O’Neal Gets 7 Years in Latest Public Corruption Sentencing

A federal judge sentenced former V.I. Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal to seven years in prison Thursday, closing a chapter in the corruption and bribery scandal that first came to light two years ago and that has seen three high-ranking government officials and others convicted and incarcerated. 

Senate Committee Reviews Territory’s Mental and Behavioral Health System

The Senate Health, Hospitals and Human Services Committee on Thursday reviewed the territory’s mental and behavioral health system, hearing testimony on staffing shortages, facility delays and gaps in services. 

Government Witness Who Pleaded Guilty, Testified Against 3 Public Officials Gets 22 Months

A federal judge Wednesday sentenced convicted felon, cybersecurity contractor and star witness David Whitaker to 22 months in prison for his role in a bribery scheme that roiled the territory and led to multiple high-profile resignations and convictions.

Judge Denies Jenifer O’Neal’s Last-Minute Motion to Seal Sentencing Memo

Jenifer O’Neal’s motion to seal her sentencing request and accompanying 24 letters of support was denied by a federal judge Wednesday, the day before the former V.I. Management and Budget director is due to be sentenced for wire fraud, bribery and money laundering conspiracy. 

Livestream Presentation Heralds St. John Celebration 2026

Social media fans got a preview of the highlights to come from the 2026 St. John Celebration on Wednesday. Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull and St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve hosted a livestream presentation around noon, hoping to entice residents and visitors to join the fete. 

DPNR Seeks Public Input on Future of Fort Christian Exhibits

On Tuesday evening, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums hosted a Microsoft Teams virtual town hall to gather community input on the design for the future of exhibits and visitor experiences at Fort Christian Museum on St. Thomas, marking an early step in a larger effort to reimagine the historic site. About 15 people were present.

Colorado State University Adjusts 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

Colorado State University has lowered its forecast numbers for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, now calling for slightly fewer named storms and hurricanes, as confidence grows that a potentially strong El Niño could help suppress activity across the Atlantic basin.

King of Wing Set for 3 Days, With Free Shuttles to Main Event Saturday

The King of the Wing Festival is celebrating a major milestone as it returns for its 15th anniversary weekend, bringing together the best in food, culture, music, arts, and entertainment to Magens Bay and downtown St. Thomas Friday through Sunday.

St. John Woman Appears to Have Drowned, Police Say

The woman found in Salt Pond Bay Thursday morning likely drowned, police said Wednesday, contrary to nearly a week of widespread public speculation about the nature of her death.

Op-Ed: Finally, Proper Recognition for St. Croix’s Historic Baobab Tree

All expenses of the baobab tree project in Grove Place were paid for by the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance organization, to install the benches, signage, and painting of poles along the road near the tree. However, my heart was broken when I learned that the property owner, Ms. Magdalene Edney, passed away. She never got a chance to see the baobab tree project completed. The signage and benches under the historic baobab tree in Grove Place are a tribute to her and her family.

St. Croix Man Attempted to Import 44,000 Lethal Doses of Fentanyl

A Virgin Islands man pleaded guilty to smuggling 88.67 grams of fentanyl into St. Croix by mail, enough to potentially kill every resident of the island, officials said Wednesday.

File Franchise Taxes By June 30 

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. 

Liberty VI Introduces True Fiber 1Gig offer 

For a limited time, the company is offering a never seen rate plan of 1Gig of internet speed for $50 per month for 24 months.

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Elections Board Debates Candidate Appeals, Residency Requirements and Nomination Rules

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. 

File Franchise Taxes By June 30 

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. 

St. Croix Man Attempted to Import 44,000 Lethal Doses of Fentanyl

A Virgin Islands man pleaded guilty to smuggling 88.67 grams of fentanyl into St. Croix by mail, enough to potentially kill every resident of the island, officials said Wednesday.

Op-Ed: Finally, Proper Recognition for St. Croix’s Historic Baobab Tree

All expenses of the baobab tree project in Grove Place were paid for by the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance organization, to install the benches, signage, and painting of poles along the road near the tree. However, my heart was broken when I learned that the property owner, Ms. Magdalene Edney, passed away. She never got a chance to see the baobab tree project completed. The signage and benches under the historic baobab tree in Grove Place are a tribute to her and her family.

Katie Quinlan Named Senior Women’s National Soccer Team Head Coach

Coach Quinlan's appointment is effective immediately. She will continue to oversee the U-17 Women's National Team while leading preparations for upcoming Senior Women's National Team activities and competitions.

USVI Filmmaker Jordan K. Paul Premiered Sci-Fi Thriller “Peace By Piece” in Miami

Jordan K. Paul is an Afro-Caribbean writer, director, and actor from Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. A graduate of DeSales University’s TV/Film Production program, his filmmaking focuses on character-driven, visually innovative stories exploring moral resilience, memory, and structural identity.

AARP Virgin Islands Launches Elder Justice Summit to Protect Older Adults 

AARP Virgin Islands, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Elder Justice Summit Series, a coordinated three-part summer initiative designed to elevate elder justice as a policy, systems, and community priority across the Territory.  The series will convene community members, caregivers, professionals, and policymakers to advance conversations on systems modernization, strengthen collaboration, and improve protections for vulnerable older adults. It reflects AARP VI’s ongoing commitment to addressing elder abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation through education, awareness, and action.  Session 1: Legal Planning — Your First Line of Defense  The series begins with Part I: Legal Tools for Protection, Planning & Prevention, a community education summit focused on empowering older adults and families with the tools they need to safeguard their future.  Event Details: St. Croix: June 16, 2026  UVI Medical Simulation Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)  St. Thomas: June 18, 2026  UVI LaVerne E. Ragster Conference Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)  Register today: 踲踰踳踱 Register for St. Croix Session 踳踰踱踲 Register for St. Thomas Session This session is designed for older Virgin Islanders, caregivers, social workers,  healthcare professionals, and community advocates, and will provide practical guidance  on:   Understanding powers of attorney and advance directives   Exploring guardianship alternatives and legal safeguards   Reducing vulnerability to fraud, exploitation, and crisis situations  “This session is about giving people the confidence and knowledge to protect themselves before a crisis happens,” said Pamela Toussaint, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Virgin Islands. “When you understand the legal tools available to you, you’re better prepared to protect your assets, your wishes, and your future. That knowledge is one of the strongest forms of prevention we have.”  A Strategic, Three-Part Approach to Elder Justice  The 2026 Elder Justice Summit Series is intentionally structured as a three-part initiative, each installment engaging a different audience and addressing a key driver of elder justice:   Part I — June 16 (St. Croix) & June 18 (St. Thomas) Legal Tools for Protection, Planning & Prevention A community education summit focused on legal preparedness and prevention   Part II — July 23 (St. Croix) & July 24 (St. Thomas) Probate Reform & Housing Stability Institute A policy and professional convening examining probate systems, housing stability, heirs’ property, and generational wealth preservation   Part III — August 20 (St. Thomas) & August 21 (St. Croix) Elder Financial Exploitation & Fraud Prevention Forum A professional forum focused on strengthening enforcement coordination, reporting systems, and institutional responses to fraud and exploitation  Together, these sessions are designed to build momentum around policy solutions, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and create a long-term framework for elder justice collaboration in the Virgin Islands.  Powered by Strong Territorial Partnerships  The Elder Justice Summit Series reflects a powerful collaboration between AARP Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.  By bringing together expertise across advocacy, social services, and enforcement, this partnership aims to:   Increase awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation   Strengthen prevention and reporting systems   Enhance coordination among agencies and community partners   Protect older adults and vulnerable populations across the Territory  Join the Effort  The Elder Justice Summit Series is more than a set of events—it is a Territory-wide effort to protect older adults, strengthen communities, and ensure that every Virgin Islander can age with dignity, safety, and respect.  Community members, caregivers, and professionals are encouraged to attend and be part of this important initiative.  Register now for Session 1:  踰踱踲踳 St. Croix Legal Planning Session  踰踱踲踳 St. Thomas Legal Planning Session

Michael Kareem Petersen Dies at 50

With profound sadness and loving remembrance, we announce the passing of Michael Kareem Petersen, affectionately known as “Mad Man Mitch” of Soul Prophecy Sound, who departed this life on June 2, 2026, at the age of 50. 

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