WAPA’s governing board voted Friday to revoke a fuel supply contract with Empire Gas Company amid concerns about the utility’s procurement practices. (Source file photo)
The V.I. Water and Power Authority’s governing board revoked a liquid petroleum gas supply contract with the Puerto Rico-based Empire Gas Company during an emergency meeting Friday afternoon and authorized the utility’s Chief Executive Officer, Karl Knight, to contract a short-term supplier while issuing yet another request for proposals for a long-term LPG supplier.
The decisions came after board members spent hours in executive session Friday and less than a month after the board narrowly approved the Empire deal in a 3-2 vote despite reservations from board Chair Maurice Muia, who asked that the vote be delayed while the board gathered more information. On July 30, At-Large Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. wrote to WAPA leadership “to encourage transparency, due diligence, and fair adherence to WAPA’s procurement standards in evaluating the proposed LPG … supply contract” with Empire.
“The letter was a response to multiple concerns directly expressed and relayed to me by several constituents and stakeholders,” he wrote in a statement. “My role, as a legislator, is to ensure that public processes uphold integrity and that community voices are heard.”
Knight appeared before the V.I. Public Services Commission Tuesday to defend Empire’s selection. The utility received four responses to a solicitation they issued in April, but the process was ultimately scrapped because the pricing proposals “did not leave us any place differently than we had been, nor had the payment terms improved,” Knight said during that meeting.
“We terminated that process, ended it, and we started out — in the interest of public exigency — direct engagement with potential providers, starting with the respondents, trying to see if there was assumptions that were factored into their proposals or other things — risk they were trying to mitigate — but to see if we could get to a better price point, better payment terms, or better value from their proposals.”
It’s not yet clear whether the utility will extend its existing agreement with Vitol for the next three months or find a different supplier. After Friday’s votes, Muia told the Source that fuel represents both the biggest cost and the biggest risk to WAPA.
“But most importantly, it’s our largest opportunity to turn the authority around,” he said. “And today, I truly believe we made a decision as a board to drive that in the right direction.”
The St. Croix Educational Complex High School opened the 2025–2026 school year Thursday with the unveiling of the “I Love SCEC” sculpture — a bold new landmark celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary, a press release announced.
Students and faculty gather at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School on the first day of the 2025–2026 school year for the unveiling of the “I Love SCEC” sculpture, a new landmark commemorating the school’s 30th anniversary. (Photo courtesy SCEC)
Opened in 1995, the school has stood as a cornerstone of academic excellence, cultural pride, and community engagement for three decades. The sculpture, created in collaboration with artist and educator Dwydale Dariah and fellow artist Danica David, pays tribute to those values in a lasting, visual form, according to the press release.
Dariah and David began work on the project at the close of the 2024–2025 school year and dedicated seven weeks of their summer to completing it. Positioned at the front entrance of the school’s outer campus grounds, the sculpture greets students, faculty, alumni and visitors each day, serving as a reminder of school pride, cultural heritage, and shared accomplishment, the press release stated.
“This project is more than art — it’s a symbol of who we are,” Principal Rodney Moorehead said. “It represents our history, our community, and the strong spirit that connects every member of the SCEC family.”
Fine Arts Assistant Principal Erick Wille added that the sculpture will continue to inspire creativity, unity, and school spirit for generations to come.
Funding for the project was provided by the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, whose support reflects a commitment to integrating art into education and community life, the release stated.
The “I Love SCEC” sculpture not only commemorates the school’s 30 years of history but also looks ahead, encouraging students to embrace their identity, honor their achievements, and carry forward the legacy of excellence that defines the St. Croix Educational Complex High School, it said.
Anson Gallaway of Estate Frydendal was sentenced to five years’ probation for defrauding 12 Virgin Islands families out of more than $650,000 in a prefabricated housing scheme, the Virgin Island Justice Department announced Friday.
Gallaway, 48, pleaded guilty in April to obtaining money by false pretense after failing to deliver contracted homes on St. Thomas and St. Croix between February 2020 and December 2021. On July 21, Superior Court Judge Ernest E. Morris handed down the sentence.
According to DOJ, Gallaway operated under GHL Home Innovations LLC and collected payments ranging from just over $1,000 to more than $150,000, with total losses reaching $656,911.51. Before pleading guilty, he repaid nearly $100,000, and another $120,000 was paid prior to sentencing. He remains responsible for $439,911.51 in restitution.
As part of his probation, Gallaway must pay at least $4,000 each month toward restitution, with funds to be distributed quarterly to victims.
“This defendant exploited the hopes of families seeking affordable housing,” Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea said. “This judgment ensures accountability, begins the process of rebuilding for the victims of these deceptive and corrupt business practices, and sends a clear message that those who exploit our residents for personal gain will be held accountable.”
As Thursday’s legislative session wound down, Sen. Kurt Vialet moved to bring sanctions against At-Large Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. to the floor. With no time for debate, senators approved a formal reprimand and a 30 working-day suspension — 15 unpaid days beginning Aug. 18, with 15 more held in abeyance through Dec. 31, and imposed only if he violates Senate rules in that window.
The vote followed the Committee on Ethical Conduct’s late-July action, when members accepted Bolques’s no-contest plea to violating his oath of office and said they would send a reprimand recommendation to the full Senate. That recommendation formed the basis of Thursday’s original bill.
The inquiry began with a March 26 complaint and a committee formed on March 28. According to previous releases, investigators interviewed current and former staff, and consulted the Legislature’s human resources and finance units. Ultimately, several allegations were dismissed under Rule 810(e) — the 60-day filing rule — leaving the oath-of-office violation. “If he had challenged the charges then we would have gone into a full hearing,” Sen. Kenneth Gittens said in a call with the Source, adding that because of the rules governing the process, the committee was “timebarred” in dealing with certain portions of the complaint, which has not been made public.
Gittens said that after caucusing behind the scenes, a majority of senators agreed to toughen the penalty, which prompted an amendment in the nature of a substitute pairing the reprimand with the suspension: 15 unpaid days now, and 15 held in abeyance — to be triggered immediately, and without pay, only if Bolques violates the rules before Dec. 31.
Thursday, Sen. Carla Joseph raised a procedural objection to the amendment under Rule 511-C2, which requires that any amendment be submitted to the Office of the Legislative Legal Counsel at least 48 hours before it is offered and distributed to each senator at least 24 hours in advance. Joseph argued the rule had been violated, noting that the amendment in question was presented “just five minutes ago.”
After a short recess, legislative legal counsel Amos Carty defended the timing of the amendment in a detailed procedural explanation.
“Pursuant to Rule 511-C3 of the rules of the 36th Legislature, it requires that amendments must be distributed to each senator not less than 24 hours before the time the amendment is offered,” counsel stated. “If, however, the legislative legal counsel distributes an amendment to the senator less than 24 hours before the session commences, the third requirement of Rule 511-C3 is not applicable.” Counsel argued the rule didn’t apply in this case because the amendment was tied to a bill that had been special-ordered that day, making it impossible to prepare and distribute 24 hours in advance. Under those circumstances, counsel said, the rules allowed the amendment to proceed.
The amendment passed by a narrow margin of 7-6, with Bolques himself voting against it. The final vote on the resolution as amended maintained the same split, with senators including Dwayne M. DeGraff, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Alma Frances Heyliger, Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Milton E. Potter, and Vialet supporting the measure, while Marvin A. Blyden, Bolques, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Joseph, and Avery L. Lewis opposed it.
Two senators (Marise C. James and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.) were absent for both votes. Following the final vote of the day, Potter declined to allow further discussion, citing consideration for “essential staff and employees who’ve been grinding this thing out all day.”
Asked after about public concerns that the committee wasn’t transparent in its process by not releasing the initial complaint and settlement terms, Gittens said, “No, it was taken seriously — that’s why we kept the public abreast at every point.”
Senate President Milton Potter chairs the Committee of the Whole Thursday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
The Committee of the Whole, on Thursday, set the stage for a long-planned connectivity upgrade, ratifying Bill No. 36-0130 to endorse the governor’s approval of Trans America Fiber’s submarine cable permit, while also acting on a commission appointment and two zoning changes.
The Senate earlier ratified Bill No. 36-0130, endorsing the governor’s approval of a major coastal zone permit for the Trans America Fiber US LLC submarine cable project. The plan — to connect the U.S. Virgin Islands with Florida, Puerto Rico, and more than a dozen Caribbean and Latin American nations — drew close scrutiny from senators as officials outlined its technical, financial and environmental details. The project involves a 2,000-kilometer segment with a landing at Butler Bay on St. Croix.
The $8 million initiative will be carried out in two phases and is designed to modernize the territory’s digital infrastructure for decades. The government will receive an annual rental fee of $67,000 for the use of territorial waters, and the developer has pledged to provide the territory with 50 gigabits per second of free bandwidth in each direction through the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network. The total 100 Gbps capacity will bolster schools, hospitals, emergency services and public WiFi.
“This modern cable system will improve the bandwidth, reliability, and clarity needed to connect the U.S. Virgin Islands with Florida, Puerto Rico, and more than 10 other nations across the Caribbean and Latin America,” Rebecca Rubright, environmental engineer, told lawmakers.
Installation will use an existing shoreline conduit installed in 1996, eliminating the need for drilling, dredging or other major disturbance. Divers will guide the cable into place along a route chosen to avoid coral reefs, and environmental monitoring will be conducted daily. The cable itself is expected to last 20 to 30 years, while the conduit could remain in service for nearly a century.
Officials said the system will carry 18 terabits per fiber pair, with eight fiber pairs in this segment — a substantial increase over the aging infrastructure now in use. They added that the network’s redundancy will improve communications reliability during hurricanes and other disasters.
Senators pressed for assurances that past environmental mistakes would not be repeated, citing a mud spill in the same area 25 years ago. Project representatives stressed multiple layers of oversight, including permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Division of Environmental Protection and compliance with international maritime agreements.
Sen. Hubert L. Frederick took issue with the company’s CEO failing to appear on camera during the meeting, calling it “a major undertaking” that warranted direct engagement with lawmakers. “The least you could do is show up so we could ask you questions directly,” Frederick said. “I need to know about the company — your background, how long you’ve been doing this. We need to feel comfortable about this relationship.”
Also during Thursday’s meeting, lawmakers approved the nomination of Chantelle D. Quinnis to the Historic Preservation Commission and passed two zoning bills. Lawmakers rezoned parcel 100-1C, Estate Turner Kings Quarter in St. Thomas, from R3 residential to B1 business, and plots 36 and 37, Estate Richmond on St. Croix, from commercial to B3 business.
All measures now go to the governor for further action.
NHC Tropical Storm Erin projected storm track as of 5 p.m. Thursday. (Photo courtesy NHC)
Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to become a hurricane by Friday as it nears the northern Leeward Islands, prompting Tropical Storm Watches for several islands. While the latest National Hurricane Center forecast keeps its core just north of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, forecasters warn the track remains uncertain, and the region could still face heavy rain, gusty winds, and dangerous swells.
Tropical Storm Erin’s Track
As of the 5 p.m. Thursday update from the NHC, Erin was located about 790 miles east of the northern Leeward Islands, moving westward at 17 mph and with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. The system is intensifying, and it is forecast to reach hurricane strength, with winds of at least 74 mph, by Friday, and could eventually intensify into a major hurricane of Category 3 strength or higher. Rapid intensification of the cyclone is possible.
“Erin is moving toward the west near 17 mph, and a turn toward the west-northwest is expected tonight, with this motion expected to continue into the weekend,” the NHC said. “On the forecast track, the center of Erin is likely to move near or just north of the northern Leeward Islands over the weekend.”
The NHC’s 5 p.m. updated track continues to take Erin’s core north of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico this weekend. However, the forecast shifted slightly south through 72 hours and west on days four and five. This adjustment highlights continued uncertainty in the exact path, and further changes are possible.
While many of the forecast models still show the system passing just north of the islands, the timing and sharpness of an eventual turn to the north-northwest will significantly influence any potential local impacts.
Tropical Storm Watch Issued for Several Leeward IslandsDuring its 5 p.m. update, the NHC announced that a Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for several of the northern Leeward Islands, including Anguilla and Barbuda, St. Martin and St. Barthelemy, Saba and St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten.
Infrared satellite imagery of Tropical Storm Erin, obtained at 6:20 p.m. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
The U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico have not received tropical weather alerts as of 5 p.m. on Thursday. However, the NHC stressed that additional watches may soon be issued.
“Tropical storm conditions are possible for portions of the northern Leeward Islands, where Tropical Storm Watches are in effect beginning on Saturday as the core of Erin passes north of those islands,” the NHC reported. “Tropical storm conditions could also occur in portions of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico later in the weekend, and additional watches may be required on Thursday night or on Friday,” the NHC added.
According to information from the NHC, a Tropical Storm Watch means tropical storm conditions with winds of 39 to 73 mph are possible within 48 hours, while a Tropical Storm Warning means those conditions are expected within 36 hours. A Hurricane Watch signals hurricane conditions with winds of 74 mph or higher are possible within 48 hours, and a Hurricane Warning means those conditions are expected within 36 hours.
Potential Impacts to the USVI and Puerto Rico
While the core of the cyclone may pass north or northeast of the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the NHC said Thursday that Erin could still pass close enough to bring impacts to the local islands, including rainfall, gusty winds, and powerful ocean swells.
“Tropical Storm Erin is expected to produce areas of heavy rainfall beginning late Friday and continuing through the weekend across the northernmost Leeward Islands, the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as southern and eastern Puerto Rico,” the NHC warned. “Rainfall totals of two to four inches, with isolated totals of six inches, are expected. This rainfall may lead to isolated flash and urban flooding, along with landslides or mudslides,” the NHC continued.
“Swells generated by Erin will begin affecting portions of the northern Leeward Islands, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico by this weekend, and these swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions. Please consult products from your local weather forecast office,” the NHC said.
The NHC added that tropical storm force winds may occur by early Saturday across the areas currently under a Tropical Storm Watch.
“While there is still uncertainty in what impacts might occur in portions of the Bahamas, the east coast of the United States, and Bermuda next week, the risk of dangerous surf and rip currents across the Western Atlantic basin next week is increasing,” the NHC added.
National Weather Service Information
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, shared the following information regarding potential impacts from Erin.
“Based on the latest NHC`s trajectory and intensity forecast for Erin, its center should move off to the northeast of the Northeast Caribbean around early Sunday morning,” according to an update on Thursday from the NWS. “However, if this forecast validates, Erin`s external rain bands could turn more frequent as Erin approaches the islands from a distance. Nevertheless, the proximity of Erin will shift from the south to the southwest around Sunday, pooling plenty of tropical moisture over the islands through Monday.”
“Due to continuous shower activity and saturated soils, the potential to observe urban flooding, landslides along steep terrains, and river flooding will increase,” the NWS added.
The NWS also urged caution regarding hazardous marine conditions.
“Erin’s swell action could deteriorate marine and coastal conditions, creating life-threatening rip currents for this upcoming weekend. Residents and visitors are urged to avoid the coastal areas from Saturday afternoon through Monday,” the NWS said.
VITEMA Director Shares Update on Tropical Storm Erin
Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, held a press briefing Thursday on Tropical Storm Erin. He said he has been in close contact with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, regarding potential threats the U.S. Virgin Islands could face as Erin passes near the region.
Daryl Jaschen, director of VITEMA, provided an update on Tropical Storm Erin Thursday at Government House on St. Croix. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Jaschen confirmed that rainfall totals could reach three to four inches, with showers beginning Friday and intermittent precipitation from Erin’s outer rainbands lasting several days. He added that powerful ocean swells could build to between eight and 12 feet.
Jaschen encouraged residents to sign up for VITEMA’s emergency notifications in the event that storm watches or warnings are announced.
Information was also provided about “Operation Blue Skies,” a sandbag distribution operation across the territory that began on Thursday. Originally planned for later this month, the distribution was moved up due to uncertainty surrounding Tropical Storm Erin. VITEMA noted this will be the only sandbag distribution for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.
Locations for sandbag distribution were provided in a press release:
Sandbag Distribution InformationDates and Times
Fire Stations: Aug. 14, 15, and 16 from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
DPW Sites: Aug. 14 and 15 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (lunch break 12:00–1 p.m.)
Bring: ID and your own shovel
Access and Functional Needs; Aging Community Who Require Sandbag Delivery
Call-in dates: Aug. 11–14 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Sandbag delivery: Aug. 18–19
Croix: 340-718-2980
Thomas/St. John: 340-473-1848 or 340-998-3571
Water Island
6 – 8:30 a.m.: Sandbags will be available at Barge Dock (DPW)
Due to short notice, Water Island distribution cannot occur before the storm’s arrival. Residents are encouraged to obtain sandbags from St. Thomas or St. John during the general distribution period.
Locations:
St. Croix: Estate Anna’s Hope DPW, Concordia DPW, Cotton Valley Fire Station, Grove Station Fire Station
St. Thomas: Sub Base DPW, Fortuna Fire Station, Tutu Fire Station, Omar Brown Fire Station
St. John: Susannaberg DPW, Coral Bay Fire Station
Individuals can find more information about sandbag distribution on VITEMA’s official website.
Additionally, Jaschen reminded residents that if a curfew needs to be imposed due to Tropical Storm Erin, individuals will need a curfew pass to travel outside of designated hours. Passes are available only to residents who have previously submitted applications and can be collected from VITEMA offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix. He added that those requiring access to dialysis services will be permitted to travel regardless, and dialysis centers are expected to remain open.
Jaschen added that the territory is ready to open emergency shelters if needed, with details on shelter locations to be announced once they are determined.
Finally, Jaschen said that as of Thursday afternoon, schools and government offices are scheduled to be open on Friday. Any changes will likely be announced by tomorrow.
Local Weather Updates
It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. 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 regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. A weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source is also published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates.
Additionally, residents and visitors can find weather details and preparedness information from VITEMA.
On Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act, establishing a source of financial stability for Americans in their later years. In 2025, national advocates for senior citizens are celebrating the program’s 90th anniversary.
The local chapter of AARP hosted a Social Security birthday party Thursday on St. John at Mongoose Junction Shopping Center. Island elders gathered outside of Bajo El Sol Art Bar and Rum Room for live music, moko jumbies, ice cream and cupcakes.
Postcard Poster outside of Bajo El Sol (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
St. John’s Quelbe Resurrection Band laid down the rhythm for a crowd of retirees who couldn’t sit still for long.
Quelbe Resurrection livens the courtyard at Mongoose Junction. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
AARP-VI State Director Troy De Chabert-Schuster looked pleased at the turnout and the effort his volunteers put into Thursday’s celebration.
Inside the Bajo El Sol, bartender Raven Phillips mixed a passion fruit martini created for the occasion.
Mixologist Raven behind the bar at Bajo El Sol (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Joining the fete was Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, who addressed the crowd with the latest developments from Washington to preserve Medicare and Medicaid benefits. She also praised the state director for his efforts in the nation’s capital.
“We talked about the amazing work Troy Schuster has been doing with AARP here … he introduced our office to legislation that would give tax credits for those who take care of their elder parents,” the delegate said.
And Yisrael Petersen brought some of the Next Generation Moko Jumbies to frolic by the band. That, and the band’s finale, moved the seniors onto their feet to dance the event to a festive finish.
Frolicking moko jumbies at Mongoose Junction (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Celebrations of Social Security’s 90th Anniversary continue Friday on St. Thomas and Saturday on St. Croix.
The Virgin Islands Education Department announced Thursday that St. Croix Educational Complex High School will be closed Friday due to a water pump failure that has left the campus with low water pressure. The closure does not affect the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center, which will remain open and operating as usual.
According to a press release, the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance notified the department earlier Thursday that repair crews were unable to fully restore normal water service despite efforts throughout the day. The contractor determined that additional work, including replacing damaged pumps with new units, would be required through the weekend to ensure a long-term fix.
In the interest of protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our students and staff and to prevent any further disruption due to lack of water for restrooms and other essential facilities, the St. Croix Educational Complex High School will be closed Friday, the press release stated.
The department said the work is expected to be completed over the weekend, allowing the high school to reopen next week. Officials apologized for the disruption at the start of the school year and thanked parents, students, and staff for their patience as repairs are completed.
The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) announces that the next meeting of its Board of Directors will take place on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM AST. The meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park
In alignment with the UVI Research and Technology Park’s commitment to transparency and good governance, and in accordance with V.I. Code tit. 1, § 254, the upcoming board meeting will include a regular session that is open to the public. Individuals wishing to attend must RSVP in advance using the official form. Zoom access details will be sent to verified attendees 48 hours prior to the meeting.
Meeting Details:
Please note that only the regular session of the meeting will be open to public attendees. At any point, the Board may enter an executive session, which is closed to the public. This is allowed under Virgin Islands law (V.I. Code tit. 1, § 254 and tit. 17, § 810) to discuss sensitive topics like legal matters, personnel issues, or confidential business information. When that happens, public attendees will be placed in the Zoom waiting room and brought back in if the regular session continues.
For questions or media inquiries, please contact marketing@uvirtpark.net.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lewis A. Royer of Estate Strawberry who died peacefully on July 23, 2025 at the age of 82. Lewis was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, cousin and great role model to family and friends. His memory will live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Lewis A. Royer
He is survived by his wife Bernadin B. Royer; Brother, Max Royer(Dominica); Children, Ardent, Fritzen, Kisha Royer and Vandalin Morton; Step Daughter, Alexandra Needam; Grandchildren, Aisha, Aaliyah, Kai, Milan Eryn, Amaiyah, Amarah Royer, Indykah Morton, Amani Samuel; Step Grandchildren, Lillian and Destiny Needam; Sons-In-Law, Clive Morton and Anthony Needam; Daughters-In-Law, Cindy and Tracey Royer; Sisters-In-Law, Julia and Amie Bannis, Victoria JnoFinn, Eliza Sanderson, Virginia Douglas; Brothers-In-Law, Justin Bannis and Ralf Douglas. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Special thanks to Quantum Health Care: Jonelle, Lisa and Twin Joyce, Dr. Watty, Continuum Care.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 at Sunny Isles Baptist Church. Viewing will begin at 9:00 am with service at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
