DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT Government of the Virgin Islands
Pursuant to Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code, request bids for the following:
BD-24-810-8102-369 – Qualified contractors to furnish all labor, tools, equipment, and supplies necessary for the Recreational Facilities LED Lighting Installation in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Bids will be received by the Department of Property and Procurement, Division of Procurement, via the GVIBUY eProcurement system, accessed through the following link: https://gvibuy.buyspeed.com/bso/.
Pre-Bid Meeting will take place on Monday, April 22, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time, via Microsoft Teams.
Request for Information: Last day for request for written clarification will be Thursday, April 25, 2024, at 12:00 noon Atlantic Standard Time.
Bids will be accepted no later than Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Prospective bidders must be registered with GVIBUY to gain access to GVI solicitations. For more information, please contact us at (340)774-0828 or via email at gvibuy@dpp.vi.gov.
DEPARTMENT OF PROPERTY AND PROCUREMENT Government of the Virgin Islands
Pursuant to Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code, request bids for the following solicitation:
BD-24-720-7201-372 Temporary Repairs to the Queen Louise Home for the Department of Human Services in the St. Thomas/St. John District.
Bids will be received by the Department of Property and Procurement, Division of Procurement, via the GVIBUY eProcurement system, accessed through the following link: https://gvibuy.buyspeed.com/bso/.
TIMETABLE
Request for Information: Last day for request for written clarification will be April 26, 2024, at12:00p.m.Atlantic Standard Time.
Due Date: Bid submissions in GVIBUY are due no later than May 15, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Atlantic Standard Time.
Publicly Open Bid Date: Bids will be publicly opened on May 15, 2024, at 10:00a.m., Atlantic Standard Time.
Prospective respondents must be registered with GVIBUY to gain access to GVI solicitations. For more information, please contact us at (340) 774-0828 or via email at gvibuy@dpp.vi.gov.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education informs parents and guardians of students attending St. Croix Central High School (CHS) that the ongoing lockdown on campus on Monday, April 15 is part of a safety drill. It’s essential to understand that there is no active threat at CHS, so parents do not need to pick up their students from the campus.
Similar to the drill conducted at the St. Croix Educational Complex last month, prior notice could not be provided for Monday’s safety drill at Central High School. Conducting safety drills and sweeps without prior knowledge helps ensure their effectiveness. The element of surprise aids the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) and school officials in identifying potential prohibited items.
The safety and well-being of students remain paramount for VIDE. These protocols and safety drills will continue to be implemented in collaboration with the VIPD to maintain a secure learning environment at public school campuses.
Virgin Islands Legislature Building (Source file photo)
35th Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Senate Calendar for April 15-19
************************
Monday, April 15, 2024
10 a.m.
Perma Plaque Ceremony
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
APRIL 16, 2024
12:30 p.m.
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Agenda:
BLOCK I
The committee will receive a financial overview from the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) (a public corporation) a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority.
BLOCK II
Bill No. 35-0204 — An Act appropriating $3,000,000 from the General Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Police Department for the purchase and installation of cameras throughout the territory
BLOCK III
Bill No. 35-0206 — An Act amending Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, by adding subchapter IX(a) to enact The Virgin Islands Heroes Act to make benefits payable to the spouses and dependent children of law enforcement officers, peace officers, public safety officers and public safety employees that are killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.
Wednesday, April 17, 2024
1 p.m.
The Committee of the Whole
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas
Agenda:
The 35th Legislature will convene in a Committee of the Whole Hearing to receive testimony on the following zoning requests:
Bill No. 35-0137 — An Act granting a use variance for Parcel No. 9-3 Estate Glucksberg, Nos. 22, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands, to allow the applicant to lease individual bedrooms under the category “Lodging/Rooming House”
Bill No. 35-0241 — An Act granting a zoning use variance for Lot No. 3 Second Street, Subdivision of Estate Thomas, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to allow for a restaurant and a fruit bar
Bill No. 35-0256 — An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. SJZ-1, St. John, Virgin Islands, rezoning of Parcel No. 6-A Estate Susannaberg, No. 17A Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, from R-2 (Residential-Low, Density-One and Two Family) to P (Public)
Thursday, April 18, 2024
Reserved for Constituent Meetings and Paperwork
Friday, April 19, 2024
10 a.m.
Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks (To be announced)
The family of Bishop Thomas J.W. Douglas announces the granting of his angel wings on March 28.
He is survived his wife, Lillian Douglas; daughters: Joyce Williams and Estine Matthew: sons: Doval Douglas, Vernon Douglas, Clayton Douglas and Nathanael Douglas and Wentworth Francis; and grandchildren: Denise Ryan, Ingrid Ryan Garfola, Michael Ryan, Cassandra Ryan Wiggins, Carlton Douglas, Latoya Douglas, Steven Douglas, Marvin Douglas, Doval Douglas Jr., Thomas Douglas, Isaiah Douglas, Adrian Douglas, Bronson Clark, Lynette Showman, Brandy Clark, Shantel Douglas, Vernon Douglas Jr., Jeremiah Douglas, Naomi Douglas.
He is also survived by more grandchildren: Kenaz Douglas, Taexion Douglas, Masakei Douglas, Alexis Douglas, Ryleigh Edward, Anthony Francis, India Francis, Jamaal Francis, Sheldon Williams, Kevin Williams, David William, Vincent Damaseau, Valerie Damaseau, Jacinthia Damaseau, Jasmine Williams Liburd and Shadela Williams; and great-grandchildren: Dominique Ryan, Malik Cruz, Kayla Sanders, Nova Wiggins, Lilliana Ryan, Jaden Ryan, Jamir Wright Ryan, Paisley Showman, Elijah Francis, Bryce Francis, Joshua Francis, Arianna Francis.
Other survivors include more great-grandchildren: Sheldon Williams Jr., Sheldine Henry, Sheinika Henry, Maxwell Rogers, Kelandro Williams, Kelandre Williams, Jaden Mardenborough, Kelan Standford, Rotalia Richardson, Jahlio Liburd and Julion Liburd; great-great-grandchild, Ziyah Ryan; brother, Campbell Douglas; nieces: Anestia Douglas, Sharmaine Douglas and Trivia Douglas; nephews: Errol Jeffers, Kirk Douglas, Clide Douglas, Val Douglas; and in-laws: Mallar Douglas, Lina Douglas, Rita Douglas, Shelly Francis and Alford Matthew.
The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 13, at Witnesses for Christ Apostolic Church, Clifton Hill. Interment will be at the Kingshill Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to PO Box 372, Kingshill, St. Croix 00851.
Rosalia Ayala, also known as “Rosa” was born on Sept. 5, 1938, and died on April 8. Rosa passed away peacefully surrounded by her family.
She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and community treasure. She owned and operated Rosa’s booth from 1971 until the present. She lived a life of service to her family and community.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Collective Collaboration Inc. in her name. Services will be private with a public memorial to be announced at a later date.
Her family thanks everyone for their years of patronage and support.
Timothy Thomas, recording industry celebrity, is one-half of Rock City, (Submitted photo)
The University of the Virgin Islands will bestow honorary degrees on Theron Thomas and Timothy Thomas, recording industry celebrities known professionally as “Rock City,” and Virgin Islands Election System Supervisor Caroline Fawkes, an aviation trailblazer, at UVI’s 60th Commencement Ceremonies on May 9 and May 10, at its St. Thomas and St. Croix campuses, respectively.
Theron and Timothy Thomas
Hailing from St. Thomas, Theron and Timothy are the dynamic sibling duo known as “R. City” or “Rock City.” Their music, a vibrant fusion of Caribbean influences with hip-hop, rap and R&B, echoes their journey from a small island to international acclaim. Born into a musically inclined family, the Thomas brothers honed their craft from a young age, driven by a shared passion for music and storytelling.
Their professional journey began in the mid-2000s, initially gaining recognition in the USVI as performers and as prolific songwriters. R. City’s lyrical prowess caught the attention of industry heavyweights, leading to collaborations with some of the world’s leading recording artists. Their songwriting accolades include the chart-topping hit “Pour It Up” for Rihanna, “Run Away Love” for Justin Bieber, “I’m Out” for Ciara and “We Can’t Stop” for Miley Cyrus, showcasing their versatility and knack for creating hits that resonate across diverse audiences.
Theron Thomas, recording industry celebrity, is one-half of Rock City, (Submitted photo)
In 2015, R. City released their debut album, “What Dreams Are Made Of,” which featured the platinum single “Locked Away” featuring Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. This track catapulted them into the spotlight, highlighting not only their songwriting skills but also their vocal talent and charisma as performers. The song’s success on global charts marked a significant milestone in their career, solidifying their status as influential figures in the music industry.
In 2022, Theron earned seven Grammy nominations including Best Melodic Rap Performance with Latto’s hit record “Big Energy.”. At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, held in Los Angeles in February 2024, Theron was crowned ‘Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical’ for his work with various artists including Lizzo, Tyla, Chris Brown and others throughout 2023.
Beyond their professional achievements, Theron and Timothy, who were presented with the U.S. Virgin Islands Keys to the City by the Virgin Islands Legislature in 2016, remain deeply connected to their roots in the Virgin Islands and champion the territory’s beauty and uniqueness wherever they go.
Theron and Timothy will both be presented with honorary doctor of humane letters degrees at UVI’s Commencement Ceremony on St. Thomas.
Caroline Fawkes is a trailblazing aviator who spent over three decades in the military. (Submitted photo)
Caroline Fawkes – Aviation Trailblazer
At the Albert A. Sheen Campus ceremony, Caroline Fawkes, supervisor of the Election System of the Virgin Islands, will receive an honorary doctor of humane letters degree, honoring her trailblazing accomplishments as an aviator and the role she plays as a mentor and inspiration to the territory’s youth.
Fawkes, a native of St. Croix, made history as the first female to pilot the U.S. Army’s C23 Sherpa airplane and the first female state aviation officer in the Army National Guard.
Col. Fawkes retired after more than three decades of military service; 4,400 hours of accident-free flight time; and 24 consecutive months of deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
Her highest military awards are the Legion of Merit and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal signed by President Barack Obama. Her achievements were lauded by the 19th Legislature of the Virgin Islands through a bill introduced by former Senator Adelbert M. Bryan in 1993, establishing a scholarship in her name for individuals interested in pursuing an aviation degree.
Her journey into the V.I. National Guard and aviation, marked by determination and passion, set her apart as she broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Fawkes’s
interest in aviation was sparked early in her life, driven by a fascination with flight and a desire to push the boundaries of conventional roles assigned to women.
Fawkes attained her pilot’s license and then her skill, expertise and competence quickly earned her recognition, leading to her role as one of the few female helicopter pilots operating
in challenging environments, including being instrumental in emergency and rescue operations, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure while saving lives and providing critical support in times of need.
Beyond her professional accolades, Caroline Fawkes is deeply committed to mentoring young women interested in aviation, aiming to inspire and empower a new generation to pursue their dreams. Her efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in aviation highlight her belief in equal opportunities and her desire to pave the way for future female aviators.
Since 2013, she has served as Supervisor of the Election System of the Virgin Islands, where she is responsible for administering and regulating the elections laws of the territory, certifying the names of candidates to the District Boards, determining the sufficiency of nomination petitions, maintaining records of registered voters and preparing its annual budget.
The University will host Commencement Ceremonies on Thursday, May 9, at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, and on Friday, May 10, on the grounds of the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. The ceremonies will begin at 1 p.m. on both dates.
Kenneth Joseph Henry Jr. was born on Oct. 20, 1965, on St. Croix, USVI. He died on Feb. 11. He was 58 years old.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Henry Sr.; mother, Lucille John Henry; grandfathers: William Henry and Edward John; grandmothers: Grace Zachariah Henry, Clarice John and Josephine George; nephew, Anthony Carr; cousin, Andy Henry; brother-in-law, Lascelle Day; uncles: Ivan and James Henry; and aunt, Rosemary Henry.
Kenneth was the only son of five siblings. He is survived by his sisters: Agnes Carr, Clarice Clarke, Josephine Tuitt and Grace Henry; nieces: Ann Marie Carr and Keymara Bolling; nephews: Samuel W. Carr Jr., Freddie Clarke Jr. and Malik Bolling; great nieces: Nayasha Clarke and Arianna Sage; and great nephews: Kobi Brannigan; Christian, Justin, Christopher and Gabriel Carr.
He was also survived by brothers-in-law: Samuel W. Carr Sr. and Freddie Clarke Sr; aunts: Gretel Matthew, Joslyn Barthley, Eileen George, Tryphena Lambert, Josephine Hillhouse and Evelyn George; uncles: Earl and Michael Henry, and Vernon Tuitt; niece-in-law, Brigette Carr; and godmother, Veronica Clarke.
Other survivors include special friends: Yolande Browne, the Skov family, Stedman and Patricia Dublin, Maria Friday and family, Florence Greenaway and family, Bevern Sage, Ray Clarke and family, Eva Rivera and family, Carolyn Jones and Lourdes Pagan; cousins and other relatives: Beverly Brathwaite, Joann Cole, Carla, Sandra and Joy Henry; Donalyn, Judith, Al, Idris and Samantha Matthew, Jessica Barthley, Darlene and Julie Lambert, Junie Brathwaite, Calvin and Kevin Martin, Tim, Ron, Kenny and Dickie Henry, Christobel Lewis, Denise Oliver; Janet and Cindy George, Bernadette Carr-Thompson, the Macoy family, Byam family, Francis family, Ira Matthew and family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19, at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church at 42 Barren Spot. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
The landlord of the Virgin Islands Daily News has filed a complaint in V.I. Superior Court seeking to evict the newspaper from its St. Thomas office, claiming the business hasn’t paid the rent since last May, and prior to that had arbitrarily reduced the amount it was paying.
The case appears linked to an ongoing property dispute between the Daily News Publishing Company and its president Archie Nahigian Jr., and the company he purchased the paper from in 2014.
According to the complaint, the Daily News Publishing Company entered atriple netlease agreement with the Daily News Holding Company, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 25, 2020, agreeing to pay $270,000 over the 18-month term of the contract, or $22,500 per month. When the lease expired on Aug. 1, 2021, it continued to occupy the building in Estate Thomas and to pay rent, “thus converting the Lease into a month-to-month tenancy,” it says.
Thereafter, the paper began to reduce the amount it paid, according to the complaint. “On March 1, 2022, Tenant again arbitrarily began to reduce its rental payment to Landlord but still fully occupied the Property,” it says. Then, on May 31, 2023, the paper “ceased making any rent payment at all.”
According to the complaint, on Jan. 31 the holding company served the newspaper with a Notice of Termination and Notice to Quit the Premises by midnight on March 1, which was hand-delivered on Feb. 1. Besides offices and conference rooms, the building also houses the paper’s printing press. With the closure of the St. Croix Avis at the beginning of this year, the Virgin Islands Daily News serves as the territory’s only print newspaper.
“As of April 3, 2024, the date of the filing of this Complaint, Tenant has failed to vacate the Property as required and remains in possession of the Property despite the Lease Agreement having been terminated and thus, Tenant remains in unlawful possession of the Property without the Landlord’s permission,” the filing states.
The Daily News has not yet responded to the complaint, according to publicly available court records. However, a separate filing by the Scranton-based holding company in July 2022 shows the two have been in a dispute for years regarding an option for Nahigian to purchase a 30 percent tenant in common interest in the property for $675,000 that was tied to his option to buy the entire property under a 2014 lease agreement.
According to filings in that case, Nahigian sought the tenant in common interest deal in 2016 to legally offset capital gains taxes on a rental property he had sold in Washington, D.C., in what is known under federal tax law as a 1031 exchange.
However, the Daily News Holding Company alleges in its complaint that the deal was never closed and that no funds were paid, while Nahigian claims in his response and counterclaim that the closing occurred in April 2016 with a purchase contract, a balloon note and a warranty deed fully executed.
“At the request of DNHC, Nahigian agreed to refrain from recording the Warranty Deed because Nahigian understood that doing so could complicate DNHC’s financing,” according to his filing opposing the holding company’s motion for a preliminary injunction to allow it to sell the property to a third party. “Nahigian was not concerned about delay in recording because he had a course of dealings with this family-owned company, the parties trusted each other and DNHC recognized that Nahigian owned a 30 percent tenant in common interest in the Parcels.”
The holding company contends that “[b]esides not fulfilling any of his payment obligations to acquire the 30 percent interest in the Property, Nahigian decided not to have his company, Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. exercise the option given in his 2014 Lease to purchase the entire Property for $2,250,000 plus one half of any remaining rental payments. The last date for exercising the Option was September 30, 2018, and it expired on that date,” according to the complaint.
However, in early 2021, both parties began discussing a possible sale of the entire property to Nahigian or a company he controlled, but as “discussions progressed over the summer and fall, it became clear that Nahigian was not able or willing to buy the entire Property, but instead wanted only to buy a 30 percent interest in the Property,” tendering a check for $675,000 in February 2022 that was rejected as too late and too little, the complaint states.
“The attempted tardy tender did not include the 1.5 percent per month late charges that are imposed by the 2016 Contract, and which totaled nearly $300,000,” according to a September 2022 motion to dismiss Nahigian’s counterclaims. “Morever, DNHC unequivocally rejected the late and monetarily inadequate tender attempt.”
Nahigian has countered that the $675,000 check, while never cashed, was never returned, and that in March 2022, the newspaper began allocating rent to reflect the 70-30 percent ownership interest in the property. He has also demanded the return of $50,000 he said he paid in April 2021 as a deposit for the property.
The dispute has prevented the holding company from selling the property to another buyer due to liens placed by Nahigian, according to the filings.
On June 1, 2022, the holding company signed a contract to sell the property to Errol Baker for $1,950,000, according to the complaint. However, five days later Nahigian recorded four Notices of Interest with the St. Thomas Recorder of Deeds against the two parcels that comprise the property, asserting that he has an interest as purchaser by virtue of the 2016 contract.
In response, on July 29, 2022, the holding company filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to expunge the Notices of Interest to allow the sale to proceed, or for an emergency motion to allow the sale, which Nahigian has opposed, countering that “DNHC cannot legally sell 100 percent of the Parcels without the consent of VIDN, its tenant in common.” He also alleges that the holding company owes his company a share of the insurance proceeds it received following the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, which he says caused considerable damage to the building that has not been remedied.
DNHS contends that Nahigian “is currently a holdover tenant in default of its payment obligations under a lease that expired last year. Nahigian was unwilling or unable to buy Plaintiff’s Property, and he does not want anybody else to buy it. Nahigian refused to have his corporation pay even the rents due under the expired lease with Plaintiff, and he has refused requests to enter a new lease. The Notices of Interest are nothing more than a ploy to keep him on the Property as a holdover tenant paying whatever rent he feel [sic] like paying.”
The court has not yet ruled on the various claims, counterclaims and motions to dismiss, or set a schedule for hearings or discovery in the matter.
This year’s contestants dazzled the audience Saturday night. (Source photo by Ananta Pancham)
As the curtain rose on the 2024 St. Thomas Carnival Saturday, seven young women vying for crowns in a show that stretched past five hours, dazzled the audience packed into the Eldrige Blake Sports and Fitness Center with their elaborate costumes, vibrant energy, and a deep connection to local culture.
The theme for this year’s festivities, “Join Us On A Cultural Tour Like Never Before,” was evident from the start. From a life-sized carousel depicting iconic Carnival scenes to a playful recreation of the WTJX Channel 12 parade commentary booth, the stage was a canvas for the princess’ creativity.
Petite Princess Keemayah Ford (Photo courtesy the Department of Tourism)
Three contestants emerged victorious, each a testament to the dedication and talent of the young women who compete for Carnival royalty, according to the judges. Petite Princess Keemayah Ford, Carnival Princess Jazmine Samuel, and Junior Miss Ne’Keya Fraser will wear their crowns with pride throughout the month-long celebration.
Nahkiya Jeffers also joined Ford in vying for the title of Petite Princess, while Kaysiah Charleswell of Joseph Gomez Elementary School and Amiah Motta of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School joined Samuel in contention for the Princess title. D’Nae Todman, 15, also vied for the Junior Miss crown.
St. Thomas Carnival Princess Jazmine Samuel (Photo courtesy the Department of Tourism)
The competition itself was a whirlwind of vibrant costumes and diverse themes. Petite contestants sparkled in segments showcasing Carnival, Barbie, and island dolls, while Princess hopefuls strutted in their favorite candy-inspired creations and original madras designs. The Junior Miss competitors captivated the audience with professional wear, including a stunning madras couture suit, before transitioning to breathtaking evening gowns with dramatic reveals.
Touching tributes were woven throughout the evening. Contestants honored their families and cultural icons, while former Carnival Princesses Toi Barbel and LaStarr Watley led the opening prayer, and grilled the princesses with thought-provoking questions during the Q&A segment, respectively.
Junior Miss Ne’Keya Fraser (Photo courtesy the Department of Tourism)
Meanwhile, a range of entertainment kept the energy high throughout the night. The crowd was treated to performances by the Karnage Band, UVI Buccaneer Twirlettes, solo twirler Kaylee Breedy, and dance groups like Heliopolis Dance Group and Elite Dynasty Dance Performance Group, whose routine served as a heartfelt tribute to former member, 9-year-old Ja’Qeada Isaac.
With no prince contestant emerging this year, reigning Carnival Prince Kristin Isaac Ward continues his reign, adding another layer of excitement to the upcoming season.
