New Vibes SC has done it again. The powerhouse side claimed back-to-back Presidents Cup titles after defeating Rovers SC 3–2 in a thrilling final at the Bethlehem Soccer Complex.
New Vibes and Rovers players battle for control. (Submitted photo)
The match started with New Vibes SC in full control, racing out to a commanding 3–0 lead thanks to their relentless pressure and sharp finishing. With their foot firmly on the pedal, it looked as though the defending champions would cruise to victory.
But Rovers SC, known for their determination and resilience, weren’t ready to go quietly. Showing patience and grit, they clawed their way back into the match, pulling two goals back to make it 3–2 and set up a dramatic finish.
Despite the late surge, New Vibes SC held firm, showcasing their experience and composure to see out the win and lift the 2025 Presidents Cup trophy once again.
The victory cements New Vibes SC’s dominance in Virgin Islands soccer, as they repeat as champions in one of the federation’s most prestigious competitions.
The USVI Soccer Federation extends its congratulations to New Vibes SC for a job well done, finishing the cup strong and repeating as champions.
A Celebration of Life for Avna Paiewonsky Cassinelli will be held on Thursday, Nov. 6 at 9:30 a.m. at The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas located on Synagogue Hill.
(Shutterstock image)
There will be transportation available at Fort Christian parking lot starting at 9 a.m. Vans will be parked next to the Professional Building. After the service, an informal gathering will be held at the Lilienfeld House, directly across the street from the synagogue. All are welcome.
Avna Paiewonsky Cassinelli, daughter of Charlotte and Isidor Paiewonsky, passed on Sept. 25, 2025 at the age of 82, surrounded by her closest family. She is survived by her sons Sebastiano and Filippo, daughters-in-law, Julie and Daniela, her grandchildren Julia, Aiden, Luca, Isabela and Alessia Cassinelli, step-grandchildren Olivia and Sophia Foster and step-great-grandchildren, Sage and Shama.
She attended Antilles school, Dana Hall in Wellesley, Massachusetts and Barnard College in New York City.
Avna had a long and successful business career as president of A.H. Riise Stores and Isidor Paiewonsky Associates, Inc., a real estate company which owns properties in the historic district of Charlotte Amalie including the A.H. Riise Mall. She also served as president of AHR Watches, the Official Rolex Retailer in the Virgin Islands, which operates the Rolex boutique in the Mall. Her family’s involvement with A.H. Riise started after her grandfather Isaac Paiewonsky, who arrived in St. Thomas in 1897, acquiring the A.H. Riise Apothecary in 1928.
Deeply committed to St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands, she was raised by her parents with the understanding of the importance of giving to one’s community. She is past president of the Virgin Islands Retailers Association, and has served on various committees for the government and the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce in the areas of tourism, tax policy and economic development. She was the co-chairperson Charlotte Amalie 2000 project.
Avna considered herself fortunate to have had mentors such as her parents Charlotte and Isidor, and her uncle Ralph Paiewonsky, who helped her develop a deeper understanding of economic, political, business, environmental, and aesthetic issues.
Avna particularly enjoyed working on projects she was told could not be done, yet which were of vital importance to the community. One such effort involved reversing the anti-business attitude in government of the late 1970’s, to share knowledge with the community about duty-free and economic issues that affect all Virgin Islanders; specifically, in 1979 she and her uncle and mentor, former Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky, pioneered the historic Bill 0411 to remove duties and excise tax on tourism related products with the goal of making the Port of Charlotte Amalie a true duty- free port. Although controversial at the time, this legislation became a model for other Caribbean Islands. It led to the unprecedented growth of duty-free shopping in the territory and development in the historic district of Charlotte Amalie.
Avna firmly believed that the Virgin Islands could reach its highest potential from quiet, selfless choices made for the good of all ~ a vision Avna embodied throughout her own life of service, working behind the scenes with dedication, humility, and unwavering devotion to her community.
Avna continued the tradition of philanthropy started by her parents, Charlotte and Isidor, and her uncle, Ralph, including, 4 annual scholarships for graduating students at the Charlotte Amalie High School in honor of her grandparents, Issac and Rebecca Paiewonsky, a scholarship that started in 1952, and continues to this day.
Avna cared deeply for her entire family and put them before all other considerations. Her steadfast love and devotion to her sons was a driving force in who she was and how she lived her life. She is very proud of her sons Sebastiano and Filippo and for the men they have become as well as their families.
She was loved and respected and will be dearly missed, a steadfast rock to her family, wise, kind, and generous.
We love you. Rest in peace.
Stay informed with Consider the Source, where host Adisha Penn breaks down the week’s biggest stories — from a federal judge weighing VIPD’s progress under its consent decree and new questions after two fatal police shootings, to a St. Croix family’s lawsuit after a ceiling fan last year injured a high-school student. Our in-studio team also sits down with Dr. Amory DeRoulet to get an inside peek at his new wound-care practice on St. Thomas. There’s always something new on Consider the Source!
On the left, V.I. Port Authority’s Executive Director, Carlton Dowe, addresses the board during Friday’s monthly board meeting. (Screenshot from Zoom Meeting)
On Friday, during the Port Authority’s monthly governing board meeting, news of new travel options for visitors to the territory and the impact of relations with cargo partners were highlighted.
During the director’s report, Carlton Dowe welcomed Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Sea and Contour Airlines. The cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s newest addition, made its maiden voyage call at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay, St. Thomas, on Sept. 10. According to the director, it accommodates up to 7,600 passengers and 2,350 crew members.
“In the coming year or so, Royal Caribbean expects to roll out new ships this same Icon class,” said Dowe.
Regarding Contour Airlines, each flight will accommodate up to 30 passengers. The airline will have direct flights to Dominica on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at the Cyril E. King Airport.
“It’s no secret that in St. Thomas-St. John, we have a huge Dominican population. A lot of the folks that does construction in this territory, that’s where they hail from,” said Dowe.
Flight services for the airline began on Sept. 24. The director added that inquiries have been made regarding flights from the territory to other Caribbean islands and responded that, “No airline is going to engage in a route where they don’t feel it’s profitable,” indicating it is not solely up to the Port Authority’s discretion as to what flights can be added.
More so, during the meeting, Dowe shared with the board that he and his staff met with Tropical Shipping to get an update on their needs, future projects, and to strengthen the partnership with the corporation.
“Just about everything we consume come through our ports,” he said.
Dowe highlighted that Tropical Shipping currently occupies several bays at the St. Croix container port.
“The new bays we have built in St. Croix, the Bomba Allick Terminal, which is forty-something thousand square feet, they already, Tropical, have four, five, bays that they operate from now, as we speak,” he said, and added that the company plans to expand.
Dowe mentioned that maintaining a strong relationship with partners like Tropical Shipping can be very beneficial for the authority.
“When Port Authority did not have the resources, we did not want to expend millions of dollars to be able to get the Department of Transportation grant, it was Tropical and Crowley who put the matching funds for the grant,” said Dowe.
Board member, Celestino White Sr., asked about tariff changes due to additions he noticed in the national news.
“Has Tropical Shipping expressed any concerns as it relates to new tariffs?” questioned White.
“No,” responded Dowe. “Neither Tropical, Crowley, nor Priority Roro, we didn’t have that discussion.”
Additionally, the executive director informed the board that the public-private-partnership, or P3, process is still ongoing, regarding the airports, and that “Staff and I had a working meeting with representatives from Royal Caribbean/CTI in Miami, Florida, as we continue to work feverishly on the Crown Bay Development Project.”
Lastly, the board voted to approve recent poll votes during Friday’s meeting. After August’s board meeting, Sept. 2, a poll vote was unanimously approved by board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Leona Smith, Gordon Rhea, Jennifer Matarangas-King, and Kevin Rodriguez. The vote granted the execution of the FY2025 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Project No. 3-78-0001-058-2025, FY2025 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Project No. 3-78-0001-059-2025, and FY2025 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Project No. 3-78-0001-064-2025, allowing improvements to be made to the Cyril E. King runway and airport.
On Sept. 16, a poll vote was unanimously approved by board members John, Gabriel, Smith, and Rodriguez for the Federal Aviation Administration FY 2025 Airport Infrastructure Grant Agreement Grant Number 3-78-0002-049-2025, allowing improvements to be made to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
Lastly, on Sept. 23, a poll vote was taken and unanimously approved by John, Smith, Rodriguez, Rhea, and Matarangas-King for ticket counter space at the King Airport for Contour Airlines. Friday’s board unanimously voted to approve all three poll votes.
Board members John, Gabriel, Rhea, Smith, and White were present. Matarangas-King and Rodriguez were absent.
This year, Cancer Support Virgin Islands kicks off the 12th annual Pinktober campaign, marking 20 years of service to cancer patients and their families across the territory. (Submitted photo)
Cancer Support Virgin Islands is marking two milestones this October: its 12th annual Pinktober campaign and the organization’s 20th year of service in the territory. The nonprofit, founded in 2005, has provided more than $6 million in financial assistance to over 4,800 cancer patients and their families across the Virgin Islands.
“Cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can we,” said CSVI Director Barb Michaud. “For 20 years, our communities have rallied around cancer warriors, ensuring they are never alone in their journey. Pinktober is both a celebration of that legacy and a call to action for the future.”
The campaign, which began in 2013, has become a fixture of the Virgin Islands’ community calendar, engaging schools, businesses, churches, and civic groups in fundraising and awareness efforts. This year, CSVI has set a fundraising goal of more than $900,000 to sustain and expand patient support services. Every dollar raised remains in the Virgin Islands, directly funding grants that cover medical treatments, travel, and essential living expenses for those battling cancer.
Throughout October, Pinktober events will span the territory, ranging from pink drink specials and themed brunches to pickleball tournaments, volleyball games, and pumpkin carving contests. Workplaces and schools will also take part through small fundraisers and awareness campaigns. The popular “Give Cancer the Boot” initiative, which encourages groups and individuals to collect donations in symbolic pink boots, returns as a central feature of this year’s drive.
Michaud noted that CSVI’s longevity is rooted in its partnerships. “The strength of Pinktober has always come from the willingness of neighbors to step up — whether by hosting an event, buying a pin, or making a donation,” she said. “That community spirit has carried us through two decades of service.”
The launch of Pinktober also serves as a reminder of how deeply cancer has touched the territory. By pairing public education with tangible financial support, CSVI has worked to ease burdens for patients and their families, while also promoting broader conversations about prevention, treatment, and resilience.
Board members during Friday’s monthly board meeting for the Virgin Islands Port Authority. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
During Friday’s Virgin Islands Port Authority governing board meeting, several items were approved for projects and operations, while one bid for $22 million raised concern among the board.
The governing board unanimously voted to approve several items, with the exception of one. The board accepted the bid proposed by Island Roads Corporation for the Crown Bay Terminal Improvements project for $22,640,195.38. This project includes waterfront infrastructure upgrades, stormwater management infrastructure upgrades, life safety infrastructure upgrades, and paving of container yard space for the areas currently occupied by Crowley Maritime and Tropical Shipping. However, due to concerns with the bid negotiation, board member Derek Gabriel voted against the measure. He questioned procurement status, whether invitations for bids can be negotiated, and why only certain phases of the project were considered for the bid.
Khadila Joseph, procurement and contracts manager, responded that negotiations are not applicable during bids and that, due to the type of solicitation, discussions with the federal grantor allowed certain line items to be considered and did not require all. Executive Director Carlton Dowe highlighted to the board that the Transportation grant for the repairs at the sandfill, where Tropical and Crowley operate, would assist with critical safety upgrades for particular areas both companies use for their operations.
“It’s dangerous and it’s a safety issue, that’s one of the reasons why, at least those parts that are so detrimental, were listed piece by piece, that we’re able to repair those critical parts right away rather than a accident or something happening,” he said.
He added that both companies are helping with matching funds for the grant.
“My problem is how we did this,” board member Derek Gabriel told the executive director, and shared that the project should have been split into smaller phases. “The original bid was $47.8 million dollars, and we’re agreeing to $22.6 without putting it back out for other companies to have a chance to bid. That is less than fifty percent of the original project that was put out to bid. Those are two different levels of tiers of competition and participation that exist.”
“There’s a reason only one company basically bid on it,” said Dowe. “This went out, one company responds. The nature of this work is not just general construction contracting work. The nature of this work dictates some level of in-water work has to be done,” said Dowe.
Gabriel was the sole dissenting vote. Board members Willard John, Gabriel, Gordon Rhea, Leona Smith, and White were present. Jennifer Matarangas-King and Kevin Rodriguez were absent.
Further, the board voted unanimously and approved:
Executed a reimbursable agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration in the not-to-exceed amount of $759,306.84 for construction support services related to the Cyril E. King Airport (STT) Runway 10 Threshold Displacement project.
Issued Task Order #21 to Stantec Consulting Services Inc. to provide design services related to the Cyril E. King Airport Airfield Markings Basemap in the not-to-exceed amount of $313,000.00.
Issued Task Order #35 to Moffatt & Nichol to provide planning services in the development of a Marine Strategic Plan to address deficiencies in the marine infrastructure for the Authority in the not-to-exceed amount of $433,200.00.
Issued a Professional Services Contract, on a sole-source basis, to Kimley-Horn & Associates, to provide construction phase services related to the STT Runway 10-28 Pavement Rehabilitation project in the not-to-exceed amount of $2,746,931.00.
Issued Amendment No. 01 to Stantec’s Task Order #2, to provide professional services related to the environmental assessment for the Cyril E. King Airport Drainage Ghut Improvements project in the not-to-exceed amount of $75,884.08.
Amended the contract with Julien’s Welding for the Replacement of the Perimeter Fence at the Edward Wilmoth Blyden Marine Terminal. The amendment will increase the original contract value by $56,499.00, bringing the total contract value to $170,499.00.
Initiated negotiations with Custom Builders, LLC to enter into a contract not exceeding $99,800.00 for the replacement of ticket counters exposed to termites and saltwater damage at the Edward Wilmoth Blyden, IV Marine Terminal.
Additionally, the Port Authority currently has six active construction projects in the St. Thomas-St. John district totaling $70,985,435.30. In St. Croix, there are eight active projects totaling $44,595,111.01.
The following are project updates for St. Croix:
C2023-33B HERA Apron Rehabilitation
Phase 1 and the first section of Phase 2 are completed. The contractor, Virgin Islands Paving, is currently working on the second section of Phase 2. Demolition of Phase 3 is completed. The project schedule will be pushed back to Q1 2026 due to the slag supplier’s shipment delay.
C2021-04 HERA Runway 10-28 Shoulder and Electrical Vault Construction
This project is currently in the closeout phase. All scope of work items has been completed by the contractor, Virgin Islands Paving. Closeout pending processing of final payment.
C2020-30B HERA Taxiway A & B Rehabilitation
This project is currently in the closeout phase. All scope of work items has been completed by the contractor, Virgin Islands Paving. Closeout pending completion of punchlist items.
C2015-24 Gordon A. Finch Molasses Dock Terminal Cargo Building
Contractor, AT Construction Solutions, LLC, to complete punchlist items prior to final payment and closeout.
C2021-10 Frederiksted Service Pier
The project is substantially completed. Contractor, Eleven Construction, to complete punchlist items prior to final payment and closeout.
C2024-34 Frederiksted Pier Blow-Out Panels and Structural Repairs
Due to issues that were called out during multiple field inspections and meetings, the Port Authority is currently in the process of terminating the contract with contractor Tang How Brothers Inc. due to nonperformance.
“This project is about 90 percent complete,” said Jamen Descartes, project manager. “The remaining work includes structural repairs to four beams under the deck, which will be included in our future project for the Anne E Abramson catwalk and structural repairs.”
The project cost $321,700.00. The total paid to date from legislative funding is $292,990.91.
C2024-23B Container Port Warehouse Generator Modification
Contractor, Continental Construction and Engineering, mobilized to site in October 2024. The contractor is currently procuring the electrical hardware. The generator slab and generator were installed in February 2024. Electrical installation and tie in remain to be completed pending arrival of the electrical hardware.
Seaplane Long-Term Environmental Monitoring
Necessary long-term compliance monitoring continues to occur as required. Test results show no signs of contaminants as levels are much lower than the minimums necessary. The contractor requested to cut the contract short based on the latest report.
The following are project updates for St. Thomas:
C2021-03 CEKA Parking & Transportation Center
The Final Occupancy Permit was received on April 11, 2025. Rental cars were moved into the ground floor for operations the following week. The grand opening ceremony was held on April 24, 2025. The Contractor, AT Construction Solutions, LLC, has remaining punchlist items and final completion is expected in October 2025, but all work will be accomplished while the garage is in operation.
C2022-01 CEKA Taxiway A West Reconstruction
VIPA has requested a schedule from the Contractor, Grace Civil, LLC, to address marking deficiencies which are the final punch list item. 1% of total project value remains in retainage prior to closeout. The total value of the contract will not be expended under this project due to lower quantities of work in the field. The contractor has one pending request for equitable adjustment that VIPA will negotiate with them on. Meetings and negotiations continue to be ongoing and will take a few months to resolve.
C2024-05 CEKA Selective Slab Replacement
Construction began in June 2025 on Gate 6 and Gate 11 and is scheduled for completion in September 2025. The contractor, Island Roads Corporation, has completed pouring of concrete slabs with the exception of two slabs at Gate 11. One slab was demolished due to defects and the other slab required extra reinforcement due to the presence of blue bit rock. Both slabs are scheduled to be poured during the week of 15 September. The Contractor is currently sealing the joints between the new slabs and preparing to commence pavement markings.
C2024-30 Air Alliance Building Interior Build Out
The Port Authority issued the Notice to Proceed and the contractor, Energy Efficient Builders, LLC, mobilized to the site and erected a site perimeter fence for landside access. The contractor completed pouring of the concrete service ramp. Currently, the contractor is framing walls and running electrical conduit and lines for the interior build-out.
C2025-02 Beachcomber Demolition
Major demolition work began in June 2025 and will continue through September 2025. All structures have been demolished, and debris is being removed from the site. The contractor, DCM Corporation, is conducting minor vegetation removal and groundwork while preparing for final site walk with the Port Authority.
C2022-07 LLB Ferry Terminal Improvements
Punch list has been provided to the contractor, Rodriguez & Garland, from Substantial Completion Inspection. Rectification works continue to be ongoing. Substantial completion has not been given. Expecting final completion in September 2025.
Head of School Gloria Arpasi delivers remarks during VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy’s inaugural State of the School Address, emphasizing school’s achievements and mission. (Submitted photo)
The Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy recently brought families, trustees, faculty and community members together for a State of the School Address that mixed celebration with candid reflection on the future of the institution.
Head of School Gloria Arpasi opened with a reminder of VIMSIA’s unique role in the territory and beyond.
“Our mission is education for life,” she said. “We are committed to building a campus that is safe, innovative, and globally minded — preparing students to be resilient, independent thinkers and compassionate world citizens.”
She also spoke plainly about the economic realities shaping education in the Virgin Islands. “We cannot ignore the financial realities our territory and our families are confronting. Rising costs of living, limited economic opportunities, and ongoing recovery efforts continue to strain our community,” Arpasi said, adding that the school is “reimagining what success looks like by creating flexible pathways, expanding financial aid, and ensuring our adaptable vision serves every child who walks through our doors.”
Program directors highlighted both Montessori and International Baccalaureate approaches, emphasizing how the school blends individualized, peace-based education with globally recognized standards. New Measures of Academic Progress testing results showed VIMSIA students performing well above U.S. national averages in every subject, with measurable growth across grade levels.
Elementary Coordinator Jenny Fisher explained how the data is used to guide curriculum decisions and track students over time. “As a school, we are higher than the 50th percentile in all subjects, which is pretty amazing,” she said, noting that faculty also rely on classroom observations to ensure a complete picture of each child’s progress. Montessori Director Danielle Sloan added that the school is committed to maintaining high standards through accreditation with the Association Montessori Internationale while adapting to modern needs.
“We are preparing students to be confident, self-motivated learners,” she said. “Our multiage environments foster collaboration and responsibility, preparing children for a rapidly changing future.” The IB program was described as inquiry-driven, interdisciplinary, and deeply global in scope, with Arpasi noting that it “focuses on particular skills rather than just memorizing content — making it a powerful partner for Montessori.”
The evening also underscored the school’s 60-year history, honoring families who have sent multiple generations through its classrooms. Stories of legacy families were shared alongside news of a new “legacy discount” to help sustain that tradition. The sense of continuity extended into the financial outlook, where board of trustees President Steve Tulk spoke frankly about governance and sustainability.
“What makes Montessori strong is not just our programs or our campus, it’s our community,” he said. “The role of the board of trustees is to ensure the school is on strong footing — financially, strategically, and with good governance — so that this legacy can carry forward for the next 60 years.” Tulk highlighted a $15 million federal grant for campus reconstruction and resilience projects, but stressed that it comes with heavy oversight. “This is a reimbursement-based program … it is complex, comprehensive, and confounding,” he said. To bridge gaps, he explained, the school is carefully drawing from its endowment — while working toward doubling it to eventually cover financial aid for all families in need.
Enrollment, currently at 265 students, has dipped slightly from last year’s 283, a shortfall administrators tied to families leaving the island and rising living costs. Arpasi pointed to the broader trend of younger students entering with greater support needs — “our children who were born in COVID, post-COVID” — and noted the school has been hiring additional staff to meet those challenges.
Despite these pressures, the address was threaded with optimism. Faculty presentations showcased not only student academic success, but also their engagement in sustainability projects, international service learning, and local cultural initiatives.
By the end of the evening, the message was one of resilience and shared responsibility. Arpasi closed by reaffirming the school’s dedication to transparency and trust: “Our students are joyful learners. They are curious, collaborative, and confident; qualities that will serve them wherever they go. This inaugural State of the School is about a shared vision for a thriving future.”
The Virgin Islands Port Authority office on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)
During Friday’s monthly board meeting, Port Authority staff discussed collection efforts, the need to approve an emergency order for air conditioning units, marine fee increases, and approved action items.
Regarding finances, according to Ava Penn, acting property manager and director of financial affairs, on an accrual basis as of July 31, the Port Authority incurred a $7.1 million operating profit. After sharing her report with the board, board member Celestino White inquired about parking fees. Penn shared that $1.3 million was collected in aviation parking lot fees and $1.5 million in marine parking lot fees as of July 31. White specifically inquired about the use of the parking meters by the Blyden IV Marine Terminal on St. Thomas.
Joseph Cranston Jr., marine manager for the St. Thomas-St. John district informed White that the meters are no longer active.
It was mentioned during the meeting that as of Aug. 31, 53 accounts are in arrears, totaling $5,123,367.61. Of that, $3,258,983.42 is owed in rent and $1,891,145.60 in operations.
“A lot of people have been responding, telling us whether they have paid or not. Some people didn’t even know that they owed and some of the notices go out to other individuals in the organization,” said Penn.
Board Chair Willard John asked if there was someone specifically assigned to collect money owed.
“The accounts receivable analysts in accounting, they deal with the operational side, and property management deals with the rental side,” responded Penn.
Board member Derek Gabriel inquired if there is a formal procedure established for collections.
“We have a process on the property side. Where we’re lagging is on the operational side,” said Penn.
In addition, the board approved fee increases related to pilotage to the marine tariff fees authorized at its Aug. 20 board meeting, and removed the following: “for vessels under 1600 gross registered tons that do not take a pilot, pilotage will be assessed on the draft and GRT rate and have no minimum unless a pilot is on board.”
“VIPA is continuously looking at ways to increase revenues to fund much-needed infrastructure improvements,” said Penn.
At last month’s board meeting, marine fee increases were approved and centered mostly on docking, parking and passenger wharfage fees. During Friday’s meeting, the board unanimously approved additional fee increases recommended are related to pilotage fees, which will be announced at public hearings during the first week of October.
“The last time those fees were adjusted was 2020,” said Penn, who added that the fees are adjusted every five years.
The board also unanimously voted to approve an emergency purchase of an $85,000 air conditioning unit for building A at the Crown Bay center. Currently, $75,000 is the maximum allotment for emergency purchases. Gabriel mentioned that the board should consider increasing the purchasing threshold for emergency purchases so as to avoid waiting until board meetings to discuss emergency issues.
After the vote, Executive Director Dowe addressed the current air conditioning issues at the Port Authority building and the airport. Board meeting attendees could be seen using hand fans and papers to try and keep cool during the three-hour-long meeting.
“It’s a bigger problem at King Airport that we’re working on,” said Dowe, who added that the units are “plagued with all kinds of issues.”
Lastly, regarding finance, the board unanimously approved the 2026 fiscal year budget for $212.6 million. The board also unanimously approved a lease agreement with Southwest Airlines for their Orlando and Baltimore flights.
White inquired about the airline connecting with other Caribbean islands. Anise Hodge, assistant director, said at this time they are focusing on consistent airlift from St. Thomas, and she encouraged people to utilize current flights to “drive” the ability for them to go to other destinations.”
Dowe later added that 850,000 passengers on St. Thomas and 250,000 passengers on St. Croix can be expected to utilize the airport next year.
Board members John, Gabriel, Gordon Rhea, Leona Smith, and White were present. Jennifer Matarangas-King and Kevin Rodriguez were absent.
“The Keeping Masquerading Traditions Alive” initiative invites the public to explore the rich and profound masquerading legacy of the Virgin Islands through a roundtable discussion titled “Masked Memory.”
Masqueraders with their king dancing by Government House in Christiansted, early 1900s (Photo courtesy St. Croix Landmarks Society
Scheduled for Tuesday, starting at 6 p.m. at the Dorsch Center in Frederiksted, St. Croix, the roundtable promises to be a deep exploration of both the fading and surviving forms of masquerade. The discussion will breathe life into traditions ranging from Raffia, Baby Dolls, Mother Hubbards, and the Bull, to the now rarely seen Pitchy Patchy and the Clowns of St. Thomas.
This event will feature a remarkable gathering of local culture bearers, including Willard John, Amy Petersen, Asta Williams, Dembaya Arts Conservatory, and the Ay Ay Cultural Dancers. Presenters will share their knowledge and personal connections to these cultural traditions.
Adding a unique dimension to the conversation is special guest Baba Onifade, a marine scientist and Babalawo, internationally recognized for integrating science with Africana spirituality. His work often centers on Olokun, the divinity who guards the deep ocean. In a landmark 1986 expedition, Baba Onifade helped explore the ocean floor, bringing back artifacts now housed in the Museum of Natural History in New York. His presence will bridge the masquerading practices of the Virgin Islands with their West African roots, exploring themes of water, movement, and ancestral memory.
The timing of this round table is significant, held on the eve of Contract Day, also known as Fireburn, a day that commemorates the 1878 labor uprising. Stephanie Chalana Brown, the cultural steward and coordinator of this project, believes in the lasting impacts of this initiative. “Masquerading is a form of movement, memory, and survival. It carries the spiritual and ethical weight of our ancestors while giving our youth a chance to move in that same rhythm. This project ensures that masquerade is not only remembered, but lived,” Brown said.
This roundtable is a key part of a broader, ongoing initiative to keep masquerading traditions vibrant. This project offers free weekly masquerade community dance and drum classes for adults and children, held most Thursdays at the Caribbean Boys and Girls Club in Frederiksted. These sessions are designed as an intergenerational bridge, connecting the wisdom of the elders with the energy of the youth.
“The Keeping Masquerading Traditions Alive” initiative is supported by grant funding through the St. Croix Foundation’s Healing Humanities Grant, ensuring all events are free to the public. Its mission is to strengthen community identity through the powerful, embodied practice of cultural tradition.
For the most current schedule and updates, please follow the official Virgin Islands Masquerading Traditions Facebook page.
The third in a series of Elder Justice Workshops invites senior citizens, dependent adults and their caregivers to a Monday workshop on St. Thomas. Organizers working with AARP of the Virgin Islands say those who attend will learn how to protect themselves, their loved ones and their finances from abuse and exploitation.
The session also provides an opportunity for the audience to discuss situations they face in daily life that leave them feeling vulnerable. In some cases, the information shared at Monday’s summit may help others question their own behavior.
One of the concerns expressed throughout the series is the role some family members play in perpetrating abuse, behavior that experts say they may not recognize. Experts say many cases of elder abuse go underreported, highlighting the need for specialized psychological and legal support.
“We felt it necessary (sic) to get certain targeted populations within the community seated in one space, really focus in on elder justice and how they can prevent abuse or any kind of exploitation that happens against them … and what they can do to help protect themselves,” said AARP Associate State Director Pamela Toussaint.
Three speakers are expected to help the audience explore various topics. Jessica Whyte, licensed professional counselor, will explain why reporting abuse is essential and address common fears about turning in family members or losing care support.
Whyte is the lead clinician for the JW Medical Behavioral Health Center on St. Thomas.
A representative from First Bank will explain why it’s important for seniors to guard against financial exploitation in a presentation called Banking Safe. And attorney Shelby King Gaddy from Legal Services of the Virgin Islands will describe the necessity and risks of legal directives: guardianships, powers of attorney, and advanced directives.
“You want to ensure that the documents that you’re signing, they’re legally binding. You want to ensure that you understand all of the documents that you’re signing that you’re not signing away (sic) your finances; you’re not signing away your homes; you’re not signing away, (sic) your treasured assets,” Toussaint said.
Each month since July, AARP, along with the Human Services Department Division of Adult Protective Services, has held Elder Justice Workshops for the law enforcement and banking communities. Toussaint said organizers are encouraged by signs of increased awareness and the willingness of some to report suspected abuse.
The Monday summit is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the My Brother’s Workshop behind Home Depot in Estate Donoe.
