Non-standard trash carts have been an ongoing safety concern. Many of these containers are rusted, rotted, or damaged, making them unsafe and posing a serious risk of injury to residents and workers, especially when filled with water or heavy waste.By using standardized trash carts, residents can protect themselves from potential injury while also supporting faster, safer, and more efficient trash collection.
Residents are urged to switch to 64-gallon standarized trash carts that meets VIWMA’s safety guidelines.
To ensure proper House-to-House collection:
Secure approved standardized trash carts (2 cart limit per household)
Keep trash carts clean
Tie and secure bags to prevent spills
Ensure the trash cart lid can be fully closed
For more information, contact the Solid Waste Division at 340-712-4959 or email communications@viwma.org.
Follow VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the passing of Lillia King, daughter of former Governor Cyril King and Agnes King, and a respected member of the Virgin Islands community:
Stacey Plaskett (Source File Photo)
“I am saddened by the passing of Lillia King, a beloved daughter of the Virgin Islands and a distinguished healthcare administrator and community leader. Lillia was part of a generation that helped preserve and share the history of the Virgin Islands, including her contributions to documenting the legacy of her father, Governor Cyril King, whose leadership helped shape our modern Territory.
“For more than four decades, Ms. King made immeasurable contributions to healthcare in the Virgin Islands. As supervisor and manager of the histopathology department at Schneider Regional Medical Center, she was not simply an administrator—she was an innovator who transformed patient care through the mechanization and computerization of critical medical systems, including pioneering work that established the foundation for our territory’s cancer registry.
“Beyond her professional achievements, Lillia King was a compassionate humanitarian who understood that true leadership means service to others. From mentoring countless high school and college students through educational programs she created, to her extensive philanthropic work with organizations across our community, she gave generously of her time, talent, and heart.
“As the territory’s first ‘first daughter,’ Ms. King was raised to understand the responsibility that comes with privilege. She carried out that understanding every day of her, approaching her work with the same dedication and humility her parents instilled in her, carrying forward the legacy of her distinguished parents with grace, humility, and an extraordinary dedication to improving the lives of others.
“On behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the King family, her loved ones, and all who are mourning this loss. May her memory be a blessing, and may her family find comfort during this difficult time.”
The front of the U.S. Supreme Court building, with the words “Equal Justice Under Law,” where early in 2026 the justices will deliberate President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. (Shutterstock image)
It seems America is haunted by a new Boogie Man, one that has the nation on edge as the Supreme Court prepares to take center stage in early 2026. The justices are set to deliberate the president’s Jan. 20 executive order, a bold move to unravel birthright citizenship — a tradition that has long opened America’s doors to newborns from every walk of life. This drama is entwined with Project 2025, a blueprint for sweeping executive actions and policies designed to reshape the federal government and rewrite the nation’s legal DNA.
Otis D. Alexander
The court’s decision could either support or destroy these goals, changing what it means to be born American. The boldness of this administration is hard to ignore. What drives this strong determination? Who is being targeted by this ongoing effort? History shows this is not the first time a president has fought against the 14th Amendment. President Andrew Johnson fought hard against the amendment, especially its promise of citizenship and protection for people who had been enslaved. He blocked Reconstruction laws meant to protect the rights of freed people, but Congress overruled him.
The 14th Amendment, supported by Radical Republicans like John Bingham of Ohio, was created to fix one of the Supreme Court’s worst decisions, the 1857 Dred Scott case, which took away citizenship from Black Americans. Dred Scott’s fight for freedom, based on his years in free states, was denied by a court that said African Americans, whether enslaved or free, could never be citizens or ask for justice in federal court.
Will the Supreme Court meet this challenge bravely, or will it fade into history? The justices have agreed to decide whether the president’s plan to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. goes against the Constitution.
Let’s be clear that the Republican Bingham is also credited for framing the first section of the 14th Amendment that reads, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.”
This part of the amendment is the core of American values: it guarantees citizenship, fair treatment under the law, and equal protection for everyone. Bingham, who strongly opposed slavery, worked hard to win rights for freed slaves. Now, we must ask: is this administration repeating President Andrew Johnson’s refusal to respect these promises for everyone born or made a citizen in the United States, including those who were once enslaved? Johnson’s refusal to support these federal protections for Black Americans was obvious to everyone.
Johnson was not the only president to fight against protections for Black Americans under the 14th Amendment. Democratic President James Buchanan supported the pro-slavery Dred Scott decision, taking away citizenship and rights from Black Americans. Franklin Pierce, another Democrat, fought against efforts to end slavery and against federal protections for Black rights. Even earlier, presidents like James K. Polk and Millard Fillmore, from the Republican and Whig parties, wanted to spread slavery into new areas and tried to stop any efforts to limit it.
The 14th Amendment is a broad promise, giving birthright citizenship to everyone born or made a citizen in the United States and welcoming African Americans and many others into the country. Created during the Civil War and the fight to end slavery, it was proposed in 1866 and approved two years later, giving hope to newly freed slaves who wanted to be part of America. The Citizenship Clause says that anyone born in the U.S. is an American citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
The 14th Amendment serves as a protection, preventing anyone from losing their life, freedom, or property without due process and requiring equal treatment under the law. It also stopped former Confederate supporters from holding public office. So, who is being targeted today?
The United States is one of about 30 countries that automatically grant citizenship to nearly everyone born within their borders. In 1898, the Supreme Court decided in favor of Wong Kim Ark, who was born in California to Chinese parents. The Court’s 6-2 ruling rejected the government’s argument that he was not a citizen, and a judge explained that the 14th Amendment supports the long-standing rule that all children born within the U.S. are citizens by birth.
Under the order, which has never gone into effect, people born in the United States would not be automatically entitled to citizenship if their parents are in this country either illegally or temporarily. The challengers argue that the order conflicts with both the Constitution’s text and the court’s longstanding case law.
Immigration status has never been one of those exceptions. Undocumented immigrants, like all other noncitizens in the United States, live under the full reach of U.S. law. They pay taxes, work, attend school, and can be arrested, prosecuted, or removed. The very fact that the government can enforce immigration laws against them shows they are indeed “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States. Still, the 14th Amendment is not set in stone. If it were, why would the Supreme Court consider the president’s challenge to birthright citizenship? The Constitution provides a path for change through its formal amendment process. Any part of the document, even existing amendments, can be altered. This requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate, or a national constitutional convention called by two-thirds of state legislatures. The process is demanding, as laid out in Article V, which details how amendments are proposed and must be ratified before becoming law.
— Otis D. Alexander, PhD, a retired music teacher at St. Croix Central High School, has taught at the Sprauve and Guy Benjamin schools on St. John. He is an alum of the Harvard Graduate School of Education Leadership for Academic Librarians. He can be reached at od.alex1972@gmail.com.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
On Friday, the red carpet will be rolled out at Caribbean Cinemas by Sunny Isle on St. Croix to highlight two new locally made films. The team behind the Film Over Gun Violence initiative returns with a bigger, festival-style premiere aimed at both entertainment and violence prevention.
The evening will showcase the films “Bottled Love” and “Verified,” the latest projects from Blue Tarp Productions in collaboration with the Center for Educational Growth’s Film Over Gun Violence program and community arts partners.
The Source connected with Diana Dias and George Cannon III, owners of Blue Tarp Productions, to learn more about the films and the upcoming red carpet premiere.
Two Short Films Will Premiere on Friday
“Without giving too much away, the new films premiering on Dec. 19 are titled ‘Bottled Love,’ and ‘Verified’,” Blue Tarp Productions said in a written response to the Source.
“The film ‘Bottled Love’ centers on the lives of three sisters, delving into the impact of unspoken trauma, unresolved conflict, and emotional pain particularly experienced among young people,” Blue Tarp Productions said.
Movie poster for “Bottled Love,” one of two short films produced as a part of CFEG’s Film Over Gun Violence program to raise awareness for gun violence across the USVI. (Photo courtesy Film Over Gun Violence Program and Blue Tarp Productions)
“The film examines how these internal struggles, if left unaddressed, can accumulate and eventually erupt in ways that are harmful. Rather than focusing solely on the aftermath, ‘Bottled Love’ looks at the moments leading up to destructive choices, exploring the pressures, silence, and emotional turmoil that often precede them. This story is deeply human. It’s a story about what happens before the breaking point, and it reflects the real experiences of many families and communities in the Virgin Islands,” Blue Tarp Productions continued.
“The second film being shown on Friday, ‘Verified,’ explores the pressures young people face trying to stay relevant in today’s social media – driven world,” Blue Tarp said. “The film reflects how online visibility, validation, and constant comparison influence identity and self-worth, while subtly revealing the emotional strain that comes with maintaining a digital presence. As the character’s values are tested, the story asks a powerful question: will she choose popularity or integrity?” the team revealed.
Movie poster for “Verified,” one of two short films produced as a part of CFEG’s Film Over Gun Violence program to raise awareness for gun violence across the USVI. (Photo courtesy Film Over Gun Violence Program and Blue Tarp Productions)How the Films Were Created
Blue Tarp Productions explained how the filmmaking project came to be.
“The new films grew directly out of CFEG, the first online and internationally accredited nonprofit school in the USVI, and its FOGV initiative. This program is one of many of CFEG’s humanities and arts programs, and it is a particularly special flagship education and film initiative, designed to redirect youth and communities away from violence to the art of filmmaking by giving them real training, mentorship, and a platform to tell Virgin Islands stories,” Blue Tarp stated.
CFEG builds the classroom and research side, while Blue Tarp Productions leads professional production and “story-to-screen” training.
“We believe we can address gun violence by using storytelling as prevention. We are changing the scene by educating and providing young people alternatives to gun violence,” the team declared.
What began as a summer program has now expanded into a year-round community film movement, with CFEG, Blue Tarp Productions, Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, and local production companies Team Faktornize, Nano Tech Productions, and Big Wave VI all collaborating on new work and building what they call a Virgin Islands film economy.
Student Filmmakers Return as Alumni
The Friday premiere will bring back some familiar faces who participated in Blue Tarp Production’s 2024 films, “Bullet Proof Dreams” and “Fall.” Last year’s films have become award-winning shorts.
“Some of the young people from last year’s program returned in support roles and behind-the-scenes positions, which has been really rewarding to see,” according to Blue Tarp Productions. “Their confidence, professionalism, and understanding of the filmmaking process have grown tremendously since last summer. We have also introduced new local actors and creatives, giving even more Virgin Islanders an opportunity to step into film. That mix of returning youth and new faces reflects exactly what we’re trying to build: continuity, growth, and expanding access to film opportunities within the community.”
The Blue Tarp team noted that the new films will build upon the themes of last year’s productions.
“All of our films form a larger conversation about prevention, healing, and community responsibility,” Blue Tarp Productions emphasized.
Indeed, the production company itself was formed with that exact mission in mind.
“Blue Tarp Productions was created to tell Virgin Islands stories through a local lens and to provide hands-on opportunities for Virgin Islanders — especially youth — to learn film and media production,” the team explained. “The company grew out of a desire to create something sustainable that blends storytelling, education, and community impact. From short films to training programs, the goal has always been to build capacity right here at home.”
“The films were shot on St. Croix, and audiences will recognize familiar neighborhoods, everyday settings, and cultural details that make the story feel real and close to home. We intentionally chose locations that reflect daily life in the territory, so viewers can see themselves and their surroundings represented honestly on screen,” Blue Tarp said.
Red Carpet, VIP After-Party and a Growing Film Movement
At the premiere itself on Friday, at which the red carpet opens at 6 p.m., organizers promise an even more elaborate experience than last year’s debut.
“The film premiere will be held on Dec. 19th at Caribbean Cinemas on St. Croix, and audiences can again expect a red carpet experience similar to last year, but bigger and better,” Blue Tarp Productions announced. “It is St. Croix’s very own mini film festival. And a new addition this year is an exclusive ‘VIP after-party’ at St. Croix Cellars, designed to connect community members directly with cast, crew and local executives.”
For Blue Tarp Productions and CFEG, the Friday event is as much about the future as it is about opening night.
“The films are part of a bigger movement, not a one-off event. FOGV as a CFEG-led initiative is built by Virgin Islands artists, filmmakers, and community partners to create real opportunity for youth and local talent, while using storytelling to confront gun violence and its ripple effects,” Blue Tarp Productions shared. “Every film strengthens the ecosystem and shows that a Virgin Islands film industry isn’t an idea we’re only talking about; it’s something we’re actively building, project by project,” the team said.
After the premiere, Blue Tarp Productions plans to keep the films in circulation through local community screenings, while also submitting them to regional and international festivals that highlight social impact and Caribbean stories. Longer term, the group aims to make the films available on streaming and online rental platforms and to build “an ongoing pipeline where each release leads to the next film, the next training cohort, and the next set of community screenings, so the impact doesn’t end when the credits roll.”
Tickets for the Friday premiere and VIP after-party are available online, and organizers encourage community members to purchase in advance, as seating is limited.
Additional information is available from Blue Tarp Productions on the organization’s Facebook page.
Wenner Hill Gardens offers scenic views of St. John and the British Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy Gemma Wenner)As 2025 comes to a close, Wenner Hill Gardens invites the community to its final farmers market of the year this Saturday, from 8 a.m. to noon, celebrating the season with traditional flavors and community wellness.
This weekend’s market features the quintessential taste of a Virgin Islands Christmas: fresh sorrel, traditionally used to make a festive holiday drink that is equal parts sweet and refreshing.
The market will also be abundant with other seasonal produce perfect for holiday meals, including sugarcane, lemongrass, seasoning peppers, bok choy, and pomegranates. For those looking for ready-to-enjoy items, the market will offer baked goods made with tropical fruits and a hot vegetarian meal.
True to its cooperative roots, the market is a showcase for local vendors. Shoppers can find a diverse array of goods from St. Thomas artisans, including:
Chico George: Pepper Bottles, Seasoning Powder, and Tropical Wines
Faye Auerbach and Kali Alexia: Assorted Baked Goods and Sweet Breads
Hadiya Charles: Spinach and Basil Pesto and Sorrel Tarts
Bernice Wade and Cereese Lewis-Smith: Tofu Platters and Cold-Pressed Juices
Yasmine Haynes and Shemura Bonelli Nicholson: Herbal Aromatic Sprays and Ginger Beet Wellness Shots
Zoe Banfield: Fresh-cut Flowers
Wenner Hill Markets serve as a community hub where visitors can connect with growers. Beyond weekly sales, the cooperative fosters connection year-round through farm tours, farm-to-table dinners, and educational workshops on topics such as grafting, wellness, and cooking.
The work of Wenner Hill Gardens extends far beyond the market stall. The cooperative garden, which sits on a 4-acre plot, is designed to make farming more accessible and strengthen local food security.
Looking ahead to 2026, Wenner Hill Gardens has ambitious plans, including a significant push into flower cultivation, with a quarter-acre dedicated to cut flowers. The garden will also feature vetiver, a versatile plant related to lemongrass, which helps prevent soil erosion and produces essential oils. The community can also expect a bumper crop of guavas in the new year.
This final market is a chance to support a vital local food initiative, stock up on holiday essentials, and celebrate a year of growth. For more information on the cooperative’s mission and how to stay connected, visit the Wenner Hill Gardens Facebook page.
Colette Berry offers free tastes of her homemade Coquito at the 2022 Northside Christmas Market. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
The Northside Christmas Market on St. Thomas will once again transform the parking lot of Sib’s on the Mountain into a festive holiday gathering on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The market offers a wide range of locally made goods and live music performances.
Founded and organized by Monica Bryan, the market began as an effort to create a dedicated space for Virgin Islands’ crafters, bakers, and small businesses, through the encouragement of close friend, Lisa Querrard. “After participating in markets as a vendor myself, I saw an opportunity to build something more permanent for our community. I wanted to create an event that was more than just shopping, but instead embodied a real neighborhood celebration,” Bryan said.
Bryan drew inspiration from the cultural festivals of her childhood in St. Barthélemy, known as “les fêtes des quartiers,” which blend food, music, and community. Bryan saw Sib’s on the Mountain as an ideal venue for the event. “Sib’s is more than just a restaurant, it is a cultural landmark where people already come together. Hosting the market there just made sense,” Bryan said.
From its first year, the market has prioritized vendors who make their products by hand in the Virgin Islands, followed by other small local businesses seeking greater visibility. This year’s offerings will include locally distilled guava berry rum, homemade coquito, original art, holiday baked goods, crochet items, tropical plants, artisan soaps and candles, handcrafted jewelry, local jams and preserves, gift sets, and glass art, among other unique finds.
The market is designed to be a full sensory experience. Christmas steel pan music and performances by Oliek The Accordion Man will provide a festive soundtrack throughout the day. Sibs Restaurant and Sib’s Daily Dose Cafe will be open, offering food and drink specials, making it easy for visitors to make an afternoon of it. A special visit from Santa is also planned for earlier in the day, giving families a chance to take photos and share holiday wishes.
As the market continues to grow, Bryan hopes to introduce more interactive elements in the future, such as craft stations for children and community donation initiatives. But the core goal remains the same: to create a welcoming space that celebrates the Northside community and culture during the holiday season.
Event attendees are encouraged to walk with cash, as internet service is spotty in that location. However, Sib’s on the Mountain does not have an on-site ATM available to event patrons.
All entry fees collected from vendors are donated directly to a local nonprofit, which rotates annually. The goal of this event is to be 100% community focused.
“In the right location, a neighborhood market can really meet a deeper need. It’s about connection, seeing familiar faces, finding special gifts, and sharing in the holiday spirit together,” Bryan said.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation concluded its autumn grassroots season with a community “Last Session Party,” bringing together families, players, coaches, and volunteers from the Rugrats Soccer Program (ages 3–5) and the Kids Soccer Program (ages 6–10). The event marked the close of a season focused on access, early development, and consistent delivery across St. Thomas–St. John.
Pint-size players showed their skills. (Submitted photo)
Throughout the season, more than 100 children participated across both programs, benefiting from age-appropriate training, structured play, and a safe, inclusive environment designed to build confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong connection to the game. The programs continue to serve as a key entry point into organized football while reinforcing positive habits that support long-term participation in sport.
The grassroots season also delivered meaningful professional development for coaches. Local coaches gained practical, on-field experience, accumulated valuable coaching hours, and continued progressing along the coach licensing pathway. This dual investment in players and coaches remains central to USVISF’s long-term football development strategy.
No shortage of smiles. (Submitted photo)
USVI STT–STJ Vice President John P. de Jongh expressed appreciation for the collective effort behind the program’s success.
“These programs work because of trust and partnership,” said de Jongh. “We thank the parents and guardians who entrusted their children to USVISF, our volunteer coaches for their commitment, and our staff and Federation member clubs for their steadfast support. We are also deeply grateful to Commissioner Vince Roberts and the Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation for being a trusted partner in growing and sustaining grassroots soccer in our community.”
A community centered program. (Submitted photo)
The season-ending celebration reflected the community-centered nature of the programs, providing families with an opportunity to gather, celebrate progress, and reinforce the importance of accessible youth sport. USVISF views these moments as essential to building continuity, confidence, and long-term engagement at the grassroots level.
Looking ahead, the Federation will continue working closely with partners to expand access to introductory football opportunities and strengthen alignment between grassroots programs, clubs, and future development pathways. Families and individuals interested in upcoming grassroots programs are encouraged to join the official USVISF WhatsApp channel for updates and registration information:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LTivWJvmESy610QI9d4i81?mode=wwt
A St. Croix man was arrested Wednesday after an investigation found he created and used forged government documents to register multiple vehicles, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Detectives from the Economic Crimes Unit opened the case on March 25. Police said the investigation showed Jimmar A. Payne knowingly produced forged Road Tax documents containing a falsified signature of a retired Bureau of Internal Revenue employee. Payne then passed the documents at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to register at least nine vehicles, which police said caused a loss to the Bureau of Internal Revenue, according tyo the police report.
On Wednesday at 11:11 a.m., Payne, 32, arrived at the Wilbur H. Francis Command police building with his attorney and turned himself in to detectives. He was served an arrest warrant and charged with forgery, passing or possession of forged bills or notes, filing or recording forged instruments, participating on frauds on creditors, fraudulent claims upon the government and access to computer for fraudulent purposes, the police report stated.
Police set bail at $5,500. Payne posted bail and was released pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center (SCAWC) successfully completed a free spay/neuter clinic last week, providing 102 surgeries for dogs and cats across the island. Sponsored by the ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®), the clinic represents a critical step in addressing pet overpopulation and improving animal welfare in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This event brought the SCAWC’s spay/neuter total for 2025 to approximately 1,700 dogs and cats.Veterinary Technician Allison Webb (Submitted photo)
Led by SCAWC Medical Director Dr. Ashley Whiteside and visiting veterinarian Dr. Amy Kessler, supported by staff and volunteers, the clinic offered free services to community members who might otherwise face financial barriers to sterilizing their pets. Each surgery helps prevent unwanted litters, reduces strain on the shelter system, and improves the long-term health and wellbeing of animals.
“Completing 102 surgeries in just a few days is an incredible achievement and a testament to what’s possible when the community comes together for animals,” said Dr. Ashley Whiteside. “Spay and neuter services are one of the most effective tools we have to reduce suffering and overpopulation, and every single surgery makes a lasting difference.”
Veterinary Technician Petra Hoover (Submitted photo)
SCAWC Executive Director LaToya Petty emphasized the broader community impact of the clinic. “This clinic is about more than numbers; it’s about compassion, prevention, and creating a more humane future for St. Croix,” said Petty. “By offering these services for free, we are removing barriers for pet owners and directly reducing the number of animals entering our shelter. We are deeply grateful to our veterinary partners, staff, volunteers, and supporters who made this possible.”
Looking ahead to 2026, the SCAWC team would ideally like to offer free spay/neuter services to the community year-round. However, the non-profit organization will unfortunately need to do so without the continuation of the ASPCA funding it received in 2025. The ability to continue offering low or no-cost spay/neuter services to the St. Croix community will depend on donor support.
The SCAWC continues to prioritize spay and neuter initiatives as a cornerstone of its mission to promote responsible pet ownership and reduce the number of homeless animals on St. Croix. For more information about St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, upcoming clinics, or how to support its programs, visit www.StCroixAWC.org.
By using standardized trash carts, residents can protect themselves from potential injury while also supporting faster, safer, and more efficient trash collection.
Residents are urged to switch to 64-gallon standarized trash carts that meets VIWMA’s safety guidelines.
To ensure proper House-to-House collection:
For more information, contact the Solid Waste Division at 340-712-4959 or email communications@viwma.org.
Follow VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn. 
