A 19-year-old man was arrested Wednesday night on St. Thomas for a series of vehicle-related crimes spanning from late 2024 through May of this year, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Bruce Wheatley was taken into custody around 8 p.m. and charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle, vehicle tampering, and damage to property. His bail was set at $25,000, the police report stated.
The VIPD is encouraging anyone with information related to the case to call 911, the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 extensions 5553 through 5556, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-TIPS, the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5546, or the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506.
Henry “Hank” Feuerzeig, a former judge, respected attorney, and longtime pillar of the Virgin Islands community, died Monday, July 14, at age 86. He had recently relocated to Georgia with his wife, Penny, to be closer to family, but in the territory he called home for more than five decades, his legacy endures.
Born and raised in Chicago’s public housing, Feuerzeig carried from an early age a determination that would shape both his career and his relationships. “He saw the possibilities in life and went after them,” said his longtime friend and law partner, George Dudley. That drive led him to Washington, D.C., where he met his wife Penny, then a newspaper reporter, while he worked as a congressional aide and attended law school at night. After earning his degree, he began his legal career at a firm in Washington before moving to the Virgin Islands. There, he spent two years at the Office of the Virgin Islands Attorney General and another two years in private practice, quickly establishing himself as a trusted figure in the legal community. In 1976, he was elected president of the Virgin Islands Bar Association, capping the early phase of a career marked by public service.
His commitment to the community deepened with his appointment by Gov. Cyril E. King to the bench of what was then the Municipal Court, where he served as a judge for 10 years. After stepping down from the judiciary to focus on his growing family and private practice, Feuerzeig’s reputation as a fair and thoughtful jurist made him one of the most sought-after legal professionals in the territory. “That’s when the — what I call — the Hank Feuerzeig Sweepstakes began; there were lots of lawyers and law firms that wanted him to join them,” Dudley said. Ultimately, Feuerzeig chose friendship over competition, partnering with Dudley to help build the law firm known today as Dudley, Newman, Feuerzeig LLP.
At the same time, his dedication to civic service remained steadfast. He was a charter member of Rotary Club of St. Thomas II — one of just 18 founders of the club — and contributed to its expansion and community service projects over the years. As a founding director of the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Feuerzeig, along with his wife, established the Penny and Hank Feuerzeig Family Fund, supporting initiatives from scholarships to hurricane relief efforts across the territory.
His deep ties to the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas were equally enduring. Feuerzeig and Penny were fixtures at Friday services, often seated in their favorite spot under the fan. “We counted on him for his advice, his counsel, and his sensitivity to the island’s community,” said Congregation President Marilyn Blackhall. “He was strong-willed, determined, and committed to doing what’s right,” added Congregation Treasurer Louis Minion, who met Feuerzeig after moving to the territory in 2013. Those who knew him best say his commitment to faith and community was simply who he was.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, who knew Feuerzeig for more than 40 years, remembered him as much for his kindness as for his professional contributions. “Though Feuerzeig is perhaps best known by many for his service as a judge of the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, his community contributions are equally noteworthy,” Roach said in a statement. “Highly regarded for his legal acumen, Feuerzeig will be remembered as well for his charitable giving and for his kind and caring ways.” Reflecting on their long-standing friendship, Roach added, “I am privileged to have known him as a friend, colleague, and mentor over a span of more than 40 years. I extend deepest condolences to his wife Penny, with whom I worked at the Virgin Islands Daily News, and to his daughter Darcy, who I practically watched grow up. I know that this loss is particularly difficult as it follows the recent passing of Paul, their beloved son.”
Indeed, amid all of his professional and civic achievements, family was central to Feuerzeig’s life. He and Penny were married for 58 years and raised two children, Darcy and Paul. The death of their son Paul to cancer in 2022 was a loss deeply felt in their lives.
Outside of work and community service, Feuerzeig never let go of his Chicago roots. He remained a loyal Cubs and Bears fan, often ribbing Yankees fan Dudley over their sports rivalries. “He was a Chicago boy through and through,” Dudley said with a smile. “One of the things we loved about each other was that we hated each other’s teams.”
Yet, despite that Midwestern pride, friends say Feuerzeig’s greatest devotion was to the Virgin Islands. “I could not think of anyone who loved the Virgin Islands as much as Feuerzeig,” Dudley said softly, noting that it was only health concerns that prompted his friend to leave.
Funeral services for Feuerzeig will be held Monday, July 21, at 10 a.m. at the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, 2116 Crystal Gade, with interment to follow at Altona Cemetery. Due to limited parking near the synagogue, attendees are asked to park at Lockhart Gardens near Little Kmart, where shuttle service will be provided beginning at 9:15 a.m. Staff in coral-colored shirts will assist with transportation. For more information, contact at 340-998-7905.
. As the community prepares to gather and honor Feuerzeig’s life, many will remember not just the judge, attorney, and community leader, but the friend, mentor, and father who showed up when it mattered, who fought for what was right, and who never stopped loving the place he called home
Officials testifying Friday shared more about the delays in finishing the Paul E. Joseph Stadium on St. Croix (Photo by the VI Legislature)
After months of delays and missed hearings, several key officials and the contractor behind the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project finally appeared before the Senate – some under subpoena – on Friday to explain why, more than a decade after the first contract was signed, the stadium remains unfinished.
At the heart of the testimony was a pattern of escalating costs and shifting designs. The project was initially contracted to GEC, LLC in December 2014 for $20 million, with an anticipated completion date of June 2017. According to GEC Managing Member John Wessel, the original design called for a larger stadium on the existing footprint, incorporating the reuse of the stadium’s concrete outfield wall and lights. But that plan changed just months later, when then-Gov. Kenneth Mapp issued a stop-work order in early 2015, requesting a revised design that relocated the stadium into a FEMA-designated floodway.
That decision, Wessel said, created years of complications. “Had we not been required to redesign the foundations due to the floodway relocation, the project likely would have been completed by 2017,” Wessel told senators. Instead, FEMA-mandated design changes, including deep pile foundations, led to significant delays and additional permitting hurdles.
By 2019, escalating costs prompted Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to order a redesign aimed at scaling back the project to control spending, testifiers said. Wessel testified that the design changes requested by the Bryan administration eliminated features from the original plan, including the stadium’s announcer’s box and a planned scoreboard. “I follow what the client tells me to do,” Wessel said when pressed by Sen. Marise James about why he hadn’t objected to removing key stadium elements. “As a design-build contractor, I deliver what the owner requests.”
The result of these cumulative changes: 24 change orders and two supplemental contracts totaling over $9 million on top of the original contract price. According to Property and Procurement Commissioner Lisa Alejandro, the department processed two formal supplemental contracts with GEC: the first in February 2022 for $4.1 million, and the second in September 2024 for $5.124 million.
These latest additions, authorized under Act 8781, included scope elements that were originally planned but later removed and subsequently reinstated: perimeter fencing, a concrete outfield wall, fiber optic utility relocation, a 750 kW generator, WTJX communications stations, and the relocation of sewer lines around Terrence Martin Field. Also added was revised site lighting using solar technology, and several design revisions required to comply with FEMA’s flood zone regulations. Wessel explained that many of these additions were necessary for operational functionality, including the outfield wall and generator.
“Effectively, after removing features to save costs, the government decided to restore much of what had been taken out—though at a higher price,” Wessel noted.
Permitting delays compounded the problem. Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol confirmed that FEMA approvals, including a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR), were not secured until early 2021. DPNR had to issue multiple permits at different stages—demolition, earthwork, foundation, and utilities—with Oriol noting, “the stadium’s relocation into the floodway drove much of the delay.”
Meanwhile, Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel placed current project completion at “70 to 75 percent” under questioning from Sen. Marvin Blyden. Gabriel detailed that current work includes roofing, mechanical and electrical systems, and construction of Terrence Martin Field’s foundation. He acknowledged that the project’s oversight rests primarily with Public Works, though coordinated review of change orders involved Property and Procurement, the Office of Disaster Recovery, and the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation.
DSPR Commissioner Nominee Vincent Roberts reiterated the department’s frustration with delays, emphasizing the need for a facility capable of supporting youth leagues, cultural festivals, and sports tourism initiatives. Roberts noted that DSPR’s role as the project’s end-user had required constant engagement to ensure the stadium met practical operational standards. “We also raise concerns when project delays or design changes threaten to compromise the stadium’s intended use,” he told lawmakers.
As for the stadium’s completion, Wessel cautioned that while current construction continues, additional funding may be required to cover delay-related costs—funds not yet identified by the government. “Funding for accumulated delay costs remains unresolved,” he testified.
Originally envisioned as a $20 million project with a 30-month schedule, the Paul E. Joseph Stadium redevelopment has now stretched to an estimated $35 million-plus undertaking with a revised completion date of December 25, 2025. Whether that date holds, lawmakers heard repeatedly, depends on resolving the project’s final design adjustments and funding gaps.
Elder Justice Summit Keynote Speaker Paul Greenwood. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
An aging population, communal living arrangements, and increased use of technology to engage vulnerable seniors are contributing to a rise in elder abuse across the United States and the Virgin Islands, according to speakers at a two-day Elder Justice Summit held on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The event was sponsored by the V.I. Chapter of the AARP.
Dozens of participants joined the sessions held simultaneously on the University of the Virgin Islands’s St. Thomas and St. Croix campus conference rooms; many of them social workers and first responders. They were welcomed by AARP Advocacy Director Pamela Toussaint, who said the number of elder abuse cases in the territory is growing into a major concern.
Organizers said one of the goals of the first summit was to examine the scope of the problem, common forms of elder abuse and explore some of the barriers keeping a solution at bay. Other sessions planned in the months ahead include addressing elder abuse in the financial sector, among caregivers, and as experienced by V.I. senior citizens.
It’s estimated that 22% of the territory’s population is aged 65 or older, placing the Virgin Islands ahead of the national average of 16.67%. That means authorities here can expect to see more frequent cases of physical abuse, financial exploitation, mental and emotional and even sexual abuse among older adults.
“Abuse is often underreported,” said Human Services Commissioner Averil George. “Nationally, it is estimated that one in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse, but too often these crimes remain hidden due to fear, isolation or lack of support.”
Former San Diego prosecutor and advocate for elder justice Paul Greenwood said one of the barriers he experienced during the investigation was misconceptions that older crime victims were unreliable, combined with a reluctance among victims to self-report.
“What can we do on St. Thomas, St. Croix and St. John to break this silence?” Greenwood asked.
Advocates attending the summit said they would like to see government officials and local nonprofits form multidisciplinary support networks similar to those used to assist victims of child abuse. They also heard from Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques, sponsor of the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act, a measure in place in all 50 U.S. states.
If adopted, Bill No. 25-00470 would allow the imposition of criminal and civil penalties for those found guilty of abuse, prevent retaliation against complainants, and allow those whose successful pursuit of wrongdoing to collect attorney’s fees and other civil penalties.
My Brother’s Workshop, a non-profit organization committed to transforming the lives of at-risk and high-risk youth in the U.S. Virgin Islands, has launched a critical fundraising campaign, Double the Hope, in response to a recent 50% cut in U.S.V.I. Government grant funding.
(Submitted photo)
The campaign features a matching gift opportunity thanks to the generosity of the Anasetti Family, who have pledged to match all donations made through August 30th, up to $25,000. Every dollar contributed during this time will go twice as far to support MBW’s holistic programming, which includes education, mentorship, mental health counseling, paid on-the-job training, and job placement.
“This funding cut couldn’t come at a worse time,” said Chrystie Payne, MBW Program Director. “We’re seeing a surge in violence and need in our community. Our trainees rely on MBW to provide a safe space, stability, and a pathway to a better life. With this match, our supporters have an incredible opportunity to double their impact.”
MBW depends on public funding and the generosity of private donors to offer paid on-the-job training and holistic wrap-around support services to its trainees. MBW has expanded its reach through the new MBW campus that was built through community support and a $5 million ARPA, which was designated exclusively for construction and has already been spent. None of that funding was available for daily operations or program delivery.
“Many of our young people come to MBW with little to no support system. Through our programs, they find community, purpose, and the tools they need to rewrite their story,” said Jenny Hawkes, MBW Executive Director. “This match campaign gives our community a chance to step in and say, ‘We believe in their potential.’”
Founded in 2007 with just four students, MBW now serves approximately 100 young people annually, and has the capacity to reach more than 200 with sufficient support. According to federal data, intervention programs like MBW can save communities millions of dollars per individual by reducing crime, poverty, and unemployment.
To learn more, visit www.mybrothersworkshop.org or contact communications@mybrothersworkshop.org. To donate, please click on the following hyperlink: Double the Hope campaign. Every gift, share, like, and comment helps us continue to provide hope, faith, and purpose to young people in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
A house in Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas erupted in flames Thursday evening. (VIFEMS photo)
The residents are safe but their home is destroyed after a fire Thursday evening in Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas, the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services reported Friday.
According to the report, VIFEMS responded to the fire around 5:04 p.m. Thursday after receiving several emergency calls that a residence was fully engulfed in flames. “Initial information suggested that occupants might still be inside; however, upon arrival, firefighters confirmed that all residents had safely exited the home,” it said.
Crews from Lima Company, with additional support from Echo, Hotel and Tango companies, worked together to suppress and fully extinguish the blaze. The home sustained extensive damage and has been deemed uninhabitable, the release stated. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services commends the swift and professional efforts of the firefighters involved and remains committed to protecting the safety and well-being of the community through timely and effective emergency response,” the release stated.
The funeral service for former judge and attorney Hank Feuerzeig, who died on Monday at the age of 86, will be held on Monday, July 21 at 10 a.m. at the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, 2116 Crystal Gade.
Hank Feuerzeig
Parking is limited so please park at Lockhart Gardens (the Little Kmart) and transportation will be provided beginning at 9:15 a.m. by IMI. Staff will be wearing coral colored shirts and will be parked closer to McDonald’s. If you need more information about this, please call Lisa at 340-998-7905.
Interment will take place at the Altona Cemetery immediately following services.
For those of you who can’t attend in person, the service will be live streamed on the Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
Condolences may be sent to:
Penny Feuerzeig
P.O. Box 9547
St. Thomas, VI 00801
or
3747 Peachtree Road NE, #1004
Atlanta, GA 30319
Gwendolyn Marie Lucas aka “Gwenie”
May 27, 1937 – June 20, 2025
Gwendolyn Marie Lucas
Funeral service will be at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix on Friday, Aug. 8. Viewing at 9:30 a.m., service at 10:30 a.m.
Interment: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Cemetery
She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick G. Lucas Sr.; mother, Eugenie Smalls; sisters, May Lucas Martinez and Catherine Lucas Prince; brothers, Patrick G. Lucas Jr. and James (Jimmy) Lucas; and niece, Valerie M. Prince.
She is survived by her niece, Catherine A. Prince, Annalisa M. Prince; nephews, Lloyd O. Prince Jr., Joseph (Jerry) G. Prince, Theodore (Teddy) A. Prince; great nieces, Catarina A. Castruccio-Prince, Esther Prince, Sarah C. Prince-Bethea; great nephews, Nehemiah I. Prince, Gabriel N. Ward-Prince; great great nieces, Ny’Asha C. Prince Clarke, Amani Prince, Catherine Prince-Bethea; great great nephews, Nehemiah A. Prince, Malachi Prince-Bethea, Mateo Prince-Bethea; godchildren, Ray Iles, Marcellus Flores, Rodelique Williams-Bradshaw, Keema Bridgewater, Nataki Brown, Rudi Schulterbrant; other relatives and friends; Ecilma Sprauve, Eugenie Dalmida, Ellen Thomas, Helen Horton- Copeman, Winston Todman, Mryl (Patsy) Todman- Hendricks, Rabiah, Hendricks, Delores Abramson-Iles, Godelieve Abramson, Claudia Abramson-Brown, Sister Florine Bailey(ICM), Deacon Emith Fludd, Alvin M. A. Milligan, Anastasia M. Doward, Jeanne Garcia, Clarissa Messer-Petersen, Fern McAlpin, Isabel Prince-Tuitt, Rita Powell, Esther Urgent, Father Kenneth Gaddy, Patricia Williams, Arlene Petersen- Abrahams, Curtis Williams, Shelly Schulterbrant, Nancy A. Soto, Mary Roebuck, Palmyra Benjamin, Maxwell McIntosh, Sister Claina Letang (ICM), Sister Lovey Reyes (ICM), Diane Brown, Delreese Brown, Diedre Brown, Meridith Nielsen, Jamal Nielsen, Thrisha Byron, Daria Byron, Glen Maurice Byron, Children of Ingerborg McIntosh, Terry Byron, Charles Farrell, Edna Abramson, Doris Brown, Joyce Abramson, Bernadine Alexis-Christmas, Natalie McIntosh, Marilyn Martin, Elizabeth Lynch, Grace Severin, Canton Family, St. Patrick’s Faith Community/Choir/ Alumni Association, Former Employees of Chase Manhattan Bank, Former Members of St. Croix Cultural Dancers.
A special thank you to the staff and chaplain at the Commonwealth Senior Living facility in Hampton, VA, where Gwenie spent her recent years.
Professional service entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home.
The second Tart Wars kicks off this Saturday in Frederiksted. (Submitted photo)
The second annual Tart Wars, hosted by local influencer West Gyul, is set to take over the Frederiksted waterfront this Saturday in what has quickly become one of St. Croix’s most anticipated summer events.
Celebrating culture, flavor, and friendly competition, Tart Wars brings together tart dealers from across the island to battle it out for the title of “Best Tart” in several categories—coconut, pineapple, guava, and a specialty tart category featuring island favorites like guavaberry, gooseberry, and mango.
What is considered “a block party for the culture,” promises to be full day of live entertainment, local food, cultural displays, and interactive activities for all ages.
With more than 30,000 social media followers and counting, West Gyul has grown from an anonymous digital voice into a cultural cornerstone for St. Croix. Run by Tatyana Watts-Clarke and Daja Brooks-James, since its launch in 2018, the platform emerged out of a desire to reconnect the community with its traditions and happenings.
Beyond promoting events, West Gyul has supported local businesses through free advertising, pop-up shops, and direct community assistance. Their Tart Wars event is an extension of that mission—celebrating food, identity, and pride in the Virgin Islands.
The action begins at 1 p.m., with voting open until 6 p.m., and winners announced shortly after.
Schedule Highlights
(All events take place on the Frederiksted waterfront)
2:30–3:00 p.m. – Performance by the Sparkling Light Twirlers
3:00–4:00 p.m. – Live music from Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights
4:00–5:00 p.m. – St. Patrick’s School Steel Pan & Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies
5:00–6:00 p.m. – Best Dressed competition
6:30–7:00 p.m. – Tart Dealer and Team Challenge winners announced
7:00–8:30 p.m. – Closing performance: Vio and the Fire Dancers
Unlike last year, all activities will be centralized on the waterfront, creating a walkable, family-friendly experience.
The event also includes Kidsville, located at Mildred Cummings Park, featuring music, live performances, interactive activity stations, and a fashion display by Jr. Miss St. Croix.
In total, over 100 vendors will participate, including 18 tart dealers and 84 food, craft, and snack vendors.
“Every vendor will have a QR code,” explained co-organizer Brooks-James during a live stream. “When scanned, you’ll get access to a scavenger hunt, the event map, and the main schedule.”
Volunteers assigned to each area will be identifiable by lanyards to assist guests throughout the day.
Prior to tart wars social media has been a buzz as challenges in different organizations have been circulating. The V.I. Legislature, One Communications, and the V.I. Housing Finance Authority all have hosted their own tart war challenges.
Residents can also vote for their favorite tart online by downloading the “My Virgin Islands” app and submit your picks for your own favorite tart.
During a Facebook Live, co-host Raydiance Watts-Clarke reminded guests to treat the event space with care.
“Be respectful to the space—not just the park, but the entire area of Frederiksted,” she said.
Tart Wars continues to evolve as more than just a competition—it’s a vibrant display of community pride, cultural resilience, and island creativity. With live music, food, and tarts of every flavor, Saturday’s event promises something for everyone.
For the full schedule and video preview, click here.
