As we continued to hike, we came across a group of young men building trails along Mount Eagle. From left are JP Donohue, Zeb Langeweg and Nils Hempel. The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance board has contracted with a stateside company called Rock Solid Trail Contracting to establish mountain bike and hiking trails in certain parts of the park. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
The Virgin Islands Trail Alliance has completed and opened the first new trail segment within the Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park on St. Croix, creating a new one-mile pathway that connects Mount Eagle to Scenic Road and forms part of a three-mile loop utilizing existing dirt roads and traditional trails, a press release announced.
The new segment begins at Mount Eagle, the island’s highest peak, and descends to Scenic Road east of the top of the Beast. The trail is designed for hikers and mountain bikers and is intended for human-powered recreation, according to the press release.
The project was completed through a partnership between the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas. Ongoing efforts within the park include the development of additional trails and scenic overlooks, improvements to picnic areas, invasive species removal and the planting of native and fruit trees, the press release stated.
Rock Solid Trail Contracting assisted with trail design and construction, while the CHANT Conservation Corps provided construction support. Parking areas near trailheads on Scenic Road are also being improved, including locations east of the Beast and west of Blue Mountain Tower Road. Roadside cleanup and signage installation remain underway, the release stated.
“We greatly appreciate the local experts, naturalists, culture bearers, contemporary trail planners, partner organizations, and residents who shared their knowledge and thoughtful insights during planning meetings and mapping sessions,” the alliance stated in the release. “Their input helped design low impact routes throughout the Park to create public access that showcases the Park’s grand vistas, natural and cultural heritage and enables new opportunities for enjoying St. Croix’s rich beauty.”
According to the release, much of the project funding came through an Inflation Reduction Act grant awarded to the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance. Additional funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.
The alliance also thanked DPNR’s Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, Rock Solid Trail Contracting, CHANT Conservation Corps, the VI State Historic Preservation Office and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority for their support of the project.
The night before the news broke about Jimmy Kimmel being fired in September 2025, I was in a ballroom in New York City at the 50th Anniversary celebration of the Investigative Reporters and Editors organization.
As a small town journalist, it was a thrill beyond my imaginings to be in the same room with the greatest reporters and editors (and Emmy and Oscar- winning actor Michael Keaton) who “plays them on TV” of the last five decades.
During his keynote address in a moment of prescience, Keaton said, “Look to the funny people” as he lamented the monopolization and crumbling wreckage of what was once an honorable and trustworthy media. Little did he know that night what was about to happen and what the body-strewn media landscape would look like a very short nine months later.
Nor did I when, in a chance moment before the official opening of the gala, I spotted Scott Pelley striding past the table I had been assigned, headed toward makeshift backstage where he would shortly deliver his opening remarks.
60 Minutes Correspondent Scott Pelley offers opening remarks at 50th Anniversary of Investigative Reporters and Editors Gala September 15, 2025 (Shaun A. Pennington photo)
The list of heroes I grew up watching every night from the flickering black and white world of the newfangled square box that appeared in our livingroom when I was about five years old starts with Edward R. Murrow in the 50s Walter Cronkite – known as ‘the most trusted man in America’ in the 60s and leads to the living color of “60 Minutes” the year after I graduated from high school.
A good acquaintance of mine from New York was an editor for the first and hands-down most-viewed television news magazine of the last nearly 60 years.
So, when I recognized Pelley, I unabashedly ran after him, not quite yelling, “Scott,” and sticking out my hand as he turned with a broad smile to willingly greet me. I introduced myself as a friend of Elizabeth Sweetnam, whose eulogy Pelley offered at her funeral and asked without any explanation needed, “What are you going to do?”
He grabbed my outstretched hand and met my eyes.
“We are going to launch our season,” he said, as a grim look of determination erased the bright smile he had greeted me with, “and see what happens.”
I will spare the readers the back-and-forth lies and obfuscating offered a mere nine months since I shook hands with Scott Pelley and spewing forth from the money monsters for Pelley’s alleged “firing.” Suffice it to say, the world of unimpeachable truth telling is collapsing before our eyes under the weight of evil and unquenchable greed.
Scott Pelley takes a moment for a photo with Shaun A. Pennington (Blair Pelley photo)
We are left in this moment with the dying embers of a time when we could turn on and to mainstream media and expect trustworthy men and women to keep us informed.
In pretending she had tried to find a workable solution after Pelley raised hell about her firing days earlier of two other outstanding correspondents, Bari Weiss, whose title is editor-in-chief, said Pelley had chosen “a different path.” There is no doubt he took the Integrity Path, where he will no doubt gather around the embers with all of the television notables of the last nine months who either chose or were left to find their own ways on that path, where they will no doubt rekindle the flames with the fuel of the First Amendment and their undying loyalty to the America we once believed might just be possible.
The FIRST ideal of our failed experiment in democracy:
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.
—Shaun A. Pennington is the founder and publisher emerita of the V.I. Source newspapers of general circulation launched in 1999.
U.S. Marshals arrested the owner of the St. John Ink tattoo parlor for allegedly fleeing assaulting-an-officer charges in Florida, officials said Thursday.
Robert Gary, 50, licensed the Cruz Bay tattoo parlor under an alias, Eric Gary, U.S. Marshals said.
Marshals, with assistance from the Virgin Islands Police Department, spotted Gary near the Cruz Bay post office and took him into custody without incident, according to a press release from the Marshal Service.
Gary was allegedly driving recklessly, spinning the tires of a dark blue Dodge Charger in Jacksonville, Florida, during a 2,500-person block party on July 3, 2022. He allegedly disregarded several orders from police to stop, nearly hit at least one officer, and smashed into a parked car, according to local reports.
He was charged with four counts of aggravated assault on police, two counts of hit and run, and reckless driving before he allegedly fled to the territory.
St. John Ink opened in 2024.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., who also serves as the territory’s Commissioner of Insurance, reminds Virgin Islands residents to be prepared for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, which begins June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach. (Screenshot from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor Facebook livestream)
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Weather Service predicts a below-average 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, with eight to 14 named storms, three to six are forecasted to become hurricanes and one to three of which will reach Category 3 status or stronger. Tropical storm winds are from 39-73 MPH; Category 1 Hurricane winds 74-95 MPH; Category 2 Hurricane winds 96-110 MPH; Category 3 Hurricane winds 111-130 MPH; Category 4 Hurricane winds 131-155 MPH; Category 5 Hurricane winds 156 MPH and greater.
Lieutenant Governor Roach advises property owners to review their insurance policies annually and contact their agent directly to discuss any need for additional or revision in coverage, or if they have questions. Property owners may contact the Division if additional assistance is required after speaking with an agent. Lieutenant Governor Roach further advises residents of the following as they prepare for the hurricane season:
You cannot buy a homeowners insurance policy once a storm has been declared
Know what is covered and what will not be covered in your homeowner’s insurance policy.
Avoid being underinsured by purchasing at least 80% of the replacement cost value of your residential property. To determine replacement cost value, hire an appraiser and make sure the appraisal includes Replacement Cost Value, which is the cost of replacing your property without a reduction for depreciation.
Avoid being force-placed, which may cover only the mortgage balance. If you have a mortgage, purchase your own homeowner’s insurance policy. You can have the insurance premium escrowed along with your property tax payment, or you can use premium financing.
To lower the cost of your property insurance, take advantage of all available Discounts offered by your insurance company. Remember, once you file a claim you may lose your “No Claim Discount”, meaning that your premium will then increase but only by the amount you saved through the No Claim Discount.
Purchase homeowners’ insurance even if you own your home outright and don’t have a mortgage! Your home is your biggest investment; be sure to protect it by insuring it.
Do NOT exclude windstorm. We live in a hurricane-prone area.
Make sure you have a homeowner’s insurance policy and a separate flood insurance policy. A homeowner’s insurance policy does not provide flood protection.
If you rent, buy renter’s insurance to cover your contents in the building.
Understand that you do not have a separate policy if you own a condominium. The policy belongs to the condominium association as a whole and is subject to the decision by its Board of Directors. You can purchase a separate contents insurance policy as a condominium owner.
Keep your insurance policy and other important documents in safe, dry waterproof and fireproof containers.
Know what is insured: inventory personal property and take photographs of your home.
Visit ltg.gov.vi and download the “Home Inventory Checklist”. Complete the checklist and take photos of your contents BEFORE a storm occurs! Know what is insured.Have disaster supplies on hand and secure important documents (insurance policies, birth certificates, deeds, will and testaments, power of attorneys, Government -issued photo identifications, etc.)
Protect your property by putting up shutters, cutting back tree limbs and clearing debris.
After the disaster, it is important that you have a contingency plan in place:
Take photos and make a list of your damages; file a claim as soon as possible; get an estimate of your damages; be ready to have your claim adjusted to receive a claim settlement.
Secure your property and make temporary repairs if needed. Your homeowner’s policy allows you to make minor temporary repairs to prevent further damage.
Avoid disaster fraud. Avoid scam artists. Request a copy of the business license and identification from anyone who will perform disaster related services on your property. Never pay in full for a disaster related service provided for you before the service is completed. Additionally, do not participate in disaster related fraud by misrepresenting damage amounts and submitting inflated and unreasonable estimates to your insurer. Such activities can drive up the future costs of insurance for all policyholders.
Public adjusters are also licensed by the Commissioner of Insurance. A property owner does not need to hire an attorney to contract services of a public adjuster.
Per Bulletin No. 2017-06 issued by the Commissioner of Insurance on September 29, 2017, a public adjuster may not charge a fee that exceeds 5% of the insurance proceeds recovered on behalf of the homeowner or residential insured.
“Virgin Islands residents are reminded also to pay special attention to national and local weather advisories and VITEMA alerts during the hurricane season to keep informed of impending weather conditions.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.
For more information on disaster preparedness and the responsibilities of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, visit ltg.gov.vi., or contact Division of Banking, Insurance & Financial Regulation on St. Thomas at 340-774-2991 and on St. Croix and 340-773-6449.
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority is strengthening enforcement efforts at bin sites across the territory as part of its ongoing commitment to improving accountability, protecting public resources, and maintaining clean and safe communities.
The Waste Management Authority is upping enforcement efforts at trash bins. (Screenshot from WMA presentation)
This initiative reflects VIWMA’s broader focus on operational integrity and responsible waste management. Through enhanced enforcement strategies, the Authority is improving its ability to identify violations, respond to concerns efficiently, and ensure that public waste disposal areas are used appropriately.
Illegal dumping and misuse of public bin sites remain a serious environmental, operational, and public health concern throughout the Territory. Improper disposal practices contribute to overflowing sites, infrastructure damage, increased cleanup costs, pest activity, and environmental degradation. Individuals caught engaging in illegal dumping or misuse of bin sites may be subject to fines of up to $1,000, penalties, or additional enforcement actions in accordance with Virgin Islands law.
To help maintain safe and accessible bin sites, VIWMA reminds residents and businesses of the following disposal guidelines:
DO:
Dispose of household waste in designated bins only
Break down cardboard boxes and bulky materials before disposal
Secure trash bags properly to reduce litter and pest activity
Follow all posted signage and disposal instructions at each location
Report overflowing bins, illegal dumping, or maintenance concerns promptly
DO NOT:
Dispose of hazardous materials, including chemicals, batteries, paints, oils, or medical waste
Leave trash outside of bins or on the ground
Dump construction debris, appliances, furniture, tires, or bulk waste
Use residential bin sites for commercial disposal purposes
Engage in illegal dumping or vandalism at any VIWMA facility or bin site
To further support proper disposal practices, VIWMA will coordinate the collection of white goods/scrap metal and bulk waste at the Anguilla Landfill and the Cotton Valley bin site on St. Croix, the Nazareth and Cancryn bin sites on St. Thomas, and at the Pine Peace and Coral Bay bin sites on St. John on the second weekend of each month beginning July 2026. The scheduled time is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., but it is subject to change due to weather conditions.
As part of its commitment to strengthening community partnerships and enhancing waste management services throughout the Territory, VIWMA has coordinated and will continue to coordinate quarterly bulk waste collections at designated bin sites. Residents are encouraged to follow posted schedules and placement guidelines to ensure safe and efficient collection.
Both convenience centers will accept residential white goods and scrap metal, including refrigerators, stoves, and other household appliances, during the first and third weeks of each month. Bulk waste items, such as mattresses, tables, and couches, will be accepted during the second and fourth weeks of each month. Mandahl Convenience Center will continue operating on its regular schedule, Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sundays from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Peter’s Rest Convenience Center will operate Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On holidays, the convenience centers are open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Residents are encouraged to follow posted schedules and placement guidelines to ensure safe and efficient collection.
VIWMA would like to take this opportunity to remind the business community that tire dealers are responsible for contracting and arranging the proper removal and off-island disposal of used tires. Tires are not permitted at residential bin sites, and improper disposal will result in enforcement action. Maintaining clean and functional bin sites is a shared community responsibility and a partnership between the Authority, residents, businesses, and waste haulers. By working together, we can improve service delivery, protect the environment, and preserve the natural beauty of the Territory.
The Authority encourages everyone to take an active role in keeping bin sites clean and compliant. Let us work collectively to keep our islands clean, safe, and sustainable.
For more information, contact us at customer_care@viwma.org or communications@viwma.org, or call 340‑715‑9100 for St. Thomas or 340‑712‑4962 for St. Croix. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.
The Bryan-Roach Administration, through the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, has begun initial mobilization and preparation work for the milling, reconstruction and paving of King Street, Queen Street, Strand Street and portions of Fisher Street in Frederiksted town.
Frederiksted, St. Croix. (Photo courtesy OTF Facebook)
The work is being carried out by DPW contractor Marco St. Croix Inc. and marks another important step in the administration’s continued effort to improve road conditions, strengthen public infrastructure and support the ongoing revitalization of Frederiksted.
Crews have begun preparatory activities, including staging equipment, assessing work areas and preparing traffic control measures ahead of active roadwork. Once construction begins, the project will include milling deteriorated roadway surfaces, rebuilding and preparing road sections as needed, and paving the streets to provide a safer, smoother and more reliable driving surface for residents, businesses and visitors.
The project will also address the temporary bridge on King Street, located just north of the Midre Cummings Recreational and Youth Facility. That portion of the work is especially important for traffic circulation in the area and for residents and families who regularly travel near the park, the waterfront and surrounding neighborhoods.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said the project is part of a broader vision to strengthen the Territory’s historic towns by making targeted infrastructure investments that support housing, commerce, public activity and long-term economic development.
“Our administration’s investments in roads, utilities, public spaces and community infrastructure are about more than fixing what is broken. They are part of a larger effort to bring new life and new opportunity into our historic towns,” Governor Bryan said. “In Frederiksted, as in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Cruz Bay, we are working to create the conditions for more housing, more business activity, more foot traffic and more confidence from residents and investors.”
The paving of King Street, Queen Street, Strand Street and portions of Fisher Street represents a significant milestone for Frederiksted. Once completed, these streets will bring to completion the repaving of Frederiksted town streets advanced under the Bryan-Roach Administration, following years of coordinated work to address road conditions throughout the town.
Commissioner of Public Works Derek Gabriel said the project reflects DPW’s continued focus on moving infrastructure work from planning to construction while coordinating with residents, businesses and motorists to minimize disruption.
“We understand how important these streets are to the daily movement of Frederiksted,” Commissioner Gabriel said. “Our team is working with the contractor to move carefully and efficiently, particularly in areas where traffic, drainage, utilities and pedestrian activity must all be considered. We are asking the public to remain patient and attentive as this work gets underway.”
During construction, motorists should expect temporary traffic changes, equipment movement, lane restrictions and possible delays in and around the affected streets. DPW will provide additional traffic advisories as work progresses.
The department is urging motorists to follow posted signs, observe traffic control measures, obey flaggers and use caution when traveling through active work zones.
Governor Bryan noted that he is excited to see the final phase of the road reconstruction and repaving project to fully complete to road restoration in the historic town of Frederiksted
For updates on roadwork and traffic advisories, residents are encouraged to follow the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works and Government House official communications channels at dpw.vi.gov and vi.gov.
Elections Board members Cleopatra Peters and Atanya Springette debate procedural rules during Wednesday’s meeting on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The Virgin Islands Board of Elections voted Wednesday to continue using a single ballot for federal and territorial races, while spending much of a lengthy meeting debating candidate eligibility, residency disputes, and a failed effort to remove Elections Supervisor Caroline Fawkes.
The decision came after board members emerged from an hourlong executive session, where representatives of Election Systems & Software confirmed the Elections System has the capability to produce separate paper ballots for federal and territorial contests and still meet the June 17 deadline for military and overseas voters. Board Chair Raymond Williams said no action was taken during the closed-door session, which also included updates from the Office of the Attorney General on pending election-related litigation.
Despite confirmation that separate ballots could be produced, the board voted 6-3 to continue using a combined ballot for the 2026 election cycle.
The issue stems from a long-standing debate over whether federal and territorial races should appear on separate ballots. While board members were advised Wednesday that separate ballots could still be produced in time for military and overseas voters, a majority ultimately chose not to alter the format for the current election cycle, arguing that broader compliance questions could be addressed after the 2026 election.
Board member Kareem Francis, who introduced the motion, argued the board could move forward with the current ballot format while continuing discussions about future compliance with election laws.
“We can ensure future elections follow the law to the letter,” Francis said.
Board members Cleopatra Peter and Barbara LaRonde disagreed, arguing that election officials have had ample time to prepare for separate ballots and that voter education efforts could address concerns surrounding the transition.
“We’ve had two years to figure it out,” Peter said.
“It was already identified that it can be done,” LaRonde added.
The ballot issue served as a backdrop for broader concerns raised throughout the meeting about election administration, candidate qualifications, and compliance with election law.
Much of the discussion centered on a complaint filed by Delegate to Congress candidate Ida Smith, who accused Fawkes of improperly requiring documentation related to a St. John address listed on her nomination papers.
Smith contends the request exceeds the supervisor’s authority and effectively imposes additional qualifications beyond those required under federal law for candidates seeking the office of Delegate to Congress.
The dispute mirrors a similar controversy during the 2024 election cycle, when Fawkes moved to disqualify Smith’s congressional candidacy and the Board of Elections later voted to place her on the ballot after receiving an opinion from Attorney General Gordon Rhea concluding that Delegate to Congress candidates are governed by federal qualification requirements.
Fawkes defended the latest request, telling board members the issue differs from questions raised during the 2024 election cycle.
According to Fawkes, the previous dispute focused on Smith’s residency within the Virgin Islands, while the current matter concerns the residence listed on Smith’s nomination papers and whether the structure identified on St. John is, in fact, her place of residence.
Fawkes cited a 2025 ruling by Chief District Judge Robert Molloy in explaining why additional documentation was requested.
Board member Harriet Mercer later introduced a motion directing Fawkes to withdraw the request. The motion failed on a 3-5 vote.
The board also revisited recurring concerns about candidate notification procedures and due process protections.
Several members questioned whether candidates whose nomination papers are found defective are being notified in accordance with Virgin Islands law, which references notification by “special messenger.” Members debated whether modern communication methods such as email and telephone calls satisfy that requirement.
Fawkes said her office typically contacts candidates through multiple channels, including telephone calls and email, and emphasized that the Elections System does not publicly announce candidate disqualifications.
Questions about candidate filings extended to challenges involving congressional candidates James Weber and Jed JohnHope, whose appeals are expected to be addressed when the board reconvenes Friday.
Williams said Weber’s disqualification stemmed from filing nomination papers in the wrong district.
“The law is clear,” Williams said.
According to Williams, Weber’s filing error leaves little room for interpretation under election law, though the matter is expected to be revisited when the board takes up candidate appeals later this week.
The board also reviewed a complaint involving JohnHope, who was disqualified on May 26 by the Elections System. Under 18 V.I.C. § 381(b), candidates for offices elected territorywide must submit nomination papers signed by at least 100 qualified electors from each of at least two election districts and at the time, Fawkes said JohnHope did not meet that requirement, noting that his filing fell short of the district-based signature threshold.
Responding to questions about petition signatures, Fawkes displayed color-coded filing forms and said additional signatures submitted by JohnHope were provided on white paper rather than the official petition forms. She described the color coding as a quality-control measure used by the Elections System.
In other business, board members approved the Elections System’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget request, which Fawkes and her staff are expected to present before the Senate Finance Committee later this summer.
Fawkes also discussed funding allocated for the current election cycle, telling members that $275,000 has been designated for the primary election and approximately $400,000 for the general election, though supplemental funding may ultimately be required.
The board approved the supervisor’s report after making several amendments and corrections during public discussion.
Members also addressed the status of board member Lawrence Boschulte, whose May 27 resignation letter was read into the record. Boschulte recently filed to run for a seat in the 37th Legislature and was previously determined, and ultimately disqualified about a week ago, by Elections officials to be ineligible to remain on the Board of Elections while seeking another public office. During the casting of the lots on May 29 for the Democratic Primary, Fawkes told members of the media that Boschulte would be replaced by former Elections board member Lydia Hendricks.
Under Virgin Islands law, Board of Elections members may not be candidates for another public office during the term for which they were elected and must resign from the board as a condition of seeking office.
Williams declined to accept Boschulte’s resignation Wednesday, noting that the letter submitted to the board was unsigned.
Tensions escalated near the end of the meeting when LaRonde introduced a motion seeking Fawkes’ removal, citing what she described as “numerous violations of law.”
Williams immediately ruled the motion out of order.
LaRonde challenged the ruling, but a majority of board members sided with the chairman, effectively preventing debate on the proposal and stopping the motion from advancing.
With several St. Croix board members needing to return home, the meeting adjourned shortly after 2 p.m. Members agreed to reconvene Friday to continue reviewing appeals and correspondence from candidates challenging their disqualification from the 2026 ballot.
Representatives from major airlines servicing St. Thomas and St. Croix signed a letter to V.I. Port Authority leadership and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. calling for changes to the territory’s airport redevelopment plans. (Source file photo)
In a letter to V.I. Port Authority leadership and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. Wednesday, major airlines decried the lack of transparency around plans to redevelop the St. Thomas and St. Croix airports and said they would not sign leases or operating agreements under the current structure.
“As you are aware, the AAAC members are essential to the economic vitality and connectivity of the USVI, supporting tourism, commerce, and access for residents and visitors alike,” they wrote. “Despite paying VIPA-imposed fees that should be used to operate and improve USVI airports, AAAC members have been disappointed that, unlike surrounding airports in the region, there has been no transparency in the use of funds as it relates to the improvement of facilities.”
The letter was sent by the U.S. Virgin Islands Airlines Airport Affairs Committee and signed by representatives from American Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Cape Air, Sun Country Airlines, Southwest Airlines and the trade association Airlines for America. The Virgin Islands government announced its selection of VIports Partners — a consortium of firms comprising Aecon, Tikehau Star Infra, AvPorts, Corgan Associates, Consigli Construction, J. Benton Construction and the law firms Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP and Dudley Rich LLP — to rebuild the territory’s two major airports during a press conference in April 2024. The group later formed a special purpose company dubbed “SkyCity.”
On Wednesday, airlines said they were shut out of opportunities to consult on “program operability, affordability or constructability.”
“At no point during the RFP or solicitation process were the airlines consulted or brought in to discuss program scope or P3 selection,” according to the letter. The airlines further claimed that VIPA dismissed an alternative proposal of phased, $300 million “capital core program developed over the last year in favor of the P3 proposal that well exceeds” $1 billion. They called VIPA’s plan to move forward with the public-private partnership an “unacceptable” proposition that was “not economically supportable” for AAAC members and stated that they will not enter into a lease, operating agreement, or rates and charges arrangement under the current model.
“In serving USVI airports through the years, AAAC members share VIPA’s goals of improved facilities, but we cannot ignore the need to ensure operational and economic sustainability for a program of this magnitude in the USVI,” they wrote.
Neither the V.I. Port Authority’s spokesperson nor its governing board chair, Willard John, responded to the Source’s requests for comment. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. told the Source that former VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe had been speaking to the airlines about these issues for years and that “were offered a chance to move forward” with the Port Authority “and that never materialized.”
“We are moving forward with our plan and will work with the airlines to get it done,” Bryan said, adding that it was nonnegotiable that the territory needs new airports. “I don’t know anyone that would disagree with the need for one in St. Thomas, especially the people standing in line to sit in our hot, crowded departure lounge. Equally, improving our infrastructure in St. Croix is just as important.”
The threat to future airlift to the Virgin Islands came just two days after Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach announced forthcoming United Airlines flights connecting Newark and St. Croix. On the same day, Bryan delivered opening remarks for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York.
Acting Gov. Tregenza A. Roach has signed legislation appropriating $2.1 million for repairs and assessments intended to improve power reliability in the St. Thomas-St. John district and $2.3 million to continue the University of the Virgin Islands’ tuition-free scholarship program, according to a Government House press release.
The measures, approved Tuesday, provide funding for repair or replacement of the damaged submarine electrical transmission cable serving St. John, assessments and repairs to Unit 15 at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas, and continued support for the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program, the press release stated.
According to the release, Roach signed Bill No. 36-0292, which appropriates $2.1 million to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for work on the submarine transmission cable and Unit 15. Government House said the projects are expected to improve grid stability in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
The submarine cable serves as the electrical connection between St. Thomas and St. John, while Unit 15 is part of the generating capacity at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, the release stated.
“Reliable electricity is essential to daily life, public safety, health care, business operations and the overall quality of life of our people,” Roach said. “This funding supports work that is intended to have a direct and practical impact on grid stability in the St. Thomas-St. John District, including repair or replacement of the submarine cable serving St. John and critical assessments and repairs to Unit 15 at the Randolph Harley Power Plant. These are necessary steps as we continue the broader work of strengthening the Territory’s energy system.”
Roach also signed Bill No. 36-0296, which appropriates $2.3 million to the University of the Virgin Islands Scholarship Revolving Fund and shifts the program’s funding source from the Internal Revenue Matching Fund to the General Fund, according to Government House.
The measure supports the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship Program, commonly known as the Free Tuition Program, which allows eligible Virgin Islands students to attend UVI without paying tuition costs, the release stated.
Government House noted that Roach introduced the legislation establishing tuition-free education at UVI while serving in the 32nd Legislature.
“This measure is about more than appropriating funds. It is about keeping a promise to Virgin Islands students and families,” Roach said. “When I introduced the legislation to make tuition-free education at UVI possible, it was rooted in a simple belief that the ability to pursue a college degree should not be limited by a family’s ability to pay. Today, by shifting the funding source to the General Fund and providing this appropriation, we are helping to sustain that promise and ensure that more Virgin Islanders have a fair opportunity to prepare themselves for the future.”
According to the release, the program is intended to support workforce development and expand access to higher education by helping eligible students earn undergraduate degrees at UVI.
Richard Allan Lockhart passed on May 20. He was 76 years old.
Richard Allan Lockhart
He is survived by wife, Alda Fabio Lockhart; children, Dr. TanyaM. Lockhart, Tisha M. Lockhart, Tricia M. Lockhart, Tremain M. Lockhart; adopted daughters, Ja’Nae A. Curry, Amira Russell, Aretha Reviere; grandchildren, T’Moi M. Lockhart, T’Anna C.M. Lockhart Edney, T’Mari M. Lockhart, Luis S. Llanos III, Triana M. E. Llanos; brother, Raymond Lockhart; sisters, Violet Delville, Ju-Ana Lockhart-Brown, Suni Lockhart, Merilyn Lockhart; sisters-in-law, Morlene Lockhart, Patricia Petersen, Carolie Fabio; brothers-in-law, Alfredo Petersen, Dudley Fabio Jr.; nieces and nephews, Raymond Lockhart III, Resa Lockhart, Olive and Patrice Petersen, Dudley “3rd” Fabio III, Calvin Fabio, David Fabio, Austin Fabio, Anthony Fabio, Rissa Fabio-Parrilla, Dean Scarbriel, Jr, Yma Su-ling Scarbriel, Pia Henry, Omar Brown III, Raymond Brown, Suni Lydia Lima, Antoine Magras, and Gregory Magras, Louise Aurora Scott, Yvanis Romeo Lockhart, Edan Feige-Scott; extended family, Christian, Grigg, Lockhart, Elskoe, Fabio, Petersen, Schuster, Phillips, Merle Derricks Finley, Peter William, Sr and Cleon Llanos; special friends, Carol St. John, Luther Edwards, Christiansted High School Class of 1967, Coakley Bay Campers, Albert and Marie Schuster, Adelbert Bryan, Gerard Luz James II, Elroy Bauman, Chester Benjamin, Kevin Hendricks, Hugo Moorehead, Daryl Lynch, O’Reilly Construction, Frankie Pollara; special thanks, Keva Muller, Aunty Pat and Family, Uncle Raymond and Family, Cousin Rose Marie S. Gonzalez, Shanda and Noah Cebedo, The Bryan Sisters, The Hansen Sisters, Wilma Pinela, Alvin Milligan, O’Reilly Construction, VIDE Division of Special Education STX District, Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Staff, Broward Youth Treatment Center Florida, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mu Gamma Omega Chapter and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on June 8 at Friedensthal Moravian Church. Viewing at 9 a.m. and service begins at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
