THURSDAY, JANUARY 08, 2025
Committee on Rules and Judiciary
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Members of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands gathered to honor Purple Heart Day.(Photo by Barry Leerdam)
Please be advised that the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled a hearing for Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The purpose of the hearing is to receive testimonies from the Governor’s Nominees and to consider the following legislative measures:
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Governor’s Nominee
Pedro Williams, Esq., Judge, Superior Court, District of St. Thomas/St. John
BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0134 An act repealing and reenacting title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 relating to government employees’ eligibility for elected offices, to allow government employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws.
Invited Testifier:
Ms. Cindy Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel
LUNCH 1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
BLOCK III 2:00 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0089 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas.
Bill No. 36-0092 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 36-0030 An act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the Virgin Islands minimum wage.
Bill No. 36-0208 A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 36-0105 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III to prohibit the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes.
Bill No. 36-0184 An act amending title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14, The Virgin Islands Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act to implement revisions that were made to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
Bill No. 36-0209 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish civil penalties for disregarding marine advisories and to create the Territorial Marine Safety Fund.
Bill No. 36-0210 An act appropriating the sum of $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the repair, replacement, and operation of streetlights throughout the Territory.
Bill No. 36-0217 An act approving the sale of Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands by and between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Z Property VI LLC for the sum of $260,000.
An aerial view of Coral Bay on St. John, from Bordeaux Mountain. (Source file photo)
A one-acre property high on Bordeaux Mountain in the Coral Bay on St. John watershed has been permanently protected from future development through a conservation easement donated in favor of the St. John Land Conservancy, a press release announced Wednesday.
The landowner, who requested anonymity, placed the permanent conservation easement on the steep, forested parcel to protect its undisturbed tree cover, soils and other natural features that support the Coral Bay watershed. The property will remain in private ownership, but future development rights have been relinquished, according to the press release.
“The natural beauty of St John is the main reason visitors come and why many choose to live here,” the landowner said. “Whether you consider it your ancestral land or you have moved here from other parts of the world, we must do everything we can to balance environmental protection and development. I am very thankful to St. John Land Conservancy for playing such a key role in this process. Once land has been developed, it is too late. Conservation is not only crucial for the local economy, but also of utmost importance for the health of the many ecosystems found within this small island, including within Coral Bay. The mountains, ghuts, watersheds, reefs and ocean life are all closely tied together. We need to work hard to preserve this island’s natural capital – now more than ever.”
In accepting the easement, Lawrence Taft, president of the St. John Land Conservancy, said the organization appreciated the donor’s decision to limit future use of the property in order to protect the surrounding environment.
“We are grateful to this donor for having the forethought and conservation-minded charitable intent to relinquish substantial value of the property’s building potential in favor of helping to protect this important watershed,” Taft said.
The St. John Land Conservancy was established in 2011 and has worked to protect multiple parcels on St. John and nearby cays. The organization collaborates with private landowners to permanently conserve land while keeping it in private hands, according to the release.
It is with great sorrow and tremendous heartbreak that we announce the passing of Adriel Garcia on Dec. 24, 2025.Adriel Garcia
Adriel Garcia was born and raised in St. Croix, USVI. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nereida Garcia; father, Vicente Garcia; mother Luz Monell; brothers, Ivan Garcia, Sr. and Gilberto Garcia.
He is survived by his daughters, Mariela Garcia-Danet, Marisol Garcia and Zolymar Garcia; son-in-law, Theodore Danet; Brother, Samuel Garcia, Sr.; Sister, Migal Colon; sisters-in-law, Hinemoa Garcia, Suzette Garcia, Angelita Orengo, Candida Ramos; brothers-in-law, Luis Colon, Isaias Orengo, Sr., Carlos Ramos; grandchildren, Talyzandra Garcia, Zoe Danet, and Jadriel John; Nieces, Jennifer Reynoso, Vanessa Colon, Maria Nieves, Oridisi Garcia, Quiana Ramos, Mele Garcia, Clarisa Fuzy, Anita Gomez, Ana L. Gomez, Mary Beth Gomez, Juanita Gomez, Paulina Croskey, Maricela Grove, Graciela Rivera, Arcadia Remy; Nephews, Samuel Garcia, Jr., Chris Garcia, Jason
Garcia, Ivan Garcia, Jr.; Roberto Ramos, Carlos Ramos, Jr., Mickey Ramos, Fernando Rivera, Jr, Isaias Orengo, Jr., George Rivera; many great nieces and nephews to include beloved great nieces, Kyori Maldonado and Kiani Maldonado and great nephew, Shamal Ramos, Jr.; Friends who became family, Pastor Hector Gonzalez, Angel Sanjurjo, Roberto Betancourt, Orlando “Gito” Avila, Julio Cotto, Pedro Reyes, Felix Garcia, Terence Bryan, Dwight Dunwell, Isaac Edward, Ivan Jerris, Yancey “Yancey’s not home” Simmons, Arnold Simmonds, Suhail Parrilla, Lynelle Walters, Gwen Steele, Nakisha Young, Mona Yusuf, Fonsito Correa-Garcia, Mario Simmonds and family, Eddie Emmanuel, Manuel “Pinto” Rivera, & LGP Crew, Hunter Foods, West Indies & Bellows Family and many more loving family members and a wide network of friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, beginning with the viewing at 9 a.m., and the service immediately following at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Christiansted. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Divine Funeral Services.
Antilles School invites the community to lace up their sneakers and come together for Antilles75 Hurricane Hustle 5k/2k Walk/Run & Family Fun Day, a high-energy celebration blending fitness, fun, and community spirit in celebration of the school’s 75th Anniversary on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
On Saturday, Jan. 10, from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Antilles School invites the community to lace up their sneakers and come together for Antilles75 Hurricane Hustle 5k/2k Walk/Run & Family Fun Day. (Submitted photo)
The Antilles75 Hurricane Hustle 5k/2k Walk/Run will kick-off the day, bringing together students, alumni, parents, faculty, and community members for a fun, multi-generational race experience starting from the Antilles School campus to Bolongo Bay Beach Resort. Designed for participants of all ages and abilities, the event emphasizes wellness, participation, and community connection.
Immediately following the walk/run, the Antilles School Fishman Family Field will transform into a vibrant Family Fun Day, featuring children’s activities, interactive games, food trucks, local vendors, music, and nonprofit partners. The festival-style atmosphere is intended to create a welcoming space where families can gather, celebrate, and enjoy a full day of fun while supporting a meaningful cause.
The Antilles75 Hurricane Hustle 5k/2k Walk/Run & Family Fun Day is part of Antilles School’s year-long anniversary campaign themed “Honoring Our Past. Inspiring Our Future,” with proceeds from the event supporting key campaign priorities, including sport initiatives, campus enhancements, arts and innovation, and tuition assistance. Sponsors include: Comprehensive Orthopaedic Global, Perfected Claims, Partners 4 Kids, Barefoot Buddha, and Gatorade.
“For 75 years, Antilles has been rooted in the belief that education is about nurturing the whole child within a caring community,” said Head of School Shannon Harris. “This event offers a meaningful opportunity for us to come together, celebrate physical activity and connection, and invest in the resources that strengthen our school and support our students.”
Sponsorship opportunities, volunteer roles, and vendor participation are available, offering local businesses and organizations an opportunity to engage with the U.S. Virgin Islands community, while supporting education and student opportunity. For registration, sponsorship opportunities, or more information, visit www.boostmyschool.com/orgs/antilles/events/antilles-antilles-75-hurricane-hustle or follow our event on social media at www.facebook.com/share/17fy3mRcbG/.
Hundreds of people filled the streets of Frederiksted Wednesday morning, even as the Crucian Christmas Festival J’ouvert came to a close. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Wednesday’s back-to-back J’ouvert and Food Fair brought throngs of revelers to St. Croix’s west end. Aided by visitors from two cruise ships, the Crucian Christmas Festival staple events filled Frederiksted first with color, then with flavor.
As in previous years, J’ouvert kicked off at dawn when the crowd began dancing its way up Emancipation Drive.
Experienced revelers and visiting cruise passengers alike tramp toward the Village Wednesday morning in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“This morning was lit as [something the Source can’t print],” said Maquisha James. “If you’ve never been to St. Croix, always come visit at Carnival time. It’s the best time of year. That’s the time you can have the most fun and no problems — I promise you.”
Maquisha James, right, keeps the energy up as the last pack of revelers make their way toward Festival Village Wednesday morning in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
James, 35, said she’s participated every year since she was one year old and welcomed the addition of passengers from Adventure of the Seas and Vision of the Seas, two Royal Caribbean cruise ships docked at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility Wednesday.
“We love the promotion,” she said. “We love people coming to visit our island and doing what they got to do to be a part of us, because once they come, they never want to go home.”
Sol Maria Ramos flashes a grin on J’ouvert morning Wednesday in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Anyone still on their feet — or who slept in Wednesday — only had to wait a few hours before the Food Fair presented the perfect opportunity to refuel. By noon, dozens of vendors began serving up golden-fried pates, stew and rice, fresh-squeezed local fruit juices and more. Judging by the consistently long line, a favorite this year came from Food Fair honoree Daisy Byam.
Pates from Ashelle Archibald beckon hungry Food Fair attendees Wednesday afternoon in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“We do this every year — every year in St. Thomas, also,” St. Clair Byam told the Source when asked what made their food so special. “So when we get over to St. Thomas, we have our customers over there looking for us also. So our food is very tasty, and we cook all kinds of different stuff … you ever crab and rice? That’s the favorite right there.”
The Food Fair put Crucian cuisine front-and-center Wednesday in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
V.I. Police Commissioner Mario Brooks said the morning went great despite some “minor issues.”
“Dehydration, that kind of stuff. That’s about it,” he said. “But you know, it just goes to show what the community can do when they come together. And that’s what happened, is the community, we all came together to show that we can accomplish it. So I have no worries, no qualms — I think we’re doing well.”
Monday night’s opening of the Crucian Christmas Festival reportedly ended early after a series of fights erupted. Brooks said VIPD put out the message that law enforcement won’t tolerate nonsense for the rest of the Festival.
Shanna Williams serves up food from caterer Catherine Joseph-Cornelius Wednesday afternoon in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“The message already been made clear, and we’re going to do exactly what we said,” he said. “If you’re going to come to the village with the intent of creating havoc, or you come and you don’t know how to control yourself — or control yourself after you’ve consumed alcohol — then we’ll just do what we have to do.”
VIPD would later issue a statement alerting the public that the department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating a shooting that occurred blocks away from the morning’s festivities on Hospital Street. One person was shot and taken to Luis Hospital by private car.
Food Fairgoers brave the midday sun for a plate of crab and rice or other goodies from honoree Daisy Byam. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“During the preliminary investigation, the victim was uncooperative with detectives,” according to the statement.
That morning, JFL entered lockdown and asked the public to avoid the hospital unless emergency medical care was needed. A spokesperson for the hospital did not respond to the Source’s request for more information.
Shaun A. Pennington (Source file photo)
Good question, right? However, there is no way of knowing who would profit (LLCs offer a “veil” beyond which the profiteers are unseen) from a “man camp” being built in a low‑density residential neighborhood, when and if a major “spot” zoning change were approved. Add to that, I am pretty sure the requested change goes against the finally signed into law USVI Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan.
Who would not profit is crystal clear, though:
The neighborhood
The youth and unemployed of the Virgin Islands
The environment
So, here’s a much better idea. How about if the man camp were to rise from the ruins of our storm-ravaged, yet to be demolished Tutu housing community?
And what if the fully disclosed, licensed contractor awarded the restoration project would be one seeking to make our community a better place by providing the opportunity to local unemployed residents to learn a trade or profession, thus assuring we will at some point in the future never again require “outside” help rebuilding after natural disasters. Reality points to these disasters becoming more devastating and more frequent. Thus, the need to act quickly and decisively while establishing a new way of seeing the meaning of “profit” for our community.
Here’s a dream that has every chance of coming true when and if our elected officials “do the right thing,” and assuming any contractor we want working for US (our community) understands the point of profit for all.
The repairs and rebuilding of our community structures and environment found listed on the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery website, provide a means for trainees to become productive and self-sufficient and ultimately provide an opportunity to take control of one basic human need, housing. This is done through converting the “profit” typically enjoyed by a contractor and assign it back to the worker/trainee, not as cash, but as an equity credit to be applied towards the purchase of a housing unit in the community that would also temporarily house workers from off island to train the now employed local workers so that in future we don’t need a Man Camp.
This idea, offered to me verbatim nearly a year ago by a Virgin Islands licensed Free Lance Artist, sketches the dream as follows:
“The overall guidelines and structure will need to be well thought out so that should those credits not utilized by the trainee (for the purchase of the completed unit) cashed out in some form, at the completion of the project and/or curriculum.
The important hidden underlying theory in this approach is that a person with a stake in the outcome will always be motivated by his or her self-interest. A very important goal is to instill a work ethic based on the tradesmen doing their best work, verses being ‘in it just for the money’ which by nature, is to give the least possible for the highest profit, which is usually to the detriment of the customer, project quality or cost. The obvious goal is to make positive physical transformations in areas that are distressed. The hidden element to this program is that once the workforce is developed, those trainees who have learned on their own property will bring an instilled and self-motivated (& higher) quality of workmanship to all their future endeavors.
Properties targeted should be pre-existing and distressed. There should be a large enough aggregate of housing units so it can support a curriculum and provide the opportunity to own a ‘piece of the rock.’”
The Tutu community housed approximately 1000 people, 284 families, when it was damaged. The “dorm‑style compound to house hundreds of off‑island workers for federally funded disaster‑recovery projects” referred to in the Source rezoning story above would be PERFECT at Tutu, which already exists and which could be reconstructed in a fraction of the time it would take to deforest our land and destroy what peace and quiet still exists in Estate Bakkroe.
It doesn’t take an Einstein to figure out where and for whom the profit between LLC (Limited Liability Corp.) and community lies. So, senators and alleged leaders: which God do you serve?
2026 seems a good year for cards to be dealt and the hands to be shown in favor of the community members, instead of the dealers.
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.
Nicole Canegata is interviewed by the Source. (Submitted photo)
Nationally acclaimed Virgin Islands photographer Nicole Canegata is helping define a growing cultural resurgence in the territory, using visual storytelling rooted in place, memory, and lived experience to bring local narratives to a national audience.
The U.S. Virgin Islands are in the midst of a quiet renaissance — one shaped not only by renewed interest in travel, but by a deeper appreciation for art, culture, and the people who give the islands their identity. From the rolling landscapes of St. Croix to the paradoxical beauty of St. John, this cultural moment is being documented, interpreted, and preserved through the lens of Virgin Islands creatives whose work is gaining national attention.
Among them is Canegata, whose photography has become synonymous with authenticity, place, and memory. Rooted in lived experience and shaped by a deep connection to the land, her work captures the Virgin Islands with nuance, history, and emotion.
Earlier this year, Canegata presented a featured exhibit at Cane Roots Art Gallery on St. Croix, an intimate space that continues to serve as a platform for Virgin Islands artists and cultural expression. Visitors interested in viewing her latest original and printed works — or possibly being photographed at one of her favorite locations, David’s Bay — can explore more at www.nicolecanegata.com.
Reflecting on her artistic journey, Canegata said a pivotal moment came when she realized photography and travel would be lifelong passions. “I was able to collaborate with photography and travel and realize they were going to be lifelong passions in that moment,” she said. “I fell in love with telling visual stories.”
Much of that storytelling unfolds in black and white, a deliberate artistic choice that underscores mood and meaning. “Black and white is nostalgic,” Canegata said. “There is a timelessness and mystery about black and white.” The result is work that feels suspended between past and present, inviting viewers to slow down and look closer.
Canegata’s photography recently reached a wider audience through Vogue, featured in “St. John Is the U.S. Virgin Island You Can’t Just Sail Past Anymore” by Siobhan Reid, highlighting the Lovango Resort on St. John. Also included was a photograph of Virgin Islands National Park Interpreter Ahmad Touré from the Ram Head Plaque Dedication, credited to Virgin Islands Source reporter Judi Shimel.
Together, these visuals reinforce a growing narrative: the Virgin Islands are increasingly being seen and understood through the voices of those who know them best.
Like many Virgin Islands photographers, Canegata speaks of having a favorite place to photograph clients — one she describes as “otherworldly.” The sentiment echoes cultural advocate Hadiya Sewer, who often describes St. John as a paradox of overwhelming, untouched beauty alongside an ongoing effort to preserve cultural identity. There are moments when the Virgin Islands feel entirely their own, distinct even from themselves.
At the heart of this cultural moment is a simple truth: people bring the Virgin Islands to life. Long before Columbus, the Taíno and those who came before shaped these lands, leaving behind a spirit that continues to define the territory. Today, that spirit lives on in food, art, architecture, fabric, soil, and spice. To experience the Virgin Islands through a local or longtime resident is to access a deeper story rooted in tradition, resilience, and pride.
Gyasi Clarke, visionary behind “Driving in the Left Lane.” (Photo courtesy Gyasi Clarke)
A new GPS-guided audio tour is offering drivers a deeply local way to experience St. Croix. “Driving in the Left Lane: Stories from Sunny St. Croix Island,” created by singer, songwriter, and performer Gyasi Clarke, transforms a cross-island drive into an immersive audiobook that blends history, personal storytelling, and original music.
The tour guides drivers on a scenic 36-kilometer journey from the Christiansted Bypass Overlook to the Frederiksted Beach. Over 45 minutes to an hour, Clarke’s narration, triggered automatically by GPS at 74 major points, reveals the layers of St. Croix’s past and present. Listeners will learn about pivotal events like the 1878 “Fireburn” rebellion, visit historic forts, and get tips on local favorites like Armstrong’s Ice Cream, which has been serving the community for over a century.
The tour’s title is a deliberate conversation starter that sets the tone for an authentic, unrushed exploration. “Driving in the Left Lane is a metaphor for how we live on St. Croix. We move at our own pace and of course, practically speaking, we really do drive on the left,” Clarke said.
The project began over three years ago when Clarke’s mother, who runs a cultural experience business on the island, passed along the idea. With a background in IT but no prior experience with audio tours, Clarke embraced the challenge. He dove into historical research, wrote the entire script, and recorded the narration over four long days in his home studio. “The most demanding part was the relentless testing. I lost count of how many times I drove from Christiansted to Frederiksted,” Clarke said.
Clarke designed the tour for anyone with curiosity about St. Croix. For tourists, it offers the freedom to explore independently while gaining a local’s insight. For Crucians, it provides a chance to rediscover their home. “Even if you’ve driven these roads your whole life, you might hear stories you’ve never known,” Clarke said.
Frederiksted is known for its intense and scenic sunsets by both locals and visitors alike. (Photo courtesy Gyasi Clarke)
The tour is intentionally packed with layers, from history of the island’s seven flags to playful local slang. Clarke even includes personal touches, like pointing out the baseball field where he hit his first home run. Another unique touch is the integration of his original music, ‘Positive is How I live’, serving as a soundtrack to the journey.
“Driving in the Left Lane” is available on the VoiceMap app. The tour starts at the Christiansted Bypass Overlook and is best started two hours before sunset, allowing time to explore stops and end with a famous Frederiksted sunset. For more information, click here.
A gunshot victim arrived at the Juan F. Luis Hospital emergency room by private vehicle at about 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, prompting a police investigation after reports of multiple rounds fired on Hospital Street in Frederiksted, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Hospital personnel reported the incident to the 911 Emergency Call Center. Dispatchers also received radio transmissions from Emergency Medical Services personnel and several calls from residents reporting gunfire in the area, police said.
During the preliminary investigation, the victim was uncooperative with detectives, according to police.
The VIPD and the Criminal Investigation Bureau are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, call 911, or contact Crime Stoppers VI at 800-222-8477.
Police have arrested a St. Croix man for the Tuesday shooting death of 19-year-old Janice Rivera and wounding of another man, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Jaden M. Francis, 22, allegedly killed Rivera and wounded the other man at Estate Rattan, Christiansted.
Investigators arrived shortly before 8 p.m. to find Rivera on the ground unresponsive and the unidentified man with a gunshot wound. He was transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital where plans were made to airlift him to an off-island medical center due to the extent of his injuries, police said.
Detectives serving a search warrant for Francis’ home allegedly found a firearm and ammunition, as well as property belonging to Rivera.
Francis surrendered to police Wednesday at approximately 2 a.m. He was charged with murder in the first degree, assault first degree, reckless endangerment first degree, and assault third degree. Bail was set at $1 million. Unable to post bail, Francis was transported to the John A. Bell Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, where he was remanded pending his Advice of Rights Hearing Friday, police said.
Rivera’s death marks the territory’s 29th homicide of 2025, and the 13th for St. Croix, according to the Source Homicide List.*
The incident comes as the V.I. Police Department reported that it shut down the Crucian Christmas Festival Village early Monday night due to fights breaking out in different areas of the festival grounds.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.
