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Senate Approves Three-Step Financial Fix for WAPA

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Senate Approves Three-Step Financial Fix for WAPA
Lawmakers decided to trim the emergency allotment to WAPA by approving credits to utility bills owed by Waste Management and the territory’s two hospitals. (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the V.I. Legislature)

Lawmakers of the 35th Legislature approved a three-step solution to ease financial pressures on the V.I. Water and Power Authority. Votes taken on three bills — which also include a measure to define when a state of emergency can be declared — came in rapid succession on Thursday afternoon at the end of a six-hour session.

It was the second special session called by Senate President Novelle Francis — the first was Wednesday — in the wake of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. declaring a state of emergency on Monday following more than a week of rotating power outages. Bryan said he would tap into funding to help cover the outstanding WAPA bills of the Waste Management Authority and the territory’s two hospitals, along with a $2.3 million payment to Aggreko, which leases WAPA a set of generators on St. Croix.

The public portion of Thursday’s Senate session, carried over live stream video, lasted about an hour. Francis convened the session shortly after 1 p.m., called for a two-minute recess and returned three hours later.

Before opening a round of debates among colleagues in attendance, the Senate president said they were still working on details of the measures sought as a solution. “ … I want to apologize for the delayed start. We continue to work through the legislation,” Francis said.

When the mostly closed-door session was over the body approved a bill reappropriating funds to meet WAPA’s current financial obligations; the measure also authorizes credits to be applied to outstanding water and power bills held by the territory’s two hospitals. Lawmakers also authorized a credit for Waste Management for its WAPA bill.

Senator Ray Fonseca, chair of the Health, Hospitals and Human Services Committee said the measure would result in trimming the bill for St. Croix’s Juan Luis Hospital and Medical Center by $2,026,000.

The credit for the Roy Schneider Hospital and Medical Center would amount to $3.6 million, Fonseca said.

A second bill approved Thursday authorizes the use of money from the Budget Stabilization Fund, also known as the Rainy Day Fund, to cover obligations incurred by WAPA through the end of Fiscal Year 2024.

Sen. Alma Francis-Heyliger signaled her aversion to tapping the fund. “Unfortunately, we have to do these things at times to fend off these high rates,” Francis-Heyliger said.

Sen. Diane Capehart cautioned her colleagues to consider the funding option as a new hurricane season approaches. “Using the Rainy Day Fund is not an option without a plan to replenish it,” she said.

Francis vowed that appropriate measures would be taken. “The Rainy Day Fund has reached $21 million, and some of this will go to WAPA. But there will be some accountability,” he said.

With exasperation, the Senate president noted that Thursday’s actions were just the latest event where the Senate was called on to approve a WAPA bailout. Francis added that it would most likely not be the last.

The final element in the three-step process came with Bill No. 35-0268, a measure amending part of the Virgin Islands Code stating when and how a state of emergency can be declared. The measure inserted a new section, designating “manmade catastrophe” as a disaster created or caused by deliberate or negligent human actions. Additionally, it states that the governor “shall submit written notification to the Legislature of any actions taken under the new subsection not later than 10 days after the action is taken.”

Some senators approved the bills acknowledging that there is more work ahead to do. “Do the bills we have before us resolve the issue of timely payments to the Water and Power Authority? The answer is ‘no’,” said Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, who sponsored two out of the three measures.

The measure will now be forwarded to the governor for signing.

Governor Announces Administrative Leave for Virgin Islands Carnival

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Governor Announces Administrative Leave for Virgin Islands Carnival
Government House, U.S. Virgin Islands
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. informs government employees of the Virgin Islands Carnival 2024 schedule. On the following dates during the Carnival season, employees will be granted administrative leave, and Virgin Islands Government offices will be closed: Wednesday, May 1: Virgin Islands Carnival 2024 – Food Fair – All non-essential executive branch employees on St. Thomas/St. John will be granted administrative leave from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2: Virgin Islands Carnival 2024 – J’Ouvert – All non-essential executive branch employees on St. Thomas/St. John will be granted administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 3: Children’s Parade – Virgin Islands Carnival 2024 – Children’s Parade – All non-essential executive branch employees territory-wide will be granted administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit https://transparency.vi.gov

Genealogy Library Offers Class on Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing a Family History

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Genealogy Library Offers Class on Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing a Family History
Inside the Caribbean Genealogy Library on St. Thomas. (Photo from the Caribbean Genealogy Library)
The Caribbean Genealogy Library is offering a genealogy class entitled “Ten Steps to Writing and Publishing Your Family History at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27. It has virtual and in-person components. At the library, we frequently hear family stories, see well-documented genealogy research, and view photos and mementos shared by researchers. When we ask the researchers whether they are documenting their family history to share with relatives, we hear about challenges and doubts regarding writing. However, writing is a necessary step. It helps to ensure that other people know what all the treasures you have saved are and that they can understand the research you have compiled. Writing helps others see how all the results of your research and collectibles tie into your family’s history and helps to preserve it for future generations. This upcoming class hopes to jumpstart all family historians into writing and publishing research. We look forward to seeing you at the library or virtually for this genealogy class, and hearing about your ideas for documenting your family. Methods of Attending: In-person at the Caribbean Genealogy Library or Virtual via Zoom. Cost: $5 for non-members. Pay at the door if attending in person, or register online for Zoom attendance at CGL Events. About the Presentation: This event includes two parts: a one-hour class and a 30-minute post-class discussion. Whether you are just starting your research or wrapping up years of genealogical investigation, you are probably thinking about how to share your findings with family, the greater genealogical community and generations to come. Consider writing a book! This class will give an overview of the key steps to writing and publishing your family history. A 16-page handout is included with the class. The presenter is Rhonda R. McClure. Attendees will also have the opportunity for a round table discussion about writing family history. Attendees will brainstorm with each other about what they learned about their research and opportunities for writing and sharing their family history. The discussion segment of the event will be facilitated by writer and poet Raven Phillips. Save the dates for the great series of genealogy classes scheduled in May. See the line up at CGL Events. About the Lecturer: Rhonda R. McClure is a nationally recognized professional genealogist and lecturer. Before joining American Ancestors/NEHGS in 2006, she ran her own genealogical business for 18 years. She was a contributing editor for Heritage Quest Magazine and Biography Magazine and a contributor to The History Channel Magazine and American History Magazine. In addition to numerous articles, she is the author of twelve books including the award-winning “The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Online Genealogy,” “Finding Your Famous and Infamous Ancestors” and “Digitizing Your Family History.” She is also the editor of the recently released 6th edition of the “Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research.” About the Discussion Facilitator: Raven Phillips has been a member of the Virgin Islands community since 2010 when her family moved to St. John. By spending her formative years commuting between St. Thomas and St. John, she has gained a deep appreciation for community bonds and advocating for structural change in the Virgin Islands. In 2022 she received a BA in social sciences with a major in psychology and a minor in political science from the University of the Virgin Islands Orville E. Kean Campus. Raven is also a writer and poet. Her works have appeared in the St. John Tradewinds, the V.I. Source, Destination Magazine, The Caribbean Writer, and the Virgin Islands Daily News. She has hosted Rhyme and Lime, a local spoken word and poetry jam at Bajo el Sol Gallery for nearly three years.

DPNR to Provide Free Ice for Commercial Port Sampling Program

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DPNR to Provide Free Ice for Commercial Port Sampling Program
The Division of Fish and Wildlife provides free ice for the commercial port sampling program. (Submitted photo)
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife is now able to provide ice to commercial fishers in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts when conducting port samples. DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol thanks the commercial fishing community for their patience in awaiting this much anticipated need that is essential for a productive port sampling program. The Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Fish and Wildlife is now able to provide ice to commercial fishers in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts when conducting port samples. DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol thanks the commercial fishing community for their patience in awaiting this much anticipated need that is essential for a productive port sampling program. The division reminds all commercial fishers, as a stipulation of their commercial fishing license, that they must complete one port sample per quarter, for a total of four port samples for the fishing year. If someone has not completed any port samples, please contact the division or the port sampler in the district to do so. A 24-hour notice is required when making an appointment for a port sample. For more information or questions, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at DFWelectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.com or 773-1082 (STX Office) or 775-6762 (STT Office). If someone has not completed any port samples, please contact the division or the port sampler in the district to do so. A 24-hour notice is required when making an appointment for a port sample. For more information or with questions, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at DFWelectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.com or 773-1082 (STX Office) or 775-6762 (STT Office).

VIDE Launches Student Initiative to Compile Biographies on Virgin Islanders of Distinction

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VIDE Launches Student Initiative to Compile Biographies on Virgin Islanders of Distinction
Virgin Islands girls take part on STEAM Day in 2023. (file photo)
The Virgin Islands Department of Education, in partnership with Viya, has launched the ‘Girls in STEAM’ initiative, “Using Technology to Lead and Connect Vlogging Competition,” in celebration and awareness of International Girls in ICT Day (information and communication technology). This exciting opportunity aims to empower and celebrate female students in grades 4-12 from public, private and parochial schools, inviting them to showcase their creativity and passion for STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art–Mathematics) and culture through the lens of technology. This competition builds on the momentum of a recent vlogging workshop held on April 2, with Cira Burke, Ph.D., vlogger and Viya ambassador. Burke shared invaluable vlogging experiences, tips and essentials, igniting enthusiasm for vlogging as a career in technology among participants. To view the vlogging workshop, click on the link: https://youtu.be/9qxSeR0cQ2c The Using Technology to Lead and Connect Vlogging Competition challenges participants to capture and create a 5–10-minute vlog using a mobile phone, tablet or camera. Students are encouraged to document their participation in local events and activities encompassing culture, history, education, music and food. The competition commences on April 27 and concludes on May 7. Entries must be submitted in MP4 format. View the Vlogging Competition Promo video: (English version) https://youtu.be/epOZ1ypuHtY  (Spanish version) https://youtu.be/NShMsGlOiXE Three winners in each district will receive a tablet and one year of free service from Viya. Two grand prize winners, one per district, will receive the additional honor of serving as a Viya Jr. Ambassador for one year. Let’s empower the next generation of female leaders in STEAM and celebrate their contributions to the world of technology! For more information and to register, interested participants can email girlsinsteam@vide.vi or contact State STEAM Director Shamika Williams, Ph.D., at 774-0100 ext. 8073.

Like Cash, Key Hardware Also Eludes WAPA

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Like Cash, Key Hardware Also Eludes WAPA
A single piece of equipment, the D-T1 transformer at WAPA’s East End substation, puts all of St. Thomas’ electrical grid at risk. Replacing it isn’t easy, officials said. (Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority graphic with emphasis by the Source)
Money isn’t the only thing in short supply at the Water and Power Authority, WAPA officials said at a meeting of its governing board Thursday. While the embattled utility’s financial concerns have been well publicized, WAPA also faces dramatic challenges in obtaining key hardware vital to power generation and grid stability. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s surprise declaration of emergency to address WAPA’s staggering cash shortfall grabbed the public’s attention on Monday, eliciting raised eyebrows from lawmakers and customers. But it was a national — perhaps global — scarcity of suitable power transformers that hobbled the authority’s quest to prevent unplanned power outages, utility officials explained. In February 2022, WAPA planned to take St. Thomas’ vital Donald C. Francois substation offline and replace its old air-insulated system with a new, more reliable, gas-insulated system. The $10 million project, fully funded by federal allotments, was supposed to be completed in two months, eliminating costly and dangerous repairs with a safer, smaller system that required minimal maintenance over its 40-year lifespan. De-energizing the Francois substation meant its duties needed to be picked up by the East End substation. These substations use transformers to convert electrical power to different voltages — from the power station level to a level for home and business use. The transformer at the East End substation, D-T1, isn’t up to the task, having been heavily damaged in the 2017 hurricanes, said Chavante Marsh, WAPA’s director of project management. Other equipment at the East End substation has been upgraded, but the limiting factor was the 30-year-old transformer, which has been offline for seven years. WAPA tried to restart it but realized the damage was more significant than first thought, officials said. The company that made the transformer is no longer in business, which made getting replacement parts nearly impossible. “This has caused significant load that has to be shared on both the Donald Francois substation and the Tutu substation, which has brought us to the point where we cannot de-energize the Donald Francois substation until we are able to repair or replace the East End transformer D-T1,” Marsh said. WAPA has asked its board for several extensions, this time to May 31, 2025, to ensure all the replacement parts and repairs were complete. It’s slow going. Such transformers can take four or more years to build new. The resale market is tight and further complicated by the U.S. Virgin Islands power plants generating electricity at different voltages than the mainland. “We had a replacement project, however, that transformer was nonfunctional. Due to this, we haven’t been able to restore the feeders for the East End substation, which means that the Donald C. Francois substation and the Tutu substation are carrying the load of the East End substation,” Marsh said. “At this moment, we can’t take down the Donald C. Francois substation because the system would be severely imbalanced and won’t have the capacity to carry the load, which would be only St. John and Tutu.” Relying on the Francois substation puts large swaths of St. Thomas’ power grid at risk, including Schneider Regional Medical Center, schools, Main Street, Havensight, and more critical infrastructure, Marsh said. “That’s what makes this project very important. Also, the completion of this project will allow the authority to have the flexibility for scheduled maintenance,” Marsh said. One plan considered was to put smaller mobile power transformers in place to allow for the Francois substation to be de-energized and updated. But even if the Francois substation were updated — and WAPA made all its fuel and lease payments — rolling power outages were likely without a fully functional East End substation, officials at the meeting said. Other, less-critical equipment was trickling in, said WAPA CEO Andrew Smith. Purchasing standards for new fire-protective gear had been streamlined, allowing employees greater flexibility in what they wear, and seven of 13 new trucks were on St. Croix and St. Thomas. The rest were on the way but delayed as shippers would only allow two on a cargo ship at a time for fear their lithium batteries could be a fire hazard.

11th-Grader Danny Philip Wins 2nd Place in Vermont Pitch Challenge

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11th-Grader Danny Philip Wins 2nd Place in Vermont Pitch Challenge
Danny Philip Jr. at the Vermont Pitch Challenge. (Photo courtesy Danny Philip Jr.)

Danny Philip Jr. achieved an exciting goal recently, winning second place in the Vermont Pitch Challenge from the University of Vermont. Philip, who is in 11th grade at the Seventh-day Adventist School on St. Croix, has aspirations of becoming a successful businessperson in technology and computer science.

What’s even more impressive is he competed against nearly 150 teams from seven countries and 27 states.

According to a press release from the University of Vermont, more than 220 ambitious students took part, each eager to make a positive impact and tackle pressing challenges within their respective communities.

Philip said that for the sales pitch challenge, competitors were asked to send in a business plan and five finalists were chosen to travel to Vermont to deliver their pitches in person.

According to the University of Vermont, throughout the competition they offered the students opportunities to learn from experts about business plan writing and structuring compelling pitches. After rigorous evaluation, five finalist teams were selected to present their business concepts in person to a panel of judges at UVM on April 4, culminating in the announcement of the final rankings.

There, Philip experienced the campus firsthand. He also met business students who attend and visited the University of Vermont business office, where several different companies come together to work. There, they can share ideas and network.

Philip said he made a great number of friends during the competition, and he was the only competitor from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Participants of the Vermont Pitch Challenge. (Photo courtesy Danny Philip Jr.)

Pippa Scott from Killington, Vermont, won first place, and Philip, placing second, earned a $5,000 cash prize for his Agri-Equip Incorporation, which seeks to catalyze agricultural development in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He was really excited to hear the results.

Other winners included Pierson and Parker Jones, twin brothers from Lutz, Florida, who were awarded $5,000 for DiscGuard, a pioneering initiative focused on enhancing patient outcomes by preventing re-injury after spinal surgery. Sebastian Tan of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, received a $1,000 cash prize for OutsideConnection, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities. Eliza Strum of Ticonderoga, New York, secured a $1,000 cash prize for EcoCharge, a venture aimed at reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging solutions.

Philip said that took a lot of effort to go through the business plan and the PowerPoint, know the information, and make sure that he could present within the time limit. Respecting the time was one of the criteria, and competitors had to keep it within seven minutes.

This was the first time the University of Vermont presented their “Shark Tank”-style competition and Philip said they are planning to do it for April next year and he’s going to give it another shot.

However, one thing he would change about his presentation he said is his delivery. “The person who won actually moved around and was conversational with the judges and that gave them an edge.”

Philip said he’s comfortable with public speaking, and having the PowerPoints helped him memorize the information. “I’ve done a lot of public speaking and participated in the Moot Court, too.”

Danny Philip delivering a speech at the Vermont Pitch Challenge. (Photo courtesy Danny Philip Jr.)

Philip wants to thank his business teacher, Hester Philbert who made the opportunity possible and supported him through the process; Juan Casimiro of BIZNOVATOR, who provided free coaching; and Mr. Amps from Amps Institute, who provided exposure to the Young Business Entrepreneur Program last year. Also, Grantley from GLG Farms, Bobby Peets from New Breed Farm, Joyce from Community Garden Farm, and Bobo Farms Ltd, who provided valuable information he needed, and his parents, Danny and Kiene Ann Philip.

“I want to encourage other young people with what my parents instilled in me. Hard work and perseverance opens doors of opportunity and honor God and God will honor you,” said Philip.

Administrative Leave for Carnival and Issuance of Tax Refunds Announced

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Administrative Leave for Carnival and Issuance of Tax Refunds Announced
With St. Thomas Carnival festivities already underway, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has locked in the administrative leave schedule for government workers and announced that more than $5 million in income tax refunds have been issued to Virgin Islands residents. 2024 Administrative Leave for Virgin Islands Carnival On the following dates during the Carnival season, government employees will be granted administrative leave, and Virgin Islands government offices will be closed: Wednesday, May 1: Food Fair — All non-essential executive branch employees on the islands of St. Thomas-St. John will be granted administrative leave from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 2: J’ouvert — All non-essential executive branch employees on the islands of St. Thomas-St. John will be granted administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 3: Children’s Parade — All non-essential executive branch employees territory-wide will be granted administrative leave from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. More Than $5 Million in Income Tax Refunds Issued  Approximately $5,161,033 in income tax refunds have been issued to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This latest distribution will benefit 1,548 tax filers who have dutifully submitted their returns and are due refunds, Bryan announced Thursday. “This release of funds underscores our administration’s commitment to the financial well-being of the Virgin Islands community,” said Bryan. “We are dedicated to ensuring that taxpayers receive the refunds they are owed in a timely manner.” The breakdown of the refunds is as follows: 
  • $911,386 to 200 filers for tax years 2018 and prior
  • $297,549 to 105 filers for tax year 2019
  • $2,784,533 to 982 filers for tax year 2020
  • $1,167,565 to 261 filers for tax year 2021
These refunds cover filings up to the deadline of April 19, 2022, for the 2021 tax year, according to the press release. It is important to note that refunds issued for filings prior to 2021 are largely attributable to later filings or filings that have only recently been resolved, often due to audits, the press release stated. The Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Finance Department have worked diligently to process refunds efficiently and will continue to ensure that all taxpayers receive their due refunds as swiftly as possible, the release stated.  “We are committed to fiscal responsibility and to serving the hard-working people of the Virgin Islands,” concluded Bryan. “My administration is focused on improving every facet of our financial management to better the lives of our citizens.” For more information on the status of your refund, taxpayers are encouraged to contact the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue directly at 340-773-1040 or 340-715-1040.

Start of Carnival Shooting Trial Faces Possible Delay

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Start of Carnival Shooting Trial Faces Possible Delay
Public Works employee Arick Thomas was gunned down while cleaning up debris from the 2023 Carnival parade. (Source file photo by Ananta Pancham)

Jury selection in the murder trial for the man accused of fatally shooting a man at the end of last year’s Carnival Parade is being delayed. The judge presiding over the case rescheduled the process for a later date to accommodate a hearing over evidence to be admitted at trial.

At a pretrial hearing held earlier this week, Superior Court Judge Sigrid Tejo said a previously scheduled Daubert hearing had to be rescheduled before jury selection begins. Accused gunman Dion Johnson was present at the hearing held Monday, along with his lawyer and prosecutors from the Justice Department.

Johnson, 22, is charged with homicide in connection with the April 29, 2023 death of Alrick Thomas near Frederick Lutheran Church at the end of the Carnival Adult’s Parade. The Daubert hearing is intended to challenge the admissibility of evidence about the gun allegedly used in the shooting.

Tejo said that the hearing could take place on May 20. Jury selection in the Johnson case was scheduled for May 13, with a trial to start within the following three weeks.

If convicted at trial, the defendant faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole. The extra time allotted by the rescheduled evidentiary hearing could also give lawyers on both sides extra time to work out a plea agreement.

Jury Returns Guilty Verdict on Two St. Croix Prison Guards

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Jury Returns Guilty Verdict on Two St. Croix Prison Guards
Two John A. Bell Correctional Facility correctional officers found guilty of assaulting inmate. (Shutterstock image)
A federal jury convicted two former Virgin Islands correctional officers of depriving an inmate of his rights under color of law and obstruction of an FBI investigation, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Thursday. After an eight-day trial, the jury returned guilty verdicts against Maxwell Bryan, 53, and Elvin Bloice, 72, both correctional officers at the John A. Bell Correctional Facility on St. Croix at the time of offenses. Bloice was also convicted of making materially false statements to the FBI, according to the press release. According to the evidence presented at trial, on Sept. 17, 2021, after refusing to return to his cell, Bryan cornered the inmate, lifted, and pushed him into his cell. Once in his cell, Bryan punched the inmate twice on his forehead and choked him. While the assault was underway, Bloice stood in front of the cell and partially closed the cell door to prevent the ongoing assault from being captured by the facility’s video cameras. Trial evidence further established that Bryan’s assault of the inmate was in retaliation to an incident that occurred on Aug. 23, 2021, when the inmate kicked the door of Bryan’s vehicle. After the assault, both Bryan and Bloice knowingly submitted false incident reports denying any assault occurred. Thereafter, on Oct. 4, 2021, Bloice again denied to the FBI that the assault ever occurred. “The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to upholding the civil and constitutional rights of all citizens, including inmates who must rely on correctional officers to protect them. This case warranted attention from the Department of Justice because of the Color of Law violations that makes it a crime for anyone to abuse their legal power or authority to deprive another of their rights”, Smith said.
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