Proposed Nursing Home Aims to Expand Senior Care Options

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Proposed Nursing Home Aims to Expand Senior Care Options
A proposed nursing home facility is under review by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources following a public hearing on a zoning map amendment request. (Shutterstock image)

On Thursday morning, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources held a public hearing via Zoom to consider a zoning map amendment request for a proposed nursing home facility on St. Croix, outlining the legal process and inviting community input before moving forward.

Applicant Andrea L. Christian-Michel outlined her vision for a facility that would offer retirees a place to feel safe, cared for, and at home. She described the project as more than a business venture, emphasizing her desire to create a peaceful setting where elderly residents can live with dignity and comfort.

The property in question is located at Plot No. 395 Estate Whim, Westend Quarter, St. Croix.

The home would operate within a residential setting, maintaining a scale that blends into the surrounding neighborhood. The facility is expected to provide personalized care support, assistance with daily living activities, and monitoring to ensure residents’ health and safety. Christian-Michel explained that the proposed facility would serve seniors who may no longer be able to live independently but still desire a calm, residential atmosphere.

Her goal, she said, is to provide a supportive space tailored to the needs of aging residents while remaining mindful of the surrounding community.

“I’m praying that everything goes successful so I can begin, and people who are retired and want some place to go and relax could feel at home,” she said.

If approved, the facility would expand the territory’s senior care options and provide another residential alternative for families seeking long-term accommodations for aging loved ones.

During the hearing, Territorial Director Leia LaPlace asked a series of clarifying questions regarding the scope and impact of the project. LaPlace sought details about how the facility would operate within the neighborhood, how construction would be managed, what safeguards would be in place for surrounding residents, and whether the proposal aligns with existing zoning requirements.

LaPlace emphasized the importance of ensuring that development balances community need with neighborhood compatibility, noting that public hearings are designed to allow residents to voice both support and concerns before decisions move forward.

One resident, Hermina Joseph, raised concerns about potential construction impacts, particularly dust and airborne debris affecting nearby homes. Joseph, who shared that she has medical limitations due to metal rods and screws in her spine, asked whether protective mesh barriers would be required around the construction site.

DPNR official Amanda Jackson-Acosta confirmed that best management practices, including dust control measures, are required during construction and that the department would monitor compliance. Residents were encouraged to report any issues should the project move forward.

Planning Technician Gail Pagan, of the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning, chaired the hearing and explained that once the public hearing concludes, DPNR has 30 days to prepare a recommendation report for the commissioner’s signature. After the commissioner signs off, the report is forwarded to the Legislature and the applicant.

The public comment period remains open until March 1. After reviewing submitted comments and evaluating the proposal, DPNR will issue a recommendation that could approve, modify, or deny the zoning request.

Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Investigation Involving Minor on St. Croix

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Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Investigation Involving Minor on St. Croix
A 43-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a minor on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. According to the police report, the arrest stems from a report made Jan. 21 at approximately 3:48 p.m., when a female walked into the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station to report a sexual assault. The matter was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for further investigation. During the investigation, detectives determined that the female was a minor at the time the alleged assault occurred, the police report stated. Police identified the suspect as Francis T. Capone, 43. Detectives made contact with Capone, who voluntarily agreed to appear for questioning. On Feb. 19, he appeared at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station and was advised of his Miranda rights, the report stated. During questioning, Capone denied the allegations of sexual assault but admitted to kissing the minor, police reported. Based on the findings of the investigation, Capone was placed under arrest and formally charged. Bail was set at $75,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the custody of the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing scheduled for Friday in Superior Court, the report stated. The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or call 911.

U.S. Virgin Islands U-20 Dashing Eagles Headed to CONCACAF Qualifiers

Mat Probasco
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U.S. Virgin Islands U-20 Dashing Eagles Headed to CONCACAF Qualifiers
The U-20 Men’s National Team, the Dashing Eagles, departed for Managua to compete in the 2026 CONCACAF U-20 Championship Qualifiers, the U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation said. The U.S. Virgin Islands will open its campaign against Martinique on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at Estadio Miguel Chocorrón Buitrago in Managua. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. AST. Local streaming availability will vary; fans are encouraged to check their local cable listings for broadcast details. This year’s squad marks an important milestone for the program, as Head Coach Emil Berggreen makes his official debut leading the U-20 Dashing Eagles in CONCACAF competition. Competing against some of the Confederation’s top programs, the Dashing Eagles will look to embody the Federation’s mission to develop, inspire, and elevate the game throughout the territory. The team enters the competition determined to showcase the growth of the sport in the U.S. Virgin Islands and to represent the Territory with pride and resilience on the regional stage, federation officials said. When asked what it means to guide the team into his first official CONCACAF tournament, Coach Berggreen shared: “I am proud to lead the team alongside the rest of our staff. The CONCACAF competition is an opportunity to show our potential and to show that we carry ourselves with pride when we represent the USVI.” Reflecting on the lessons he hopes his players will take from competing on this stage, regardless of results, Berggreen emphasized character and work ethic: “We want to show grit and character. We will face players who are better than us right now, but we want to send the signal that we are prepared to outwork our opponents in order to overtake them in the future. The important lesson is that if you want to become better than someone who is better than you, you have to outwork him.” The USVISF calls on all supporters at home and abroad to rally behind the Dashing Eagles as they represent the U.S. Virgin Islands with determination and national pride. The Federation remains committed to building pathways for young athletes and strengthening the foundation of the sport across the territory.

Pedagogists Extol Spelling Bee Participants

Mat Probasco
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Pedagogists Extol Spelling Bee Participants
The Virgin Islands Department of Education proudly congratulates all student participants in the District Spelling Bee Competitions held across the territory in the St. Thomas–St. John District and the St. Croix District. These remarkable students demonstrated exceptional academic excellence, courage, focus, and determination as they competed for the prestigious title of District Champion. The District Spelling Bees brought together some of the territory’s most talented young scholars, each representing their schools with pride and perseverance. Through rigorous preparation, long hours of practice, and an unwavering commitment to learning, these student spellers showcased the power of literacy, discipline, and intellectual curiosity. Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., applauded the students for their achievements and dedication. “Our student spellers exemplify what it means to pursue academic greatness with confidence and determination. Their hard work and passion for learning inspire us all. Every participant is a champion, and we celebrate their courage to step onto the stage and represent their schools and families with distinction.” VIDE also extends sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers, principals, parents, guardians, and school communities whose encouragement and support helped prepare students for this meaningful academic milestone. Their collective efforts continue to strengthen literacy development and foster a culture of academic achievement throughout the territory. The Spelling Bee competitions highlight the importance of language, communication, and scholarship, skills that empower students to succeed in school and beyond. Whether advancing to the next level of competition or returning to the classroom with new confidence, each participant has gained valuable experience that will contribute to their future success. St. Thomas-St. John District Winner – Melaya Petersen – 3rd Grade 2nd – Kashyma Paul – 6th Grade 3rd –  Messiah Smith – 7th Grade 4th – Brendan Jackson – 4th Grade 5th – Raj Mipuri – 8th Grade 6th – Ashlyn Potter – 8th Grade 7th – Malik Williams – 8th Grade 8th – Nikai VanBeverhoudt – 8th Grade 9th – Tansy Vital – 8th Grade 10th – Hosea Sello – 7th Grade St. Croix District Winner – Rayan Felix – 7th grade 2nd – Patricia Daytic – 8th grade 3rd – Guillian Canceko – 4th grade 4th – Zawadi Bergan – 5th grade 5th – Jahmir Greaux – 8th grade 6th – Aisha Al-Jaloudi – 8th grade 7th – Grace Sookraj – 7th grade 8th – Charles Francis – 5th grade 9th – Aliyah Rivera – 8th grade 10th – Emmanuel Almestica – 6th grade

Join DPW Public Transportation Meetings

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Join DPW Public Transportation Meetings
Have you ever wondered how transportation improvements are chosen across the territory? The Department of Public Works is leading the way — from road projects to VITRAN bus services and even ferry transportation — and now, they want to hear from you. You’re invited to attend a public meeting to receive an update on the USVI Transportation Master Plan and share your thoughts on projects planned through 2050. Meetings will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m.: On St. Croix — Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park or join virtually via Zoom call. On St. John — Wednesday, Feb. 25 at the Cleone Henriette Creque Legislative Conference Room. And on St. Thomas — Thursday, Feb. 26 at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources at Tutu Park Mall. For more information, visit https://dpw.vi.gov/comprehensive-transportation-master-plan/ or search “USVI 2050 Transportation Study” on Facebook. Help us shape your future of transportation in the Virgin Islands. Your voice matters 

St. Croix Runners Torch the Track at Ag Fair Meet and High School Championships

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St. Croix Runners Torch the Track at Ag Fair Meet and High School Championships
The 2026 Cipriani Phillips Ag Fair Meet / High School Championships delivered a full day of excitement, athletic excellence, and school pride as St. Croix’s top young athletes competed at the St. Croix Educational Complex Track. When the final points were tallied, the host school, St. Croix Educational Complex (SCEC), emerged as the undisputed champion, capturing both the Female and Male team trophies in commanding fashion.
Educational Complex runners. (Submitted photo)
SCEC’s depth and consistency across sprinting, middle‑distance, field events, and relays proved decisive. The SCEC females scored 80 points, while the SCEC males accumulated 82 points, comfortably ahead of the competition. Good Hope Country Day School finished second in both divisions, earning 12 points in the female standings and a strong 40 points on the male side. St. Croix Central High School rounded out the podium finishes with 10 points among the females and 17 points among the males, showcasing notable individual performances throughout the meet. The championship action opened with the 100‑meter dash, where Charlise Morris claimed gold in the female 100M with a time of 13.39 seconds, followed by Nehalia Giddings (13.91) and Sarai Gomez (14.01). Morris later doubled down on her success by capturing the female long jump title with an impressive leap of 5.10 meters. On the boys’ side, Rajon Charles was the class of the field in the male 100M, sprinting to victory in 11.21 seconds. He backed that performance with another gold in the 200M at 23.26 seconds, cementing himself as one of the meet’s standout sprinters. Yahraya Doctrine placed second in both the 100M and 200M, while Kolebert Daisely added a bronze in the 100M. Distance events highlighted endurance and strategy, particularly from Kennedy James, who dominated the girls’ middle‑distance races. James captured gold in the female 1500M with a time of 6:00.33, then returned to win the female 800M in 2:58.51, a double victory that significantly boosted SCEC’s team total. In the boys’ 1500M, Ayden Cintron took top honors, crossing the line in 4:24.97, while David Morton Jr. claimed gold in the male 800M with a winning time of 2:14.81. Kolebert Daisely added another podium finish with silver in the 800M. The 400‑meter races were among the most competitive events of the meet. Faith Eatmon led the female field, winning in 1:02.01, followed by Sarai Gomez and Juvantia Hurst. On the boys’ side, Juvante Hurst captured gold in 51.96 seconds, edging out Vedant Mittal in a tightly contested race. Jahleya George was a dominant force in the girls’ throws, winning both the javelin (16.81m) and shot put (7.65m). Anna Simon earned silver medals in both events, contributing valuable points for her team. The boys’ throwing events were equally impressive. Kahlan Beaupierre captured the male javelin title with a throw of 34.26 meters, while Jordan Vaughn followed closely behind and later claimed victory in the male shot put with a top throw of 13.94 meters. In the male high jump, Isaiah Benjamin cleared 1.80 meters to take first place, also earning silver in the long jump behind Quinn Sayre, who won the event with a leap of 5.81 meters. The Cipriani Phillips Ag Fair Meet / High School Championships is the official Virgin Islands High School Track & Field Championships for the past three decades, traditionally bringing together high schools from St. Croix and St. Thomas to compete on a single championship stage. For the past two years, St. Thomas high school track and field teams were unable to attend, not due to lack of interest or preparation, but because the Department of Education did not provide the necessary logistical support for travel to St. Croix, despite formal requests being submitted more than three months in advance of the championship dates. These championships are meant to unite Virgin Islands student‑athletes across districts. Ensuring equitable access and support for all schools is essential to preserving the integrity and inclusiveness of VI high school Track and Field.

SRMC Medical Staff Meets With GHHFC Board Following Vote of No Confidence

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SRMC Medical Staff Meets With GHHFC Board Following Vote of No Confidence
Schneider Regional Medical Center’s medical staff met Thursday night with the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation board of directors in the wake of a formal vote of no confidence, marking the first face-to-face discussion since physicians publicly rebuked the board over its handling of the territory’s hospital consolidation. A recent no-confidence resolution from Schneider Hospital medical staff came after the board removed the hospital’s chief executive, Tina Comissiong, and elevated Luis Hospital CEO Darlene Baptiste to a role overseeing both hospitals as part of a structural consolidation. Schneider staff said that consolidation began without consultation and without a detailed plan for the transition. Staff communicated their concerns in a closed-door meeting with the board Wednesday night, after which board secretary Christopher Finch reported that they had a “robust discussion” and gathered opinions while providing “information about additional steps for the integration and plans going forward.” Jerry Smith, who chairs the V.I. Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation board, told the Source Thursday that it was helpful to hear the physicians’ position. “I do have a sense that they have an idea of the road map,” Smith said after Wednesday night’s meeting. “I also have a sense that they don’t agree with it, but they know what it is.” With the consolidation, Smith said the GHHFC is “becoming a corporation that has central leadership for its institutions.” “It’s going to be HR, it’s going to be finance, it’s going to be supply chain management, it’s going to be facilities — that’s all we’re doing, really,” he said. Historically, “the corporation was created to manage the hospitals, but then what happened was the hospitals were just cut loose to run themselves. And it’s not necessarily that the individuals were doing a bad job; they were just doing different jobs. So then it makes it difficult to maximize what you can achieve in a rural environment like we’re in.” Smith added that most of the hospitals’ issues are financial. “If you have money … you don’t have problems with buying supplies,” he said. “However, when you don’t have much money, you need to be doing a very good job of inventory management. You have to manage your supplies well. You have to have the policies that state how supplies are to be used. When you have an abundance of everything, you could kind of just haphazardly do what you want, but when you have minimal amounts of things, you have to manage them extremely well. And I see great examples of excellent work being done in different spots of each hospital, but there’s some learning that can take place.” But physician leaders say their concerns go beyond disagreement with the board’s direction. Dr. George Rosenberg, former SRMC chief medical officer, and Dr. Lori Thompson, president of the SRMC Medical Staff, said the vote was not about consolidation itself, but about process. “We have, in theory, absolutely no problem with the hospitals merging,” Thompson said. “In many ways, it could be beneficial — purchasing power, shared IT resources, and the skill sets we already help each other with. What we are not comfortable with is the way that it happened.” According to Rosenberg, the Medical Executive Committee received an email on a Thursday night requesting an emergency meeting the following morning, where they were informed of Baptiste’s appointment as territorial CEO and the naming of a territorial chief operations officer. Later that same day, Comissiong was released. The medical staff requested a meeting with the board prior to its Feb. 13 meeting, Rosenberg said, but received no substantive response. At that Feb. 13 meeting, physicians voted by what they described as a significant majority to approve the resolution of no confidence, citing lack of transparency, stakeholder engagement, and planning. “None of us as physicians, and none of the board members, in their individual capacities or as a group, has the skill, knowledge, or education to evaluate whether a merger is beneficial — and, if it is, how to proceed,” Rosenberg said. “You need an experienced consulting firm that specializes in hospital mergers. That was not done.” He acknowledged that Ernst & Young was engaged, but said its role was limited to financial matters and did not include operational interviews with medical staff or senior leadership. “There was no transition. There was no handoff,” Rosenberg said. “It was done in an extremely haphazard fashion.” Physicians have also questioned the creation and filling of new leadership positions without public posting or what they describe as a traditional vetting process. Rosenberg said morale at SRMC “has never been lower.” “This isn’t about the current leadership,” he said. “It’s about the process the board initiated — and our complete loss of confidence in their ability to manage and lead the hospital through something this complex.” The medical staff is now drafting proposed changes they consider mandatory and plan to present them internally before determining next steps. While the board maintains that consolidation will strengthen centralized leadership and financial controls, SRMC physicians say their objection remains focused on how the restructuring was launched — and whether it was done with the preparation and engagement such a transition demands. Meanwhile, the GHHFC issued a formal Request for Proposals titled “GHHFC System Strategic Planning, Integration and Turnaround Implementation Services” (RFP TB-2026-001), updated Feb. 17. The RFP seeks qualified firms to provide system strategic planning, integration, and turnaround implementation services for the corporation in both the St. Croix and St. Thomas–St. John districts. Proposals are due March 11.

Senators Delay Distillery Zoning Bill After Environmental Concerns

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Senators Delay Distillery Zoning Bill After Environmental Concerns
Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol testifies before the Senate Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Committee Thursday. (Screenshot from V.I. Legislature livestream)

A Senate committee on Thursday heard sharply divided testimony on a bill that would allow small-scale distilleries and breweries in agricultural and low-density residential zones, highlighting a clash between promised economic benefits and environmental and land-use concerns.

Bill 36-0211, before the Senate Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Committee, would amend Title 29 of the Virgin Islands Code to define breweries, distilleries, microbreweries and microdistilleries and allow facilities producing up to 100,000 gallons a year in A-1, A-2, R-1 and R-2 zoning districts, subject to approval by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

Supporters said the measure would let farmers develop value-added products and agritourism opportunities. Opponents said it could divert scarce farmland from food production, threaten aquifers and coastal waters, and conflict with the territory’s new Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.

The bill directs DPNR, in collaboration with the Agriculture Department, to write rules for microbreweries and microdistilleries, including environmental standards for wastewater, stormwater, solid waste, odor and noise. It also requires public notice before such facilities are approved in agricultural and residential zones. Opponents said the measure should mandate full public hearings. Lawmakers noted that in 2022, the Legislature passed Bill 34-0301, repealing language that had allowed rum distillation to be treated as agricultural processing on agricultural land.

Senate President Milton E. Potter, the bill’s sponsor, told colleagues the measure responds to farmers who want to process what they grow. “Across our islands, and particularly on St. Croix, we’ve seen a growing number of small agricultural entrepreneurs who are not simply farming. They are dreaming bigger,” Potter said. “They want to take their sugar cane, their local crops, their creative vision, and produce something of value right here on Virgin Island soil … But what stands in their way is not ambition. It is zoning.”

Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol said his department supports the bill’s intent as part of a broader update to the zoning code. “This legislation is not merely about alcohol production. It represents a broader policy discussion about the future of agriculture, rural land use and value-added enterprise in the Virgin Islands,” he said.

Oriol described micro distilleries and microbreweries as “lighter manufacturing or artisanal industrial” uses and said any approvals “must be subject to environmental performance standards, including, but not limited to, wastewater management, stormwater control, solid waste disposal, odor mitigation, noise attenuation, and energy use considerations.”

Attorney Kevin Rames, representing Prosperity Farm, argued that small distilleries tied to local agriculture could help diversify the economy and keep farmland in production. He pointed to Kentucky’s bourbon industry and rum production in Martinique as examples where spirits generate billions in output and support thousands of jobs. “Farmland preservation is not just environmental policy. It is an economic strategy,” Rames said, adding that with limits on production, minimum lot sizes and setbacks from homes, “micro distilleries are compatible with surrounding communities.”

Alice Charles of People Protecting Places urged senators to reject Bill 36-0211, arguing agricultural land should be reserved for food production, not alcohol manufacturing. “Farmland should grow food, not industrial alcohol,” she said. “We do not need any distilleries or breweries on agricultural land with their potential to destroy viable soils and our aquifers,” she said.

Charles said allowing microdistilleries and microbreweries in A-1, A-2, R-1 and R-2 zones would divert scarce land and water from farming and increase the risk that distillation wastewater, known as vinasse, could contaminate soils, groundwater and coastal waters.

Charles pointed to a 2025 Department of Planning and Natural Resources advisory deeming Prosperity Beach unsafe for swimming after bacteria levels spiked following a suspected discharge near Prosperity Farm. She presented photographs of rust-colored runoff she described as “consistent with liquid distillery waste known as vinasse” flowing toward the shoreline and warned that authorizing additional distilleries could spread similar impacts into residential neighborhoods, threatening wells, beaches and tourism.

She noted that lawmakers in 2022 repealed language classifying rum distillation as agricultural processing and said the current bill contradicts that decision and the territory’s Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan. Submitting a petition with 941 signatures opposing the measure, she told senators, “The people of the Virgin Islands are watching … Please do not sacrifice our islands for a short-term corporate win.”

Several senators said they were unwilling to advance the measure without significant revisions, pointing to ongoing environmental testing, unresolved questions about wastewater and runoff, broader coastal protection concerns, and limited benefits to food security.

“Let’s be clear-eyed about this bill. It does not bring any food security improvement. I don’t see how this bill really adds to food security improvement,” said Sen. Novelle Francis Jr.

“The committee collectively has decided that the bill needs substantial work,” Sen. Kurt Vialet said, adding that lawmakers will merge competing amendments into “one comprehensive bill that addresses the environmental concerns raised … because we think that those environmental concerns are important to make sure that we maintain the quality of life that we presently have on St. Croix.”

Potter, who formally moved to hold the bill, said he believes “the concept of the bill … is a good concept” but warned “the devil is always in the details,” arguing that greater safeguards and a “proper enforcement mechanism” should be codified in statute rather than left to later rules and regulations.

After a marathon hearing focused on where alcohol production belongs in the Virgin Islands and how to balance land use with economic development, lawmakers ultimately shelved the bill. On a 7–0 vote, members agreed to hold Bill No. 36‑0211 in committee at the call of the chair.

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.”
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