St. Thomian All-Star Aliyah Boston and teammates Bree Hall, Aerial Powers, and Shey Peddy can hardly contain their excitement during the Indiana Fever’s dominant playoff performance. (Photo courtesy Indiana Fever)
The Indiana Fever refused to let their season end Sunday, delivering a 90-83 victory over the second-seeded Las Vegas Aces at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to force a decisive Game 5 in their WNBA semifinal series.
All-Star center-forward Aliyah Boston posted the best postseason performance of her career with 24 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks, while Kelsey Mitchell added 25 points in the must-win game. The sixth-seeded Fever, who rallied from consecutive losses to even the series at 2-2, will face the Aces Tuesday night at Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas at 9:30 p.m. ET.
For Cleone Boston, watching her daughter rise to the occasion has been nothing short of surreal. “This story is being written by God,” Cleone Boston said in an exclusive interview following the game. “Nobody expected them. Who would’ve even prepared to play against the Fever?”
She referenced the biblical story of Gideon’s 300, where a vastly outnumbered army achieved victory through faith and belief. It’s a theme that has resonated throughout the Fever locker room and extends far beyond the basketball court, according to Aliyah’s mother.
“When you believe, it doesn’t matter who else doesn’t believe,” she said. “And that goes beyond sports.”
Before the game, Boston’s father Algernon Boston sent a text to his daughter with simple instructions: “Leave it all out on the floor.” She delivered exactly that, playing with aggression and poise while anchoring both ends of the court.
For Cleone Boston, watching her daughter’s growth has been as rewarding as the victories themselves. The journey from a nine-year-old playing with boys on the Zero Tolerance team on St. Thomas to a WNBA All-Star has exceeded even their most optimistic projections.
“All we were looking for was a scholarship,” she said, recalling when she and her husband sent Aliyah and her sister Alexis to a three-week basketball camp in Milton, Massachusetts, when they were 10 and 12 years old. “We told them at ages nine and 11 that they weren’t paying for college. That was as far as we’d thought about it.”
But as Aliyah’s talent became undeniable, the vision expanded. Once she reached college at South Carolina, where she won an NCAA championship among several other national accolades, the WNBA dream crystallized. She decided she wanted to be the best and set her sights on being the number one draft pick, a goal she achieved in 2023.
This postseason has accelerated her development as a leader. Cleone Boston has noticed her daughter’s increased maturity in handling the mental challenges that come with playoff basketball.
“She analyzes everything,” Cleone Boston said. “She’s taking it in stride a lot more this year than before. She’s getting better at compartmentalizing.”
No matter how dominant a performance, Boston still spends her free moments post-game dissecting missed opportunities. But this year, she’s learning to process and move forward.
“She’s staying very levelheaded, very motivated. She’s learning to leave things when it’s time to leave them,” Cleone Boston said of her daughter, who opted to film a podcast episode the night before Game 5 instead of rewatching film.
Boston’s mindset heading into the series-deciding game reflects the same confidence that carried the Fever through Sunday’s elimination game. “I know nobody expects us to be here,” Aliyah said, “But now that we’re here, we need to just win!”
Taking Game 1 of the series gave Indiana the cushion of knowing they had multiple chances. When they dropped Games 2 and 3, facing elimination on their home court, they responded with their best performance of the series.
“It’s very motivating and encouraging to watch,” Cleone Boston said. “They don’t give up, no matter what people say. They’re choosing to believe that anything is possible despite what it looks like.”
The support from back home on St. Thomas has been overwhelming. Cleone Boston checks her phone after games to find 40-plus text messages from friends on island watching one of their own compete on a national stage.
“For anybody back home watching, I hope they’re encouraging their children to watch,” she said. “Make sure they see that coming from a 32-square-mile island doesn’t limit you. You win or lose in your mind before any place else.”
Tune in on ESPN2 to find out whether Aliyah Boston and the Fever will advance to the WNBA Finals.
The U.S. Virgin Islands delegation, led by Commissioner Nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King of the Tourism Department, highlighted the territory’s expanding air service and strategic growth during Routes World in Hong Kong, a press release announced.
Throughout the weeklong event, the delegation held talks with major airlines including Delta, JetBlue, Porter and Volaris, as well as Scandinavian Airlines and the Denver International Airport Authority, with discussions centered on boosting connectivity — particularly for St. Croix — and strengthening existing routes, according to the press release.
Matarangas-King said the positive feedback reinforced the territory’s position as a growing force in the aviation sector. “The Department of Tourism’s participation at Routes World 2025 showcased not only the territory’s strategic prowess, but also its inherent growth potential,” she said. “Airline and industry partners from across the globe are seeing the U.S. Virgin Islands as a preeminent destination, drawn by its rich cultural heritage, pristine natural beauty, and robust infrastructure that supports both leisure and business travel.”
Former Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, who joined a keynote panel alongside representatives from Orlando Airport and Barcelona Tourism, emphasized the USVI’s record-breaking arrivals and reduced seasonality. “The growth in arrivals into both St. Croix and St. Thomas continues to trend upward with the retention of more year-round service,” Boschulte said. “Sustained support from our airline partners combined with continued strategic marketing efforts emphasize the promising outlook for tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
That growth is expected to accelerate during the winter 2025–26 season. St. Croix is projected to see a 16% increase in seats from the continental U.S., with American Airlines leading a 29% jump, including a new Saturday service from Chicago beginning Dec. 6. JetBlue will add 52% more seats into the market, the press release stated.
St. Thomas will also post record gains with a nine percent year-over-year increase in overall capacity, highlighted by Delta’s 33% boost into the market, American’s 15% increase, and United’s 14% rise. New service will include Southwest flights to Baltimore and Orlando, Delta service to Boston, Contour to Dominica, and Cape Air to St. Barth, the release stated.
The additional service represents the territory’s strongest winter airlift to date, with new gateways from Boston, Chicago, Miami, Charlotte and Washington, D.C. As the season approaches, the Department of Tourism said it remains committed to sustaining momentum and deepening partnerships that keep the U.S. Virgin Islands among the Caribbean’s fastest-growing destinations for air service, it stated.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority advises motorists that beginning Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m., the westbound lane of Queen Mary Highway/Centerline Road, from the traffic light at Route 663 (Eddie Ortiz Drive near Central High School) to the intersection of Route 707 (Aureo Diaz Heights), will be closed to traffic.
(Water and Power Authority)
The closure is necessary to allow WAPA’s contractor, J. Benton Construction, to trench across the roadway and install an electrical duct bank as part of the Queen Mary Highway Electrical Undergrounding Project.
Access to the Superior Court, Curriculum Education Center, Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged, and Head Start facilities will be available from the west, at the intersection of Route 707 (Aureo Diaz Route) and Route 70 (Queen Mary Highway/Centerline Rd).
WAPA encourages drivers to plan alternate routes to avoid delays. Motorists are reminded to observe posted speed limits and follow the instructions of flaggers directing traffic safely through the construction area.
We appreciate the community’s patience and cooperation as we continue our efforts to improve the reliability and safety of electrical service.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority will conduct a series of public meetings to discuss proposed amendments and new fees related to its marine tariff, as well as other operational fees not included in the tariff. The agenda for these meetings has been revised from a previous advertisement and will include the following topics:
Sailboat makes its way past St. Thomas. (Source photo by Dave MacVean)Proposed Adjustment to Existing Fees
Red Hook Barge Ramp Fees
BVI International Per Passenger Ship Dues & Wharfage
Docking Fees
Pilotage
Parking Rates at the Urman V. Fredericks Marine Terminal, Red Hook
Proposed New Fees
Red Hook Barge Ramp Additional Passenger Fee for Non-Drivers
Cargo Overflow Staging Fee
A paid parking system at VIPA’s parking lot at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay
The meetings will take place on St. John, St. Thomas, and St. Croix from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates:
St. John: October 6 at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall in Cruz Bay.
St. Thomas: October 7 at the VIPA Administrative Building’s conference room at 8074 Lindbergh Bay.
St. Croix: October 8 at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal, Port Authority conference room on the second floor.
Stakeholders can also participate in the meetings via Zoom by registering online at www.viport.com/events. VIPA’s current marine tariff can be downloaded from its website at www.viport.com/rates-statistics. For any questions, please contact the Authority’s public relations office at (340) 774-1629 ext. 6640 or email info@viport.com.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education invites all parents, guardians, and educators in the St. Thomas–St. John District to participate in Behavior Unlocked, a dynamic series of Parent University workshops.
These sessions focus on effective and valuable resources designed to address and combat the behavioral trends impacting our students. Together, we can strengthen support systems at home, in school, and across our community.
Learn practical strategies to guide positive student behavior
Gain access to resources to support families and educators
Connect with fellow parents, guardians, and education professionals
Enjoy raffle prizes and refreshments at every session
Register today and be part of the change!
For additional information, please contact:
Jerae Allyson Forde
Director, School and Community Affairs
340-775-2250
jerae.forde@vide.vi
October 1 is recognized as Contract Day in the Virgin Islands. The day commemorates the historic Fire Burn revolt that occurred on October 1, 1878, under the trailblazing leadership of Mary “Queen Mary” Thomas, Mathilda “Queen Mathilda” McBean, and Axelline “Queen Agnes” Salomon. These three queens of that era demonstrated their strength and courage as they demanded better pay for plantation workers and stood up for the rights of the masses regarding fair labor practices.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach (Source file photo)
Following the Emancipation of enslaved Africans in the Danish West Indies, the Labor Act of 1849 was enacted. This Act provided plantation owners with a source of inexpensive labor. It allowed for a laborer to be contracted on the first day of October and to be bound to that plantation until the agreement was severed the following year at the same time. Although laborers were paid, their wages were not the fair pay for a day’s work as provided by the existing Labor Laws. One year later, on Contract Day, the Labor Act of 1849 was repealed as laborers once again gathered and plantation owners feared that the masses would once again revolt.
The promise of improved working conditions and wages also were left unfulfilled year after year. Queens Mary, Mathilda, and Agnes bravely changed this with a revolt notably called the Fire Burn. These women stood up for the rights of the masses regarding fair pay and fair labor practices. Their actions on October 1, 1878, became a permanent and legendary part of our history. Acres of land and property were burned, starting from Fort Frederik and spreading throughout the Western end of St. Croix.
As Virgin Islanders, we are rooted in the resilience, courage, and fearlessness of our ancestors. Historic acts of bravery and sacrifice paved the way for us to stand proudly in our purpose and be empowered by the legacy of trailblazers from our past. Therefore, every year on this day, we continue to pay homage to our ancestors and celebrate all who let their torches burn for the rights that we enjoy.
The excitement of baseball is set to return with even greater energy as the Jerry Browne Baseball League/ Police Activity League/ Gun Violence Prevention prepares to kick off its season Friday at 7 p.m. in Basilio Park. This year, the league has expanded beyond St. Croix, bringing together young talent from across the region in what promises to be one of the most competitive and dynamic youth baseball events in recent years.
The league, named in honor of former Major League Baseball player Jerry Browne, focuses on developing athletes between the ages of 13 and 16. Its mission is not only to elevate the level of baseball in the Virgin Islands but also to foster discipline, teamwork, and community pride among its young players.
For the first time, the Jerry Browne Baseball League will feature 10 teams from four different locations:
St. Croix: 6 teams
St. Thomas: 2 teams
British Virgin Islands (BVI): 1 team
Puerto Rico: 1 team
This regional expansion highlights the growing reputation of the league as a platform for aspiring players. It also sets the stage for thrilling matchups between islands, giving young athletes the chance to measure their skills against peers from neighboring territories.
“Baseball has always been a part of our culture, and we are proud to create opportunities for our youth to showcase their talent while building friendships across the Caribbean,” said one of the organizers from Team Cardinals, the group behind the league’s creation.
Fans can expect competitive games, strong community involvement, and the unmistakable excitement of young players chasing their dreams under the lights at Basilio Park and other venues throughout the season.
As the first pitch approaches, anticipation is building—not just for the games, but for the friendships, lessons, and memories that the Jerry Browne Baseball League will create for every player who takes the field.
Elizabeth Guadalupe-Perez, of Enfield Green, passed away on September 18. She was 51.Elizabeth Guadalupe-Perez
She was preceded in death by her mother, Librada Guadalupe.
She is survived by her mother, Librada Guadalupe; father, Anselmo Guadalupe; spouse, Edward Perez; sisters, Mariela Guadalupe, Johanna Guadalupe; brother, Moises Guadalupe; nieces, Thalia Guadalupe, Yarilynn Guadalupe, Bianca Guadalupe, Brianna Lopez, Leanna Lopez; nephews, Luis Guadalupe, Abner J. Avila, Alexander J. Avila; great nephew, Kairo A. Mathurin; aunts and uncles too numerous to mention; brothers-in-law, Andres Avila- Lopez, Fernando Perez, Edwin Lopez; sisters-in-law, Lorna Perez, Nachisha Guzman, Maria T. Ramirez, Ruth Noemi Garcia, Brenda Lee Carrasquillo; special friends, Cathurine Thiffany Dunn, Claudia Caballero, Margarette Aceuedo, Mike & Paula, Virgin Parilla, Avagail & Gary, Ana Ivelisee Diaz, Yaneidi, Misael Mendoza, Ambar K. Mejias, Norma Rivera; cousin and other relatives too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on October 4, at Iglesia de Dios. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., and the service will start at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center is proud to announce the resumption of mammography services, now operating inside the Virgin Islands Cardiac Center (VICC). This milestone comes as JFL celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, a timely reminder of the importance of early detection and proactive care.
JFL’s mammography program has achieved full certification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and re-accreditation from the American College of Radiology, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in breast imaging. With these designations, JFL proudly stands as the only certified and accredited mammography program in the U.S. Virgin Islands, ensuring that patients receive safe, high-quality imaging services close to home.
“This achievement represents JFL’s ongoing commitment to restoring and enhancing essential services for our community,” said Adeline Williams-Connor, COO of JFL. “As we observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we encourage every woman to prioritize her health. Early detection saves lives.”
In line with its annual awareness campaign, “Ladies, Check Yourself!”, JFL reminds women across the territory to schedule their mammograms and take charge of their breast health. Mammograms remain one of the most effective tools for early detection of breast cancer, improving treatment outcomes and saving lives.
Appointments are now available. To schedule a mammogram, please call 340-772-7343 extension 5282/5283. Don’t wait, “Ladies, check yourself!” and schedule your screening today.
A University of the Virgin Islands student represented his team at the Amazon Machine Learning University (MLU) Symposium on Sept. 26, at Amazon’s global headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The AWS-MLU Symposium brought together students, faculty and leaders from across the nation to showcase innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).
UVI Student Zeidan Bass stands beside his research poster displayed at the Amazon Machine Learning University Symposium. (Submitted photo)
Research conducted by UVI students Zeidan Bass, Lilian Alexander and Aushaun Brown was selected for presentation at the symposium in the form of abstract posters highlighting their applied learning and exploration in AI/ML. Bass represented the team on-site, where he joined peers from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities and institutions nationwide in technical sessions, networking opportunities, and collaborative discussions with Amazon Web Services (AWS) experts.
The selection of their work marks an important step in UVI’s advancement of AI/ML education through its membership in the Amazon Machine Learning University Educators Consortium, which the University announced in August.
“We are incredibly proud of our students for representing UVI and the U.S. Virgin Islands on a national stage,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “Their involvement in this symposium reflects not only their hard work and talent, but also the University’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”
Bass commented, “This was an enriching and unmatched experience, and I am truly grateful to AWS for the opportunity. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the College of Science and Mathematics at UVI, my research partners Aushaun Brown and Lillian Alexandar, my research mentor Dr. Marc Boumedine, and President Dr. Safiya George, for their unwavering support and dedication to creating transformative opportunities for students through partnerships like this.”
The AWS-MLU Symposium is part of the Amazon Machine Learning University Educator Enablement Program, which provides world-class training, curriculum resources and AWS cloud technology to 35 colleges and universities across the country. UVI is among a select group of institutions — and one of only a few HBCUs — chosen to participate.
“This opportunity gives our students direct access to cutting-edge AI/ML knowledge, industry experts and a national network of peers,” said Dr. Marc Boumedine, UVI Associate Professor of Computer Science, who accompanied Bass to the symposium. “It is exciting to see UVI students engage with the very technologies that are transforming industries around the globe.” The students also presented their findings at the fall Emerging Caribbean Scientists Research Symposium held on Sept. 28, on the Orville E. Kean Campus.
For more information about UVI’s academic programs, visit www.uvi.edu. For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.
The league, named in honor of former Major League Baseball player Jerry Browne, focuses on developing athletes between the ages of 13 and 16. Its mission is not only to elevate the level of baseball in the Virgin Islands but also to foster discipline, teamwork, and community pride among its young players.
For the first time, the Jerry Browne Baseball League will feature 10 teams from four different locations:
