Suit Over WAPA Billing, Meter Issues Seeks $39 Million in Damages

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Suit Over WAPA Billing, Meter Issues Seeks $39 Million in Damages
The WAPA facility in Christiansted, St. Croix, towers over surrounding buildings as it lets off steam. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The WAPA facility in Christiansted, St. Croix, towers over surrounding buildings. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

A lawsuit filed Friday in V.I. District Court seeks a total of $39 million in damages against the V.I. Water and Power Authority, its CEO Karl Knight and smart meter company Itron, alleging the utility’s wildly unreliable billing system is violating customers’ civil rights.

The suit is brought by Elsa Beatty, Nelson Uzzell, Kerry Harrigan, Jeff Konowal, Carol Stanley and HealthQuest LLC, which operates the Caribbean Kidney Centers under Dr. Walter Gardiner. They are represented by attorney Terri Griffiths.

The complaint alleges due process violations under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, a federal law that allows individuals to sue state and local officials for violating their constitutional or statutory rights.

It outlines a litany of concerns over wildly fluctuating bills and no effective way to reliably appeal or dispute them, either to WAPA or the Public Services Commission, because WAPA is largely unresponsive and the PSC complaint process is merely informal, it alleges.

The suit notes that despite long-standing problems with the meters that Itron installed in 2015, WAPA nonetheless awarded the company a four-year, $30 million contract in February to replace the failed system that was also badly damaged in the 2017 hurricanes. As a result, the utility has been estimating some bills with wildly erratic results, it says.

In Konowal’s case, his bill jumped from an average of $160 a month for his one-bedroom apartment without air conditioning to $3,726 in April, followed by a bill for $1,409 in May, according to the complaint. All have been marked as estimated since November 2023, it said.

As a vocal critic of WAPA’s frequent outages on social media, Konowal “has a strong belief” that the “extraordinary” bills are retaliation for his public comments and posts, the complaint alleges.

Konowal filed a complaint with the PSC on April 30 and another on May 27 and was told by a commission employee to pay $160 until WAPA resolved the issue, it says. On June 13, he received notice that his power would be disconnected if he didn’t pay $4,903.65, prompting him to file a third complaint with the PSC on June 24, according to the complaint.

“To state that he is emotionally and physically ill because he is afraid to use power and fears his power may be shut off because he cannot pay a $4,903.65 power bill — is an epitome of an understatement,” the suit states.

For Harrigan, the problems began when his usual $400 to $500 bill jumped to more than $800 in June 2024, then doubled to $1,639 the following month, according to the complaint. After multiple trips to WAPA and filing complaints with the PSC, he received a credit for $401.64 in January, “which pales in comparison to his overcharges,” it says. In June, despite installing a solar system with battery backup last October that covers 80% of his house, Harrigan received a bill for $1,148.02 — more than double his average bill before going off the grid.

On July 9, Harrigan filed yet another complaint with the PSC but its offices had no power because of a WAPA outage, so he was unable to get a docket number, the complaint states. The “process is futile,” anyway, it says, because an amendment to Title 30, Section 23 of the V.I. Code that grants the PSC the power to investigate complaints is not mandatory, and the commission regards the process as “informal.”

“It is an epitome of an understatement to [say] they are distraught,” the complaint says of Harrigan and his family.

For the Caribbean Kidney Center, erratic water and power bills “obviously not based on actual usage, are crippling,” the complaint states. Currently, its St. Croix facility has an outstanding water bill of $125,000 after the charges went from an average of $1,500 a month before the 2017 hurricanes, then began to wildly fluctuate, and have averaged $4,000 a month in 2025, it says.

While “WAPA insisted CKC had a leak on its side of the meter,” none was found, according to the complaint. “Several meetings have been held or have been scheduled and were not attended by WAPA representatives. All these meetings or scheduled meetings were intended to resolve the issues. They remain unresolved,” it says.

“All the Plaintiffs have complained to WAPA representatives to no avail. They have also filed ‘informal complaints’ with the PSC representatives. If they do receive credit, it pales in comparison to the overcharge. There is no method to confirm that their bills are for actual usage, when it is obvious that they are not,” the complaint states.

Moreover, as admitted in sworn testimony by WAPA’s former executive directors, current CEO Knight and other WAPA officials, “the overbilling is caused by Itron’s defective meters and their component parts, which is solely in Defendants’ control,” it says. “Itron’s breach of the duty of care has caused Plaintiffs’ damages, including loss of funds, stress, anxiety, and physical ailments through no fault of their own.”

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory and pain and suffering damages of $10 million and punitive damages of $29 million against Itron and Knight in his individual capacity, alleging that by awarding Itron yet another contract, the CEO “reflects a reckless disregard for the plight of WAPA’s ratepayers, including Plaintiffs.”

Without a sizable punitive damages award, “Itron, the finished product manufacturer and seller, will continue to sell ‘smart meters’ with defective component parts, to be installed into the U.S. Virgin Islands’ electrical grid and attached to Plaintiffs’ homes and Knight will continue to intentionally disregard the foreseeable consequences,” the complaint states.

WAPA had not responded to the complaint as of late Friday afternoon.

Frederiksted Visitors Center Named for Claire Roker — Tourism Leader, Advocate and Mentor

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Frederiksted Visitors Center Named for Claire Roker — Tourism Leader, Advocate and Mentor
Claire Roker, surrounded by officials, sits for the unveiling of a sign designating the visitors center of the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in her honor. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

The next time a cruise ship pulls into St. Croix, disembarking passengers will be welcomed to the island by the Claire L. Roker Visitors Center, named for the tireless advocate, mentor and pillar of the Virgin Islands’ tourism industry.

“I’m really overwhelmed. It’s something that I never expected in my lifetime,” Roker, 87, told the Source after a dedication and sign unveiling ceremony Friday morning at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted.

Born in Frederiksted, Roker attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School until the third grade, when her family moved to New York. She graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens before working several jobs, including one that took her to the 69th floor of the Empire State Building in Manhattan.

Upon returning to St. Croix, Roker worked for Pan American Airlines for 10 years before joining Farrelly’s Travel Agency as a travel agent. In 1978, she successfully opened Roker’s Travel and Tours Agency. She later worked for Cruzan Rum as a pavilion manager and tour manager.

Gov. Alexander Farrelly tapped Roper for the role of assistant director of tourism in 1987, and she was the driving force behind bringing the Smithsonian’s 1990 Festival of American Folklife to St. Croix. She continued to rise through the ranks and was appointed director of tourism in 1991 and assistant commissioner in 1994. From 1997 to 2005, she was Delegate to Congress Donna Christian-Christensen’s office manager.

Claire Lorraine Brown Roker poses with a framed copy of Act 8858, signed into law last summer, which honored her service to the Virgin Islands community and named the visitors center at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in her honor. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

In addition to her impressive career, Roker founded the Hal Jackson’s Virgin Islands Talented Teen Scholarship Competition in 1972 and directed the pageant for 40 years. She served as chair of the Miss St. Croix Pageant more than 20 times and has otherwise worked with — or led — too many civic organizations to list.

“It is my hope and prayer that we’re not just putting Claire’s name on the building,” Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said Friday. “But we’re putting Claire’s attitude in our hearts, that we will figure as a people that it’s time to stop waiting for people to say ‘good morning’ first. We have to be the ones that welcome and say ‘good morning,’ welcoming them to our tradition. We have to be the ones that show them the hospitality, not just in the taste of the food, but the flavor of the attitude that we present.”

Multiple speakers credited Roker as a mentor who, as Deputy Tourism Commissioner Shamari Haynes put it, could always be counted on to tell him “when and how to pull up my pants.” One of the dedication’s more stirring moments came when Sheniqua Robinson asked members of the crowd to stand up if Roker had played a guiding role in their lives. Dozens stood.

“I hope the younger people will pick up from what I’ve done, in terms of the hospitality, that we need to show everybody that comes through these doors,” Roker said. “It’s one of the first places that the tourist sees, and we need to learn how to say ‘hello,’ ‘good morning,’ and ‘welcome to our island.'”

Seaborne Airline Sale Official

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Seaborne Airline Sale Official
The sale of Virgin Islands-born Seaborne Airline was made official Friday and its new principal owner will serve as seaplane services’ new president and CEO, company officials said. Darrell Richardson, backed by the New Jersey-based Leonite Fund, purchased the airline out of bankruptcy after its former owner — and sister airline — Silver Airways filed for Chapter 11 protection in December 2024, according to a statement from the company. Richardson, who said he has more than 40 years “leading, restructuring, and growing regional carriers,” has worked with Silver Airways, Mesaba Airlines, Continental Express, Pace Airlines, and Air Turks & Caicos. “That experience has taught me that three elements determine an airline’s long-term success: rock-solid safety, reliable service, and genuine partnership with employees and the communities we serve. I am honored to take charge of this airline with the confidence and support of the new ownership group due to my deep experience in precisely the types of situations that Seaborne finds itself in now,” he said. “Our successful closing of the Seaborne acquisition provides the stable ownership platform we need to move forward with confidence.” Richardson called the purchase a “fresh chapter for Seaborne and for the communities we serve across the U.S. Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean.” In early 2023, Silver Airways faced potential eviction from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport due to unpaid fees totaling nearly $1 million. The Broward County Commission had issued notices of default, citing delinquent payments dating back to 2021. In 2019, Silver Airways had Seaborne on the hook for roughly $1 million in delinquent airport fees. Seaborne had announced in January 2018 that it was restructuring after filing for bankruptcy. The airline was sold to Silver Airways later that year. Richardson said the company’s immediate commitments were: • Seamless continuity of operations, with all scheduled seaplane flights continuing without interruption. Existing tickets and reservations remain valid, he said. • Full protection of employees. “Post-bankruptcy wages, taxes, and other obligations to Seaborne’s 50-plus team members are covered under the purchase agreement, eliminating uncertainty for our front line colleagues.” • Smooth transfer with regulatory and stakeholder engagement. “We are already coordinating with the U.S. Department of Transportation, the V.I. Port Authority, and local tourism partners to ensure a smooth handover and to position Seaborne for measured growth.” So-called “near-term priorities” included: • Operational reliability. “A review of maintenance programs and spare-parts provisioning to drive on-time performance above 90 percent heading into the winter peak.” • Fleet and network optimization. “Evaluating additional Twin Otters and other aircraft with the capability to restore service to Vieques and expand interisland frequencies.” • Customer experience refresh. “Upgraded digital booking tools and a renewed focus on warm Virgin Islands hospitality, beginning with frontline‐staff retraining this quarter.” In the written statement, Avi Geller, Leonite’s chief investment officer, said Richardson had promised “tighter operations, a reinvigorated team culture, and sustainable profitability, all grounded in uncompromising safety and reliability. His leadership earns the trust of employees, respect of partners, and support of the communities he serves. We look forward to working side-by-side to build a stronger Seaborne.” Richardson said Seaborne, which was founded on St. Croix in 1992, was “a connective tissue” for the Virgin Islands’ people and economy. “With our group’s financial backing and my leadership team’s operational expertise, we intend to preserve the iconic seaplane service, diversify revenue through charter and cargo offerings, and pursue partnerships that make the Caribbean more accessible to residents, tourists, and business travelers alike. I encourage anyone with concerns or ideas on how we can improve, to reach out to me directly at darrell.Richardson@seaborneairlines.com. I wish to thank the bankruptcy court for approving the transaction, the outgoing management for their cooperation, and, most importantly, every Seaborne employee who has kept our aircraft flying during a challenging period. Together we will build a stronger, safer, and more resilient airline that the Caribbean can continue to be proud of.”

Caribbean Chiefs Meet on St. John To Sign a Declaration of Unity

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Caribbean Chiefs Meet on St. John To Sign a Declaration of Unity
When three chiefs of indigenous Caribbean tribes met with tribal members on St. John this week, their primary purpose was to sign a declaration of unity “to cooperate and assist each other, whenever possible, in matters of mutual interest and concern.”
The three chiefs talk to the audience at Bajo El Sol. From left: Kasike Maekiaphan Phillips of the Virgin Islands, Ouboutu Anette Sanford of Dominica, and Kasike Roberto “Mukaro Agueibana” Borrero of Puerto Rico. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
But their visit included so much more. It offered them an opportunity to commune with each other at sites frequented by Indigenous people centuries ago, including the petroglyphs (rock carvings) at the pools of Reef Bay and the shaded areas along the beach at Cinnamon Bay. It also gave them the chance to tell the public that indigenous Caribbean tribes are not extinct, as some may have thought, but are “surviving and even thriving,” in the words of one chief.   The three chiefs — “kasikes” in the Taino language — represent tribes from Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Dominica. Though they have much in common, each of them has a unique role and tribal community. They shared their experiences on Wednesday evening at an event held at Bajo El Sol Gallery in Cruz Bay.
The three chiefs celebrate their visit to the petroglyphs at Reef Bay. (Photo by Emmanuel Phillips)
Kasike Roberto “Mukaro Agueibana” Borrero heads up the Boriken Guiania Taino Tribe of Puerto Rico, where he said the community “raised our own funds to purchase land to give it back” (to our people). Barrero said seeking federal recognition for his tribe — “really, affirming rights that we already have” — is a long-term goal. But given the current political climate in the United States, “It’s better to focus on things locally,” he said. Among his current initiatives is the mastery of the Taino language and publication of a Taino dictionary.
Members of the Guiania Tribe of the Virgin Islands gathered for the screening of “We are Taino.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Barrero has guided Kasike Maekiaphan “Anacoana” Phillips of St. Thomas as she has sought recognition for the Guiania Taino Tribe of the Virgin Islands. In 2021, after a 10-year campaign led by Phillips, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed a proclamation that officially established the tribe and affirmed its rights to promote its culture, language and traditions.
Kasike Maekiaphan “Anacoana” Phillips tells of her discovery of her Taino heritage. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Since 2011, Phillips has been trying to raise awareness that many Virgin Islanders have Taino ancestry. She grew up hearing tales about her great-grandmother Francisca, who, as a young woman of Spanish and Taino descent, was kidnapped from Puerto Rico by the “pirate James Abbott” and brought to Salt Island in the British Virgin Islands. Francisca had six daughters, including Phillips’ grandmother, Bellencita Almestica, who married into the Benjamin family from John’s Folly, St. John. Those six daughters had 43 children by Phillips’ reckoning. Phillips, herself, is one of 20 children. She has 12 children of her own, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren so far, so their Taino heritage continues to spread. Phillips’s son Emmanuel is a St. Thomas-based photographer and filmmaker, and his latest film, “We Are Taino,” was screened on St. John at Bajo El Sol Wednesday evening. The film, which depicts his mother’s discovery of her Taino heritage, is part of a series produced by PBS and is now available on YouTube.
Emmanuel Phillips made the film “We Are Taino.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
The third chief to attend the meetings on St. John is Ouboutu Anette Sanford of the Kalinago Nation in Dominica. Unlike the Taino tribes, which have been struggling for recognition, the Kalinago Nation was established in 1763 and has functioned somewhat autonomously since 1903. The Kalinago people, originally called “Caribs” by Europeans, led to the term “Caribbean” for the region. Now, nearly 3,000 Kalinago people live in a communally owned tribal area consisting of 3,700 acres on the eastern side of Dominica. Their chiefs are elected by the people and serve five-year terms. Sanford, who is the first female chief in 400 years, told the audience at Bajo El Sol that the tribe makes their own laws, settles their own land disputes, and monitors researchers who come in to study the community. She acknowledged the importance of having a homeland and encouraged Phillips to pursue her efforts to establish a site for the Taino in the Virgin Islands. Phillips has been searching for a site to set up a demonstration Taino Village in the Virgin Islands. In June, she made a proposal to the Magens Bay Authority to acquire a site within the arboretum in Magens Bay. Sean Krigger, director of the V.I. State Historic Preservation Office, says in the film “We Are Taino” that archaeological evidence shows that Magens Bay was once a Taino site, so the proposal falls within the office’s “mandate to protect and promote our Native American history.” The events this week on St. John were sponsored by the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, according to Tonia Lovejoy, the organization’s executive director. “It was a landmark meeting for the Friends,” she said. “We are honored to bear witness to the ‘Meeting of the Chiefs’ and the signing of the ‘Declaration of Unity’ among them. It stands as a testament to the power of peace among people.”
Tonia Lovejoy, executive director of the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park, said she was honored to be part of the event. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
For further information on the presence of Taino in the Virgin Islands, follow the links below to the series “Taino Today.” Taino Today Part One: Descendants Challenge Outdated Extinction Theory Taino Today, Part 2: Phillips Seeks to Raise Awareness of Taino Ancestry Taino Today, Part 3: The Phillips Family Has Gained Recognition Taino Today, Part 4: Recent Discoveries at Cinnamon Bay Show Presence of Early Indigenous Culture Editor’s Note: For those who are unfamiliar with the term “Taino,” it refers to “the Arawakan-speaking peoples of the Caribbean who arrived from South America over the course of 4,000 years,” according to an article in National Geographic.

V.I. Youth To Join Charity Projects Abroad

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V.I. Youth To Join Charity Projects Abroad

Four young Virgin Islanders are expected to spend part of their summer performing volunteer service in Africa, says the founder of a nonprofit group focused on global service and youth development. A 10-day visit is planned to take the group through Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Foundation volunteers at work assisting the KWA Mwatu Primary School in Kenya; improvement projects began in 2017. (Submitted photo)

I Am Hope Foundation President Teshanne Phillip said two high school and two college students will help the foundation team distribute shoes and clothing to communities in need. They will also have a chance to join foundation team members in delivering food items for a village to prepare a community feast.

“This mission’s trip provides an opportunity not only for service but also for educational growth and cultural immersion,” Phillip said.

Ivanna Eudora Kean High School students Chrislord Bernard and Ava Daniel, along with University of the Virgin Islands student Shaynee Cherival and Johnson and Wales University student Kyra David, are scheduled to start their adventure July 21. Together, they mark the first time student volunteers have joined the foundation’s Africa outreach since 2018.

Cherival graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School in 2024; David — a former Devil Ray — also graduated last year.

But perhaps the highlight of the trip will come when students join in ongoing support projects at the KWA Mwatu Primary School in Kenya. “Year over year we focus on a special project at that school,” Phillips said.

Details appearing on the foundation’s website describe efforts led by Phillip at the Kenyan school since 2017: “As of January 2025, we have built a new kitchen structure, implemented a nutrition program, provided access to clean drinking water, created a library and installed cement flooring in classrooms at the school, (and) repaired the roofs of two classrooms,” according to the website.

St. Thomas-St. John District Superintendent Stephan Jurgen and Kean High Principal Sally Petty are credited for supporting the trip for Bernard and Daniel. Trip sponsors continue to solicit donations to cover expenses.

For further information, contact Phillip at iamhopefoundation@outlook.com.

Op-Ed: Rum, Reality, and Reckoning: What the Big Beautiful Bill Really Means for the U.S. Virgin Islands

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Op-Ed: Rum, Reality, and Reckoning: What the Big Beautiful Bill Really Means for the U.S. Virgin Islands

The passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” has been hailed as a fiscal win for the U.S. Virgin Islands due to the permanent increase in the rum cover-over rate. But beneath the surface of this celebratory headline lies a far more complex and precarious fiscal reality. With three consecutive years of declining rum sales, a history of mismanagement, and critical federal program cuts looming, the territory stands at a crossroads. This op-ed unpacks the implications of the new law and lays out blunt, fact-based recommendations for moving forward.

On July 4, 2025, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (H.R. 1) was signed into law. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, a key provision was the permanent increase in the federal rum cover-over rate to $13.25 per proof gallon. Previously, this higher rate required regular congressional reauthorization, leading to fiscal uncertainty. The new law guarantees this rate moving forward, ostensibly offering budgetary stability.

However, recent testimony during a budget hearing revealed that rum sales have declined for the third consecutive year. According to Department of Finance officials, the USVI expects approximately $31 million less in rum cover revenue in FY2025. This trend is deeply concerning given how heavily the territory depends on this income stream.

The U.S. Virgin Islands faces significant structural weaknesses: over $2 billion in public debt, chronically underfunded pensions, and recurring budget deficits. Compounding these issues is a track record of mismanagement—federal audits regularly cite inadequate financial controls, delays in spending federal funds, and opaque budgeting practices.

The law guarantees $13.25 per proof gallon in cover-over revenue. While this stabilizes a key income stream, up to 46% of that revenue is redirected to rum producers through subsidies and incentive packages. Much of the remainder is pledged toward debt service, leaving limited flexibility for funding social services or infrastructure.

Best-Case: The government ring-fences rum revenues for strategic investment, attracts new industries, and achieves gradual fiscal stability.
Status Quo: Revenues plug budget holes while federal cuts erode services. Fiscal pressure persists.
Worst-Case: Rum sales continue to decline. Federal programs are gutted. The territory experiences a governance and humanitarian crisis.

• Establish a public rum revenue dashboard to enhance transparency.
• Mandate that a portion of rum revenues be allocated to healthcare, education, and workforce development.
• Develop a fiscal stabilization fund protected from political interference.
• Leverage rum revenues to match federal grants and attract capital investment.

The new law removes one source of annual budgetary uncertainty—but it does not solve the larger problem. Unless local leaders adopt disciplined, transparent, and forward-looking fiscal policies, the promise of a permanent rum cover-over will be undermined by the same old habits. With growing external risks and internal vulnerabilities, the territory can no longer afford to treat windfalls as a license to delay hard decisions. The time for rum-fueled optimism has passed. Now comes the reckoning.

Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com. 

“All Risk, All Hazard” Trainings

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“All Risk, All Hazard” Trainings
The U.S. Virgin Islands Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is hosting free all-risk, all-hazard training on St. Thomas from July 25-27, 2025. Additionally, we will be offering the same training on St. John from August 15-17, 2025. These comprehensive programs are designed to help community members ages 13+ protect themselves, their families, and their community during emergencies. Event Details:
  • St. Thomas Training: July 25-27, 2025
    • Friday: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
    • Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    • Location: VITEMA EOC STT, 8221 Estate Nisky, St. Thomas, VI 00803
  • St. John Training: August 15-17, 2025 (details to follow)
  • Cost: Free to participants
Skills Training Includes:
  • Fire Extinguisher Safety
  • Light Search & Rescue
  • Medical Assessment & Triage
  • Door Breaching and more
Community members can apply by scanning the QR code on the attached flyer or by emailing CERTUSVI@VITEMA.VI.GOV with questions or to attach a typed application. Please note that handwritten applications are not accepted – all applications must be typed.

Supporting Local Careers Through Technical Training at WAPA

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Supporting Local Careers Through Technical Training at WAPA
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority proudly announces the successful completion of a specialized training session in plant operations for its scholarship recipients, new hires, and recently promoted employees. The sessions, held both on St. Thomas and St. Croix, provided participants with an in-depth overview of Combustion Turbines and Balance of Plant (BOP) operations — critical components in the Authority’s generation system.
A training at the Richmond Power Plant. (Submitted photo)
Training sessions took place on June 25–27 at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas and June 2–4 at the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix. Leading the sessions was Cyril Andrew, Electrical Engineer III, a member of the St. Croix plant operations team who also began his career as an intern at the Authority. Mr. Andrew shared both technical knowledge and personal experience with the participants, having once been in their very position. “I remember sitting in their shoes as an intern, eager to learn and understand the complexities of power generation,” said Mr. Andrew. “To now have the opportunity to help train and guide the next generation of talent at WAPA is a full-circle moment for me. It’s a reminder of how much growth is possible within this organization, and I’m proud to contribute to that journey for others.” Mr. Andrew was supported by his colleagues, Shamade Burke, Manager of Operations, Alfredo Josiah Jr., Electronic Technician II, and Vicente Donastorg, Instrument Engineer I, during the sessions, each playing an important role in delivering a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience. The Authority’s Safety Team was also on-site, ensuring all participants were properly outfitted with personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhered to all safety protocols throughout the training. This initiative reflects WAPA’s continued dedication to workforce development, internal promotions, and supporting scholarship recipients in building meaningful careers within the utility industry. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.

Project Promise Complete’s Second Summer of Service

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Project Promise Complete’s Second Summer of Service
Project Promise’s Caterpillar students embarked on a rail trip across America this summer to make an impact on communities outside the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Caterpillars touch down in Washington, DC. on June 27, 2025, and during their time there, the group volunteered at the United Way of the National Capital Area by creating Healthy Snack Kits for local area youth. The group then headed west with stops in Illinois, Washington, British Columbia, and California, and undertook various service projects that included helping to prepare and serve meals, creating encouragement cards, and more.
Alejandro creating his Cardz For Kidz. (Submitted photo)
Community service is one of the nine components at the core of the Project Promise program. Over the last ten years the Caterpillar Project students have completed monthly community service projects locally, nationally and even internationally. “Community Service is an instrumental part of who we are as an organization. The activities are designed to expand the students’ outlook and help them think of themselves as citizens of the world”, said Project Promise Executive Director Resa O’Reilly Shearn. The epic 12-day coast-to-coast and back adventure has officially ended! This journey covered about 5,313 miles, crossed 22 states, impacted 5 organizations, and allowed participants to explore 5 cities in 2 countries. “This opportunity of a lifetime will undoubtedly have a long-lasting, life-changing impact on our students. We are incredibly grateful for connecting with old friends and making new ones along the way, and we are thankful for the positive impact we were able to make,” Resa stated.
Group prepping for lunch service at New Horizons. (Submitted photo)
This opportunity of a lifetime was the second undertaking for Project Promise. In 2019, the Caterpillar Project embarked on their first Summer of Service. This year’s Summer of Service was sponsored by One Communications, Atty Joel Holt, Tropico Management, Judge Steele, Frederiksted Twin City Lions Club, Cruzan Creations and several other businesses and individuals. The rail trip wrapped up in California. The Caterpillars then rode the train back to Washington, DC and flew back to St. Croix on July 9, 2025.

Adelina C. Frank Dies at 91

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Adelina C. Frank Dies at 91
Adelina C. Frank of Estate Coble transitioned into eternal life on July 3, 2025. She was 91 years old. 
Adelina C. Frank
She is survived by her daughters, Marva Farrell and Sharon Solomon (adopted); Sons, Heraldo Brooks and Charles Salomons; Grandchildren, Benicio, Tamara, Janeene, Jason, Chantal & Salome Brooks, Heraldo, Wayne, Wanda & Dwayne Farrell, Athena & Catherine Salomons; Great Grandchildren, Yliada, Achilia & Meliah Yenice-Brooks, Thorin & Ahria Moore; Daughter-In-Law, Kaiwen Cheng; Special Friends, Louisa Edwards, Gwenda Hobson, Tammy Boothe, Kellisa Daniel, Dezel Noel, Lystra Copel, Milton Smith, Clive Brown, Pastor Lorenze & Buelle Davis, Mr. & Mrs. Winston Powell, Samuel Solomon, Mary Benjamin, The Jones Family; Cousin & Other Relatives, Justine Baly, Analise Peets & Family, The Brooks Family (St. Martin), The Maccow Family (St. Martin), The Baly Family (St. Martin), Amorite Connor, Amorite Connor, Ebenezer Methodist Church Family & Bus Drivers. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.  Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 17 at Ebenezer Methodist Church, Christiansted. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 
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