Trash Collection Delayed

Mat Probasco
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Trash Collection Delayed
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority informs the community of delays in house-to-house waste collection in the following areas due to inclement weather:
• Estate Grove
• Estate Plessen
• Estate Cane (Behind Sunshine Mall)
• Mount Pleasant
• Paradise
• Frederiksted Town
• Adventure
• Diamond West
Collection services for these areas are expected to be completed as soon as possible. We
apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we are
working to resume our regular service schedule.
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.

Bryan Issues December Proclamations, Government Calendar

Mat Probasco
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Bryan Issues December Proclamations, Government Calendar
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announces a series of important initiatives this December that promote education, public safety, health awareness, and human rights across the territory.
Highlighting these efforts is Computer Science Education Week, which will take place from Dec. 9 to 15. This annual event serves as a call to action to inspire K-12 students to engage in computer science, advocate for equity in the field, and recognize the significant contributions made by students, teachers, and partners. The event underscores the critical role that computer science plays in driving innovation, technological advancement, and economic growth, establishing it as a foundational element for the digital age.
In conjunction with educational initiatives, the territory will also observe Impaired Driving Prevention Month from Dec. 11 to Jan. 6. This campaign, “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” seeks to elevate public awareness about the dangers of impaired driving, especially during the holiday season when incidents may rise. Bryan  proclaimed this month as a time for heightened vigilance, urging residents and visitors alike to prioritize safety and responsible behavior on the roads.
World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, served as a pivotal moment to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS, honor those affected, and advocate for prevention efforts. The 2024 theme, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!” calls attention to the need for health equity and the effectiveness of modern treatment options.
Additionally, Human Rights Day will be recognized on Dec. 10, coinciding with Human Relations Week, observed from Dec. 8 to 14. This week celebrates the universal dignity of all individuals and reinforces the commitment to the principles outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Virgin Islands community is encouraged to participate in activities that reflect the solidarity and equality that underpin our democratic values.
Administrative Leave has also been established for non-essential employees, with Virgin Islands Government offices operating on the following schedule:
  • Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024: Christmas Eve – Administrative leave from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024: Christmas Day – Closed.
  • Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024: Boxing Day – Closed.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025: New Year’s Day Holiday | St. Croix Festival J’ouvert – Closed.
  • Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival – Food, Arts, and Crafts Fair – Administrative Leave from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for St. Croix Only.
  • Friday, Jan. 3, 2025: Crucian Christmas Festival – Children’s Parade – Administrative Leave Territory-Wide from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
  • Monday, Jan. 6, 2025: Three Kings Day – Closed.
  • Monday, Jan. 20, 2025: Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Closed.

Nominate USVI Selections for 2025 National Book Festival

Mat Probasco
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Nominate USVI Selections for 2025 National Book Festival
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) is seeking public input to help select the USVI Center for the Book’s 2025 Great Read submissions to represent the territory at the National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. “We welcome nominations from the community for a Virgin Islands children’s book and an adult book whose body of work demonstrates excellence, engenders a love of literature, and promotes lifelong literacy,” said CFVI President, Dee Baecher-Brown. CFVI was honored by the Library of Congress in 2022 with an invitation to serve as the Center for the Book for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Congress created the Library’s Center for the Book in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books and reading. As the USVI affiliate, CFVI is responsible for collaborating with the Library on literacy programming, services, and collections, developing independent local programs and literary heritage projects, including developing initiatives and public programs to promote literacy, reading, book arts, poetry, and USVI literary heritage. As part of the National Book Festival, each state and territory affiliate is invited to name a children’s and adult book as its designated Great Reads for the year and a list of the books is distributed during the festival. “For USVI submissions, books may be written by authors from the territory, take place in the Virgin Islands, or celebrate the USVI’s culture and heritage,” said Baecher-Brown. “A nominated author’s body of work should offer readers the opportunity to delight in, reflect upon, and make connections with their world.” In addition, nominees must be from the USVI or have lived there at some point during their life, and the book must currently be in print and available for purchase in multiple locations. The selection committee will not consider self-nominations; ancillary materials such as published reviews and author brochures; self-published books; or nominations that are not complete, do not fully meet the established criteria, or are not received by the deadline. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, Dec. 31. Nominations will be reviewed by an advisory committee of individuals familiar with literary work in the territory and rated in the areas of cultural significance, innovation, diversity and inclusivity, audience appeal, originality, impact, and literary merit. Selections will be publicly announced in April. For more information and to submit a recommendation, visit cfvi.co/USVIgreatreads2025. Prior Great Reads selections from the USVI include “James and the Fireburn,” “Fireburn the Screenplay,” “Monster in the Middle,” “King and the Dragonflies,” “The Lesson,” and “Ziggy on the Rock.” Since the first National Book Festival in 2001, it has become one of the most prominent literary events in the United States that unifies best-selling authors and thousands of readers for author talks, panel discussions, book signings, and other engaging activities. For more information about the National Book Festival, visit loc.gov/programs/national-book-festival. For more information about the Library of Congress Center for the Book, visit read.gov/cfb.

Election Audit Starts Tuesday

Mat Probasco
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Election Audit Starts Tuesday
The Board of Elections will conduct the audit of the 2024 General Election on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
The 2024 General Election audit will be held at the Elections System offices.
Office locations are as follows:
St. Croix Elections Office- Sunny Isles Shopping Center, Unit 26
St. Thomas Elections Office- Lockhart Gardens (Upstairs Banco Popular)
The public is welcome to attend. Visit our website at www.vivote.gov for 2024 Election information.

Bryan to Meet With Congress, White House and Trump Team

Mat Probasco
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Bryan to Meet With Congress, White House and Trump Team
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will be in Washington, D.C., this week for a series of meetings with key members of Congress, officials in the Biden administration, and representatives of the incoming Trump administration, Government House announced. The governor’s visit is part of the administration’s continued efforts to secure critical federal priorities for the U.S. Virgin Islands, it said.
Bryan will focus on advocating for the extension of the rum cover-over excise tax, a vital revenue source for the territory, and the lifting of the Medicaid cap to ensure more equitable healthcare funding for Virgin Islanders. These meetings underscore the administration’s steadfast commitment to securing resources and policies that enhance the territory’s fiscal stability and improve the quality of life for residents.
“As we navigate the complexities of federal funding and policy, it is imperative that we maintain strong relationships with both current and incoming federal leadership to advance the Virgin Islands’ priorities,” Bryan said.
During Bryan’s time in Washington, Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach will serve as acting governor, ensuring seamless governance in the territory.

Plaskett Joins Congressional Delegation to Barbados

Mat Probasco
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Plaskett Joins Congressional Delegation to Barbados

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence released the following statement:

“I am honored to join my House colleagues for our bipartisan Congressional delegation to Barbados,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “As a proud Caribbean-American and Virgin Islander, I am committed to highlighting the need for enhancement of the economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean region through strengthened trade engagement, promoting opportunities for equitable economic growth and development across the region, and direct engagement with diverse stakeholders from the Caribbean.”

“While in Barbados, we will meet with government officials and regional experts to discuss ways to advance our respective security, economic and climate goals. Our delegation will also commemorate the 58th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and the 100th birthday of the trailblazing Congresswoman, and one of my idols, Shirley Chisholm, a proud Barbadian-American,” shared Congresswoman Plaskett.

This trip builds upon efforts undertaken by the Biden-Harris administration in the region and is an opportunity to continue strengthening US relationships across the Western Hemisphere. Last year, Leader Jeffries led a Congressional delegation visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where the CODEL joined Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government Conference. The delegation reaffirmed the strong partnership between the United States and the Caribbean and have since continued their work across the region.

Congresswoman Plaskett was also able to meet separately with Prime Ministers Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago and Minister of Finance Camillo Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines regarding trade, refining and biofuels, development, and climate investment in the region.

“I am proud to be a significant part of this distinguished Congressional delegation, which includes senior committee members relevant to critical issues in Barbados and throughout the Western Hemisphere.”

The Members of the delegation are:

  • Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08), Democratic Leader, U.S. House of Representatives
  • Rep. Stacey E. Plaskett (D-Virgin Islands), Member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
  • Rep. Amata Coleman Radewagen (R-American Samoa), Vice-Chairman, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; Member, Natural Resources Committee; Member, Foreign Affairs Committee
  • Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43), Ranking Member, Committee on Financial Services
  • Rep. Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-5), Ranking Member, Foreign Affairs Committee; Member, Committee on Financial Services
  • Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA-12), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, Committee on Appropriations; Member, Committee on the Budget; Co-Chair, Democratic Steering and Policy Committee
  • Rep. Steven Horsford (D-NV-4), Chair, Congressional Black Caucus; Member, Committee on Ways and Means; Member, Armed Services Committee
  • Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY-9), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; Member, Committee on Homeland Security
  • Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3), Ranking Member, Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions, Committee on Financial Services
  • Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Member, Committee on Energy and Commerce

Consider the Source With Adisha Penn

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Consider the Source With Adisha Penn
A fall special – with Thanksgiving celebrations, a Jump Up performance, and an inside look at the Crucian Coconut Festival! Host Adisha Penn delivers some cheer in her recap this week – there’s always something new on Consider the Source!

Virtue of the Week – Empathy

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Virtue of the Week – Empathy
  Virtue of the Week – Empathy Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.     Empathy Empathy is the ability to put ourselves in another’s place and understand their experience. We are deeply present to their thoughts and feelings with such compassionate accuracy that they hear their own thoughts more clearly. Empathy connects us with our common humanity. It protects us from divisive actions such as prejudice, blame and judgment. We reflect on how our actions affect others. It moves us to seek justice for every person, even those with whom we disagree. Empathy inspires us to be giving and selfless. It connects our hearts. Quote: “Empathy is about finding echoes of another person in yourself.” -Mohsin Hamid The Practice of Empathy I listen with compassion and detachment. I refrain from judging and blaming. I think about how my choices impact others. I seek to understand others’ experience. I care about people’s rights. I feel my connection to all living things. Questions for Discussion
  • Is there any disconnection in our community? Where does it lie?
  • What do we need to practice empathy in our community?
  • What experiences do we invite in our community? Are there any experiences we don’t invite here?
  • In our social justice work, how can practicing empathy move us to seek justice?
 Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email! Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form. Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.         About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net. About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose. Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com. To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com.

Jayhawks and Seminoles Win 2024 Paradise Jam Women Tournaments

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Jayhawks and Seminoles Win 2024 Paradise Jam Women Tournaments
University of Kansas team picture after winning the Island Tournament at the 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
The 2024 Paradise Jam Basketball Tournament came to an end on Saturday, with the University of Kansas winning the Island Tournament and the Florida State University Seminoles capturing the Reef Tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Island Tournament GAME 1 – University of Northern Iowa 90 – University of Pittsburgh 74 The first game of the last day of the 2024 Paradise Jam Island Division was a shootout at the PJ Coral in the first half. The University of Northern Iowa #24 Kayba Laube was locked and loaded, shooting 7-of-9 from 3-point range for 25 points in the half. Bella Perkins of the Pittsburgh Panthers made three of her team’s eight 3-point shots in the half. Both teams combined to make 17 total shots from behind the arch in the game’s opening half. UNI’s Laube set a program record and a career-high with ten made three-pointers. Her total of 34 points was a career-high for the senior guard. Perkin also recorded a career-high for the Pitt Panthers with 26 points.
University of Northern Iowa #24 Kayba Laube makes one of her ten three-point shots in her game against the University of Pittsburg at the 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
University of Northern Iowa’s head coach Tanya Warren speaks to her team during their
game against the University of Pittsburg at the 2024 Paradise Jam.(Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
GAME 2 – University of Kansas 61 – Auburn University 60 It was a tale of two halves in the 2024 Paradise Jam Island Tournament Championship Game. The half Auburn Tigers controlled the game despite the absence of the star post player, forward DeYona Gaston, who picked up her second foul late in the first quarter and did not play at all in the second. Gaston’s teammates had her back as the Tigers entered intermission with a 40-28 advantage. Kansas outscored Auburn 20 to 7 in the third behind eight points from S’Mya Nichols in the frame. Auburn regained their composure and gained a 6-point advantage with 1:00 left in the game. Lala Conesa made 2 free throws for the Kansas Jayhawks. Nichols hit a three to draw her team to within 1 point with 31 seconds left on the clock. Jayhawks then fouled Auburn’s Mar’shaun Bostic who proceeded to miss both free throws. Tournament MVP Nichols then drove the ball to the basket, and the officials called a foul, to the dismay of the Auburn faithful, with 14 seconds to go in regulation. Nichols made both to put the Jayhawks up by one. Auburn had one final chance to win the game but Bostic missed a layup as the buzzer sounded. Nichols ended the game with a season-high 28 points for the Jayhawks. Celia Sumbane led Auburn with 16 points. Here are the Island Division All-Tournament Team selections:
  1. Kayba Laube – University of Northern Iowa
  2. DeYona Gaston – Auburn University
  3. Celia Sumbane – Auburn University
  4. Elle Evans – University of Kansas
  5. S’Mya Nichols University of Kansas – Tournament MVP
Reef Tournament GAME 3 – Texas Tech University 72 – Missouri State University 69 It was another quality game in the first game in the Reef Tournament at the 2024 Paradise Jam held at the University of the Virgin Islands Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Texas Tech University Lady Raiders and Missouri State University Lady Bears came into their final tournament game with a 1-1 record. This was a highly competitive game, with both teams working hard to gain control. Junior guard Jasmine Shavers came off the bench and provided a spark for the Lady Raiders. Shavers led all scorers with a career-high 32 points. Missouri State’s top scorer was Lacy Stokes with 17.
#3 Jasmine Shavers shoots a free throw in her game against Missouri State University at the 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
GAME 4 – Florida State University 95 – Gonzaga University 54 The Florida State University Seminoles dominated the final game of the 2024 Paradise Jam. Gonzaga University Bulldogs came into this game, losing the two games played in the tournament, while the Seminoles were undefeated. Reef Tournament MVP Ta’Niya Latson of Florida State registered a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The junior guard also distributed ten assists. Senior forward Makayla Thompson contributed 20 points for the Seminoles. Yvonne Ejim was the top scorer for Gonzaga with 20 points.
Florida State teammates #21 Makayla Timpson (on the left) and #00 Ta’Niya Latson (on the right) accept the All-Tournament Awards from Nels Hawkinson, Basketball Travelers CEO. Latson was also named tournament MVP. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
Here are the All-Tournament Team for the Reef Tournament:
  1. Yvonne Ejim – Gonzaga University
  2. Paige Rocca – Missouri State University
  3. Jasmine Shavers – Texas Tech University
  4. Makayla Timpson – Florida State University
  5. Ta’Niya Latson – Florida State University – Tournament MVP

Photo Focus: GERS Hosts Vibrant Black Friday Event at Havensight Mall

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Photo Focus: GERS Hosts Vibrant Black Friday Event at Havensight Mall
GERS community event lights up Havensight Mall with local vendors and stores. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
The Government Employees’ Retirement System embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving and Black Friday at a new level by inviting the Virgin Islands community to partake in Black Friday sales at Havensight Mall stores, with local vendors providing food, drinks, and entertainment for the public.
Havensight Christmas tree decorated to embrace the holiday spirit. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Live music swayed the crowd, offering a variety of tunes to complement the event. The venue showcased a diverse selection of local vendors.
Live music entertainment at GERS community event (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Jahmed Mills, director of retail, dining and entertainment at GERS-Havensight, strategically scheduled the event after Thanksgiving to encourage the community to recognize their power in continuing lively events to preserve and embrace the culture of the Virgin Islands. “Between the previous hurricanes and COVID, there has been a disconnect in our community. The significance of this event is to bridge the gap and bring back the togetherness we’ve been longing for,” Mills said.
Chef Rasheed Baker stands in front of Agave Tacos & Tequila table (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Chef Rasheed Baker of Agave Tacos & Tequila prepares to make a taco. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
GERS will invite vendors and live entertainment at that same location on the third Friday of each month, continuing thereafter to encourage more local support and give tourists a taste of the Caribbean. “One thing I would want locals and tourists at this event to take away is synergy and good vibes because we are trying to bring back the reconnection we lost due to the past. We are social beings! We were made to be together,” Mills said.
Nibbs Catering Employee serves tourists. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Chef Cory Baker of Barefoot Buddha and her staff (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
The free event attracted attendees from various parts of the island, promoting Black Friday sales and offering guests an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping. A local, Dwayne Dawson, expressed similar sentiments by stating, “It’s really good to see the community come out and support the local stores and vendors. I’m definitely taking advantage of sales as I get more ideas for holiday gifts,” Dawson said. “I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving, stays safe and is thankful for the holidays because it reminds us to be grateful for what we have.”
Locals participate in raffle drawing at GERS community event. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Black Friday sales began as early as 9 a.m. and continued as vendors started serving the public from 4 to 9 p.m. Little Switzerland’s Jocelyn Orta encouraged buyers to invest in the store’s luxury-brand diamonds and accessories, which make perfect gifts. “Christmas is around the corner, and watching people get out of the comfort of their homes to have this experience — you never know what you might find,” Orta said.
Event attendee participates in 360 Ring Light Interactive activity. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Nearby stores offered other promotions for shoppers, including discounts ranging from half off to buy-one-get-one-half-off deals.
Akira Pickering, bar master and vendor bartender (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Attendees wait in line for the Hot Spot. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
However, the stores weren’t the only ones treating the community. Shawn Dogue, a vendor, introduced his liquor-infused popcorn to anyone brave enough to try it. The flavors he presented included Ciroc Pineapple, Grey Goose, Cruzan Banana, Cruzan Coconut, and the most popular, Crown Royal Apple-flavored popcorn, accompanied by homemade nonalcoholic butter cookies. “This is not your regular popcorn. It doesn’t get stale or soggy and stays fresh for up to six months,” Dogue said.
Shawn Dogue, owner of Tipsy Pops and his partner. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
He explained that his fascination with popcorn grew during the COVID pandemic, and it took him 30 attempts to perfect the popcorn and liquor ratio with added flavors to make it more appealing. “I originally flew in from Atlanta to display my brand for a different event, but I couldn’t miss what was going on in Havensight,” Dogue said. Tipsy Pops can be found on all social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram (@tipsypops1).
Tipsy Pops Popcorn bags Infused with alcohol (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
“We can thank the retirees and the entire GERS staff. They dedicated their time and energy to ensure this event is and will continue to be a success. We also want to thank the local vendors and store owners for their part as well,” Mills said.
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