STJ CZM Approves Coral Bay Cell Tower and Hears Plan for New Public Works Facility

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STJ CZM Approves Coral Bay Cell Tower and Hears Plan for New Public Works Facility
A map shows the site of a new cell tower for Coral Bay, which was approved by CZM on Nov. 14, 2024. (Graphic submitted as part of the Liberty Mobile USVI’s application to CZM)
The St. John Committee of the Coastal Zone Management Board approved a major permit application Thursday to build an 80-foot cellphone tower to improve communications among federal and territorial first responders. Tom Bolt, external counsel representing Liberty Mobile USVI Inc., made the case at an online meeting for approving the project which was launched by AT&T nearly five years ago, long before Liberty acquired AT&T’s assets in the Virgin Islands. Bolt said the deadline for implementing the project is March 2025. CZM’s approval allows Liberty to move forward with a federally mandated FirstNet broadband network for communications among police, fire, rescue, FBI, and other agencies. CZM Committee Member Elissa Runyon asked whether the tower will result in improved cellphone coverage for Liberty customers in the Coral Bay area. Mobile phone users there have long complained that often they are only able to pick up cellphone signals from the British Virgin Islands and are then charged extra fees for international service. “The spectrum is dedicated to first responders,” said Bolt. “When [the network] is not being used, it will enhance service for regular customers.” Bolt said Liberty reduced the height of the tower from 100 to 80 feet after listening to concerns by local residents at a public hearing held last June. “We want to be a good neighbor,” he said.
A drawing shows the design of the 80-foot cell tower that will be built in Estate Carolina to enhance communication among first responders on St. John. (Graphic submitted as part of the Liberty Mobile USVI’s application to CZM)
In addition to constructing the “self-supporting monopole communications tower with associated equipment,” the project “includes 12’×30′ and 10’x15′ concrete equipment pads, electrical service, and 12′ wide gravel access road along with a chain-link fence erected around the tower area,”  according to the application. The project site is located on Parcel No. 6-4-1, Estate Carolina, No. 1 Coral Bay. CZM Committee Member Kurt Marsh said the committee had requested further details about two alternative sites, one at Bordeaux and one at Mamey Peak. “We have the responsibility to make decisions in the best interests of the community. We did not get this opportunity,” he said. CZM Director Marlon Hibbert said that AT&T had researched those sites and recommended the site at 6-4-1 Estate Carolina.
A close-up shows the tower’s specific site location. (Graphic submitted as part of the Liberty Mobile USVI’s application to CZM)
The committee voted four in favor of approving the permit, with one member abstaining.  Special conditions for approving the permit include Liberty implementing sediment control and agreeing to cease construction immediately if cultural or historical features are found. CZM Discusses Plans to Rebuild Public Works Department Maintenance Site at Estate Susannaberg The St. John Coastal Zone Management commissioners also addressed an application to rebuild the Public Works Department maintenance facility at Estate Susannaberg.
An aerial photograph shows the Public Works Department maintenance site in Estate Susannaberg on St. John. (Graphic presented at online CZM meeting held Nov. 14, 2024)
The project site is part of a larger complex that includes separate areas for VITRANS, the V.I. Waste Management Authority’s Susannaberg transfer station, and Island Green Living Association’s Resource Depot and recycling activities, which are expected to continue as usual. Officials on Thursday presented plans that were essentially identical to those made public in January 2024 when DPW applied for a zoning change for the 2.44-acre site at Parcel No. 6A  Estate Susannaberg.
A drawing shows the design for the proposed new DPW maintenance building. (Graphic presented at online CZM meeting held Nov. 14, 2024)
Project consultant Jeffrey Boschulte said plans call for the demolition of what’s left of a building that was largely destroyed by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. FEMA is funding the reconstruction, he said.
DPW’s maintenance headquarters on St. John was heavily damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. (Graphic presented at online CZM meeting held Nov. 14, 2024)
Plans now call for construction of a one-story 4,065 square-foot structure, which will include office space, a conference room, a mezzanine, and four bays for vehicles and equipment. Other features include a backup generator, rooftop water collection, a new cistern and an on-site sewage disposal system. There will be parking for seven vehicles.
Public Works vehicles are now stored in an unsheltered area. (Graphic presented at online CZM meeting held Nov. 14, 2024)
The driveway will be paved, and stormwater control measures include construction of three retention ponds to handle runoff.
A slide presents the features of the proposed new DPW maintenance building. (Graphic presented at online CZM meeting held Nov. 14, 2024)
Boschulte said if the application to CZM is approved, Public Works will begin the procurement phase and start advertising for bids in early 2025. He declined to provide a specific cost of the project but said it would be more than $2 million. Construction is expected to take between 18 and 24 months. CZM Director Marlon Hibbert said he was pleased that every comment made during a pre-application meeting had been addressed in the current plan.
For further details on the DPW project, follow this link: https://dpnr.vi.gov/coastal-zone-management/what-we-do/federal-consistency/
All public comments should be sent to CZM Director Hibbert (marlon.hibbert@dpnr.vi.gov) by Nov. 21.

Magens Bay Remains Closed Amid Flooding Rains, Hazardous Seas

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Magens Bay Remains Closed Amid Flooding Rains, Hazardous Seas
The gates to Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas remained closed Friday after more than a week of heavy rain, with a sign warning that the water is not suitable for wading or swimming. (Submitted photo)
The gates to Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas remained closed Friday after more than a week of heavy rain, with a sign warning that the water is not suitable for wading or swimming. (Submitted photo)

After more than a week of heavy rain, Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas remained closed Friday amid flooding and hazardous sea conditions.

A heron enjoys the quiet of the flooded park. (Submitted photo)
A heron enjoys the quiet of the flooded park. (Submitted photo)

The authority first announced the closure on Monday along with a “Red Flag Status” — signaling that rough conditions such as strong surf and/or currents are present. While the gate is closed to vehicles, walkers are still allowed but not encouraged, it said.

According to the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Friday, hazardous sea conditions and showers are expected to persist over the next few days. Follow the Source Weather Page for updated information.

“It is crucial to emphasize that swimming at these beaches is also discouraged, since lifeguard assistance will not be available and water testing is currently in process. The Magens Bay Authority further advises that persons that disregard this notice and enter the water, do so at their own risk,” the notice said.

“Rest assured, the Magens Bay Authority is committed to reopening the beach quickly, however the well-being and safety of all beachgoers and staff of the MBA is our priority,” it said.

For more information, call 340-777-6300, email info@magensbayauthority.org or visit www.magensbayauthority.org.

Much of the parking lot to the east of the entrance was flooded Friday after days of rain. (Submitted photo)
Much of the parking lot to the east of the entrance was flooded Friday after days of rain. (Submitted photo)

Starry Walker at Bajo el Sol Sunday

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Starry Walker at Bajo el Sol Sunday
Starry Walker reads her poetry. (Screenshot from YouTube video)
Starry Walker brings the sort of forthright, unaffected honesty to her poetry readings that pulls the listener into the work. In her poem “The Art of Riding The Bus in Five Steps,” when she says to “buy an extra ticket so your pride can sit next to you,” you may subconsciously reach for your wallet. Walker, of Greenville, South Carolina, will read at St. John’s Bajo el Sol Gallery and co-facilitate a poetry-writing workshop on Sunday at 5 p.m. The floor opens for a spoken-word poetry jam and jazz session at 7 p.m. featuring “From Broheem With Love” and specialty cocktails concocted by the Bajo el Sol staff. The Rhyme and Lime evening is hosted by the Gri Gri Project, which seeks to create interpretive exhibitions, critical writing, events and archives related to the cultural patrimony of the U.S. Virgin Islands. In the poetry workshop, Walker will ask participants to explore the meaning and importance of grief work, depictions of grief in poetry, and will create a space for participants to explore their own grief through verse. Walker, who graduated from Berea College in 2018, has had her work featured in notable venues such as Apache Cafe in Atlanta and Busboys and Poets in Virginia. Walker is one of many longtime supporters of Rhyme and Lime, whose work features in the upcoming Rhyme and Lime Poetry Anthology set to release in December. Prospective participants can sign up for the workshop by contacting ravenphillipslove@gmail.com. On Friday, Nov. 29, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Mongoose Junction kicks off the holiday season with live music, festive food and libations, and its signature shopping. This yearly St. John holiday tradition is hosted by the Mongoose Junction Merchants Association. It also marks the beginning of Coquito season at Bajo el Sol Gallery, which will feature new artwork by select artists.

Gloria Esther Encarnacion Gawrych Dies at 77

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Gloria Esther Encarnacion Gawrych Dies at 77
Gloria Esther Encarnacion Gawrych

Gloria Esther Encarnacion Gawrych, age 77, of St. Croix, passed away on October 7, 2024. Her final days were spent peacefully, surrounded by family, in Vermont. She spent her entire career with the USVI Department of Education and all her free time in her garden. Gloria was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother; she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is predeceased by her parents (Andres Encarnacion & Delia Brandt Brodhurst Encarnacion), her husband (Len Gawrych) and siblings (Maria LaMotta, Jose Alberto, Miguel, Pedro “Pedrito” Encarnacion & Herbert Brodhurst). She is survived by siblings: Luis “Bullfoot” Encarnacion, Corrine Brodhurst, Linda Radix (Paul), Maria Hector (Darwin) and Ana Flores (Enrique), her daughter and son-in-law (Margaret “Meg” & Derek Hathaway), four grandchildren (Molly, Lionel, Cassia & Katherine Hathaway) and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church, Christiansted, St. Croix, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

Plaskett Introduces Legislation for USVI Veterans

Mat Probasco
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Plaskett Introduces Legislation for USVI Veterans
This week, in recognition of Veterans Day, Congresswoman Plaskett reintroduced two significant pieces of legislation to support the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, the Hire-A-Hero Act of 2024 and the RECRUIT Act of 2024.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands has one of the highest rates of military service in our
country. Yet, many of our returning Veterans have difficulty transitioning from
military service back to civilian life in our communities,” shared
Congresswoman Plaskett. “To address this issue, I re-introduced the Hire-A-Hero Act of 2024 and the RECRUIT Act of 2024. the Hire-A-Hero Act will allow small businesses a work opportunity tax credit (WOTC) for hiring a member of the National Guard or Ready Reserve and make the WOTC credit permanent with respect to the hiring of qualified Veterans and members of the National Guard and Reserve Component. Additionally, the RECRUIT Act would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow for a small business tax credit for the employment of reservists. High demand for National Guard and Reserve forces has led to increased training requirements beyond the statutory days of weekend drills and annual training. Members of the Guard and Reserve continue to deploy to support overseas missions while simultaneously responding to short-notice domestic requirements, resulting in increased absences from their civilian workplace. Although service members bring tremendous value to the private sector, employers are often burdened with the costs associated with lost productivity and retraining temporary employees in exchange for their support.”
“While we spend Veterans Day honoring the service of our veterans, we should recommit ourselves to ensure that they have the services that they need. We may never be able to fully repay the debt we owe our Veterans, but we must do everything we can to fulfill our commitment to them, that is why I will continue the work with my colleagues in Congress to ensure that the Department of Veterans Affairs has the necessary resources to recruit and hire medical providers, and increase employment, education and housing opportunities.”

The Christmas Spirit Comes Early to St. Croix

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The Christmas Spirit Comes Early to St. Croix
The 2023 rendition of the Cultural Window Reveal and Display packs a colorful ode to Crucian culture. (Photo courtesy the Crucian Cultural Group)
On Saturday, the Crucian Cultural Group invites the community to the “Ah Joyful Celebration for Deh World To See – Cultural Window Reveal and Display,” an event that aims to blend elements of Crucian heritage with the spirit of the Christmas season. This gathering begins at 6:30 pm and is being held at Teddy’s Party Rentals located in Orange Grove, Christiansted, St. Croix. The Crucian Cultural Group, established in 2019 in partnership with Christiansted Community Alliance, Inc., is a community-led group of volunteers that strives to uplift and promote Crucian culture through education and community-centered events, with the bulk of their events occurring around the holiday season. Vivian Ebbesen-Fludd, chairperson of the group, believes that cultural preservation is an integral part of building strong communities. “As we move forward we want to ensure our culture and traditions are maintained, preserved and showcased. This group is made up of 15+ volunteers and community members, as well as annual Sponsors who work endlessly to support the group’s execution of all our annual events.” “We truly believe that we must acknowledge that we can’t progress without knowing where you came from and that is the focus of our efforts. We continue to highlight and showcase the aspects of our culture that makes us unique. We are not in competition with the Crucian Christmas Festival, but instead curate events that would be and have been complimentary, offering a Christmas experience that is well-rounded and accessible to everyone,” Ebbesen-Fludd said. Attendees of Saturday’s event will encounter a vibrant and thought-provoking holiday exhibition that highlights symbolic aspects of Crucian culture, featuring historical heirlooms, traditional cuisine, and madras fabric, among others. This carefully crafted display narrates diverse stories focused on Crucian heritage and traditions. “The first year we were established we began this tradition of a window holiday display. Every year there is a new theme that is kept secret until that grand unveiling. The display will be open to viewership from this Saturday to January 11th, 2025. One of the key reasons that this event is so special to us is because of how accessible it is. Any person of any age can enjoy this cultural depiction whether they are walking or driving by the venue. This event is the first of our many annual events that we have planned this holiday season, as well as some new events we have in the works for 2025”, Ebbesen-Fludd said. For questions or more information, please call 340-227-6704 or 340-277-1754. Additionally, this event will be featured virtually on Facebook through the Crucian Cultural Group page.

Rotary Club of St. John Sponsors Planter in Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park

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Rotary Club of St. John Sponsors Planter in Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
New Planter Unveiled, Franklin A. Powell Park, Cruz Bay (Photo courtesy Rotary Club St. John)

The Rotary Club of St. John has officially unveiled a newly completed planter in Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park, a project made possible through a partnership with Elroy Hill, St. John deputy director of the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department. This initiative aims to enhance the park’s entrance with sustainable landscaping, offering a beautiful and inviting space for residents and visitors.

Project Details:

1. Location: The designated planter is situated at the park’s front edge, conveniently

located as you exit the ferry terminal.

2. Design and Maintenance: Alfredo’s Landscaping designed the planter and

recommended a routine maintenance plan to ensure the planter’s longevity.

3. Maintenance: The Rotary Club of St. John members will provide ongoing

maintenance, including plant care, trash removal, and general upkeep.

From left, Elroy Hill, Sports, Parks, and Recreation; Teri Mandemaker, secretary of Rotary Club of St John; Celia Kalousek, treasurer of Rotary Club of St John; Jennifer Stone, president of Rotary Club of St John; Tom Pullen, member of Rotary Club of St John (Photo courtesy Rotary Club St. John)

Beautification of the Park:

During the event to formally present the planter to the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department, Hill expressed his appreciation to the Rotary Club of St John, and he welcomed other organizations and businesses to adopt more planters in the park. Hill and Jennifer Stone, president of the Rotary Club of St. John, agreed to work together to see if there was further interest in adoption of planters by the community.

To be considered in this Beautification of the Park effort, please email Jennifer Stone at JenniferStoneSTJ@gmail.com or any member of the Rotary Club of St. John.

About the Rotary Club of St. John:

The Rotary Club of St. John is committed to supporting and enhancing the community through service projects, partnerships, and volunteer efforts, aligning with Rotary International’s mission to create lasting change in local communities and globally. With a motto of “Service Above Self,” Rotary unites people from all continents, cultures, and occupations to tackle pressing challenges, from health and education to environmental sustainability.

For those interested in making a positive impact, we invite you to connect with us by messaging us via our Facebook page for membership information or by attending our monthly meeting on the first Wednesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. at The Marketplace.

St. Thomas Medicaid Office Closed Noon-2 p.m. Nov. 21.

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St. Thomas Medicaid Office Closed Noon-2 p.m. Nov. 21.
The Virgin Islands Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family Assistance (DFA), Office of Medicaid wishes to inform the public of the early closure of the St. Thomas Medicaid Office on Thursday, Nov. 21.
The office will close from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate a team-building exercise and the monthly Eligibility & Enrollment staff meeting. The early closure will ensure that our team can continue to provide high-quality services to the community through enhanced collaboration and staff development.
Normal operations will resume promptly after 2 p.m. on the same day. DHS appreciates the community’s understanding and cooperation during this brief interruption and apologizes for any inconvenience that this closure may cause.

Douglas Meredith Williams Dies at 78

Mat Probasco
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Douglas Meredith Williams Dies at 78

Douglas M. Williams, the son of Rupert and Evelyn Williams, died on Nov. 13.

Douglas M. Williams

He is survived by his wife, Gloria J. Williams, his sister Janet Williams-Lake and brother-in-law Edgar O. Lake. Douglas is survived by family and friends too numerous to mention.

A Memorial Service will be held at Holy Cross Episcopal Church (Estate Upper Love) at 9 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 19.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Queen Louise Home for Children (340) 772-0090.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission Quarterly Meeting

Mat Probasco
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PUBLIC NOTICE: Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission Quarterly Meeting
The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission announces that the Quarterly Meeting and Hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. The Commission will address Reports of Officers; Reports from the Division of Gaming Enforcement and approval of Administrative Resolutions for Licenses Issued to Casino Employees and Gaming and
Non-Gaming Related Entities, approval of the Commission’s FY 2025 Budget, and Status
Updates from Casino Licensees.
The meeting and hearing will be held at the Eileen Ramona Petersen Casino Control Commission Building located at 3005 Orange Grove, Christiansted, St. Croix. Individuals with disabilities who require this information in an alternative format or need any form of auxiliary aid to attend or participate in this meeting/hearing are asked to contact Romesha Smith, Executive Assistant at rsmith@casinocontrolcommission.vi or 340-718-3616.
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