St. John School of the Arts students mingle with audience members at a fundraiser held at Shambles Island Bar and Grill last winter. (Photo by St. John School of the Arts)
Once again, Shambles Island Bar and Grill is teaming up with the St. John School of the Arts to bring the arts alive.
On Friday, May 22 from 5 p.m., “Students will share what they’ve learned throughout the year in a community showcase,” said Jeune´ Provost, executive director of the St. John School of the Arts. “Guests will enjoy an evening of talent, inspiration, and community spirit under the night sky. It’s also a chance for the community to meet our students.”
“Arts education is more than taking a class,” Provost continued. “It is a lifeline for creative exploration, confidence building, and community connection. Any donation made will help the children on St. John continue to have access to transformative arts experiences, regardless of financial barriers.”
Summer Programs Begin in JuneSt. John School of the Arts students mingle with audience members at a fundraiser held at Shambles Island Bar and Grill last winter. (Photo by St. John School of the Arts)
Registration is now underway at SJSA for “The Art of Storytelling,” the school’s culturally-based summer program featuring time-honored Caribbean tales and fables. The program is geared for children ages six through 12 and includes instruction in drama, vocals, movement and the visual arts.
Directed by culture-bearer Lucille Parsons, the program runs from June 22 through July 10, from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m.; the fee is $350.
The St. John School of the Arts is also offering an intensive summer session in tumbling (Level 3 and All Stars.) Classes will be held on Tuesdays.
Once again, the school is presenting a carnival troupe for the July 4th Celebration; the theme is “Sweet Expressions.” Students will have a hand in making costume pieces, according to Provost.
And new this year: Jonte Samuel is teaching saxophone to youngsters in small groups and offering private lessons. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, Samuel recently returned to St. John and performs regularly as a soloist and with Quelbe Resurrection and other ensembles.
For further information, please call the St. John School of the Arts at 340-779-4322 or email info@stjohnschoolofthearts.org.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s San Juan Field Office issued a reminder about the reporting requirements under federal law for small pleasure boaters navigating between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, ahead of the Vieques Music Festival that is scheduled for June 22.
(Photo courtesy Customs and Border Protection)
The Vieques Music Festival will produce significant small vessel traffic from the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Operators of small pleasure vessels arriving into Puerto Rico and USVI are required by law to report their arrival to CBP immediately. Once the master of the vessel reports the arrival, CBP Officers provide further guidance regarding the next step in the inspection.
CBP has issued 12 penalties totaling $60,000 since January 2026 for vessel operators that failed to report their arrival.
“Failure to comply with federal reporting requirements when entering Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands can result in significant penalties and enforcement actions,” said Director of Field Operations Roberto Vaquero. “All small pleasure boaters must understand that proper reporting is not just a recommendation—it is a legal obligation under federal law. Non-compliance undermines our border security efforts and may jeopardize the safety of our communities and maritime operations.”
The CBP Reporting Offsite Arrival – Mobile app, also known as “ROAM,” is a free mobile application that provides an option for pleasure boaters to report their U.S. entry to CBP via their personal smart phone. Soon, local marinas will also be collaborating with CBP to make ROAM available to their clients via a tablet located at their business site.
The ROAM app satisfies the boat operator’s legal requirement to report for face-to-face inspection with some exceptions. Travelers requiring an I-94, cruising license or that must pay duties will need to report in person to the nearest CBP facility.
To use the ROAM app, travelers input their biographic, conveyance, and trip details and submit their trip for CBP Officer review. The CBPO may initiate a video chat to further interview travelers. Once the CBPO reviews the trip, travelers will receive a push notification and an email with their clearance status and next steps, if applicable.
Getting Started
Travelers should download the ROAM app on their web-enabled smart device. Note that a free login.gov account is required to use the ROAM app. After opening the ROAM app, tap “Sign In.”
Travelers who do not have a login.gov account should “Create an account” and follow the instructions
Travelers who already have a login.gov account should sign into their existing account, and will be redirected back to the ROAM app
After signing in to the ROAM app, users can create and save traveler and conveyance profiles. These profiles can be reused for repeat entry into the United States.
Availability
To use ROAM on your mobile device, download the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. In certain locations, the ROAM app can also be accessed on tablets at partner locations.
For any questions or concerns about the ROAM app, please email us at cbproam@cbp.dhs.gov.
Telephone numbers will continue to be available for reporting entry arrival during ROAM deployment. If you encounter any issue with ROAM please contact your nearest Port of Entry:
In the Virgin Islands, silence has power.An estimated 27,491 registered voters in our territory did not participate in recent elections.
But when it comes to voting, silence can also come at a cost.
An estimated 27,491 registered voters in our territory did not participate in recent elections. That’s not just a number—it represents neighbors, families, coworkers, and entire communities whose voices were not heard when decisions were being made.
And when fewer people speak up, the problems we care about don’t get quieter—they get louder.When We Don’t Vote, We Don’t Get Chosen
Every election shapes the future of our islands—our healthcare, our cost of living, our infrastructure, and the services we rely on as we age.
When we don’t show up, decisions still get made.
Policies still move forward.
Leaders still get chosen.
But they move forward without the full voice of our community.
Voting is one of the simplest ways to be heard. It’s how we say:
“These are the issues that matter to me.”
“This is the future I want for my family.”
“This is what our community deserves.”
This Isn’t About Politics. It’s About Power.
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Florence Williams Public Library will host a free “Movie Day at the Library” on Saturday, May 23, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Christiansted.
James and the Giant Peach will play at Library Movie Night.
The feature film, James and the Giant Peach, offers families and readers of all ages to enjoy a magical adventure on the big screen.
“Movie time is here at the Florence Williams Public Library!” said Director Amy DeSorbo. “We encourage the community to read along and experience the story in advance. James and the Giant Peach is available in both audio and digital formats through the U.S. Virgin Islands Digital Library on Hoopla Digital—so you can read, listen, and then enjoy the film with us.”
This free community event is part of the library’s ongoing effort to promote literacy and family-friendly programming in a fun and engaging environment.
For more information, please contact Pearline Jackson St. Louis, Librarian Tech I, at (340) 249-0765 or email pearline.jackson@dpnr.vi.gov. You may also contact Amy DeSorbo, Director of the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums, at amy.desorbo@dpnr.vi.gov.
Gretchen Sue Labrenz, a former longtime St. John resident, passed away at the age of 65 on May 15, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gretchen was raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University.
Gretchen Sue Labrenz
After college, she relocated to St. John, where she worked at Caneel Bay Resort for 10 years before joining her family’s real estate business, Cruz Bay Realty Inc. Gretchen’s dedication, knowledge, outstanding reputation, and expertise in the St. John real estate market made her one of the island’s top producers for several decades.
Deeply rooted in the community she loved, Gretchen had a big heart and found great joy in helping others. Throughout her 40-plus years on the island, she supported local St. John groups, including the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, Gifft Hill School, and the St. John Historical Society, among many others. She cherished her niece and nephew, finding great joy in watching them grow and prosper.
Gretchen formed countless lasting friendships throughout her life. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Cal and Georgie George for the unwavering love, dedication, and quiet support they so generously gave to her. Special thanks to Julie Murray, her dear friend and neighbor in Fort Lauderdale, for her kindness, companionship, and endless support. Gretchen also took great joy in opening her home to those who shared her love of St. John, creating lifelong memories and friendships along the way.
She is survived by her sister, Amy Cuccio, brother-in-law, John Cuccio, niece, Laura Cuccio and nephew, John Cuccio, and his husband, Mike Ponzio.
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider honoring Gretchen’s memory with a donation to the Friends of Virgin Islands National Park, P.O. Box 811, St. John, VI 00831.
Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Pursuant to Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement on behalf of the Health requests bids for the following solicitation:
BD-26-700-7004-676- Eldra Schulterbrandt Generator & Enclosure Project
Bids will be received by the Department of Property and Procurement, Division of Procurement, via the GVIBUY eProcurement system, through the following link: https://gvibuy.buyspeed.com/bso/.
TIMETABLERequest for Information: Last day for request for written clarification will be Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Due Date: Bid submissions in GVIBUY are due no later than Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time.
Publicly Open Bid Date: Bids will be publicly opened Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Atlantic Standard Time.
Prospective respondents must be registered with GVIBUY to gain access to GVI solicitations. For more information, please contact us at (340) 774-0828 or via email at gvibuy@dpp.vi.gov.
Lisa M. Alejandro
Commissioner
Donna Frett-Gregory and Rodney Moorehead sign their final nomination paperwork Tuesday, joined by members of their immediate families, formally entering the race for governor and lieutenant governor ahead of the close of the 2026 filing deadline. (James Gardner photo)
Nine gubernatorial tickets, 10 candidates for Delegate to Congress, and 57 legislative hopefuls across both districts: Tuesday’s filing deadline cemented one of the territory’s busiest election cycles in years, closing nomination papers and locking in crowded fields stretching from Government House and Congress to the Legislature, Boards of Elections and Education, and beyond.
According to the unofficial listing released by Elections Tuesday night, the race for Government House closed with three Democratic and six Independent teams.
Democratic candidates for governor and lieutenant governor are Stacey Plaskett and Milton Potter; Donna Frett-Gregory and Rodney Moorehead; and Tregenza Roach and Novelle Francis Jr. Independent gubernatorial tickets include Adlah “Foncie” Donastorg and Positive Nelson; Stephen “Smokey” Frett and Derreck Bermudez; Roy Sheridan and Horris Graham; Gustav James and Randolph Bennett; Oakland Benta and Merwin Potter; and Warren Mosler and Colin Robertson.
The Delegate to Congress field also solidified Tuesday.
Democrats Delia Smith, former Sen. Janelle Sarauw, former Sen. Emmett Hansen, Teri Helenese, and Office of Gun Violence Prevention Executive Director Antonio Emanuel entered the race, alongside Independent candidates Brett “Mac” McClafferty, Ida Smith Alexander, Shelly Moorhead, former Sen. James Weber III, and Jed JohnHope, who was previously thought to be running for governor.
Meanwhile, legislative races drew 57 candidates territorywide — 29 on St. Thomas-St. John and 28 on St. Croix — ensuring crowded contests in both districts.
On St. Thomas-St. John, Democratic legislative hopefuls include Lorelei Marsh Monsanto, Michael A. Smith, Mayard Leader, Carla Joseph, Monique Faulkner, Avery Lewis, Shenelle Fina Francis, Ray “PuPa” Fonseca, Peter Bailey, Lawrence “Larry” Boschulte, Marvin Blyden, Kashief Hamilton, Joel Browne Conners, and Rudel Hodge Jr. Republicans Derrick Callwood, Eric Tillet, and Collister Fahie also entered the race, alongside independent candidates David Sierra, Dwayne DeGraff, Alma Francis Heyliger, Paula Duke, Sennai Habtes, Imani Daniel, Krishna Kilaru, Gregory Smith, Eugene Farrell, and Vernon Araujo.
The district’s two at-large legislative seats also drew candidates, with Angel Bolques Jr. and Hadiya Sewer filing bids.
The St. Croix field includes Democrats Dwight “Mike” Cartier, Clifford Joseph, Hubert Frederick, Lynda “Nikki” Brooks, Kurt Vialet, Jose “Besse” Gonzalez, Ophelia Williams-Jackson, Kenneth “Kenny” Gittens, Lisa Charles, and Omar Henry. Independent candidates include Mutasem Mustafa, Elizabeth Hansen Watley, Alvin Milligan, Franklin Johnson, Diane Prosper, Tyler Fay, Luz Browne, Jaylen Gabriel, Bianca Francis, Samuel Carrion, Julian Veira, Troy Mason, Jay Watson, Norman Jn Baptiste, Troy Williams, Gage Edmunds, and Nereida Rivera O’Reilly.
Board races also took shape Tuesday. Candidates filing for the Board of Education include D’Vonte Xavier, Judy Gomez, Michelle Cawthron, and Arah Lockhart on St. Thomas-St. John, alongside Bruce Flamon running as an independent candidate. On St. Croix, Winona Hendricks, Mojania “Mo” Denis, Christopher Jacobs Jr., and Terrence Joseph filed as Democrats, while Vincent Gordon Jr. and Lucy Jackson entered as independents.
Board of Elections races also drew candidates in both districts. St. Thomas-St. John candidates include Atanya Springette, Joycelyn Jacobs, Barbara Petersen, Preston Evans, Kevin Rodriguez, and Raven Phillips, alongside Republican Harriet Mercer. On St. Croix, Mary “Peggy” Moorhead, Juliet Liburd, Kareem Francis, and Shamari Haynes filed paperwork, while Franz Christian Jr. entered as a Republican candidate.
Shortly after 3 p.m., Frett-Gregory and Moorehead arrived at Elections to formally file paperwork for governor and lieutenant governor, framing the campaign as one centered on execution and responsiveness.
“The people have a point, and it’s time for leadership that really cares about the people,” Frett-Gregory said. “It’s time for leadership that listens, executes and delivers results.”
Asked why now, Frett-Gregory pointed to broader concerns facing residents across the territory.
“This campaign is not about regular politics,” she said. “This campaign is about delivering results. This campaign is about listening to our people. It’s about execution. It’s about delivery.”
She also argued the territory is ready for different leadership. “We are compassionate, we listen, and we deliver,” she said.
Moorehead pointed to healthcare as among the issues he believes requires greater focus moving forward, alongside broader infrastructure needs.
Minutes earlier, Daniel — also a Sixth Constitutional Convention delegate — formally filed paperwork to run for Senate on St. Thomas-St. John, campaigning on disaster recovery oversight, government modernization, and a coalition-backed platform she called “The Future.”
Daniel said she is running as part of a political action committee-backed coalition of 11 candidates emphasizing policy areas including healthcare, disaster preparedness, education, culture, agriculture and environmental protection.
“If we’re able to work collaboratively with our strategic plan, we can really move things forward in an innovative strategic way in the Virgin Islands,” Daniel said.
A central piece of Daniel’s campaign is disaster recovery oversight — particularly how lawmakers monitor billions in remaining federal recovery funding.
“I think it’s in all of our best interests to spend the rest of that $20 billion on the timeline that the feds have given us,” Daniel said. “If we give any of it back, that’s a loss for all of us.”
“We’ve been given a true offering and a true blessing to be able to have this money to really improve the built infrastructure of the Virgin Islands,” she added.
Daniel said disaster preparedness must extend beyond infrastructure projects.
“It’s also about building a culture of preparedness,” she said. “We’re some of the most vulnerable Americans when it comes to climate change.”
Daniel also called for stronger legislative oversight, procurement reform, modernization of the Virgin Islands Code, closer review of boards overseeing semi-autonomous agencies, and increased scrutiny of executive branch spending and recovery projects.
She also pointed to voter participation as central to the coalition’s goals, particularly among younger Virgin Islanders.
“Whether you vote for us or not, we need to be civically engaged,” Daniel said. “It’s just time for us to take responsibility for our present and our future.”
Virgin Islanders have one week left to tell government officials what they think of a glowing 30-foot-long billboard proposed for the Weymouth Rhymer Highway in St. Thomas. In addition, local politicians needs to make sure their campaign ads are not posted in the territory’s historic districts, officials warned Tuesday.
A private company asked the Department of Public Works for permission to build a 10-foot by 30-foot LED-lit billboard between the turnouts for Cost U Less and PriceSmart in central St. Thomas. Public Works Commissioner Derrick Gabriel said he, personally, didn’t like the idea but wanted to hear what other Virgin Islanders thought.
The Department of Public Works issued the public comment period May 7, giving people until May 26 to register their cheers or jeers at the idea.
Commenters to the Source social media posts were overwhelming against the idea for a new LED-lit sign, and complained about other, smaller glowing signage changing the character of the island to “trashy.” A small but vocal minority said they didn’t see the big deal: Ugly signs crowd plenty of roadways so what’s one more?
To clear up any misconception or rumors online about the proposed billboard, it is not funded or backed by the Virgin Islands government or public funds in any way, officials said.
Gabriel encouraged St. Thomians to write to contactdpw@dpw.vi.gov or call 340-776-4844 to comment on the proposed billboard. The public comment period is scheduled to close Tuesday, May 26.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources was concerned with vastly smaller signs Tuesday that could be no less divisive.
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol reminded public-office aspirants that political advertising was strictly prohibited within the Virgin Islands’ historic districts in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.
The law, Title 29, Chapter 3, Section 281 of the Rules and Regulations of the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission, has been part of the VI Code since at least 2019.
Political signs are not allowed in the Fredriksted historic districts, outlined in light blue on this map. (Illustration courtesy DPNR)Political signs are not allowed in the Cruz Bay historic districts, outlined in light blue on this map. (Illustration courtesy DPNR)Political signs are not allowed in the Charlotte Amalie historic districts, outlined in light blue on this map. (Illustration courtesy DPNR)Political signs are not allowed in the Christiansted historic districts, outlined in light blue on this map. (Illustration courtesy DPNR)
“Off-premise signage — including sandwich boards and other freestanding signs — is not permitted within historic districts except as part of approved uniform directories,” Oriol said in a written statement. “All event posters, flyers, banners, and political advertisements currently displayed within these historic districts must be removed immediately. Failure to comply will result in fines as authorized by Virgin Islands law.”
DPNR provided maps outlining in teal the areas where political signage is not permitted. The historic districts may extend further than most residents realize.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency carved out $9.4 million for the U.S. Virgin Islands to test for and mitigate so-called “forever chemicals” in drinking water. (Source photo by Mat Probasco)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Tuesday that the U.S. Virgin Islands is slated to receive $9.4 million in grant funding as part of a billion-dollar effort to curb per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and other drinking water contaminants in the territory.
“Everyone in the U.S. Virgin Islands deserves confidence that the water coming from their tap is safe,” said Michael Martucci, EPA Region 2 administrator Michael Martucci in a press release. “This funding gives U.S. Virgin Island communities more tools to test for PFAS and other emerging contaminants, plan for long-term solutions and make the infrastructure upgrades needed to protect public health.”
Harold Mark, DPNR’s program manager for the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant, told the Source Tuesday that the award is the territory’s third allotment of funds under the federal Emerging Contaminants in Small or Disadvantaged Communities grant program. The funds are awarded to small community or nonprofit water systems to test for PFAS — sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because of how long it may take for them to break down naturally — and curb their presence in public water systems. The chemicals have been linked to numerous adverse health effects, including cancer.
Tuesday’s funding announcement came a day after the EPA announced a “comprehensive, lifecycle-based strategy” to PFAS in a move that some environmentalists have described as a rollback of restrictions and limits implemented by the Biden administration in 2024. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement released Monday that the new plan calls for “rules grounded in gold-standard science and the Safe Drinking Water Act, support for water systems on the front lines, and action to stop PFAS pollution at the source before it ever reaches a tap.”
“The Biden administration cut corners and failed to follow the law,” he stated. “We are fixing that error with standards water systems can actually implement and that will hold up to scrutiny, while addressing PFOA and PFOS, two of the best-studied PFAS with well-documented health impacts.”
