Federal officials have asked people sending packages to the mainland or Puerto Rico to assess the cost of their shipped items with the Zonos Prepay app and pay the required duty. (Screenshot of Zonos Prepay application)
Mailing something to the mainland used to be fairly easy. Virgin Islanders bought the postage and handed their parcel over to a postal worker. Not so in 2025. New federal rules require — in most cases — the use of a cumbersome mobile phone app to estimate the newly enforced tax burden of items transiting the U.S. Customs Zone. Congressional Delegate Stacey Plaskett asked Wednesday if the Virgin Islands should reconsider its outside-the-Customs-Zone status.
After the White House ended a tax exemption for overseas packages valued at less than $800, and the U.S. Postal Service partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection to launch the Zonos Prepay app. Plaskett said the territory should weigh the benefits and detriments of existing outside the U.S. Customs Zone.
“I have said, for more than 10 years, that the Virgin Islands should determine if being outside of the Customs Zone has the same benefit that it did over 100 years ago to our territory and residents. If not, the governor of the Virgin Islands as the individual with authority to enter into arrangements of this nature with the Federal Government should request such change which would then require the executive branch authorization,” Plaskett said in a written statement.
President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14324 on Feb. 1 suspended duty-free “de minimis” treatment of packages under an $800 threshold. Those rules were briefly altered and withdrawn before being reinstated Aug. 29 with Executive Order 14324.
Of the U.S. territories, only Puerto Rico, which is within the Customs Zone, has been spared by the rule change that disproportionately weighs on the islands where so much is shipped in and out, Plaskett said.
“This change creates an additional unfair burden for territorial residents,” she said. “I am committed to finding solutions.
The free Zonos Prepay app allows package shippers to calculate and pay many duties before visiting the post office. And it’s mandatory for anyone shipping to the U.S. Customs Zone, Plaskett said.
Without a Declaration ID from this system, USPS cannot accept packages for delivery to the U.S. or Puerto Rico. The prepaid duty requirement does not apply in certain cases, including documents, goods without monetary value, gifts valued at $100 or less, items valued over $800, or returns, she said.
Government House did not immediately reply to messages asking if Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. planned to seek an exemption for the Virgin Islands.
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said Wednesday that unsettled weather is expected to persist for the next several days as tropical disturbances move away from the region. However, officials said severe conditions are not anticipated on Thursday, and public schools and government offices are scheduled to reopen.
The NWS said portions of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands experienced rain and gusty winds on Wednesday. The agency added that the atmosphere will remain favorable for additional rainfall as two tropical disturbances — Invest 94L and Tropical Storm Humberto, which strengthened from Invest 93L on Wednesday — continue tracking north of the region.
Visible satellite imagery obtained at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday shows Invest 94L moving across the Lesser Antilles. Tropical Storm Humberto is seen farther to the east in the central Atlantic, and Hurricane Gabrielle is pictured west of the Azores Islands off the coast of Portugal. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“Current atmospheric conditions remain favorable for the development of heavy rain, strong thunderstorms and gusty winds,” the NWS reported on Wednesday.
“We are highly confident that additional activity will persist through at least late Thursday night or even early Friday morning. However, there are some challenges in predicting the exact locations where significant flooding is likely to occur. The areas that will be most prone to flooding are the southern plains and the central eastern municipalities of Puerto Rico, including the San Juan metro area. Additionally, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the rest of Puerto Rico can expect an elevated risk of flooding due to these conditions,” the NWS stated.
Government House Press Briefing
At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach and Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, held a press briefing from Government House on St. Croix to share information about the current tropical weather threats.
Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, provided updates on Wednesday during a press briefing at Government House on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy GVI Facebook page)
Jaschen provided a weather update Wednesday and noted that while portions of the U.S. Virgin Islands saw only limited rainfall by the afternoon, most of the precipitation — up to five inches — fell over the open ocean south of St. Croix. He explained that as Invest 94L and Tropical Storm Humberto track north of the local islands, some additional rainfall is possible, though he does not anticipate an especially dangerous weather situation.
Jaschen added that predicting the exact track and intensity of tropical systems can be very challenging, and he thanked meteorologists at the NWS in San Juan for providing detailed information.
Speaking after Jaschen, Roach thanked residents across the territory for their cooperation Wednesday as public schools and government offices were closed out of an abundance of caution due to the weather. He said schools and government offices will reopen Thursday.
“Regular operations will resume on Thursday,” Roach said. “We recognize that the weather can change on a dime, and we will continue to monitor the situation. However, as of now, we have determined that the coast is clear, students can return to school, and government offices will reopen as normal,” he added.
Tropical Disturbances in the Atlantic Basin
As was reported by the Source on Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center has been tracking the two tropical systems near the Lesser Antilles for several days. Invest 94L and Tropical Storm Humberto, which have been interacting due to their proximity to each other, are forecast to continue to intensify as they move away from the USVI and Puerto Rico.
On Wednesday, the NHC was monitoring Hurricane Gabrielle in the Atlantic. The NHC was also watching Invest 94L and Tropical Storm Humberto, moving north and away from the local region. (Photo courtesy NHC)
Tropical Storm Humberto will likely strengthen into a hurricane later this week or this weekend as it travels to the west-northwest. Invest 94L is forecast to become a tropical depression in a few days while it is near the Bahamas.
The NHC has also continued to monitor Hurricane Gabrielle well to the north of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Gabrielle passed east of Bermuda Monday and is forecast to approach the Azores Islands off Portugal between Thursday and Friday.
Unsettled Weather Continues
The NWS said the current wet weather pattern could continue through at least the upcoming weekend. The agency has also reminded residents and visitors of ongoing weather-related threats for Puerto Rico and the USVI, including very warm temperatures, which could prompt heat alerts across the region.
Dark clouds and light rainfall moved across the northside of St. Croix on Wednesday afternoon. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Additionally, marine conditions will be hazardous due to nearby tropical systems, and there will be an elevated risk of rip currents across local beaches. A Small Craft Advisory will remain in effect for portions of the waters surrounding the local islands until at least 6 a.m. Thursday.
Stay Informed About the Local Weather
The forecast can change very quickly, and USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.
The local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is also regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Additionally, a weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source will be published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates.
Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Filmmaker Cathy SitaRam, writer, director, and producer of “Gods of the Universe: Rise of the Star Child,” celebrates the sci-fi short’s premiere at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival. (Photo courtesy Cathy SitaRam)
“Gods of the Universe: Rise of the Star Child” will make its Caribbean debut at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival with special Storytime screenings designed for family audiences. The film will be shown on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10 a.m. at the IMAX Cinema, and again on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. at the 4DX Cinema.
Local filmmaker Cathy SitaRam wrote, directed and produced the sci-fi film. She is also one of the cast.
The Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival celebrates films from and about the Caribbean and its diaspora through a flagship annual festival, a Carnival film series, and a UK-based screening series, as well as other year-round screenings. TTFF also seeks to nurture the growth of Caribbean cinema by offering a wide-ranging industry program and networking opportunities.
Film Details: Director: Cathy SitaRam
Language: English
Country: Trinidad and Tobago
Year: 2024
Genre: Adventure
Length: Short
Runtime: 20 minutes
Cast: Nickolai Salceso, Zane Foster, Genesis Belgrove, Cathy SitaRam
Synopsis: Advanced beings must train star children to guide humanity to the next stage of evolution before a catastrophic event destroys Earth, but their methods differ and time is running out.
“Gods of the Universe: Rise of the Star Child” is celebrated at the annual TTFF in the sci-fi category. Writer, producer, director Cathy SitaRam had a [REM] dream some 10 years ago, which manifested in this sci-fi film. SitaRam began to write and rewrite the film story over the past decade until she was satisfied with the outcome. It was a “labor of love” for the artist. She was grounded in the significance of the theme and her passion drove her to continue through three different crews.
SitaRam was born in Trinidad to Trinidadian parents and was raised by them on St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She studied radio, TV, and film at the University of Maryland and minored in theater. She studied advanced film/TV writing classes at the University of Southern California and worked as a broadcast journalist in Los Angeles. SitaRam continued as a journalist in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She later migrated to Trinidad when, at the time, the Trinidad & Tobago Film Company was seeking projects to fund. She submitted her film. They liked it and helped a lot in structuring the film, she said. They began work on it in 2016 to write, develop, and shoot it. The film’s final cut was made in 2024.
“I think this is what I was put here to do,” SitaRam said of the sci-fi theme of her work. “I’ve done some documentaries and commercials and produced loads of news segments, documentary TV shows, and other short live-action films. This is my first sci-fi film and it has given me more joy, more of a feeling of purpose than all the others,” SitaRam expressed with a jubilant sound in her voice.
That jubilance is echoed in the critiques offered by several of Sitaram’s audience at the film festivals where “Gods” was screened. The film garnered numerous awards and credits at the following events:
Southern Shorts Awards; Black Writers Weekend Pitch Fest; Charlotte Black Film Festival; Kwanzaa Film Festival; Trinidad & Tobago Film Company; United Nations World Space Week; Denton Black Film Festival; and the People’s Film Festival.
The Trinidad and Tobago film festival is a film festival in the Anglophone Caribbean. The festival was initially conceived in 2005 by film historian, academic, and producer Bruce Paddington, with the unique intention of showing only Caribbean films. This remains the festival’s purpose today, which takes place annually in Trinidad and Tobago. The festival will run Sept. 24-30, with 88 films from 20 countries.
For more information:
sitaramstudios.tvsitaramstudios@gmail.comttfilmfestival.com
@ttfilmfestival
A 25-year-old man was found lying unresponsive in the roadway early Wednesday morning in La Grande Princess, St. Croix and was later pronounced dead at the scene, the V.I. Police Department reported.
At 3:38 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a male lying motionless on Northside Road (Route 75) near Princess Health Center. Officers from the Traffic Investigation Bureau and Emergency Medical Services responded and confirmed the man was unresponsive. EMS personnel pronounced him dead shortly after their arrival, according to the police report.
The man was identified by a family member as Ras-I Hendrickson, the police report stated.
The Traffic Investigation Bureau is investigating the circumstances of the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers VI at 800-222-8477.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Oscar (Larry) Alejandro Hernandez-Correa, on Sept.17, 2025, in Ocala, Florida. Oscar was born in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, on Jan. 8, 1938, to Oscar and Juanita Hernandez.
Oscar (Larry) Alejandro Hernandez-Correa
Oscar worked for many years at First Federal Savings and Loan (FirstBank) in St. Thomas and in Puerto Rico before retiring and becoming a stockbroker. Everyone who knew Oscar knew his love for animals. He was also passionate about boating and playing sports. In later years, he enjoyed traveling.
Oscar is survived by his daughters, Kim (Michael) Zbiegien, Kathy (William) Tervo, Sue (Carlos) Leiva, Jennifer (Leo) Sibilly, Sally (Robert) Gatlin, Nitza Agrait, and Ada (Tim) Rossmeissl. He has 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at a later date in Puerto Rico.
Join the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum for a day of FREE – GRATIS – GRATUIT family fun during the Worldwide Day of Play on Sept. 27. From 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the children’s museum will be filled with cultural demonstrations, hands-on learning activities, performance art, traditional games, and more at the Buccaneer Mall location in St. Thomas.
VI Children’s Museum Day of Play 2024 Kids at Slime Science Station. (Submitted photo)
This exciting event is part of Nickelodeon’s Our World initiative, encouraging kids to dream big and make a difference. With support from Nickelodeon and the Association of Children’s Museums, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is joining over 360 museums around the world to inspire the next generation via play on the same day! See the map of participating museums at: https://childrensmuseums.org/dayofplay/
Thanks to charitable contributions from local sponsors including 340 Real Estate Co LLC, Jammin Jeep Tours LLC, Marjorie Roberts PC, Self-Insurance Consultants, Inc., Stout Realty LLC, and Tree Limin Extreme, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is able to open its doors to all visitors free of charge for this worldwide community event!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to participate in educational demonstrations and performance art from community partners including:
– AskaHomer Wellness: Offering a playful yoga and meditation session for kids of all ages and abilities.
– DPNR Fish and Wildlife: Hosting a fishing game and setting up a vivarium with various species.
– Family Resource Center: Providing information and resources for families.
– GRROE USVI Mangroves: Bringing a mangrove planting station and hands-on outreach demonstrations.
– JS Therapies: Showcasing Sunny Jr, their therapy bus, and providing information about their services.
– Kcartcreations: Drawing technique with a local artist, published comic book author/illustrator, and certified art therapist, Karim Callwood.
– MLB School of Dance: Featuring Baby Ballerinas performing solos.
– Nikki Creations: Offering temporary tattoos and henna at low cost.
– The Book Stop: Facilitating book related crafts for kids.
– The Concrete Bloom Organization: Hosting activities centered around planting seeds of hope and healing.
– Fun with Guitar: Playing music, singing, and playing guitar.
– Virgin Islands EPSCoR/Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service: Providing sensory-based environmental education activities.
– Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN): Demonstrating how the internet works with a hands-on component.
– WTJX: Sharing information about PBS and providing PBS “play pad” handheld games.
– Slime Science: Learn a family-friendly recipe for making slime and enjoy slime sensory play.
– Teen Time: Participate in logic-building social games led by mathematicians from the University of the Virgin Islands.
– Gabby’s Dollhouse MEOWseum Discovery Days activities: Offering crafts, scavenger hunts, selfie stations, and more.
Performance Schedule
Performance Art
Performance Type
Duration (minutes)
10:30 AM
Trevonne Homer
Kids Yoga
15 – 30
11:30AM 12:30PM 2PM
Guitar Sing Along with Stephanie &/or Andrew
Guitar Sing Along
15
1:00 PM
Shen Dragon Dojo
Martial Arts Demonstration
30
3:00 PM
MLB School of Dance
Ballet & Modern Dance Demonstration
30
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore many of the regular exhibits on the museum showroom floor, providing a full day of interactive learning and discovery.
“Thanks to the generous support of local businesses, many children, including those from low-income families, will have the opportunity to step into a world created just for them, free from financial barriers,” said Amber McCammon, VICM Chief Executive Officer. “It’s a place where local culture and curiosity is celebrated, imagination is nurtured, and children discover that anything is possible.”
Other local businesses and philanthropists are encouraged to support the Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Humanities, Mathematics (STREAM) based informal education exhibits, programs, and opportunities provided by the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum.
For event details, sponsorship opportunities, or to view highlights from last year’s celebration, visit www.vichildrensmuseum.org/dayofplay or contact the VICM at: info@vichildrensmuseum.org. Don’t miss this opportunity for a day of family fun and learning at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum! #OurWorldPlays
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is rolling out a new automated phone notification system to keep customers informed about their utility accounts. Starting Thursday, Sept. 25, customers may receive phone messages providing important information about their account status, including past due notices.
(Shutterstock image)
WAPA emphasizes that these calls will not come from a live person and are for informational purposes only. No payment will be requested during these calls. Customers should remain vigilant and not provide personal or financial information to anyone claiming to collect payment over the phone, as scams continue to be a concern worldwide.
“Keeping our customers informed is a top priority,” said WAPA Chief Information Officer Julius Aubain. “This new notification system allows us to reach customers quickly and efficiently. Remember, WAPA will never reach out to you to request payment over the phone and that only official channels should be used to make payments.”
Customers are encouraged to manage their account contact information through WAPA’s website www.viwapa.vi and only submit payment through official channels as seen below:
Online: Visit www.viwapa.vi and click “Pay Your Bill Online” in the top right corner.
By Phone: Call 340-774-3552 or 340-773-2250, then select Option 3.
Drop Box: Submit payments via money order or check at any WAPA business center.
Kiosk: Self-service kiosks accept cash, checks, and credit card payments at WAPA business centers.
Local Bank: Visit a branch of First Bank, Banco Popular, or the Bank of St. Croix to make your payment.
For more information, please contact WAPA directly with any questions or concerns at customer.service@viwapa.vi
It is with great sadness that the family of Henry O. Smith Sr, affectionately known as “Smitty” or “Hen”, announces his passing on Monday, September 8, 2025. He died peacefully, surrounded by family and friends.
Henry O. Smith Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Marion “Goldie” Smith, Five children: Barbara Smith-Sorhaindo, Sheryl Nelson, Henry Smith, Jr., Robert Smith and Marcia Smith-Anderson
Sons-in-law: Jeremiah Sorhaindo, Cuthbert Nelson.
Grandchildren: Stephen Blake and Dorothy Lloyd, Jason/Kalyn Nelson, Rhonda Williams, Justin Nelson, Ashley Smith, Destiny Smith, Grace Smith.
Great-grandchildren: Li-Hron Williams, Kemori Liburd, De-Mahri Williams-DeCastro, Sienna Blake and Stephen Blake, Jr.
Aunt/Uncle: Ethlyn Hodge, Wendall and Israel Thomas
Siblings: Annette “Nettie” Smith, Lydia L. Ells, Nerbert Smith, Alicia Smith Temlong, Alwon E. Smith, Alena Smith Rouse, Beverly I Smith, Eli Nibbs
In-laws: Eileen Smith, Shelly Schneider Smith, Paulette Smith, Michael/Muriel Blyden-Rhymer, Aubrey/Eria Raymond, L. Patrice Raymond
Host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins
Special thanks:
Caregivers: Mandisa Browne and Karen Leon, Consortium Care VI, Nurse Shasta, Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory
Services:
St. Thomas Memoriam (Informal):
Thursday, September 25th, 3:00 pm to 6:00pm
Emmanuel Baptist Church
Anna’s Retreat, St. Thomas, USVI
Tortola, BVI Funeral Service:
Saturday, September 27th at 10:00 am
New Life Baptist Church (BVI)
Tortola VG1110, BVI
Rain may not stop the Carnival, but Wednesday’s weather had almost all public-facing Virgin Islands government offices shuttered until the storm passes. Most offices indicated they would reopen Thursday.
Public schools and the University of the Virgin Islands were closed Wednesday. The territorial courts and Department of Justice were closed. The Department of Health and Human Services closed. VITRAN service was suspended.
The Legislature was closed as well, with Senate Vice President Kenneth L. Gittens urging Virgin Islanders to be careful.
“Given our community’s recent experience with torrential rain and flooding just last week, I fully support the Executive Branch’s decision to close all public schools and government offices,” Gittens said. “Essential employees are advised to contact their respective agency heads for guidance, as they may be required to report for critical services. I want to stress, this is not a cause for alarm. This is about being prepared.”
The Board of Elections’ ever-lively Grievance & Resolution Committee meeting was postponed. The Economic Development Authority offices were closed and the Public Service Commission meeting was postponed.
In a twist, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority issued a statement saying it would continue normal operations.
Allisyn Dedinsky, 51, of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at her home in the Delray Beach, Florida, area with her loving partner, Daniel T. Mugavero, at her side.
Allisyn was preceded in death by her parents, Bonnie L. Dedinsky and Joseph D. Dedinsky, and her sister, Jill Marie Dedinsky. She is survived by her nephew, Jay Ridgway, and a wide circle of friends who loved her dearly and will cherish her memory.
Allisyn Dedinsky
Allisyn Dedinsky had no middle name. Her mother, Bonnie, thought that there were enough syllables in her first and last names, so she didn’t need another one. Allisyn’s college roommates even made up a song about it. And just like her big name, Allisyn’s presence was so tremendous that she made friends wherever she went. She was full of charm and sunshine.
Allisyn was born on October 23, 1973, in Indiana, where she lived until her family relocated to St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. She was a graduate of St. Croix Country Day School (now Good Hope Country Day School) where she was a valuable member of the varsity volleyball and softball teams. Allisyn was a natural athlete, as well as a natural leader, organizing spirit events, prom committees, and beach days.
After graduating with the class of 1992, Allisyn joined the Alpha Delta Pi sorority at North Carolina State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. During summer breaks from college, Allisyn served as the swim counselor for Country’s Day’s summer camp, paving the way for her early career as a teacher. She soon followed in her sister’s footsteps, finding her calling in the hospitality industry.
Allisyn will be remembered for her infectious laugh, love of the song “Alison” by Elvis Costello, and legendary parties.
Information about a future celebration of life will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Allisyn’s honor to the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center at stcroixawc.org.
