin Islander as defined above, who wants to relocate to the VI with their spouse
Any student in their senior year who is graduating from a high school in the Virgin Islands enrolled in college and majoring in any area under STEM;

COMPANIES

- Registered business in the USVI
- Seeking employees to fill technology or STEM-related jobs in the Virgin Islands
- Interest in hiring Virgin Islands’ assets 

Visit the VISTA+ website to learn more at www.vistaplus.vi.
 

ACCESS TO VIRGIN ISLANDS ASSETS

The Virgin Islands has produced plethora of high-caliber tech and STEM talent working around the world. Attracting local talent back to the USVI adds value and quality human capital to local businesses and the community-at-large in many ways. VISTA+ supports the continued development of a diversified ecosystem which:

- Builds a critical mass of an innovative workforce
- Reverses the “brain drain”
- Creates more local entrepreneurs
- Preserves intergenerational networks of support
- Aggregates years of experience working at successful institutions back into the Territory
- Creates a resilience workforce familiar with cultural norms and traditions
- And more!

VISTA+ Fees

RTPark Client Companies: Free access to VISTA+
Non-RTPark Companies: A monthly or annual fee (to be determined) will be required to access VISTA+Expanded access to non-RTPark companies is not yet available, but coming soon!
USVI Candidates: Free access to VISTA+

contact info

For more information please contact:
Sydney Paul, 
Business Intelligence & Marketing Manager
Email: sydney.paul@uvirtpark.net
Phone: 1-340-474-0922
Web: https://www.vistaplus.vi

 

Client Testimonials

Our firm, The RainTree Group, came into the UVI RT Park program in 2018.  We didn't have much experience in the USVI and followed the advice of the wonderful RT Park staff and other RT Park tenants.  The application process was transparent and straightforward.   The simple concept of the Park is mutual benefit - your company gets some tax incentives that allows you to grow your business more quickly and the USVI and UVI gets additional tax base, employment opportunities, and scholarships for deserving students.  The business environment and life in the USVI is slower paces and less stressful as the mainland, and without question the biggest business hurdle is communications, so find an office location where you have investigated the broadband options. Come and join us, you won't regret it!

James Salter, VosCom dba The RainTree Group

In January 2012 my business was underway as a Tech Park entity. It has been a wonderful seven years. The Tech Park has always been supportive, easy to do business with, and is making a positive impact on the islands. The Tech Park organization is professional and efficient. They have created a friendly business environment that has been a pleasure to work within and a great experience overall. I would encourage any eligible entity to consider joining us in the Tech Park.

Louise Stapleton, LNL Publishing

We have been part of the RT-Park program for almost three years now.  The application process was straight forward and we had plenty of dialogue and feedback prior to our approval.  My only regret is we didn’t do this sooner.  It is satisfying  knowing that we are partners with UVI and enabling the education of the next generation .  We also love living in the USVI.  People are warm and welcoming and the pace of life is amazing healthy.  Most days it feels like a working vacation.

Andy Hemmert, President , HRMT, LLC

There are many unique treasures to living here. I’ve discovered a passion for mountain biking. My children have learned to sail. With a small community, you get to know people quickly. We found they went out of their way to make us feel welcome. When considering the move, a top concern was the children’s education. We found a quality school our kids love, with a dedicated faculty. In fairness there is an adjustment period. You learn to navigate island life, master shipping logistics, get to know a new culture, and take in some of the most beautiful ocean views in the world.

David Thompson, Exigo