Liberty VI announced today an unprecedented rate plan offer for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) market, with 1Gig of internet speed for $50 per month for 24 months. This limited-time promotion includes free installation and is backed by Liberty’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
The offer is the direct result of Liberty’s fiber construction project which is already bringing True Fiber internet connectivity to consumers throughout the USVI. With over 21,000 serviceable locations, many communities in St. Thomas and St. Croix are ready to enjoy the service.
“With hurricane season already upon us and the power outages we are experiencing, it is important for consumers to have a reliable and affordable internet connection,” said Catherine Kling, general manager of Liberty VI. “We want all Virgin Islanders to have a reliable connection with real fiber, which does not go down when power goes out. A true optical fiber network does not rely on electricity. We are beyond excited to be able to offer this world-class service at such an amazing price.”
Kling highlighted that Liberty’s True Fiber offers symmetrical speeds for upload and download and can provide up to 50 times more upload speed than its nearest competitor.
“This is a limited-time offer — available only through June 30— and it’s built around three things no other provider in the USVI is putting on the table together: a symmetrical 1Gig connection with upload speeds up to 50 times faster than the nearest competitor at $50 per month, locked for 24 months. That is less nearly a third of the cost of comparable plans in the territory,” Kling commented. “That means uploading a 4K video in seconds, running a home business without bottlenecks, supporting multiple simultaneous video calls without lag, and obtaining significant savings of the price over the competition. Once the promotional window closes, this rate is gone.”
Covering more of the VI with True Fiber
Providing an update on Liberty’s Connect USVI project, Kling stated that the initiative is well on its way with 30 community and business areas in St. Thomas already connected with True Fiber and 22 in St, Croix, with four about to be added to the list soon. Upcoming new builds include Bakkero in St. Thomas, plus Mon Bijou North & South, Anna’s Hope, Sion Hill (Cane Bay) and Peter’s Rest in St. Croix.
As it acquires the necessary permits, Liberty will continue moving forward with the construction work, which will provide access to high-speed, True Fiber internet connectivity to 100% of homes and businesses in the territory within the next couple of years.
Liberty’s True Fiber connection will enable USVI citizens to work, study and complete daily tasks much more efficiently. The build-out of this ultra-fast fiber network throughout the entire territory will ensure that communities that are underserved or unserved will have the opportunity to have access to a reliable internet connection. From a business perspective, it can transform the territory into a Caribbean technology hub, which could in turn create jobs, improve education, expand tourism opportunities, and connect USVI with other markets around the world.
Liberty VI will be providing updates on its website https://www.libertyvi.com/news on when and where the company will be working on the build-out across the territory.
Class Action Settlement – Joseph Williams ET. AL. vs. The University of the Virgin Islands Case No. ST-2000-CV-00148
To former full-time employees of the University of the Virgin Islands who were employed at the University in a full-time capacity for at least One (1) Year between October 1, 1992 to September 30, 1998 and did not receive the promised merit increases for the period that you worked you may be entitled to share in a settlement. The settlement agreement is on file at the offices of the clerk of the Superior Court on St. Thomas and St. Croix to be examined by members of the class during business hours. You may also obtain a copy of the settlement agreement from the Class attorney, Clive Rivers, who is reachable at (340)776-4666 during business hours or the University Human Resources at (340)693-1421.
The agreement provides that: Each member of the Class shall be paid three percent (3%) of his or her annual salary for each of the years that he or she was employed during the covered period You may have been identified as a claimant in a judgment to pay merit increase wages based on your full-time employment with UVI between January 1992 through December 1998.
Members of the Class may verify their eligibility by visiting the following link: https://classettlement.uvi.edu and follow the instructions therein for purposes of processing their payments. Surviving family (survivors) or heirs of deceased former employees/claimants may likewise be eligible to receive payment in accordance with Virgin Islands Code Title 15 section 89 (c) or if an executor or administrator has been qualified and appointed with respect to the Deceased Estate, a certified copy of the Court Order is required.
Please feel free to email questions regarding the content of this notice to University Human Resources at hrdocs@uvi.edu with the Subject as Claimant Payment or call the UVI Human Resource office at 340-693-1421. You may also contact Attorney for the Claimants, Clive Rivers at 340-776-4666 with any questions or concerns.
Family, friends, shipmates, and dignitaries gathered June 5 to honor Commander Karima A. Hantal, United States Coast Guard, at a formal retirement ceremony recognizing more than 21 years of exemplary service to the Nation. The ceremony celebrated Commander Hantal’s groundbreaking career as a Coast Guard officer and proud native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commander Karima A. Hantal, U.S. Coast Guard (Photo courtesy of Hantal Family)
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Araceli “Chelly” Bachner, followed by the arrival of the official party, the National Anthem, and a blessing delivered by Deacon Orien Donovan. Captain Carrie A. Wolfe, United States Coast Guard, offered presiding official remarks and led the presentation of awards and certificates, highlighting Commander Hantal’s leadership and impact across the Service.
A central moment of the ceremony was the reading of “The Watch,” the traditional poem marking the end of a service member’s watch and the passing of duties to the next generation of Coast Guard men and women. Commander Stephanie Washington delivered the reading, honoring Commander Hantal’s more than two decades of standing the watch so that others could “sleep soundly in safety.” Commander Hantal then provided her own remarks, reflecting on her career, her family, and the shipmates and mentors who shaped her journey. The program also featured an interpretive dance by Ms. Desiya Samuel and Ms. Demiya Henley, followed by the Coast Guard’s service song, “Semper Paratus,” the departure of the official party, and a reception in honor of Commander Hantal and her family.
Commander Hantal currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she advises on national policy and work-life programs that support more than 80,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel and their families. Over her career, she has specialized in prevention operations ashore, serving as a Marine Inspector at Sector New Orleans, Inspections Division Chief at Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, and Prevention Department Head and later Executive Officer at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas.
Her staff assignments have included Program Manager in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Flag State Control Administrator in the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, and Ethnic Policy Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture at Coast Guard Headquarters. She previously served in Naval Engineering roles as a Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC DAUNTLESS (WMEC‑624) and as a Type Desk Manager and Program Depot Manager at Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic and the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia.
Commander Hantal holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and multiple unit and team awards. In a citation accompanying the award of a Gold Star in lieu of a second Meritorious Service Medal, Commander Hantal was recognized for her leadership as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services and as Policy Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture from June 2024 to September 2026. She was commended for single‑handedly executing a multi‑year, Congressionally mandated, holistic study on sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Service, coordinating over 120 expert interviews, compiling extensive policy documentation, and gathering a decade of accountability data to support an independent evaluation of Coast Guard climate and prevention programs. She also initiated a policy change that added more than 85 grooming products across Coast Guard Exchanges to better serve a diverse workforce, particularly at high‑density training and accession centers.
In a message from Government House, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. congratulated Commander Hantal on behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, recognizing her as the first female Virgin Islander to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the first Virgin Islands woman to attain the rank of Commander. He noted that a Virgin Islands flag was flown at Government House in her honor, citing her as a source of pride and inspiration who has “broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of Virgin Islanders.”
A native of St. Thomas and a graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Commander Hantal is married to tech entrepreneur Ali C. Hantal of Istanbul, Türkiye; together, they enjoy traveling, skiing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. As she transitions from active duty service, Commander Hantal and Ali will relocate to the Virgin Islands in a few weeks and leave a legacy of operational excellence, policy leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
As Wartsila #3 continues to undergo unscheduled repairs, please see the current rotational outage schedule in effect. Customers on the schedule below will only be affected as load demands. Plant personnel will do their best to maintain as many customers as possible:
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feeder 7B
Feeder 7E
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Feeder 10B
Feeder 8A
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Feeder 7C
Feeder 8B
12:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Feeder 9C
Feeder 6A
Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., chair of the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, presides over a hearing as lawmakers receive testimony from the government’s financial team on the fiscal year 2027 executive budget. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
Financial officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands are proposing a $958.2 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027 while reporting tight short‑term liquidity, tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills and continued reliance on federal disaster recovery funding.
Appearing Monday before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, administration officials said the proposed General Fund plan for FY 2027 is up from about $848.8 million projected for FY 2026.
Office of Management and Budget Director Julio A. Rhymer Sr. said the proposal prioritizes investments in infrastructure, recreation and housing and is focused on “building stronger, more resilient communities.” Asked by Chairman Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. to sum up the budget in one word, Rhymer replied: “Sustainable.”
Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy told senators the government faces significant liquidity pressure, with $40 million to $45 million in accounts payable. Asked how much cash the government currently holds, he replied, “Thirteen days, $53 million”
The administration also acknowledged it has been paying down large volumes of past‑due obligations. Rhymer said more than $100 million has already been spent this fiscal year covering prior‑year bills that had not been properly recorded or submitted.
To manage the cash strain, Rhymer said the administration has reduced current‑year allotments, cutting larger agencies by roughly 12% to 15% and smaller departments by about 6% to 7%.
“The central government as a whole … will be perfectly fine, but because we have instrumentalities that cannot support themselves, it’s creating a little bit of havoc on the central government’s front, because we can’t pay our bills,” he said.
On overall revenue performance, Bureau of Internal Revenue Director Joel Lee said collections through May totaled about $610 million, roughly $14 million higher than the same period last year.
Lee also warned of pressure on the tax base from the departure of two high-income residents. “Two major taxpayers have left the territory to move to the states,” he said. “Both of them combined, probably about 30 to 35 to 40 million” in individual income tax.
Property tax collections raised concern among senators. Rhymer said the government budgeted about $62 million in property tax revenue for FY 2026 but expects a shortfall of roughly $5 million, calling for reassessments and more aggressive collection efforts.
Tax Assessor Ludence Romney said the total assessed value of real property in the territory rose from about $15.3 billion to $16.3 billion in the past year after staff discovered homes built on parcels previously listed as vacant land. He also said delinquent property taxes total about $110 million and are expected to increase as additional bills become overdue.
Tax amnesty programs also drew criticism. Rhymer said they reduce long-term revenue by eliminating penalties and interest, while Lee said a recent amnesty generated about $6 million in payments but required the government to waive roughly $11 million in penalties and interest.
Despite those pressures, officials said the territory’s economy is being buoyed by large-scale federal disaster recovery spending. Rhymer testified that total federal grants projected to be available to the territory amount to about $20.65 billion in fiscal 2026 and $20.59 billion in FY 2027. He told senators those levels are expected to decline over time, saying that by around 2033 to 2035, federal grants should return to a “normalized” range of $600 million to $700 million a year.
For FY 2027 alone, the Office of Disaster Recovery anticipates about $733.9 million in disaster recovery spending, which Rhymer said is expected to generate roughly $36.7 million in local revenue tied to gross receipts and related taxes. ODR Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien reported that more than $302 million had already been spent through May on recovery projects in the current year.
Chief Negotiator Joss Springette said about 21 union contracts have expired. He testified that talks were “temporarily paused” during implementation of a new $35,000 minimum salary but have since resumed. Officials from the Division of Personnel said those salary adjustments are nearly complete, with only 10 employees still being processed.
Lawmakers plan to continue budget hearings with individual departments and agencies in the coming weeks before drafting final appropriations legislation for consideration by the full Legislature later this year.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen delivers a hurricane preparedness briefing Monday at Government House on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy Government House)
The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season began last week, and officials Monday urged Virgin Islanders to make preparations ahead of what is forecast to be a summer with less-than-average storm activity.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen said during a Government House briefing that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 8-14 named storms in the 2026 season. Between three and six of those could develop into hurricanes, and there could be up to three major hurricanes. Most of that activity is likely to occur in August, September and October, Jaschen said.
“First of all — and no surprise — we want you to reinforce and protect your home,” Jaschen said. “We want you to start now. Inspect your roof, your shutters and your windows. Make repairs before the storm develops, not after a storm is assigned. So please, take the initiative now.”
Jaschen also told residents to secure loose items around their property and make a plan if they intend to stay in a public shelter. Preparedness kits should include, at minimum, three to five days of water, nonperishable food, medications, cash, important documents, flashlights and batteries. For category three storms and above, Jaschen said Virgin Islanders should prepare to be self-sufficient for seven days and St. Johnians should have enough supplies for 10 days.
Shelters will open during major hurricanes at the Lockhart K-8 School on St. Thomas, at the Adrian Senior Center and V.I. Human Services Department Community Hub on St. John and at the D.C. Canegata Recreational Center and St. Croix Educational Complex on St. Croix.
This year’s hurricane season comes amid concerns about the federal government’s willingness to respond to natural disasters. Prior to resuming office, President Donald Trump expressed an interest in dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency in favor of state-level responders.
“I say you don’t need FEMA,” he said during a January 2025 press conference. “You need a good state government, and when you have a problem in Los Angeles or when you have a problem even in the state of California, you have your own — essentially — FEMA. You fix it yourself.”
Asked about the federal government’s posture Monday, Jaschen said the territory always takes the lead during emergencies and that its federal partners are “always here to support us … based upon our exhausting of our local resources.”
“The change has not happened at all,” he said. “The Stafford Act’s always been in place for that. As far as a local cost-share — that may change down the road, but that’s not my concern so much. My concern is making sure that the resources in front of us support the territory when emergencies do come.”
Monday’s briefing also fell on the same day the V.I. Port Authority responded to a recent letter signed by multiple major airlines that called the territory’s billion-dollar plan to overhaul its airports expensive and unsustainable. Interim VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn said in a statement that the Port Authority is “still in the active procurement process to finalize related agreements” with developer SkyCity and that “coordination and consultation with the airlines serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, who are key stakeholders in this process, are ongoing.”
“VIPA has long been in communication with the airlines regarding terminal modernization in the Territory, dating back to the 2018 planning and design charrettes for the Cyril E. King Airport and the Phase 1 Expansion of the hold room at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, completed in December 2021,” according to the Port Authority’s statement. “Since December 2022, VIPA has engaged in numerous ongoing discussions with the airlines regarding the Authority’s P3 initiative, and we highly value their participation and input. We encourage all parties involved in the process to take part in the final stages of planning and the delivery of this transformative project.”
Asked about the dispute, Government House spokesperson Richard Motta Jr. said that “there are conversations being had” and “some alternative plans that are being floated” but that he was not able to discuss details.
Motta also had little to say about a separate letter from the St. Thomas Humane Society in which its president, Randolph Knight, excoriated the Virgin Islands government and Agriculture Department for failing to disburse more than $156,000 to cover animal services. Knight wrote that while the government allocation accounts for less than nine percent of the Humane Society’s budget, “this pittance still provides some needed relief.”
Animal shelters, according to the letter, “have been maligned, mistreated and taken advantage of for far too long. Most regrettably, all of the territory’s nonprofits are inadequately and inconsistently funded and disrespected while they still somehow find a way to provide the services abysmally neglected by the VI Government.”
Asked about funding bottlenecks Monday, Motta said nonprofits that provide services have to meet a number of requirements in order to receive their allotments.
“And so I don’t know if there’s a discrepancy on either side that’s preventing that or creating that bottleneck, but I know that the government is well-intentioned in providing that support — and hopefully can work out whatever discrepancies that there are to make sure that those necessary functions are funded appropriately,” he said.
The Virgin Islands Board of Elections spent hours debating candidate eligibility, filing requirements and election procedures during an emergency meeting Monday as officials worked through a series of appeals and disputes ahead of the 2026 election cycle. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
The Virgin Islands Board of Elections debated candidate qualifications, residency requirements, and nomination petition procedures during a Monday emergency meeting that highlighted ongoing disputes surrounding the 2026 election cycle. The meeting was a continuation of Friday’s board meeting, which was recessed for lack of a quorum.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on congressional candidate Jimmy Weber and whether election law allows candidates to correct filing deficiencies after submission. Virgin Islands Code, Title 18, Section 401(a)(1) was referenced.
Weber, who is seeking to run for delegate to Congress as an independent candidate, was disqualified by Elections Supervisor Caroline Fawkes after filing nomination papers in the St. Thomas-St. John district instead of the St. Croix district, where he resides.
Board Chair Raymond Williams argued that the law was clear regarding filing requirements.
“I believe that the law was very clear when it states that you must file in a district where you reside. Simple,” Williams said.
Other members disagreed, arguing that candidates should be given an opportunity to remedy filing defects.
“I think this situation could be solved very, very simple,” Cleopatra Peter said. “If there is a defect, remedy it in three days. If he doesn’t bring it to us, then cancel him out.”
Following discussion, the board voted 4-3, with one abstention, to give Weber three days to cure the issue. Fawkes said Weber would be required to retrieve the nomination packet filed on St. Thomas and submit it on St. Croix within the allotted time period. Peter, Barbara LaRonde, Harriet Mercer, and Atanya Springette voted in favor. Kareem Francis, Williams, and Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal voted against. Cornelius JnBaptiste abstained. Chaneel Callwood, Franz Christian Jr., Nathan Fletcher, Shikima Jones, and Michael Joseph were absent.
The board also considered the candidacy of gubernatorial hopeful Stephen “Smokey” Frett and his proposed running mate, Derek Bermudez. Fawkes informed members that Bermudez was not a registered voter in the Virgin Islands and therefore did not meet the constitutional qualifications to run for lieutenant governor. After discussion, the board upheld the disqualification and agreed to formally notify Frett that the decision would stand.
The board also discussed residency-related questions involving candidate Ida Smith. While members debated the need for additional documentation, Fawkes said she had not received the information some members referenced.
“I have no letter from Ms. Ida Smith,” Fawkes told the board. “She got a letter requesting information. Again, that’s what she sent to the board members, so I have nothing on that.”
The meeting also included debate over the role of political parties in the election process, particularly the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands.
Peter criticized what she viewed as excessive influence by party leadership, arguing, “It’s a private club. And now we, the Election System and the Board of Elections, are allowing a private club to determine how we run our election.”
Board member Francis pushed back, noting that previous court rulings have upheld the authority of political parties to establish their own candidate-selection rules.
“The courts already ruled that the parties have the right to dictate their process and who is going to represent them,” Francis said. “If you intend to run as a Democrat or as a Republican, then the court ruled that you have to adhere to whatever those parties’ rules and processes are.”
Another appeal involved aspiring Delegate to Congress candidate Jed JohnHope, whose nomination papers contained only 28 signatures from the St. Thomas-St. John district and three signatures from St. Croix, far short of the 100 signatures required from each district under Virgin Islands law.
Fawkes defended the disqualification, citing the requirements of Virgin Islands election law.
“When you have an issue such as that, there’s no cure mechanism,” Fawkes said. “You have to have signatures.”
Fawkes later informed the board that the Office of the Attorney General had issued an opinion supporting the disqualification decision, and members ultimately upheld the Elections System’s determination.
The board also discussed aspiring senatorial candidate Jaylen Gabriel. Fawkes told members Gabriel had failed to return his nomination petition after receiving a notice of defect and later indicated he no longer wished to seek office. The board took no action on the matter.
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly questioned how election laws should be interpreted and applied, particularly when candidate filing errors occur.
In addition to candidate appeals, the board reviewed meeting minutes, discussed budget matters, considered correspondence from candidates, and addressed procedural issues related to board operations. Members also attempted to fill the vacant vice chair position created by the resignation of former Vice Chair Lawrence Boschulte, who stepped down to pursue a Senate seat. However, a motion to appoint a successor failed on a tie vote.
Before adjournment, LaRonde revisited the issue of Ida Smith’s residency and a prior Attorney General opinion regarding her eligibility to run for delegate to Congress. A motion was introduced that would have directed Fawkes to withdraw a request for residency documentation from Smith. However, the matter remained unresolved after the board lost its quorum when Belardo de O’Neal left before a vote could be taken.
Several matters remain unresolved and are expected to return before the board as election officials continue preparations for the 2026 primary and general elections.
A sixth-grade teacher from St. Croix was named the Virgin Islands’ 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year during a recognition ceremony Saturday at Government House on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Education Department announced.
Joanie Phillip holds the State Teacher of the Year trophy after being selected as the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year. (Photo courtesy VIDE)
Joanie Phillip of Ricardo Richards Elementary School received the honor after being selected from among the territory’s district teachers of the year, according to the press release. She was recognized alongside Jessica Sibilly, the St. Thomas-St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the territory’s two finalists.
Commissioner of Education Dionne Wells-Hedrington praised both educators during the ceremony.
“This evening, we honored two educators who embody both leadership and heart. They lead with light by setting an example of excellence, innovation, and professionalism. They teach with heart by nurturing not only academic growth, but also character, confidence, and hope,” Wells-Hedrington said. “The State Teacher of the Year represents the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize Ms. Phillip as the 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year and are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make each and every day.”
Joanie Phillip, center right, with supporters and officials after being named the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year during a ceremony Saturday at Government House on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy VIDE)
The event was attended by Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, Sens. Carla Joseph and Novelle Francis, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Virgin Islands Board of Education and Education Department officials. Throughout the evening, the finalists received awards, gifts and other recognition for their work in public education, the press release stated.
As State Teacher of the Year, Phillip will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession and promote her educational platform, “Show Up and Read,” which focuses on the relationship between school attendance and literacy, the release stated.
“Students show greater engagement when they can connect attendance to their reading goals, track their progress, and take pride in their growth,” Phillip said. “I hope we continue to see attendance, not just as compliance, but as an issue of equity.”
Phillip also received a sponsored cruise vacation and was crowned and presented with a sash during the ceremony, symbolizing her selection as the territory’s highest teaching honor, the release stated.
Young adults interested in conservation, agriculture and workforce development have until June 11 to apply for a paid training program on St. Thomas and St. John, according to a press release from CHANT.
The St. Thomas–St. John USVI Conservation Corps Program will select up to 10 participants ages 18 to 30 for hands-on training and work experience in conservation, environmental stewardship, agriculture, climate resilience, community service, leadership development and workforce readiness, CHANT said in the press release.
Participants will receive training in environmental restoration, native planting, trail maintenance, land stewardship, agriculture, documentation and outreach, tool safety, teamwork and community engagement, the press release stated.
According to the release, trainees may also participate in certification and training opportunities, including CPR and First Aid, OSHA training, financial literacy, professional development, swimming and scuba activities, GED assistance and career exploration programs.
The program is being offered through partnerships with organizations including The Art Exchange, Ascension Livity Inc., CWORI, GRROE, Environmental Rangers, Nia Farms, We Grow Food Inc., Taitu Farm and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. The organizations will help provide training, mentorship, project sites and career exposure opportunities, the release stated.
Participants will work on projects supporting the environmental, cultural and community well-being of St. Thomas and St. John while exploring careers in conservation, agriculture, environmental management and community development, according to the release.
Space is limited. Additional information and applications are available at chantvi.org/conservation-corps. Interested applicants can also email dcooper@chantvi.org or call or text 340-643-6863.
Funding for the program is provided through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, according to the release.
A St. Thomas man allegedly tried to smuggle 500 rounds of ammunition into the territory for resale, according to court records. (Shutterstock image)
Officers from the Department of Homeland Security detained a St. Thomas man last week who had allegedly packed 500 rounds of live ammunition in his and a travel companion’s suitcases.
Kareem Eric Casimir, 32, allegedly acknowledged he had not declared the bullets to airline or federal security personnel on St. Thomas or in Miami, where the flight departed. He allegedly told investigators he had bought the ammunition — 150 rounds of 9mm bullets, 50 rounds of 380 automatic ammunition, 100 rounds of .40 ammunition, and 200 rounds for a .223 weapon — in Florida and planned to sell them in the territory, according to court records.
The bullets were split between Casimir’s bag and one belonging to Tonia Mella, according to court records. It was unclear how Casimir was able to board the plane in Florida with the stockpile. It was also unclear why Mella, who allegedly told federal agents she knew of the bullets, was not charged.
Casimir was charged with failure to provide written notice of a firearm to a common carrier — a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. He was released on $10,000 bond after surrendering his passport.
The arrest comes two years after Casimir was arrested for allegedly stealing and attempting to dismantle a Jet Ski. Police found Casimir on June 10, 2024, after a wanted poster had been printed. He faced charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, damaging and tampering with a vehicle and possession of stolen property.
In January 2019, Casimir was charged with assault and disturbance of the peace but charges were dropped a month later.
