The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority informs the community that sewer line repairs will be conducted at 8B Estate Ross in the vicinity of the Lucinda A. Millin Home, on Edward Wilmoth Blyden Blvd. These repairs are scheduled to take place on Thursday, Jan. 30 from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
During this period, the Authority advises the public that the road will be closed affecting traffic in both eastbound and westbound lanes. Traffic will be redirected to the following alternate routes:
From Veterans Drive onto William G. Lewis Lane onto Alton Adams Sr. Drive, and from Elmo D. Roebuck, Sr. Drive (Havensight) onto Rumer Drive (Long Bay). Only local traffic will be allowed onto Edward Wilmoth Blyden Blvd. VIWMA asks the motoring public to adhere to all road signage and officers’ directions.
VIWMA advises residents to avoid standing water in the affected areas while our staff works diligently to complete the repairs. The VIWMA apologizes for the inconvenience and thanks the community for their patience and cooperation.
For more information, contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for updates.
The Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation’s Junior Tri VI Committee hosted a fun-filled morning at the Bungalows on the Bay Resort on Jan. 26, welcoming 28 young athletes for the Jump Into January Splash ‘n Dash. Originally scheduled for Nov. 17 but postponed due to stormy weather, the event featured calm seas, sunny skies, and a cool breeze—ideal conditions for the swim/run competition.
Start of the 5-6 group race in Chenay Bay
Each age group took on a point-to-point swim followed by an out-and-back run. The youngest racers, ages 5-6, kicked things off with a 25-meter swim and a 0.25-mile run. Hanako Sanders led the swim but was overtaken by Cal Jackson on the run. In a thrilling finish, Hunter Whitworth surged ahead of Sanders to secure second place by just one second. Holden Ridgway, in his debut race, took third place for the boys, while Sanders claimed the top spot among the girls. Bexley Ivey and newcomer Gwendolyn Fritz rounded out the girls’ podium.
In the 7-8 category, Hadley Whitworth dominated the 50-meter swim, finishing in 1:18, nine seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, Michael Kuczynski. However, it was Milo Bird who stole the show during the 0.5-mile run, overtaking four runners to secure the overall win in 5:44. Hiro Sanders and Kuczynski finished second and third among the boys, while Whitworth clinched the top spot for the girls, followed by Grace Chewning and Charley Gay.
Emma Whitworth, a standout swimmer from the Dolphins Team, led the 9-11 race from start to finish. Her swift 100-meter swim time of 2:12 set her apart as she crossed the finish line first. Wyatt Jarrin followed as the second overall finisher and first-place boy. Dane Whitworth and Ian Bouzianis completed the boys’ podium, while Millie Leo and Caitlin Kuczynski secured second and third among the girls.
In the 12-15 category, two determined girls competed over a 200-meter swim and a 1-mile run. Ava Whitworth emerged victorious with a time of 11:17, while Olivia Jarrin finished strong in second place.
The Junior Tri VI Committee extended its gratitude to the Bungalows on the Bay Resort for hosting the event and to the many volunteers who ensured the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The next junior event, the Silly Sockathlon, will take place on Sunday, February 9, at 8 a.m. at the Susana Ocasio Santana Park in Gallows Bay. This run/bike/run event is open to children of all abilities, ages 5 to 15. For more information, call 340-513-2707.
Lace up your running shoes! The M2M Road Race, one of St. Thomas’s most anticipated community events, is set to return on Saturday, Feb. 1 at Magens Bay Beach.
This annual event brings together participants of all ages and fitness levels for a day filled with energy, excitement, and the breathtaking beauty of the Virgin Islands.
The day kicks off at 6:15 a.m. with registration, followed by the 10K race starting at 7 a.m.
For the youngest runners, the 1K Kids Fun Run (ages 10 and under) begins at 9:30 a.m., with an awards ceremony at
10 a.m.
The festivities will conclude with a lively beach picnic featuring food, drinks, music, and more!
Event Highlights:
• Categories: 10K for adults and 1K Fun Run for kids.
• Location: Start and finish at the stunning Magens Bay Beach.
• Registration: Pre-register online at m2mroadrace.com or in person at VI Montessori School’s front desk. Same-day registration is available for an additional $5.
M2M (Magens to Magens) is more than just a race; it’s a celebration of health, fitness, and community.
Proceeds from the event benefit the VIMSIA Athletics Department, providing resources for athletic programs that inspire teamwork, leadership, and personal growth among local students.
“This race embodies the spirit of St. Thomas,” said David Arpasi, VIMSIA Athletics Director. “It’s about pushing your limits, supporting our youth, and coming together as a community to make a difference.”
For those who would like to contribute but cannot participate, donations can be made online at givebutter.com/m2m. Every dollar raised supports the VIMSIA Athletics Department and helps create enriching opportunities for local students.
Schedule of Events:
• 6:15 a.m.: Registration Opens
• 7 a.m.: 10K Race Begins
• 9:30 a.m.: 1K Kids Fun Run
• 10 a.m.: Awards Ceremony
• After-Party: Beach Picnic with food, drinks, and music
This event is made possible by the generous support of local sponsors, including: Elan, First Bank VI, Alpine, USVI Department of Tourism, MSI Building Supply, Spyglass Capital, Brian Moseley & Associates, Inc., International Private Bank, International Capital & Management Company, St. Thomas Restaurant Group, ACE Hardware, Caribbean Risk Group, Michael L. Sheesley, LLC., Caribbean Chiropractic Center, Magens Bay Authority, Merchants Commercial Bank, Rodriguez Auto Parts, United Resources, Business Basics VI, The Paint Depot and the Nagi Family.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to push your limits, support local youth, and enjoy a vibrant day at Magens Bay Beach.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, please contact VIMSIA Marketing Director, Vernon Araujo at vernon@vimsia.org.
About VIMSIA
The Virgin Islands Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy (VIMSIA) is committed to delivering world-class education that fosters creativity, community, and cultural appreciation. To learn more, visit vimsia.org.
Detectives with the Virgin Islands Police Department arrested Hyram Graneau Jr., 35, and Ruben George, 38, in connection with a stolen vehicle, the department reported Monday.
Earlier in 2024, George was apprehended in a separate incident when officers discovered him in possession of an unlicensed firearm. The weapon was located inside a vehicle later reported stolen by a rental car company. Investigators determined that George and Graneau conspired to unlawfully possess the stolen vehicle. Both men were charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and grand larceny. Their bail was set at $25,000, according to the police report.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau continues to investigate. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the 911 Emergency Call Center, Detective Y. LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5546, the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506, or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous, the police report stated.
A 66-year-old Florida woman was pronounced dead Jan. 24 after an incident at Trunk Bay beach, the V.I. Police Department reported Monday.
At an unspecified time, the woman, identified as Carolyn Keister, began swimming while visiting the beach with her family. After a few minutes, she appeared to struggle in the water and was escorted to shore. Emergency Medical Technicians were dispatched to the scene and attempted resuscitation efforts, but they were unsuccessful, according to the police report.
Keister was transported to the Myrah Keating-Smith Clinic, where she was pronounced dead. The cause of death remains under investigation pending an autopsy, the police report stated.
The family of the beloved Ke’Jah S. Andreas are saddened to announce his passing on Jan. 5.
Ke’Jah S. Andreas
He is survived by his Father: Wayne Andreas; Grandfather: Lionel Andreas Sr.; GrandMother: Urylee Burke Sisters: Shameka, Shaleema, Jaleema Andreas & Kia Williams; Brother: Kimal Andreas; Nieces: Tashema Andreas, T’Naejah Francis, Arya Benjamin, Amina Brady, & Kiyomi Donadelle; Nephews: Jose Morales III, Shawn Benjamin Jr., & Kareem Henry; Uncle: Lionel & Keno Andreas, Delano Jr. & Delmo Francis; Aunts: Kira Francis, Lydell Andreas, Diane Bridges & LaVerne Davis; Great-Aunts:Yvonne Burke, NY, Shelia Blyden NY, Linda Henley NY; Great-uncles: Kenneth Henley, David & Rodney Davis; Godparents: Renee Chattoneback; Adopted Mother & Father: Hazel Soto & Nathaniel Woods; Cousin(s): Lionel III, Urydia, Leoandre Andreas, Jvante Edwards, Roberto Santos III, La-Nya Callwood, Tyanne, Natash, Lovlina, Nyiema, Zalaysha, & Shanika Davis, Tiffany Nicholas, Michelle Payne, Andrea & Allison Bridges, Akeem, Raheem, Rasheem Davis, Jeral & Jeran Payne, William Santana, Troy & Tyrone Hendrickson, Anika Horsford, Zianna Angol; Family Circle: Laurisa Davis-Graham & Family, Marva Hodge & family, Elizabeth Hodge & family, Shemona Cascen & family, Tahema Towers & family, Pernell Towers & family, Norine Knight & family, Kenya Knight & family, Dain Knight & family, George Knight Jr. & family, Mrytle Knight & family, Ashanti Bennett & Family, The Johnson, The Henley, The Harley, The David, The Gonzales, The Solomon, The Andreas, Helen & Reva Phillip & Family, Wanda Morris & Family, Coreen Messer & Family & other relatives too numerous to mention.
Special friends: Trevor Francis, Thaniel Lee, Jamal Richards, Akeem Simmonds, Fedil Cedano, Deshawn Joseph, Ciquaan Rhymer, Cleon Sutton, Enid Rivera, and friends too numerous to mention.
Location: Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, #303 Clifton Hill, Kingshill, St. Croix.
Friends and Family Viewing will be held at the Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel.
Date: Wednesday, Jan. 29
Viewing: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held at, Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel St. Croix,
Date: Thursday, Jan. 30
Viewing: 10 a.m.
Service: 11 a.m.
Interment: Kingshill Cemetery
The St. Croix Annual Agriculture & Food Fair is just around the corner, scheduled for Feb. 15-17. Vendors are encouraged to begin preparing their booths now. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. To achieve this, all vendors must complete the required fire safety inspection before opening for business. Taking action early ensures your booth meets all safety regulations in time for the fair.
Here’s What You Need to Do:
Pick Up and Complete the Agriculture & Food Fair Inspection Application Form:
Pick up the form at the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix.
Fill out the form with your booth number and return it, along with the $50.00 application fee.
Prepare for and Complete Your Booth Inspection:
Once your application is processed, the VIFEMS Prevention Team will visit your booth to conduct a safety assessment.
To ensure your booth passes the inspection:
Vendors cooking on-site must have a tagged fire extinguisher.
Vendors using deep fryers are required to have a Class K fire extinguisher.
All gas tanks will be inspected to ensure compliance.
Be proactive and take action early to ensure your booth is fully prepared and safe for the upcoming Agriculture & Food Fair. Let’s work together to make this year’s event a fun and safe experience for everyone!
For questions or further assistance, please contact the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix at (340) 773-8050.
Olga J. Larsen, fun, loving, free-spirited, and beloved mother, grand/great grandmother, woman of strength and resilience, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2024, at the age of 72. She is predeceased by her parents (Wagner Larsen and Ines Ramos-Larsen), her dear son (Paul A. Ruiz, Jr.) and her brothers, Jose “Joey” Larsen and Wagner “Red” Larsen. For the past ten (10) years, she lived and was cared for by her eldest daughter, Christine Ortiz in Rockledge, Florida until the time she earned her wings and was retained to work for our Heavenly Father.
Olga J. Larsen
Olga grew up in Gallows Bay where, on any given day, you could have found her running up and down the shoreline, swimming, sailing, fishing, cycling, riding motorcycles as well as many other activities. She attended St. Mary’s and Central High School before becoming an Officer with the St. Croix Police Department where she made history by becoming the first female K-9 Unit officer and was known as “very sweet yet a force to be reckoned with.” After retirement, she was a security officer at Hovensa Oil Refinery. She was very outgoing, loved to cook as well as “full huh belly”, enjoyed dancing and always was dressed “to the nine.” She will always be remembered as a Sweet Sister, Cool Aunt, and Dear friend, that “one of a kind” generous person who would do anything for anyone.
Olga is survived by her four (4) other children: Christine Ortiz, Josephine Ruiz, Robert Ruiz, and Michelle Degale as well as Paul A. “Peachy” Ruiz, Ill who was like a son to her; Six (6) siblings: Hans “Panchie” Larsen, Carmen Vinding, Christina Larsen, Nilda Bradley, Lucia Morales, and Catalina Isis; Thirteen (13) grandchildren: Richard F. Gonzalez, Jr., Joanna M. Gonzalez, Elizabeth Ruiz, Collis Mitchell, Mekhi A. “Rocky” Tonge, Robert A. Ruiz, Jr., Anthony Ruiz, Jessica Ruiz, Faith Ruiz, Paul A. “Leo” Ruiz, IV, Sade Ruiz, Keanu Ruiz, Shaddai Ruiz as well as ten (10) great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and a multitude of friends.
Celebration of Olga’s Life Memorial Service will be held at Holy Cross Church on Jan. 31: Arrival at 9 a.m. ~ 9:15 a.m. Officers/Friends Tributes ~ 9:45 a.m. Family Tributes and Eulogy ~ Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the interment of her ashes at Kingshill cemetery followed by the Reception at Chicken Shack. Tributes will be timed to be fair to others. Floral Arrangements can be ordered and delivered by Infiniti Luxury Flowers fka Wild Orchids – Beatrice, 340.513.0845.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) is pleased to announce that Cancer Support VI, formerly a fund at CFVI, has officially transitioned to an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization as of Jan. 1.
“This milestone is a testament to the vision of the Stephenson Family and the unwavering generosity of donors over the past 20 years,” said CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown. “It also marks an exciting new chapter in Cancer Support VI’s mission to serve individuals and families impacted by cancer in the Virgin Islands.”
Baecher-Brown celebrated the transition as a tribute to CFVI donors who provide the Foundation with unrestricted funds.
“These donations allow CFVI to incubate and strengthen community programs like Cancer Support VI, and enable us to support more than 100 funds without charging fees,” she said. “The generosity of our donors is essential to fostering initiatives that enrich the lives of those across the territory.”
Baecher-Brown expressed heartfelt gratitude to the community for believing in and supporting the missions of both organizations.
“It has been a privilege for CFVI to help launch and nurture Cancer Support VI,” added CFVI Board Chair Marie Thomas Griffith. “We are incredibly proud to see them grow into a self-sustaining organization, poised to make an even greater impact.”
For future contributions or inquiries about supporting Cancer Support VI, please contact Barb Michaud at barb.michaud@cancersupportvi.com or visit cancersupportvi.com. To reach the Community Foundation, email general.info@cfvi.net or visit cfvi.net.
In loving memory of Glenwood A. Ford
Glenwood A Ford
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the funeral service for Glenwood A. Ford, a beloved soul who touched the lives of many.
Location: Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, #303 Clifton Hill, Kingshill, St. Croix.
Friends and Family Viewing will be held at the Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel.
Date: Monday, Jan. 27
Viewing: 5 p.m.-6 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held at, Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel St. Croix,
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Viewing: 9 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m.
Interment: Kingshill Cemetery
