About The Project

A Note From The Founder

I am a first-generation St. Thomas-born-and-raised white boy with two St. John-born-and-raised children who have grown up on St. John. By trade, I am a commercial director/director of photography.

Since Irma smashed St. John, I've witnessed the diminishment of the local community into a product that is not only being cheapened, but worse, whose true story is being erased. I decided, therefore, to advocate for our future through film.

Articulated through the great grace, dignity, and wisdom of 12 multi-generational Virgin Islanders, I conducted on-camera interviews where I asked, listened, and felt our shared truths break through with riveting emotional integrity. I quickly realized that these island prophets needed to be seen and heard before it's too late.

Thus was born Sunlit St. John: an unflinchingly honest and constructive conversation initiated by outstanding citizens to advocate for our community and to agitate the 'powers that be’ for a future that honors truth over spin, and merit over money.

Our goal is to reclaim our narrative, our brand, and our spaces by consciously targeting development and tourism that will nourish our community with historical pride, the arts, and natural and cultural sustainability.

To that end, there are important stories yet to be told, and more content addressing race and status issues to come. Feel free to help by sharing the posted videos and your constructive thoughts.

Stay up!

Eric Zucker

Founder & Executive Director

Meet our Strategic Advisor, Brand & Communications

I am not a resident of St. John. I wasn't born here, I don't vote here, and I don't own a business here. So it's fair to ask why I have spent more than ten years helping tell stories about the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The answer is simple: because places like St. John are increasingly rare. And once a special place is lost, it is rarely recovered.

I grew up in San Diego, California, another coastal community where people care deeply about protecting the natural places that define their way of life. From an early age, I learned that landscapes, ecosystems, and community character are not guaranteed. They survive only when people choose to protect them.

My connection to St. John began through a long-time creative partnership with Eric Zucker, collaborating on projects focused on tourism, conservation, economic development, and community storytelling across the territory. Over the years, we have worked together to shape campaigns, films, and communications designed to celebrate what makes the U.S. Virgin Islands unique.

For more than twenty years, I have helped global organizations tell their stories, build trust, and communicate what matters most. Working alongside Eric and the Sunlit St. John team has allowed me to apply those same skills in service of a place and a community I deeply admire.

My role is not to speak for the community, but to help amplify the voices of those who know St. John best. The residents, business owners, conservationists, historians, and families whose connection to this island spans generations. I believe decisions about the future of St. John should be made with transparency, accountability, and respect for the people, culture, and environment that make this place extraordinary.

I don't claim the U.S. Virgin Islands as my home, but I care deeply about its future.

And I believe some places are worth fighting for, wherever you happen to live.

With gratitude,

Britta Hoskins

Strategic Advisor, Brand & Communications

Our Contributors

Avelino Samuel

(1956-2025)

Internationally known Master Wood Turner, a true son of the soil, role model for the younger generation, culture bearer with a deep respect for the values and traditions.

Kim Lyons

Tour de force in many directions including, her arts, the arts, media, politics and as a community activist with confidence.

Savannah Lyons

Dancer extraordinaire, young Renaissance woman with pure heart in person and craft.

Rafe Boulon

Widely, highly regarded for his good nature, good intentions, and great work for ecological preservation.

Janet Burton

Icon of education and community strength, a cherished author, unafraid of the truth, and beloved by all sides.

Elroy Sprauve

Legendary wisdom with heart for all who care about history, education, and what that means for a people.

Theodora Moorehead

Genetically and personally driven towards excellence and advocacy in art, politics, and life.

Alex Ray

Old soul wise and smart with an eye and ear for both big pictures and the details of life that mean so much.

David Knight Jr.

Thoughtful and considerate of facts and feelings and willing and able to create a space for art with heart.

Kurt Marsh

A voice born to lead with priorities in place and a deep commitment to fair play and opportunity with merit and vision.

Monique Matthias

A regal soul; passionate in her dedication to the culture, the soil, and the education of the youth.

Hadiya Sewer

Intellect of towering capacity with listening and speaking skills to match that is all focused on matters of great significance.