St. Croix Man Allegedly Shot Indiscriminately From Car Laden With Money, Drugs

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St. Croix Man Allegedly Shot Indiscriminately From Car Laden With Money, Drugs

Police arrested a St. Croix man allegedly shooting indiscriminately from a parked car laden with drugs and cash late Saturday, according to court records filed Monday.

Officers responded to calls of shots fired in Estate Richmond at 10:22 p.m. People outside the Magician Nightclub said the gunfire had come from a black Acura parked in a poorly lit area of the street. The door was open, and a man appeared to be slumped over in the driver’s seat, according to court records.

As the officers exited their vehicle, the man sat up and began firing into the night. The officers cautiously approached, using a building and parked cars as cover, when the man fired off a third set of bullets. He then closed the car door.

When police got within 10 feet of the Acura, they commanded the man to show his hands. The man, who police said had put a gun in his waistband, ignored the orders and waved off the officers as he walked away, according to court records.

While one officer grabbed the man from the left, another got his right arm and pinned him against a nearby car.

Police said Juan M. Aponte Ramos Jr., 27, had been carrying a Glock handgun — altered to shoot like a machine gun — loaded with several 9mm bullets. Police found seven spent shell casings outside the Acura and another on the car’s floor.

Police found much more in Aponte’s car, according to court records.

On the dashboard, they found $511 in loose cash. In a small fanny pack, police said they found four loaded magazines, one for the Glock and three for a .40 caliber firearm. They also found ammunition for a .233 caliber weapon. In the same pack, they found packets of cocaine and $115 in cash, according to court records.

In another bag, they allegedly found an orange pill bottle full of unknown blue pills individually packaged in plastic bags. Another container held an unknown brown substance, according to court records. Police said they also recovered more than 184 grams of cannabis and $277 in loose cash.

Police processing Aponte at the Wilbur Francis Command allegedly found more drugs and money in his pockets — a bag with nearly a gram of cocaine and $783.75. A records search revealed he was a felon and did not have a license to own a gun.

Aponte was charged with reckless endangerment, aiming or discharging a firearm, being a felon in possession of an unlicensed firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of ammunition, possession of marijuana and cocaine with intent to distribute, and disobeying a lawful police order.

On Monday, his bail was set at $30,000.

In 2024, Aponte had pleaded guilty to unauthorized possession of ammunition — avoiding weapon possession charges — after allegedly shooting a gun in the air after a minor traffic accident in 2022. He was sentenced to a year of incarceration.

Monday Naming Ceremony Honors Judge Verne A. Hodge

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Monday Naming Ceremony Honors Judge Verne A. Hodge
Verne A. Hodge, surrounded by Superior Court Associate Justice Maria Cabret and Supreme Court Justices Harold Willocks, Ive Arlington Swan, and Chief Justice Rhys Hodge. (Submitted photo)

Leaders of the three branches of government joined elected officials and the staff of the V.I. Judiciary at a naming ceremony for retired presiding Judge Verne A. Hodge. They gathered to witness the dedication of the courthouse in Charlotte Amalie in Hodge’s name.

Several top officials sat on the podium set up in the courtyard of the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, along with the honoree; they took turns recalling the acts of justice and compassion he performed during a 23-year career as chief administrator of the territorial, and later Superior Court.

“Judge Hodge’s family is right to be proud of his many accomplishments,” said Chief Supreme Court Justice Rhys Hodge. The chief justice called his former colleague “the architect of the modern Superior Court.”

Accolades also came from Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, Senate President Milton Potter, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, and Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe, among others.

Lawmakers of the 35th Legislature approved Bill No. 35-0286 that allowed the courthouse within the Farrelly complex to be named after Hodge. The ceremony featured musical performances by the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra and a crime prevention initiative started under Hodge as a juvenile delinquency diversion program.

Center Island LLC Details 23-Unit Housing Project on STX

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Center Island LLC Details 23-Unit Housing Project on STX

A proposed group dwelling development at Parcel No. 10 Estate La Reine was presented Monday during a virtual public hearing hosted by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR).

Xavier A. Acevedo, project manager for Center Island LLC, outlined plans for approximately 23 individual units (dorm-style buildings) designed to create “high-quality, storm-resilient homes that support long-term ownership for the Virgin Islands,” he said. The 16 buildings, intended primarily for Center Island LLC employees, will not be for rent.

Acevedo detailed three types of housing: a three-bedroom, two-bathroom single-family home; a two-bedroom, two-bathroom duplex; and a 16-bedroom apartment-style building.

During the review, Leia LaPlace asked whether any historical resources had been identified on the site. Acevedo said the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) had already conducted a review. SHPO Director Sean Krigger added that while no historical or archaeological resources were found during the initial assessment, the developer must report any discoveries during excavation. “By law, the property owner and the developer will have to notify DPNR,” Krigger said.

Fish & Wildlife Program Manager Rukiya Andrews noted that the project’s green space and retention pond appear appropriately placed but requested additional review of native landscaping guidance to address potential runoff toward a riverine west of the site. Minimal landscaping—mostly low-cut natural grass—is currently proposed.

Environmental Protection Director George Patrick requested more detailed stormwater calculations to ensure the cisterns and retention pond can withstand major weather events. He asked for updated documentation showing expected water flow during heavy rainfall.

Building Permits Director Amanda Jackson-Acosta raised questions about on-site amenities, particularly for families who may occupy the two- and three-bedroom units. She also pressed for clearly marked entrances and exits, sidewalks along the busy highway, designated trash disposal areas, and ADA-compliant parking and walkways. Jackson-Acosta asked for clarification on water and sewer connections; Acevedo said the homes would rely on cisterns, some supplemented by water pumped from a nearby development, with wastewater tied into an existing system. He added that the deed revealed no homeowner’s association restrictions, but would verify again.

Estate La Reine resident Donald Bailey encouraged DPNR to consider the subdivision’s established 20-foot setbacks rather than the 10-foot minimum allowed under R-2 zoning. He also warned that the development could significantly increase traffic at an already tight entrance, urging the addition of sidewalks, a designated bus stop, and improved pedestrian access. Acevedo said Bailey’s estimate of more than 100 vehicles was likely high, but agreed that accessibility and sidewalks should continue to be discussed with Public Works. He noted the property owner has already offered nearby land to help address a dangerous road curve.

Beresford Edwards, president of the Apostolic Faith Mission Board of Trustees, clarified that a homeowner’s association does exist for Estate La Reine and requested that developers submit written requests before using the church’s private road. He also asked for more details on the layout and bedroom counts for the proposed buildings.

Public comments will be accepted until Friday, Dec. 5, and can be sent to leia.laplace@dpnr.vi.gov. After the comment period closes, DPNR will compile the feedback for the applicant to address before completing its permit recommendation for the commissioner’s signature.

Waste Management Authority Launches New Customer Care Portal, Discuses Infrastructure Needs

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Waste Management Authority Launches New Customer Care Portal, Discuses Infrastructure Needs

On Monday, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Board of Directors met to address operational challenges and discuss major infrastructure needs in the face of ongoing financial pressures.

Chairman Derek Gabriel opened the hybrid meeting by commending staff for their recent outreach efforts. “It has been a very ambitious … 30 days,” he said, noting the team’s presence at town halls and its work to strengthen the Authority’s relationship with the community.

The board approved new mechanical equipment for wastewater pump stations on St. Thomas and St. John, part of a wider effort to overhaul and standardize the territory’s system. Pump stations are essential infrastructure, moving sewage and stormwater from lower to higher elevations for treatment, and the Authority hopes that switching to uniform equipment will streamline repairs, simplify staff training, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.

“We have 31 pump stations in the territory. … We want to standardize, so when we walk into a pump station anywhere, it’s the same equipment,” said Keith Smith, director of operations. Board members emphasized the importance of planning for operations, maintenance, and spare parts as part of any future equipment orders.

The board also approved funding for urgent wastewater and sewer repairs, including the replacement of an 800-foot sewer line that came in well above engineering estimates. While directors agreed the fix could not be delayed, they noted that these emergencies reflect the cumulative impact of years of deferred maintenance and the Authority’s limited resources.

Several board members called for a pivot from reactive, crisis-driven spending to a more strategic approach. They pushed for flexible, long-term contracting tools and clearer criteria for prioritizing projects, emphasizing the need for transparency and deliberate planning to focus on recurring infrastructure failures.

Even as they authorized the emergency expenditures, directors underscored that the Authority must move toward a system that anticipates infrastructure needs rather than constantly scrambling to address them once they reach critical stages.

The VIMWA is facing an escalating financial crunch as millions in expected government funds remain unpaid. Chief Financial Officer Daryl Griffith told the board that as of the end of September, the agency is still owed $9.8 million in outstanding allotments, including money intended for anti-litter programs, sewage maintenance, and tourism-related services. He warned that delays in government payments are directly affecting the Authority’s ability to make repairs, pay contractors, and keep critical operations running.

The board also ratified several prior poll votes, including a 25-year lease extension for the Anguilla landfill on St. Croix, necessary for maintaining federal regulatory compliance, and contract amendments tied to ongoing infrastructure work.

In an effort to modernize public service and tighten internal coordination, Executive Director Hannibal Ware announced the launch of the Authority’s new centralized customer service system. “We created what we’re terming the V.I. Waste Management Authority Customer Care Portal,” Ware said. “We have the full internal capacity and capability to now handle these emergencies as they’re called in to the agency. We have a single point of contact that will go out and ensure … things are addressed when they pop up.”

Ware said the portal will help streamline how complaints and emergencies are logged and tracked, improve communication with residents, and create a clearer sense of what issues require immediate attention. “Everything just cannot be a priority, otherwise, nothing is a priority,” he added, emphasizing the need for disciplined, transparent triage as the Authority navigates its growing workload.

Ware also stressed that long-term progress hinges on changing community behavior, pointing to public education as a crucial tool in addressing littering and illegal dumping. “Education… is critical to changing cultures, mindsets and everything else,” he said. The Authority plans to expand its school-based outreach as part of a broader push to strengthen community engagement and promote responsible waste practices.

Griffith detailed several grant awards that will help bolster equipment and infrastructure investments. The agency has secured $350,000 from the U.S. Department of Interior to purchase two new garbage trucks, along with grant applications submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency for recycling efforts and to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for tire disposal.

The Authority also expects to receive $46 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to support major landfill closures and expansions across the territory. Construction on new convenience centers is expected to begin soon, with architectural and engineering work nearing completion. The board also advanced procurement for underground utility work and new emergency generators.

As the meeting wrapped up, Gabriel praised the board and staff for their recent progress and emphasized the importance of continued training and professional development. “It is important… to continue education, not just for staff, but also for our members, so that we’re able to assist with executing the vision and strategic planning,” he said.

Student Apprehended After Loaded Firearm Found on CAHS Campus

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Student Apprehended After Loaded Firearm Found on CAHS Campus

Police on St. Thomas say a loaded firearm was found on the campus of the Charlotte Amalie High School Monday morning. The recovery of a weapon and apprehension of a student believed to be in possession of it follows a series of arrests by authorities last week of students charged in connection with a series of bomb threats called in to schools over the past month.

Announcement of the latest law enforcement action appeared late Monday morning on the V.I. Police Department social media page. “During a routine random search on Monday, school personnel discovered a loaded firearm in a student’s possession. Protocols were immediately enacted, and the weapon was confiscated without delay in full coordination with the VIPD,” the report said.

There was no mention of any changes in Monday’s school operations at CAHS; there was also no mention of any arrest. Instead, the initial statement said the student found in possession of the weapon would be subject to “the appropriate disciplinary consequences and legal action as outlined in VIDE policies and Virgin Islands law.”

This incident follows a Nov. 7 incident on the campus of St. Croix Central High School where a 17-year-old student was arrested with a loaded firearm hidden in a backpack. Officers from the School Security Bureau took action after receiving reports about a student threatening to shoot anyone who approached them.

The weapon was reportedly confiscated and the suspect was remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center, charged with concealed or open carry of a firearm.

Student Caught With Loaded Gun at Charlotte Amalie High School

Mat Probasco
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Student Caught With Loaded Gun at Charlotte Amalie High School
A routine, random search turned up a loaded handgun in the possession of a Charlotte Amalie High School student Monday, Virgin Islands Department of Education officials said.
Charlotte Amalie High School. (Source file photo)
Virgin Islands Police Department officers were swiftly summoned and the weapon confiscated, officials said. “Protocols were immediately enacted, and the weapon was confiscated without delay in full coordination with the Virgin Islands Police Department. The student involved will face the appropriate disciplinary consequences and legal action as outlined in VIDE policies and Virgin Islands law,” Education officials wrote in a media release Monday morning. “Virgin Islands Department of Education is reaffirming its strict zero-tolerance policy for weapons, drugs, and all illegal items on public school campuses following a serious incident today at Charlotte Amalie High School.” Bringing weapons of any sort or illegal objects, including drugs, onto school property is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated under any circumstance, education officials wrote.  “Such behavior endangers the school community, violates department regulations, and creates fear, panic, and disruption for students, faculty, and staff. Schools are institutions of learning not environments for illegal, harmful, or threatening items,” they said. “To maintain a safe and secure educational environment across the territory, random searches will continue to occur on all campuses, and the VIDE will sustain close collaboration with the VIPD as the investigation proceeds and disciplinary measures are enforced.” Education officials urged parents, guardians, and students to take the matter seriously and to support the department’s continued efforts to keep all campuses safe, focused on teaching, learning, and student success.

Environmental Science at Virgin Islands Children’s Museum

Mat Probasco
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Environmental Science at Virgin Islands Children’s Museum
The Center for Education about Risks both Coastal and Aquatic (CERCA) invites the community to join us for our grand opening event at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum on Dec. 13, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. 
A St Thomas student learns at a CERCA event in Puerto Rico. (Submitted photo)
This exciting event will provide a unique opportunity to explore the significance of coastal hazards and their impact on daily living, fostering a deeper understanding of environmental risks and promoting proactive measures for resilience and preparedness. At CERCA, hazard experts, including scientists, professors, and local stakeholders, will actively engage with visitors through live talks, multimedia resources, and interactive demonstrations and activity tables. Guests of all ages will have the chance to deepen their knowledge of environmental risks and hazard mitigation strategies while engaging in fun activities and earning prizes. Admission to the Grand Opening event is free, offering a valuable opportunity to learn from experts and contribute to a more resilient and prepared Virgin Islands community. The Grand Opening will feature activity stations facilitated by scientists from the Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC) and others. Guest speakers such as Regina Browne, Deputy Director of Planning and Preparedness at the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency; Roy Watlington and Dr. Lincoln Critchley with Ocean Coastal Observing – Virgin Islands (OCOVI) and representatives from the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System (CARICOOS) in Puerto Rico will engage with the public starting at 1:30pm. These esteemed experts will delve into discussions on local hazards and emphasize the critical importance of coastal and aquatic safety. CERCA St. Thomas will be the 5th center of its kind in the region and the 1st in the territory, showcasing a commitment to educating and empowering individuals about environmental risks. To learn more about CERCA and its upcoming events, visit https://school.caricoos.org/ and the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum website at www.vichildrensmuseum.org. In addition to the Grand Opening, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum will host educational open house events throughout 2026. These CERCA Saturdays events will align with national initiatives such as Pi Day, Infinity Day, Fibonacci Day, and more, offering interactive learning opportunities, hands-on activities, and educational workshops to promote mathematical literacy and environmental awareness within the community. Experts from organizations such as CARICOOS, CGTC, Integrated Ocean Observing System, International Tsunami Information Center, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, OCOVI, VITEMA, and others will be on hand to share their knowledge and insights. Don’t miss this chance to engage with the community, deepen your understanding of environmental risks, and contribute to a more resilient and prepared Virgin Islands community. This FREE community event takes place at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum located in Buccaneer Mall, Havensight, St Thomas. Join us at the Grand Opening of CERCA on Dece. 13, and be a part of this collaborative effort to promote coastal and aquatic safety. For media inquiries or more information, please contact: Amber McCammon, CEO of the VICM and CERCA St Thomas: amber@vichildrensmuseum.org.

Governor Grant Most USVI Employees Friday Off

Mat Probasco
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Governor Grant Most USVI Employees Friday Off
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has granted administrative leave for all nonessential Government of the Virgin Islands employees from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, November 28, giving public servants an extended Thanksgiving weekend to rest and recharge.
Happy Thanksgiving
Governor Bryan reminded the community that Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and gratitude, encouraging Virgin Islanders to use the long weekend to center themselves, enjoy loved ones, and engage in meaningful acts of kindness. “Thanksgiving calls us to pause and appreciate the blessings in our lives,” Governor Bryan said. “I urge everyone to take this time to rest, recharge, and enjoy your loved ones. Use a little of it to lift someone up—check on a neighbor, share a plate, make a call that matters. Gratitude is best when it moves our hands as well as our hearts.” Governor Bryan and Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. encourage all to observe the extended holiday with thankful and reflective activities, remembering to stay safe throughout the holiday weekend and to return refreshed and ready to close out the year with strength and purpose.

Yale and Akron Make it to 2025 Paradise Jam Final Game: Next Match at 1:30 p.m. Monday

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Yale and Akron Make it to 2025 Paradise Jam Final Game: Next Match at 1:30 p.m. Monday

Day 2 of the 26th edition of Basketball Travelers Inc.’s Paradise Jam brought highly competitive collegiate and high school games to the University of the Virgin Islands’ Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.

Samson Aletan #10 of Yale and Chol Machot #11 of Charleston battle for the opening jump ball to start Day 3 of 2025 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

GAME 7 – Yale 74 – College of Charleston 63 The University of Yale Bulldogs punched their ticket to the 2025 Paradise Jam Men’s Championship Game by defeating the College of Charleston 74–63.  The Bulldogs’ Isaac Celiscar opened scoring, making a layup seconds into the game, giving the Bulldogs an advantage they never relinquished. Senior forward Nick Townsend was the leader of this pack of Bulldogs with 32 points and nine rebounds. Isaac Celiscar added 12 points for Yale. The College of Charleston was led by Chol Machot and Connor Hickman, who recorded 15 and 14 points, respectively.

Tavari Johnson #5 of Akron scores two of his 19 points during his team’s game versus Evansville. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

GAME 8 – Akron 97 – Evansville 59 The University of Akron had its way with the University of Evansville as the Zips cruised to a 97-59 victory over the Purple Aces. Evansville kept the game close in the first half, only trailing by eight at intermission. The Zips stepped up their defensive pressure, causing the Aces to turn over the ball 11 times while shooting just 35% from the field.  Tavari Johnson and Bowen Hardman both scored 19 points to lead the Zips’ offensive attack.  Amani Lewis chipped in 17 points for Akron. Keishon Porter, AJ Casey, and Bryce Quinet all recorded 13 points each for Evansville.

Evansville meets during a timeout during the second game of the 2025 Paradise Jam, Day 3. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel).

The male tournament will play the final four games on Monday, Nov. 24, at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center.

The schedule for Monday, Nov. 24: Game 9 – 1:30 p.m. – University of Massachusetts vs Oregon State University Game 10 – 4 p.m. – University of Wisconsin Green Bay vs Iona University Game 11 – 6:30 p.m. – University of Evansville vs College of Charleston Game 12 – 9 p.m. – Yale University vs University of Akron – championship game

Op-Ed: State of the Territory | Growth Without Mastery: What Education’s St. Thomas-St. John Report Cards Really Mean

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Op-Ed: State of the Territory | Growth Without Mastery: What Education’s St. Thomas-St. John Report Cards Really Mean
In her biweekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.

The 2024-2025 Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) report cards for the St. Thomas and St. John School District reveal a familiar and deeply concerning trend: student growth is improving, but academic achievement remains well below acceptable standards.

The scores, measured on a 100-point scale, evaluate schools across three core areas: achievement, growth or graduation, and school quality and student success. While there are pockets of progress, the data point to a persistent gap between how much students improve year-to-year and whether they are actually reaching proficiency in English Language Arts and Mathematics.

Across the district, total scores range from the mid 50s to the high 80s, with most schools earning one or two stars. Joseph Sibilly Elementary stands out as the highest performing school, scoring 88.44 points, with strong results in both ELA and Math as well as exceptional growth. Schools such as Julius E. Sprauve (62.13 points), Ulla F. Muller (66.72 points), and Ivanna Eudora Kean High (62.74 points) fall in the midrange, showing steady improvement despite continued challenges.

On the lower end, Jane E. Tuitt (54.31 points), Lockhart (58.40 points), Joseph Gomez (61.99 points), and Bertha C. Boschulte (55.65 points) lag behind in achievement even as they post moderate growth. The high schools, Charlotte Amalie (59.21 points) and Ivanna Eudora Kean, reflect stable graduation and attendance rates but ongoing struggles in mathematics and readiness indicators such as Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, and Career and Technical Education.

The data make one thing abundantly clear: achievement continues to lag far behind growth. In nearly every school, students are improving from their starting point, but far too many remain below grade level proficiency. Teachers are producing growth under difficult conditions, but the system itself remains too inconsistent, under resourced, and outdated to deliver transformative results. Growth cannot be the ceiling. It is not enough for students to improve if they are still performing below proficiency.

Mathematics remains the weakest area district wide, with significant gaps in numeracy skills and curriculum alignment. English Language Arts shows slightly better outcomes, particularly at the elementary level, suggesting that early literacy initiatives are beginning to yield small but measurable gains.

At the high school level, graduation and attendance rates remain encouraging, with most schools maintaining over 90 percent attendance. However, those numbers lose meaning if students graduate without being truly prepared for postsecondary education or the workforce. Access to advanced coursework and technical training remains limited, and that lack of academic rigor continues to stunt overall progress.

The demographic data also reinforce the inequities within the system. Over 90 percent of students in the district identify as Black or African American. English Language Learners and students with disabilities represent a small percentage of the population, yet both groups continue to underperform, signaling an urgent need for targeted support and specialized intervention. Meanwhile, enrollment across many schools remains flat or in decline, particularly in the upper grades. This trend points to broader systemic issues,  population shifts, migration, or disengagement from public education altogether.

Taken together, these results expose the structural cracks that continue to undermine educational equity in the Virgin Islands. Until growth translates into mastery, our schools will remain stuck in a cycle of incremental progress rather than meaningful success.

Moving forward, the Department of Education must strengthen foundational literacy and mathematics instruction, reinvest in teacher development, and modernize curriculum and assessments to reflect real world standards. Accountability should not be about punishment; it should be about empowering schools with the data and resources they need to close achievement gaps. Most importantly, transparency and consistency in leadership are essential to restoring public confidence in the system.

Establish Clear Standards

We must also set clear standards for every grade level and hold to them. Each student should know exactly what is required to move forward, and each teacher should have access to what their students have mastered or missed. Summer programs should target only what was not met, not reteach an entire year. Most importantly, we need to move away from chasing grades and toward proving mastery. Grades should mean that a student has met the standard, not simply completed the work.

There are glimmers of progress within these numbers, but they are not enough. Our students are growing, but they are not yet thriving. Growth without proficiency is not success; it is survival. True progress will be measured when Virgin Islands students are not just improving, but excelling, competing, and leading at the same level as their peers across the United States.

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. 
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