All Safe After Lockhart K-8 and Charlotte Amalie High School Bomb Threats

Mat Probasco
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There has been a bomb threat at 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.

Judge Weighs New Trial Bid by Former DSPR Commissioner, Contractor Convicted of Bribery, Fraud

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Judge Weighs New Trial Bid by Former DSPR Commissioner, Contractor Convicted of Bribery, Fraud
Former DSPR Commissioner Calvert White and business owner Benjamin Hendricks were convicted of honest services wire fraud and bribery in July. (Source file photo)

A federal judge is considering whether to grant former Sports, Parks and Recreation commissioner Calvert White and business owner Benjamin Hendricks a new trial for one of the two charges on which they were both convicted last summer after hearing arguments from their attorneys and the U.S. Justice Department Thursday.

A jury found White and Hendricks guilty of honest services wire fraud and bribery in late July after a weeklong trial in the U.S. District Court on St. Thomas. Their attorneys quickly asked for a new trial on the basis of an answer Judge Mark Kearney gave to jurors during their deliberations, which attorney Clive Rivers said “failed to adhere to the rules of evidence that questions of fact should always be determined by the jury.”

Jurors had asked Kearney whether it was “common knowledge” that text messages, WhatsApp messages and phone calls between people in the U.S. Virgin Islands use networks, systems or servers outside of the territory — and whether those communications are considered wire transactions.

“Ladies and gentlemen, you are presenting a question of both a fact and a law,” Kearney told the jury at the time. “As I mentioned to you yesterday, I don’t get involved in questions of fact. That’s entirely your province. You decide as to questions of fact. However, there is a question of law built into this as well, and I want to read to you what the question of law, I believe, is. Use of the telephone, internet, text messages, email, or other similar means of communication qualifies as interstate wire communications under the act.”

Rivers wrote that Kearney “invaded the province of the jury” with that answer and that the “existence and effect of certain communications presented a factual question that was decided by the trial court instead of the jury.”

During a telephonic hearing Thursday, Kearney attempted to clarify which part of the answer Rivers objected to and asked whether Rivers believed that his “statement as to the law was inaccurate — that use of the telephone, internet, et cetera qualifies as a state wire communication.”

Rivers began to repeat his argument that it was a question of fact before Kearney cut him off.

“No, that’s not a fact,” he said. “Mr. Rivers, don’t play with me. Is that a question of law or a question of fact I just read?”

Rivers eventually conceded that “the law is the law.”

Federal prosecutors have said Rivers’s claims are without merit. Kearney’s response to jurors, they argued, “identified a potential point of confusion within the question and attempted to provide a legal standard to answer that question and clear up any uncertainty.”

Justice Department attorneys noted that jurors heard testimony about wire transfers from a FirstBank manager, Herbert Vega-Lopez, and the government’s cooperating witness in the case, David Whitaker. On Thursday, Kearney asked trial attorney Alexandre Dempsey to respond to Rivers’s claims that the testimony was “insufficient to prove the jurisdictional element” of interstate communications.

“I strongly disagree with that contention,” Dempsey said. “I believe Mr. Vega testified that the bank servers are all located … in the territory of Puerto Rico. Combining that with testimony from Mr. Whitaker that he was present in the Virgin Islands at that time — where he initiated the wire transfer — Mr. Vega’s testimony was that that transfer, if initiated, would have to go through FirstBank servers that are located in Puerto Rico. He additionally went on to clarify, explicitly, that there are literally no servers of FirstBank in the Virgin Islands at all.”

Kearney has yet to rule on the defendants’ request for a new trial but he did deny a separate request from White, who was not detained ahead of sentencing, to spend three weeks in Florida next month. Kearney noted that White is required to check in with a probation officer every week and said he would allow a shorter visit, “but it’s got to be at a period of time where he sees the probation officer one week and then sees him the following week.”

Historic Main and Back Street Buildings Revitalized as Downtown Charlotte Amalie Housing

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Historic Main and Back Street Buildings Revitalized as Downtown Charlotte Amalie Housing

The owners of Fifteenand9Main LLC have restored the long-abandoned downtown buildings at 15 Main Street and Wimmelskaft Gade 9 into new residential apartments in Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas.

Outside of the newly renovated Fifteenand9Main apartments. (Photo courtesy David Shear)

The group is preparing to open the newly renovated apartments for tenants this month, following an approval for occupancy.

The project converted the building into five one-bedroom apartments intended for long-term rental. “We made that commitment, and over the last year … we’ve completely renovated, which was basically an empty shell … into five apartments,” David Shear, co-owner, said.

The property consists of two sections: the Main Street building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Back Street building, constructed in the late 1980s or early 1990s by local architects, also located within the historic district.

“The Main Street building is on the national registry in Washington. So it’s a truly historic building,” Shear said.

Preservation work on both buildings required strict compliance with federal guidelines and was overseen by Sean L. Krigger, director of the State Historic Preservation Office for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The ownership group worked closely with Krigger and the historical committee when applying for federal tax credits to ensure compliance at each phase. “Everything we’ve done from, you know, the choice of paints to the choice of plasters … had to meet federal requirements,” Shear said. “We’ve done everything to follow the historical guidelines. With Sean’s help … the design and all had to meet federal requirements,”

The federal historic tax credit program allows property owners to recover up to 20% of qualified renovation costs for projects that meet strict preservation standards. Shear said their group is the first successful applicant in the region, despite the program being available for more than three decades.

Renovating historic structures brings higher costs and requires strict adherence to federal and local regulations, particularly to qualify for federal tax credits.

The dense, historic downtown location also created logistical hurdles. According to Shear, most of the construction had to be done by hand, including clearing debris and renovating interiors, because there was no space for dumpsters or heavy equipment.

The restoration project relied on local tradespeople, including plumbers, electricians, and carpenters, for all phases of construction, supporting the downtown economy and creating job opportunities for area residents.

Shear emphasized that the historical preservation board often faces unfair criticism for being an obstacle to development in Charlotte Amalie. In his experience, project leaders maintained a positive working relationship with the historical committee and government agencies. The real challenges, he said, stemmed from the practical realities of a crowded downtown.

“The biggest challenge is not the historical committee. The biggest challenge is just doing something downtown where, unlike a house … you can’t put a dumpster,” Shear said, noting that limited space also created parking difficulties.

He described meetings with the historical committee as straightforward. The board offered helpful guidance to ensure the project stayed within preservation standards. Shear said the committee often made “really smart suggestions” and provided support throughout the process.

The units are designed as secure, long-term rentals with modern amenities, including solar panels, hurricane-resistant construction, and upgraded internet and security systems.

Each apartment offers high-speed internet, energy-efficient utilities, and access to a shared outdoor community space. The group is currently seeking tenants directly rather than through a real estate agent, Shear said.

Rents for the one-bedroom units are expected to be about $2,000 per month, including electricity, high-speed internet, pest control, and trash removal. Laundry facilities are located on-site, with payments handled electronically. Rent is collected through digital platforms such as Venmo or ACH transfer.

For more information about the apartments, visit the Fifteenand9Main website.

He noted that new businesses, including a restaurant next door, are opening, and said he believes increased downtown housing will benefit local shops such as small grocers and bakeries. “The more people we have downtown, the more those shops become viable,” Shear said.

The ownership group aims to foster a vibrant downtown community and inspire similar redevelopment efforts. “It really is a transformation … it’s a bigger thing than just five apartments,” Shear said.

Circle of Hope Donates $10,000 to Cancer Support VI Following Community Food Sale

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Circle of Hope Donates $10,000 to Cancer Support VI Following Community Food Sale
Prakash Khemani presents CSVI’s Anique Harrigan with a $10,000 check to support 200 cancer patients across the territory (Photo by James Gardner)
Members of the volunteer group Circle of Hope gathered this past weekend with Cancer Support Virgin Islands patient advocate Anique Harrigan to present a $10,000 donation supporting cancer patients and their families throughout the territory. The donation represents the proceeds from an East-Indian food sale held Oct. 17 at Emancipation Garden, where community members turned out steadily through the afternoon to pick up meals and show support. The fundraiser was organized by Aparna Nagpal, herself a cancer survivor, with dishes prepared by chefs Prakash Khemani and Anita Wadhwani, whose menu drew praise for its fresh flavors and abundance. They were supported by a dedicated team of Circle of Hope volunteers who handled food preparation, packaging, sales tables, and day-of logistics — the kind of coordinated effort that helped the event run smoothly and created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Meals were sold for $25 each, raising $7,300. To bring the final donation to $10,000, the Khemani family contributed the remaining amount — a gesture members said reflected the group’s shared commitment to helping families facing cancer across the territory. “Every penny raised went to Cancer Support Virgin Islands,” Nagpal said. “We’re grateful to everyone who came out, shared a meal, and helped make this possible. We look forward to continuing to organize events that give back to our community in meaningful ways.” Accepting the check on behalf of CSVI, Harrigan expressed appreciation for the support, noting that donations like this help ensure that 200 cancer patients within the territory have access to transportation, treatment assistance, counseling, and other essential services. Circle of Hope organizers say they plan to continue partnering with local nonprofits to support cancer patients and others in need across the Virgin Islands.

St. Croix Foundation to Release 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book Highlighting Voices of Virgin Islands Youth

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St. Croix Foundation to Release 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book Highlighting Voices of Virgin Islands Youth
The St. Croix Foundation for Community Development will release the 2025 KIDS COUNT® USVI Data Book, titled “When Data Speaks: The Voice of Our Children,” on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. during a virtual stakeholder presentation via Zoom, according to a press release from the foundation. A national initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT has grown into one of the largest and longest-standing data repositories in the United States focused on the well-being of children and families. The program spans all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and is widely recognized as a vital tool for government agencies at every level, according to the press release. During the online presentation, the St. Croix Foundation’s KIDS COUNT USVI team will provide an overview of the 2025 data package for government partners, nonprofit and civic organizations, policymakers, and community stakeholders. This year’s Data Book reports on six key domains: Education, Economic Well-being, Family and Community, Health, Opportunity Youth (ages 16 to 24), and Community Bright Spots, the press release stated. The 2025 report highlights data as a reflection of children’s voices, drawing from the most current information available from government and nonprofit sources throughout the territory. For the first time, it will also include direct input from young people who share their experiences and perspectives in their own words, the release stated. The foundation encourages parents, educators, policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and members of the media to attend the virtual release. The event will explore challenges facing the territory’s opportunity youth and foster collaboration around creative, community-based solutions, the release stated. Building on the 2024 launch of the territory’s first KIDS COUNT USVI Data Dashboard, the team will also provide updates on the dashboard’s expanded features. The interactive online tool, accessible at stxfoundation.org/kids-count-dashboard, offers free public access to key data points across all KIDS COUNT domains and serves as a model for data-sharing among local agencies, it stated. “As we reflect on the release of this year’s KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book, it is vital to recognize that solutions to the challenges facing our children and families are a shared responsibility,” said St. Croix Foundation President and CEO Deanna James. “Every person and organization in our community has a role to play and a stake in their well-being. At the heart of our work lies our children — our future — and it is essential that we listen to their voices, elevate their perspectives, and ensure that their experiences guide our efforts.” Since assuming stewardship of the KIDS COUNT initiative in 2020, St. Croix Foundation has emphasized the community’s obligation to protect and empower the territory’s youth, reaffirming its commitment to data-driven advocacy and policy development. Registration Information: The virtual event is free and open to the public. Participants can register at stxfoundation.info/2025KidsCountRegistration. Registered attendees will receive an electronic copy of the 2025 Data Book during the release. The report will later be available at stxfoundation.org, and printed copies will be distributed following the event. For more information about the 2025 KIDS COUNT USVI release, contact jlawrence@stxfoundation.org. Questions about the KIDS COUNT USVI Initiative can be directed to St. Croix Foundation President Deanna James at 340-773-9898 or DJames@stxfoundation.org. St. Croix Foundation expressed appreciation to the Annie E. Casey Foundation and its local data partners for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to children and families throughout the Virgin Islands.

Right on Target: Archery Trio Wins Seven Medals at Caribbean Championship

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Right on Target: Archery Trio Wins Seven Medals at Caribbean Championship
USVI archery trio Dejw Wrensford, Max Dale, and Goddess George won a combined seven medals at the 7th Caribbean Development Championship. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
Three archers from the Virgin Islands racked up five bronze and two silver medals at the Caribbean Development Championship in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago, on Oct. 23-26. Max Dale of St. Croix, Goddess George of St. Thomas, and Dejw Wrensford of St. Thomas competed among 232 athletes from 11 countries in the tournament, which included beginner, developmental, and amateur categories. The team was led by Head Coach Eloi George, president of the Virgin Islands Archery Federation, along with coaches Ford George and Megan Littlefield, with special thanks to Dr. William Coles of St. Croix Archery.
Megan Littlefield and Eloi George proudly represented the USVI in a sea of coaches from across the Caribbean. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
“This took lots of preparation: several days per week practicing, constant learning. They had to learn to focus, learn the proper form, learn the techniques,” George recounted. The team’s hard work was not in vain. Dale ranked third overall in the Compound Beginner U18/U21 men. He won bronze in elimination rounds, silver in men’s doubles and silver in mixed doubles.
St. Croix’s Max Dale collected his arrows after a medal-winning performance. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
Goddess George ranked third overall in Recurve Amateur U18 women, winning bronze in elimination rounds and bronze in team rounds.
St. Thomas amateur Goddess George took the field with precision, ranking third overall in her division at the international competition. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
Wrensford ranked ninth overall in Recurve Beginner U15 Women and won bronze in elimination rounds and bronze in team rounds.
Dejw Wrensford celebrated her one-year “archery anniversary” on the international stage at the Caribbean Development Championship in Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
The tournament marked Wrensford’s one-year anniversary in archery. “The very first time [Dejw] picked up a bow was exactly one year ago. One year later, she’s standing here with a medal,” Dr. Glenda Wrensford, Dejw’s mother, said proudly.
Proud parents Dr. Glenda Wrensford and Rosetta George threw up their “VI” signs in the stands at the 7th Caribbean Development Championship in St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
The USVI sent the smallest squad to the championship, which included teams from the Bahamas, Bermuda, Colombia, Curacao, Guyana, the British Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. “The USVI had the smallest contingent there, and their performance was really impressive. All three of our archers medaled in their events, and they competed against archers who have more experience, practice more extensively, and receive more governmental support. I’m very proud of them,” Wrensford said. The archers said the sport has helped them beyond the range. “I really enjoy archery. I think it helps me in school, too, just building that discipline. Also, we have amazing coaches like Coach George and my coach, Dr. William Coles,” Dale said. His mother, Megan Littlefield, agreed. “It gets him outside, builds muscle, gets him to focus – all the things parents want, right?” she joked. “I love how archery uses brawn and brains. It’s really helped me focus more. I also loved the fact that there were athletes from different countries, and we all became friends even though we were competing,” Dejw Wrensford added.
Dejw Wrensford took the podium alongside teammate Ka’ori Augustine (BVI) after winning bronze in the U15 Mixed Doubles. (Photo courtesy Eloi George)
Goddess George, whose father is Eloi George, credited the coaching for the team’s growth. “My father really loves coaching. And it’s good because now our archery team has grown a lot more because of it,” she smiled. Ford George, Eloi George’s daughter and a physics student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, transitioned from competing to coaching at this year’s competition. “This year I coached the girls on our team, and it went really well! Obviously medals are awesome,” she laughed, “but it was fun going to this competition.” Rosetta George, wife of Eloi George and mother of Goddess and Ford, said the team takes pride in representing the territory. “Every time we go to one of these tournaments, the pride of representing the U.S. Virgin Islands is exciting. While we’re not a country – we’re just a little 13-mile-long island territory – we’re still VI massive, and you know it whenever you see anyone from the Virgin Islands competing,” she said. “The goal is to get in schools and get more students out on the range. If we could get more Virgin Islanders to compete, I think it would be so brilliant.” The team will compete in the 8th Caribbean Development Championships in Guyana in October 2026. Archery ranges on St. Thomas and St. Croix are open to the public and welcome archers of all abilities. Information on hours and events is available on Facebook at Virgin Islands Archery Federation, St. Thomas Archery Club, Homeschool Archery and St. Croix Archery.

Tropical Outlook: No Cyclone Development Expected; Weekend Tropical Wave May Bring Showers to USVI and Puerto Rico

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Tropical Outlook: No Cyclone Development Expected; Weekend Tropical Wave May Bring Showers to USVI and Puerto Rico
As of Thursday, the National Hurricane Center does not expect cyclonic development in the next seven days. (Photo courtesy NHC)
The National Hurricane Center does not expect tropical cyclone development across the Atlantic basin during the next seven days. However, a tropical wave forecast to move across the Caribbean this weekend could bring scattered showers, thunderstorms, and localized flooding to portions of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Local Weather Conditions According to the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, the overall weather pattern is forecast to be influenced by high pressure across the local region. This setup will maintain generally stable and warm conditions through at least Saturday. However, on Sunday, a tropical wave moving across the Caribbean will bring moisture near the islands. While significant development of this wave is not expected, the increase in moisture and atmospheric instability will enhance the potential for showers and thunderstorms across the U.S. Virgin Islands and portions of Puerto Rico. Localized flooding is possible. “On Sunday, the main weather feature will be the presence of a tropical wave moving across the Caribbean waters, bringing a surge of deep tropical moisture over the region,” the NWS said on Thursday. “As a result, scattered to numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected across the U.S. Virgin Islands and the eastern and southern portions of Puerto Rico, spreading inland throughout the day. With the combination of abundant moisture and instability, a limited to elevated flooding risk is possible, particularly across areas that experience persistent or heavy rainfall,” the NWS reported. After the tropical wave departs, inclement weather may continue through Tuesday, when a ridge of high pressure will set up over the area, helping to limit precipitation. “In the wake of the tropical wave, residual moisture will persist across the region, resulting in scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms throughout the day,” the NWS explained. “Although overall instability will begin to decrease, the remaining moisture and local effects may still support localized flooding, particularly in the interior and western parts of Puerto Rico. Therefore, a limited flooding risk will persist into the beginning of the work week. From Tuesday onward, a more typical weather pattern is expected to return as drier air and a strengthening mid-level ridge promote stability across the region.” A limited heat risk will also persist in the coming days with warm daytime temperatures, possibly generating heat alerts across the area. Marine and Coastal Hazards In addition to the tropical wave passing near the USVI and Puerto Rico this weekend, marine conditions are also expected to deteriorate beginning late Thursday into Friday, as a weak northerly swell builds across the Atlantic waters and Caribbean passages. Seas could reach six feet or higher, and gusty winds are expected to generate hazardous conditions for boaters and swimmers.
A graphic from the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, showing marine weather-related threats across the local islands in the next few days. (Photo courtesy NWS)
“Breezy conditions increasing late this week will create choppy seas. Small craft should exercise caution. Additionally, a high risk of rip currents is expected along north-facing beaches by Friday, as a weak northerly swell reaches the Atlantic waters,” the NWS warned. The Remaining Weeks of Atlantic Hurricane Season The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends later this month on Nov. 30. The season so far has produced intense storms, including Hurricane Melissa, which became one of the most powerful cyclones ever recorded in the Atlantic basin.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30. The most likely areas for tropical development in November are shown in blue, based on climatology. (Photo courtesy NOAA and NWS)
Hurricane Melissa made landfall along the southwestern coastline of Jamaica on Oct. 28 as an extremely dangerous Category 5 storm, causing widespread impacts across the island. The hurricane then made a second landfall along eastern Cuba at Category 3 strength before passing through the southeastern Bahamas as a Category 2 hurricane, carving a path of devastation across areas of the western Caribbean. In a recent exclusive video interview with the VI Source, Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, discussed key events from the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, highlighting major systems such as Hurricane Melissa and explaining the atmospheric patterns that shaped this year’s tropical activity. “We’ve seen three Category 5 hurricanes this year, which is only the second time in history that’s ever happened. The cyclones that formed essentially went to the moon in terms of intensity. That’s being driven by incredibly warm sea surface temperatures, especially in the Caribbean, where the heat extends hundreds of feet down. That deep energy is what allows storms like Melissa to explode,” DaSilva explained. He added that while the number of storms this year was near average, the extreme intensity of several systems underscores how ocean heat content is fueling more rapid intensification events across the Atlantic basin. As for what to expect during the remainder of the season, DaSilva says residents across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico should remain alert. “Climatologically, the eastern Caribbean is usually in the clear after November starts, but we can never let our guard down. The warm sea surface temperatures and La Nina conditions could still spark one or two storms before the end of the month. Even a single storm can have major impacts, as history has shown,” he said. Looking Ahead: NOAA Global Tropics Hazards Outlook A Global Tropics Hazards Outlook was released Tuesday by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and the forecast tool provides insight into potential activity across tropical basins up to three weeks in advance.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its weekly Global Tropics Hazards Outlook on Tuesday. NOAA does not expect cyclonic development in the coming weeks. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
NOAA does not expect tropical development across the Atlantic basin during the “Week Two” outlook period, which runs from Nov. 12 until Nov. 18 or during the “Week Three” period, from Nov. 19 until Nov. 26. While tropical activity is not expected to develop near the USVI in the near term, it is important to remember that this forecast is not guaranteed, and development may still happen as the forecast can change. Additionally, a recent Tropical Outlook from the Source noted that the emergence of a La Niña weather pattern could influence storm activity for the rest of the hurricane season. During a La Niña cycle, the ocean waters across the equatorial Pacific Ocean cool significantly, affecting global weather. During La Nina, wind shear— a change in wind direction and velocity with height in the atmosphere — also typically decreases in the Atlantic Ocean. A reduction in wind shear can favor cyclone development. This pattern is the opposite of El Niño, a warming of the equatorial Pacific, which usually increases wind shear in the Atlantic Ocean, helping to rip apart storms and prevent hurricane formation and intensification. Stay Informed USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA. The local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is also regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Additionally, A weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source will be published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates. Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

Boys and Girls Shine at One Communication’s Bull and Bread Flag Football Bowl

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Boys and Girls Shine at One Communication’s Bull and Bread Flag Football Bowl
Team picture of Antilles A, champions of the 2025 St. Thomas / St. John IAA Middle School Flag Football League. (Submitted photo)
On Saturday, Nov. 1, the St. Thomas / St. John Interscholastic Athletic Association held its annual One Communication Bull and Bread Bowl at the Lionel Roberts Stadium. Formerly known as the Turkey Bowl, this athletic event has been the culminating activity of the IAA football season. The 2025 edition of the One Communication Bull and Bread Bowl included two girls’ exhibition games. Flag football has extended its arms to welcome all female teams. Antilles School, Bertha C Boschulte Middle School, Gifft Hill School, and Charlotte Amalie High School/Lockhart School all entered teams in this division. The combination team from CAHS and Lockhart School took on Gifft Hill School in the opening game. This one was a defensive struggle. The Barracudas of Gifft Hill scored first and held that lead until the fourth quarter. That’s when the combined team scored behind the leadership of quarterback Bella Lima. The game ended in a 6 all draw. The Antilles School ladies appeared to have been practicing for weeks as they put up 40 points on the board against BCB. Bella Epps was the quarterback for the Hurricanes, throwing numerous touchdowns. BCB did manage to find their way into the end zone. The final score was 40-6, Hurricanes. These two exhibition games served as a prelude to the weeklong tournament the ladies will play, starting on Saturday at Antilles School Field.
Team picture of Antilles Girls Flag Football Team. (Submitted photo)
The third game of the 2025 One Communication Bull and Bread Bowl was the 2025 IAA Flag Football Middle School League Championship Game. It was the undefeated Antilles A battling Antilles B. The B team only had two losses, which came at the hands of the A team. Antilles B played the game of their lives and found themselves up with under two minutes to go in the game, and Antilles A was trapped deep in their own territory, facing 4th and long. However, an untimely unsportsmanlike conduct penalty was assessed to one of the Antilles B players, giving Antilles A new life. They took advantage by scoring the go-ahead touchdown with seconds remaining on the game clock. Antilles A escaped with a 22-21 win. The final game of the One Communication Bull and Bread Bowl was the traditional All-Star Game. Team one paired Antilles A, All Saints, and Gifft Hill. The second team combined Antilles B and BCB. Antilles A, Jerome Boschulte was the star, throwing a few touchdowns and coming up with a big interception to secure the 34 – 18 win for his team. One Communication has been a longtime proud sponsor of this event.

USVI Culinary Team Heads to Barbados for 2025 Taste of the Caribbean

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USVI Culinary Team Heads to Barbados for 2025 Taste of the Caribbean
The U.S. Virgin Islands Culinary Team will represent the territory at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Barbados from Nov. 16-18, a press release from the USVI Hotel & Tourism Association announced. The annual event, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, brings together top chefs, pastry artists and bartenders from across the region to showcase their skills in a series of culinary challenges, according to the press release. Executive Chef Brady Sweet, owner of Café Amici; Pastry Chef Azamat Sabyrkulov of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas; and Bartender Kealoni “KJ” Richards, lead mixologist at Ambiance Cocktail Lounge, will represent the U.S. Virgin Islands in this year’s competition, the press release stated. “For 14 years, our culinary team has raised the bar higher, and this year is no exception,” said USVIHTA President Lisa Hamilton. “With the incredible talent and dedication of Brady, Azamat and KJ, the USVI Culinary Team is ready to make its mark and bring home the gold.”

Chef Brady Sweet’s Record-Breaking Journey

This marks Sweet’s first year on the team. A seasoned pizza artisan, he once earned a Guinness World Record for creating the “world’s largest calzone” before relocating to St. Thomas about a decade ago. Sweet has served as chef de cuisine at Havana Blue and Sandbar, co-owned Café Amici after hurricanes Irma and Maria, and later became executive chef and partner at PRIME at Paradise Point. His latest venture, Sweet Hospitality VI, has revived Café Amici under his ownership and reclaimed his world record calzone title for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Executive Chef Brady Sweet crafts a signature pizza as he prepares to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Barbados. (Submitted photo)

Pastry Chef Azamat Sabyrkulov’s International Flair

Returning for his second year, international pastry chef Azamat Sabyrkulov brings a wealth of global experience. Originally from Kazakhstan, he has worked at The Ajman Saray in Dubai and The Ritz-Carlton, Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. Now leading the pastry team at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, Sabyrkulov is a decorated artisan who earned first place at the 2016 World Skills Kazakhstan Pastry Competition. He holds a degree in hospitality management from the Hospitality Management Professional Technical College in Astana and specializes in cake artistry and chocolate design.
Chef Azamat Sabyrkulov prepares desserts at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, as he readies to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Barbados. (Submitted photo)

Bartender “KJ” Richards Brings St. Croix Spirit

St. Croix native Kealoni “KJ” Richards joins the team for the first time. His culinary career began in 2014 as a dishwasher before advancing through St. Croix’s kitchens and into the craft cocktail scene. After working at BES Craft Cocktail Lounge, Richards shifted his focus to mixology, refining his skills at venues including Levels, El León (now Harbour Prime), Sion Farm Distillery by Mutiny and Hamilton’s Bar. His signature style blends creativity, balance, and warmth — “each sip embodies craft, creativity, and connection,” he said, describing his approach as “a lot of love and a little magic.”
Bartender Kealoni “KJ” Richards crafts a cocktail as he prepares to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean competition in Barbados. (Submitted photo)

Community and Sponsor Support

The USVIHTA, which has sponsored the territory’s team for 14 years, credited the success of the program to its sponsors, who help fund travel, accommodations, training and competition expenses. This year’s sponsors include: Platinum – USVI  Tourism Department; Gold – Cruzan Rum; Bronze – The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort; and Donors – Cape Air and Global Solutions. The Taste of the Caribbean competition will be held alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum, where hospitality professionals and industry partners will gather to celebrate Caribbean cuisine and discuss current trends in tourism and hospitality.

Water Main Leak Closes Queen Mary Highway

Mat Probasco
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There is an emergency road closure on Queen Mary Highway/Centerline Road from the Agricultural Fairgrounds to Paradise Road stoplight. The purpose of the closure is to allow WAPA and DPW to complete work being done on a water mainline leak. Thank you for your support and cooperation.
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