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Board of Elections Review of Candidate Appeals Halted by Loss of Quorum

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Board of Elections Review of Candidate Appeals Halted by Loss of Quorum

On Friday, the Virgin Islands Board of Elections was forced to suspend its review of candidate appeals and qualification challenges after losing its quorum, delaying decisions on several matters involving candidates seeking office in the 2026 election cycle.

During the meeting, board members reviewed appeals and eligibility issues involving candidates for various offices, including delegate to Congress, governor and the Legislature. Discussions centered on whether certain candidates met statutory filing requirements and whether those challenging disqualification decisions should be granted hearings before the board.

The continued review of candidate appeals comes just days after the Board of Elections voted to maintain a single ballot for federal and territorial contests in the 2026 election cycle. That meeting was also marked by discussions over candidate eligibility, residency requirements, ballot access and election procedures, underscoring the growing number of election-related challenges facing officials ahead of the November election.

Those issues remained at the forefront as board members reviewed appeals and correspondence from candidates seeking offices. Members debated statutory filing requirements, notification procedures and whether candidates challenging disqualification decisions should be granted hearings before the board prior to any final determination.

One of the appeals discussed involved Delegate to Congress candidate James Weber, whose nomination papers were disqualified after election officials determined they had not been filed in accordance with statutory requirements. Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes told the board that Virgin Islands law requires nomination papers to be filed with the Supervisor of Elections in the district where the candidate resides. Some members agreed the law was clear, while others questioned whether candidates should be given additional opportunities to correct filing issues or present their cases before the board.

Board member Harriet Mercer argued that candidates requesting hearings before the board should be given the opportunity to appear in person before a quorum of members prior to any final determination being made. Mercer cited Weber’s appeal letter, which requested “a hearing in person of the quorum of the members of the Board of Elections.”

Before the board could conclude its review of the pending appeals, however, members were informed that a quorum was no longer present.

“We don’t have a quorum, so we cannot proceed,” Chair Raymond Williams announced, bringing the proceedings to a halt.

The board subsequently recessed the meeting and agreed to reconvene on Monday at 10 a.m. to continue reviewing unresolved candidate matters. Because of the loss of quorum, no final action was taken on several appeals and qualification challenges that remained before the board.

The delayed decisions come as election officials continue preparations for the 2026 election cycle and work through a growing number of candidate disputes, procedural questions and election-related challenges ahead of the upcoming election.

Chocolate Hole Fix Imminent, Sewer Officials Say

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Chocolate Hole Fix Imminent, Sewer Officials Say
Wastewater has bubbled from St. John manholes for years, as shown in this 2024 photo. (Source file photo)
As St. Thomas and St. John recover from last weekend’s blackout, work crews across the territory were scrambling to avert another infrastructure disaster. The Virgin Islands’ sewer pipes are in dire condition, officials said Friday. Many of the pipes and other critical sewer system equipment were long past their replacement date and deteriorating fast, officials at the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority said. But there was good news. VIWMA crews hoped to have St. John’s Power Boyd Pump Station issues resolved by Saturday, potentially ending unsanitary conditions in Estate Chocolate Hole. The station has had problems going back at least a decade. Next on the list would be the long-troubled Cancryn area of St. Thomas, which could be free of unpleasant odors by the end of the weekend, VIWMA said in a written statement. “Once completed, these repairs are expected to significantly improve system performance and alleviate unpleasant odors, wastewater backups, and other nuisances that have affected surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. This work represents a crucial step toward improving service reliability and quality of life for residents in the affected areas,” the statement said. While the sight and smell of sewage bubbling up from manholes may be troubling, it’s actually by design. Pedrito Francois, who was instrumental in concocting the sewer systems throughout the territory in 1972, told the Source in 2004 that he wanted failures to be evident. Repairs wouldn’t be made unless everyone knew the system had failed, he said. Nearly 55 years after Francois designed the sewage systems, its working parts are collapsing, VIWMA officials said. “Our sewer collection system has exceeded its intended service life in many locations, resulting in sudden line failures, collapses, and blockages that require immediate attention,” the officials said. “Crews continue to be deployed daily, prioritizing repairs that pose the greatest risk to public health, safety, and the environment. With multiple issues occurring simultaneously, resources are being strategically allocated to ensure that the most critical situations are addressed first.” Long-term plans for fixing the problem were already in motion, according to the statement. “Contracts are in place for a comprehensive, territory-wide replacement of aging sewer infrastructure. This major investment will begin in the coming months and represents a permanent, forward-looking solution to the very problems we are confronting today,” the authority said. VIWMA officials warned in April, however, that large-scale, territory-wide repairs could take many years and require federal assistance.

Bipartisan Congressional Briefing Examines What ‘Consent of the Governed’ Means in U.S. Territories

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Bipartisan Congressional Briefing Examines What ‘Consent of the Governed’ Means in U.S. Territories
A bipartisan group of lawmakers and territorial advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., Thursday to brief congressional staff and other policy leaders on what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories. (Image courtesy Right to Democracy)
A bipartisan group of lawmakers and territorial advocates gathered in Washington, D.C., Thursday to brief congressional staff and other policy leaders on what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories. Third from right is Imani Daniel, executive director, VIISION and delegate to the Virgin Island’s Sixth Constitutional Convention. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett appeared via video. (Image courtesy Right to Democracy)

As the United States prepares to mark its 250th birthday, Right to Democracy and a bipartisan group of lawmakers and territorial advocates, including from the Virgin Islands, gathered in Washington Thursday to brief congressional staff and other policy leaders on what “consent of the governed” means for people in U.S. territories.

While the Declaration of Independence says that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed, 3.6 million Americans living in U.S. territories are still waiting for that promise to reach them, noted Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy, a nonprofit project that works to advance territory rights.

Thursday’s briefing, What Does “Consent of the Governed” Mean in U.S. Territories?, was organized in coordination with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus and held at the U.S. Senate. Congressman Pablo José Hernández (D-PR) spoke, with Congresswomen Stacey Plaskett (D-VI), Kimberly King-Hinds (R-NMI), and Nydia Velázquez (D-NY) participating via video recording, according to a press release.

The briefing provided members of Congress and their staff with historical background on the current relationship between U.S. territories and the United States through the lens of the Declaration of Independence and the Insular Cases — a century-old legal framework rooted in racial and colonial prejudice — that continues to deny democracy, equity, and self-determination to residents of U.S. territories.

The session “made clear that the question of ‘consent of the governed’ in U.S. territories is not a relic of the past — it is a present reality that affects 3.6 million people every single day. Hearing directly from community leaders across the territories about how unilateral federal decisions shape their lives, their economies, and their environment made one thing undeniable: this undemocratic framework is unsustainable, and the federal government can no longer look away,” said Dr. Adi Martínez-Román, co-director of Right to Democracy. “The U.S. must fulfill its duties under federal and international law and provide the territories with a pathway to self-determination.”

“Two-hundred-and-fifty years ago, the United States rejected colonial rule through the Declaration of Independence, but for 125 years, the Insular Cases have allowed Congress to govern territories without full constitutional rights or self-determination,” added Weare. “It is time for the federal government to recognize colonial rule cannot be squared with the principle of the consent of the governed.”

“Regardless of what your view is on the status of the territories and what their final status should be, we should all be united and we should all present a united front to address the current challenges, and current obstacles, and current inequalities, and current injustices. We should take advantage of the 250th anniversary of the United States to educate the people of the United States about these lingering inequalities and challenges and to work toward solving them once and for all,” said Hernández, who is co-chair of the Territories and Commonwealths Caucus.

“As this nation confronts growing threats to our multiracial democracy, the territories are not a footnote. We are a warning and a road map. We’re living proof of what happens when consent of the governed is made conditional, when constitutional protections are treated as negotiable, when second-class citizenship is sewn into law and dressed up as precedent,” Plaskett said in a video statement. “True democracy and colonialism cannot coexist — not even when that colonialism wears the American flag.”

King-Hinds shared in a video statement that “no American community should be too small or too remote to have its voice respected. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we should recommit ourselves to ensuring that the principles of the Declaration of Independence apply equally to all Americans, including those living in the territories.”

“For more than three decades advocating for the people of Puerto Rico and our diaspora, I have said it plainly: the idea that the United States can hold colonies and claim plenary power over millions of people is far too reminiscent of King George III,” said Velázquez in a video statement.

“We cannot let this anniversary pass without using it. It is a real chance to focus on what we have in common and how we move forward together: the people of the territories, our diaspora communities, and our allies in Congress and across the states. And we have to act with the urgency this moment demands. Our Founding Fathers rose to the challenge in front of them; it is on us to rise to ours,” she said.

The briefing also featured testimony from Right to Democracy’s Environment and Democracy Fellows, who shared how federal decisions made without their input impact their communities on a day-to-day basis: María Hernandez, co-director of the Micronesia Climate Change Alliance (Guam); Andra Samoa, community leader and Director of Pacific Global Citizens (American Samoa); Nayda Bobonis, director of Strategic Relations and Advocacy at FURIA Inc. (Puerto Rico); Zeno De Leon Guerrero, board member of the Micronesian Climate Change Alliance (Northern Mariana Island), Imani Daniel, executive director, VIISION and delegate to the Virgin Island’s Sixth Constitutional Convention, and Dr. Sabrina Suluai Mahuka, executive director of Finafinau (American Samoa).

New York Times bestselling author Daniel Immerwahr, author of “How to Hide an Empire,” also presented and highlighted how the failure to recognize the significance of people in U.S. territories is not just a matter of history, but an issue that has ongoing consequences today as the White House considers territorial expansion to places like Greenland.

“People can support democracy, equity, and self-determination in U.S. territories by signing our Declaration to End Colonial Rule in U.S. Territories, which was created alongside Right to Democracy’s Cross-Territorial Coalition,” said Martínez-Román. The declaration is available here.

Financial Advisory Services Higher Education Financing & Bond Issuance RFP TX2026-010

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UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP TX2026-010 Financial Advisory Services Higher Education Financing & Bond Issuance Issue Date: 6/5/2026 Proposal Due Date: 7/1/2026

  1. INTRODUCTION
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI and/or University) is requesting proposals from qualified firms to provide Financial Advisory Services related to capital financing, debt structuring, and bond issuance for institutional capital projects, public-private partnerships, strategic initiatives and project financing. The selected firm will serve as the University’s Independent Higher Education Financial Advisor and will provide strategic guidance related to financing options, debt management, bond issuance, commercial bank financing, federal funding and capital funding strategies. UVI seeks a firm with extensive experience advising higher education institutions, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and institutions participating in federal financing programs such as the HBCU Capital Financing Program and inclusive of the tax-exempt for working capital and capital projects. The University of the Virgin Islands works closely with the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority.
  1. BACKGROUND
The University of the Virgin Islands is a public institution serving the U.S. Virgin Islands with campuses located on:
  • St. Thomas – Orville E. Kean Campus
  • St. Croix – Albert A. Sheen Campus
Online classes are also offered in various subjects. The University continues to advance major capital investments including academic facilities, housing, research infrastructure, and student support facilities. To support these initiatives, the University seeks financial advisory expertise to assist in evaluating and structuring financing mechanisms including but not limited to:
    • Revenue bonds
    • Public financing programs
    • Federal financing programs
    • Commercial bank financing
    • Capital financing through public/private partnerships
    • Debt restructuring or refinancing opportunities
  1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected firm will provide independent financial advisory services, which may include but are not limited to the following:

3.1 Strategic Financial Advisory

    • Advise the University on capital financing strategies
    • Working capital needs
    • Evaluate financing alternatives and funding structures
    • Develop financing models and projections
    • Assess debt capacity and credit considerations

3.2 Bond Issuance Advisory

Assist the University with planning and execution of bond transactions including:

    • Revenue bonds
    • Tax-exempt or taxable bonds
    • Refinancing or refunding bonds
    • Other capital market instruments

Services may include:

    • Structuring and sizing recommendations, timing strategy, and market execution assistance
    • Underwriter selection process support, trust agents and placement agents
    • Evaluation of financing alternatives (tax-exempt vs taxable, bank loans)
    • Credit rating agency strategy, if warranted
    • Advisory for periodic reviews monthly/quarterly reporting and project-specific
    • Regulatory and disclosure guidance relevant to the University
    • Preparing financial projections
    • Coordinating with underwriters, bond counsel, and rating agencies
    • Supporting preparation of offering documents

3.3 HBCU Capital Financing Program Support

Provide advisory services related to:

    • Participation in the HBCU Capital Financing Program
    • Federal loan program compliance
    • Financial modeling and structuring for program participation

3.4 Debt Management & Financial Planning

    • Review and analyze the University’s existing debt portfolio
    • Provide recommendations for refinancing or restructuring where beneficial
    • Develop long-term debt management strategies

3.5 Commercial Bank Support

    • Provide guidance on prospective financing options
    • Structure the support needed to address working capital needs and interim financing on capital projects

3.6 Capital Project Financial Modeling

Assist the University with financial feasibility analyses for major projects, including:

    • Student housing
    • Academic buildings
    • Infrastructure improvements
    • Public-private partnership opportunities

3.7 Transaction Support

Assist the University during financing transactions including:

    • Coordination with legal counsel, underwriters, and financial institutions
    • Rating agencies
    • Preparation of financial documentation
    • Presentations to governing bodies
    • Support during closing and issuance processes
  1. CONTRACT TERM

The University anticipates awarding a contract for a period of three (3) years, with the option to renew for additional terms based on satisfactory performance and institutional need.

Services will be provided on an as-needed basis during the contract period.

  1. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals should include the following information:

5.1 Firm Qualifications

    • Firm overview and history
    • Experience providing financial advisory services to higher education institutions
    • Experience in providing financial advisory services to higher education institutions that are not rated by any of the rating agencies
    • Experience with HBCU institutions
    • Experience with rating agencies
    • Experience with bond issuances, commercial bank financing and capital financing

5.2 Relevant Experience

Provide descriptions of at least three (3) similar and recent engagements, including:

    • Institution name
    • Type of financing
    • Total financing amount
    • Services provided
    • Year completed

5.3 Proposed Team

Identify the key personnel assigned to this engagement, including:

    • Lead Financial Advisor(s)
    • Supporting analysts
    • Relevant experience and qualifications

5.4 Proposed Approach

Describe the firm’s methodology for providing financial advisory services to higher education institutions.

5.5 Fee Structure

Provide a clear description of the proposed fee structure, which may include:

    • Fixed advisory fees
    • Transaction-based fees
    • Hourly rates
    • Retainer arrangements

The University prefers transparent fee structures with no conflicts of interest.

5.6 References

Provide three (3) client references from higher education institutions.

  1. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Criteria Weight  
Firm Experience & Qualifications 30%
Relevant Higher Education Financing Experience 25%
Proposed Approach & Methodology 20%
Team Qualifications 15%
Cost / Fee Structure 10%
The University may request interviews or additional information from selected firms.
  1. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS
Proposals must be submitted electronically to: Procurement Office University of the Virgin Islands bids@uvi.edu Subject Line: RFP TX2026-010 Financial Advisory Services Higher Education Financing & Bond Issuance Proposals must be received 7/1/2026 2 PM AST Late submissions may not be considered.
  1. QUESTIONS
Questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to: Taylor Gilmore, Procurement Director University of the Virgin Islands bids@uvi.edu Responses to questions may be issued in the form of an Addendum.
  1. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The selected firm must comply with all applicable University policies and procurement requirements. The University reserves the right to:
    • Reject any or all proposals
    • Waive minor informalities in proposals
    • Request additional information from proposers
    • Negotiate contract terms with the selected firm

All services will be subject to the University’s standard contractual requirements including insurance, indemnification, and compliance provisions.

  1. CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Proposers must disclose any potential conflicts of interest related to underwriting, financial services, or advisory services that could impact their ability to serve as an independent financial advisor to the University.

  1. UNIVERSITY COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
Insert this section near the end of the RFP (typically under General Terms and Conditions). University Compliance Requirements The selected proposer will be required to enter into a formal agreement with the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and must comply with all applicable University contractual requirements. The resulting contract shall incorporate the University’s standard contractual provisions, including but not limited to:
    • Insurance requirements
    • Indemnification and hold harmless provisions
    • Non-collusion certification
    • Conflict of interest disclosure
    • Equal opportunity and non-discrimination requirements
    • Compliance with applicable federal, territorial, and University policies
    • Independent contractor status
    • Data confidentiality and records retention
    • Audit and access to records

Submission of a proposal constitutes acknowledgment that the proposer is willing to comply with these requirements.

The University reserves the right to require the selected proposer to execute the University’s standard contract terms and conditions prior to commencement of services.

ATTACHMENT A

Price Proposal Form Financial Advisory Services

Proposers must complete this pricing sheet and include it with their proposal submission. All pricing must be inclusive of all costs associated with providing the services described in this RFP, unless otherwise noted.
  1. Advisory Fee Structure
Service Proposed Fee Basis (Fixed / Hourly / Transaction-Based)
Annual Retainer (if applicable) $
Hourly Rate – Senior Advisor $
Hourly Rate – Associate / Analyst $
Financial Modeling / Analysis $
Capital Financing Advisory $
  1. Bond Transaction Advisory Fees
If applicable, provide fees related to bond issuance or financing transactions.
Financing Type Proposed Fee Structure
Bond Issuance Advisory
Bond Refunding / Refinancing
Debt Restructuring
Public-Private Partnership Financing
Proposers should clearly describe whether fees are: ☐ Fixed Fee ☐ Percentage of Transaction ☐ Hourly Not-to-Exceed ☐ Other (Explain) Explanation:
  1. Additional Expenses
Identify any additional reimbursable expenses.
Expense Type Cost
Travel
Document Preparation
Other (Specify)
All reimbursable expenses must be approved in advance by the University.
  1. Certification
The proposer certifies that the pricing provided herein is valid for a minimum of ninety (90) days from the proposal submission deadline. Firm Name: _______________________________ Authorized Representative: _______________________________ Title: _______________________________ Signature: _______________________________ Date: _______________________________

Insurance Brokerage Services RFP TX2026-011

Legals Editor
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UNIVERSITY OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) RFP TX2026-011 INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES Issue Date: 6/5/2026 Proposal Due Date: 7/1/2026

  1. INTRODUCTION

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) invites qualified firms to submit proposals to provide comprehensive insurance brokerage and risk management advisory services for the University.  The selected broker will act as the University’s insurance advisor and representative in the insurance marketplace, assisting with establishing insured amounts, policy placement, risk evaluation, claims advisory, and strategic insurance program development.

The University seeks a broker with extensive experience serving higher education institutions or large public sector organizations, capable of advising on complex insurance programs and operating in geographically dispersed locations.

  1. UNIVERSITY BACKGROUND

The University of the Virgin Islands is a public historically black university (HBCU) with campuses located on St. Croix (Albert A. Sheen Campus) and St. Thomas (Orville E. Kean Campus).

UVI operates a wide range of academic, research, housing, and public service facilities including:
    • Academic buildings
    • Student housing
    • Research laboratories
    • Agricultural facilities
    • Marine and environmental research programs
    • Athletic facilities
    • Administrative offices
The University maintains multiple insurance policies to protect its assets, operations, employees, students, and visitors.  
  1. OBJECTIVE
The objective of this RFP is to select a qualified Insurance Broker of Record to:
    • Provide professional brokerage services
    • Market insurance programs competitively
    • Identify competitive insurance markets
    • Advise on risk management strategies
    • Assist with claims coordination
    • Ensure adequate coverage at competitive pricing
 
  1. SCOPE OF SERVICES
The selected broker will provide services including, but not limited to:

4.1 Insurance Program Review

    • Evaluate the University’s current insurance program and exposure
    • Review existing policies, endorsements, limits, deductibles, and coverage gaps
    • Recommend improvements to coverage structure and limits

4.2 Insurance Market Placement

    • Market insurance policies to qualified carriers and markets
    • Obtain competitive proposals from reputable insurers
    • Present coverage options and pricing comparisons
    • Assist in negotiating favorable terms and conditions

4.3 Coverage Types

The broker must be capable of placing and managing policies including but not limited to:

    • Property Insurance
    • General Liability
    • Automobile Liability
    • Professional Liability
    • Cyber Liability
    • Directors & Officers Liability
    • Employment Practices Liability
    • Builder’s Risk
    • Environmental Liability
    • Excess/Umbrella Liability

4.4 Risk Management Advisory

Provide advisory services related to:

    • Enterprise risk management
    • Risk mitigation measures and strategies
    • Contractual risk transfer
    • Insurance requirements for vendors and contractors
    • Safety and loss prevention programs

4.5 Claims Support

    • Assist the University in reporting and managing claims
    • Coordinate with insurers during the claims process
    • Provide claims tracking and status reporting
    • Advocate for the University in claim resolution

4.6 Annual Insurance Renewal

    • Conduct annual renewal marketing
    • Provide renewal strategy recommendations
    • Deliver renewal reports summarizing coverage and pricing options

4.7 Reporting

Provide regular reporting including:

    • Insurance program summaries
    • Market analysis
    • Claims activity reports
    • Risk exposure updates
 
  1. CONTRACT TERM

The anticipated contract term will be: Three (3) years, with the option for two (2) additional one-year renewals, subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement.

 
  1. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
Proposals must include the following information:

6.1 Firm Qualifications

    • Firm overview and history
    • Years of experience in insurance brokerage
    • Experience with universities or public institutions
    • Organizational structure and staffing

6.2 Relevant Experience

Provide at least three (3) references for clients of similar size or complexity.

Include:

    • Organization name
    • Contact person
    • Description of services provided
    • Length of engagement

6.3 Key Personnel

Provide resumes and roles for personnel assigned to the account.

6.4 Service Approach

Describe the firm’s approach to:

    • Insurance placement
    • Risk management advisory
    • Claims support
    • Renewal strategy

6.5 Compensation Structure

Proposers must disclose their compensation method, including:

    • Commission-based compensation
    • Fee-based compensation
    • Any other remuneration received from insurers
All compensation must be fully transparent.  
  1. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:
Evaluation Factor Weight
Experience with Similar Institutions 25%
Qualifications of Key Personnel 20%
Proposed Service Approach 25%
Compensation Structure 15%
References 15%
 
  1. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION
Proposals must be submitted electronically to:

Procurement Office

bids@uvi.edu

Subject Line: RFP TX2026-011 – INSURANCE BROKERAGE SERVICES

Submissions must include:

      • Technical Proposal
      • Compensation Disclosure
      • References
Late submissions will not be considered.  
  1. QUESTIONS
All questions regarding this RFP must be submitted in writing to:

Taylor Gilmore, Procurement Office University of the Virgin Islands Email: bids@uvi.edu

Responses to questions will be distributed to all known proposers.  
  1. GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The selected firm will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and contractual provisions including:
    • Insurance requirements
    • Indemnification provisions
    • Compliance with applicable federal and territorial laws
    • Non-discrimination requirements
    • Conflict of interest disclosure
The University reserves the right to:
    • Reject any or all proposals
    • Request clarifications or additional information
    • Cancel the solicitation at any time
    • Negotiate with the selected proposer
 
  1. LOCAL VENDOR PREFERENCE

Consistent with UVI procurement policies, preference may be given to qualified vendors located in the U.S. Virgin Islands, provided that pricing and qualifications are competitive.

 

Caribbean Community Theatre Presents Sarah & Addie

Mat Probasco
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Caribbean Community Theatre Presents Sarah & Addie
Caribbean Community Theatre concludes its 41st season with Sarah & Addie, a collection of short Crucian plays. There will be a total of six performances over two weekends: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, June 12, 13, 19 and 20, and two Sunday matinée shows at 4 p.m. on June 14 and 21.
Cast of Sarah & Addie. (Submitted photo)
Written by the late Anton C. Teytaud in Crucian dialect, Sarah & Addie is a collage of entertaining vignettes centering on the island “market women” of the 1940s – 1960s who were looked to as important sources of humorous commentary, philosophy and the daily wisdom of the times. It has been said that in New York the best-informed people are the taxi drivers. In other places it is the local barbers. On St. Croix, if you wanted to find out the latest gossip, you went to the market. Sarah & Addie is directed by Eileen Bishop Des Jardins. Cast members include Andrea Christian, Glenderlyn David, Sheelene Gumbs and Cleone Lynch as Sarah & Addie (2 sets), with Wanson Harris as “Lil Joe” and Michael Baker, Maia Franklin, Jessica Gallivan, Kathy Minnis-Olson, Robert Reffell, Diondra Setorie, and Carmen Simmonds appearing as customers, locals and tourists. All performances of Sarah & Addie will be held at the Caribbean Community Theatre at #18 Estate Orange Grove in Christiansted, St. Croix.  Tickets are sold at the box office at CCT prior to each performance: $20 for adults; $18 for senior citizens (age 65+); $15 for college students with ID and CCT members; and $10 for students/children under age 18.  For more information, handicape assistance, please email for reservations: eileencct@gmail.com. CCT box office opens for ticket sales (for CASH ONLY) at 7:15 p.m. on show nights, and at 3:15 p.m. for the Sunday matinée shows. Please arrive early for best parking and seating.  General admission tickets are sold in advance on Eventbrite; see link: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/united-states–saint-croix/sarah-and-addie/ This performance is not recommended for children under age eight. Sarah & Addie is jointly supported by a grant from the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC, a federal agency. This show is also co-sponsored by Armrey Industries, Susan & Crystal Atkins-Weathers, J. Benton Construction, Crucian Café, Crucian Gold, Des Jardins-Jaquays Family, ib designs, Marshall + Sterling Insurance/Baker Magras & Associates, Team Consultants, and The VIVOT Group.

V.I. Athletes Shine Ahead of International and National Championships

Mat Probasco
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V.I. Athletes Shine Ahead of International and National Championships
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador and University of Georgia sophomore Michelle Smith delivered another exceptional championship performance at the NCAA Division I East Regional Championships, advancing in both of her events to the NCAA Division I Championships in Eugene, Oregon, scheduled for June 10–13.
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador and University of Georgia sophomore Michelle Smith celebrates. (Submitted photo)
Smith, along with fellow Virgin Islands athletes Saraiah Walkes, Sofia Swindell, Mikaela Smith, Malique Smith, and Omar Simpson, continues to elevate the presence of the Virgin Islands on the NCAA and international stage. Michelle Smith continued her NCAA regional campaign with a commanding performance in the 400m hurdles, clocking 54.71 to secure her place at the NCAA Championships. Her time ranks among the top performances in the nation this season and reflects her continued progression as one of the NCAA’s premier hurdlers. Later in the session, Smith returned to run the 2nd leg on the University of Georgia 4×400m relay, delivering a powerful 51.19 split to help the Bulldogs post a first‑place overall finish in 3:24.60. Her anchor leg sealed Georgia’s advancement to Eugene with championship‑level momentum. Two additional Virgin Islands athletes competed at the NCAA East Regional Championship in the 4×400m relay, each contributing strong legs for their respective NCAA Division I programs: Eastern Michigan senior Saraiah Walkes produced one of the fastest splits of her collegiate career, running 51.37 on her relay leg. EMU finished 7th in their heat with a time of 3:35.05, closing out their regional campaign with a competitive showing. Freshman Sofia Swindell continued her impressive debut season, splitting 53.71 for the University of Pennsylvania. Penn finished 8th in their heat in 3:34.34, giving Swindell valuable championship‑level experience in her first NCAA Regional appearance. Michelle Smith, Saraiah Walkes, and Sofia Swindell will travel to St. Croix to compete in the Adrian Durant Virgin Islands National Championships on June 20, at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track & Field Facility.
Omar Simpson. (Submitted photo)
Their participation brings three NCAA Division I athletes home to compete on Virgin Islands soil, strengthening the depth and visibility of the national program. Three Virgin Islands athletes—Mikaela Smith, Malique Smith, and Omar Simpson—opened their international competition tour in Canada with strong efforts at the Royal City Inferno WACT Bronze Meet on June 3rd 2026, using the event as key preparation ahead of the Adrian Durant Virgin Islands National Championships later this month. Mikaela Smith competed in Heat 2 of the women’s 800m, finishing 8th in 2:13.01. The race provided valuable race‑pace sharpening as she continues her buildup toward the national championships and the remainder of her 2026 season. Veteran hurdler Malique Smith placed 8th in the men’s 400m hurdles, clocking 54.40. The performance adds another international race to his season as he works toward peak form for the upcoming championship schedule. Sprinter Omar Simpson delivered a strong showing in Heat 1 of the men’s 200m, finishing 4th with a time of 21.45. Simpson continues to build consistency in his sprint rounds as he prepares for a busy June competition slate. All three athletes will remain in Canada to compete again on June 7, at the Johnny Loaring Classic WACT Meet in Windsor, Canada. The meet will serve as their final international tune‑up before returning home. Following their Canadian competitions, Mikaela Smith, Malique Smith, and Omar Simpson will travel back to the Virgin Islands to compete in the Adrian Durant VI National Championships on June 20, at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track & Field Facility.

Emmaus Moravian Church Restoration RFP

Legals Editor
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THE MORAVIAN CHURCH – VIRGIN ISLANDS CONFERENCE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

#2025-001-MCVIC-CONSTRUCTION SERVICES EMMAUS MORAVIAN CHURCH RESTORATION

The Moravian Church Virgin Islands Conference (MCVIC) is soliciting sealed proposals from qualified Construction Contractors to restore the Emmaus Moravian Church to its pre-hurricane condition. Requirements, deliverables, and performance standards are detailed in the official RFP Packet. RFP ACCESS Download the full solicitation at www.mcvic.org under the tab “Emmaus Restoration”. Respondents are responsible for checking mcvic.org for the RFP Packet, any addenda, and all attachments prior to submission to ensure proposals include every required document. QUESTIONS Direct all questions by email to rfpinfo@moravianvic.com. You may also contact our Property Manager, Sam Rymer (340-642-6413), or the Conference Office at (340) 713-1055. Note: The information request email address is for inquiries only. Bid Submissions sent to this address will not be accepted. SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS All proposals must be submitted via email to ebids.proposals@mcvic.org. Deadline: 11:59 p.m. AST on July 5, 2026 (Extended from September 10, 2025). Late submissions will not be considered MANDATORY REVIEW Respondents must read the entire solicitation, including all referenced documents, confirm the ability and willingness to comply with every requirement, and include all associated costs in their proposal. RESERVATION OF RIGHTS MCVIC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities in the procurement process.

Striping at St. Croix East Airport Road Intersection Sunday

Mat Probasco
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The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works is advising motorists of upcoming roadway striping operations at the recently rehabilitated East Airport Intersection along Melvin Evans Highway on St. Croix. Earlier this month, DPW contractor Marco St. Croix completed asphalt rehabilitation and resurfacing work at the intersection, significantly improving roadway conditions and overall traffic flow. Due to unforeseen construction challenges encountered during the project, final pavement striping and installation of directional turning lane markings could not be completed at that time. The contractor is now scheduled to complete the remaining striping work this weekend. Staging activities are expected to begin on Saturday, with active striping operations scheduled for Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The final striping will establish permanent lane assignments, directional turn lanes, and pavement markings necessary to maximize the safety and operational efficiency of the intersection. Motorists should anticipate temporary lane closures, traffic control measures, and delays while work is underway. Traffic congestion is expected during active striping operations, particularly during periods of heavier travel. The traveling public is strongly encouraged to avoid the area if possible and utilize alternate routes. “The Department understands that roadway work can be inconvenient, particularly along one of St. Croix’s busiest corridors,” said DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel. “However, these final striping improvements are critical to ensuring motorists can safely and efficiently navigate the intersection. We appreciate the public’s patience as we complete the final phase of this project.” Commissioner Gabriel also urged motorists to exercise caution when traveling through the area. “We are asking drivers to slow down, remain alert, and follow all traffic control devices and directions from work crews,” Gabriel said. “The safety of both the traveling public and the workers on site remains our highest priority.” The Department appreciates the community’s cooperation and patience as it continues to deliver critical roadway improvements across St. Croix and throughout the territory.

Abandoned Vehicles

Legals Editor
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Public Notice 

  NOTICE ONE: ABANDONED: 1967 Ford Mustang. Located at 31 Annas Fancy, St. Thomas, VI. For more information call 340-690-1072. NOTICE TWO: ABANDONED: 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor. Located at 31 Annas Fancy, St. Thomas, VI. For more information call 340-690-1072.
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