REMINDER: Forms must be completed for students in both districts.
Ivanna Eudora Kean Chrislord Bernard catches touchdown in the championship game of the Dana Richardson Flag Football Tournament. (Photo by Mark J Daniel)
The Virgin Islands Department of Education reminds parents and guardians that all students interested in participating in school sports for the 2025–2026 school year must complete the required physical examinations prior to participation.
Students will not be permitted to participate in school sports without completing and submitting the Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Form and the Sports Clearance Form to their respective schools. Both forms can be found online on the VIDE website at vide.vi under Sports and Athletics. Parents and guardians are encouraged to schedule these physicals as soon as possible to avoid delays in their child’s ability to participate in practices and games when the school year begins.
For additional information or questions regarding the required forms and process, please contact Reneah Guzman, Program Manager, at reneah.guzman@vide.vi.
On Thursday August 7, 2025, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach Esq. will participate in an in-person proclamation signing ceremony in honor and remembrance of Virgin Islanders who were wounded or killed in action while serving in the United States Armed Forces.Office of Veterans Affairs
The Office of Veterans Affairs is inviting Purple Heart Veterans to join the Governor and Lt. Governor for this short but meaningful event as the Purple Heart Day Proclamation is signed in their honor on Thursday, August 7th, at Government House St Thomas at 9am.
Members of the community are also invited; however, for planning purposes, we are asking for all who are wishing to attend (Purple Heart Veterans and the community) to RSVP by calling our office at (340) 774-8387 no later than Tuesday, August 5.
NOTE: There are free accommodations for 5 Purple Heart Veterans from the St. Croix district to travel to St. Thomas to take part in this event. Any St. Croix Purple Heart Veteran interested in being a part of this event please call Mrs. Gordon in the ST Croix office at (340) 244-3579 as soon as possible so that the necessary arrangements can be made. Accommodations will be provided on a first-come first-served basis.
The community is invited to wear a shirt or other garment, purple in color, on August 7 to show their support for our beloved Purple Heart Veterans.
The Virgin Islands Police Department Economic Crime Unit is urging all business owners and employees to avoid manually entering credit card numbers during transactions in the absence of a physical card. This outdated and risky practice can lead to serious consequences for your business and your customers.
Why This Matters:
Increased Risk of Fraud & Identity Theft: Manual entries are more vulnerable to fraud and unauthorized use. This puts your business at higher risk for chargebacks and financial losses.
This has already led to several fraudulent use of credit cards investigations in the territory.Legal Consequences:
Improper handling of credit card data may violate Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance standards, and could result in fines, civil penalties, or criminal investigation.Employee Misconduct:
Manual entry creates opportunities for dishonest employees to steal or misuse customer card information.
Reputation Damage: Customer trust is critical. A single incident can result in long-term harm to your business reputation.
VIPD-Economic Crimes Unit Recommendations:
• Always require the physical card for in-person transactions.
• Use chip, tap, or swipe methods with secure, PCI-compliant terminals.
• Train all staff on proper card-handling procedures.
• Report any suspicious activity by contacting 911
From July 6th through July 13th, the CAHS Class of 1980 celebrated its 45th High School Reunion in grand style!
Scholarship Committee Members (Center): Mrs. Ceciley Grant-Robinson, Mrs. Jemma Padmore Boler, and Mrs. Phylis Jones-Hodge. Scholarship Recipients: (L-R) Kibwe Belle Jr. (represented by his mom Mrs. Zolayme Belle), Abigail Jaboin, Se’Niya-Monae Hodge, Laila Carter, Shawriya Benjamin, Jerelle Berkeley Jr., and Siara Abbott (represented by her mom Mrs. Sherri Abbott). Assistant Principal, Mrs. Nneka Howard-Sibilly 4th from (R) chaperoned the students.
With two years of careful planning, the reunion committee orchestrated a week filled with joy, reflection, and purpose. Classmates gathered from across the nation and the Virgin Islands for a variety of events that rekindled childhood memories, enriched minds, and honored the legacy of their alma mater.
The schedule included a church service, meet-and-greet, educational wellness workshops, a historical scavenger hunt, fun-filled group activities, and a spectacular formal banquet themed ‘Retro Night,’ where glitz and glamour took center stage. The week concluded with our ‘Last Lap’ event at Magens Bay — a heartfelt celebration featuring fine cuisine, fellowship, the sweet sounds of Pan in Motion, and a dove release in remembrance of classmates no longer with us.
A highlight of the week was the presentation of $7,500 in scholarships to seven outstanding students from the CAHS Class of 2025 — generously donated in full by members of the Class of 1980.
Each recipient submitted a compelling essay responding to the prompt: “If you had the power to change one thing in the territory, what would it be and why?”
Their visionary responses addressed critical issues such as improving educational access, strengthening agriculture, reducing gun violence, enhancing infrastructure and tourism and expanding affordable housing.
The seven scholarship recipients (Kibwe Belle Jr., Abigail Jaboin, Se’Niya-Monae Hodge, Laila Carter, Shawriya Benjamin, Jerelle Berkeley Jr., and Siara Abbott) will be attending top institutions including the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, University of Michigan, Oral Roberts University (ORU), University of Pennsylvania, University of the Virgin Islands, and the Conservatory Acting for Camera Program. Their aspirations range from becoming commercial pilots and attorneys to pursuing careers in screenwriting and acting, computer science, radiological technology, agricultural development, and corporate finance.
This marks the second consecutive reunion year that the CAHS Class of 1980 has spearheaded its scholarship initiative, reaffirming its commitment to investing in the next generation.
The CAHS Class of 1980 “A Class with Class” continues to lead by example — celebrating the past while empowering the future and Excelling Always!
Scholarship Committee Members were Mrs. Ceciley Grant-Robinson, Mrs. Jemma Padmore Boler, and Mrs. Phylis Jones-Hodge.
Scholarship Recipients were Kibwe Belle Jr. (represented by his mom Mrs. Zolayme Belle),Abigail Jaboin, Se’Niya-Monae Hodge, Laila Carter, Shawriya Benjamin, Jerelle Berkeley Jr., and Siara Abbott (represented by her mom Mrs. Sherri Abbott). Assistant Principal, Mrs. Nneka Howard-Sibilly 4th from chaperoned the students.
Senate Calendar Aug. 4 – Aug. 15
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
9:30 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Friday, August 8, 2025, at 9:30 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agency and bills:
BLOCK I 9:30 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Board of Elections including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges and the following:
All matters relative to the discussion on the status, functions and operations of the agency.
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Raymond J. Williams, Chairman of the Board of Elections
LUNCH 11:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:30 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0071 An Act amending title 18 Virgin Islands Code, section 232 to provide the process for political parties to choose their nominees for public offices.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. John Yob, Chairman of the Republican Party
Ms. Carol Burke, Chairperson of the Democratic Party
Ms. Caroline Fawkes, Supervisor of the Board of Elections
Bill No. 36-0073 An Act amending title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4 and title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 3, section 41 relating to the powers of the Supervisor of Elections and the Board of Elections.
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Raymond J. Williams, Chairman of the Board of Elections
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Monday, August 11, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Virgin Islands Election System
Caroline Fawkes, Supervisor
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Water & Power Authority
Karl J. Knight, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director
BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Schneider Regional Medical Center
Tina Comissiong, Esq., MPA, Chief Executive Officer
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance
Craig Benjamin, Executive Director
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Government Employees Retirement System
Angel E. Dawson, Jr., Administrator and Chief Executive Officer
BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Virgin Islands Police Department
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner
Law Enforcement Planning Commission
Moleto A. Smith, Jr., Executive Director
THURSDAY, AUGUST 14
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Thursday, August 14, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
Department of Tourism
Jennifer Matarangas-King, Commissioner Nominee
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
West Indian Company Limited
Charlene Turnbull, Acting Chief Executive Officer
FRIDAY, AUGUST 15
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Friday, August 15, 2025, 9:00 A.M. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on Croix to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M.
Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center
Darlene Baptiste, Chief Executive Officer
BLOCK II 11:00 P.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Department of Agriculture
Honorable Louis E. Petersen, Jr., PhD, Commissioner
BLOCK III 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Public Employees Relations Board
Pierina Jacobs-Feldman, Chairperson
Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee
Yirah Tutein, Executive Director
BLOCK IV 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Legal Services of the Virgin Islands
Shelby King Gaddy, Esq., Executive Director
Weather and high levels of sargassum have postponed the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Inaugural USVI Billfish Shootout, scheduled for Saturday, August 2, 2025, out of IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina, in Red Hook, St. Thomas. Even so, four intrepid teams, Abigail III, Backlash, Coquito, and Double Header, cast off to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ waters on both the South and North Drops in search of marlin, tuna, wahoo, and mahi. In the end, tropical wave conditions and excessive seaweed made it a day for fishing rather than catching. This means the top prizes of $5000 catch for the boat that releases the most billfish, and $1000 apiece for the boats that catch the largest mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo, are still on the table.
Intrepid sports fishermen who tested the waters on Saturday. (Photo by VIGFC)
“We’ve set a new date for September 6 for the USVI Billfish Shootout,” says Kelvin Bailey, Jr., president of the board of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club. “Like our other events, the Dolphin Derby and Wahoo Windup, the USVI Billfish Shootout will be fished in U.S. Virgin Islands waters. We invite local and visiting anglers from neighboring islands and abroad to register now and fish with us. We’re looking forward to better weather, less sargassum, and great fishing next month. September usually produces large billfish.”
Banco Popular announced temporary service interruptions and operation relocations in its Orange Grove branch in St. Croix.
To improve its facilities to better serve customers, from Sept. 2 – 12, the Orange Grove branch will be closed, and during this period, the branch teams will operate from the Sunny Isle and Sunshine branches.
From August 18, 2025, the Mortgage, Commercial, and Administrative Offices will be temporarily relocated to the Sunny Isle Branch. Additionally,more information about the Popular branches in St. Croix is available athttps://www.popular.vi/locator/.
The NHC is currently monitoring three areas across the Atlantic basin. (Photo courtesy NHC)
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three areas for potential development across the Atlantic basin, including a tropical wave expected to move off the west coast of Africa, which could strengthen as it travels across the Atlantic Ocean. The NHC has also flagged two areas near the U.S. East Coast.
Tropical Wave Expected to Move Across Atlantic
“A tropical wave is forecast to move off the west coast of Africa by late Monday,” according to an update on Sunday afternoon from the NHC. “Thereafter, some gradual development of the wave is possible, and a tropical depression could form late this week while it moves generally west-northwestward across the central tropical Atlantic,” the NHC explained.
Among the areas being watched by the NHC is a tropical wave expected to move off the west coast of Africa that could strengthen as it moves across the Atlantic Ocean. (Photo courtesy NHC)
As of Sunday afternoon, the potential tropical wave has a moderate chance of development. In a phone call on Sunday, Tyler Roys, a senior meteorologist with AccuWeather, told the Source that the tropical wave expected to move across the central Atlantic will likely pass to the northeast of the Lesser Antilles.
Still, in an update on Sunday, meteorologists at the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, noted that computer forecast models are not in total agreement on the track of the tropical wave and its possible impacts on the local islands. While there is no immediate hurricane threat to the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico, residents and visitors are urged to remain prepared and monitor official updates closely.
Two Areas Under Watch Near U.S. East Coast
The NHC is also watching two areas located off the east coast of the U.S. for possible cyclonic development.
One disturbance, currently designated “Invest 95L,” is situated off the coast of North Carolina and has a high chance of strengthening into a tropical storm soon. An “invest” is an area under investigation by the National Hurricane Center for possible development. If this system intensifies into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph, it would be named Dexter, the fourth named cyclone of this year’s Atlantic hurricane season.
A second area off the U.S. East Coast, located southeast of the Carolinas, is also being monitored, and it has a low chance of intensification by the middle of this week.
As predicted in a recent Global Tropics Hazards Outlook from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center, conditions across the Atlantic basin are expected to become more favorable for cyclone formation. Environmental factors, including a reduction in wind shear, may improve the chances for storms to organize and strengthen throughout August.
Local Weather Information and Staying Informed
Finally, the NWS in San Juan reminded individuals on Sunday about weather-related threats that will continue to affect the USVI and Puerto Rico over the coming days, including the chance of rainfall and thunderstorms, very warm temperatures with the potential for heat alerts, gusty winds generating wind-driven choppy seas, and an elevated risk of rip currents.
Additionally, a plume of Saharan dust is forecast to arrive on Monday, deteriorating air quality and causing hazy conditions.
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.
Additionally, 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.
Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
Virtue of the Week – Nobility
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Nobility
Nobility is keeping faith with our true value as spiritual beings and living up to the virtues. We treat ourselves and others with dignity and respect. We speak and act with integrity. We remain steadfast to what we know is right, remembering our true worth. Our sense of decency is our touchstone. We don’t follow the path of least resistance just because it is easy. We lead a life of principles and purpose.
Quote: “Nobility without virtue, is a fine setting without a gem.” —Jane Porter
The Practice of Nobility
I know I am noble.
I have high ethical standards.
I treat people and things with dignity.
I am guided by decency.
I don’t allow others to mislead me.
I am my own leader.
Questions for Discussion
How can we honor each other’s nobility in our social justice work?
What will guide our social justice work?
What does the path of least resistance look like in our social justice work?
What temptations/distractions may divert us from our social justice work?
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project, and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.
Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit virtuesproject.com.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Aug. 3, through Saturday, Aug. 9. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.Please note: After the filming of this week’s Weekly Weather Update video, some adjustments were made to the tropical weather forecast. As of Saturday, Aug. 2, the National Hurricane Center is now watching a couple of areas across the Atlantic basin for possible cyclonic development over the next seven days. While no hurricanes are expected to directly affect the U.S. Virgin Islands in the immediate future, individuals are urged to follow the latest updates from the NHC at hurricanes.gov.
Virtue of the Week – Nobility
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Nobility
Nobility is keeping faith with our true value as spiritual beings and living up to the virtues. We treat ourselves and others with dignity and respect. We speak and act with integrity. We remain steadfast to what we know is right, remembering our true worth. Our sense of decency is our touchstone. We don’t follow the path of least resistance just because it is easy. We lead a life of principles and purpose.
Quote: “Nobility without virtue, is a fine setting without a gem.” —Jane Porter
The Practice of Nobility
I know I am noble.
I have high ethical standards.
I treat people and things with dignity.
I am guided by decency.
I don’t allow others to mislead me.
I am my own leader.
Questions for Discussion
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit virtuesproject.com. 
