Sen. Joseph’s Takeaways from Miami Cruise Conference

Mat Probasco
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Sen. Joseph’s Takeaways from Miami Cruise Conference
Senator Carla Joseph issued the following statement today from Seatrade Cruise Global, which took place from April 7-10, 2025, in Miami, Florida. She and members of her staff had the opportunity to attend a number of forums and workshops on the industry, sustainability, technology, and entertainment as they relate to the competitive tourism-based economy of the Caribbean, of which the U.S. Virgin Islands are a part. “The Seatrade Cruise Global is the largest cruise event in the world. It provides an opportunity to see the latest trends, learn about various destinations, and see what the industry and its patrons are looking for in selecting markets and services for guests each year. While we here in the Virgin Islands have had success with our tourism product over the years, we cannot take any opportunity to meet and showcase our best to the world for granted. This involves not only our Government leaders at the roundtables and forums but also being inclusive to include our Tourism industry service providers and products, which increase our gains in supporting our local economy, industries, and businesses in the hospitality sector, as well as products and services we offer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. At the Seatrade, we witnessed other islands display their locally distilled rum, while the U.S. Virgin Islands only showcased and offered samples distributed during a happy hour. We must seize every opportunity to showcase our products, services, and hospitality offerings. As it relates to the rum industry, the Government of the Virgin Islands should include our rum companies in our marketing efforts in light of the thriving cruise products and services industry. This opportunity could only help as there’s a global decline in distilled spirits consumption and the uncertainty of congressional actions that will cure the difference in rates in the rum cover-over for the Virgin Islands. While the Seatrade Cruise Global 2025 has come to a close, there are still opportunities as we move ahead to rethink and partner with our private sector in marketing product U.S. Virgin Islands to the world. It will represent a win-win for our government, tourism industry partners, and the various industries of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which will benefit us all. Team U.S. Virgin Islands is what we must be united on, at the forefront of the global stage, to celebrate our islands’ destinations, offerings and trade potentials while securing our market share in the tourism industry for the future. I look forward to working with our Port Authority, Department of Tourism, and other community business stakeholders to implement the mechanisms and support needed to keep the U.S. Virgin Islands a leading competitor in the Caribbean Tourism Market.’

VI Board of Career and Technical Education Board Meeting

Mat Probasco
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VI Board of Career and Technical Education Board Meeting
Please be advised that the Virgin Islands Board of Career &
Technical Education is holding a Regular Board Meeting on
Wednesday April 16 at 2:00 p.m. via Teams:
Microsoft Teams meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Click here to join the meeting
Meeting ID: 219 870 087 716
Passcode: uJCPsV

Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble at Fort Frederik April 11

Mat Probasco
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Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble at Fort Frederik April 11
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources invites the community to attend the Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) cultural showcase entitled: A Tribute to Ancestors Series, opening on Friday, April 11th from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Fort Frederik Museum in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Ay Ay Rhythm (Submitted photo)
The event is produced and directed by the Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble and coordinated by Olu Massey-El and will feature a skit as a tribute to ancestors with drumming integrated throughout the performance. This event will be one of several in a series honoring ancestors and empowering youth, led by the Ay Ay Rhythm Ensemble, to reach out to school-age students from ages 8-18 that they will be hosting around the island. It calls attention to the healing and transformative powers of the arts, through music, dance, and poetry in empowering the next generation of young people in our community. The event will open at the Fort Frederik Museum from 4:30 pm-6:00 pm. Admission is free, and young people and students are especially encouraged to participate in this intergenerational activity. For questions, please contact the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums Director Amy Parker DeSorbo at amy.desorbo@dpnr.vi.gov or DLAM Curator Monica Marin by calling Fort Frederik at 340-772-2021.

Updated: WAPA Working To Restore Power After Districtwide Outage

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Updated: WAPA Working To Restore Power After Districtwide Outage
Updated | 8:15 p.m. With generation capacity still limited at the Randolph Harley Power Plant, crews continue working to restore additional units. As a result, WAPA’s rotational outage schedule will remain in effect this evening. Feeder 9C is scheduled to go offline from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., followed by Feeder 6A from 9:30 to 11:30 p.m., or until peak demand decreases, according to the latest update. Updated | 3:30 p.m. As of 3:30 p.m., the following feeders have been restored: 8B, Portion of 7C (Up to Cassi Hill), 7A, 6A, 6B, 7E, 5A, 9E, and 9C. WAPA Plant Personnel are working to restore service to the remaining customers still affected, according to a recent news release. Customers may still experience brief interruptions work at the Harley Power Plant continues. Original Story | 2:30 p.m. As of 2:30 p.m. Thursday, officials at the V.I. Water and Power Authority say there is still no clear timeline for full power restoration on St. Thomas, St. John and Water Island, which have been without electricity since 9:45 a.m. According to WAPA Communications Director Shanell Petersen, the outage was triggered by a safety trip at the propane terminal, which provides liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the generating units. Petersen said a sudden loss of communication from the terminal activated a built-in safety mechanism, shutting the system down. Since then, WAPA and its operations and maintenance contractor have been working to determine the root cause of the communication failure while restoring critical systems. So far, Petersen said WAPA has successfully brought the propane terminal back online, along with one of its Wartsila generators. Crews are also working to bring the remaining available Wartsila units back into service, along with Unit 15, which uses diesel. “The focus right now is stabilizing generation,” Petersen said. “Only after that happens can we begin to see feeders come back online.” Because the outage resulted in a full blackout, the restoration process is more complex and will take longer than usual, Petersen added. Meanwhile, WAPA is using radio and other alert systems to keep the public informed and said more updates will be provided as restoration efforts continue.

St. Croix Fire Injures One, Destroys Building, VIFEMS Reports

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St. Croix Fire Injures One, Destroys Building, VIFEMS Reports
An abandoned structure was destroyed by fire Thursday morning in Estate Profit on St. Croix, the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services reported. (Photo courtesy VIFEMS)
An abandoned structure was destroyed by fire Thursday morning in Estate Profit on St. Croix, the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services reported. (Photo courtesy VIFEMS)

One person was taken to hospital for treatment Thursday morning after the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a structure fire at an abandoned building in Estate Profit on St. Croix.

The agency said in a report that the fire that broke out sometime before 5 a.m. took 90 minutes to contain and completely destroyed the building, but no surrounding structures were affected.

“After confirming the building was abandoned, crews discovered an individual trapped in a nearby fence who appeared to be squatting. The person sustained minor injuries while attempting to escape and was transported to the hospital for treatment,” the report stated.

Road closures were implemented during the response, with assistance from the Virgin Islands Police Department, but have since been lifted, according to the report. The area has been cleared, though the building remains unsafe for the public, it said.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The blaze comes 10 days after the ARTFarm on the South Shore of St. Croix, which grows organic produce for the island, suffered a devastating fire on March 30 that reportedly destroyed up to 90 percent of its operation. It is recovering and rebuilding with the help of volunteers.

The latest conflagration also comes as the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services announced a territory-wide burn ban on Wednesday due to recent high winds.

The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash, yard debris or brush burning, the agency said.

“Alternative methods for disposing of debris, such as chipping or composting, are encouraged. Additionally, VIFEMS urges residents to exercise caution while using outdoor grills or cooking equipment with open flames. Properly maintaining and monitoring such equipment, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires,” according to the release.

“VIFEMS is fully aware this ban comes into effect during the height of the camping season on St. Croix, we ask that campers take all the necessary precautions for a safe camping experience,” it added, referring to the Easter holiday tradition.

“VIFEMS will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess fire risks throughout the territory. The public will be notified once the burn ban is lifted. We appreciate all residents’ and visitors’ cooperation and understanding in supporting these precautionary measures to safeguard our communities,” the release stated.

UVI Drama Club Returns to Stage With Comedic Mystery ‘Murder at Regent Manor’

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UVI Drama Club Returns to Stage With Comedic Mystery ‘Murder at Regent Manor’
Student members of the UVI Drama Club rehearse for the upcoming production of “Murder at Regent Manor.” (Photo courtesy UVI)

The University of the Virgin Islands is bringing live theater back to campus this weekend with the revival of the UVI Drama Club and its inaugural production, “Murder at Regent Manor.”

The comedic murder mystery, presented with support from UVI’s Reichhold Center for the Arts, will run at 7 p.m. on Friday and Sunday at the Ralph M. Paiewonsky Library on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas, according to the press release.

“We are excited to bring live theater productions back to UVI and to present our first play, which offers something for everyone,” said Lindsey Trost, UVI senior, actor, and president of the UVI Drama Club.

Trost, a National Student Exchange student from California, helped revive the long-dormant club and worked alongside vice president Jadynn Sibilly to recruit students through meetings and auditions, the press release stated.

Directed by Jonelle-Alexis Jackson, a Virgin Islander with a background in performing arts, the play features a full cast of UVI students:

  • Lindsey Trost as Jayne Mayple, an eccentric amateur sleuth

  • Unique Nibbs as Lady Regent, a wealthy matriarch, and Constable Baker, a trustworthy officer

  • Shaynee Cherival as Hettie Kilburn, a sharp-tongued actress

  • Delisa Rhymer as Millicent Frye, a flighty socialite

  • Sophia Burke as Bunty Brumby, a psychic with a grudge

  • Rowan Weybright as Busby Bexley, a fun-loving gadabout

  • Jadynn Sibilly as Teddy Lathrop, a bossy and stuffy lawyer

  • K’Visha Johnlewis as Needless Meddling, a humorless housekeeper

  • Ryswick Felix Jr. as Meddling, a cynical butler with a past

  • Bevin George as Inspector Morris, a police inspector with hidden motives

  • Jhamori Sargeant as Dr. Gravestone, the local coroner

The story parodies traditional murder mysteries: when Imperia Regent unexpectedly leaves her fortune to a disliked niece, a scream breaks the silence just after midnight. Amateur sleuth Jayne Mayple, seeking shelter from a storm, becomes embroiled in solving the mystery at the eerie Regent Manor, the release stated.

“This production is not only a celebration of creativity and talent but also a testament to the resilience and passion of our students,” said Denise Humphrey, director of the Reichhold Center for the Arts. “We invite the community to come out for an evening of mystery and fun while supporting our students.”

Tickets are available at the door:

  • $20 general admission

  • $10 UVI faculty and staff

  • $5 UVI students with ID

“Murder at Regent Manor” is produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado, with additional support from the Reichhold Center for the Arts, the release stated.

For more information, email uvidramaclub@gmail.com.

St. Thomas/St. John Power Outage

Mat Probasco
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0
St. Thomas/St. John Power Outage
There is an districtwide outage impacting all customers on St. Thomas and St. John due to loss generation at the Randolph Harley Power Plant. WAPA Plant Personnel are investigating the cause of the outage. We apologize for the inconvenience. Thank you for your patience.

Trump Cuts $2.5 million in UVI Grants

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Trump Cuts $2.5 million in UVI Grants
The Trump Administration has slashed more than $2.5 million in funds for University of the Virgin Islands programs. (Source file photo)
The Trump administration has axed more than $2.5 million in federal funds for the University of the Virgin Islands meant to bolster climate-change agriculture training and increase the number of students pursuing competitive doctoral degrees, UVI officials said Wednesday. The $375,841 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant for the program “Enabling Climate Smart Decisions for Agriculture and Forestry in the U.S. Caribbean” was deemed too focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, a major point of emphasis for President Donald Trump, said Tamika Williams, public relations director for the university. The USDA justified the grant termination by shifting focus to traditional agriculture, rural prosperity, and resource conservation, deprioritizing climate change and environmental justice programs. Similarly, the NIH determined that diversity, equity, and inclusion-centered programs no longer align with their funding objectives, deeming them nonscientific and lacking sufficient return on investment, Williams said. Another $2.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health was slashed from a five-year program called “Undergraduate Research Training Initiative for Student Enhancement,” Williams said. “These policy changes have ended funding for two key programs supporting research and biomedical research training at UVI,” said UVI President Safiya George. “We remain committed to offering quality education and support to ensure our students’ success and preparation for the workforce. We will adjust to these challenges without compromising our mission, our programs and the benefits to our community,” George said. The U-RISE Program aims to increase the number of students pursuing competitive doctoral degrees, leading to careers in biomedical research. It funds students studying biology, chemistry, psychology, computer science, mathematics, nursing, physics, social science, or marine biology. The remaining U-RISE grant award balance is $1.4 million. The USDA grant, with a remaining balance of $148,317, has been instrumental in promoting climate-smart decision-making in agriculture, George said.

UVI Medical Simulation Center Approved for EMT Training

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UVI Medical Simulation Center Approved for EMT Training
The University of the Virgin Islands Medical Simulation Center was officially recognized as an emergency medical technician training center by the Health Department Office of Emergency Medical Services, the university announced this week. (Photo from UVI website)

The University of the Virgin Islands announced Wednesday that its Medical Simulation Center has been officially recognized as an emergency medical technician training center by the V.I. Health Department’s Emergency Medical Services Office. The designation follows the successful completion of the center’s inaugural EMT training course.

The center, located on St. Croix’s Albert A. Sheen Campus, boasts a range of training rooms and classrooms as well as surgical virtual reality simulators, in- and outpatient rooms, an operating room and a surgical skills lab. The center’s executive director, Charlene Navarro, said the center plans to establish a basic emergency medical services curriculum for the territory’s public high school students, according to a UVI press release.

The center may also be included on the V.I. Workforce Development Board’s Eligible Training Provider List, which would free up additional resources to train Virgin Islanders under the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“We are delighted to be recognized as an EMT Training Center and eagerly anticipate collaborating closely with the State Office of Emergency Medical Services to further our mission of delivering exceptional medical training and education,” she said.

State EMS Office Medical Director Dr. Marc Jerome congratulated the Medical Simulation Center and emphasized the need for skilled emergency medical technicians in the U.S. Virgin Islands. UVI President Safiya George also praised the recognition.

“This approval is a result of the university’s ongoing investment in delivering world-class health care education for our students,” she said. “It also ensures that our students and community members have access to the highest standard of emergency medical training right here in the Virgin Islands.”

More information about the Medical Simulation Center can be found here.

Learn and Share at Cannapro Summit Saturday

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Learn and Share at Cannapro Summit Saturday
The Harmony Collective will organize the CannaPro Summit Saturday on St. Croix. (Shutterstock image)

People interested in the cannabis business can learn more and meet others in the field at the CannaPro Summit this Saturday on St. Croix.

Adult-use cannabis is legal in 24 states and the Virgin Islands is about to open a local market.

The Harmony Collective, organizers of the summit, is made up of several native and longtime residents of St. Croix. Their goal is to own a handful of dispensaries by 2028, according to Jody Starr, one of the organizers. As part of the application process for opening a dispensary, applicants are encouraged to sponsor educational events like the CannaPro Summit.

Speakers at the CannaPro Summit will offer information on jobs, labs and dispensaries, cultivation, legal compliance and more.

The conference is on the rooftop of the King Christian Hotel from 2-6 p.m. Tickets are $20.00 at cannaprosummit.com or $30.00 at the door. Participants are invited to an afterparty at Levels.

The summit will offer six sessions:

Session 1: Cannabis job opportunities from cultivating plants, retail sales, compliance, marketing and the required skills for each will be discussed.

Session 2: How to run a successful dispensary, including inventory control, staffing and compliance will be discussed by Gilly Motta, a seasoned dispensary general manager for the last eight years.

Session 3: Lab testing and the science of medical cannabis will be presented by Meagan Dobro, CEO of Safetiva Labs in Massachusetts. Topics include an overview of lab testing, how to read a compliance label and the importance of quality control. The science behind medical cannabis, the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids, and terpenes will also be discussed.

Session 4: Mastering cannabis cultivation will feature the latest techniques to achieve the highest yield while maintaining quality and consistency. Topics include performance metrics, genetic selection, system comparison and the curing process. The presenter, Michael Williamson, director of cultivation for Pipp Horticulture, who has managed millions of square feet of indoor, greenhouse and outdoor cultivation facilities.

Session 5: Joanne Moorehead, director of the Office of Cannabis Regulations, will give an update on regulations and answer questions from the audience.

Session 6: USVI cannabis law, updates and compliance challenges will be discussed by legal professionals Laurent “Tippy” Alfred, Jeffrey Hank, Esq., and Kye Walker, Esq. They will also talk about business opportunities and requirements for applying for a cannabis license.

Other presenters will include former Senator Positive T.A. Nelson, so-called V.I. “Cannabis Czar,” and William “Teddy” Waldo of the Virgin Islands Cannabis Guild.

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