Grass Cutting Concerns at St. Croix Public Schools Prompt Contract Update from Maintenance Bureau

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Grass Cutting Concerns at St. Croix Public Schools Prompt Contract Update from Maintenance Bureau

On Tuesday, many concerned residents on St. Croix took to social media questioning the lack of grass cutting at public schools across the island, specifically at St. Croix Educational Complex High School, St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center, and Eulalie Rivera Elementary School. Some claims stated that the grass had not been cut since December.

Overgrown grass covers sections of the campus at St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center. Maintenance workers began clearing the area following public concerns about landscaping delays at public schools on St. Croix. (Submitted photo)

Some residents even took matters into their own hands, beginning to cut the grass at CTEC themselves.

The Source reached out to Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Director Craig Benjamin for updates.

However, according to Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance Director Craig Benjamin, landscaping work had already begun at CTEC prior to the social media posts. Benjamin said his crew had cut the grass at the rear of the campus and was working their way toward the front of the school. Benjamin also clarified that the bureau did not have an active landscaping contractor in place because the contract had been delayed in the Property and Procurement Department for approximately two and a half months. He explained that after the contractor was awarded the bid, the process was held up while the contractor submitted all required documents to finalize the service agreement. Benjamin said he received the completed contract Thursday morning. He signed the agreement that afternoon and forwarded it to Property and Procurement for final processing. He expressed hope that the contractor will begin work by Monday once processing is complete. Benjamin emphasized that the timing of the contract signature was not related to social media attention and said he did not have the finalized contract in hand prior to Thursday. Procurement for final processing includes a submission for legal review.

The grass cutting concerns come amid broader maintenance challenges within the territory’s public school system. In November 2025, Benjamin appeared before the Senate to discuss ongoing infrastructure and maintenance issues affecting schools.

Emergency repairs, he said at the time, have become routine as the system’s $3 million annual maintenance budget continues to be stretched thin. Of that amount, approximately $2.1 million is already committed to essential supplies and maintenance contracts, including landscaping, janitorial services, trash removal and pest control, services critical to maintaining basic operations.

That leaves only about $900,000 to respond to daily emergencies, perform urgent repairs and prepare facilities for the opening of the 2026 to 2027 school year, Benjamin said.

Benjamin emphasized that the bureau is working diligently to address concerns.

“We want the public to understand that we are doing our best,” he said.

Bryan Says St. Croix–St. Thomas Ferry Design 30 Percent Complete After Site Visits

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Bryan Says St. Croix–St. Thomas Ferry Design 30 Percent Complete After Site Visits
Representatives of Incat Crowther meet with local officials during a site visit in the St. Croix District as part of ongoing design work for the proposed passenger and vehicle ferry between St. Croix and St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy Government House)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the design of the proposed St. Croix–St. Thomas passenger and vehicle ferry is about 30 percent complete following recent site visits and coordination meetings in both districts, Government House announced in a press release. Bryan met with Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel after a week of technical inspections by ferry design firm Incat Crowther. The firm visited ports in the St. Croix District and the St. Thomas–St. John District during the week of Feb. 9 to assess operating conditions and coordinate with the Virgin Islands Port Authority, according to the press release. “This is about doing it right the first time,” Bryan said in the release. “We are designing a passenger and vehicle ferry that fits our routes, our ports, and the conditions our operators and passengers deal with every day. These site visits put the right experts on the ground so we make sound technical decisions now, not expensive corrections later.” The administration is moving through the design phase with attention to safety, reliability, accessibility and long-term performance. On-site evaluations are intended to ensure the vessel will operate efficiently at existing marine facilities and perform reliably in local waters, the press release stated. Incat Crowther, which previously completed design work for other government-owned vessels including the Spirit of 1733, met with VIPA marine officials to review docking conditions, traffic flow, passenger circulation and navigational requirements. The discussions also addressed potential upland and waterside improvements needed to support passenger and vehicle operations, the release stated. Key elements under development include ADA-compliant access and accommodations, as well as an advanced propulsion system to support more dependable service, the release stated. Gabriel provided an update on design progress and coordination efforts, confirming that information gathered during the site visits will guide technical decisions in the coming months, according to the release. The design is expected to be finalized in the coming months as the project moves toward procurement and implementation. “This ferry is about connecting our people, strengthening commerce between districts, and making interisland travel more dependable,” Bryan said in the release. “We are keeping the work moving, and we will keep the public informed every step of the way.”

Building Opportunity at Home: UVI CELL Program Targets Youth Entrepreneurship

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Building Opportunity at Home: UVI CELL Program Targets Youth Entrepreneurship
The Young Entrepreneur Development Program begins March 19, offering free online workshops for territory youth. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)

As the Virgin Islands works to strengthen workforce retention and expand economic opportunity, the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning is launching a new program focused on youth entrepreneurship.

The Young Entrepreneur Development Program, a free six-month initiative beginning March 19, will guide participants through the process of building a business, from idea development and market research to branding, financial planning and pitch preparation.

Workshops will be held online twice monthly on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., according to UVI CELL. The program will conclude with a public pitch showcase, followed by continued one-on-one advising and technical assistance.

“This program moves beyond theory; it prepares young people to see themselves as innovators, leaders and economic contributors within their own communities,” said Liza Margolis, UVI CELL entrepreneurship program manager. “The Entrepreneur Youth Development Program is about building skills, confidence and opportunity early.”

Funded in part by a grant from the Popular VI Community Fund at the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, the initiative provides hands-on training in entrepreneurship, financial literacy, marketing and business planning. Organizers say those skills extend beyond launching a company.

“Entrepreneurship skills complement every career path and business knowledge is essential across all professions. No matter what industry your child may be interested in, this program will provide a foundation for success on the entrepreneurial path or for employment within a company or organization. Entrepreneurial skills empower individuals to adapt and create opportunities, regardless of circumstances,” said Suzanne Darrow-Magras, UVI CELL director.

Darrow-Magras said the program is also intended to counter the territory’s long-standing outmigration of young professionals.

“The Virgin Islands has long faced the loss of talented young people seeking opportunity elsewhere, but young people do not have to leave to succeed,” she said. “At UVI, students can access free tuition opportunities, innovative degree programs, and real support to turn their ideas into action.”

She pointed to what she described as UVI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, which includes continuing education and workforce development training through UVI CELL, business advising through the UVI Small Business Development Center, government contracting support through the APEX Accelerator, and growth and financing connections through the UVI Research and Technology Park.

“Together, UVI’s entrepreneurial ecosystem gives our youth the tools, guidance and confidence to build their futures right here at home,” Darrow-Magras said.

The Young Entrepreneur Development Program is part of UVI CELL’s broader youth initiative, which also includes the return of the annual EmpowerU Youth Summit.

This year’s EmpowerU Youth Summit, branded as the Coins & Culture Wealth Festival, will focus on financial empowerment, entrepreneurship and real-world decision-making. Modeled after the Teach Students Money Expo, the event will feature interactive simulations and hands-on activities centered on building strong financial foundations.

Participation in both programs is free.

Registration for the Young Entrepreneur Development Program is available here. Registration for the EmpowerU Youth Summit is available here.

For more information, visit uvicell.uvi.edu, email cell@uvi.edu or call 340-693-1100.

Swell Brings Hazardous Surf to USVI, Puerto Rico; Mostly Fair Weather Expected This Weekend

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Swell Brings Hazardous Surf to USVI, Puerto Rico; Mostly Fair Weather Expected This Weekend
Waves break along the north shore of St. Croix during an earlier February swell event. Another northerly swell is expected to produce choppy seas and hazardous marine conditions. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has reported that a northerly swell is spreading across Atlantic waters surrounding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, creating hazardous marine and beach conditions over the coming days. Marine alerts are in effect across both U.S. territories. Dangerous Surf and Rip Currents In an update from the NWS on Thursday, forecasters warned that the energy from the swell will create breaking waves between six and eight feet, building to as high as 10 to 12 feet along exposed northern coastlines. Dangerous surf and life-threatening rip currents will persist, particularly through late Friday. Winds may also become gusty at times, contributing to wind-driven, choppy seas.
A northerly swell is expected to bring hazardous marine conditions, dangerous rip currents, and elevated surf across parts of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NWS)
A High Rip Current Risk is in effect for St. Thomas and St. John, as well as portions of Puerto Rico, while Small Craft Advisories are issued for offshore Atlantic waters. A High Surf Advisory has also been announced for parts of Puerto Rico. “Beach conditions will become more hazardous as a long-period northerly swell continues to spread across the Atlantic waters and local Caribbean passages through Thursday night,” the NWS said. “The latest model guidance indicates that the swell will peak tonight through Friday morning. Therefore, high surf conditions and life-threatening rip currents will continue along the beaches from northwestern to northeastern Puerto Rico, including Culebra, as well as St. Thomas and St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” the NWS continued. “Beachgoers and inexperienced surfers are urged to stay out of the water, continue monitoring forecast updates, and follow all local advisories, warnings, and guidance from lifeguards and local officials as conditions deteriorate,” the NWS advised. The NWS noted that the seas are forecast to become calmer late in the weekend, before another swell possibly arrives during the middle of next week. Detailed rip current safety information is available on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website.
A safety graphic explains how rip currents form and how swimmers can escape by moving parallel to shore. (Photo courtesy NOAA and NWS)
Mostly Fair Weather Expected Into the Weekend While marine hazards remain the primary concern, the NWS also said that brief trade wind showers may pass over the local islands at times. However, the flooding risk is expected to remain limited and primarily concentrated across portions of Puerto Rico. A more stable weather pattern is developing across the region as high pressure strengthens over the area, creating slightly drier and more settled conditions. Through at least Saturday, mostly fair weather with moderate winds is anticipated across the Virgin Islands, with passing showers at times, and temperatures are expected to remain slightly above normal.
The National Weather Service reminds residents and visitors to follow safety precautions during high surf events as hazardous coastal conditions develop. (Photo courtesy NWS)
Looking ahead to early next week, the NWS said patches of moisture may move across the region beginning Sunday, and a trough of low pressure could help increase shower activity by the middle to latter part of the week. Where to Find Weather Updates Severe weather and other natural hazards can occur at any time of year. Information regarding the weather across the USVI, including marine forecasts, is available from the NWS and NOAA. Additionally, the local forecast is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page, where a weekly video forecast is available. Residents and visitors can also view weather alerts and disaster preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

Small Businesses Take Center Court at Tutu Park Mall Expo Saturday

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Small Businesses Take Center Court at Tutu Park Mall Expo Saturday
Eager crowds visit exhibitors at the 2024 small business expo held at Tutu Park Mall. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Producers of goods and services will greet the public Saturday at Tutu Park Mall at the second annual Small Business Expo.

Promoter Janette-Millin Young says those who attend from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. will have a variety of opportunities to browse the merchandise, attend mini-seminars and enjoy a splash of Virgin Islands culture.

The event — called Shop Local, Grow the Economy — returns to center court at the mall in 2026 after setting up shop at Fort Christian the year before. More than 30 vendors are expected to set up tables promoting their businesses ranging from travel agencies, to food products, to human service consultants, to estate planning advisers and solar energy companies.

In 2023, the U.S. Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy said 36.9% of the Virgin Islands workforce is found in small businesses. Millin-Young sees the expo as a place where anyone who earns a living through small-scale private enterprise can learn how to make that business grow.

“I believe the prototype of most of these businesses is very small, composed of three persons — the actual owner and assistants, and that’s because it’s very expensive to operate a business here,” she said. “A lot of these businesses sell local products but they don’t sell in large quantities.”

Through networking and sitting in on the three mini-workshops offered on Saturday, the promoter hopes visitors and participants can find ways to increase sustainability. One returning vendor says that kind of encouragement is the reason she keeps coming back. “This will be my third time attending. My experience has been phenomenal,” said Gerilyn Ray, owner of Raeniece Collections. Ray said the connections formed at the events have helped her build a support network and repeat customers for her products.

First-time sponsor Lisa Donovan says she’s been eager for a chance to join Shop Local-Grow the Economy as a sponsor. “I always wanted to be a part of the event that Janette Millin-Young promoted,” she said, adding that this year it will also be an opportunity to let participants know more about the Party Shop, her own local business.

“What I hope to get out of it — I love networking,” Donovan said.

Entertainment offerings at center court include a Bamboula Dance production. Millin-Young said she hopes everyone who comes will leave with better ideas about their role in helping the V.I. economy flourish.

Moses James Dies at 65

Mat Probasco
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Moses James Dies at 65

The family of the late Moses James sadly announces his passing on Feb. 1, 2026. He was born on June 5, 1960, and will be lovingly remembered for his life, quiet strength, and the memories he shared with all who knew and loved him.

Moses James

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph James; his mother, Frances Claribel James; his brother, Richard James; his brother-in-law, William Noelien; his sister-in-law, Bernadette James; and his nephew, Shern James.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted son, Jason Ford; his loving brothers, Francis James, Steven James, Marcellinus James, Abel James, and Joshua James; and his sisters, Joyceline Noelien, Marie Joseph, Elizabeth Theodule, and Marian Sargusingh. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Antoine Joseph, Claude Theodule, and Anthony Sargusingh.

He leaves behind cherished nephews, Billy Noelien Sr., Nelven Noelien Sr., Steve James, Timothy James, Gideon James, Anton Sargusingh, Robbie James, Mikey James, and Nicholas James; nieces, Gina James, Sherliner Noelien, Vanessa Marfo, Lydia Noelien, Surria James, Kermisha Sargusingh, Claudia Theodule, and Cristiana Noelien; and grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Nelisha Noelien, Shayna Noelien, Nelven Noelien Jr., Billy Noelien Jr., Nelicia Noelien, Nathaniel Marfo, Sanaya Sealey, Kani James, Jolie Henry, Kayden Vidale, Sarai Marfo, Jamison Henry, Eden Gillings, Ryan Gillings, Samiyyah Williams, Omari James, Gideon Zion James, Monica Kay James, and Gideon Ethan James.

He also leaves to mourn many extended relatives including the James family, the Cepal family, and the Sammy family of Canada, St. Lucia, and England, along with many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral Service for the late Moses James will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2026, on St. Croix at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, located at 17-A Estate Plessen. Viewing begins at 9:00 a.m. followed by the service at 10:00 a.m. The family expresses sincere gratitude for the love, prayers, and support extended to them during this time of bereavement.

Victor E. Ruiz Dies at 79

Mat Probasco
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Victor E. Ruiz Dies at 79
The family of the late Victor E. Ruiz sadly announces his passing on January 21, 2026. He was born on January 21, 1947, and will be remembered for his life, his kindness, and the lasting memories he shared with all who knew and loved him.
Victor Ruiz
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved sister, Lydia Ruiz Vazquez; his nephews, Angel M. Rivera Jr., Maria Rivera, Omayra Rivera, and Jorge Ayala Rivera; and his dear friends, Roberto Figueroa, Maria Ramos, Jose Lopez, Nancy Rivera, and Luz Lopez, along with many other relatives and friends whose lives he touched. A Funeral Service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Divine Chapel, #129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, VI 00820. Viewing will be held at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. The family thanks all who have offered prayers, support, and expressions of sympathy during this time of bereavement. “Forever in our hearts, always in our memories.”

Police Arrest Man for Damaging Property in Estate Mariendahl

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Police Arrest Man for Damaging Property in Estate Mariendahl
A 20-year-old man was arrested Monday after police said he threw rocks at a home, damaged a vehicle with a knife and later damaged a police vehicle while in custody. Officers responded at approximately 10:44 a.m. Monday to a report of a male causing damage to property in Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. Police met with the complainant and her sister, identified as the suspect’s partner. The complainant told officers that around 10 a.m., she arrived at the residence and heard J’Lorn Henley shouting about the whereabouts of his phone before he began throwing rocks at the house, according to the police report. The complainant said she saw Henley searching her sister’s black Acura for his phone. When he could not find it, he went to the porch door and banged on it until it cracked, police said. She also reported seeing Henley holding a knife, which he allegedly used to damage the hood of the black Acura and slash the right front tire of the complainant’s vehicle, the police report stated. Henley, 20, was later located and detained by officers and was positively identified as the person responsible for the property damage, according to police. While in custody inside a police vehicle, Henley damaged the vehicle’s door, rendering it unable to close properly, the report stated. Henley was arrested, booked and processed. He was charged with disturbance of the peace, destruction of property, DV, and destruction of government property. He was transferred to the Bureau of Corrections to await his advice of rights hearing. Due to the domestic violence statute, Henley was not granted bail, police said.

Sixth Constitutional Convention Completes First Step in Drafting a Document

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Sixth Constitutional Convention Completes First Step in Drafting a Document
Review and revision of the draft V.I. constitution was completed Jan. 30, said a member of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)

Months of work to review and revise a draft constitution for the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded Jan. 30. An official serving on the Sixth Constitutional Convention recently outlined the next steps that could lead to approval by the government and adoption by the territory.

Sixty-two years have passed since the first attempt to establish a constitution for the territory in 1964. That effort, along with subsequent conventions, has faced the challenge of drafting a document that reflects the concerns of Virgin Islanders while meeting standards acceptable to Congress and the White House.

“The draft was completed on January 30th; we had a plenary session on January 31. It’s now in legal counsel for 30 to 45 days,” said convention Secretary Imani Daniel. “It will come back to the committee for us to work through his legal notes in 15 to 30 days which means (sic) the end of April, May we’ll be able to release it to the public.”

Six standing committees worked for 10 months to review and revise wording from the previous convention to cover, among other things, government structure, human rights, finance and public services, V.I. culture and heritage. As the October completion deadline bore down on those efforts, delegates petitioned the 36th Legislature to grant the convention more time to complete its work.

Lawmakers passed Bill No. 36-0201, which Gov. Albert Bryan later signed into law as an Act. No. 9060 — extending the date for submitting the draft to Feb. 28, 2027.

The measure also sets a referendum date of July 3, 2027, for the public to accept or reject the draft at the ballot box.

Martinez Must Surrender Friday to Await Sentencing, Judge Rules

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Martinez Must Surrender Friday to Await Sentencing, Judge Rules
Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. (Image courtesy Federal Bureau of Prisons)
The Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, located about six miles west of San Juan, near the Fort Buchanan U.S. Army base. The facility currently houses 1,088 inmates, male and female. (Image courtesy Federal Bureau of Prisons)

Ray Martinez must self-surrender to the United States Marshal Service by 10 a.m. Friday to await sentencing on federal bribery and money laundering charges at MDC Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney ordered Wednesday, rejecting claims that the former police commissioner requires medical treatment the prison system cannot provide.

Former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez walks toward the federal courthouse during his trial in December on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Martinez had sought to delay his surrender until his sentencing date in June in a motion his attorneys filed last Friday, claiming he has a root canal scheduled May 7, followed by a crown replacement two weeks later, and is “experiencing symptoms consistent with a kidney infection, including frequent urination, blood in urine and bad pains,” with a renal ultrasound scheduled for Feb. 23.

United States Attorney Adam Sleeper questioned the veracity of those claims and noted that upon Martinez’s conviction following his jury trial in December the government agreed not to seek detention pending sentencing June 9 because he agreed to self-surrender on Feb. 17.

Following a Zoom conference with the prosecution and defense last Friday afternoon to discuss the 11th hour motion, Kearney ordered that both sides file supplemental memoranda by noon Wednesday addressing dental care availability at MDC Guaynabo and the government’s position regarding a short delay to allow Martinez to undergo the renal ultrasound Feb. 23.

The government filed its memorandum Wednesday morning before the deadline but there was nothing on the docket from Martinez’s court-appointed attorneys, Miguel Oppenheimer and Juan F Matos-de Juan of Puerto Rico.

According to the DOJ’s memorandum, the medical director at MDC Guaynabo said arriving inmates undergo a comprehensive intake screening and medical evaluation that includes a dental examination, the facility has a dentist on site and can also coordinate renal ultrasounds through offsite radiology appointments through the Comprehensive Health Services Corporation.

“If, once the defendant has been admitted to MDC Guaynabo, it appears he is unable to receive necessary medical treatment through these established procedures, a motion can be filed requesting that he be transferred to the federal facility in Butner, North Carolina,” which includes a federal correctional institution, a low security correctional institution, a federal prison camp, and a federal medical center, the DOJ said.

Moreover, “all parties had originally agreed on a self-surrender date of February 17, 2026 as an alternative to immediate remand upon conviction. Had the United States known the defendant would attempt to delay this self-surrender on the eve of the agreed upon date, the United States would have moved for detention immediately upon conviction given the specific facts of this case and the defendant’s conduct,” according to the memorandum.

Shortly after noon Wednesday, Kearney ordered Martinez to self-surrender by 10 a.m. Friday, which will allow the U.S. Marshal Service to transport him directly to MDC Guaynabo.

Martinez and former V.I. Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal were found guilty of wire fraud, bribery and money laundering charges Dec. 11, concluding a weeklong federal corruption trial. O’Neal is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11. Both have filed motions for judgments of acquittal and new trials.

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