The territory’s ferry operators asked for 75 cents more per ticket to cover fuel cost increases. They got 66 cents. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Virgin Islands ferries between St. Thomas and St. John will be allowed to charge $0.66 more per ticket for the next three months to help alleviate costs from the spike in fuel prices, the Public Services Commission voted Tuesday.
The industry had asked for a $0.75 increase in May but the commission, which also oversees rates for the territory’s utilities, briefly considered $0.60 or $0.65 before settling on $0.66. The commission voted to have the increase end after 90 days.
There was some question about how the ferry companies — Varlack Ventures and Transportation Services — arrived at $0.66 but no question about the staggering increase in fuel prices. The ferry companies were paying as much as $7.68 per gallon, officials said.
The fuel relief came as the commission sought to assess and rearrange how the ferries charged passengers. A report drafted in late April suggested the industry may be making more money than allowed. Virgin Islands law allows the companies between 8% and 10% profit, according to the report. On $85 million revenue annually, the companies were collecting $7 million too much, the report said.
Commission chair David Hughes suggested the fuel surcharge could be taken from that $7 million rather than passed on to customers. A sticking point, however, was that the report and its findings had not been officially recognized or accepted by the commission. An attorney for the ferry industry had lodged a last-minute list of objections to the report that the commission did not address Tuesday because commissioners had not been able to read it on short notice.
Ferry operators have long rankled at regulation, a situation not alleviated by the commission’s inquiry into how the operations collect and spend their money. Most recently, the commission sought, and failed, to audit fuel consumption per route, per day, per year in an effort to pinpoint precisely how much money the companies needed to turn a profit between 8% and 10%.
“We have not accomplished the goal of the audit, which was to understand the fuel consumption of the three boats,” Hughes lamented. “We have data integrity issues and this is a big number that needs to be checked.”
The commission was also considering changing how the ferries charged — not just ticket price, but who paid what. There were six classes of ferry rider, Hughes said, each paying a different rate: children, students, senior citizens, adult residents, adult nonresidents, and bulk ticket buyers.
Hughes suggested, once the commission better knew the ferries’ finances, tickets could be made free-for-all children and seniors, and possibly even all local adults as well.
“It’s an opportunity to do something special for the Virgin Islands residents,” he said.
If all Virgin Islanders rode for free, all visitors would have to pay around $11 to cover the lost revenue, he said.
Sen. Carla Joseph, an ex-oficio commissioner, acknowledged she didn’t know how much it cost to put baggage on the ferry, then suggested the rate be raised from $4 to $6, or even $10.
The Virgin Islands Police Department, the Virgin Islands National Park, and St. John Rescue responded to reports of a lifeless woman in the waters of Salt Pond, St. John on Thursday — five days ago. Unlike almost every other such death, none of those emergency responders will say what happened.
Friends of the woman said her name was Julia and that she had worked as a bartender at Coral Bay’s Surf Club Cantina for eight months. They were reluctant to say more.
Police said she was 41 years old and that an autopsy had been completed Saturday.
People at St. John Rescue, an all-volunteer organization, did not respond to questions about the death at first and then said they were unable to answer, referring inquiries to the National Park.
The Virgin Islands National Park sent the Source the following statement Tuesday evening: “On June 4, Virgin Islands National Park rangers responded alongside St. John Rescue and the Virgin Islands Police Department to an incident at Salt Pond Beach. The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time. Salt Pond Beach remains open, and visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant in and around the water, be aware of boat traffic and wildlife, and follow all posted safety guidance.”
Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation officials present an Appreciation Award to West Indian Company Limited President and CEO Joseph Boschulte during the organization’s annual awards luncheon held as part of Caribbean Week in New York City. The award recognized Boschulte’s contributions to Caribbean tourism and leadership within the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism industry. (Photo courtesy Tourism Department)
The Caribbean Tourism Organization Foundation honored West Indian Company Limited President and CEO Joseph Boschulte with an Appreciation Award during its annual awards luncheon held at Caribbean Week in New York City, a press release announced.
The award recognizes Boschulte’s contributions to Caribbean tourism and his leadership in advancing the U.S. Virgin Islands tourism industry throughout his career, according to the press release.
Caribbean Week is the region’s annual tourism event, bringing together government officials, industry leaders, media representatives and tourism stakeholders from across the Caribbean, the press release stated.
Before returning to WICO, Boschulte served as commissioner of the Virgin Islands Tourism Department, where he oversaw tourism initiatives that included expanded airlift, marketing campaigns and increased visitor arrivals, the release stated.
Boschulte accepted the award on behalf of tourism professionals and community members throughout the territory, the release stated.
“I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the CTO Foundation,” Boschulte said. “This award reflects the dedication of the countless individuals across our tourism industry who create exceptional experiences for our visitors every day. I am proud to accept it on behalf of our entire U.S. Virgin Islands tourism community.”
According to the release, the award also recognizes the work of public- and private-sector partners who contribute to the visitor experience and support economic activity throughout the territory.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
FRANK BROWN, JR
DECEASED.
SX-2026-PB-00051
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for Settlement without Administration Pursuant to Title 15, V.I.C. § 191 has been submitted to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for settlement of the Estate of Frank Brown Jr. All persons having claims against the estate are to present them to the Petitioner verified by affidavit, and persons indebted to the estate to make payment promptly to:
Rutha M.W. Brown
c/o Grey Law, PC
1131 King Street, Suite 301
Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820
Tel: (340) 773-3660
Dated: June 9, 2026
/s/ Samuel T. Grey
Samuel T. Grey, Esq.
Attorney for the Petitioner
Shawn E. Leass was born on Feb. 19, 1964, in Findlay, Ohio, to Janice E. Leass and Ralph F. Leass. He was the youngest of his family. He loved deeply and was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him and being in his presence. Shawn and his sister spent their childhood summers at Findlay’s Riverside park and pool, as they always had season tickets to spend the summers there. Shawn was an excellent swimmer and developed quite a love for aqua activities then.
Shawn Leass
He received his education through Elida High School, in Lima, OH, and graduated from their automotive-mechanic program, in 1982. Upon graduation, Shawn enjoyed repairing race cars and racing them on speedway tracks. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling abroad. Along with some of his friends, Shawn discovered much adventure and opportunity in the Caribbean. He decided to move to St. Thomas, USVI, in the ‘90’s. It was there that he found self-employment as a scuba diver — maintaining boats and yachts, with much enthusiasm and provision for his livelihood. His favorite hobbies were to attend Rock and Roll concerts in the states, and perform as a bass guitar player for various pubs at ‘open mic nights.’ He had quite a collection of guitar picks from numerous concerts he had attended.
The St. Thomas community continues to mourn the loss of their beloved island musician, Shawn, as he was such a good friend to countless people. They have expressed both their surprise and sorrow at his untimely passing, resulting from an unexpected, tragic boating accident on the last night of St. Thomas’ annual ‘carnival,’ on Saturday evening, May 2, 2026.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories to his mother, Jan E. Wooldridge, sister, Tracy M. Carr, brother-in–law, Cliff W. Carr and niece, Caralyn I. Dolney, and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and good friends.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ service is being planned to be held on Shawn’s birthday, Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, at Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers, (340) 774-1464, at a time yet to be determined.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:16. (NIV)
In Economic Well-Being, the unemployment rate dropped from 6% to 4%, although average hourly wages remained 24% lower than the national U.S. average.
Public school graduation rates have increased significantly, from 70.9% to 81%, and there was an encouraging increase in student ELA scores, resulting in the highest percentage of proficient students for tested grade levels since SY 2020-21. In math, however, the overall scores and percentage of students proficient were lower than in SY 2020-21.
546 students have dropped out of the public school system between the 2020-21 school year and the 2023-24 school year, resulting in dropout rates between 2.2 and 4 percent per year for those school years.
In Health, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) reported that, in 2023, the fertility rate had decreased, and the overall number of live births continued to decrease along with the overall USVI population. Also in 2023, the VIDOH reported the percentage of babies born at low birthweight to be 5.3%.
In Family and Community, the number of households with children living in public housing increased, despite the overall decline in the number of children, signaling a higher percentage of children in economically disadvantaged housing.
In its 37th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed, and which strategies are making a difference.
“Behind every number in this report is a child who is either hungry or fed, housed or homeless, progressing academically or falling behind. No state is consistently getting this right,” said Lisa M. Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The Data Book challenges us to follow the evidence and do what delivers results.” By offering a local road map, the Data Book equips policymakers, advocates, and communities with the information they need to make decisions that help children and young people thrive.
The 2026 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book can be accessed at www.aecf.org/databook. Virgin Islands KIDS COUNT publications and the Data Dashboard can be found by visiting St. Croix Foundation’s website at www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-usvi/.
For more information about KIDS COUNT USVI, contact St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898 or kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org.
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA)Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2026-RFP-012-STXUSVI Housing Demand Study
The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“Authority” or “VIHFA”) is seeking professional consulting services to conduct a Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to assess current and future housing needs throughout the Territory.
VIHFA is seeking to conduct a comprehensive Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to better understand the Territory’s current and future housing needs. The study will provide a data-driven assessment of housing demand, community needs, and existing housing gaps to support informed decision-making and long-term planning. In addition, the project will evaluate resilience and sustainability strategies to strengthen housing recovery and preparedness efforts.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on June 3, 2026. All proposals, questions, communications, and addenda related to this solicitation shall be submitted and accessed exclusively through VIHFA’s e-Procurement system at:
https://vihfabids.ionwave.net
All proposals must be submitted electronically no later than:
Friday, July 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
A Pre-Proposal Conference Via Teams is scheduled for:
June 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM AST.
All questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing through the IonWave system no later than: June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM AST.
All updates, clarifications, and addenda will be issued through the IonWave portal. It is the responsibility of all prospective respondents to monitor the system for any updates prior to submission.
This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be awarded based on a Best Value determination, taking into consideration factors such as experience, technical approach, product quality, project schedule, and cost. Price will be considered but will not be the sole determining factor.
Pursuant to Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement on behalf of the Department of Energy requests proposals for the following solicitation:
BD-26-270-2701-644 Electrical Engineering Professional and Project Support Services
Bids will be received by the Department of Property and Procurement, Division of Procurement, via the GVIBUY eProcurement system, through the following link: https://gvibuy.buyspeed.com/bso/.
TIMETABLE
Request for Information: Last day for request for written clarification will be Friday, June 19, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Due Date: Bid submissions in GVIBUY are due no later than Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Prospective respondents must be registered with GVIBUY to gain access to GVI solicitations. For more information, please contact us at (340) 774-0828 or via email at gvibuy@dpp.vi.gov.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
SUSAN KEENE GARRISON a/k/a,
SUSAN K. GARRISON,
Deceased.
CASE NO. SX-2026-PB-00050
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN that a Petition for Ancillary Administration has been filed on behalf of the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, deceased. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, verified by affidavit, to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix, or to Charlotte Sheldon, Esq., Attorney for the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, McChain Hamm & Associates, LLC, with an address of 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13 Christiansted, VI 00820, within 30 days from the date hereof. All persons indebted to the Estate shall make payment to the undersigned or to the Ancillary Executor, Lionel C. Garrison, a/k/a Chris Garrison.
This 9th day of June 2026.
/s/ Charlotte S. Sheldon
Charlotte S. Sheldon, Esq.
VI Bar No. R2070
5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13
Christiansted, VI 00820-4692
Phone: 340-773-6955
Email: csheldon@usvi.law
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. reminds all registered profit and non-profit corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies of the upcoming June 30, 2026 deadline to comply with the annual report filing requirement. Franchise taxes and filing fees with the corresponding reports are due to the Division of Corporations and Trademarks as a statutory requirement for entities to remain in “Good Standing” to conduct business in the territory.Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach Esq. is also the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Insurance and the Office of the Tax Collector. (Source file photo)
The Division of Corporations and Trademarks will have extended office hours on June 30, up to 6 pm at the Nisky Center, St. Thomas, and the Old Caribe Building at Castle Coakley, St. Croix, to afford all filers the opportunity to comply with the due date.
If entities wish to be dissolved on or before June 30, 2026, they must be in good standing and submit the dissolution request no later than June 30, 2026. If entities wish to be dissolved as of July 1 and thereafter, they must be in good standing and have an approved annual filing for the due date of June 30, to submit the dissolution filing for processing.
Entities not in compliance with this requirement will be assessed penalties and interest for late filing beginning on July 1, 2026. Additionally, the entity’s status will be changed from “Good Standing” to “Registered” on July 1st, if an approved annual filing is not on file with the Division, and it will be unable to obtain a certificate of good standing to conduct business, submit amendments, and voluntary dissolutions. If the entity’s annual filings and taxes remain outstanding, the entity will be subject to the administrative dissolution process and the inability to use its name.
Payments and filings shall be made in the division’s online Catalyst system at www.corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov. The Catalyst system is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Filers shall have a user account in the system, authorization over the registered business, and complete the Update Profile Service to submit filings. Instructions are available at https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/corporations-trademarks/. Also, registered corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies shall comply with the Beneficial Ownership
Information Reporting Requirement at www.FinCEN.gov/boi.
For more information relative to the annual filing requirements and gaining access to file reports, please contact the Division of Corporations and Trademarks at (340)774-2991 on St. Thomas/St. John and (340)773-6449 on St. Croix or visit the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at: https://ltg.gov.vi.
