The Virgin Islands Police Department announced that 20-year-old J’Lorne Henley was arrested Friday, following a domestic violence incident involving his girlfriend.
Police said that officers from the Patrol Division responded to the victim’s residence at approximately 2:16 p.m. and determined during their investigation that Henley had damaged the victim’s portable speaker.
Because the case involved domestic violence, no bail was set. Henley was transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility and is scheduled to appear for his advice of rights hearing Monday, police said.
There has been a bomb threat at Lockhart K-8 School and Charlotte Amalie High School. The Virgin Islands Police Department is currently on the scene. All students are safe, and parents do not need to pick them up at this time. Students are being kept in a secure location as authorities work to ensure the area is safe and provide an all clear. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Oriental Bank branches will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 for the Veterans Day holiday.
Oriental Bank branch in Puerto Rico. ( Photo by Michelle Kantrow-Vázquez, first published in News is my Business at newsismybusiness.com)
Oriental customers can access their accounts using any of the following methods over the holiday and every day:
· Online Banking and Mobile Banking – check account balances, make payments, transfer funds, verify transactions and send money to other people. Our new Online Service Portal offers you all the benefits of online banking plus the ability to make loan payments, check loan balances, request payoff letters and more. Mobile Banking offers all of the online banking functions plus the ability to deposit checks using a smartphone camera.
· Phone Customer Service Center – Customers can check balances, make payments, transfer funds between accounts, and verify the status of their transactions and paid checks. To contact the Service Center, call our toll-free number 1-800-981-5554, open from 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.
· Make Loan Payments Online – Customers can make payments through ‘My Payments’ for personal loans, car loans and leases, even if they do not have a deposit account with Oriental.
Customers can access ‘My Payments’ at orientalbank/usvi.com.
· Automated Telephone Services: Call 1-866-622-6800 to check account balances, transfers, recent transactions and other services.
· ATM Services – Customers can make deposits using the Branch ATM until 9:00pm daily and receive the same benefits as depositing with a teller at the branch. You can also check account balances, make withdrawals, transfer funds between accounts and change your PIN.
All non-branch Oriental ATMs allow customers to check balances, make withdrawals and transfer funds between accounts.
It is with great sorrow that we announce that Mary Hayden Carr, of Christiansted, Saint Croix, passed away on October 28, 2025, at the age of 62.
Mary Hayden Carr
She was born on July 5, 1963, in Hartford, Connecticut. She graduated from Windsor High School in Windsor, CT, and earned her bachelor’s degree in business management from the Morse School of Business.
Mary was the life of the party and a joy to everyone she met. She was fiercely passionate in all she did, guided by a deep sense of justice and an unshakable belief in right and wrong. Mary loved animals with her whole heart, fostering and adopting many over her 33 years on the island.
Mary adored Saint Croix- the beach, the sea, and the close-knit island community that became the center of her life. She proudly served her island home both as a Glass Artist with the Mitchell Larsen Studio and as the sole owner and operator of Goffer Girl, a company dedicated to helping small businesses operate on the island.
Mary was preceded in death by her father, David Hayden Sr.; her longtime friend and mentor, Jan Mitchell Larsen; and her loving husband, David Carr, her “Sweet Pea.” They undoubtedly welcomed her on the other side with open arms.
She is survived by her loving mother and stepfather, Wini Brewer and Bill L. Brewer; her beloved stepmother, Caroline Hayden; and her brother and sister-in-law, David Hayden Jr. and Elizabeth Hayden; as well as her “chosen family,” her lifelong friend, Cynthia “Cindy-Lou-Who” Herman, and her daughter, Alyssa Herman.
Mary is also survived by countless island friends, including the “Beach Monday” crew, with whom she found endless joy, support, and love. Together, they built a community rooted in laughter, shared moments, and showing up for one another in all seasons of life.
We will forever cherish memories of fun and laughter with Mary.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Saint Croix Animal Welfare Center in Mary’s name at stcroixawc.org.
Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Divine Funeral Services & Crematory.
The other day, I got an email message from Rafael Encarnacion, the director of radio operations for our local PBS and NPR radio stations in the Virgin Islands. I was invited to be on former Sen. Neville James’ show to discuss Maroon Country, the newly established Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park of the Virgin Islands.Estate North Star coastal northeast central Maroon Country forest is a multi-stored forest dominated by tall evergreen and deciduous trees. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
While I was on Neville’s radio show, I got the thinking there is a lot to learn by the Virgin Islands public about Maroon Country geography. With that being said, I will discuss the Great Northeast Central of Maroon Country in a series of articles documenting historically where the refuges of runaway slaves known as maroons lived in the northwestern and northeastern central part of the island. In the Great Northwest, Maroon Ridge is known historically as Maronberg, “which means hill or mountain” that extended not just in the northwest, but also to Mount Eagle, the highest peak on St. Croix.
The Maroon Country ridge rises more than 300 feet above sea level at Ham’s Bluff, where the historic lighthouse stands, then to almost 1,000 feet at Mount Stewart, and Bodkin Mill extending over 1,000 feet to Mount Eagle northeast central of the newly established Territorial Park System.
Over the years, I have written countless articles, promoted the area in a multitude of ways, and I’ve taken thousands of Virgin Island residents and visitors alike to explore the northwest’s and northeast central’s natural, cultural, historical, and marine resources showcasing the last intact tropical forest and turquoise coastal marine environments.
For years, I have fought politically and socially against unplanned development in the northwest and northeast central areas of St. Croix. It was a struggle every day, spiritually and mentally, to keep hope alive for the protection of a special place of Virgin Islands history.
During 1766 to 1767, Christian George Andreas Oldendorp, a Moravian missionary, gave one of the first accounts of Maroon communities in the northwest part of St. Croix around Maronberg (Maroon Ridge) and the flight from there to Puerto Rico.
In 1777, Oldendorp published his reported findings on slaves of the Danish West Indies and said, “A runaway Negro who remains away for three months is to have a foot cut off by the bailiff. And if he runs away again, he is to lose the other foot.” He went on to say, “In spite of the severity of this punishment, there are some daring Negroes who cannot be deterred from becoming maroons (this is the term used there for Negroes who run away) through the loss of a foot.”
However, it was the dense tropical forests of the northwest to Mount Eagle, with high cliffs, deep valleys, steep slopes, caves, and rugged coastlines that offered refuge for runaway enslaved Africans. The northwest and northeast central coastline to the summit of Mount Eagle and Blue Mountain were not surveyed until the 1750s or 1760s due to the Maroon’s occupation. They’d been fighting to survive for decades against the Danish government and planters of the surrounding areas of the dense tropical moist forest environment.(Courtesy STX Landmarks Society.)
Estate NorthStar, northeast of Carambola Beach Resort, which is part of the ridge for Maroon Country, was also a periodic shelter for runaway slaves. The estate, located below Mount Eagle, lies in a basin gallery of moist tropical forest, with some species of trees reaching over 90 feet high. Streams gush down from NorthStar to the bay during long periods of rain. Few years ago, a federal program known as Forest Legacy, managed by the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry, acquired over a hundred acres of Estate NorthStar to be part of the Territorial Park System of the Virgin Islands.
What is so interesting, the newly establish maroon park boarders Estate NorthStar with Estate Parasol, Estate Solitude, and Mount Eagle, which is part of Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park System. With an established trail from Estate Parasol or Mount Eagle, one can hike to Estate NorthStar. In fact, Estate NorthStar also includes a coastal environment like that of northwest Maroon Country of northwest Estate Prosperity, Annaly Bay, Sweet Bottom Bay, Wills Bay, Wells Bay, Annaly Notch, and Annaly Cove Bay. These historic and sacred lands now belong to the people of the Virgin Islands as a park.
Nevertheless, the valley of Estate NorthStar is known for mangos (Mangifera indica), West-Indian almond (Terminalis catappa), West Indian locust or locally called “stinking toes” (Hymenaea courbaril), and guavaberry (Myrciaria floribunda). Estate NorthStar is also one of the sites where USDA Forest Service planted experimental mahogany trees in the 1950s.
On the Northeast Central coastal environment of Maroon Country, a couple of yards from the Caribbean Sea, the Estate North Star basin gallery moist tropical forest gives the appearance of a rain forest with large hanging aerial roots. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
This forest is rich in diversity, especially the upland forest along the ridge that connects to Maroon Country with plants and wildlife like the rare Bridled Quail-Dove (Geotrygon mystacea), deer (Odocoileus virginianus), large moths or Black Witch (Erebus odora), fresh water fish, and possible the Virgin Islands Screech Owl (Otus nupides), an endangered species. The owl in Estate NorthStar and Mount Eagle region was sighted almost 90 years ago in the area. During the month of August, you can see hundreds of solider crabs or hermit crabs (Coenobita clypeatus) migrating to the bay for their love-making ritual ceremony.
As thousands of mangos drop from trees at Estate NorthStar each year, you can see hundreds of solider crabs arriving to feast on the mangos. It is a sight to behold the migration of solider crabs eating mangos. Nevertheless, Estate NorthStar gives the appearance of a “rain forest’ with large hanging aerial roots. The forest is a multi-storied forest dominated by tall evergreens and deciduous trees that kiss the sky above.
In the second article of this series, I will continue to describe Estate NorthStar’s forest, history of land owners, and Maroon occupation in the Great Northeast Central of St. Croix.
36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands SENATE CALENDAR
Newly sworn in members of the 36th Legislature (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the 36th Legislature)
November 10, 2025 – November 21, 2025
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2025Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture has scheduled a hearing for Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the
following:
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs on business licensing modernization, consumer protection enforcement, oversight and compliance mechanisms for licensed businesses, small business support, and operational challenges; from the Department of Tourism providing an overview of 2024 tourism performance and its economic impact, including visitor arrivals, key performance indicators, and the status of cruise tourism by district; and from the West Indian Company, Limited (WICO) on port operations, cruise tourism activity, and related economic contributions. The Committee will also conduct oversight on the financial management of the Tourism Revolving Fund, departmental expenditures, staffing levels across the Territory, and essential tourism-related infrastructure such as public restrooms. Additional areas of oversight will include marketing and sponsorship efforts outside the Territory and their measurable outcomes, as well as cultural tourism initiatives featuring calypso, music, and local artists. Further review will cover the 2024 Crucian Christmas Festival, St. John Celebration, and St. Thomas Carnival—highlighting achievements, challenges, and opportunities for improvement—alongside plans for the 2025 festival season.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affair
Jeniffer Matarangas-King, Commissioner Nominee, VI Department of Tourism
LUNCH 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
BLOCK II 12:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources on the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s programs and management strategies, including updates on environmental education outreach, territorial fisheries management and enforcement, wildlife conservation, territorial fishery policies, and the Invasive Species Eradication Community Program, and from the Caribbean Fishery Management Council on regional fisheries management and its impacts on the U.S. Virgin Islands, including updates on island-based fishery management plans, collaboration with local fishers and government agencies, sustainable fisheries strategies, impacts of federal regulations, and available funding opportunities.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Jean Pierre-Oriol, Commissioner, VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources
Miguel A. Rolon, Executive Director, Caribbean Fishery Management Council
BLOCK III 2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
The Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture will receive testimony from the Virgin Islands Department
of Agriculture on the state of agriculture in the Virgin Islands, including updates on Act 8854 regarding agricultural maintenance and equipment purchases, the USDA’s Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, the department’s equipment maintenance plan, pricing of goods and services, Act 8306 establishing the Virgin Islands Agricultural Caribbean Conference, and Act 8404 implementing the Territorial Agriculture Plan, and from the University of the Virgin Islands on the Territorial Agricultural Plan and the V.I. Agricultural Caribbean Conference, including status updates, stakeholder engagement, funding sources, expenditures, projected outcomes, challenges, and solutions, as well as conference objectives, planning milestones, participants, goals, and budget details.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Dr. Louis Petersen, Commissioner, VI Department of Agriculture
Dr. Safiya George, President, University of the Virgin Islands
Harith Wickrema, Member, VI Local Food and Farm Council
Trevor Warner, Farmer
Roniel Allembert, Farmer
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Committee on Education and Workforce Development
9:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee will assess education policies, review compliance with statutory mandates, and consider proposedlegislation designed to enhance educational outcomes and strengthen the Territory’s public education system.
BLOCK I
Promotion and Retention Policy as it pertains to the new Virgin Islands and Caribbean History Curriculum Implementation mandate
Invited Testifiers:
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
BLOCK II
Proposed Legislation
Bill No. 36-0188 An act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23, by adding a subchapter III establishing the Virgin Islands Technical College; amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 7, subchapter I section 99 to increase the membership of the Board for Career and Technical Education; amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code chapter 23, subchapter I, section 262 to clarify the duties of the Board for Career and Technical Education
relating to the Virgin Islands Technical College and section 263 relating to the CareerTechnical Education Training Fund, and for other related purposes
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Monique Faulkner, Ed.D., State Director – Career Technical & Adult Education
Laverne Richardson, Project Director, Virgin Islands Technical College
Mario Francis, Principal, Raphael O. Wheatley Skills Center, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Christa-Ann Molloy, Ph.D., Principal, St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center, VI Department of Education
Sana Joseph Smith, Policy Advisor (Education, Workforce, Labor), Office of the Governor
Joanne Murphy, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Career & Technical Education Board
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Lora Bailey, PhD., Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, University of the Virgin Islands
Israel Popo, Student, St. Croix Central High School, St. Croix Career & Technical Education Center
Meridith M. Prince, Tradesman
BLOCK III
Electronic Device Policy and the impact of cell phones on school campuses
Invited Testifiers:
Kyza A. Callwood, PhD, Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Ace Poyah, Student, St. Croix Educational Complex High School
BLOCK IV
Update regarding repairs and maintenance in public schools
Invited Testifiers:
Craig Benjamini, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance
Leontyne Jones, President, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1825
Tamieka Phillipus, American Federation of Teachers, Local 1826
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025
Committee on Rules and Judiciary
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Please be advised that the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled ahearing for Thursday, November 13, 2025, 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:
Governor’s Nominees
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Ms. Melanie L. Turnbull, Esq., Judge, Virgin Islands Superior Court, Family Division,
District of St. Thomas-St. John
BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Mrs. Jennifer M. Matarangas-King, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
LUNCH 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Ms. Venetia H. Velazquez, Judge, Virgin Islands Superior Court, District of St. Croix
BLOCK IV 3:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Ms. Bernesha B. Liburd, Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board
Bills
BLOCK V 4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0044 A Resolution honoring and commending seven-year old twin brothers Kruz and Stefon Wilson for their heroic efforts and courage displayed when saving a drowning man at Magen’s Bay Beach and for their exemplary conduct as young members of the community
Bill No. 36-0075 A Resolution honoring and commending Austin A. Venzen posthumously for his unwavering commitment to music education and the arts, through his work in the classrooms, conducting private music lessons, on the concert stages, and by bringing Virgin Islanders together in choirs, bands, and community events, to foster
camaraderie, collaboration, and cultural enrichment.
Bill No. 36-0148 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 16, section 274 by mandating that the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission implement an electronic payment system
Bill No. 36-0086 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act.
Bill No. 36-0196 An act appropriating excess debt service reserve funds for certain capital projects in the territory and appropriating $2,000,000 from the St Thomas Capital Improvement fund.
Bill No. 36-0135 An act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 294 regarding expedited building permits for developers.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
9:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Friday, November 14, 2025, at 9:00 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following bills:
BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Bill No. 36-0052 An Act amending title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, section 502, regarding advertising devices on private property
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Mr. Russell Pate, Esq., President, VI Bar Association
Mr. Roger B. Minkoff, Realtor
Mr. Marcus Christian, Resident
BLOCK II 10:30 P.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0009 A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Steven van Beverhoudt for his years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Delia Thomas, VI Inspector General, Office of the VI Inspector General
Mrs. Bernice Turnbull, Retired Commissioner of The Department of Finance
Ms. Marsha Dubois, Lead Auditor, Office of the Virgin Islands Inspector General
BLOCK III 12:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0084 An Act honoring and commending Alva Alphonse Swan also known as “Coach Tumba” for his significant contributions to the sport of basketball in the Virgin Islands by bestowing upon him the Key to the Territory
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Anselmo Frett, Resident
Ms. Patricia Peets, Resident
Mr. Ray Archibald, Resident
Ms. Kamela Hughes, Resident
Mr. Audi Henneman, Resident
Bill No. 36-0149 A resolution honoring and commending Janeisha John for her outstanding achievements, pioneering spirit, and significant contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and television production, celebrating her role as a cultural ambassador, trailblazer, and inspirational leader of the Virgin Islands
Invited Testifiers:
Ms. Jo’liza John, Younger Sister / Official DJ
Ms. Trinity Austrie, Best Friend / Environmental Engineer, CEO Tysam Tech, LLC
Mr. Jamal Drummond, Friend / Former Coach, Designer & Stylist
Ms. Aria Garcia, Designer / Stylist, House of Arega
Mr. Anil Bruce, Mentor / Former Executive Producer at WTJX, Rediscover St. Croix / Emmy Award Winning TV
Produce
Dr. Elle Nielsen, Friend / Professor of Dance, UVI
Dr. Valrica Bryson, Ph.D., Mentor / Former High School Band Teacher
Mr. Shamari Haynes, Associate/ Deputy Commissioner of Tourism
Mr. and Mrs. Griselle & Ben Mitchell, Mentors / Owners, former C-9 Modeling Agency
Mr. Shomari Moorhead, Friend/Entrepreneur / Community Leader
Mr. Renaldo Stevens aka Emcee Bogle, Associate /V.I. Emcee
Ms. Janella John, Older Sister
Ms. Claire Roker, Pageant Mentor
Mr. Dennis Liburd, Jr. aka Pumpa, Associate / International Soca Artist
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance
9:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Monday, November 17, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the following bills:
BLOCK I
Bill No. 36-0030 An Act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the Virgin Islands minimum wage
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, VI Department of Labor
Mr. Haldane Davies, Executive Director, VI Bureau of Economic Research
Akeel St. Jean, Esq., Chairman, St. Croix Chamber of Commerce
Mr. John Woods, President, St. Thomas/St. John Chamber of Commerce
BLOCK II
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
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement
Mr. Peter Ottley, President, WSTA Radio
Bill No. 36-0199 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Accent Property Management, LLC, for Parcel Nos. 123 and 129 Sub Base, South Side Quarter, St. Thomas, to develop the premises to operate, establish, and manage a slate of subtenants, pursuant to an approved development plan
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement
Randa DeSouza, Chief Administrative Officer, Accent Property Management, LLC
Bill Request No. 25-0692 An act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the VirginIslands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Commercial Investments LLC, for Parcel No. 30 Submarine Base, No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a logistics storage warehouse and other related purposes
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement
Covey Charles, Authorized Representative, Commercial Investments LLC
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2025
Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging Sports and Parks
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks will reconvene for a pivotal oversight hearing toexamine the intersecting threads of investment, accountability, and completion timelines tied to two of the Territory’s most prominent capital projects: the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and the Clinton E. Phipps Horse Racing Track. This hearing marks a renewed push for transparency, efficiency, and measurable progress, following earlier discussions in July that left unresolved questions and unmet deliverables.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.
Operational Status and Financial Oversight of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack and the Horse Racing
Initiative Fund
This block will assess the current operational status of the Clinton E. Phipps Racetrack on St. Thomas, with a focuson remaining construction, regulatory, and logistical needs. The Committee will receive testimony on delays,including permitting issues, funding gaps, and inter-agency coordination challenges, that have impacted any pendingprogress. The Committee will also review revenues from past racing events, examining how funds are tracked,reported, and allocated. Testifiers are expected to present a detailed financial breakdown of receipts anddisbursements, as well as provide information on transparency and fund distribution practices. A key focus will bethe Horse Racing Initiative Fund, including current balance, recent spending, and district-level allocations. Emphasiswill be placed on the availability of funds to support racetrack improvements and local horsemen associations in both districts.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
Honorable Raymond Williams, Director, Virgin Islands Lottery
Mr. Hugo Hodge Jr., Chairman, USVI Horseracing Commission
LUNCH 12:30 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
During this Block, the Committee will receive testimony and conduct a comprehensive examination of the financial and administrative oversight of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project. This follow-up hearing aims to clarify the progress made since July, identify any key items that remain incomplete, and assess how the project is tracking toward the pledged December 2025 completion date.
Agency Roles and Focus Areas:
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – Provide a detailed report on historical appropriations and current expenditures. The Committee expects transparency regarding any recent budget reallocations or shortfalls that may have impacted the project’s timely completion.
• Department of Property and Procurement (DPP) – Address the status of contractor performance, including any procurement delays, contract amendments, or unresolved vendor issues that may be affecting final project delivery.
• Department of Public Works (DPW) – Present an update on current construction progress, agency coordination efforts, and confirm whether the December 2025 completion target remains feasible. The Committee seeks clarity on progress since July and explanations for any missed milestones.
• Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation (DSPR) – Provide an operational readiness assessment of the facility, including which amenities are complete, what remains outstanding, and what is required to make the stadium fully accessible for public use.
• Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) – Review funding disbursements, contractor oversight, and compliance with all applicable federal and local regulations. The Committee requests a summary of all ODR-administered grants supporting this project.
• GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI – Deliver a comprehensive update on construction deliverables, identify remaining tasks, and explain any delays related to change orders, materials, or workforce that could impact the project’s timeline.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation
Mrs. Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, USVI Office of Disaster Recovery
Mr. Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management & Budget
Mr. John Wessel, Director of Operations, GEC, LLC / Coastal Systems USVI
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2025
Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
As work continues on the Charlotte Amalie Downtown Drainage Project, the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works advises the public of a road closure on a segment of Wimmelskafts Gade, also known as Back Street.
Starting on Monday, Nov. 10 DPW contractor — Island Roads Corp. — will close a segment of the roadway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to begin sidewalk and drainage system repairs in the vicinity. Motorists will be permitted to turn right off of Wimmelskafts Gade onto Raadet’s Gade to access Dronningens Gade (Main Street).
This closure is scheduled to be completed by Saturday, Nov. 15.
All parked and abandoned vehicles must be removed to allow the contractor to complete the work as scheduled.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience as it works to improve road conditions throughout the territory.
The Junior Tri VI committee is excited to host the Fall Fling Splash ‘n Dash this coming Sunday, Nov. 16, at 8 a.m. at Bungalows on the Bay (formerly Chenay Bay). This swim/run event is open to kids of all abilities, ages 5 to 15.
The event will open with a point-to-point 25-meter swim for the 5-6 yr old category, a 50-meter swim for the 7-8 group, a 100-meter swim for the 9-11 group and a 200-meter swim for the senior group (ages 12-15). Flotation devices will be available for beginner swimmers.
After the swim, the racers will transition to the run, which will take place completely within the Bungalows property. The 5-6 group will run 1/4 mile, the 7-8 group will run a 1/2 mile, the 9-11 group will also run a 1/2 mile, and the oldest group – 12 to15 – will run a full mile. Sneakers must be worn for the run portion of the event.
Race-day registration will open at 7am and close at 7:45am. For more information, please contact 340-513-2707.
The University of the Virgin Islands women’s basketball team defeated Jarvis Christian University 53-46 in its first matchup of the Tiffany Jackson HBCU Classic on Friday night, held at the Mary E. Branch Gymnasium in Austin, Texas. This event, hosted by Huston-Tillotson, features the host school alongside UVI, Jarvis Christian, and Stillman College.
Junior guard Khaelii Robertson-Mack (Submitted photo)
UVI (2-2) opened the game sluggishly as its offense struggled initially. In a low-scoring first half, the Lady Buccaneers found themselves trailing by five points at the end of the period. A spirited second quarter surge allowed the Lady Buccaneers to take their first lead of the game at 17-16 on a made layup by senior forward Kashay Bass. UVI took a narrow 20-18 lead into the locker room at halftime.
In the second half, the two teams would trade baskets early on. During a pivotal stretch, UVI would extend its lead, highlighted by true freshman guard Ashlynn Lemos, with a flurry of baskets, scoring nine of her team’s next 10 points, establishing a 34-28 lead. However, a 14-2 run by Jarvis Christian enabled them to reclaim the lead. The resilient Lady Buccaneers would respond with a run of their own, tying the score at 42-all with another two-point basket by Bass. A crucial three-pointer by junior guard Atalia Thomas later secured the lead for UVI, ultimately sealing the 53-46 victory.
Bass emerged as the leading scorer for the Buccaneers, amassing 21 points, with 13 scored in the second half. The six-foot forward also contributed eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Junior forward Keshara Romain was dominant in the painted area for the Lady Buccaneers with another double-digit rebounding game, securing 18 rebounds. The current Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference (HBCUAC) Defensive Player of the Week and Newcomer of the Week also recorded a season-high with seven blocks.
For the Lady Bulldogs, Jacy Reese led the team with 14 points.
Next, the Lady Buccaneers will face the Stillman College Lady Tigers on the second day of the Tiffany Jackson HBCU Classic. In their last matchup with this HBCUAC conference rival, the Lady Tigers emerged victorious. The Lady Buccaneers will be seeking revenge in the game scheduled to tip off at 1 p.m. Central Time at the Branch Gymnasium.
About UVI Athletics
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and a member of the HBCU Athletic Conference (HBCUAC), formerly the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Entering the 2025-26 season, the Buccaneers will begin their 19th season of athletic competition. As the only Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the Caribbean, UVI currently sponsors six sports, including men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, and men’s and women’s outdoor track and field. For more information on UVI Athletics, visit UVIAthletics.com.
The University of the Virgin Islands women’s basketball team fell to the Stillman College Lady Tigers 60-44 despite a second-half surge on the second day of the Tiffany Jackson HBCU Classic at the Mary E. Branch Gymnasium in Austin, Texas.
Freshman guard Ashlynn Lemos (Submitted photo)
UVI (2-3) found itself playing from behind from the opening tip as Stillman established an early lead. A turnover-plagued first half sent the Lady Buccaneers into halftime, facing a 14-point deficit of 31-17.
An inspired Lady Buccaneers team emerged from the locker room as they mounted a second-half comeback to bring themselves within striking distance. Senior forward Kashay Bass narrowed the gap to five points with two consecutive free throws, leaving 1:31 on the clock in the third quarter. UVI outscored Stillman 20-12 in the period, setting the stage for a potential comeback in the final quarter.
The comeback attempt continued in the fourth quarter as the Lady Buccaneers responded to Stillman’s scoring with offense of their own as the teams traded baskets early in the period. Despite bringing the lead down to just a two-possession game at 46-41, the comeback attempt faltered as the Lady Tigers maintained their lead and secured the victory.
Bass finished the game with her second double-double of the season, recording 16 rebounds and a career-high 23 points, 16 of which were scored in the second half, as she led her team in their second-half surge.
Senior forward Keshara Romain contributed 12 rebounds, while junior guard Arianna Renault added four assists.
The Lady Buccaneers will now set their sights on a matchup with Philander Smith University at Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 15. They will then travel to Hot Springs, Arkansas, to face Champion Christian College before returning to the Virgin Islands. Both games can be seen on www.UrbanEdgeNetwork.com.
Starting on Monday, Nov. 10 DPW contractor — Island Roads Corp. — will close a segment of the roadway from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to begin sidewalk and drainage system repairs in the vicinity. Motorists will be permitted to turn right off of Wimmelskafts Gade onto Raadet’s Gade to access Dronningens Gade (Main Street).
This closure is scheduled to be completed by Saturday, Nov. 15.
All parked and abandoned vehicles must be removed to allow the contractor to complete the work as scheduled.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience as it works to improve road conditions throughout the territory. 
The event will open with a point-to-point 25-meter swim for the 5-6 yr old category, a 50-meter swim for the 7-8 group, a 100-meter swim for the 9-11 group and a 200-meter swim for the senior group (ages 12-15). Flotation devices will be available for beginner swimmers.
After the swim, the racers will transition to the run, which will take place completely within the Bungalows property. The 5-6 group will run 1/4 mile, the 7-8 group will run a 1/2 mile, the 9-11 group will also run a 1/2 mile, and the oldest group – 12 to15 – will run a full mile. Sneakers must be worn for the run portion of the event.
Race-day registration will open at 7am and close at 7:45am. For more information, please contact 340-513-2707. 
