Judge Grants Tootsys Defendant Pretrial Release, But With Conditions

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Judge Grants Tootsys Defendant Pretrial Release, But With Conditions

Magda Castro Santos, a defendant in the federal Tootsys sex trafficking case, will be granted pretrial release on an unsecured $50,000 bond but not until a few issues are resolved, U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague ruled at a detention hearing Thursday in District Court on St. Thomas that stretched nearly four hours.

Teague acknowledged some challenges facing the court before Castro Santos is released. Not least of those is what to do about her wife, who is one of the alleged victims, reportedly in the country illegally, and lives at the apartment where Castro Santos would have to reside under strict conditions — including no contact with any of the alleged victims.

Castro Santos, 39, was arrested April 18 when FBI agents raided Tootsys Gentlemen’s Club in Red Hook that they alleged was really a brothel, where dancers brought in from outside the territory were coerced into a commercial sex scheme to repay travel and housing expenses, according to court records.

She and her co-defendants — Hussein Jamil, 56, who also goes by Hussian Jamil Suarez and Tony, and Julio Hidaldo De Pena, 65 — are charged with conspiracy to transport for the purpose of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and conspiracy to harbor aliens for financial gain — punishable by a maximum of 10 years in prison, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Jamil, portrayed as the ringleader of the alleged operation in court documents, has been denied bail. De Pena has been granted pretrial release but has yet to find a suitable third-party custodian.

Carlos Santos’ proposed third-party custodian testified in court Thursday after failing to appear at a previous detention hearing. Speaking through a Spanish interpreter she said she was a willing participant and has known the defendant since 2005, chiefly through her ex-husband, Clarence Smith Jr., a friend of Castro Santos and Jamil’s who was found not guilty of weapons and drugs charges at a jury trial in 2023, according to Thursday’s hearing and District Court documents.

Despite working five days a week as a manicurist at Tutu Park Mall and caring for three minor children, with another on the way in July, she told the court she would diligently check in on Castro Santos every day.

Prior to working as a manicurist, she was employed in the kitchen at Club 75 — a “gentleman’s club” Jamil once operated in downtown Charlotte Amalie — but never at Tootsys, and neither did her ex, she testified.

The government, represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Natasha Baker, spent some time Thursday emphasizing that it was Smith who had the friendship with Castro Santos, not his ex, though the two women are acquainted. Moreso, he has a captain’s license, though he hasn’t owned a boat since his sank some years ago, which his ex-wife confirmed during her testimony.

According to the initial complaint, Jamil used boats to transfer women through the British Virgin Islands to St. Thomas and knew the captains to run them.

However, as he explained the calculations behind his order to deny the government’s motion to detain Castros Santos, Teague said he had paid no mind to that argument regarding her flight risk. St. Thomas is an island and a lot of people have boats, he said.

He also was not convinced by the government’s argument that Castro Santos is a risk to the community if released, noting that she is not accused of violence and has no prior criminal record, though he admitted, “I ultimately find what’s been alleged is pretty troubling, I’ll put it that way.”

The judge also referenced what most everybody in attendance was feeling, that “the court has heard more arguments than it can imagine” after three previous hearings that also lasted hours. “I think I am well versed.”

At one point Castro Santos’ attorney, Raul E. Bandas of Puerto Rico, complained that the hearings had become a trial, but without the benefit of discovery. “This is not a trial. Put it in bold, capital letters,” he said.

Appearing via video conferencing, Bandas painted his client as someone hardly able to abscond, saying she earned about $2,500 a month working at Tootsys. “This is not a person who has the means to charter a private jet and go to Russia,” he said. She has long ties to the island, but also family in Puerto Rico if she cannot return to her apartment, he said.

Bandas also hinted at a defense, saying that Castro Santos has lived on St. Thomas for 20 years without a single complaint against her, so how does that square with claims of “intimidation, intimidation, intimidation” but none of the alleged victims every complained to police, he said.

Castro Santos, short of stature with a long black ponytail and an undercut, appeared in court in a green jail jumpsuit and shackles. She sat quietly, listening to the proceedings through the interpreter, at one point glancing back at her custodian in the gallery to shake her head as the hearing dragged on.

Among the conditions of her release that Teague set Thursday, she will wear an ankle monitor and stay away from Tootsys, Red Hook and the Bolongo area, where Jamil is alleged to have kept women in a house known as Bolongo 25, or B25. (Among the allegations in Smith’s gun case was that he received firearms in the mail at Bolongo Bay #25.)

Castro Santos may not have any contact with her wife, Smith, or any current or former Tootsys employees, witnesses, or alleged victims, Teague said, and if she happens to cross paths with one of them, must notify probation services immediately.

She may not leave St. Thomas, must surrender her passport, and actively seek employment, but not in a “gentlemen’s club” or bar environment. She is restricted to her home at all times except for work, education, court matters and medical appointments. “So, if you want groceries, you will have to ask probation services” for permission to go to the store, Teague told her.

But for now Castro Santos will remain in jail until a criminal background check is completed on her third-party custodian — who testified Thursday she has never been arrested and that she received her U.S. citizenship in February — and until pretrial services has vetted her home for release. If it is not found suitable, counsel will have to provide an alternative location.

Teague also issued a stern warning to Castro Santos, telling her that if she breaks any of the conditions, “you most certainly will be back in front of me.”

The judge also said Thursday that an indictment has been handed down in the case, though it was not yet filed on the docket early Friday. That started the 70-day speedy trial clock, he said, and set the trio’s arraignment for Wednesday and said he will also issue a scheduling order that day.

Roach, Francis File Nomination Papers for Governor–Lieutenant Governor Bid

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Roach, Francis File Nomination Papers for Governor–Lieutenant Governor Bid
Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, and Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. submit their nomination papers at the V.I. Elections System office on St. Thomas on Thursday. (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)

A second gubernatorial ticket officially entered the 2026 race Thursday, as Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach and Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. submitted nomination papers at the V.I. Elections System office on St. Thomas ahead of the May 19 filing deadline. Their filing comes as election activity continues to ramp up across the territory, with candidates seeking offices ranging from governor and delegate to the Legislature, Board of Education, and Board of Elections formally entering the race in both districts.

Recent filings on St. Thomas and St. John have included Lorelei Marsh Monsanto, David Sierra, Michael A. Smith, Mayard Leader, Angel Bolques Jr., Dwayne M. Degraff and Carla J. Joseph for the Legislature; D’Vonte J. Xavier, Bruce Flamon and Judy M. Gomez for the Board of Education; and Atanya S. Springette and Joycelyn Jacobs for the Board of Elections. On St. Croix, filings have included congressional candidate Stacey Plaskett and running mate Milton Potter for governor and lieutenant governor, Emmett Hansen for delegate to Congress, along with legislative hopefuls Mutasem B.F. Mustafa, Elizabeth Hansen Watley, Alvin Milligan, Franklin Johnson and Dwight Mike Cartier, among others.

On Thursday, Roach and Francis submitted nomination papers at the V.I. Elections System office on St. Thomas, formally advancing their campaign for governor and lieutenant governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Speaking with The Source after the filing, Roach and Francis outlined priorities including infrastructure, education, health care, energy reliability, public safety, elder care and overall quality of life. The pair said their campaign would draw on their combined experience in government, education, law enforcement and legislative leadership.

Roach said the ticket intends to focus on completing public projects already in progress, including schools and health facilities, while also addressing long-standing problems in the territory, including energy reliability.

“We look forward to providing even more solutions to our energy situation,” Roach said. “We know that it’s a problem that has plagued the people of the territory for quite a long time, and we believe that at the core of it is creating a grid for our community that draws on multiple sources of power, whether wind, solar or traditional means of producing power, so that at no time would you have an entire island without power at the same time.”

Roach also said education and workforce development are key parts of the ticket’s approach, particularly efforts to expand opportunities for adults and strengthen human capital development across the territory.

“Our Department of Education is critically important to me as an educator,” Roach said. “We look forward to increasing opportunities for adult learning, increasing opportunities for the development of human capital in the territory, and to do many other projects that will improve the quality of life.”

Francis echoed Roach’s emphasis on improving residents’ quality of life.

“As we continue to go out and meet with the public, they continue to talk about infrastructure concerns,” Francis said. “They’ll talk about the roads, health care. They want to make sure that when they call the police, the police is responsive, and when they call for an ambulance, that there is an ambulance available.”

“We understand that. We live in this community,” he said, adding that his experience as a law enforcement officer and legislator has shaped his approach to government. “We understand the importance of providing the resources so that our public service could be able to function, and truly that will be what we continue to drive home.”

Francis referenced the territory’s recovery from the hurricanes and the pandemic, saying those experiences reinforced the need to keep projects moving.

“We have to work collectively to address the issues facing this community,” Francis said. “There’s a tremendous amount of work already underway, and it’s important that we’re able to continue that work on day one. I believe we represent the team to make that happen.”

Francis said his previous experience as Senate president has given him multiple opportunities to act as lieutenant governor, helping prepare him for the role if elected. He added that working alongside Roach would strengthen the transition into the office.

“I pride myself in having someone that has sat in that position for the last eight years, who would be a very good mentor, a very good teacher, to assist me in this endeavor,” Francis said.

Francis said the Office of the Lieutenant Governor plays a key role in generating government revenue, which he described as essential to funding services that improve residents’ quality of life.

“It’s a critical responsibility moving forward to ensure that we continue to create the revenues that will help us address quality of life issues by having the resources to provide the public sector,” he said.

Roach said his eight years as lieutenant governor, including serving as acting governor on numerous occasions, have given him a clear understanding of the role. He added that both he and Francis bring extensive public service experience, positioning them to work effectively across the executive and legislative branches.

“When we say that we believe ourselves to be the best team, we’re not just saying that,” Roach said. “If you look at the preparation of Senator Francis and myself, we’ve both had lives immersed in public service. We both had the opportunity to run agencies, we both had the experience of working in the legislature so we understand why the legislature and the executive must have a working relationship to be successful for the people of the Virgin Islands. We come prepared and ready.”

Roach said the formal campaign announcement is planned for May 30, when the ticket expects to present its platform in more detail at a public event and online.

“I’m a trusted public servant who has worked on your behalf and will continue to do so, so that we can work together and improve the quality of life for everybody in this territory, which we have the responsibility to be good stewards for,” Roach said.

Ferry Rate Examiner Nears Completion of Final Report

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Ferry Rate Examiner Nears Completion of Final Report

A V.I. Public Services Commission appointee said Thursday that his final report on the rates for ferries connecting St. Thomas and St. John will be completed in the next few weeks, and a PSC hearing on the matter is slated for June 9.

The PSC tapped consultant Jed JohnHope to investigate ferry rates in late 2024, and he presented his findings to commissioners during an occasionally tense meeting earlier this week. On Tuesday, JohnHope recommended against raising ferry rates, and commissioners later adopted several of his recommendations. Those included decoupling the Charlotte Amalie to St. John ferry route — which accounts for only 3 percent of passenger traffic — from rate calculations, requiring the use of government-owned boats, and eliminating compensation for government-owned assets.

“We have vessels that have been out of the territory for up to 10 years that are still included in the rate base,” he said Thursday. “We have vessels that are retired. And we also have — most notably — government-funded assets that the ferry companies were earning a financial return on.”

JohnHope has also called for an independent ticketing system, arguing that the current system — operated by the ferry companies — makes it impossible to verify ridership and revenue data, and he reiterated his recommendation for audits of the ferry companies’ fuel consumption, payroll and staffing.

Prior to outlining his recommendations, JohnHope responded publicly to allegations from attorney Maria Tankenson Hodge, who on Tuesday accused the hearing examiner of billing her clients for thousands in dubious billable hours and travel costs. JohnHope described Hodge’s allegations as being “riddled with lies, inaccuracies and mischaracterizations” before addressing each of the claims.

“The analysis in this proceeding identified approximately $7 million in unwarranted earnings under the existing fare framework — compared with the approximately $150,000 in professional fees incurred thus far,” he said. “This represents a return of investment of more than 3,400 percent.”

JohnHope said the allegation that he billed $80,000 for eight days of work was similarly false.

“It is a salacious and misleading statement that I demand attorney Hodge formally retract,” he said. “False statements made before the PSC carry consequences, and I’m currently reviewing my options with legal counsel regarding those representations.”

Hodge called JohnHope’s statements a “further demonstration of bias on the part of the hearing examiner” and said the ferry companies would wait until the final report is released to state their objections. Speaking to the Source afterward, JohnHope said that would likely drag the proceedings out even longer.

“They’ve been stalling on this for the better part of a year. This thing was supposed to be done in September, and it’s clear — once you peek behind the curtains — why they don’t want to talk about this,” he said. “They’ve been making out quite well, but the crazy thing to me is, they have the audacity to ask for a rate increase in the middle of all of this. You’re getting compensated for boats that have been out of the territory for 10 years, and you want a rate increase?”

Despite the heated language Tuesday and Thursday, JohnHope stressed that the dispute wasn’t a personal one.

“The story isn’t that some guy stayed at an $800 hotel — which I can justify,” he said. “The story is, ‘wow, these guys have taken $7 million in… unwarranted earnings from this community. Let’s talk about that.”

Cannabis Advisory Board Approves Lab Testing Standards as Local Industry Nears Launch

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Cannabis Advisory Board Approves Lab Testing Standards as Local Industry Nears Launch

The Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board on Thursday approved laboratory testing standards for cannabis products, clearing another major hurdle as the U.S. Virgin Islands moves closer to launching its long-awaited regulated cannabis industry.

The approved testing standards establish requirements for contaminants, heavy metals, microbial controls and product-specific testing for inhalable cannabis products, edibles, tinctures and topicals. The Office of Cannabis Regulation’s Executive Director Joanne Moorehead said the standards were designed with the Virgin Islands’ humid tropical environment in mind.

“I do think that ours might be a little more stringent, but that is really because we’re looking at environmental factors that affect our plant product grown here versus in other parts of the country,” Moorehead said.

Board members raised concerns about possible contamination from heavy metals in soil and water, particularly on St. Croix due to the island’s industrial history. Board member Dr. Gary Jett questioned whether soil testing is routinely conducted in the territory.

Moorehead acknowledged the concern and encouraged cultivators to test both soil and cistern water before growing cannabis.

“If it’s in your water and you’re using that water to water your plants, it’s the same thing. It’s still getting into your plant via the root system,” she said.

The board also discussed the recent federal rescheduling of medical cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law. The change would recognize medical cannabis as having accepted medical uses under federal law and could ease some restrictions on research and business operations, though recreational cannabis would remain federally illegal.

Moorehead cautioned that the change applies only to medical cannabis and does not legalize recreational cannabis federally.

“It is not a wholesale rescheduling,” she said. “It does not make adult use or recreational marijuana or cannabis legal.”

Moorehead said the change could create new compliance and tracking obligations for medical cannabis businesses seeking federal registration through the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The board additionally reviewed a newly approved resolution giving previously unsuccessful dispensary applicants a one-time opportunity to amend portions of their applications to address deficiencies identified during the scoring process. Ownership changes will not be permitted under the amendment process, officials said.

Under the resolution, unsuccessful applicants will have 30 days to voluntarily submit revised application materials after receiving formal notification from the Office of Cannabis Regulation.

Moorehead also outlined the territory’s licensing process for commercial cultivators, explaining that applicants first undergo merit-based evaluation before receiving conditional approval. Final certificates to operate are issued only after applicants’ complete inspections and satisfy compliance requirements.

“We’re not trying to set people up for failure. We want them to succeed,” Moorehead said, describing the extensive back-and-forth process between regulators and applicants to ensure compliance before operations begin.

During her office update, Moorehead said medical cannabis registrations continue across the territory, with nine practitioners currently participating — five on St. Thomas and four on St. Croix — along with 44 active patients. She said the office continues reviewing applications and processing patient renewals as the program expands.

She also reported that several commercial cultivators are awaiting certificates to operate and could begin growing once final inspections are completed.

“We are right on the cusp for cultivation,” Moorehead said.

According to Moorehead, micro-cultivators and dispensaries are progressing through compliance reviews, while manufacturing and research-and-development applications are awaiting final scoring from evaluation committees. She added that third-party vendors and transportation providers remain pending as the office continues working through responsible vendor training requirements.

Members present at the meeting were Natalie Hodge, Louis Petersen, Dr. Gary Jett, Chris Jones, Bernisha Liburd, Dr. Katherine Kean.

The board scheduled its next meeting for June 25.

CZM Commission Rejects St. Croix Comms Tower

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CZM Commission Rejects St. Croix Comms Tower

After months of debate and consideration, the St. Croix Coastal Zone Management Committee decided to reject an application to construct a 150-foot tall communications tower in Estate Long Point and Cotton Garden sought by the Virgin Islands Government and Liberty Mobile as part of AT&T’s first responder network, or FirstNet.

The matter was discussed during a public hearing in February, during which residents and landowners voiced concerns about property devaluation, noise and potential environmental impacts. Those concerns and others were shared again during a CZM decision meeting in March, and committee members ultimately tabled a vote on the matter in order to gather more community input.

After brief remarks from attorney Kevin Rames, who is representing the applicants, and Wanda Perez, Liberty USVI’s senior manager for government affairs, commissioners shared that they still had misgivings about the development. Commissioner Aubrey Ruan said he had “a bad feeling in my stomach over this whole issue,” and commissioner May Cornwall said she hadn’t seen enough evidence to suggest that the Estate Long Point and Cotton Garden property was the only viable site for the tower.

Commissioners also questioned whether the applicants considered switching to an alternative site in Grapetree Bay, leading to several minutes of heated back-and-forth.

“We don’t want to be argumentative at all,” Rames said, “but… you simply cannot say that what has happened here is that we have rejected a suitable site in exchange for a site that we have invested in. The Grapetree Bay site — you may look at and think, from your own perspective, that it’s satisfactory, but it has been deemed outside of the appropriate zone and incapable of meeting the requirements of FirstNet.”

After voting to reject the application, commissioner Kai Nielsen acknowledged the importance of the project but said it was commissioners’ feeling that the assessments “weren’t sufficient to put it in its current location.”

“There are several other properties with property owners willing and able to provide land that we are to believe could fit the requirements once they are provided to us,” he said.

The committee then heard a presentation from the St. Croix Renaissance Group, which is seeking to build a reverse osmosis water production unit at St. Croix’s south shore industrial complex.

National Hurricane Center to Resume Daily Tropical Outlooks; El Niño Chances Continue to Grow

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National Hurricane Center to Resume Daily Tropical Outlooks; El Niño Chances Continue to Grow
Caption: AccuWeather’s 2026 hurricane season forecast highlights elevated Eastern Pacific risks, including abnormally warm water, increased direct impact potential near Hawaii and parts of Mexico, and tropical moisture concerns. (Photo courtesy AccuWeather)
The National Hurricane Center will resume routine Tropical Weather Outlooks for the Atlantic basin on May 15, giving residents and visitors across the U.S. Virgin Islands another reminder that the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season is fast approaching.
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Atlantic basin is the key area to monitor, because it includes the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and the Gulf.
The outlooks are a key place to check whether the NHC is monitoring areas of disturbed weather for possible tropical development. The May 15 restart also comes as forecasters continue to monitor the potential development of El Niño, which can influence hurricane activity differently across the Atlantic and Pacific basins.
Why Tropical Outlooks Resume on May 15  
The Source contacted Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, for perspective on the May 15 restart of the NHC outlooks. DaSilva explained that the timing of the resumption of outlooks can help improve awareness ahead of the official June 1 start of the Atlantic season.
“May 15 marks the start of the Eastern Pacific hurricane season, and the NHC likely begins Atlantic outlooks at the same time for consistency between the two basins,” DaSilva said. “Starting both at the same time helps avoid confusion and also raises awareness in the Atlantic ahead of the official June 1 start of the season.”
Tropical cyclone seasons vary around the world depending on the basin and time of year. For residents and visitors in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Atlantic basin remains the primary area to monitor. The National Hurricane Center states that the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, while the Eastern North Pacific season begins May 15 and runs through Nov. 30. The Eastern North Pacific basin covers the area east of 140 degrees west longitude, and the Central North Pacific basin covers the area from 140 degrees west longitude to 180 degrees, with that season also running from June 1 through Nov. 30.
In the Southern Hemisphere, tropical cyclone seasons occur during a different time of year. For example, Australia’s official tropical cyclone season runs from Nov. 1 to April 30, according to the Australian Bureau of Meteorology.
NWS San Juan Urges Preparedness
 
The Source also contacted Yidiana Zayas-Rivera, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for comments ahead of the NHC daily outlooks. Zayas-Rivera stressed that disaster preparedness remains important every year, no matter what the seasonal forecasts predict.
“Regardless of whether the season is expected to be more or less active, it is always important to focus on things we can control, and that is preparedness,” Zayas-Rivera declared. “We need to be prepared, because it only takes one hurricane to make a season active. Preparation, education, and our information are key to helping save lives,” she continued.
“Also, remember to follow official resources such as the NHC for the official intensity forecasts and forecast tracks of tropical systems, and the local San Juan Weather Forecast Office for more details on local impacts,” Zayas-Rivera noted.
El Niño Chances Continue to Grow
El Niño/La Niña conditions are shown for the 2026 hurricane season, with AccuWeather forecasting El Niño conditions becoming increasingly likely through the peak and latter part of the season. (Photo courtesy AccuWeather)
A major factor that may influence this year’s Atlantic hurricane season is the expected development of a strong El Niño weather pattern.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Scientists call the two opposing climate patterns of El Niño and La Niña the ‛El Niño-Southern Oscillation’ (ENSO) cycle. El Niño and La Niña can both have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems, and economies.” An ENSO-neutral phase typically occurs between phases of a La Niña or an El Niño event.
El Niño, which involves a warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, usually helps to increase wind shear—a change in wind direction and velocity with height in the atmosphere. In the Atlantic Ocean the increase in wind shear from El Niño helps to rip apart storms and prevent hurricane formation and intensification. This is the opposite of a La Niña cycle, when the ocean waters across the equatorial Pacific cool significantly. During La Niña, wind shear typically decreases in the Atlantic, and a reduction in wind shear can favor cyclone development.
The latest update from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center was released on May 14 and adds additional context to the potential development of El Niño this year. In its latest ENSO Diagnostic Discussion, NOAA said ENSO-neutral conditions continued over the past month, and an El Niño Watch remains in place.
The update said El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with an 82% chance during May through July 2026, and continue through winter 2026-2027, with a 96% chance for December through February. NOAA also noted that confidence in the development of El Niño has increased since last month, though there is still uncertainty about how strong the event may become.
AccuWeather has highlighted the developing El Niño pattern in recent outlooks. In an April 29 summer forecast, AccuWeather reported, “El Niño is expected to develop early in the summer and will have a growing influence on the tropics and the broader weather pattern across the United States through the rest of 2026.”
In a separate AccuWeather report about the Pacific hurricane season, the outlet noted that El Niño could promote a surge in activity in 2026 across the Pacific region. The report quoted DaSilva as saying, “This could be an unusually active and potentially impactful year in the Pacific basin, unlike the Atlantic basin, where we are forecasting fewer storms than the historical average.”
Atlantic Season Could Be Less Active, But Still Dangerous
A NOAA Climate.gov graphic shows the typical influence of El Niño, including more favorable hurricane conditions in the eastern Pacific and fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic due to stronger vertical wind shear, stronger trade winds, and greater atmospheric stability. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
DaSilva shared additional details regarding how El Niño affects the weather, including hurricane season.
“El Niño typically leads to fewer storms in the Atlantic, because it increases wind shear, creating hostile upper-level winds that disrupt tropical development. That tends to keep storm numbers lower overall, with more frequent periods of wind shear across the basin. It’s the opposite in the Pacific region, when during El Niño, there is generally less wind shear, which allows for more active hurricane seasons there.”
“Overall, wind shear this season is expected to be higher across the Atlantic, which should limit development for much of the season,” DaSilva predicted. “However, the wind shear will not be constant, and there will still be periods of lower wind shear. Those are the opportunities when powerful storms can form, especially with very warm ocean temperatures. The stronger El Niño becomes, the lower the total number of storms is likely to be. If we reach a very strong “super El Niño,” storm totals would likely fall toward the lower end of the hurricane forecast range,” he said.
Still, DaSilva noted that the northeastern Caribbean should not ignore the season, even if the overall Atlantic number of cyclones could be lower than average.
“I am concerned about the northeastern Caribbean potentially being grazed by a couple of systems this year,” DaSilva stated. “Storm tracks could be similar to last year, where systems approach the region and then turn north and away from the islands. While many storms may recurve, there is still a risk that some could come close enough to bring impacts, especially to the northern and northeastern Caribbean. Even in a quieter season, it only takes one storm. That is why preparation is critical every year, regardless of the forecast,” he warned.
Additionally, DaSilva said a quieter season does not eliminate the risk of a dangerous hurricane.
“Ocean temperatures are expected to be extremely warm, and ocean heat content will be very high, and any storm that finds a pocket of lower wind shear could rapidly intensify,” DaSilva cautioned. “People may see a season with fewer storms and assume there is little to worry about, but that can actually make it more dangerous. People may let their guard down. Even with lower numbers, it only takes one storm in the right conditions to become a high-impact hurricane. That’s why it’s critical to take this season seriously and have a hurricane plan in place. We are particularly concerned about areas along the northern and northeastern Gulf Coast and the Carolina coastline this season,” DaSilva continued.
Residents Should Remain Vigilant
 
For the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, seasonal outlooks can help describe the larger pattern, but they cannot predict whether any one island will be affected. DaSilva said early-season activity may occur before El Niño fully strengthens.
“There is a possibility of early-season tropical activity, because wind shear may be lower before El Niño fully strengthens, which could allow for some development,” DaSilva explained. “As El Niño builds, wind shear would likely increase, especially later in the season. For the Caribbean, especially the eastern Caribbean, the highest risk typically comes starting in July and increasing into August. Early in the season, it is more common to see tropical waves that have not fully developed yet. If El Niño becomes very strong, especially a super El Niño, wind shear would likely be stronger during the second half of the hurricane season,” DaSilva concluded.
The takeaway for the Virgin Islands remains straightforward: even if El Niño helps reduce the overall number of Atlantic storms, residents and visitors should use the coming weeks to review plans, follow official forecasts, and make sure emergency supplies are ready.

Andres Avila Esperanza Dies

Mat Probasco
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Andres Avila Esperanza Dies
The family of the beloved Andres Avila Esperanza are saddened to announce his passing on April 30, 2026. 
Andres Avila Esperanza
He is preceded in death by his mother, Ana Esperanza and father, Melchor Avila. He is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Lopez-Avila; son, Andres Avila lopez; daughters, Hilda Avila, Ada Avila, Lopez; grandchildren, Carlos Gonzales, Ada Monell, Danetlis Rodriguez, Pedro L. Rodriguez, Felipe Monell, Andres J. Avila, Abner J. Avila, Alexander J. Avila, Yamiles Gonzales, Catalina Gonzales, Ethan Avila, Leanetlis J McPhill; brothers, Norberto, Guillermo, Thomas Avila, also Miguel Esperanza; sisters, Alcedia, Lucia, Adela Avila (laly); daughters- and sons-law, Felipe Monell, Mariela Guadalupe-Avila; adopted children, Ramon Batista, Edward Perez, Ruben Velazquez; and special friends too numerous to mention;.     Friends and Family Viewing: Friday May 15 from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Kingshill Funeral Home, 303 Clifton Hill, Kingshill VI 00850 Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Iglesia De Dios Inc. at 159 Estate Profit Hill, Kingshill VI 00850 Viewing 9 a.m. Services 10 a.m. Interment at Frederiksted Cemetery.

Anguilla Landfill Reopens

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Anguilla Landfill Reopens
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the public that the fire at the Anguilla Landfill has been contained and the facility has resumed limited operations for commercial haulers.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
To ensure continued safety while crews remain active within the working phase of the landfill, traffic into the facility is currently limited. All haulers and landfill users are asked to exercise caution and follow all instructions provided by on-site personnel. These temporary operational measures are necessary to support ongoing monitoring and containment efforts within the landfill’s active working area. VIWMA appreciates the patience, cooperation, and understanding shown by commercial haulers and the community throughout the response and recovery process. The Authority will continue monitoring conditions closely and provide updates should operational changes become necessary. For more information, please contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-715-9100 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.

St. John Ballpark, Fire Station, and Westin Hotel Modifications Underway

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St. John Ballpark, Fire Station, and Westin Hotel Modifications Underway
Gazebo- Proposed visual rendition of the press box, concession, and reinforced bleachers at the Winston Wells Ballpark in St. John. (Teams meeting screenshot)

The St. John Coastal Zone Management committee approved the reconstruction of the Cruz Bay firestation and modification of a reverse osmosis plant at the Westin on St. John, while holding a public hearing Wednesday for the demolition and construction of the Winston Wells Ballpark concession kiosk and bleachers.

CZM committee members unanimously voted to approve application No. CZM0046-25 for the reconstruction of the Robert O’Connor Fire Station Reconstruction Project at Estate Enighed in St. John, after hearing updated testimony from presenters. In November 2025, the Virgin  Islands Fire and Emergency Services applied for the demolition and reconstruction of the fire station. The new structure will be two stories measuring approximately 9,300 gross square feet and constructed in virtually the same footprint as the existing structure. The existing facility will be demolished prior to the commencement of new construction. A modified floor plan will also accommodate three vehicles, including an ambulance.

Later, the committee heard testimony on application No. CZM0006-26 for the Virgin Islands Department of Sports Parks and Recreation regarding the Winston Wells Ballpark concession kiosk and bleachers’ demolition and construction in Cruz Bay. The modifications aim to restore infrastructure for community activities, including baseball games and events. The project will take one year to complete and entail the construction of a 650 square foot, two-story, circular reinforced concrete gazebo pavilion, a 680 square foot reinforced concrete dual bleacher system, and eight parking spaces. As a result of destruction incurred by the hurricanes in 2017, the facility’s design includes features that can withstand winds of up to 175 miles per hour and will have aluminum bleachers accommodating 64 people.

Some concerns raised by attendees included safe pedestrian access during construction, surveying errors, and coordination with nearby projects (such as the new youth center, fire station development, Port Authority projects, and questions about parking).

“That area is very visibly used by people walking coming from Fish Fry Road and coming up into town,” said committee member Rafe Boulon. “During construction, is there a plan to provide a temporary walkway around that area so that people don’t have to cross and go through the roundabout or something to get down to town?”

Habibah Bell, application presenter for Harnel Engineering and Construction, replied, “What we can do is perhaps create a small walkway between the retaining wall and the roadway. We need at least three and a half feet, four feet would be ideal, and create a walkway around this retaining wall area.”

Additionally, the lack of restroom facilities in the design was also a raised concern.

“These are some of the problems we don’t be thinking of enough because we’re just building things back and don’t be thinking about the future,” said committee chair Andrew Penn. “You need a restroom. If you’re having food there is a water connection,” he added, and questioned the presence of a sewer system to which Bell confirmed there is.

More so, committee member Kurt Marsh asked for clarification on the location of parking spaces.

“I think the greater concern is that you guys are under the impression that you have eight parking spots across the street when based on what we just observed from the Fire Services presentation, you don’t because they are using that space.”

Roy Canton, disaster specialist with the Office of Disaster Recovery and Sports, Parks, and Recreation, responded that the area in question is surveyed for the SPR department but has parking spaces that the department allows the fire department to use.

“For the fire station to essentially claim those spots, without any formal maybe written or some kind of agreement from Sports, Parks, and Recreation, well, how would they know,” responded Bell. “So the fire station may need to find parking for their facility.”

“Right, but the issue is they’re not using it for parking, their building footprint is occupying some of that space,” replied Marsh.

The committee encouraged members for the SPR department to work out the parking space concerns with the fire department.

Members also unanimously voted to approve application No. CZMO-MJ0001-26 for the modification of the reverse osmosis plant at the Westin St. John Resort. The project proposes to install a new larger reverse osmosis plant due to the hotel’s water demands. A new building will be constructed to house the new plant and a new larger diameter seawater intake line will be installed, increasing it from eight inches to twelve inches in diameter.

“The existing plant is coming to the end of its life right now,” said presenter Miguel Arana, who added that the replacement parts are hard to find or obsolete. “It will give a greater treatment capacity of water and water storage as well.”

The drainageway will also be updated to avoid erosion. Instead of curving across the beach, “We’re going to excavate, take the line under the gut, and then come out at a straight line off across the beach, bearing the line. That way we won’t have the same erosion problems,” said Amy Dempsey, Bio Impact’s representative.

One property owner, David Gloski, inquired about the plume or emission from the pipes that will be constructed in the seabed. Dempsey responded that “It doesn’t have chemicals in it. All they’re doing is taking whatever’s in the water, they’re just concentrating it. There’s not things added to it.”

Members Andrew Penn, Refe Bouyon, Elissa Runyon, and Kurt Marsh were present and voted.

Broken Sewer Line Closes Eulalie Rivera PreK-8 School Early

Mat Probasco
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Broken Sewer Line Closes Eulalie Rivera PreK-8 School Early
The Virgin Islands Department of Education advises the public that Eulalie Rivera PreK-8 School will dismiss early today due to a broken sewage pipe on the campus.
Eulalie Rivera K-8 School on St. Croix. (V.I. Education Department photo)
Eulalie Rivera K-8 School on St. Croix. (V.I. Education Department photo)
Out of an abundance of caution and in prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, early dismissal will take place at 1:30 p.m. Students who utilize school bus services will be provided with transportation. The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance is actively working to address the issue and will continue to work on it throughout the day. We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of parents, guardians, and the community as we work to ensure a safe school environment. For updates, please continue to follow the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s official communication platforms.
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