The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority has successfully restored the Mon Bijou bin site on St. Croix following ongoing incidents of illegal tire dumping.
The Mon Bijou bin area before and after illegally dumped tires were removed. (Submitted photo)
The site had been repeatedly used as an unauthorized dumping location, particularly for discarded tires, creating environmental and public health concerns. Through dedicated cleanup efforts, the VIWMA team removed approximately 2,800 illegally dumped tires, significantly improved the condition of the area and restored its proper use.
“Restoring the Mon Bijou site reflects VIWMA’s commitment to protecting the environment and the health of our community members,” said Executive Director Hannibal “Mike” Ware. “We urge the community to partner with us by disposing of waste responsibly and reporting violations while we work toward a permanent solution to illegal tire dumping.”
VIWMA reminds the public that illegal dumping is against the law, and violators are subject to fines of not less than $1,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 180 days. Illegal dumping poses significant environmental risks, including soil and water contamination, as well as threats to public health and safety.
To report illegal dumping or other waste-related violations, please email customer_care@viwma.org or communications@viwma.org, or call 340-715-9100 (St. Thomas)or340-712-4962 (St. Croix). Stay connected with VIWMA on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn for updates.
81C is pleased to announce Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain, an immersive contemporary art exhibition by collaborative duo Emily Braswell (strawberriemilk) and Jenna Rees (warmmilkwithsugar), opening in St. Thomas on May 15, 5 p.m.-12 a.m.
Tale as Old as Tuey by Braswell and Rees. (Submitted photo)
The opening reception at 81C will feature DJ Carbar and refreshments. Admission is free and the exhibiting artists will be present.
Expanding on their evolving Krankie series, the exhibition brings together painting, video, sculpture, and installation to construct a cinematic, psychologically charged world shaped by absurdist commentary on fame today versus pre internet times. Following its debut in Los Angeles, Krankie II arrives in the Virgin Islands as an immersive dual-location activation, presented at 81C in historic Charlotte Amalie and accompanied by a supporting component at the XIIID Research and Strategy Innovation Center at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Supported through a collaboration between 81C Arts, XIIID, and UVI, Krankie II represents a continued investment in advancing contemporary art and education in the territory. The exhibition creates direct pathways for student engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and public access to museum-quality creative production.
By positioning immersive, narrative-driven art within both a gallery and academic setting, the project highlights the role of the arts as a critical component of cultural and intellectual infrastructure in the Virgin Islands.
Show Description:
“Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain by Emily Braswell (Strawberriemilk) and Jenna Rees (Warmmilkwithsugar) unfolds as a warped cinematic universe where painting, video, and sculpture collapse into a single, unstable narrative field. Centered around a fictional 1980s movie star in a meta-perspective of invented lore from parallel storylines, the work drifts between past and present, constructing a world where time folds in on itself and meaning emerges through fragments rather than sequence.
Hybrid airbrush and traditional paintings operate as imagined film artifacts: posters, stills, and visual residues from fictitious movies that are rendered with a hyper-saturated, almost synthetic clarity. Their surfaces oscillate between softness and precision, evoking the tactile nostalgia of analog media while simultaneously referencing the flattened glow of digital imagery. Sculptural interventions punctuate the space with quiet absurdity, grounding the work in physical form while amplifying its psychological tension.
Mystry by Braswell and Rees. (Submitted photo)
The accompanying video component extends this atmosphere into motion, offering a disjointed, voyeuristic glimpse into the interior lives orbiting this fictional figure. Rather than resolving into narrative, the work lingers in mood—an uneasy balance of humor, longing, and quiet unpredictability.
Drawing from the American south small-town culture and nostalgia for the sensationalized monolithic star style fame of pre-internet times, Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain constructs a world that feels both intimately familiar and fundamentally distorted. It is less a story than a condition—one where fantasy and perception continuously rewrite one another.” — The Curators, 81C, Charlotte Amalie, 2026
About the Show:
Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain expands the evolving Krankie universe into a dual-location experience spanning 81C in historic Charlotte Amalie and to the XIIID Research and Strategy Innovation Center at the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas campus.
This two-part presentation deepens the narrative and physical experience of the work—bridging gallery and academic environments to create a layered, immersive encounter with contemporary art in the Virgin Islands.
At 81C, the exhibition unfolds as a fully realized environment, where painting, sculpture, and video merge into a cohesive sensory installation. Visitors enter a world shaped by reimagined retro visuals, nonlinear storytelling, and abstraction executed with realistic precision—an uncanny space where narrative operates more as atmosphere than linear story.
At The XIIID Research and Strategy Innovation Center at UVI, Krankie II activates XIIID’s Zen Room as a dedicated cinematic environment, highlighting the exhibition’s cinema components and offering viewers engagement with multi-screen moving-image. Accompanied by a selected sculptural element positioned within this academic and research-driven setting, the activation invites students and the public to encounter the work through curiosity, reflection, and shared viewing, ultimately driving visitation to the full scale show at 81C in Charlotte Amalie.
Together, this dual-location experience reflects a shared commitment between 81C, XIIID, and UVI to advance student engagement through arts production in the VI.
The show highlights the role of creative immersive experiences as an incubator for intellectual infrastructure—capable of constructively shaping how we observe, engage, and relate to fine arts.
Show Sponsors::
Foundation For Contemporary Arts, One Communication, UVI, VI Museum of Art, VICA, XIIID
Artist Statement:
Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain is a sequel exhibition in the Krankie series. Krankie is a conceptual body of work that merges painting, video, and sculpture through installation. The concept is rooted in an imagined world that explores themes of anxiety around money and obsession with fame through a fictional story of an 80s movie star and his super fans.
The story begins in 1989 in a small southern town somewhere in rural America. Two unacquainted neighbors share a fanatic obsession with a hyper famous actor of their time, who goes by the stage name: Krankie. The two super fans live seemingly mundane lives, but are both plagued by mental and financial challenges. They find an escape in their hyper fixation on Krankie.
Krankie II: Middle of the Food Chain serves as a situational study that zooms in on the aged 80s movie star reflecting on his prime in this fictional world where time bends. He is able to revisit 1989 and leave treasures for his troubled super fans. In this mysterious warping of time, money from his Hollywood fortune becomes tangible for his super fans back in the peak of his prime.
Artists Bio:
Emily Braswell and Jenna Rees are collaborative art partners that work under the aliases Strawberriemilk & Warmmilkwithsugar. Their practice centers on painting, accompanied by video, installations and sculptures. Their lifelong friendship has fueled their collaborations for over a decade.
Their creative partnership began at UNCSA, a visual arts boarding school, in North Carolina, that they attended on merit-based scholarships. They went on to pursue higher education, then reconnected in Atlanta, where they gained recognition for pairing their paintings with conceptual installations.
Their work has a performative quality from their joint persona — layered with humor, matching attire and sensory experiences for their audiences. After recently relocating to the Caribbean, they exhibited in the Virgin Islands and Los Angeles. The duo now continues their studio practice in San Juan, PR.
Opening Reception Details:
May 15th, 2026 – 5PM-12AM
81C, Charlotte Amalie
Free admission
Park on waterfront
Gallery Run / Open Hours to view the show:
On View through July, 2026:
81C, Charlotte Amalie
Tues-Sat 5-8PM
The XIIID Research and Strategy Innovation Center at UVI
Mon-Fri 8:30AM-5:30PM
Show Sponsors:
Foundation For Contemporary Arts
One Communication
UVI
VI Museum of Art
VICA
XIIID
Introducing Business Matters, a new feature from the Source staff created specifically for local businesses. Our goal is to explore issues that impact business success, from branding and marketing to broader trends shaping both brick-and-mortar and online commerce.
Pick one: that’s how differently AI is being described now.
If AI systems are being adopted and being used by businesses more and more, there’s still no clear consensus about their value – especially for small businesses that lack the deep pockets for trial-and-error.
Fortunately, sound guides and recommendations are beginning to emerge.
A recent article from the University of Rhode Island’s Small Business Development Center points out that the key to capitalizing on AI lies in using AI to “speed up execution, not replace human decision-making.”
That is, AI works as a tool: you use it. It doesn’t use you – or replace you!
Where AI Works Effectively for Your Business
Not surprisingly, AI excels at handling routine often tedious sales, marketing and communications tasks.
For example, AI can be used to produce first drafts and outlines of all kinds of print and electronic communication.
It’s also adept at generating multiple versions of headlines and body content, even visuals, as well as repurposing content for varying formats.
For example, with a prompt, you can have an AI program serve up five, ten or more variations on headlines for ads or blog posts or sales copy – something that might take hours even for your experienced and knowledgeable team.
Where AI Must Be Managed
Just as important as understanding where AI can be an effective tool in your business is the awareness of where it won’t help.
In many critical areas, you and your team should maintain “oversight” of AI generated content – just as you would work product created or proposed by any outside contractor.
Some of this content represents the heart and soul of your business. For example, the Small Business Development Center specifies the following as tasks where human oversight remains paramount:
— Brand voice
— Messaging priorities
— Offer developments
— Customer understanding
— Fact checking
Note how all of these areas involve judgment and special understanding of human dynamics and relationships that may remain elusive blind spots to even the best AI systems.
AI can clearly assist in developing more effective business tactics – and it pays to take advantage of these capabilities.
But the fact remains, “AI helps teams using it move faster, but strategy remains human-led.”
Five teams representing the U.S. Virgin Islands hospitality and tourism industry competed in the 7th Annual Hotel & Tourism Association Regatta on Saturday, May 9, hosted by the St. Thomas Sailing Center at the St. Thomas Yacht Club.Coral World Women’s Team on the winners’ podium and right after winning a race. (Photo courtesy STSC)
Racing aboard the Center’s one-design IC24s, teams completed a series of competitive races that highlighted teamwork, communication, and sailing’s role in the territory’s marine tourism product. Coral World’s all-women team earned first place with 5 points, followed by one of Margaritaville’s teams in second with 13 points, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism team in third with 16 points.
Coral World’s all-women team of Erin Moran, Eryca Hassing, and Sam Shively, racing aboard Desperado, earned the regatta win after a half day of close competition.
“Winning is, of course, what we liked best,” says Moran. “There was so much interest among the employees that we were able to enter two teams. We’re all passionate about the water, so we all jumped at the opportunity. Today, it was fun to come together as a team, to work together even though we all had different levels of sailing experience, and ultimately have fun.”
The Margaritaville team of Mahlon Monsanto, Alique Briggs, Augustine Schneider, and K’Quadeem Christopher, racing aboard Voila, improved on their second year in the event with a runner-up finish.
“We were trying to get first place,” says Monsanto. “Even though we finished second, we had a lot of good teamwork.”
Representing the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism for the second consecutive year, Alani Hennaman-Todman, Ian Turnbull, Wilbert Smith, and Tanya Duran raced aboard One Love and successfully defended their third-place finish.
“We love sailing!” says Henneman-Todman. “The marine industry is an important part of our tourism product. It’s always good to enjoy spending time with other members of our industry. Overall, it was a beautiful day, true Emeralds of the Sea like no other.”
Coral World’s second team, racing aboard Stinger, finished fourth with 19 points, while Margaritaville’s second entry on Roundabout placed fifth with 22 points.
STYC members Amanda Attandi, Chuck Pessler, Rian Bareuther, Sam Martin, and Andy Johnson served as on-board team coaches
The Department of Public Works provides updated information on several road paving projects taking place on St. Thomas. Motorists are advised to proceed with caution in all affected areas. All vehicles must be removed from the work areas to avoid towing.
DPW contractor – Grace Civil, LIC – will begin roadway repairs and paving on Joseph Sibilly Circle in St. Thomas starting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. This project is expected to be completed by Friday, May 15.
Starting Wednesday, May 13, through Wednesday, May 20, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., DPW contractor – Grace Civil, LLC – will commence necessary paving repairs along a segment of Dalmida Road in Hospital Ground, near the Bethel Baptist Day School. All vehicles must be removed from the work area to avoid towing.
The Department of Public Works advises the community of nighttime roadwork on Maude Proudfoot Drive (Skyline Drive), from the top of the Mafolie Hotel & Restaurant area to the bottom of Blackbeard’s Castle. Work begins Wednesday, May 13, from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Motorists should use caution and follow posted signage.
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the public and waste haulers that the Solid Waste Division will conduct a trash survey at the Bovoni Landfill from May 12–14, between the hours of 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Bovoni Landfill on St. Thomas. (File photo)
As part of the survey process, selected haulers will be randomly directed to unload the contents of their vehicles at a designated area within the landfill. This will allow the survey team to assess and analyze the types of waste being collected and disposed of from various locations throughout the territory.
VIWMA advises that the assessment process may result in temporary delays for selected haulers. The authority appreciates the patience and cooperation of all haulers as this important initiative is conducted.
The survey will assist VIWMA in better understanding the composition of waste entering the landfill daily and support future planning efforts related to waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and landfill management.
For more information, contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-715-9100 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn for updates.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) today released the following statement on the passing of former Senator Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion:
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett (Source file photo)
“I was saddened to hear of the passing of former Senator Pete Encarnacion. He was a man of deep faith and genuine kindness with a dedication to service in our community. Raised in a strong family with deep Virgin Islands roots, Pete was someone who showed up, served, and gave everything he had to the people of St. Croix.
“His life was one of dedication across every role he took on. He rose through the ranks of the Virgin Islands Fire Service from firefighter to director and brought a genuine love of community to every assignment. As a senator in the 26th Legislature, he chaired the Committee on Public Safety, Homeland Security and Justice at a time when gun violence was ravaging our communities. He answered that moment with the same calm, steady resolve that defined everything he did.
“Pete was a dedicated public servant, a devoted husband and father, and by every account, a man of quiet strength, deep faith, and an open heart. The Virgin Islands is better for his service.
“My prayers and deepest condolences go to his wife Janie, his children, Kimberly and Khyle, and the many lives he touched.”
Anna Maria Johannes Lindo of Estate Mountain, transitioned into eternal life on April 28, 2026.Anna Maria Johannes Lindo
She was preceded in death by her Son, David McIntosh; Grandsons, Jamal A. Soldiew and Khamal Simmons; Nephews, Myron Johannes Jr. and Jose Johannes.
She is survived by her Sons, Howard Harris, Thorvald “Butch” McIntosh, Paul McIntosh; Daughters, Kimberly (Kim) Jean-Marie, Pamela (Pam) Harris,Horolyn (Lyn) Lindo-Elizee, Cecelia Benjamin, Phyllis McIntosh, Cheryl McIntosh, Barbara McIntosh, Ina McIntosh and Ann L. “Lulu” Petersen; Son-In-Law, Theophilus “Ali” Elizee; Grandsons, Rashown S. Soldiew, Malik Elizee, Granddaughters, Khaliema Jean-Marie and Kianna Ireland; Great Grandsons, Jamal A. Soldiew Jr. and Shamoy A. Soldiew; Great Granddaughters, Calia M. Ralph, Ameiah M. Soldiew, Kae’Lyn K. Ralph, Nevaeh Williams and Heaven Williams; Adopted Grandsons, Leo Lubrin, Le’Sean “Fatty”, and Jakeem “Ras” Auguste, Dante and David “Boyz” Armstrong Jr.; Adopted Granddaughters, Kisha Sprauve, Akia Henneman, Kurstain Roberts, Kimberly Clarke and Kimberly Christopher; Nephews, Ray F. Johannes Sr, Marcellino Ventura Sr, Roberto Rivera, Eddie Stevens, Raymond Stevens, O’neal Doward, Samuel Bruce, Joseph and Bruce Jr. Wayne Bruce; Nieces, Sherlene Jones, Josephine Wiltshire, Dawn Bruce-Fought and Margret Bruce; Great Nephews, Ray Johannes Jr. Roberto Rivera Jr. Marcellino Ventura Jr., Myron Johannes III, Akeem E. Johannes, Akeem A. Johannes, Jahmali Johannes, Denny Johannes, Linton Wiltshire Jr, Omar Vasquez, Miles Ventura, Elijah Johannes, Eric Johannes, Jonathan Johannes, JahIlet, Jahoman, Jahzion, Somali, Shanai, Ramses and Malo Bruce; Great Nieces, Angela Johannes, Ivanna Johannes, Robin Johannes, Gale Rivera, Yisel Rivera, Christina Rivera, Sara Rivera, Marcellina Ventura, Iveliz Johannes, Janice Johannes, Malikisha Brown, Khaliah Wiltshire, Oprah Wiltshire, Camisha Lynch, Omara Vasquez, Takisha Allick-Pelle, K’Mandil Philpot, Marisela Soto, Twana Augustin, Gizell Barthlett, Angela Thomas, Thamoiyah Bermudez, Tasheem Blake, JahNyra Bruce and Irea Bruce; God-Children, Andrea Christian and Arlene Peters; Cousins, The Entire Johannes Family (lavelle/LaGrange) Schrader Family, Merril Walcotts, Larry Francis and family, Eastman Family, Jane Johannes (STJ), Brow Family, Ballentine Family, Williams Family, Laurie Thomas-Jacob, Family and Alvin Milligan; Best Friends, Claudette Schrader and Iris O’Donahue; Special Friends, Entire Calquohoun family, Estate Mountain Family, Richmond Senior Center Family, Mon BiJou Family, Grove Place Family, Monifa Carrillo, Jelani Joseph, Agneta, Maralyn, Patricia, Chayne, Charles, Myrtle Meyers, Sarah McFarlane, Elizee Family, Lionell Gumbs, and many more too numerous to mention, Alvin Milligan, Mourala St. Rose-Cornelius, Moural St. Rose-Baker and Junie Hodgecas; Caretakers, Ann “Lulu” Petersen, Crystel Callender and Latasha L. Charles. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16 at City of Refuge Worship Center. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Reginald Williams: November 9, 1939 – May 2, 2026
With heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Reginald Williams, who departed this life on May 2, at the age of 86 years.
Reginald Williams
Reginald will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted niece and nephew, Carmen Ferdinand and Dennis “Jahglory” Ferdinand; his special friends and caregivers, Myra Douglas, Earl Morris, Vanill Cornelius, Andrea Dubois, Eugenie Heywood, and Colleen Chase; along with many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to everyone who called, prayed, visited, and supported them during this difficult time. Your love, kindness, and expressions of sympathy are deeply appreciated.
A funeral service celebrating the life of Reginald Williams will be held on Wednesday, May 13, at the Divine Chapel, 129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
“Those we love do not go away; they walk beside us every day.”
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the community that an electrical failure has impacted operations at the Cancryn Pump Station, resulting in a temporary pump outage.
As a result, portions of the downtown sewer system may experience disruptions, including possible manhole overflows. Out of an abundance of caution, VIWMA strongly advises residents, business owners, and pedestrians to avoid contact with any standing water in affected areas.
VIWMA crews are actively responding to the issue and working diligently to restore full operations as quickly and safely as possible. The Authority understands the inconvenience this situation may cause and appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation while efforts are underway to implement both immediate and long-term corrective measures.
For additional information or to report related concerns, please contact VIWMA Customer Care at 340-715-9100 or email customer_care@viwma.org or communications@viwma.org.
The site had been repeatedly used as an unauthorized dumping location, particularly for discarded tires, creating environmental and public health concerns. Through dedicated cleanup efforts, the VIWMA team removed approximately 2,800 illegally dumped tires, significantly improved the condition of the area and restored its proper use.
Where AI Works Effectively for Your Business
Where AI Must Be Managed
