Photos released by the Coast Guard show the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard in Puerto Rico will allow the return of two cargo ships barred from San Juan for allegedly blocking a vital shipping lane if they come up with a better mooring plan, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said Thursday.
The 210-foot-long, 46-foot-wide Water Spirit 2, and the 205-foot-long, 46-foot-wide Admiral Pride were both warned and then fined by the Coast Guard after they partially obstructed the narrow San Antonio Channel within the San Juan Harbor on May 1, officials said last week.
The ships started using a different wharf after their regular docking area was moved, Bryan said.
Photos released by the Coast Guard appear to show the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel.
“The issue at hand is strictly related to the location being used for loading and off-loading operations following changes at the marina facility,” Bryan said in a written statement.
The two vessels serviced the U.S. and British Virgin Islands regularly, hauling everything from cars to frozen food between St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. John, Tortola, and San Juan.
A diagram released by the Coast Guard shows the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
Both shipping companies were in the process of retaining a marine surveyor to conduct necessary assessments and provide the documentation required by the Coast Guard, Bryan said.
“Once the survey is completed and accepted by the Coast Guard, the vessels should be able to resume shipments and regular service to Puerto Rico,” he said. “There are a number of possible options available, and we remain committed to working with all parties involved to ensure continued marine transportation and commerce between the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.”
Government House announced the Coast Guard meeting Monday, saying Bryan had hoped to secure an arrangement where the ships could continue to dock in San Juan while a permanent solution was found. Such a variance agreement did not appear to have been reached, according to Government House, but Bryan said if an agreement isn’t reached soon, the Virgin Islands government would step in to help.
“ … the Government of the Virgin Islands will work collaboratively with the vessel operators, the Puerto Rico Ports Authority, and the United States Coast Guard to identify an alternative suitable docking location,” a statement from Government House said.
The University of the Virgin Islands’ 13D Innovation Center will host a Virgin Islands Good Food meeting on May 28, focused on improving market access and expanding opportunities for local farmers in the territory. (Submitted photo)=
On Thursday, May 28, Virgin Islands Good Food will host an interest meeting at the University of the Virgin Islands 13D Innovation Center Main Room from 5 to 7:30 p.m. The gathering is designed to bring local farmers, buyers, and support organizations together for a direct conversation about market access opportunities for V.I. farmers.
Attendees will learn about VIGF’s “Scaling Good” project and participate in a discussion exploring fruit market access and opportunities in St. Thomas. Refreshments will be served, and an RSVP is appreciated.
According to Jamal Pennick, the VIGF Chief Operations Officer and Program Lead, there is no single barrier preventing local VI farmers from getting their produce into schools, restaurants, and grocery stores. Instead, a layered set of compounding challenges exists. He explains that the most stubborn structural issue is price disparity. “Locally grown fruits and vegetables, often raised using more natural and organic methods, cannot compete with imported prices sourced from regions where labor costs are significantly lower. When shoppers see imported tomatoes at a fraction of the price of locally grown options, the economics become difficult for local farmers,” Pennick said.
“And the real irony is that the consumer is often trading quality and traceability for that lower price; they have no way of knowing that pesticides were used on those imported products, or how they were processed to maximize size and yield,” Pennick said.
Another key issue is that the consumer has come to expect produce that is impeccable, when locally grown, organic produce often has blemishes and small imperfections. “There’s often a real disconnect between what a buyer considers acceptable product and what a farmer considers a fair delivery. Without common grading standards and training, those conversations can turn into lost contracts,” Pennick said.
Cash flow presents a third obstacle, particularly in farm-to-school programs. “Payment may flow from the federal government to the VI government before reaching the farmer, creating a pipeline that can take longer than many small farmers can financially sustain, particularly if they don’t have other revenue streams carrying them in the meantime,” says Pennick.
VIGF is working on two parallel avenues through its “Scaling Good” project, both aimed at giving local farmers sustainable, real-world markets.
The first avenue is institutional procurement. The organization is providing technical assistance, guidance, and coordination resources to help small farmers and cooperatives to develop a strategy to supply the VI government, specifically for Farm to School breakfast and lunch programs. “We’re providing technical assistance, guidance, and coordination resources to help small farmers and cooperatives develop a strategy to supply the VI government. The goal is a Fall 2026 demonstration with the VI Department of Education that proves the model works,” Pennick said.
The second avenue is a direct-to-consumer access system where customers can browse available products from local farmers, purchase electronically via card or digital payment apps, and either pick up directly from the farm or have items delivered. “Think of it as a DoorDash for local produce: a small delivery fee, a driver who picks up from the farmer, and fresh VI-grown food at your door,” Pennick said. He acknowledges that this vision is ambitious, with real technological, logistical, and operational challenges, but it represents the ideal goal for reducing friction between local farmers and everyday customers.
“The path forward for VI farmers isn’t about any one grower becoming a large-scale operation overnight. It’s about building an ecosystem where farmers, producers, buyers, and support organizations work together, where the system is designed to absorb the natural variations of small-scale agriculture and turn it into consistent, marketable output. That’s the model we are building toward,” Pennick said.
To RSVP for this upcoming information session, visit https://bit.ly/GoodFood2026STT, or call 340-643-2298 or 860-922-2194.
Cory Magras, a longtime chef and hospitality professional, is preparing to open a new restaurant this summer at the former French Quarter Bistro location in Frenchtown, called Sambucas.
Cory Magras gives eloquent speech at the annual Bastille Day celebration in Frenchtown a few years ago. (Photo courtesy Cory Magras)
While the space currently operates under the previous owner’s menu, Magras has been methodically preparing for a full transformation. Deep cleaning, painting, equipment upgrades, and logistical planning have occupied the weeks following the finalized sale.
Sambucas, lovingly named after his family’s furry friend, will feature a Mediterranean-Italian focused menu, but Magras notes that this foundation opens the door to cuisines from the South of France, Spain, Greece, North Africa, and the Middle East. Over the coming weeks, he will sample different specials and new concept items to work out kitchen logistics like storage and service flow. Sambucas will participate in the annual Frenchtown Father’s Day Celebration, followed by a tentative grand opening in July, which also coincides with his mother’s 75th birthday. “It’s very exciting,” Magras said.
Sambuca, the Magras family pet, stands ready for a picture. (Photo courtesy Cory Magras)
For Magras, this specific building carries deep personal history. He grew up around the former Cafe Normandie, a legendary Frenchtown establishment that occupied the same site. As a boy playing at the nearby baseball field, he recalls being more focused on the taxi vans bringing patrons to the restaurant than on the game itself. “I can vividly remember the scents that was foreign to me then, but now is completely normal daily. It’s the aroma of shrimp scampi, by the way,” Magras said.
The connection runs even deeper. An old photograph of the building from 1941 shows a staircase and balcony that have since been hidden by renovations. The same staircase now leads to Magras’ office. He imagines his father and others leaning on that balcony decades ago, discussing local events or politics with a cold drink in hand. “The simple answer is yes. Yes, I did select this restaurant for a specific reason. But that reason is only part one of the ambition that has been sparked. To make my father proud,” Magras said.
A colorful artwork of Cafe Normandie depicts the bustling streets of Frenchtown as people walk by the building. (Photo courtesy Cory Magras)
Sambucas will offer more than a standard dinner service. Magras has been granted a nightclub license for the location, though his vision is more refined. He plans to offer late-night food options for those in the culinary industry who often finish work with few places to gather. Additional plans include expanding hours to feature brunch, local lunch, a refined dinner menu, speakeasy-style offerings, craft cocktails, and a deeper wine list.
Magras emphasizes that his progress would not have been possible without the support of his family. “My amazingly supportive friends and family, my mom, my wife, my two daughters keeps me focused, motivated, calm, down to earth, and persistent,” Magras said.
Red-billed Tropicbird (left) and White-tailed Tropicbird (right). (Photo Gail Karlsson)
Students from Gifft Hill School’s third and ninth grades recently went out on a boat to look for nesting seabirds on some of the small islands north of St. John. The trip was sponsored by the V. I. Audubon Society as part of a bird study program designed to help build awareness about the wide variety of birds in the Virgin Islands, and the importance of protecting them.
Students climbed to the upper level of the boat to scan for birds. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
At this time of year, many different seabirds come from around the Caribbean to the small offshore islands in this area so they can mate and nest in secluded spaces.
Heading northeast out of Cruz Bay, the students, and accompanying teachers and Audubon Society members, were quickly rewarded with views of a group of about ten White-billed Tropicbirds flying back and forth from nests on the cliffs at Congo Cay. There were also a few of the somewhat larger Red-billed Tropicbirds (17-20 inches compared to 14-15 inches for white-tailed ones).
A White-tailed Tropicbird flew out near a cliff on the north side of Congo Cay. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
Tropicbirds are pelagic, which means they spend most of their time flying around over open water. The tropicbirds stay in warmer ocean areas, catching fish far from land, then resting on the surface of the water. They are usually alone or in pairs, not large flocks.
Sometimes sailors will see tropicbirds hovering over boats, maybe watching for fish that rise to the surface due to boat-related activity. They are rarely seen by people on land, though, and sometimes seem mythical to non-sailors.
However, since tropicbirds can’t nest out on the surface of the sea, they seek out isolated rocky cliffs when it is time to breed. They come together in small groups to find mates and make their nests, and then they are more easily visible. However, you generally still need a boat to go see them.
Tropicbird nesting is not limited to a specific month, but usually takes place at times when there are plenty of small fish available in the water nearby. I saw some nesting near Congo in December, and now others nesting in May.
A Red-billed Tropicbird approached its rocky nest. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
The tropicbirds’ long, white ribbon-like tails, or streamers, are lovely and most distinctive. Yet they don’t seem very practical. It turns out that, like many impressive bird traits, they are primarily designed to attract a mate. During courtship, the tropicbirds engage in aerial courtship displays, circling around each other and alluringly swinging their tails from side to side.
After the courtship and mating period, they find a spot on a rocky ledge, or in a crevice, for a minimalist nest. Invasive, non-native rats are now living on many of the offshore cays, and they will eat unprotected eggs, so the seabirds are now facing new dangers. The steepest, slippery cliff faces may be the safest.
There is usually only one tropicbird egg, and it is incubated mostly by the female. She sits with it for about six weeks while the male brings her food. When the chick hatches, both parents bring food for it as it grows. Then after about three months the chick is ready to leave the nest and start its pelagic, ocean wandering life.
Nearby, on the imposing cliffs of Carvel (or Carval) Rock, about 20 pairs of smaller Bridled Terns were nesting. These birds get their name from the dark lines reaching from their mouths to the backs of their heads, like a bridle used to control a riding horse. These terns are also pelagic and widespread in warm ocean waters. They tend to stay somewhat closer to shore than tropicbirds, though, and like to find something floating to sit on, like mats of the sargassum seaweed, rather than settling down right on top of the water.
A pair of Bridled Terns watched over their nesting site. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
The bridled terns have longish forked tails, and their courtship involves some high flight displays, but their moves are not as dramatic as the tropicbirds. A male will fly by offering a fish to entice the females, and there is also a ground-level dance involving bowing and strutting.
The female will produce only one egg, and place it on or under a ledge, without building a substantial nest. Both parents will guard the egg, and then feed and protect the chick from predators, which seems like a strategy that increases the likelihood of its survival.
A Bridled Tern flew up to warn us against getting too close. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
Laughing Gulls also come to some of the offshore islands in the Virgin Islands to nest during the summer, but they are not welcome near the terns. Gulls will eat the terns’ eggs or chicks if they get a chance, and will also chase adult terns and try to grab fish out of their mouths. The gulls also frequently gather in groups along the beaches, and will eagerly steal food from people as well.
Laughing Gulls came by to survey the scene at Carvel Rock. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
Royal Terns will also steal fish from other, smaller terns. They are more commonly visible from land as they like to sit on buoys in the harbor. They have black caps when breeding, and there are a few of them that nest in this area.
Royal Terns stand on buoys to scan for fish. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
From the boat, we also saw a couple of Oystercatchers on Rata Cay between St. John and Lovango. Oystercatchers have long, carrot-like bills that give them a cartoonish appearance. They actually stay through the year in some areas in the Virgin Islands, and are almost always seen in pairs. They nest on beaches in remote parts of the larger islands, as well as on small cays close to shore. The parents will take turns sitting on the nest and bringing food, which often includes local whelks that they break open with their strong bills.
A bright-billed Oystercatcher warily watched our boat go by. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
The students on the trip learned about the importance of preserving isolated offshore spaces for birds so they can continue to nest and reproduce, and be as free as possible from invasive predators and human disturbance. Because seabirds are not just fun to watch. Their widespread migrations, fishing, and nesting activities are critical for maintaining the health of our interconnected oceans, islands and sky.
At the end of the trip, the students also got to jump in the water off Lovango Cay to cool off and also take a look under the water with snorkels. A pretty great day.
Students had a chance to swim and snorkel near Lovango Cay. (Photo Gail Karlsson)
Gail Karlsson is the author of a photo book Looking for Birds on St. John, as well as two other books about nature in the Virgin Islands –The Wild Life in an Island House, and Learning About Trees and Plants – A Project of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St. John. Follow her on Instagram @gailkarlsson and gvkarlsson.blogspot.com. More info at gailkarlsson.com
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is advising the public of the upcoming Blackbeard Hill Waterline Rehabilitation Project, which will improve and modernize water infrastructure in the Blackbeard Hill community on St. Thomas.
The Water and Power Authority will work on water lines in the Blackbeard Hill area.
Funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, construction is scheduled to begin on June 1.
The project includes a comprehensive waterline main replacement featuring approximately 2,800 linear feet of new water pipeline, along with upgraded valves and fire hydrants. The work also includes construction of a new pump station to improve system pressure and operational performance. Existing waterlines within the project area will be properly decommissioned, and all affected roadways, paved surfaces, and landscaped areas will be restored upon completion.
Island Roads Corporation has been selected to execute the project on behalf of WAPA. Initial activities will include mobilization, material delivery and staging, and work area preparation ahead of construction. Work will then proceed in phases throughout the Blackbeard Hill community to minimize disruption.
Upon completion, the project will improve water distribution reliability, stabilize system pressure and flow, reduce long-term operational and maintenance costs, and strengthen overall system performance. These upgrades will provide a more resilient and efficient potable water system for Blackbeard Hill residents and businesses.
To support construction activities, traffic management measures will be implemented, and motorists should expect intermittent and phased impacts within the project corridor. Appropriate detour signage will be posted to ensure safe and efficient movement through active work zones. Customers may experience temporary water service interruptions during construction and will receive advance notice through WAPA Alerts.
WAPA thanks the community for its cooperation and support as the Authority continues to advance critical infrastructure improvements across the territory.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN
IRMA D. PEETS, Plaintiff, vs.INGRID SMITH, LANVILLE QUEELEY, BRIAN PEETS, SHAWNA DEFOUR (F/K/A SHAWNA PEETS), NADIA PEETS, AND PATRICIA PEETS, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN PARCEL 394-109 ESTATE ANNA’S RETREAT (TUTU), NO. 1 QUARTER., ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, Defendants.
Civil No. ST-2025-CV-00163ACTION TO QUIET TITLE AND FOR ADVERSE POSSESSION
To: Ingrid Smith
840 N. Sherman Circle
#G-201
Miramar, FL 33025
Within the time limited by law (see note on the next page) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and to answer to a Complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the Complaint for damages.
Witness my hand and the seal of this Court on this 19th day of May, 2026.
____________________________________
TAMARA CHARLES
Clerk of the Court
By: _________________________________
Deputy Clerk
BARNES, D’AMOUR & VOGEL
P.O. Box 10829
St. Thomas, VI 00801
Tel: (340) 774-8188 / Fax: 776-8664
/s/Gaylin Vogel
Gaylin Vogel, Esq.; VI Bar No. 1077
gvogel@usvilawfirm.comAttorneys for Plaintiff
NOTE: The Defendant, if served personally, is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service. If served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, the Defendant is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the Plaintiffs within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN
IRMA D. PEETS, Plaintiff, vs.INGRID SMITH, LANVILLE QUEELEY, BRIAN PEETS, SHAWNA DEFOUR (F/K/A SHAWNA PEETS), NADIA PEETS, AND PATRICIA PEETS, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN PARCEL 394-109 ESTATE ANNA’S RETREAT (TUTU), NO. 1 QUARTER., ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, Defendants.
Civil No. ST-2025-CV-00163ACTION TO QUIET TITLE AND FOR ADVERSE POSSESSION
To: Lanville Queeley
840 N. Sherman Circle
#G-201
Miramar, FL 33025
Within the time limited by law (see note on the next page) you are hereby required to appear before this Court and to answer to a Complaint filed against you in this action. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment by default will be taken against you as demanded in the Complaint for damages.
Witness my hand and the seal of this Court on this 19th day of May, 2026.
TAMARA CHARLES
Clerk of the Court
By: _________________________________
Deputy Clerk
BARNES, D’AMOUR & VOGEL
P.O. Box 10829
St. Thomas, VI 00801
Tel: (340) 774-8188 / Fax: 776-8664
/s/Gaylin Vogel
Gaylin Vogel, Esq.; VI Bar No. 1077
gvogel@usvilawfirm.comAttorneys for Plaintiff
NOTE: The Defendant, if served personally, is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of the Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after service of this summons, excluding the date of service. If served by publication or by personal service outside of the jurisdiction, the Defendant is required to file his/her answer or other defense with the Clerk of this Court, and to serve a copy thereof upon the attorney for the Plaintiffs within thirty (30) days after the completion of the period of publication or personal service outside of the jurisdiction.
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority
3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200
St. Thomas, VI, 00802-6477
(340)777-4HFA(4432)On or about May 28, 2026 the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority will submit a request to the HUD for the release of Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (Electrical Grid) funds under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, (PL93-383), as amended, to undertake the following project:
Program/Project Title: Electrical Power System Improvement/Distribution Automated Devices
Project Description: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) currently has limited isolation points and limited Distribution Automated (DA) devices. Consequently, the territory experiences a wide array of power outages that arise from system faults. The Distribution Automated (DA) Devices project aims to decrease the number and duration of outages across the territory by detecting and isolating faulted areas to allow quicker service restoration and optimize power flow. DA devices enable real time monitoring and control with minimal human interference. With the use of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), the DA devices will be able to isolate and restore electrical service to customers during abrupt power outages. The proposed project includes the installation of thirty (30) DA devices across the territory to assist with localizing systems during power disruptions. DA device installation will include components such as brackets, reclosers, tie-switches, isolation switches and fault indicators. The maximum elevation/height of each existing pole will not be altered as a result of the proposed project. Although the installation will solely take place on the islands of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, the beneficiaries of the proposed project also includes residents in the Water Island district.
Location: Territory Wide – St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John
Estimated Project Cost: The total HUD funding and estimated project cost is $1,500,000, fully funded by HUD through the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) – Electrical Power Systems Improvement (CDBG-EGRID) Program under Grant Number B-18-DE-78-0001.
Grant Number
HUD Program
Funding Amount
B-17-DM-78-0001
CDBG-EG
$1,500,000
Law, Authority, or Factor
Mitigation Measure
Airport Hazards
24 CFR Part 51 Subpart D
– WAPA will adhere to all governmental requirements for construction works near airports, including but not limited to the filing of Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, prior to any construction works, as necessary
– WAPA will not commence construction activities without the necessary approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration, through the approval of Form 7460-1 Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration and all other subsequent information requests, as deemed applicable
Permitting
WAPA is required to obtain all necessary permits to implement the project where applicable.
The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project is on file at the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, 3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200, St. Thomas, VI 00802-6447, Attention Ms. Dayna Clendinen, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Disaster Recovery Officer, or via email at environmental@vihfa.gov. and may be examined or copied weekdays 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, 3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200, St. Thomas, VI 00802-6447, Attention Ms. Dayna Clendinen, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Disaster Recovery Officer, or via email at environmental@vihfa.gov. All comments received by May 28, 2026, will be considered by the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CERTIFICATION
The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority certifies to HUD that Ms. Dayna Clendinen in her capacity as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Disaster Recovery Officer consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to use Program funds.
OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS
HUD will accept objections to its release of fund and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority certification for a period of fifteen days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: (a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority; (b) the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR part 58; (c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; or (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58, Sec. 58.76) and shall be addressed to HUD at U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at HUD Caribbean Area Office, Region VI, 235 Federico Costa Street, Suite 200, Parque Las Américas I Building, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.
Sincerely,
Dayna Clendinen
Chief Operating Officer and Chief Disaster Recovery Officer
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority
AVISO DE INTENCIÓN DE SOLICITAR LA LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS
El mayo 21, 2026
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority
3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200
St. Thomas, VI, 00802-6477
(340)777-4HFA(4432)
El mayo 28, 2026 o o después, la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority presentará una
solicitud al Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (HUD) en los Estados
Unidos para la liberación del fundos del Programa de Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario – Programa de Recuperación ante Desastres (Red Eléctrica) bajo el Título 1 de la Ley de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de 1974, (PL93-383), en su forma enmendada, para llevar a cabo:
Título del Programa/Proyecto: Electrical Power System Improvement/
Distribution Automated Devices
Project Description: La Autoridad de Agua y Energía de las Islas Vírgenes (VIWAPA) tiene actualmente puntos limitados de aislamiento y dispositivos automáticos de distribución (DA) limitados. En consecuencia, el territorio experimenta grandes cortes que surgen de fallos del sistema. El proyecto de dispositivos automatizados de distribución (DA) tiene como objetivo disminuir el número y la duración de las interrupciones en todo el territorio mediante la detección y el aislamiento de áreas con fallos para permitir una restauración más rápida del servicio y optimizar el flujo de energía. Los dispositivos DA permiten monitorear y controlar en tiempo real con una interferencia humana mínima. Con el uso del Control de Supervisión y Adquisición de Datos (SCADA), los dispositivos DA podrán aislar y restaurar el servicio eléctrico a los clientes durante cortes de energía bruscos. El proyecto propuesto incluye la instalación de treinta (30) dispositivos DA en todo el territorio para ayudar con la localización de sistemas durante interrupciones de energía. La instalación del dispositivo DA incluirá componentes como soportes, reconectadores, interruptores de conexión, interruptores de aislamiento e indicadores de falla. La elevación/altura máxima de cada poste existente no se modificará como resultado del proyecto propuesto. Aunque la instalación se llevará a cabo únicamente en las islas de Santo Tomás, San Juan y Santa Cruz, los beneficiarios del proyecto propuesto también incluyen residentes en el distrito de Water Island.
Ubicación: En todo el territorio – St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, US Virgin Islands
Costo Estimado del Proyecto: El total de la financiación del HUD y el costo estimado del
proyecto es de $1,500,000, financiado en su totalidad por el HUD a través del Programa de
Subvención en Bloque de Desarrollo Comunitario – Programa de Recuperación ante Desastres (CDBG-DR) – Programa de Mejora de los Sistemas Eléctricos de Energía (CDBG-EGRID) bajo la Subvención Número B-18-DE-78-0001.
Número del Subsidio
Nombre del Proyecto
Programa de HUD
Funding Amount
B-17-DM-78-0001
Distribution Automated Devices
CDBG-EG
$1,500,000
Las actividades propuestas están categóricamente excluidas bajo las regulaciones del HUD en el 24 CFR Parte 58 de los requisitos de la Ley Nacional de Política Ambiental (NEPA). Información adicional sobre el proyecto se encuentra en el Registro de Revisión Ambiental (ERR) en los archivos de la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority a 3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200, St. Thomas, VI 00802-6447, Atención Sra. Dayna Clendinen, Oficial de Operaciones y Oficial de Recuperación de Desastres o por correo electrónico a environmental@vihfa.gov. El ERR también puede ser examinado o copiado los días laborables de 8AM a 5PM.
Distribution Automated Devices debe cumplir con las siguientes medidas de mitigación para garantizar que se mantenga en regla con las normativas medioambientales de HUD y VIHFA.
Ley, Autoridad, o Factor
Medida de Mitigación
Peligros en el Aeropuerto
24 CFR Part 51 Subparte D
– WAPA cumplirá con todos los requisitos gubernamentales para obras de construcción cerca de aeropuertos, incluyendo pero no limitado a la presentación del Formulario 7460-1 Aviso de Propuesta de Construcción o Alteración, antes de cualquier obra de construcción, según sea necesario.
– WAPA no comenzará las actividades de construcción sin las aprobaciones necesarias de la Administración Federal de Aviación, a través de la aprobación del Formulario 7460-1 Aviso de Propuesta de Construcción o Alteración y todas las demás solicitudes de información posteriores, según se considere aplicable.
Licencias
WAPA debe obtener todos los permisos necesarios para llevar a cabo el proyecto cuando sea aplicable.
COMENTARIOS PÙBLICOS
Cualquier individuo, grupo o agencia puede presentar o enviar a comentarios por escrito sobre el
ERR a la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, 3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200, St. Thomas, VI 00802-6447, Atención Sra. Dayna Clendinen, Directora de Operaciones y Directora de Recuperación ante Desastres o por correo electrónico a environmental@vihfa.gov. Todos los comentarios recibidos por del 28 de mayo de 2026 serán considerados por la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority antes de autorizar la presentación de una solicitud de liberación de fondos.
CERTIFICACIÓN MEDIOAMBIENTAL
La Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority certifica a HUD que la Sra. Dayna Clendinen en su capacidad de Directora de Operaciones y Directora de Recuperación ante Desastres consiente en aceptar la jurisdicción de los Tribunales Federales si una acción se presenta para hacer cumplir las responsabilidades en relación con el proceso de revisión ambiental y que estas responsabilidades han sido satisfechas. La aprobación de la certificación por parte de HUD satisface sus responsabilidades bajo de NEPA y las leyes y autoridades relacionadas y permite a la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority utilizar los fondos del Programa.
OBJECIONES A LA LIBERACIÓN DE FONDOS
HUD aceptará objeciones a su liberación de fondos y a la certificación de la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority durante un período de quince días después de la fecha de presentación anticipada o de la recepción real de la solicitud (lo que ocurra más tarde) solo si se basan en una de las siguientes bases: (a) la certificación no fue ejecutada por el Oficial Certificador de la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority; (b) la Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority ha omitido un paso o no ha tomado una decisión o hallazgo requerido por las regulaciones de HUD en 24 CFR parte 58; (c) el beneficiario de la subvención u otros participantes en el proceso de desarrollo han comprometido fondos, incurrido en costos o realizado actividades no autorizadas por 24 CFR Parte 58 antes de la aprobación de una liberación de fondos por parte de HUD; o (d) otra agencia federal que actúe de conformidad con 40 CFR Parte 1504 ha presentado una determinación por escrito de que el proyecto es insatisfactorio desde el punto de vista de la calidad ambiental. Las objeciones deben prepararse y presentarse de acuerdo con los procedimientos requeridos (24 CFR Parte 58, Sec. 58.76) y deberán dirigirse a HUD en la Oficina de HUD en el Caribe, Región VI, 235 Calle Federico Costa, Suite 200, Edificio Parque Las Américas I, San Juan, Puerto Rico, 00918. Los posibles objetores deben comunicarse con HUD para verificar el último día real del período de objeción.
Sinceramente,
Dayna Clendinen
Oficial Certificadora, Principal Agente de Operaciones, Principal Agente de Recuperación de
Desastres
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority
Jean Elizabeth Cottrell, 77, of East End St. John passed away unexpectantly on April 7, 2026.
Jean Elizabeth Cottrell
Born December 7, 1948, to Suzanne and Stanley Doublsky in Trenton, NJ, she graduated from Douglas College at Rutgers University where she met her future husband Stephen (Steve) Cottrell.
Jean taught French at Sayreville, NJ high school before the couple moved first to Chicago and then to Palo Alto, CA. She was a librarian at Stanford while Steve researched at NASA.
Eventually they returned to the East Coast, residing in the Rockaway section of Brooklyn. Jean earned a master’s in business administration at Fordham before becoming a paralegal with one of most prestigious law firms in Manhattan, and later a director of human resources. Steve taught at CUNY Brooklyn.
Several vacations to St. John in the late 80’s, including camping at Cinnamon Bay, led to their retirement to the island in the mid-90’s. They bought a beautiful oceanfront house on the bluffs of far East End that became their cherished home for nearly 30 years.
Jean was an excellent cook and as in New York she delighted in being the hostess with the mostest. The great room at East End was the scene of many lavish, often large dinner parties.There were memorable theme nights, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve and Day celebrations.
The couple’s love of plants made them enthusiastic contributors to the Audubon’s annual plant sales.
For many years she explored the interior of St. John with the Happy Wanderers hiking group and as a member of the St. John Historical Society.
Jean volunteered wholeheartedly for the annual Flotilla benefit for Coral Bay’s Kids and the Sea program. She also volunteered at Guy Benjamin School with remedial reading for the students.
Her love of animals led to her tremendous support for animal rights groups including the Animal Care Center of St. John.
In addition to being an active member of her neighborhood homeowner’s association, Jean was also an avid knitter and crocheter.
Jean undoubtably will be remembered not only for her hospitality and community activism, but for her indomitable personality, love of friends and her island home.
She is survived by her husband, Stephen, and her sister, Joanne Doublsky of Manchester, New Jersey.
Her remains will be scattered on her property at a future date.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, in coordination with the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the Virgin Islands Energy Office, participated in a territory-wide pre-capstone exercise on Thursday, May 14, focused on temporary power operations and emergency coordination ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The territory-wide pre-capstone exercise focused on temporary power operations and emergency coordination ahead of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.
The exercise was conducted simultaneously at the Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs) on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John, with agencies also participating virtually. The tabletop discussion brought together government agencies, healthcare partners, first responders, and private sector stakeholders to review emergency power priorities, identify operational gaps, and strengthen coordination under Emergency Support Function #12 (ESF-12), which addresses energy restoration and fuel operations during disasters.
Led by Eliji Mondesir, Chief Engineer, Office of the Governor Virgin Islands Energy Office, the exercise focused on reviewing critical facility generator requirements, identifying top priority locations for temporary power support, clarifying agency roles and responsibilities, and assessing fuel, equipment, and generator capacity needs in the event of a major storm or disaster.
Participants included representatives from WAPA, VITEMA, the Virgin Islands Energy Office, Department of Health, Department of Human Services, VIFEMS, Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), Department of Public Works, Department of Property and Procurement, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and additional public and private sector partners.
“This exercise is about ensuring the Territory is prepared before an emergency happens,” said VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen. “The collaboration between agencies during these planning sessions helps us identify gaps, improve coordination, and strengthen our readiness ahead of hurricane season.”
As part of the exercise, agencies reviewed updates made throughout the past year, discussed outstanding needs that fall under ESF-12 responsibilities, and evaluated procedures for temporary power deployment and fuel support for critical infrastructure.
“Eliminating gaps and validating our priorities now allows us to respond faster and more effectively when storms threaten the Territory,” said Chief Engineer Mondesir. “Preparedness is not a one-week effort, it requires continuous coordination and planning throughout the year.”
Under ESF-12, the Virgin Islands Energy Office serves as the lead agency responsible for coordinating emergency energy operations, while WAPA provides technical expertise related to power restoration, generation capacity, feeder status, fuel inventories, and infrastructure damage assessments during emergencies.
WAPA Director of Corporate Communications Shanell Spencer emphasized the importance of year-round preparation as hurricane season approaches on June 1.
“As hurricane season approaches, exercises like these strengthen coordination and ensure lead agencies are equipped with timely, accurate information before, during, and after an emergency,” stated Director Spencer. “Clear communication and information sharing are critical to effective preparedness and response efforts.”
The pre-capstone exercise serves as preparation for the Territory’s larger Capstone Exercise scheduled for June 1–5, which will further test coordination, response capabilities, and emergency operations across the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
