Local news

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As island communities continue grappling with rising food costs, climate change, and an overwhelming dependence on imported food, regional leaders will gather in St. Thomas in September to explore what a stronger Caribbean food system could look like.

The United States Virgin Islands University Sports Federation Men’s Basketball Team slayed a giant as they defeated Argentina in the semi-finals of the International University Sports Federation (FISU) America Games in Lima, Peru, July 25. 

Community members looking to give back this fall are invited to volunteer at the Virgin Islands Justice Initiative’s fifth annual Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5 p.m. at Magens Bay on St. Thomas. 

Families who find themselves living in homes and on land passed down from elder relatives sometimes find themselves facing financial and legal obligations they did not expect. Representatives from the American Association of Retired Persons recently held workshops on St. Croix and St. Thomas to discuss ways to make the probate process manageable for the average Virgin Islander.

Canada's top diplomat for Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands says the territory has an opportunity to strengthen economic ties with Canadian businesses. During her first official visit, Consul General Sylvia Cesaratto met with government officials and business leaders to discuss investment, infrastructure and the importance of promoting Virgin Islands opportunities to an international audience.

More than 4,000 Virgin Islanders have already cast ballots in the 2026 Democratic primary election, putting early voting on pace to challenge the record participation set during the last gubernatorial primary.

Legal Services of the Virgin Islands told senators that more than a year of delayed funding and a proposed $1 million budget jeopardize its ability to maintain civil legal services.

The Office of the Territorial Public Defender is seeking nearly $6 million for fiscal year 2027, citing heavy caseloads, staffing shortages, retention challenges and facilities upgrades at a Friday budget hearing.

Speaking from the podium at Government House on St. Thomas, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said he and his team have spent the week meeting with federal officials to gain clarity regarding the extent of the funding freeze’s impact and that “this morning, our friends in the White House are working to coordinate a meeting with our team… the Housing Finance Authority, and HUD.” VIHFA has already appealed the suspension, he added before asking that Virgin Islanders and candidates in particular stop talking about the issue and the deficiencies which led to it.

Former Office of Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal has filed a motion for release pending appeal of her conviction on public corruption charges, noting that she is not a flight risk or a danger to the community, and that the court recently granted release pending appeal to another former Virgin Islands official.

Angela Javier Carmona, who was 15 at the time of the crime, will plead guilty to second-degree murder and serve up to 15 years behind bars, according to the agreement filed in V.I. Superior Court.

The United States Virgin Islands junior program concluded the U19 Girls NORCECA Continental Championships in eighth place after an impressive showing in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Federal Agents raided the property of a St. Thomas man Thursday and seized more than 100 cannabis plants, including 40 recently harvested plants.

Watch Now: 20V1 concludes with Independent gubernatorial candidate Gustav James, who sits down for an unscripted conversation with 20 Virgin Islanders from different backgrounds, professions and generations. From government accountability and the economy to public safety and the territory's future, community members ask the questions that matter most — without moderators, prepared speeches or pre-screened answers.

Senators questioned the Office of the Governor’s proposed fiscal year 2027 spending plan Thursday, which totals about $14.4 million, focusing on vacant positions, healthcare technology, violence prevention and the transition to a new administration.

On Thursday, senators questioned the Office of the Lieutenant Governor about staffing shortages, low salaries, and delays in opening a government-owned building in Christiansted, St. Croix, during a budget hearing.

V.I. Water and Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight told the utility’s governing board Thursday that WAPA “has not yet been made privy” to any impacts related to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s recently announced suspension of disaster recovery funds to the territory. 

The Virgin Islands Education Department is seeking to rezone two Castle Burke parcels to bring the St. Croix Educational Complex High School and Career and Technical Education Center into compliance with the property's long-standing educational use.

Drought conditions persist across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where prolonged dry weather has stressed vegetation and placed increasing strain on farms and household water supplies. Although rain chances may increase in the coming days, longer-range forecasts suggest below-normal rainfall could continue into the fall.