Commentary

The death of 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. Former Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory writes that the Virgin Islands must respond with more than mourning—it must respond with action.

The story of American freedom is often told through 1776, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Juneteenth. But nearly two decades before emancipation reached the mainland, more than 9,000 enslaved laborers on St. Croix forced their own liberation at Fort Frederik.

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.

In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has fewer than 100,000 residents spread across islands with expensive logistical realities. Everything costs more. Electricity costs more. Shipping costs more. Construction costs more. Healthcare costs more. Even governance itself costs more because duplication across islands becomes unavoidable. Meanwhile, the economy remains dangerously narrow.

A chance encounter with Scott Pelley at a journalism gala last fall now feels prophetic. As respected news voices disappear from mainstream media, one journalist reflects on integrity, truth-telling and the future of a free press.

“Reliable electricity is not a luxury – it is an essential service,” Senator Gittens said. “Our residents should not have to wonder whether they will have power when they return home, whether their food will spoil, or whether critical medications will remain safe. The people of the Virgin Islands have waited long enough for answers, and I will continue to press for the transparency and accountability they deserve.”

"WAPA cannot keep the lights on," said Sen. Fonseca. "Our residents have suffered enough. This is not just an inconvenience — this is a crisis that threatens the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of every person in this territory."

"The Virgin Islands has lost one of its great pillars. Coach Arthur 'Jimo' Jamison was more than a coach, he was a builder of people."

I am telling the Virgin Islands public that Attorney David Bornn was a godsend to help protect Maroon Country by using his legal skills.

“Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a constant source of kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten."

On Memorial Day, we pause not to celebrate war, but to remember those who never came home. We honor the brave men and women who answered the call to serve and gave their lives in defense of our nation and the ideals we hold dear.

In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.

Election season is here but how effective are political parties in the USVI? Are they vetting candidates, building coherent policy platforms, and helping produce good governance — or do they need major reform?

For many of us, hurricane preparation is not just a checklist, but an emotional process. It brings back memories of long lines, hot nights without power, cold showers, damaged roofs, blocked roads, lost workdays, and the deep uncertainty that comes after a major storm. So yes, preparedness begins at home; but, in the Virgin Islands, it cannot and should not end there.

At a time when so many people feel exhausted by increasingly fractured public life, I sometimes wonder whether broader society might benefit from reflecting more deeply on the role that consultation, humility, and nonpartisanship could play in strengthening civic culture.

April is the month where the monstrous leatherback sea turtles come onto our shores to lay their eggs, particularly on the island of St. Croix. Like the leatherback sea turtles, one of our rarest, beautiful wildflowers in the Virgin Islands, known as Watapama or Wattapania, which loves our dry weather, comes into bloom.

"Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service."

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands' Calendar

In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.