Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Closes Out Its First Student Summer Program- Golf Course Maintenance

Marelise Beach
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Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Closes Out Its First Student Summer Program- Golf Course Maintenance

On Friday, Future Job Skills of Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization based in St. Croix, will close out their first pre-apprenticeship program where students had a chance to learn skills related to golf course maintenance.

Future Job Skills of Tomorrow is a pre-apprenticeship program that focuses on training young people on a pathway into a paid apprenticeship program. It was conceptualized by its director, Rueben Fenton, two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It started during COVID, playing with the idea. And then after COVID, [I] decided to put pen to paper and start establishing Future Job Skills of Tomorrow,” said Fenton.

Reuben Fenton poses with two students during their time apprenticing for the Future Job Skills of Tomorrow. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)
Reuben Fenton poses with two students during their time apprenticing for the Future Job Skills of Tomorrow. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)

The golf course maintenance is the pilot program for the organization and is called the 2024 Golf Course Maintenance, Preparation/Job Shadowing Training Program. Three high school students in tenth and eleventh grades on the island stayed committed to learning about golf course maintenance, skills that Fenton said are a part of a “$100 billion dollar industry.” At 11:30 am Friday, there will be a closeout presentation for the trainees at the Carambola Country Club and Golf Course to celebrate their success.

From left in matching t-shirts, participants Angel Figueroa, Adeja Hamilton and Jahnoi Rawlins at the Reef Golf Course (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)
From left in matching t-shirts, participants Angel Figueroa, Adeja Hamilton and Jahnoi Rawlins at the Reef Golf Course (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)

Participants underwent a five-week golf course maintenance study at the Reef Golf Course and the Carambola where they worked on maintaining 9 and 18-hole golf courses, respectively. Fenton said they learned about various aspects of golf course maintenance to include plumbing, irrigation systems, water distribution, stewardship, pesticides, turf agronomics, landscaping, and management. From Monday-Thursday, participants would engage in the field. On Fridays, they would have financial literacy career readiness during classroom sessions where guest speakers from the Bank of St. Croix, First Bank, Merchants Bank, and Oriental Bank would make presentations to the students.

Students learn about golf course maintenance during the 2024 Golf Course Maintenance, Preparation/Job Shadowing Training Program. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)
Students learn about golf course maintenance during the 2024 Golf Course Maintenance, Preparation/Job Shadowing Training Program. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)

“We’re exposing high school students to the job that’s available on the golf course itself. You have a lot of areas that you have to do to get the greens,” said Fenton.

Fenton said that he is currently working on expanding the golf course maintenance program with the Reef, Carambola, and the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort and anticipates having more resources for the program next year.

For the launch this year, Fenton initially wanted six students to participate in the pilot program. However, he was able to secure five students who signed up. In the end three students were able to remain committed to completing the entire program. Participants this year were able to sign up for the program by completing an application along with submitting reference letters. Next year there will be a more selective screening process.

Mike Morales, owner of Turfpro engages with the program participants at Carambola. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)
Mike Morales, owner of Turfpro engages with the program participants at Carambola. (Photo submitted by Rueben Fenton)

Support for the program came from Chad Robinson at Hector Turf in Florida, James Grites, president of the VI Bankers Association, and Mike Morales at Turfpro on St. Croix. These organizations submitted resources, such as training products, that the students were able to use at the start of the program.

When asked what was the most exciting part of the program, Fenton said “The most important part is to be on the ground, learning things myself, learning a lot of stuff about that part of the industry besides playing golf itself.”

Fenton, who said he does not play golf, came up with the idea of the golf course maintenance program by looking “at the big picture.”

“I look at industries, at jobs and so forth, and where some of our young people can focus on,” said Fenton.

The next program he would like to include for participants of Future Job Skills of Tomorrow is ship building.

Fenton thanks all the supporters of the program. For more information on the Future Job Skills of Tomorrow call 340-201-3292 or email Fenton at reubenfenton20@gmail.com.

Plaskett Announces Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Payments to V.I. Farmers

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Plaskett Announces Discrimination Financial Assistance Program Payments to V.I. Farmers
The Biden-Harris Administration announced it has issued payments to eligible applicants under Section 22007 of the Inflation Reduction Act through the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP), which aims to provide financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who experienced discrimination in USDA farm lending prior to January 2021, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett announced in a press release. “This program is an important acknowledgment of the past inequities perpetuated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and this country against not just black farmers but black businesses. This is an important step to rebuild trust with communities and create a stronger, more resilient farm sector,” said Plaskett. “I am grateful to the local USDA office here in the Virgin Islands and my team for getting the word out to our farmers about this opportunity. 130 Virgin Islanders are receiving payments – both farmers who had or have farming or ranching operations and as well farmers who had planned to have operations but were unable as a railroad of USDA actions. Our Virgin Islands recipients will receive in total $3,688,430,” she said. “I would like to thank the Biden-Harris Administration for their commitment to transforming America’s food system and look forward to the continued historic investments in rural America; specifically, places like the Virgin Islands, to promote equity and the removal of systemic barriers. I remain committed to elevating the concerns of our farmers and ranchers and ensuring equitable access to federal programs and funding,” she said. For more information on the Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, visit the website here.

Camille Valentino Clarke Dies at 89

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Camille Valentino Clarke Dies at 89
Camille Valentino Clarke
Camille Valentino Clarke of Estate Grove Place transitioned into eternal peace on July 22, 2024. He was 89 years old. He was preceded in death by his Mother: Ann Veronica Barry; Father: Wilfred Clarke Sr.; Spouse: Gloria Raquel Encarnacion-Clarke; Son: Geraldo A. (Gerry) Clarke; Brothers: Wilfred Clarke, Jr., Joseph Augustin Clarke Sr., Anselmo Clarke, Milton Clarke, Lloyd Clarke, Douglas Clarke and Lawrence Clarke; Nephew: Fred Brathwaite He is Survived by his Son: George Rudolph Valentino (Rudy) Clarke; Daughters: Judith Clarke, Catalina Clarke and Juanita Clarke; Grandchildren: Deborah W. Clarke, and Astre Charmyra Peraza; Great Grandchildren: Nashaly R. Garrett, Hermoine Peraza, and Leonard Peraza; Sisters: Dolores Keturah Braithwaite, and Kathleen Smith-Maccow; Brothers: Oneal Clarke and Melbourne Adams; God Daughter: Laurie Thomas-Jacobs; Sisters-In-Law: Marie Adams, Inez Harrison-Clarke and Louise Arnold-Clarke; Brother-In-Law: Stanford E. Maccow Sr.; Nieces: Aquanette Clarke, Naomi Clarke-Thomas, Lorelie Clarke, Risa Adams, Murthlyn Aldridge, Stephanie Samuel, Diane Clarke-Pierce, Pamela Clarke-Finley and Anna Clarke; Nephews: Larry Clarke Jr., Milton Clarke Jr., Melbourne Adams, Jr., Oneal Clarke Jr., Brian Clarke, Frederick Mohammed Jr., Roy Clarke, Paul Clarke, Elroy Clarke, David Clarke, Sidney (Anthony) Clarke, Anthony Griffith, Melbourne Clarke, Roger Clarke, Fraiden Braithwaite, Stanford Maccow Jr., Richard Griffith, David Hiemann Jr., Joseph Clarke Jr., and Joseph Clarke III; Special Cousin: James Maynard, Melvin and Michael Cornelius, and Alvin Milligan; Other Relative to include: The Barry, Clarke, Sackey, McIntosh, Milligan, Roberts, Cornelius, Harrison, Messer’s, Thomas, Allicks, Encarnacion, Samuel, Francis, Rogers, Hodges, Williams, Benjamin, Brady, James, and Petersen Families; Many Great Nieces and Great Nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, viewing at 9:30 am, with service beginning at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.    

Letter to the Editor: Cruz Bay Parking Dilemma

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Letter to the Editor: Cruz Bay Parking Dilemma
In recent discussions with the residents and some business owners to whom access to Cruz Bay is essential, many ideas to ease the dilemma of NO PARKING in Cruz Bay have been put forward. Parking access in Cruz Bay can be helped in a variety of ways. We all know that much of Cruz Bay’s parking is swallowed up by the St. Thomas commuters who park ALL DAY while everyone else drives around in circles searching for a spot to shop, pick up visitors, visit a restaurant, pick up mail, and basically spend money in Cruz Bay. From visitors, villa renters, the most often asked question is, “Where can I park?” So, our town chokes to a virtual stop every day by 8 am each morning to the point where drivers avoid going to town. So, here are some suggestions to consider to help ease this dilemma. Of course, it will take a coordinated effort between the VI Government, the Port Authority, and the National Park to accept the responsibility to make any of this happen. Parking Meters in the Customs Parking Lot. This could be the credit card swipe style. Make it $5 per hour. If commuters still wish to park all day there, it will cost them. The Port Authority will certainly make more money per day than it had ever hoped for from charging at the “gravel lot.” Of course, enforcement should be covered by a “meter maid” on a golf cart. Parking tickets should well pay for a meter maid service. The “Nature’s Lot” should be paved and designed for parking with parking meters. The National Park could easily establish “head in” parking all along the outside of the Ball Field fence by only removing the wood stumps which are blocking this potential parking. The Park should work with the community to help ease their congestion impacts which they are responsible for as well. The National Park has always wished that visitors to the park should park in town and board a bus to visit the North Shore, this way the Park won’t have to make adequate parking at their featured sites. Again, more cars in our town. The NPS should be considerate of their impacts on our town’s parking. The Waterfront/Ferry area needs to be improved. Not only is the congestion in this area unacceptable, it’s foolish! Why is there a need for 12 to 15 big taxis being parked all day there? There should only be 4 or 5 taxis parked there at any time, and the other taxis should wait at the “gravel lot” to be dispatched as needed. Every driver has a cell phone. Put up a tent in the gravel lot for drivers. Perhaps the taxi association could build a hut for their drivers. However, if the Port Authority wishes to keep the herd of taxis in the heart of Cruz Bay, then move them to the Creek parking lot inside the big black fence where there is plenty of parking all day. At the STT Airport, there are only enough taxis as needed. Back on the waterfront, again place parking meters at even $10/hour for the convenience of vehicles. BTW, weaning the taxi drivers out of the Gazebo would be an obvious community benefit. Commuters and workers in Cruz Bay should park at the “gravel lot” too! There should be a taxi-shuttle that could take people from the lot to the ferry for a $1. Perhaps a shuttle at 7:30 am/8:30 am/9:30 am and from the ferry to the gravel lot at 4:30 pm/5:30 pm/6:30 pm. Who hasn’t taken a shuttle at an airport? Same service could be true in Cruz Bay for those who don’t wish to walk the few blocks of our town. What are the advantages of this plan? Access to our town helping Cruz Bay businesses, restaurants, shops, helping restore our town’s access for residents and visitors. Less chaos in town, less circling gridlock traffic in search of a spot to park. Ringing cash registers will mean more VI income. The Port Authority, the VI Government, and the National Park will make more money with parking meters than ever could be gained from the failed “gravel lot” parking fees. This way we get our town back! For the benefit of all. If all of us who need Cruz Bay parking don’t want to speak up on fixing this critical community need, then expect that the problem just won’t go away, it will only get worse. -Steve Black is a St. John resident. 

St. Thomas Woman Makes Fraudulent Purchases from Walmart Online

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St. Thomas Woman Makes Fraudulent Purchases from Walmart Online
Economic Crime Unit detectives apprehended a St. Thomas woman on Wednesday for fraudulent credit card use, the V.I. Police Department announced. An investigation into Tatiana C. Thompson was initiated on July 12 and July 25 for the fraudulent use of a credit card. The investigation revealed that Thompson made purchases on Walmart.com using credit cards belonging to two different victims on July 7 and July 9. Thompson placed the orders and had them shipped to her post office box, according to the police report. At 12:16 p.m. on Wednesday, Thompson, 30, was arrested for fraudulent use of credit cards, one count of receipt of money, goods and services obtained by fraudulent use of credit cards. She was transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command for booking, the police report stated. Thompson was unable to post her $11,000 bail at the time of the arrest and was turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending her Advise of Rights hearing, the report stated.

Legislature Corner: Plaskett and 35th Legislature Advocate for Reliable Energy Solutions

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Legislature Corner: Plaskett and 35th Legislature Advocate for Reliable Energy Solutions
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands continue to advocate for reliable energy solutions and technical assistance in the U.S. Virgin Islands amid a power outage rotation schedule, power generation capacity and distribution challenges, and outdated equipment, a press release announced. Earlier this month, Plaskett hosted United States Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm and professional staff from the U.S. Department of Energy and White House staff in the Virgin Islands. During this visit, Granholm, Plaskett, and staff conducted a site tour of the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St Thomas. This was followed by roundtable discussions with local government officials and private stakeholders on how to create a more resilient and reliable energy grid that can provide affordable, reliable power to the people of the Virgin Islands. During her visit, Granholm called the power reliability issues “unacceptable” and relayed the willingness of the U.S. Department of Energy to provide technical assistance, the press release stated. Following the roundtable, Plaskett hosted a summit on St Croix entitled, ‘A Reimagined Virgin Islands’ to convene local and federal partners along with the private sector for a discussion of impactful insights and best practices for infrastructure rebuilding and energy issues of the Virgin Islands. Attendees were engaged and came up with next steps and plans to convene again to mark progress, the release stated. “Seven years ago, our community’s infrastructure was devastated by hurricanes Irma and Maria, leaving our critical infrastructure decimated,” Plaskett stated. “Out of devastation came the opportunity to transform our territory and rebuild our critical infrastructure in a more resilient manner with profound funding from the federal government,” said Plaskett. Throughout the roundtables with Granholm and the subsequent ‘A Reimagined Virgin Islands’ summit, there was clear agreement between federal agencies, local agencies, and the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands that the modernization of the electrical grid and water system would yield the production of reliable, affordable, sustainable energy, the release stated. Following the events hosted by Plaskett, Sens. Milton Potter, Donna Frett-Gregory, and Samuel Carrion worked collaboratively to advance Bill 35-0311 to mandate the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to submit a proposed modernization plan to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands within 270 days. The plan must outline steps and a timeline for implementing upgrades to the electrical grid after receiving technical assistance from several relevant federal agencies. The bill passed unanimously (14-0 with one member absent) and will go to Governor Bryan for consideration, it said.      

Recalled Boar’s Head Meat Products Removed from USVI Stores, Distributor Says

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Recalled Boar’s Head Meat Products Removed from USVI Stores, Distributor Says
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected. (Shutterstock photo)
Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems, according to the CDC. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected, it said. (Shutterstock photo)

Consumers concerned about the Boar’s Head meat recall over listeria contamination can rest easy, according to a distributor for the company, who said Thursday that the liverwurst behind the initial recall was never available in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and all products in the expanded voluntary recall that followed have been removed from local store shelves.

Boar’s Head first issued a recall on July 26 for liverwurst prepared at its plant in Jarratt, Virginia, and then expanded that on Tuesday to include another 71 products — out of an abundance of caution, it said — because they were produced at the same facility, according to the distributor who is based in Puerto Rico and who asked not to be identified.

The expanded list of products was produced between May 10 and July 29 under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names, according to a notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service. They have sell-by dates ranging from July 29 through Oct. 17. The full list may be viewed here.

All those products were removed from stores in the USVI as of 7 a.m. Tuesday after the expanded recall notice was issued at 11 p.m. Monday, the Puerto Rico distributor said, and the liverwurst products were never available here to begin with.

However, should consumers have any concerns about Boar’s Head products they purchased, they can return them to the store where they were purchased, he said. According to the USDA, the products shipped to retailers bear establishment number “EST. 12612” or “P-12612” inside the USDA mark of inspection on the product labels.

The problem was first discovered when the Food Safety and Inspection Service was notified that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for L. monocytogenes, according to the USDA statement.

In collaboration with the Baltimore City Health Department, it then collected an unopened liverwurst product from a retail store for testing as part of an outbreak investigation of L. monocytogenes infections. Further testing determined the product sample tested positive for the outbreak strain. Anyone concerned about illness should contact a healthcare provider, the USDA said.

As of Wednesday, 34 sick people have been identified in 13 states, including 33 hospitalizations and two deaths. Samples were collected from sick people from May 29 to July 12. The investigation is ongoing, and FSIS continues to work with the CDC and state partners, according to the USDA. The Centers for Disease Control Food Safety Alert, Listeria Outbreak Linked to Meats Sliced at Delis, will continue to be updated with the latest investigation details.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects people who are pregnant, aged 65 or older, or with weakened immune systems. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions, sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms, according to the USDA. Symptoms usually start within two weeks after eating contaminated food but may start as early as the same day or as late as 10 weeks after, the CDC reports.

Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food, it said.

Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Boar’s Head Provisions Co., Inc., Customer Service at 1-800-352-6277. Consumers with food safety questions can call the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or send a question via email to MPHotline@usda.gov.

For consumers that need to report a problem with a meat, poultry, or egg product, the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System can be accessed 24 hours a day at https://foodcomplaint.fsis.usda.gov/eCCF/.

Rohan Rahman Parry Dies

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Rohan Rahman Parry Dies
Rohan Rahman Parry
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Rohan Rahman Parry on April 26, 2024. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, James and Evana Parry; maternal grandparents, Walter Sadio and Iris (Stapleton) Livingstone and husband Alvin Livingstone; father David Parry; uncles Vincent Parry, Nehemiah Parry, Nathaniel Parry, Gordon Parry and James Maynard, Sr.; aunts Elva Parry, Doris (Sadio) Maynard, Winifred Parry and Veona (Barrett) Hendrickson; brothers Garfield Parry and Keithly Isles; sister Bernadette Morgan; and cousins James Maynard, Jr., Gregory Maynard, and Gail Maynard. He is survived by his mother, Iva (Sadio) Parry; uncles Rev. Dr. Sydney Sadio (Retired), Mervin Livingstone, Raynard Hendrickson, and Norman Conquet; aunts Ianson Barrett, Patricia (Livingstone) Conquet, and Beverly Sadio; brothers David Parry and Carlos Vanterpool; sisters Dahlia Parry, Donnette Amaro, Cordella Parry-Madden, Koreen Parry and April Samuel; brother-in-law J Stuart Madden; sister-in-law Sheena Gonzales; nephews Cahlil Powell, Vance Malone, Darnell Amaro, Robert Smith, Justin Madden, Anthony Samuel, Jermaine Samuel, and Jamal Samuel; nieces Avlyne Evans-Edwards, Jainel Parry, Rochelle Daniel, Damaris Amaro, Jessica Huyghue, and Nia Parry; and cousins Former Premier Joseph Parry, Rev. Tony Parry, Leo Parry, Gary Parry, Sharon Parry, Gem Parry, Sherdon Parry, Stefan Parry, Derek Parry, David Parry, Ian Parry, Jennifer Parry, Ramla Parry, Dennis Parry, Loinette Wiltshire, Frankie Parry, Cecile Parry-Hobson, Alvin Parry, Vernice Parry- Griffin, Lavinia Parry, Floretta Parry-Cornwall, Trevor Parry, Joya Parry-Lake, Ophelia Parry, Lori Parry, Dr. Sonita Sadio, Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, Miles Maynard, and Denise Maynard; and other cousins and great nephews and nieces. The funeral service will be Monday, August 5, 2024, at Wesley Methodist Church in Tutu. Tribute 9:30 -10:00 a.m. Service at 10:00 a.m. Burial at Eastern Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services of St. Thomas. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com.

CFVI Awards $193,300 in Scholarships to 65 Virgin Islands Students

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CFVI Awards $193,300 in Scholarships to 65 Virgin Islands Students
Monnica Martin was awarded the $2,500 Dish Fund Scholarship. (Photo courtesy CFVI)
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) has awarded $193,300 in scholarships to 65 Virgin Islands students for its 2024-25 academic scholarship cycle. Award recipients were selected by a review committee of 30 individuals who reviewed 172 applications and made recommendations based on the specific criteria for each scholarship, the foundation announced. “At CFVI, we are committed to fulfilling our mission of enhancing the quality of life for children, youth, and families in the territory, and these scholarships play a significant role in that effort,” said Kafi Blumenfield, chair of CFVI’s Scholarship Committee and member of the CFVI Board of Directors. “Since 1996, CFVI has provided more than $4 million in scholarships to talented and dedicated Virgin Islands students. We congratulate each and every one of this year’s deserving scholarship recipients and are deeply grateful to our volunteer review committee for their time and dedication,” she said.
Mia Willis was awarded one of the $2,000 Isaac and Rebecca Paiewonsky Scholarship. (Photo courtesy CFVI)
“The Foundation is proud to have supported the educational goals of Virgin Islands students for the past 28 years, and we look forward to working with our wonderful donors and students for years to come,” said CFVI President Dee Baecher-Brown.
Jahnaiy Rodriguez was awarded one of the $2,500 Heavy Materials Scholarships. (Photo courtesy CFVI)
Taysjah Heidmann, the recipient of one of the $5,000 Lana Vento Scholarships, is in her final year of nursing school at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. “From a young age, my goal in life has always been to help those around me,” explained Heidmann. Her mother suffered from several chronic illnesses, which made her upbringing challenging. “Witnessing her struggles firsthand inspired me to become a nurse and help those in similar situations.” Faced with significant financial burdens when it came to paying for her education, Heidmann has had to rely heavily on scholarships to make it through. “Without assistance from organizations such as CFVI and the kindhearted individuals like the donors of this scholarship, I am not sure if I would have been able to achieve my goals,” she said. “Being the recipient of this scholarship has made a profound difference in my life and I am forever grateful.” Undergraduate Scholarships
  • Alexander A. Farrelly Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Weena Leinelle Woodrup, Charles Gilbuena
  • Anna Greene Walsh Scholar Award ($2,500 each) – Dalen Rhymer, Cenoya A. Hendricks, Abigail Valery, Woodlyne Lundi
  • Artrelle M. Wheatley Scholarship ($4,955) – Nicole Winston-Hernandez
  • Blackhall Family Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Jose Bougouneau, Ishmael Henry, Marcus Lett
  • CAHS Class of 1951 ($2,500) – Lyniece Christopher
  • Coral World Scholarship ($2,500) – Ayaela-Elaine Louis-Riley
  • David O’Connell Accounting Scholarship ($2,500) – Jennifer Estime
  • Dish Fund Scholarship ($2,500) – Monnica Martin
  • Estelle Parrott Scholar Award ($1,000) – Mi’Kaylah Thomas
  • Falek Family Scholarship ($2,500) – Gidal Williams
  • Heavy Materials Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Arissa Breedy, Alexia Sargeant, Ariel Heyliger, Nakyla King, Jahnaiy Rodriguez, Keshaun Robinson, Grendaliz Melendez, Gerson Vidal Cordero, Mya Vigilant, Jayla Cuffy, J’ovanny Jno-Pierre, Kendalene Brudey, Hope Samuel, Jada Joseph, O’Keisha Williams, Michele Pemberton, N’Kosi Benjamin, Makeda Nash, Karim Henry, Azariah Providence
  • Isaac and Rebecca Paiewonsky Scholarship ($8,000) – Mia Willis
  • Jaci and Jerry Silverberg Trumpet Award ($2,500 each) – J’Niya Challenger, Jaden Richardson
  • Judy and Scott Barber Family Scholarship ($2,500) – Nikolas Homer
  • Junior Angels Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Nylani Bernier, Kashish Chainani
  • Lana Vento Scholarship ($5,000 each) – Taysjah Heidmann, Hezekiah George, Makayla Todman
  • Milan and Aliki Glumidge Scholarship ($2,500) – Carrah Henderson
  • Next Generation Student Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Eurnett Christopher, Nya Ashley, Alexander Victor
  • Prior Family Foundation Performing Arts Scholarship ($2,500) – Darnell Birmingham
  • Real Impact Corporation Scholarship ($2,500 each) – Koen Christopher, Erick Encarnacion Sanchez
  • Secret Harbour Scholarship ($3,000 each) – Devante’ Rey Larsen, Amaysha Hurst, Jnaejah Scatliffe
  • Theodore E. Sharp Scholar Award ($5,000 each) – Caliyah Helliger, Carlos Morales Portalatin
  • Tunick Family Fund Scholarship ($2,500) – Shakari Brooks
  • Universal Business Supplies Scholarship ($2,500) – Zion Baptiste
Graduate Scholarships 
  • CAHS Physician Alumni Scholarship Fund ($5,000) – LeAnn Horsford
  • J. Raymond Jones Scholarship ($2,500) – Nicholas Durgadeen
  • Lawyers’ Scholarship ($5,000 each) – Amisha Mirchandani, Layalie Washshah
  • Librarian Legacy Scholarship ($5,000) – Twanna Hodge
  • NSL Graduate Studies Fund Scholarship ($2,500) – Jenisha Stapleton
Families, organizations, or businesses interested in providing scholarships next year can establish a scholarship fund at the Foundation. The scholarship application, review, and award process is managed by CFVI. Email general.info@cfvi.net for more information.

HUD Approves $45M in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation

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HUD Approves $45M in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved the final $45 million in Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funding as part of a grant agreement between the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and HUD, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced. This funding will repay a line of credit from the Virgin Islands government that was used as a good faith payment to secure the acquisition agreement between WAPA and Vitol facilitating the purchase of two critical propane terminals at the Randolph Harley and Estate Richmond power plants, according to the press release. This strategic move significantly advances the territory’s energy security and sustainability. The completion of this acquisition ensures a more stable and cost-efficient energy future for the Virgin Islands while also meeting environmental standards, the press release stated. “This approval from HUD is not just a win for our administration’s energy agenda but a monumental step toward securing a reliable and economically viable energy source for Virgin Islanders. Acquiring these propane terminals is crucial for our energy independence and resilience,” Bryan said. “We thank HUD for their continued support and confidence in our projects,” Bryan added. “This funding is pivotal, allowing us to finalize a key component of our plan to enhance the territory’s infrastructure and economic stability.”
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