STT Public Hearing on Proposed Marine Fee Increases Draws Vocal Crowd

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STT Public Hearing on Proposed Marine Fee Increases Draws Vocal Crowd
Lorelei Monsanto talks about her issues with parking on St. John and funding with the Port Authority’s during Tuesday’s public hearing at the Port Authority on St. Thomas. (Zoom screenshot)
Lorelei Monsanto talks about her issues with parking on St. John and Port Authority funding during Tuesday’s public hearing on proposed marine tariff hikes at the Port Authority building on St. Thomas. (Zoom screenshot)

The Virgin Islands Port Authority held its second public hearing on proposed marine tariff hikes before a packed house Tuesday night on St. Thomas, with many voicing disapproval about the increases for everything from barge travel to pilotage fees during the meeting that lasted more than three hours.

The third and final meeting will be held Wednesday night on St. Croix. The first meeting, on St. John Monday night, drew an overflow crowd, and the Port Authority said in a release Wednesday morning that it has added capacity for 500 to be able to attend tonight’s meeting via Zoom.

The proposed price increases would affect British Virgin Islands passenger wharfage and ship dues, docking fees, pilotage, barge ramp fees, cargo overflow staging fees, and parking fees. If approved they would be implemented on Jan. 1, 2026 and will go towards operations of the Port Authority. Fee increases range from $1 for items like ship dues, up to $600 per gross ton for pilotage.

The presentation and current and proposed marine tariffs are available for download at the Port Authority’s website.

Executive Director Carlton Dowe highlighted the responsibilities of the authority at Tuesday’s meeting, noting that funding for its operations — as an autonomous, self-sustaining agency that does not receive government money — mainly comes from tenant rentals and port user fees. Repairs and renovation projects, and the structural integrity of docks and terminals, especially on St. John, remain pressing concerns, with assessments revealing severe deterioration requiring extensive renovations, he said.

An audience member addresses V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe at Tuesdayt’s public hearing on the agency’s proposed marine tariff hikes. (Zoom screenshot)
An audience member addresses V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe, far right at the podium, at Tuesday’s public hearing on the agency’s proposed marine tariff hikes. (Zoom screenshot)

Currently, St. John has three marine projects at the Victor William Sewer Marine Facility, Theovald Moorehead Dock and Terminal, and the Loredon Lorence Boynes Sr. Dock, with the latter requiring the most work.

“It’s going to take some significant work with our projects to keep our facilities going for decades to come,” said Jamen Descartes, senior engineering project manager for the Port Authority.

Of the Boynes Sr. Dock, he added, “It’s going to be a challenging project to complete, but we’re going to get it done. … It’s going to take some talented contractors to get it done.”

Of all the facilities, the Boynes Sr. Dock is reportedly in the worst condition. Two dinghy docks need repairs and there is significant under-deck deterioration. Dowe said the marine facilities are ranked on a scale of 2 to 5, with 2 being “serious” and 5 being “satisfactory.”

On St. Thomas, the Austin Babe Monsanto Marine Terminal, Crown Bay Cargo Port, Charles F. Blair Seaplane Terminal, and Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal received a 4, or “fair,” rank. The Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal received a 5, and on St. Croix, the Theovald Moorehead Dock and Terminal, Svend Aage Ovesen Jr. Seaplane Terminal, and Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier received a 5. The Gallows Bay Marine Facility, Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center, and Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility received a 3, or “poor,” rank.

Additionally, at the Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, roof and guttering repairs are needed as well as a redesign of the U.S. Customs facility, as the authority anticipates travelers from the BVI clearing customs on St. Thomas instead of St. John.

“If you come from the BVI, you now have to stop in St. John. Sometimes that can take you two to three hours before you could clear,” said Dowe. “What we will be doing with this project is allowing for folks to come down, directly from the BVI and stop in Red Hook.”

On St. Croix, the “Bomba” Allick Terminal and Abramson Marine facilities will undergo repairs, while the Gallows Bay Marine Facility will be demolished and repurposed, with tenants relocated to the Gordon Finch Marine Terminal, according to Dowe.

Additionally, both gantry cranes on St. Thomas and St. Croix are more than 30 years old and need replacing at $7 million apiece, he said, as parts for the aging equipment are now obsolete. During questioning from the audience, it was also revealed that the cranes are leased to Tropical Shipping, and subleased in turn. Attendees hinted at the need for better oversight of resources being leased.

“The Port Authority choose anybody who wants to use that crane, and does that business, can use it, but for a fee. The Port Authority has no one that operates that crane,” said Dowe.

Additionally, concrete spalling, or deterioration, issues and dredging are among some of the areas that need attention at marine facilities.

While Dowe made the case for the fee increases, attendees remained skeptical.

Kristen Cox, a resident of St. John, highlighted the inconvenient toll booth and barge fees for residents, especially the additional $2 per person upcharge proposed for barge travelers. She acknowledged that when travelling by plane, Port Authority fees are already included in airline ticket prices, but said it is inconvenient for St. John residents who have no choice but to travel home by boat from St. Thomas.

“St. John is the breadbasket of the Virgin Islands,” she said. “We have to either pay a taxi, at $25 a person or more … or in addition to your luggage fees, then you get to the ferry,” she said. “All in all, it’s about $80 for us, as a single person, per person, to get home to St. John.”

Dowe responded that the authority’s fees have not been raised for 19 years, though the barge companies have raised their fees more than twice during that time, he said.

Marjorie Smith, of Smith’s Ferry Services, asked whether the authority could start collecting its own port fees instead of relying on the ferry companies to collect them from their customers.

Dowe reminded her that though port fees have been added and collected by ferry companies, the ferry companies also increased the fees and added an extra $2 to passenger tickets for their own gain.

Later, Junie Hendricks of Road Town Fast Ferry, who opposed the increases, addressed Dowe about his 100-foot boat and the current docking fees.

“So, we paying $100 for the docking fee. Now we going up there with the proposed one, we would be paying $250,” said Hendricks.

He added that he wouldn’t be opposed to an increase with a final fee of $125 or $150, but calmly said that the Port Authority board knows he and others would “put up a fight” over the current proposed increases.

Lorelei Monsanto, a St. John resident, raised the issue of parking spaces contracted to businessman Paul Hoffman at the Cruz Bay parking lot and funding issues, especially surrounding GARVEE bonds, which are typically used for major projects receiving federal funding. Imani Daniel asked about the authority’s financial records and evidence for the fee hikes, while also highlighting citations by the Federal Aviation Administration, which fined the Port Authority in 2023 for improper maintenance of the runway at Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. One attendee grew passionate when addressing the proposed increases, saying to Dowe, “God ain’t finished with all you yet,” and added that the Port Authority should team up with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources to collect fees from boaters occupying local waters.

While many voiced dissatisfaction with the proposed fee hikes, some were more positive.

“Mr. Dowe, good ideas, in the end, you going have to raise fees,” said Collister Fahie. He added, “I don’t think that we got a real money problem, I think we got a management problem.”

Attendees also asked whether the Port Authority board has made its final vote on the matter. Dowe said it has not been finalized.

Throughout the hearing, many concerns were raised and a plethora of questions were asked by the audience. Dowe and his staff addressed all, however, due to the overwhelming number of questions and the intricacy of some, Dowe encouraged some attendees to reach out to Monifa Marrero-Brathwaite, public information officer, with their remaining concerns. She can be reached at 340-774-1629. The meeting ended after 9 p.m.

The St. Croix meeting is scheduled for Wednesday (tonight) at 6 p.m. at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal VIPA Conference Room on the second floor. Residents may also attend via Zoom by registering at www.viport.com/events (meeting capacity has been expanded to 500 participants).

Monday’s public hearing on St. John can be found here.

Judge Delays Jury Selection for February 2023 St. Thomas Murder Trial

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Judge Delays Jury Selection for February 2023 St. Thomas Murder Trial
Jury selection for the Feb. 24, 2023, murder trial of Richardson Dangleben Jr. was supposed to begin Oct. 20 in Superior Court. The victim in the case was 68-year-old Keith A. Jennings. (Source file photo)

The suspect in two separate killings in 2023 will not face trial on either one until at least 2026; this prospect became clear after a Wednesday hearing in Superior Court at what was supposed to be final pretrial motions in the case of Richardson Dangleben Jr.

Dangleben’s name is most closely associated with the fatal shooting of Police Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. in Hospital Ground on July 4, 2023. At the time of that incident, the defendant was also facing charges linked to an earlier shooting death — that of Keith A. Jennings on Feb. 24, 2023.

Jury selection in the Jennings case was scheduled to start Oct. 20, but on Wednesday Superior Court Judge Denise Francois said proceedings would be delayed until next year. The hearing was held to consider pretrial motions, including a request for a change of venue to St. Croix.

Motions filed by defense attorney Carl R. Williams also included a request to drop four illegal weapons counts appearing on the charging documents filed by the Justice Department.

Dangleben appeared at Wednesday’s hearing by way of livestream video from the Bureau of Corrections facility on St. Thomas.

Francois told Williams and Assistant Attorney General Jeremy Weddle that changing the venue might cause logistic problems and could lead to a change of judges as well. There would also be considerations for proceedings taking place in federal court involving Danglben around the same time, she said.

Pretrial hearings in the Phipps case, playing out in District Court, have seen lawyers for the U.S. Justice Department demand that Dangleben face the death penalty. Federal Public Defender Matthew Campbell successfully argued against it; federal prosecutors have, in recent days, turned to the Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit for reinstatement.

Those considerations led the judge in the Jennings case to pause the proceedings; Francois said she would lay out the merits in a written opinion to be issued soon. “Given the parallel proceedings in District Court, I am going to reschedule jury selection and trial in this case to sometime next year,” Francois said.

Parole Board Can Consider ‘Regular’ Applications as Court Weighs Geriatric Parole Questions

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Parole Board Can Consider ‘Regular’ Applications as Court Weighs Geriatric Parole Questions
Assistant Attorney General Christopher Timmons leaves the V.I. Superior Court on St. Croix Wednesday after a cross-motions hearing in the dispute between Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., the V.I. Parole Board and four incarcerated men who applied for early release under a recently-enacted law. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

A V.I. Superior Court judge amended a temporary restraining order against the territory’s parole board Wednesday and allowed them to resume hearing applications — except for those filed under a recent law allowing for parole on a geriatric or medical basis.

Attorneys for Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., the board and three convicted participants of the so-called Fountain Valley Massacre — as well as one other man convicted of aggravated rape in 2015 — appeared before Judge Alphonso Andrews Jr. Wednesday morning on St. Croix after asking for a summary judgment in July. Andrews granted a temporary restraining order against the board in June after Bryan filed an emergency motion to halt parole proceedings, claiming the board lacked a quorum and that the geriatric parole statute was unconstitutional. The 35th Legislature approved the measure in 2023, and Bryan signed it into law as Act 8791 in January 2024.

Bryan’s challenge came after Warren Ballantine, Beaumont Gereau and Meral Smith — who were each sentenced to eight consecutive life sentences more than 50 years ago for their part in the Fountain Valley killings — and one other man, Tydel John, applied for parole under the newly-minted law. Sen. Franklin Johnson, who sponsored the measure, told the Source in June that applicants’ notoriety almost certainly played a role in the governor’s challenge.

“What I really believe happened — it’s the folks that then applied for it, who happened to be the Fountain Valley Five,” he said. “Because when I did that bill, the governor said to me, he said, ‘Senator, this is a very good bill,’ and he signed it into law. The governor never challenged it.”

In July, Bryan nominated Roy Moorehead Jr. to fill one of the board’s vacancies, and the parties no longer dispute whether the board has enough voting members to take action. On Wednesday, however, Andrews said the question of whether the board had been operating without a quorum for several years had yet to be answered.

During a hearing in June, Assistant Attorney General Christopher Timmons — representing Bryan — called V.I. Corrections Bureau Executive Assistant Curlita LeBlanc to the stand. LeBlanc told the court that the board has only had three voting members since the resignation of Cherrisse Woods in December 2022. V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea also sits on the board as a nonvoting member.

The board’s attorney, Pedro Williams, repeated arguments Wednesday that the presence of a nonvoting member counted toward establishing a quorum and that, per a nearly 30-year-old set of bylaws the board adopted in 1997, only three members are needed to approve parole matters. Timmons challenged the validity of those bylaws, which were not sent to the Legislature for approval. Andrews later said he was “at a loss to identify” what authority the board had to promulgate rules and regulations without oversight.

Williams also argued that the vacancies only occurred because Bryan failed to nominate new members. Andrews questioned whether Bryan was even aware of the shortfall.

“He should know,” Williams said. “He ought to know.”

Later, Andrews heard arguments over the constitutionality of applying the geriatric and medical release law retroactively.

The Justice Department has argued that statutes “are presumed to be applied prospectively, and not retroactively” and that applying the geriatric parole statute here “would impair the sentencing right of the judge who sentenced them; it would impair the rights of the prosecutors who determined which charges to bring and which penalties to seek; and it would impair the rights of the general public who prior enactment of the geriatric parole law could rest assured that these violent and notorious criminals never walk the streets again.”

OCR to Host Cannabis Compliance Education Summit; Cultivation License Decisions Expected Next Week

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OCR to Host Cannabis Compliance Education Summit; Cultivation License Decisions Expected Next Week
V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulation Executive Director Joanne Moorehead discusses upcoming compliance and licensing updates during Wednesday’s Cannabis Advisory Board meeting. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)

The V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulation is gearing up to host its first Cannabis Compliance Education Summit next month, designed to help future licensees navigate the complexities of operating within a regulated cannabis industry.

During Wednesday’s Cannabis Advisory Board meeting, OCR Executive Director Joanne Moorehead emphasized the importance of compliance and education for the territory’s emerging cannabis businesses.

“Unlike some of the other industries here in the territory, regulated cannabis is very compliance-heavy,” said Moorehead. “There are a lot of requirements, a lot of rules and regulations that are integral to maintaining a sound and working regulated cannabis space.”

Recognizing the challenges that new licensees may face, the OCR will host two daylong, in-person summits on St. Thomas on Nov. 3 and on St. Croix on Nov. 4. The events will bring together cannabis professionals with experience from other regulated markets across the United States.

“It’s not just OCR providing information,” Moorehead explained. “We’ve invited cannabis professionals to talk about best operational practices for maintaining and sustaining compliant businesses. It benefits no one if we issue licenses to people who can’t stay compliant or sustain operations.”

Moorehead encouraged all prospective applicants and license holders to attend “armed with questions” and take advantage of the opportunity to engage directly with experts.

In addition to the summit announcement, Moorehead provided an update on the status of cultivation and micro-cultivation license applications.

“We are actively working on those, and I am hoping that next week — the week of October 14 to 17 — we can contact the majority of cultivation applicants with responses on whether they are being awarded provisional licenses or micro-cultivation permits,” she said.

She clarified that successful applicants will first receive provisional licenses, allowing them to move into the next phase of operational preparation, such as build out, obtaining business licenses, and completing safety and environmental inspections before being granted a certificate to operate.

“There is still a process,” Moorehead noted. “We’re making sure that what’s built matches what was proposed and that all the appropriate agency documentation and inspections are in place before any business opens its doors,” she said.

Moorehead also reminded the public that the deadline for Cannabis Dispensary License Applications has been extended to Oct. 15. Once applicants complete and submit part one, they will receive an application number or Unique ID on the confirmation screen, which must be used to complete and submit part two in the same manner.

Applicants are reminded that applications will not be considered complete without payment. The $10,000 application fee must be paid on or before the Oct. 15 deadline at 3 p.m. Payments can be made in person at the OCR/DLCA offices on St. Croix or St. Thomas, where cashier hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The deadline to submit Part 2 of the application is Dec. 19.

Responding to Chair Dr. Catherine Kean’s question regarding the function of the Research and Development Cannabis License, which allows licensees to focus on genetics and plant innovation, Moorehead explained, “It’s intended for those heavy on genetics and clones. It provides an opportunity to grow a larger number of plants, sell clones and seeds, and develop new genetics. For example, humidity-resistant strains would be particularly valuable here in the Virgin Islands.”

She added that the OCR looks forward to seeing “innovative and creative minds” contribute to the local cannabis industry through research and genetic development.

Other office updates included the hiring of compliance auditors and the commencement of training for enforcement officers.

Although the board was unable to vote on the acceptance of last month’s minutes due to a lack of quorum, Kean noted that most board members serve as commissioners for other departments, and meetings are organized around their availability.

The Cannabis Advisory Board tentatively scheduled its next meeting for Nov. 5 at 2 p.m.

With compliance training, license decisions, and R&D opportunities advancing, Moorehead said she is optimistic about the territory’s progress.

“We’re setting our industry up for success,” she concluded. “This is an exciting step forward.”

For more updates, visit the OCR website at ocr.vi.gov or email info.ocr@ocr.vi.gov.

Former Gallows Bay Hardware Employee Arrested in Embezzlement Case

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Former Gallows Bay Hardware Employee Arrested in Embezzlement Case

A 55-year-old former employee of Gallows Bay Hardware on St. Croix was arrested Tuesday for her alleged role in an embezzlement scheme involving company gift cards, the V.I. Police Department reported.

The Economic Crimes Unit launched an investigation Aug. 20 after the business owner filed a complaint alleging embezzlement by an employee, the department said in a news release. Investigators determined that the employee, Alicia Caleb, allegedly obtained gift card information from an accomplice who used his managerial authority to manipulate the company’s gift card roster. The pair then used the cards for personal gain, according to the police report.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed Caleb fraudulently pretending to cash out customers and diverting funds for herself and her accomplice, the police report stated.

Detectives served Caleb with an arrest warrant at her residence on Oct. 7 and took her into custody without incident. She was charged with embezzlement by employee, obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, access to a computer for fraudulent purposes, and conspiracy, the report stated

Her accomplice remains at large. Bail was set at $35,000, and Caleb was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility after she was unable to post bond. She is scheduled to appear for an advice of rights hearing in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, police said.

Diabetes Center Starts Program to Prevent Childhood Diabetes

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Diabetes Center Starts Program to Prevent Childhood Diabetes
Students at Eulalie Rivera K-8 will be screened for diabetes under a new program launching Oct. 17. (Submitted photo)
On Oct. 17, a new program will be launched at Eulalie Rivera K-8 School to treat and prevent childhood diabetes. The program will be run by the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence, the V.I. Education Department and the Bennie and Martha Benjamin Foundation. The initiative will identify, educate and empower children who may be at risk for diabetes. Initially, students in the fourth and fifth grades at Rivera School and those who are overweight or have a family history of diabetes will be screened. According to Sash Ogarro with the V.I. Diabetes Center of Excellence, more than 100 children at the school have already been identified as possibly having symptoms. Frequent urination, excessive thirst, dark patches on the skin and being frequently tired are the symptoms according to Ogarro. She said there is no specific age group with more cases – diabetes treats children equally. The Diabetes Center’s staff comprises physicians, nurse practitioners, dietitians, endocrinologists, and ophthalmologists who provide individual care for patients as well as self-management classes and referrals to specialists. The center also conducts research. VIDCOE’s holistic approach to diabetes includes regular doctor visits, diet, exercise, education, and focused exams. Annual checkups for people with diabetes should include vision, teeth, feet and a physical exam. Those with diabetes should check blood and glucose levels daily. The children who test positive for diabetes will be enrolled in interactive education sessions that focus on healthy eating habits, increased physical activity and making positive lifestyle choices. For more information, visit www.vidcoe.org. Ogarro said the center’s plan is to expand the program to other schools, eventually.

Joann Reece Dies at 84

Mat Probasco
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Joann Reece Dies at 84
Joann Reece died peacefully at Maimonides Hospital (NY) on Friday, October 3, 2025.
Joann Reece
She was born on November 19, 1940, in Chaguanas, Trinidad & Tobago, to Thelma Collymore and Solomon Moreno. She grew up on Waterloo Road, Carapichaima, where she began raising six children with her first husband before relocating to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in the late 1960s.  Joann met Carl Joseph Reece on St. Croix, with whom she shared 42 years of marriage and two children until his passing. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Both were entrepreneurs who owned The Tranquility Restaurant in downtown Christiansted during the 1980s and later operated their own taxi business as proud members of the St. Croix Taxi Association. Joann was well known for her natural talent for growing roses and other plants, her delicious Roti, and her infamous Crab and Callaloo. After moving to Lake Mary, Florida, she spent her later years enjoying history books and classic Westerns. She will be remembered for her kindness and strength, and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Joann now joins in eternal rest her beloved husband of 42 years, Carl Joseph Reece; her parents, Thelma Collymore and Solomon Moreno; stepfather, John Collymore; brother, Sonny Jordan Charles; daughters, Dezarie Clarke and Valerie Clarke; son, Wendell Elijah Clarke; grandsons, Alexander Joseph O’Neal and Alexander Gordon; cousin, Ingerfield Blackman; childhood friend, Sadeek Hosein; sisters-in-law, Cynthia Reece, Carol Reece, and Jocelyn Philip; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Reece, Aldwyn Reece, Carlyle Reece, and Leroy Philip. She leaves to cherish her memory: Daughters: Carla Joanna Reece-Felix, Christine Clarke, Elaine Clarke, and Pauline Clarke Son: Jezreel Carl Reece Beloved Sons-in-law: Samuel Felix Jr. and Cylius Roland Gordon Godson: Devon Soto Cherished as Daughters: Debbie Ross, Rabiah George and Kimberly Crawford Sisters-in-law: Lima Reece, Eileen Mayers, and Wanda Charles Brothers-in-law: Kent Boyd and Glenford Reece Siblings: Olga Boyd and Philip Charles Cousins: Claudius & Jane Collymore Aunt to: Steve & Amelia Reece, Kevon & Keith Manuel, Gail, Deon & Dale Philip, Ingrid & David Charles, Kurt James, Thaddeus Boyd, and Avalon Jordan Grandchildren: Carmelo, Jantavia, Rodney, Ronelle, Chenelle, J’Nelle, Nichelle, Claynelle, Arnelle, Laurnelle, Cylius Jr., Philip, Jah-Marley, Alba, Wendell, John, Nathaniel, Frederick, Tiffany, Lisa, and Randolph, along with great-grandchildren too numerous to mention. Special Friends: Ulla Neuberger & Family, Gloria Garcia, Annette Hendricks O’Neal & Family, Donna Christensen & Family, Meryl Maynard & Family, Peter & Celina Bodley, Cornette & Erik Barfield (FL), Vinnette & Lionel White (FL), Bill & Shelley Manson (FL), Beverly Parker (FL), Zeleena Hosein & Family and Phyllis Blackman. Funeral services will be held on October 22 in Brooklyn, New York. Internment will be on her family estate in Trinidad & Tobago.

UVI Appoints Five To Leadership Roles

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UVI Appoints Five To Leadership Roles
The University of the Virgin Islands has appointed new leaders in academic affairs, finance, innovation and administration—strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, operational efficiency and innovation in higher education. These appointments position UVI to better serve students and the Virgin Islands community. “These appointments represent a bold step forward for UVI,” said President Dr. Safiya George. “Each leader brings unique strengths that will help us deliver on our mission to be a student-centered university driving innovation, research and economic development.”
Lora Bailey
Dr. Lora Bailey Named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lora Bailey has been appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, serving as UVI’s chief academic officer with oversight of six schools and colleges, enrollment management and athletics. Since joining in July 2025, she has begun to guide academic strategy, strengthen research and advance quality and innovation across the University. With more than 25 years of higher education leadership at Virginia State University, Indiana University Northwest and Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Bailey has secured over $7 million in external funding and successfully led national accreditation processes at other institutions. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.A. in Teaching and a B.S. in Business Finance, all from Auburn University. “Dr. Bailey’s experience in academic leadership and federal research funding will strengthen UVI’s programs and expand opportunities for students and faculty,” said Dr. George.
Guadalupe Valencia
Guadalupe Valencia Named Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance & CFO Guadalupe “Lupe” Valencia has been appointed Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance & Chief Financial Officer. She brings extensive experience in university financial operations, including roles at The University of Texas at El Paso, the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at El Paso, the University of Washington, the University of Arizona and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Valencia is a Past President of the Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO) and also served on the board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso and is a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).
Nelson Pizarro
Dr. Nelson Pizarro Promoted to Assistant Vice President for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development Dr. Nelson Pizarro has been promoted to Kiril Sokoloff Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Assistant Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. In this expanded role, he leads efforts to attract business partnerships, build public-private collaborations and position UVI as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. At UVI, Dr. Pizarro has launched the Certificate in Entrepreneurship, secured more than $375,000 in external funding and revamped student competitions that awarded over $20,000 to emerging entrepreneurs. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Grenoble School of Management and an MBA from the University of Florida.
Owen Mtambo
Dr. Owen Mtambo Joins UVI as Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Science Dr. Owen Mtambo has joined UVI as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Science. He previously served as Biostatistician and Head of the Data Science Department at the Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE) in Malawi, Lecturer in Statistics at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Lecturer in Biostatistics at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and brings nearly 20 years of teaching and research experience. Dr. Mtambo holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), along with advanced degrees in biostatistics and mathematical sciences. His research spans public health, biostatistics and data science with more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications. At UVI, he will advance interdisciplinary research and help expand data-driven academic programs.
Kelly Harrigan
Kelly Harrigan Appointed Board Liaison and Administrator Kelly Harrigan, who has served UVI for 17 years, has been appointed Board Liaison and Administrator, effective October 6. In this role, she will be the primary contact for the Board of Trustees, coordinating meetings and communications between the Board, administration and stakeholders. Harrigan brings over 30 years of experience in information technology, project management and higher education administration, including leadership as UVI’s Director of Information Technology and management of a $20 million NSF VI-EPSCoR grant. She has also held positions at Temple University, Florida International University and AT&T Wireless. As President Safiya George continues her second year at the helm, these appointments underscore her commitment to strengthening UVI, expanding opportunities for students and driving economic growth across the Virgin Islands. “These leaders bring the expertise and vision needed to propel UVI into its next chapter of growth,” said Dr. George. “Together, we are strengthening our foundation and expanding opportunities that will benefit our students and the Virgin Islands for years to come.” For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.

Medicare Part D Enrollment Open

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Medicare Part D Enrollment Open
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. advises all Medicare beneficiaries and persons newly eligible for Medicare about the critical open enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This period, from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025, is a crucial window for beneficiaries to join or drop their prescription drug plan. It’s important to act before the scheduled December deadline.
Medicare Health Insurance Card (Source file)
The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) provides prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries, with certain exceptions. Beneficiaries with employer or union health coverage or with the USGVI Medicare Advantage plan do not need to enroll in a prescription drug plan. Joining the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan may result in a loss of coverage under your union, employer, or Medicare Advantage plan. To receive Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must enroll in a plan offered by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Each year, the plan sets the cost and determines which prescription drugs are covered. In preparation for open enrollment, beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to review their current Medicare coverage. This proactive step ensures that the plan adequately meets their needs in terms of cost, coverage, and convenience, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions. Individuals who are satisfied with their current plan do not need to re-enroll. Persons not participating in this year’s open enrollment period will have to wait until next year to make any changes to their coverage. Beneficiaries are not alone in this process. They may contact the Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) Medicare office in the St. Thomas/St. John District at 340-774-2991, extension 4507, or 4508, or in the St. Croix District at 773-6449, extension 3151 or 3152 to schedule an appointment. VI SHIP is here to provide the necessary support and guidance. For additional information, beneficiaries may visit www.medicare.gov.www.medicare.gov. or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).  

VIPA Concludes Public Hearings on Proposed Marine Tariffs Wednesday Night on STX

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VIPA Concludes Public Hearings on Proposed Marine Tariffs Wednesday Night on STX

The Virgin Islands Port Authority announced Wednesday that a second public hearing will not be held on St. John regarding proposed amendments to the marine tariff. However, residents are encouraged to submit written feedback or suggestions via email to info@viport.com, and to attend tonight’s hearing on St. Croix, which will also be available via Zoom with an expanded capacity for 500.

Executive Director Carlton Dowe stated that Monday’s hearing at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall in Cruz Bay was well attended, and additional residents were accommodated and given the opportunity to speak. St. John residents also participated in the St. Thomas hearing held on Tuesday evening, and VIPA has received feedback via Zoom and email, according to the release.

The St. John meeting was was filled to capacity and locked down 10 minutes before the start of the meeting. A crowd of nearly 60 gathered on the balcony outside the conference room, and some trying to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom reportedly received messages that the online host had reached capacity.

The Port Authority has proposed a slate of fee increases that affect everyone in the territory, including docking fees at V.I. ports, fees for travelers between the BVI and USVI, and pilotage fees (primarily for cargo) for vessels over 100 tons. Dowe’s presentation, which outlines current VIPA projects and provides details of the fees, can be seen here.

The final public hearing will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the VIPA Conference Room, located on the second floor of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Topics include proposed increases to:

  • Red Hook Barge Ramp Fees
  • BVI International Passenger Ship Dues & Wharfage
  • Docking Fees
  • Pilotage
  • Red Hook Ferry Terminal Parking Rates

New fees under consideration:

  • Additional Passenger Fee for Non-Drivers at Red Hook Barge Ramp
  • Cargo Overflow Staging Fee
  • Paid parking at Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay

Residents may also attend via Zoom by registering at www.viport.com/events (meeting capacity has been expanded to 500 participants). The presentation and current marine tariff are available for download at www.viport.com.

For questions, contact VIPA’s Public Relations Office at 340-774-1629 ext. 6640.

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