For the third time in less than two weeks, schools on St. Thomas were disrupted by a series of bomb threats Wednesday morning — the latest in what officials describe as a “stressful and exhausting” cycle of false alarms that have triggered repeated evacuations, forced lockdowns, and taxed already thin security and emergency resources.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, threats were made to five campuses: Lockhart K-8 School, Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Edith Williams Alternative Academy, and Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School
The FBI and local police cleared all schools later in the morning, finding no explosives.
Education Department Director of School Security Irvin Mason Sr. told the Source Wednesday that the pattern of calls has been intensifying. “It’s been hectic — very hectic,” Mason said. “Every time you get a bomb threat, you have to evacuate the school, even if you think it’s a prank. You can’t take chances when you’re dealing with hundreds of students and staff.”
The calls, Mason said, have consistently come through 911 rather than directly to the schools, triggering an immediate cascade of notifications. “Once 911 gets the call, they call me, then I contact the principal, the superintendent, the commissioner, and my public information officer,” he said. “It’s a chain reaction, and once we move, the evacuation process starts.”
Wednesday’s sequence began with a report involving four campuses, followed shortly after by a separate call naming BCB. Mason said that because two of those schools — Lockhart and Charlotte Amalie High — had undergone a complete morning sweep by security staff, monitors, and police K-9 units before the threat came in, he made the decision to lock down instead of evacuate.
“We had just finished searching every student, every backpack, every classroom,” Mason said. “We knew nothing was there, so instead of putting kids out in the heat again, we went into lockdown. No one in, no one out. It worked well and kept things calm.”
At other campuses, evacuation procedures were carried out with police and emergency personnel on scene. “You use up a lot of resources every time,” Mason said. “You have to move hundreds of children to safe areas, get water, bring in VIPD and the dogs, fire and rescue — it’s a full response. It’s not something you can do halfway.”
Mason confirmed that the FBI is assisting VIPD with tracing the calls, and that investigators “may have leads.” He didn’t share specific details, citing the active investigation, but said he believes things are moving. “We’re confident there’s progress being made,” he said. “We’ll get there.”
The Virgin Islands Police Department said in a statement that it “will leave no stone unturned” in its investigation and vowed to prosecute those responsible “to the fullest extent of the law.” Commissioner Mario Brooks urged residents to remain vigilant but calm. “Our children must not bear the burden of fear because of someone’s reckless act,” Brooks said
Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington in a statement Wednesday said the repeated disruptions have been “deeply troubling and extremely disruptive” to teaching and learning. “We are committed to our students’ safety and are working diligently to ensure they can receive the education they deserve, without further interruption,” she said.
The Virgin Islands Board of Education also issued a statement condemning the threats as “irresponsible, unlawful, and jeopardizing the safety and well-being of our education community.” The Board emphasized that under its student discipline policy, making a bomb threat constitutes a Level IV offense — the most serious category — and could result in expulsion, restitution for damages, and criminal prosecution.
Lockhart K-8 has been recently targeted twice before — on Nov. 7 and again on Nov. 10. Mason said those evacuations went smoothly but strained staff and students, particularly at schools with younger children. “It takes a toll,” he said. “You have to keep them outside until the all-clear comes, and you don’t want that to become normal.”
Despite the disruption, Mason said the department’s goal is to strengthen readiness while maintaining a sense of calm. “We take every call seriously,” he said. “We can’t afford not to. But we also don’t want fear to control our schools.”
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the threats to call 911, the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-774-2211, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-TIPS.
Chair Dr. Catherine Kean at Wednesday’s Cannabis Advisory Board meeting. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
During the most recent meeting of the Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board, members received several key updates from the Office of Cannabis Regulation, reported by Executive Director Joanne Moorehead, including progress on licensing, compliance training, and federal and local legislative developments.
Moorehead began by noting that a new board member nomination had been forwarded to the Legislature by the governor’s office, with a Rules and Judiciary Committee hearing scheduled for Thursday. The addition is expected to help the board achieve a full quorum for future meetings.
She reported that the OCR has begun processing renewals for medical cannabis patients, marking the first time since registrations opened that patients are completing the renewal cycle. The territory currently has five registered practitioners on St. Thomas, four on St. Croix, and one on St. John, and registered patients are 20 on St. Thomas and 18 on St. Croix.
Moorehead also provided an update on licensing activity. The dispensary application period closed on Oct. 15, with about 20 applications received now under review before moving to the evaluation stage. The manufacturing license window is open until Dec. 19, marking the first phase without a cap on the number of licenses, unlike cultivation and dispensary categories.
The OCR continues to work toward securing a certified lab testing facility, which Moorehead emphasized as critical to the next stage of implementation. Agent registration remains ongoing, and upcoming licensing opportunities include research and development, third-party vendor approvals, and transporter certificates for companies moving cannabis products between licensees.
Enforcement capacity is also being strengthened. The OCR recently acquired field testing equipment that will allow enforcement teams to verify cannabis products on the spot, in coordination with other territorial and federal agencies. Two cannabis compliance auditors have joined the OCR and are currently undergoing training to assist licensees.
As part of those efforts, the OCR hosted a Cannabis Compliance Summit on Nov. 3 and 4, with sessions on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The event featured experts from the mainland United States and Canada, as well as local agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, who addressed key compliance areas including taxation, security, insurance, and banking. Roughly 40 participants registered for the summit. A recording from the St. Croix session may later be shared online.
Moorehead also highlighted that METRC, the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system, is now onboarding conditional licensees, giving them access to the learning platform as part of the rollout.
Additionally, the OCR has an open Request for Proposals on the government of the Virgin Islands procurement site for administrative hearing officer services, with a closing date of Dec. 10.
Moorehead also informed the board that an updated version of Sen. Clifford Joseph’s hemp-related bill will be heard in the Legislature on Nov. 20, coinciding with national discussions to close the federal hemp loophole that has allowed intoxicating cannabinoids to be sold under the 2018 Farm Bill. To read the bill, click here.
Tentatively, the next Cannabis Advisory Board meeting will take place on Dec. 4, at 2 p.m.
V.I. Tourism Department’s Division of Festivals Team. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands and the Division of Festivals, “WOW Wednesday: A Vibe Like No Other” took place Wednesday at the Albert A. Sheen Campus Student Activities Center Terrace.
Students and visitors enjoyed an afternoon of eating, shopping, and dancing. WOW Wednesday featured local vendors, cultural showcases, live music, and a taste of what’s to come for the St. Croix Festival season.
Tourism Commissioner Nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King described the event as a “labor of love” and a joyful way to bring the excitement of festival season directly to campus.
Penny for your tarts serving delicious treats at “WOW Wednesday” (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“Very happy to be here at WOW Wednesday. This is a labor of love for us — we’ve been working on this for a few weeks to bring our mini festival to campus and get our students excited about what we have to offer during the festival season,” Matarangas-King said. “It’s a full season packed with amazing events, and there’s really something for everyone. We want the community to know it’s going to be a culturally rich festival experience from beginning to end.”
She added that the department also used the event as an opportunity to encourage student involvement.
“We’re encouraging students to volunteer with the festival team,” she said. “We always need help, and it’s a great way to be exposed to the tourism industry and earn community service hours while doing something fun and meaningful.”
Student volunteers greet visitors with homemade treats during WOW Wednesday activities at the University of the Virgin Islands. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Shamari Haynes said the department was eager to partner with UVI to help students see the opportunities available within the local tourism and hospitality industry.
“The Department of Tourism has partnered with the university to provide support and reengage with the hospitality program,” Haynes said. “We want students to know they don’t have to go far to gain experience. There’s an excellent program here, and we’re invested in the community. We just want to provide easy access and show that they’re part of the process too.”
The event featured live music, local vendors, masqueraders, and festival royalty, creating a lively atmosphere that mirrored the spirit of Carnival. Haynes said the goal was to blend culture and campus life while also encouraging student involvement in upcoming festivities.
Live music was provided during WOW Wednesday while students enjoyed vendors, food and more. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“We wanted to make sure all aspects of our culture were represented,” he said. “Many of our students come from different Caribbean islands or are exchange students, so this gives them a chance to experience that cultural connection. As we lead up to the Crucian Christmas Festival, we’re also encouraging students to volunteer, join parade troupes, and get involved. It’s about bridging the gap between our community, local businesses, and the students.”
Popular T-shirt vendor “Upperclass OG” sells T-shirts to students at the University of the Virgin Islands. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
For Colvin T. Georges Jr., Ph.D., dean of students at the Albert A. Sheen Campus, the event represented not just celebration, but it was about building a sense of belonging.
“It’s important for students to build community, be around each other, form friendships and partnerships,” Georges said. “We really wanted to create a sense of connection and belonging to the university. Partnering with the Division of Festivals made perfect sense. There are so many students who want to feel connected to the institution, and this brings everyone together as we go into the holiday season.”
Miss. St. Croix contestants smile brightly at WOW Wednesday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Georges credited Michael Bell, director of Student Life and Leadership at Albert. A. Sheen Campus, for helping bring the idea to life. Bell, a UVI alumnus, joined the team earlier this year and immediately began working on ways to reenergize the St. Croix campus.
“We talked about breathing more life back into campus,” Georges said. “Michael took that vision and used his connections across the territory, especially with the Department of Tourism, to help make this partnership happen. It’s amazing to see it come to life.”
As 81C celebrates its fifth anniversary, the Charlotte Amalie-based arts organization is expanding across the territory with the opening of The Farmhouse Gallery at Prosperity Farm Distillery in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The new space officially debuts Friday, Dec. 19, with an inaugural exhibition featuring Virgin Islands artist Siyandi Matthias and a public opening event from 5 to 10 p.m.
Artist Siyandi Matthias will headline the inaugural exhibition at The Farmhouse Gallery in Frederiksted, marking 81C Arts’ expansion to St. Croix. (Photo courtesy 81C)
The expansion reflects 81C’s growing influence in the Virgin Islands’ cultural economy, connecting art, education, and community engagement. Founded in 2020, 81C Arts — the nonprofit arm of Atelier St. Thomas Arts Foundation — has become a leading force in creative education, youth outreach, and historic revitalization, a press release announced.
“Our St. Croix expansion is a natural continuation of what we’ve been building over the past five years — a community-driven arts model rooted in collaboration and education,” said Zack Zook, founder and executive director of 81C Arts. “This new space strengthens connections across islands and celebrates the creativity that defines the Virgin Islands.”
Students participate in 81C Arts’ Artist Dialogues Series on St. Thomas with Augustin Kelvin Holder, which connects young audiences with local artists for hands-on learning and creative discussion. (Photo courtesy 81C)
The Farmhouse Gallery will occupy a third-floor art space overlooking Prosperity Farm’s 180-acre estate, blending historic architecture with contemporary art. The partnership between 81C Arts and Prosperity Farm Distillery aims to create a multidisciplinary hub for exhibitions, youth programs, and cultural events that highlight the territory’s growing art and tourism industries, according to the press release.
The new Farmhouse Gallery at Prosperity Farm Distillery in Frederiksted will serve as 81C Arts’ St. Croix home for exhibitions, youth programs, and community events. (Photo courtesy 81C)
“Prosperity Farm is proud to collaborate with 81C Arts to bring contemporary art and youth programming to St. Croix,” said Mark Gelband of Prosperity Farm Distillery. “This partnership unites community and creativity while opening new avenues for cultural exchange.”
Over the past five years, 81C has hosted more than 30 major exhibitions, 100 pop-up showcases, and 1,000 annual student visits at its Charlotte Amalie gallery. Its educational initiatives, including the Artist Dialogues Series and DigiLocal digital arts program, have reached hundreds of young Virgin Islanders, the press release stated.
Guests gather at 81C’s Charlotte Amalie gallery during an exhibition opening, one of more than 30 professional shows hosted by the organization since 2020. (Photo courtesy 81C)
This latest expansion will also launch The Portfolio Project VI, a mentorship and scholarship program designed to prepare young artists for careers in the creative industries —supported by Merchants Commercial Bank, Christie’s International Real Estate USVI, and Orange Tree Staffing, the release stated.
“81C Arts’ programs are creating opportunities for self-awareness, confidence, and creative transformation among youth,” said Keturah Nelson, of the 81C Arts Advisory Council. “This expansion represents a powerful investment in our islands’ future.”
Merchants Commercial Bank presents a donation to support 81C Arts’ new Portfolio Project VI, advancing arts education and mentorship for young Virgin Islands artists. (Photo courtesy 81C)
The Dec. 19 opening of The Farmhouse Gallery marks both a celebration of 81C’s first five years and a bold step toward shaping the Virgin Islands as a premier Caribbean arts destination, the release stated.
For more information, visit 81CVI.com or follow @81CVI and @prosperity_farm_distillery on social media.
The villa “On A Clear Day” offers sweeping views of St. John and the surrounding cays and is among the featured stays in the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s Villas for the Park auction. (Photo courtesy Friends of Virgin Islands National Park)
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will open bidding this Friday for its annual “Villas for the Park” auction and fundraiser, an initiative supporting the protection and preservation of the territory’s natural and cultural resources, a press release announced.
Running from Nov. 14 to Nov. 28, the online auction features 30 stays across St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix, giving residents and visitors a chance to enjoy local getaways while contributing to vital environmental programs, according to the press release.
“This auction is a wonderful opportunity for people to enjoy a stay in these beautiful Virgin Islands and help protect and preserve the magic that is Virgin Islands National Park and Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument,” said Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of Friends of Virgin Islands National Park. “We are continually in awe of the generosity of our community members who have donated stays to make this event possible.”
First launched in 2017 following the hurricanes that curtailed in-person events, “Villas for the Park” has become one of the nonprofit’s cornerstone fundraisers, now in its ninth year. Proceeds support Friends’ year-round initiatives, including sea turtle protection, trail management, School Kids in the Park, and Learn to Swim programs, the press release stated.
The auction catalog includes accommodations at Bombalassy Villa, Concordia Eco Resort, The Fred Boutique Resort & Spa, The Hills St. John, Villa Circe, and other properties, ranging from eco-friendly cottages to luxury villas, the release stated.
To register or view the full list of available stays, visit www.friendsvinp.org.
Detectives with the Virgin Islands Police Department recovered a firearm during the execution of a search warrant at the residence of Jamari Hendrickson, who was later arrested and charged in connection with a reckless endangerment case, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.
The incident stems from an Oct. 27 report made at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where victims told officers that Hendrickson pointed a gun at them and fired several shots into the air as they were getting into their vehicle. Witnesses also reported seeing Hendrickson discharge the weapon in the community, according to the police report.
After further investigation, police obtained a search warrant signed by a Superior Court judge on Nov. 3. The warrant was executed Wednesday and officers recovered a firearm from Hendrickson’s home. He was not present during the search but later turned himself in at the Wilbur H. Francis Command, the police report stated.
Hendrickson, 25, was advised of his Miranda rights and admitted ownership of the firearm, police said. He was arrested for first-degree reckless endangerment and carrying a firearm openly, booked, and unable to post $80,000 bail. He was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending an advice of rights hearing scheduled for Thursday in Superior Court, the report stated.
With heavy hearts, the family of Fitzgerald Patrick Coates, AKA “Pat,” announces his peaceful passing at the age of 57 on Nov. 3, 2025.
Fitzgerald Patrick Coates
He is survived by his Brothers: Ordie Cornelius, Claude H. E Cornelius, Brian Coates; Sisters: Charmaine Cornelius, Desiree Cordella Williams, Blondelle Cornelius and Loretta Lawrence; Aunt: Juleen Quiland; Uncles: Melbourne Quiland, Neil Jarvis, Isiah Greenidge; Nieces: Diane Williams, Delicia Williams, Carlena Williams -Morgan, Anayah Cornelius, Levania Lawrence, Cynthia Francis, Jade Owens; Great Nieces: Atariah Allahar, Jadelia Guerrier, Nialah Morgan, Niyara Morgan, Jailiyah Cornelius, Avean Fergus, Odyssey Williams, Verity Crawford, Ailani-Lenora Crawford, Atila Isles, Tiala Isles, Tifarah Isles; Nephews: Emery Timothy Cornelius, Delvin Williams Jr, Craig Williams, Joseph Troy Lawrence, Ajani Lawrence, Jair Lawrence, Kyle Cornelius, Ikimba Fergus, Kovan Fergus, Oustin Cornelius, Alex Francis, David Francis, Anijah Cornelius, Alijah Cornelius, Jaden Cornelius; Great nephews: Ossie Williams Jr, Timothy Williams, Sabali Crawford, Keahilani Crawford, Emery Cornelius Jr, Cameron Cornelius, Amias Fergus, Gian Fergus; Cousins: Leroy Jeffers, Chelsea Jeffers, Carlos Quildan, Adrian Richards, Desiree Quinland-Buffin, Melinda and Mondella Quinland, Carissa Quinland, Octavia Walker, Latoya Quinland-Pemberton, Tiffany Quinland-Henry; In-laws: James Lawrence, Jewel Jacobs-Cornelius
Special Family members: Pastor Paul Lawrence & Family, Alfred Lawrence & Family, Dezel Noel & Family, Delvin Williams Sr, Cynthia Hunt, Rosemary Williams & Family, Slyvia Henry.
Special Friends: Maqueda Noorhassan, Latefah Roebuck-Klyvert, Faith & Bethel Seventh Day Adventist Church congregation, Paradise Water Company.
A family and friends viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 24, at Divine Chapel, 129 Peter’s Rest 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Faith SDA Church, Viewing starts at 9 a.m., Service will be held at 10 a.m.
Interment follows Kingshill Cemetery.
Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens is pleased to announce that legislation establishing a 90-day tax amnesty will take effect beginning later this month.
Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens. (Photo by Barry Leerdam, V.I. Legislature)Act# 9050 institutes a 90-day tax amnesty period during which the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue will waive all penalties and interest on outstanding gross receipts taxes, and all penalties on outstanding income taxes for all applicable years, provided taxpayers file and pay within the amnesty window. The legislation also authorizes the Lieutenant Governor to waive penalties and interest on delinquent real property taxes if full payment is made during the amnesty period.
Senator Gittens, the bill’s primary sponsor, expressed appreciation to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for approving the comprehensive Tax Amnesty Program, designed to provide much-needed relief to Virgin Islands residents and businesses struggling under the weight of mounting financial pressures.
“We live in a time of economic strain — where rising inflation, increased customs duties, and higher shipping costs have made everyday living more difficult for Virgin Islanders,” Senator Gittens said. “From the grocery aisle to the shipping dock, our residents and small business owners are doing their best just to keep their heads above water. This bill offers a targeted and timely solution — a fair opportunity for taxpayers to get back on track without the crushing weight of accumulated penalties and interest.”
Senator Gittens emphasized that the tax amnesty measure is not a free pass, but rather a path forward for those who have endured years of hardship caused by global economic challenges, as well as the lingering impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and more recently, Tropical Storm Ernesto.
“This initiative strikes the right balance between compassion and fiscal responsibility,” Senator Gittens continued. “It encourages voluntary compliance, promotes timely resolution of outstanding tax obligations, and helps bring in much-needed revenue for the Government of the Virgin Islands — all while easing the financial burdens on our people.”
The Senate Vice President also extended thanks to his colleagues in the 36th Legislature for their support and collaboration, with special appreciation for the bill’s other sponsors – Senators Novelle E. Francis Jr. and Herbert L. Frederick, as well as Senator Ray Fonseca who co-sponsored the measure.
“Together, we are taking practical, meaningful steps to promote economic recovery and resilience for our community,” Senator Gittens said.
Senator Gittens urged taxpayers to contact the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor for full details and guidance on participating in the amnesty program
In anticipation of its upcoming 40th anniversary, The Caribbean Writer (TCW) announces a call for scholarly essays under the theme: “40 Years of The Caribbean Writer: A Spectrum of Representation.”
The Caribbean Writer cover from 2017
“We invite contributors to explore this theme in all its permutations with works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, or one-act plays,” said The Caribbean Writer Editor-in-Chief Alscess Lewis-Brown. “As an international journal, The Caribbean Writer continues to investigate our humanity at home and in the diaspora in an ever-changing world. Through its dynamic publications, it has remained impactful for over four decades.”
Selected papers will be presented at the anniversary symposium scheduled for April 2026 and published in a special anniversary supplement of The Caribbean Writer. Submissions should examine any of the diverse themes explored in the journal’s history, highlighting how shared humanity emerges through the discourse in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction.
Abstracts will be reviewed by a seven-member scholarly panel. Successful papers will be published in the anniversary supplement, and selected authors will be invited to present at the conference, hosted at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix campus.
Authors are encouraged to use the TCW journal as a primary reference and to explore its themes, subjects, motifs, and topics across 40 years, presenting rigorous, thoughtful analysis. Submission contexts and guidelines are available here: https://www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submission/
Submissions for Volume 40 will be accepted until November 30, 2025. Papers should be grounded in analysis of works published in the journal. Prospective contributors are encouraged to explore TCW archives beginning with its inaugural 1987 issue, available at:
Digital Library of the Caribbeanhttps://www.dloc.com/
Volumes 1–30 (free access)
The Caribbean Writer websitehttps://www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/product-category/volumes/
Volumes 31–38 (available for purchase in digital or hard-copy format)
For submission details, prize information, and additional guidelines, please visit:
www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submission
Joseph Philbert Sr. peacefully passed away on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025. He was 81.
Joseph Philbert Sr.
Joe was born on the island of Dominica, Aug. 6, 1944 to Vernon Philbert and Ivy Bleau.
He is survived by his wife, Felixia Philbert; his sons, Joseph and Joel Philbert; his daughters Arlencia and Julie Philbert; grandchildren, Angel Philbert, Joneisha Philbert, Abayomi Hodge, I-Bejah Clendinen, Kaylee Philbert, K’Mojah Bonelli, Jihan Hamilton, K’Danjah Bonelli, Jahnay Philbert, Khalilah Angus, and Niiyaree Angus; great-grandchildren, Michael Thomas and A’sia Journey Pettway.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Aubrey Philbert, Hubert Patrice, and Patsy Lewis; and his grandchildren, Ja’Haile Clendinen and Asia Shields. He is survived by his sisters Julia Benn, Georgiana Lewis, Juliana Lewis, Evelyn Philbert and brother Joel Lewis.
Joe dedicated many years of service to the Government of the Virgin Islands in the capacity of Comptroller, while he continued his professional work as a self-employed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). He also served as a professor at the University of the Virgin Islands, proudly educating and guiding the next generation in the field of accounting.
A viewing will be held on Monday, Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Turnbull Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 10 a.m. at Blyden Memorial Chapel. Interment Western cemetery #3
Professional Services are entrusted to Turnbull Funeral Home.
