Elections Board Granted Legal Representation from V.I. Justice

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Elections Board Granted Legal Representation from V.I. Justice
Assistant Attorney General Christopher Timmons has been appointed to challenge a motion for a TRO filed by Elections Supervisor Caroline Fawkes. (Source file photo)

On the last day of early voting for the 2024 General Election, the dispute between top V.I. election officials advanced toward a possible court hearing. A civil lawsuit filed by Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes seeks to prevent the board from overturning a prior decision about a candidate’s eligibility.

The candidate in question is Ida Smith, a contender for the seat of Congressional Delegate Stacey Plaskett. Fawkes had ruled Smith was ineligible to run in the delegate’s race, but on Sept. 5, 10 members of the 14-member board voted to place Smith on the ballot.

A win in court for the supervisor would result in a temporary restraining order and affirm the statutory authority granted to the supervisor of Elections. Fawkes filed suit in Superior Court on Oct. 17, citing 18 V.I.C., subsection 411(b), which states, “If the Supervisor determines that a candidate for election or nomination does not meet the qualifications established by law for the office, then he shall disqualify such candidate and delete the candidate’s name from the ballot if the ballots have not been printed.”

The supervisor is granted authority by law to make the determination.

“The Board of Elections cannot vote to add a candidate to the ballot, or add a candidate to the ballot after the Supervisor of Elections disqualifies said candidate,” attorney Brooke Rutherford said in a memorandum submitted on Fawkes’ behalf.

On Monday the Justice Department filed a Notice of Limited Appearance for Assistant Attorney General Christopher Timmons. If the court grants its approval Timmons will serve the board by challenging Fawkes’ jurisdiction and by opposing the motion for the restraining order.

Attorney General Gordon Rhea filed the notice in response to a request submitted last week by Board Chairwoman Alecia Wells.

If Fawkes’ motion survives the jurisdictional challenge, the next likely step will be a hearing before Judge Yvette Ross-Edwards in the Superior Court of St. Croix. No scheduled hearings have appeared on the court docket so far.

Runway Problems, Beachcomber Demolition Raise Questions at VIPA Meeting

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Runway Problems, Beachcomber Demolition Raise Questions at VIPA Meeting
The St. Thomas runway is getting some new marking lines. (Photo courtesy VIPA)
Former Sen. Celestino White started the V.I. Port Authority’s Board of Governors meeting Monday, wanting to know about infractions the Federal Aviation Administration found at the Cyril E. King Airport and about the safety of the runways. White, a board member, asked about a civil penalty letter dated Aug. 15, 2023, assessing the authority for a penalty of $477,000 for infractions at the airport. The amount was negotiated down to $382,000 in October of last year. A poll vote was taken last month and ratified Monday, authorizing Executive Director Carlton Dowe to pay the lower amount. VIPA Director of Engineering Preston Beyer said the infractions were found during airport inspections in 2019. However, a letter from Dowe to board members last month stated that the infractions were discovered during the inspections in March, December 2021, and May 2022. White added that the frequent closing of the airport’s main runway raised concerns about how safe the runway was. Beyer said the authority inspected the runway daily and erred on the safety side when ordering any shutdown. Beyer said the authority was working on a long-term solution to alleviate the “soft spots” sometimes appearing on the runway but added when a soft spot was found, the St. Thomas airport, unlike major airports in the states, did not have a backup runway for the major airlines to use. Dowe said the airport now had 30 landings a day and, in high season, might have as many as 90 landings in a day. Beyer said the long-range plans for runway improvement were now on hold because federal funds were unavailable. In another poll vote ratification, the board raised employee CIGNA Medical Insurance Rate Plan rates. Effective this month, the employee portion for a single went from $144 to $156, and family coverage went from $253 to $273. The employer portion also increased. In another personnel matter, the authority will request annual information from GERS to ascertain the status of employees’ retirement accounts. Employees also will be encouraged to review personnel data to ensure accuracy. In the past, government employees ready to retire have found that their accounts at GERS have not been kept up to date. The board approved renewing a lease agreement between the authority and Jaqueline Warner dba Island Ambrosia for a kiosk in Crown Bay Center. The agreement is for a one-year term at a rental rate of $1,389 per month with a one-year option to renew. White also wanted to know the number and prices of Crown Bay’s leases. The staff said they would get those figures for him. Dowe reported that the engineering department is working on nine construction projects in the St. Croix district. Forty-five million dollars have been obligated for these projects, and $65 million for eight projects in the St. Thomas/St. John district. Finally, White questioned why nothing was happening concerning demolishing the damaged and now vacant Beachcomber Hotel on St. Thomas. The demolition contract was awarded in August. Beyer said the contractor was having difficulty getting the required insurance. Board members attending, besides White, were Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Kevin Rodriquez, Joseph Boschulte, and Leona Smith. Gordon Rhea was absent.

Inclement Weather Expected Across USVI, Puerto Rico; NHC Monitoring Caribbean for Tropical Development

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Inclement Weather Expected Across USVI, Puerto Rico; NHC Monitoring Caribbean for Tropical Development
The National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has noted that the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico can expect a wet weather pattern this week. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is also monitoring the southwestern Caribbean Sea for possible cyclonic development. “Several features will combine to maintain this weather pattern through at least next weekend, [and] extremely hazardous marine and coastal conditions are also anticipated from Thursday through the weekend,” according to an update from the NWS on Monday. “Please continue to monitor the forecast as this event unfolds,” the NWS said. The NWS said inclement weather conditions will begin on Tuesday across both U.S. territories, and the wet weather pattern will last “over the next four to seven days.” “For Tuesday and Wednesday, a wet and unstable weather pattern is expected as a lingering front just north of the area sinks southward across the islands,” said the NWS, which defines a front as a boundary or transition zone between two air masses of different density, and usually of different temperature. “This will be driven by moderate to fresh northeasterly winds, and temperatures are expected to decrease by a few degrees in general across Puerto Rico and the northern USVI,” the NWS continued. “The main weather impacts due to excessive rainfall will be urban and small stream flooding, localized flash flooding, and mudslides in areas of steep terrain,” the NWS warned. Conditions will remain unsettled throughout the week. In addition to the possibility of rainfall and thunderstorms, the NWS expects hazardous seas with an elevated risk of rip currents, particularly during the second half of the week. Boaters and swimmers are advised to exercise caution. Other weather impacts forecast to affect Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands include excessive heat throughout the week. Staying hydrated and cool is essential to help avoid heat-related illnesses.  National Hurricane Center Monitoring Caribbean Inclement weather may continue through the first week of November due to a tropical disturbance that could develop in the southwestern Caribbean. The NHC is closely monitoring an area with a medium chance of cyclonic development.
The National Hurricane Center is monitoring the southwestern Caribbean for possible cyclonic development. The potential system has been given a 40 percent chance of intensification over the next seven days. (Photo courtesy NHC)
“A broad area of low pressure is likely to develop over the southwestern Caribbean Sea in a few days,” according to an update from the NHC on Monday. “Gradual development is possible thereafter, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend while the system begins to drift northward or northeastward over the southwestern and central Caribbean Sea,” the NHC continued. The NWS has said that the potential impacts of this system on the USVI and Puerto Rico remain unclear. If the disturbance eventually intensifies into a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 miles per hour, it will be named Patty, the 16th named cyclone of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season. “This area of low pressure now has a 40 percent chance of development in the next seven days. However, it is far [in the future of] the forecast, and we encourage people to stay informed with each update,” the NWS advised.  Stay Prepared During Hurricane Season Hurricane season officially ends on Nov. 30, and the most recent system to directly affect the USVI this year was Tropical Storm Ernesto, which lashed the territory in August. This year’s hurricane season has been record-breaking, including the explosive development of Hurricane Milton in the Gulf of Mexico at the beginning of October, the extremely high storm surge associated with Hurricane Helene across the southeastern USA in September, and destructive Hurricane Beryl, which rapidly intensified into a major hurricane and brought devastating impacts to portions of the Caribbean in July. USVI residents and visitors are reminded that the weather forecast can change quickly, and it is essential to stay up to date with forecasts from the NHC. Hurricane preparedness tips are available from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Weather Updates Weather forecast information, including severe weather alerts, is available from the VITEMA website and the National Weather Service. The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and offers readers the opportunity to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.

‘Throw Cancer Overboard’ National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pirate Mutiny Party: Sion Farm Distillery Thursday

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‘Throw Cancer Overboard’ National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pirate Mutiny Party: Sion Farm Distillery Thursday
“Throw Cancer Overboard” is the mantra that will echo throughout the evening at the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pirate Mutiny Party on Thursday, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Sion Farm Distillery. The outdoor jam will bring music, dancing, costumes, prizes, auction items, and so much more under the Crucian sky. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the door with cash, credit or debit card or online at Eventbrite.com. Purchasing fee applies.
Pirate couple Bill Stansell & GiGi Michelle (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands Breast Cancer Project Co-founder and advocate Diane Hampton invites the community to come out to help fight cancer. “Join the VI Mutineers and throw cancer overboard. Wear your best pirate costume and compete for a prize for male, female and couples. Take pictures at our party photo booth. Purchase from our silent auction. The fun continues inside with DJ Kyle’s Scary-oke, Pirate Mutiny drinks and  Mutiny specials on the menu.”
Diane Hampton at Lobby Day 2023 (Submitted photo)
Hampton was inspired by the word “Mutiny” as an open rebellion that symbolized a bold stand against cancer. She felt the perfect venue to launch a “mutiny” on St. Croix would be Mutiny Island Vodka at Sion Farm Distillery. A meeting with Chef Todd Manley, the founder and CEO of Mutiny Island Vodka and Hampton, was fortunate for both parties. Hampton shared her vision with Manley and he loved it, she said. “Partnering with Mutiny highlights how local businesses truly care about health issues and the  impact of cancer on St. Croix.”  According to superpowers4good.com, Manley’s unique venture is not just about producing vodka; it’s about leveraging the underutilized superfood, breadfruit, to drive significant social and environmental change…a change that works hand-in-hand with Hampton’s hopes for environmental cancer research right here on St. Croix.
Chef/CEO Mutiny Island Vodka Todd Manley. (Photo from superpowers4good.com.)
Hampton questioned why a breast cancer registry was not up and running with the numbers so high and survivors going to the States for surgery. She teamed up with Bernhard Berlich, Ph.D., a visiting University of the Virgin Islands adjunct professor, and together they sought to apply for federal grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH). They launched the Virgin Islands Breast Cancer Project (VIBCP), a sponsored project of the St.Croix Foundation for Community Development. “This has been a considerable challenge due to the absence of the cancer registry and the damage created by hurricanes Irma and Maria to the hospitals and to the only cancer treatment facility on St. Thomas. It has impacted the entire territory,” Hampton stated.  The cause is deeply personal to Hampton, having lost her mother to breast cancer in 2014 and witnessing the devastating impact on many of her friends on St. Croix. After her mother passed, Hampton discovered the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) in her hometown of Washington, DC. She became a member and attended her first conference in 2015. The following year, she applied for a scholarship to the Project LEAD program. “Since then, I have participated in the NBCC Summit annually. I’ve hoped that more individuals from the V.I. could join these transformative events, which provide crucial insights into how Congress influences funding for breast cancer research and health care,” Hampton shared. Five V.I. cancer survivors represented the territory at the NBCC on May 6-8, 2023, and lobbied at the U.S. Capitol on May 9. They were Bold Advocates: Forging a Path to End Breast Cancer in the 2023 NBCC Theme—Our Mission: to end breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy.
NBCC Participants lobby at the Nation’s Capitol in 2023 (Submitted photo)
Recognizing the urgent need for awareness advocacy again, Hampton has envisioned this engaging fundraiser event for National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The aim is to raise funds, inspire hope, and unite the community in collective action. With the help of Mutiny staff Shannon Manns and Beverly Anderson, the momentum has increased with an “all hands on deck” camaraderie.
Mutiny staff Shannon Manns, left and advocate Diane Hampton (Submitted photo)
The goal is to raise $20,000 to send 10 dedicated breast cancer survivors and advocates to the NBCC Summit in 2025. The summit is crucial for training advocates and preparing them for Lobby Day, where they can influence policy and drive essential change in breast cancer research and funding, according to Hampton. “We are excited to welcome the Yvonne Ashley Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society to our event. They will be providing educational resources and information on the 2025 Relay for Life event, along with details about YAGs support group and other upcoming fundraising events,” Hampton said. “We have six lucky breast cancer survivors who drew winning raffle tickets at the ‘Art of Healing for Cancer Survivors and Caregivers’ mini workshop. They will receive complete facial makeovers on Art Thursday, Nov. 21. ‘Radiance Reimagined: Skincare Edition’ is made possible as a gift from Janine Schuster, owner of Bougainvillea @ 41 King Street in downtown Christiansted. All cancer survivors and advocates are welcome to join with the winners in recognizing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and enjoy discounts, shopping, refreshments, and prizes worth $200 in the beautiful, historic pink building that reflects the vibrant spirit of our community,” she said.
Annette Scott fighting to kill breast cancer. (Submitted photo)
“Together, let’s transform awareness into action and truly ‘throw cancer overboard’ for good,” Hampton concluded.  Contributions for raffle, costume prizes and auction items: Mutiny Island Vodka Cruzan Rum/ rum barrels for props Nobila Airport Hotel, Bin, Africa Bungalow at Cheney Bay Resort, two nights, three days Cheeseburgers in Paradise Johnson’s Flower Shop Seaside Market & Deli Crucian Gold Sonya Ltd Frederiksted Dive Shop Gigi Michelle, original art Yemaya Jones, silk blouse John Obafemi Jones, framed poster Elisa McKay, matted prints Artists Guild of St. Croix, original art Don Knox, framed art Maria Martin, Dove original painting Bougainvillea @ 41 King Street, facial makeovers Cruzan Adventure Divers, gift certificate Alba’s Bar & Grill, gift certificate AQUAHOLIC Restaurant, Frederiksted, gift certificate Ruff Night Bar & Grill Hair of the Dog Bar, gift certificate Napoleon’s Pizza, Frederiksted, gift certificate Target Gas Station, Frederiksted, gift certificate Caribbean Museum for the Arts, gift certificate For more information or to donate: Mutiny Island Vodka: 340-690-9322 Diane Hampton: 340-277-3879 Fundraiser/direct link to donate: https://support.stopbreastcancer.org/fundraiser/5873724

VIDOH Epidemiology Division Establishes Dengue Hotline as Cases Rise

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VIDOH Epidemiology Division Establishes Dengue Hotline as Cases Rise
The Aedes aegypti can carry the dengue virus. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control)
A Dengue Hotline has been launched by the V.I. Health Department’s Epidemiology Division to offer residents information on protecting themselves and preventing the transmission of dengue, as cases continue to rise throughout the territory. The hotline numbers are 340-725-5389 and 340-774-7477 ext. 5647, available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents in hotspot zones on St. Thomas (Smith Bay, Charlotte Amalie, Anna’s Retreat, Nazareth, Hospital Ground) and St. John (Fish Bay) can also call to request mosquito control outside their homes. These efforts will continue through Nov. 8, according to the press release. The territory is currently facing a dengue outbreak. The Aedes aegypti mosquito, which carries the dengue virus, is thriving in the rainy season, making public awareness essential, according to the press release.   As of Friday, Oct. 25, there were 150 reported cases of dengue across the territory: 102 on St. Thomas, 37 on St. John, and 11 on St. Croix, though additional cases may be unreported, according to Dr. Esther Ellis, Territorial Epidemiologist.
Confirmed number of dengue cases on St. Thomas and St. John (Photo courtesy DOH)
Confirmed number of dengue cases on St. Croix (Photo courtesy DOH)
“We are very concerned by the rising cases,” said Ellis. “Our goal with the hotline is to empower residents with knowledge to protect themselves and prevent dengue transmission. We also provide information on hotspot areas, symptoms, and testing.” V.I. Health Department Commissioner Justa Encarnacion urges the public to stay vigilant and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Dr. Ryan Hemme of CDC’s Dengue Branch and Dr. Sarah Gallalee of the V.I. Health Department’s Epidemiology Division look for Aedes larva at a St. Thomas dengue hotspot. (Photo courtesy DOH)
The hotline’s establishment is part of the division’s broader outreach efforts, which began last week. In collaboration with the CDC’s Dengue Branch and the Puerto Rico Vector Control Unit—where a dengue state of emergency is currently in effect—the Virgin Islands Health Department has mobilized teams in the St. Thomas-St. John district. These teams are inspecting residential areas, applying larvicides, and educating residents on how to prevent mosquito bites and control breeding sites, the press release stated.
Annellie Gumbs from the V.I. Health Department’s Epidemiology Division with mosquito dunks for distribution in dengue hotspot zones. (Photo courtesy DOH)
Dengue symptoms can vary in severity, from mild to potentially life-threatening, especially for infants, pregnant women, and individuals with previous infections. Common symptoms include fever, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. These symptoms typically last between two to seven days. It is recommended to rest and take acetaminophen for fever relief, while aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided, the release stated. If you experience dengue symptoms, consult your primary care doctor and get tested, it said. Severe dengue can develop 24 to 48 hours after the fever subsides. It is characterized by intense abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or extreme fatigue. Emergency medical attention is necessary for these symptoms, according to the release. To avoid mosquito bites, use EPA-approved insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and eliminate standing water around your home, it said. For current data on dengue cases, visit doh.vi.gov and click on the “USVI Epidemiology Data Dashboard.” For more on dengue prevention and treatment, visit [Dengue | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/).

Virtue of the Week – Determination

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Virtue of the Week – Determination
Virtue of the Week – Determination 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.   Determination Determination is the power of intent that drives our dreams. It is the strength of will to act with resolve. We focus our energy on a purpose and persevere until we meet our goal. It is the commitment to follow through, until we accomplish our purpose. We care about something so much that even when difficulties arise, and things don’t come easy, we keep going. If one path doesn’t work, we try another way. We don’t allow ourselves to get distracted or to go off track. We complete the tasks we choose to do. With determination, we will succeed. Quote: “The difference between determination and stubbornness is that one comes from a strong will and the other from a strong won’t.” -Unknown The Practice of Determination I am clear about what I want to accomplish. I am committed to meeting my goals. I focus my full attention on what is important. I do what it takes to follow through. I am flexible and persevering. I finish what I start. Questions for Discussion
  • How may determination help us in our social justice work?
  • What conditions need to be set so that we can act with resolve?
  • What may hinder us from staying on our social justice journey? How can we proactively remove roadblocks?
  • What distractions exist in our community? How do they move us away from our goals?
 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.

St. Croix Cross Country Team Championships

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St. Croix Cross Country Team Championships
Start of the Middle School and JV 2 Mile and Varsity 3 Mile (Photo courtesy VITFF)

On October 23, the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation hosted the St. Croix Cross Country Team Championships for the St. Croix Interscholastic Athletic Association, with 152 athletes competing in the Elementary 1 Mile, the Middle School, and Junior Varsity 2 Mile and the 3 Mile Varsity Championship races at the St. Croix Educational Complex facility.

For the Elementary division team, scores are based on the top five athletes of each school. For the middle school, junior, and varsity divisions, team scores were calculated using the position of the top three athletes in each school. Each athlete scores points based on their finishing position. First-place runners score 1 point, second-place runners score 2 points, and so forth. The school with the lowest point total wins, according to the press release.

In the Girls’ Elementary division, Ricardo Richards Elementary School won the Cross-Country Team Championship with 38 points. Their athletes placed 3, 4, 9, 10, and 12. Eulalie R Rivera finished in second place with 48 points. Their athletes finished 1, 2, 6, 19, and 20, the press release stated.

Elementary Girls 1 Mile start (Photo courtesy VITFF)

In the Boys’ Elementary division, Claude O. Markoe won the Cross-Country Team Championship with 65 points. Their athletes placed 5, 8, 10, 19, and 23. Ricardo Richards Elementary School finished in second place with 96 points. Their athletes finished 11, 13, 16, 18, and 38, the release stated.

Elementary Boys 1 Mile Race (Photo courtesy VITFF)

Girls Middle School #1 team: Eulalie R. Rivera with 9 points and the athletes finishing in 1, 2, and 6th position.

Boys Middle School #1 team: Good Hope Country Day with 9 points and the athletes finishing in 1, 3, and 5th position.

Girls JV #1 team: St. Croix Educational Complex with 8 points and the athletes finishing in 1, 2, and 5th position.

Boys JV #1 team: St. Croix Educational Complex, with 8 points, and the athletes finishing in 1, 3, and 4th position.

Girls Varsity #1 team: St. Croix Educational Complex with 15 points and the athletes finishing in 4, 5, and 6th position.

Boys Varsity #1 team: Good Hope Country Day with 6 points and the athletes finishing in 1, 2, and 3rd position.

Female and Male 1 Mile Elementary school winners were Juvantia Hurst, Eulalie Rivera and Malachi Maclorrain, Eulalie Rivera.

The winners in the 2 Mile race for Middle School: Faith Eatmon, Eulalie Rivera and Cole Cullinan, Good Hope Country Day.

2 Mile Junior Varsity: Safiya Prasad, St. Croix Educational Complex and Juvante Hurst, St. Croix Educational Complex.

In the 3 Mile for the Varsity division: Kirsten Jones Central High School and  Ayden Cintron, Good Hope Country Day.

Top 3 results:

1 Mile Elementary Girls

1 JUVANTIA HURST 7:28.52, Eulalie R. Rivera

2 OLIVIA JONES 7:38.37, Eulalie R. Rivera

3 ELIZA LUNDGREN 8:03.94, Ricardo Richards

1 Mile Elementary Boys

1 MALACHI MACLORRAIN 6:34.36, Eulalie R. Rivera

2 AMIR THIAM 7:09.24, Eulalie R. Rivera

3 JUAN CHARLES 7:13.69, Eulalie R. Rivera

2 Miles Middle School Girls

1 FAITH EATMON 13:55.28, Eulalie R. Rivera

2 J’LEAN CONNOR 18:30.82, Eulalie R. Rivera

3 AZALEIA MENDEZ 22:19.58, Free Will Baptist Christian School

2 Miles Middle School Boys

1 COLE CULLINAN 11:46.31, Good Hope Country Day

2 ISMAEL MANSEBO 13:05.81, Eulalie R. Rivera

3 ZAVIER SALEEM 13:23.10, Good Hope Country Day

2 Miles JV Girls

1 SAFIYA PRASAD 13:33.66, St. Croix Educational Complex

2 AMINAH PRASAD 14:31.46, St. Croix Educational Complex

3 OLIVIA CRIKELAIR 15:09.52, Good Hope Country Day

2 Miles JV Boys

1 JUVANTE HURST 12:31.22, St. Croix Educational Complex

2 MALIEK SOUTHWELL 12:32.22, Good Hope Country Day

3 ISAIAH SAUNDERS 14:38.04, St. Croix Educational Complex

3 Miles Varsity Girls

1 KIRSTEN JONES 27:22.66, St. Croix Central HS

2 ASIA WILLIAMS 30:23.35, Good Hope Country Day

3 BELLA DAVIS-MCCARTHY 30:39.33, Good Hope Country Day

3 Miles Varsity Boys

1 AYDEN CINTRON 17:09.18, Good Hope Country Day

2 THOMAS CRIKELAIR 18:44.24, Good Hope Country Day

3 DAVID MORTON 19:06.61, St. Croix Central HS

3 Miles Open Female

1 MIKAELA SMITH 19:42.86, TEAM VI

The full results can be found at Competitions / Results – Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation (vitrackandfield.com) – https://vitrackandfield.com/competitions/

The Virgin Islands National Cross Country Championships will be held on Saturday at 7 a.m. at the St. Croix Educational Complex Cross Country course. The VI National Cross Country Championships are open to all athletes registered with the VI Track and Field Federation.

Liberty VI Resumes Fiber Network Construction at Estate Barren Spot, St. Croix

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Liberty VI Resumes Fiber Network Construction at Estate Barren Spot, St. Croix
Work will resume on a fiber installation project at Estate Barren Spot on St. Croix on Tuesday, Liberty VI announced.
Liberty VI construction crews will continue burying fiber on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy Liberty VI)
The job was delayed because of equipment and design updates, but it is now back on track and expected to be completed in about four weeks. Once finished, the project will enhance fiber connectivity and improve broadband service in Estate Barren Spot. according to the press release. “As we acquire the necessary permits, we are moving forward with our Fiber to the Home construction projects so more locations in the territory can have access to our fiber-fast internet,” said Ravindra Maywahlall, general manager of Liberty VI. “We will continue informing VI consumers about the next areas where we will schedule Fiber to the Home construction projects as additional permits are approved.” The work, which will take place along Route 709 encompassing Estate Barren Spot, includes placing underground conduits and fiber optic cable. Construction will take place on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the press release stated. Burying the fiber cables increases the network’s resiliency while protecting it from hazards such as natural disasters and vandalism attempts. The work also uses an open-trenching technique. Crews will also use other underground technologies to minimize the impact on the roadways, the release stated. The job will be performed with minimal traffic impact. However, residents and drivers within the area should expect delays due to lane and partial road closures and must exercise caution when traveling on narrow roadways. Residents within the Estate Barren Spot community are encouraged to park their vehicles on their properties and not on the street to avoid obstructions or possible damage, it said. Liberty VI will provide updates on its website, on when and where the company will be working around the territory so people can plan their daily commutes ahead of time, it said.

Study Reveals Record Cruise Tourism Expenditures in the Caribbean and Latin America

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Study Reveals Record Cruise Tourism Expenditures in the Caribbean and Latin America
Michele Paige, CEO, Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association. (Photo courtesy Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association)
The 2023-2024 cruise year brought record economic contributions to the region, the Florida-Caribbean Association (FCCA) announced. The FCCA is the trade group representing the mutual interests of the cruise industry, destinations and stakeholders in the Caribbean and Latin America. According to the study released Monday by Business Research & Economic Advisors (BREA), Economic Contribution of Cruise Tourism to the Destination Economies, cruise tourism generated $4.27 billion in direct cruise tourism expenditures – about 27 percent higher than the record set by the previous study in 2018 – along with over 94,000 jobs paying more than $1.27 billion in wage income in the 33 participating destinations, according to the press release. “We could not be prouder of these results and what they mean for the lives and livelihoods of so many throughout the Caribbean and Latin America,” said CEO of FCCA Michele Paige. “In addition to showing what cruise tourism brings to these destinations’ economies, many of the study’s findings will also serve as the foundation of building further mutual success between cruise lines and destination stakeholders.” The study measured direct spending impacts through passenger and crew surveys, cruise line spending for services and provisions, port revenues, and employment generated by cruise ship calls. Economic impacts were measured by collecting data from local government agencies, regional development agencies, and international economic agencies to evaluate the effects on employment, wages, port fees, and taxes, the press release stated. Key findings include:
  • Cruise tourism generated $4.27 billion in expenditures, up 27 percent compared to the last study in 2018 and the previous record.
  • The industry supported 94,027 jobs, up 19 percent from the last study, paying a total employee wage income of $1.27 billion.
  • Destinations welcomed 29.4 million onshore visits from cruise passengers, with an average spend of $104.36, generating a total of $3.07 billion.
  • Destinations also welcomed 3.9 million onshore visits from crew, with an average spend of $58.78, generating a total of $229.5 million.
  • Cruise lines spent $968.3 million, an average of $29.3 million per destination.
  • The 33.3 million passenger and crew visits represent a 13 percent increase compared to the previous study, and the 31 common destinations in the 2018 and 2024 studies experienced a 17 percent increase in passenger visits.
  • The average per-passenger spend increased for 26 of the 31 common destinations, and 14 destinations recorded average spend rates above $100 per passenger (up from 12 in 2018).
  • On average, a single transit cruise call with 4,000 passengers and 1,640 crew generates $369,100 in passenger and crew spending alone: $339,800 and $29,300, respectively.
The study’s measure of cruise tourism expenditures did not include indirect benefits of cruise tourism, including supplies purchased by tour operators, restaurants and port authorities. However, the estimates of these expenditures served as the basis for total employment and wage impacts. The study also did not account for other indirect benefits, such as spending from cruise passengers who return as stay-over guests, nor did the study measure other methods of cruise line spending that benefit destinations, including NGO partnerships and marketing, the release stated. The study – which is engaged by the FCCA in partnership with its destination partners as one of many ways to foster the understanding of cruise tourism, its benefits and how to actualize its potential best – was released at the 30th annual FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show in St. Maarten, further adding to the event’s focus on maximizing mutual success for all throughout cruise tourism through a series of meetings, workshops and networking opportunities between destination stakeholders and cruise executives to offer insight and develop business and relationships, it said. The full study, including Volume II, which focuses on specific spending within the destinations and metrics including passenger satisfaction, time spent ashore, and types of shore excursions, and similar studies dating back to 2001, it said. Click here to access similar studies dating back to 2001. 33 Participating Destinations with Total Cruise Tourism Expenditures (in $US Millions): Antigua & Barbuda ($89); Aruba ($133.2); The Bahamas ($654.8); Barbados ($83.5); Belize ($88.6); Bonaire ($33.4); British Virgin Islands ($85.7); Cayman Islands ($161.5); Colombia ($49.9); Costa Maya, Mexico ($187.9); Costa Rica ($32.2); Cozumel, Mexico ($483.1); Curaçao ($93.3); Dominica ($20.9), Dominican Republic ($251.4); Ensenada, Mexico ($74.9); Grenada ($22.4); Guadeloupe ($46.1); Honduras ($180.4); Jamaica ($197.8); Key West ($55.4); Martinique ($42.2); Mazatlán, Mexico ($34.1); Panama ($114.0); Progreso, Mexico ($25.8); Puerto Rico ($201.9); St. Kitts & Nevis ($113.1); St. Lucia ($72.7); St. Maarten ($237.8); St. Vincent ($19.3); Trinidad ($5.4); Turks and Caicos ($116.1); and the United States Virgin Islands ($258.1).

Verne A. Hodge Sr., Presiding Judge Emeritus, Receives Chief Justice’s Distinguished Service Award

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Verne A. Hodge Sr., Presiding Judge Emeritus, Receives Chief Justice’s Distinguished Service Award
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center (Source photo by James Gardner)
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center – Superior Court (Source (file photo by James) Gardner)
Chief Justice Rhys S. Hodge informs the public and the members of the Virgin Islands Bar Association that the Honorable Verne A. Hodge Sr., Presiding Judge Emeritus of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, is the recipient of the 2024 Chief Justice’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Judiciary of the Virgin Islands. This award is presented only to an individual who has provided exceptionally distinguished service to the cause of Virgin Islands jurisprudence or the administration of justice in the Virgin Islands. Judge Hodge is credited with laying the institutional and structural foundation of the modern-day Virgin Islands Superior Court, both literally and figuratively. He oversaw the planning, financing and construction of the R. H Amphlett Leader Complex on St. Croix, the Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center on St. Thomas and established a court presence on St. John; presided over the very first-degree murder jury trial in the local judiciary; and instituted the first comprehensive amendments to the Territorial Court’s rules of procedure. Perhaps most importantly, Hodge implemented a central administrative structure for the management of the entire court and went out of his way to protect the best interests of all court employees. By the time of his retirement as presiding judge in 1999, he had left a legacy and has indelibly secured his place in the annals of Virgin Islands history. In retirement, Hodge continues to serve as a Designated Justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands where he continues to contribute to the further development of the Virgin Islands law. The award was presented during the 2024 Judicial Conference.
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