A St. Croix woman wanted for Contempt of Court was arrested Wednesday after police said she twice appeared at a residence she was legally prohibited from approaching, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.
Patrol officers were dispatched to the home on Nov. 1 at about 12:59 p.m. to provide assistance. When they arrived, the victim told officers that the previous evening, Oct. 31, at about 6 p.m., Nia Cruz came to the residence despite a Reciprocal Restraining Order barring her from being within 1,000 feet of him or his home. The victim reported that Cruz returned again on Nov. 1, prompting him to contact police, according to the police report.
According to the report, officers located Cruz on Nov. 5. The 37-year-old was taken into custody on a charge of Contempt of Court related to domestic violence.
The scoreboard may read Grenada 4, U.S. Virgin Islands 1, but the numbers tell only a fraction of the story. On Friday night at the Kirani James Athletic Stadium, the Dashing Eagles walked into a hostile environment to face a Grenadian side riding a five-match winning streak and sitting significantly higher in the FIFA rankings. What could have been a routine home victory for the Spice Boys instead became a showcase of a USVI program growing in confidence, identity, and competitive fire. And the world is starting to notice.
The USVI team (Submitted photo)A Second-Half Surge That Signaled Who the USVI Is Becoming
After a rocky opening 45 minutes that saw Grenada’s pace and physicality on full display, the Dashing Eagles regrouped, recalibrated, and responded with a second half that reflected everything Coach Terrance “Terry” Jones Sr. has been building behind the scenes.
USVI allowed just one goal after the break, showing discipline, structure, and a refusal to fold, while creating more attacking sequences and controlling possession in stretches of the match. The reward came through Jannick Liburd, who buried the Dashing Eagles’ lone goal with the kind of clinical finish that signals a player rising in confidence and a team beginning to trust its attacking instincts.
For a squad that not long ago struggled to find consistency in the final third, Friday’s performance was another step forward.
Riding Momentum From Outrigger Cup Glory
This friendly wasn’t played in a vacuum. The USVI arrived in Grenada with the wind at their backs after lifting the 2025 Outrigger Cup in Arkansas, their first major tournament triumph in years. Winning that competition wasn’t just a trophy, it was validation that the group is learning how to win, how to travel, and how to adapt to pressure.
Facing Grenada was a different mountain to climb, but the mentality carried over.
The Dashing Eagles didn’t play like underdogs. They played like a team testing itself, measuring its progress, and refusing to shy away from elite competition.
The Rise of “ONE VI” — A Culture Taking Shape
Perhaps the most important storyline isn’t tactical or statistical, it’s cultural.
Coach Terry Jones has coined a simple mantra: “ONE VI.” But inside the locker room, it’s more than a slogan. It represents togetherness, accountability, pride, and the belief that the islands can compete with anyone in the region when pulling in one direction.
And that mentality is becoming visible on the pitch.
Players communicate more. They cover for each other. They fight for every ball until the final whistle. Even in a match where Grenada’s firepower was evident, the USVI never looked disjointed or overwhelmed, a sign of a side maturing beyond its years.
Thirty-three representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands, including undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, staff, and faculty, traveled to Richmond, Virginia, to attend the 2025 Biennial Conference of the Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation (CERF), held Nov. 9–13. Their participation was made possible through support from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) INCLUDES SEAS Islands Alliance, Navigating Home, Securing STEM Island Pathways, Coastlines & People Strong Coasts, and EPSCoR projects.
Sarai Hutchinson, current Securing STEM Island Pathways graduate fellow, stands alongside her mentor Dr. Kristin Grimes with her award for Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation. (Submitted photo)
Twenty-six UVI students and early-career professionals took the stage at CERF, with many delivering their first-ever conference presentations. A highlight: Sarai Hutchinson (Securing STEM Island Pathways) earned Best Graduate Student Oral Presentation for “Incorporating novel approaches in mangrove restoration: using Sargassum and recycled crushed glass.”
“The SEAS program’s support gave me the opportunity to share the exciting research our lab has been working on and to learn from a diverse community of coastal scientists at CERF.” – Dericia Dorius, UVI undergraduate student, GRROE Lab member
The U.S. Virgin Islands delegation joined more than two dozen other islanders from Puerto Rico and Guam, representing a united effort to elevate island voices in coastal and estuarine science. Together, these NSF-funded projects provide scaffolded opportunities that broaden access and participation in STEM careers. For example, the SEAS Islands Alliance aims to broaden participation in the geosciences by illuminating career pathways and strengthening a sense of belonging in STEM through mentorship, collaboration, and community across island regions. The Navigating Home program complements this effort by helping Virgin Islanders build meaningful careers in environmental science and return their expertise to the Territory’s growing STEM workforce.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the Navigating Home Fellowship for the opportunity to engage with impactful coastal research taking place across the country. The conference not only strengthened my passion for this field but also opened my eyes to new directions and possibilities within my research interests.” – Eurnett Christopher, Current Navigating Home Fellow
“CERF’s biennial meeting provides an exceptional platform to share the science happening in our island regions and it is incredibly supportive for our students and early career professionals. The conference is an opportunity for professional development, growth, and connection with peers and leaders in coastal science across the nation and the globe,” said Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, Research Associate Professor in UVI’s Center for Marine & Environmental Studies.
About the Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation
The Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation (CERF) is a nonprofit, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of estuaries and coasts. Founded in 1971, CERF brings together students, scientists, resource managers, educators, and policy makers from across the nation and the world. CERF’s mission is to advance research, knowledge, and stewardship of coasts and estuaries and sustain the education and professional development of a diverse and inclusive community.
CERF envisions a future where solutions to global challenges facing coastal and estuarine systems are grounded by innovative, inclusive, and collaborative scientific research..
To learn more about the SEAS Islands Alliance, Securing STEM Island Pathways, or Navigating Home projects at UVI, contact:
Elisabeth Leerdam, SEAS Islands Alliance Coordinator
elisabeth.leerdam@students.uvi.edu
Victor MacArthur McBean, aka “Bonewall,” of Estate Campo Rico, passed away on Nov. 5. He was 80 years old.
Victor MacArthur McBean
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Hatchett; father, Wilfred McBean; sisters, Irene Batts, Naomi Dowling; niece, Doris Dowling.
He is survived by his daughter, Carrel McBean; grandchildren, Desteny McBean, Breanna Hendrickson, Chaylen McBean, Adrian Miranda; sister, Sylvia McIntosh; nieces, Jennifer P. Harrison, Decelle Dowling, Audrey Jackson, Kim Hunt, Sheri Thomas; nephew, Ezra Seales, Neal Davis, Clyde Davis, Nevin Davis, Mario Perkins, Darwin Dowling; great nieces, Marisha Perkins, Jessica Melendez, Deanne Dowling, Darisse Dowling, Daynia Dowling, Kayla Ritter, Aliya Jackson, Tamara Guy, Tishira Seales, Renelle Davis, Reneisha Davis, Kinsasha Davis, Sajada Davis, Amina Richards; great nephews, Leon Perkins, Calvin Perkins, Darian Dowling, Karim Jackson, Ezra A. Seales, Ezra S. Seales, Rasheed Hunt, Nevin Davis Jr., Neal Davis Jr., Jeremy Davis, Dale King Jr., Deray Ritter; other relatives, Ruth Perkins, Charles Harrison, Verna Dowling, Dowling Family, Perkins Family, Taylor Family; special friends, Norman George, Alfonso James, Warren Richards, McBean Family, Hatchett Family, McIntosh Family, Henry Milligan, St. Croix Retirees, Genevieve Edney, Steve Paris, Franklin Steale, Julien Harley, Vincent Francis, Jerome Sewer, Franklin Sewer, Bernard James, Chico Morales, Tito Alomel, Gail Joseph, Terrance Holland, Tony Boynes; other precious families and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held on Dec. 3 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Viewing begins at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at the Frederiksted Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home.
On Saturday, Nov. 15, employees of Alpine Securities gathered for the 14th year to distribute 400 plus turkeys and hams to first responders in the St. Thomas/St. John District.
Kesha Ells (CostULess), Jason Charles (Alpine), Bernard Burke (Alpine) and Catherine Bryan (Alpine) assisted in the turkey and ham distribution. (Submitted photo)
Alpine started this annual tradition in 2011 to express gratitude to those who serve our community throughout the year.
As part of this tradition, Alpine provides complimentary turkeys or hams to the first response team’s of the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Technicians. In recent years, Cost-U-Less has provided day of distribution support at the event.
Charles Kim, Managing Member of Alpine, shared his thoughts on the initiative, stating, “Our first responders face increasing challenges and work hard despite these difficulties throughout the year to keep us safe. We are happy to offer them a small token of our appreciation on behalf of the entire community.” Kim added, “We wish the Virgin Islands community a happy and safe holiday season.”
For more information, please contact Catherine Bryan at (340) 714-2020 or via email at catherine.bryan@alpineusvi.com .
The familiar sound of ringing bells and the sight of red kettles will soon return to St. Thomas as The Salvation Army launches its annual Red Kettle Campaign, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. The organization is calling on volunteers from the island community to help bring hope and assistance to those in need this Christmas season.
Salvation Army is in Market Square on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Bethaney Lee)
The Red Kettle tradition dates back to 1917, when a Salvation Army officer in San Francisco used a soup pot to collect donations to feed the hungry. That same year, The Salvation Army began its ministry on St. Thomas, continuing more than a century of service to the island’s most vulnerable residents.
Tom Bolt, Chair of the St. Thomas Advisory Board and longtime bell ringer, encourages others to take part in this beloved holiday tradition. “It’s truly the best thing about the Christmas season,” he shared. “The joy, smiles and community spirit experienced while ringing the bell remind us of what Christmas is really about—helping those most in need in our island community.”
The Salvation Army is seeking individuals, families, and community organizations to volunteer for two-hour shifts, Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Bell ringers can choose from six convenient locations: K-Mart at Tutu Park Mall, PriceSmart, The Market at Tutu Park Mall, Walgreens, and Cost-U-Less. Two volunteers per time slot are encouraged, and all necessary materials will be provided by The Salvation Army.
“Every ring of the bell represents hope for someone in need,” said Major Mig Lavenbein, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army St. Thomas Corps. “Your time at the kettle helps us provide food, shelter and support for the poor, the homeless and the elderly throughout our community.”
To volunteer or learn more, please contact Major Tim Lavenbein at (215) 510-8440 or email tim.lavenbein@use.salvationarmy.org.
Join the tradition. Ring the bell! Be part of the reason hope marches on this Christmas.
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation hosted a special event at its newly opened Rural Health Clinic in Sunny Isles to honor the dedication and impact of nurse practitioners serving the St. Croix Community.
The celebration was part of National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed across the United States from November 9-15 and officially recognized in the U.S. Virgin Islands through a proclamation by Governor Albert Bryan. The week highlights the vital role nurse practitioner play in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care in communities nationwide.Thomas Chad McDannel, Robin Hughes, Lisa Gay. (Submitted photo)
Attendees included members of the Virgin Islands Nurse Practitioner Organization and Board Members of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure—Elizabeth R. Dumas, Christi Hopkins, Niati Salmon, and Makeda Kamara—and nurse practitioners from the Rural Health Clinic, including Lisa Gay, Carie Landrum, Thomas Chad McDannel, and Robin Hughes.Robin also serves as the Virgin Islands representative for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.
Guests enjoyed light refreshments, connected with fellow nurse practitioners in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and received tokens of appreciation in recognition of their service and commitment. The event served as a meaningful occasion to honor their dedication and the lasting impact they have made in the community.
The celebration also showcased the new Rural Health Clinic facilities, reinforcing the clinic’s commitment to expanding access to care for all members of the community. Through events like these, the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation continues to champion the work of nurse practitioners and their essential role in strengthening healthcare across the territory.
The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation remains steadfast: Your health is our mission.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources invites the community to celebrate creativity and history at a special after-hours reception honoring participating students and teachers on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the fifth annual “I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” Student Art Exhibition, hosted at the Fort Frederik Museum.St. Croix Central High student’s 2021 portrait of David Hamilton Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Sayeeda Carter, painting by Trenyce Swanson)
This year’s exhibition showcases symbolic self-portraits and written reflections by students of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, guided by art teacher Danica David.
Using photography and AI-driven digital collage techniques, students reimagined themselves in Jackson’s era—immersed in the transformative energy that shaped Virgin Islands history. Each piece is accompanied by a personal affirmation beginning with “I am David Hamilton Jackson,” connecting Jackson’s courage and integrity to the students’ own aspirations as changemakers. Ms. Davids’ students will also be reading their writing/artist statements.
Additional works—including digital art, poetry, and essays—created by students under the guidance of Ms. Cleone Lynch further enrich the exhibition.
Mr. Percival Edwards from Farmers in Action will be the keynote presenter, sharing his immense knowledge about David Hamilton Jackson and his impact on labor organizing.
The exhibition is free to attend during the special reception and will remain on display during regular museum hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. General admission is $10, with free entry for students under 18 and a $5 discounted rate for Virgin Islands residents.
For more information, please contact: Amy Parker DeSorbo, DLAM Director: amy.desorbo@dpnr.vi.gov or Monica Marin, DLAM Chief Curator: monica.marin@dpnr.vi.gov or call Fort Frederik Museum: 340-772-2021.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is pleased to welcome the UberSoca Cruise to St. Thomas on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The UberSoca cruise is one of five ships scheduled to call in St. Thomas Wednesday.Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line)
As thousands of revelers arrive on island, we encourage our community to join us in showing our visitors the warm hospitality and vibrant spirit the Virgin Islands are known for.
A parade/tramp is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., departing from the WICO dock and traveling westbound along Edward Blyden Road onto the promenade. Participants will turn around near the police station and return to the WICO dock using the westbound lane. The event will conclude with a food-fair-style celebration.
Motorists are strongly advised to use alternate routes when traveling westward during these hours due to anticipated traffic delays.
Community & Visitor Safety Reminders
The VIPD urges everyone, residents and visitors alike to enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly:
• Stay hydrated, especially while walking or dancing in the sun.
• Drink alcohol responsibly and know your limits.
• Do not drink and drive; designate a sober driver or utilize taxi services.
• Follow all traffic and crowd-control instructions issued by police and event personnel.
• Keep personal belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Respect fellow revelers so the event remains enjoyable for everyone.
The Virgin Islands Police Department will have increased patrols along the route and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and orderly event.
There has been a bomb threat at Lockhart K-8 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.
