Former V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe waived his right to appear at an arraignment in Puerto Rico and pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud charges. (Source file photo)
Former V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud and other charges Tuesday after waiving his appearance at an arraignment in a Puerto Rico federal court.
Dowe was arrested last month on St. Thomas and charged with multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft. On the same day, he notified the VIPA governing board of his intent to resign effective April 10. He surrendered his passport and was released from custody ahead of his trial, which is taking place in the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico.
Dowe is being represented by Joseph DiRuzzo III, a Florida-based attorney who has handled multiple federal cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands. DiRuzzo asked Judge Pedro Delgado-Hernandez to allow him to practice in Puerto Rico, which Delgado-Hernandez granted.
According to his grand jury indictment, the charges against Dowe stem from false information he allegedly included in loan application documents submitted to Banco Popular between March 2021 and November 2023. The false statements included inflated income and manufactured lease agreements. Dowe was also accused of forging a person’s name and signature on a loan document, leading to the charge of aggravated identity theft.
Dowe is the fifth high-ranking member of the Virgin Islands government to be indicted in the past two years. Former V.I. Housing Finance Authority executive Darin Richardson was convicted of criminal conflict of interest and other charges last year. Former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal were both found guilty of charges including wire fraud, bribery and money laundering in December. Former Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White was found guilty of wire fraud and bribery charges last summer.
A new report by Right to Democracy takes a close look at the history of taxation leading up to the 1776 American Revolution and misconceptions around taxation in U.S. territories today to ask what “consent of the governed” means in 2026 for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. (Shutterstock image)
The United States was founded on the rallying cry of “no taxation without representation. Yet, 250 years later 3.6 million people in U.S. territories pay over $5 billion in federal taxes each year, all without any say in what federal taxes — or other federal laws — they are required to follow, according to a new report from Right to Democracy.
Neil Weare (Photo courtesy Right to Democracy)
“Taxation Without Representation”: Colonial Narratives Then and Now takes a close look at the history of taxation leading up to the 1776 American Revolution and misconceptions around taxation in U.S. territories today to ask what “consent of the governed” means in 2026 for residents of Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, a press release announcing the report states.
“On Tax Day, it is important to think about the slogan ‘taxation without representation’ and what it means for people in U.S. territories today,” said Neil Weare, co-director of Right to Democracy, a nonprofit organization working to advance democracy, equity, and self-determination in U.S. territories. “It is eye-opening to see just how many similarities exist in the relationship between the 13 colonies and Great Britain and the relationship between U.S. territories and the federal government, whether it is taxes or broader questions of democratic accountability and self-determination.”
“Misconceptions about federal taxes in U.S. territories serve to normalize or even justify the undemocratic colonial rule of these communities,” added Adi Martínez-Román, co-director of Right to Democracy. “They erase the lived reality of people who are expected to follow federal law while lacking meaningful power over what those laws require. ‘Consent of the governed’ as a fundamental principle of democracy and self-determination is as important in 2026 as it was in 1776.”
The report challenges the claims that people in the territories do not pay federal taxes or are an exceptional burden on the federal treasury, showing that this narrative is both misleading and routinely used to rationalize unequal treatment, the release states. By linking today’s debate to the colonial arguments Americans already recognize from the 1760s and 1770s, the report invites a broader public to see territorial policy not as a niche issue, but as an unfinished democratic question that challenges the most basic principles the United States claims to be founded on.
“Too often, the conversation stops at a lazy myth that the territories ‘don’t pay taxes,’ or ‘are an inordinate drain on the U.S.’,” said Edoardo Ortiz, advocacy director at Right to Democracy. “This report gives journalists, policymakers, educators, and the public a clear answer to that falsehood — and a clearer lens for seeing the bigger question underneath it: why the United States still accepts a colonial double standard in U.S. territories that it expressly rejected at its founding.”
The report is the latest addition to Right to Democracy’s “250/125” campaign — which places the undemocratic colonial framework in U.S. territories under the historical lens of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the 125th anniversary of the Insular Cases, a series of racist opinions by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1901 pertaining to the status of U.S. territories acquired in the Spanish-American War.
The campaign will hold events across the territories and states, publish resources, and advance projects that take advantage of these unique anniversaries to denormalize undemocratic rule in the U.S. territories, according to the release.
Virgin Islanders were mourning the death of 17-year-old Elijah Battiste Tuesday, killed in a multi-car collision outside Tampa Bay.
Elijah Battiste was killed in a multi-car collision east of Tampa Bay Saturday night. (Photo courtesy USVI Soccer Federation)
Battiste, a student at Armwood High School in Mango, Florida, and member of the Virgin Islands’ U20 Dashing Eagles national soccer team, was driving west around 11 p.m. Saturday when a car going the other direction veered into oncoming traffic, the Florida Highway Patrol told local news Monday.
The head-on collision spun both cars around. A Ford F150 driving behind Battiste then slammed into his Volkswagen’s driver side door. Police were searching for the driver of the Ford, who fled on foot, according to local news reports.
Battiste and the 40-year-old driver of the other vehicle were treated at a local hospital, where Battiste later died.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation released a statement saying the organization was “grieving the devastating loss of one of our own.”
“His passing this past weekend has left our entire soccer family heartbroken,” the team wrote. “Elijah was more than a player, he was a teammate, a friend, and a bright spirit who brought passion and pride to the game. His presence on and off the field will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
The Soccer Federation asked the community support of Elijah’s family with to help ease the burden. A crowd-funding site had raised more than $20,000 by Tuesday morning.
Battiste, affectionately known as Papo, also played midfield for the Tampa Bay United soccer team.
Afro-Caribbean Steel & Brass Orchestra, directed by Dion Parson, brings its newly premiered 14-piece ensemble to Prior-Jollek Hall on April 18. (Submitted photo)
A newly formed Afro-Caribbean Steel & Brass Orchestra is set to make its Virgin Islands debut on April 18 at Prior-Jollek Hall, following its international premiere earlier this month at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
Presented by The Forum and directed by St. Thomas-born musician Dion Parson, the 14-piece ensemble – featuring Ron Blake, Sherwin Williams, Eljhaie Brathwaite, Ronald Lee, Le’ Roi Simmonds, and Uriel Rogers, among others – brings its 14-piece ensemble to Prior-Jollek Hall at Antilles School on April 18. The concert brings together steel pan, brass and woodwinds, and African-Caribbean percussion in a format that moves beyond a traditional concert setting.
The project is designed as a large-ensemble experience rooted in the musical traditions of the African diaspora, blending influences from across the Caribbean, West Africa, and New Orleans into a single performance. Organizers say the goal is to create something that reflects both the history and evolution of those sounds, while offering a more connected, contemporary way to experience them.
The April 18 performance follows a three-night debut run at Dizzy’s Club in New York, marking the orchestra’s first appearance on an international stage before returning home to the Virgin Islands.
Unlike a traditional symphony, the ensemble is built around a mix of composed pieces and improvisation, combining the structure of a jazz ensemble with the harmonic range of steel pan and the rhythmic foundation of African and Caribbean percussion.
The performance is part of The Forum’s 2025–2026 season, which continues to bring a mix of local and internationally connected programming to the territory.
The event begins at 6 p.m. with a courtyard opening, followed by the 7 p.m. concert at Prior-Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus. Tickets are $30 for adults, with reduced pricing for teachers and students, and free admission for children under 10 with a reserved seat.
Location of the groundwater treatment plant at the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Education Curriculum Center on St. Thomas (Photo courtesy EPA)
Federal and local officials will host a public meeting Thursday to update residents on ongoing cleanup efforts at the Tutu Wellfield Superfund Site, a long-standing groundwater contamination area in Anna’s Retreat and Estate Tutu.
The session will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources office at Tutu Park Mall. Representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Northeast and Caribbean Region will be available to provide updates and speak directly with residents.
The meeting comes as construction work continues on an upgraded groundwater treatment system designed to reduce contamination in the Turpentine Run aquifer.
The Tutu Wellfield site has been under federal oversight for decades after contamination was discovered in both public and private wells. The pollution, linked to past industrial activity including dry-cleaning operations, affected groundwater across roughly 108 acres in the Anna’s Retreat area.
Michael Grossman, project manager for the site, said the issue was first identified in 1987 when a resident reported unusual odors in a private well.
“Testing revealed industrial solvents commonly used in dry cleaning, as well as petroleum contamination in multiple public and private wells,” Grossman said.
To protect residents, officials closed 18 contaminated wells and began providing safe drinking water while long-term monitoring efforts were put in place.
“Investigations traced much of the contamination to past industrial activity at the Curriculum Center property, where dry-cleaning operations used a solvent called PCE,” he said. “That contamination seeped into the groundwater and continues to move slowly underground, which is why long-term cleanup is necessary.”
He added that the site was added to the federal Superfund program in 1995, and cleanup efforts have continued since. Grossman said the original groundwater treatment system, installed in 2004, has been effective in containing the spread of contamination but has not reduced pollution levels as quickly as expected.
“Monitoring over time showed that pollution levels were not declining as quickly as anticipated, indicating that a significant source of the groundwater contamination remained,” he said.
To address that, the EPA finalized an updated cleanup plan in 2021 focused on the Curriculum Center area, identified as the main source of contamination.
“This next phase is designed to more aggressively remove contamination, prevent it from spreading, and move the site toward achieving federal drinking water standards,” Grossman said.
The agency is now expanding and upgrading the existing treatment system, including the addition of new extraction and monitoring wells to increase capacity.
“Construction began in November 2025 and is expected to be completed by early 2027,” he said.
Despite the upgrades, Grossman said groundwater cleanup will take time.
“While the upgraded system is expected to accelerate progress, it will likely take decades to fully restore the aquifer,” he said. “Groundwater use in the affected area remains prohibited to prevent exposure to contamination.”
Grossman said construction work is actively underway, “EPA has notified residents and local officials and will continue sharing updates as work progresses. Construction is actively underway, including installation of new wells and upgrades to the existing treatment system. “
Grossman said the April 16 session is intended to give residents a chance to hear directly from officials and ask questions about the ongoing cleanup.
“EPA, in coordination with the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, is hosting a public session to give residents an opportunity to speak directly with project staff and get updates on the status of the cleanup,” he said.
A student art exhibition featuring works from young artists across the Virgin Islands will open Saturday evening at Prosperity Farm Distillery on St. Croix, 81C Arts announced in a press release.
Student Art Show 2026 opening on STT in January drew hundreds of visitors, including families, students, and the general arts community. The show now opens on STX Saturday night. (Photo courtesy 81C Arts)
The “Student Art Show 2026,” presented by 81C Arts, will debut on St. Croix from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The opening event is free and open to the public, with gallery hours continuing daily at no cost, according to the press release.
The exhibition previously ran from January through March at 81C’s St. Thomas location and now continues as a traveling showcase of student work developed through Virgin Islands art programs, the press release stated.
A student and his mother reflecting on artwork he created during Expression Through The Arts, 81C Arts’ summer arts program, which is in its third year of programming. (Photo courtesy 81C Arts)
The show includes pieces from students in 81C Arts’ Expression Through the Arts summer program, digital animations from the DigiLocal after-school program, and selected works from students across the community, the release stated.
Artwork spans multiple forms, including painting, poetry, and digital media. Many pieces are paired with poetry created through an ekphrastic process, where students responded to each other’s work. Other works feature blackout poetry created from pages of “The Great Gatsby,” allowing students to reinterpret text through visual expression, the release stated.
81C Arts’ Dyonna Potter at a students and families night celebrating student achievement. (Photo courtesy 81C Arts)
A portion of the exhibition focuses on self-portraiture, using color, symbolism, and language to explore identity and self-perception, the release stated.
In advance of the opening, 81C will host a live figure sketching session, “The Study by Art House,” on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the distillery. Tickets are $25 and include art supplies, the release stated.
“Our focus is creating meaningful, accessible experiences across exhibitions, education, and public programming,” said Zack Zook of 81C. “Our collaborations with Art House and Prosperity Farm Distillery reflect how we expand and sustain that access through thoughtful, community-driven partnerships.”
Schneider Regional Medical Center, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Division of Festivals, is proud to host its Annual Carnival at the Hospital on Monday, April 20, at 6 p.m. on the grounds of the Roy L. Schneider Hospital, aligned with this year’s theme, “Where Culture, Rhythm and Good Times Mix — St. Thomas Carnival 2026.”
Schneider Regional Medical Center. (Submitted photo)
The public is invited to enjoy this free, family-friendly event designed to uplift patients, seniors, families, staff, and the broader community—particularly those who may be unable to attend traditional festivities. The energy and vibrancy of Carnival will come directly to the hospital campus, bringing the energy and spirit of Carnival directly to the community—giving everyone the opportunity to be part of the celebration.
Guests can enjoy live music and cultural performances, carnival-style games and activities for all ages, a variety of local food and refreshments, and community vendors, artisans, and cultural showcase booths.
Vendor Opportunities Available: SRMC invites local businesses, artisans, and food vendors to participate and showcase their products and services. Vendor booths are $150 per space, with early set-up available. For vendor registration and details, please contact Camellia Williams at (340) 776-8311 ext. 2367 or 2213, or via email at cwilliams@srmedicalcenter.org.
Media & Press Opportunity: Members of the media are invited to attend and capture this unique community-centered event, with opportunities for on-site coverage and interviews with SRMC leadership, Division of Festivals representatives, Carnival royalty, and community partners.
SRMC looks forward to welcoming the community for an evening of culture, connection, and celebration.
Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and STT Healthcare Bundle Industry DaysEvent SummariesHospital Days participants gathered to share best practices. (Submitted photo)Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital Industry Day
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 9AM – 2PM
Location: UVI Simulation Center
Attendance: 70+ attendees (excluding dignitaries) Participation: 55 companies represented Opening Remarks:
•Keith Couch, EVP, Suffolk
•Darryl Smalls, Executive Director, Hospital Redevelopment Team
•Darlene Baptiste, CEO, Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital
•Atim Senthill on behalf of the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR)
•Honorable Tregenza Roach, Esq., Lieutenant Governor’s Office
Program Highlights:
•Comprehensive project overview and preconstruction approach
•Guidance on partnering and working with Suffolk
•Small Business participation opportunities
•Prequalification process and support resources
STT Healthcare Industry Day
Date and Time: Friday, April 10, 2026, 9AM – 2PM Location: Administration & Conference Center, UVI Attendance: 55 attendees (excluding dignitaries) Participation: 38 companies represented
Opening Remarks:
•Keith Couch, EVP, Suffolk
•Honorable Averil George, Commissioner of Human Services
•Assistant Commissioner Taetia Dorsett on behalf of the Department of Human Services
•Commissioner Justa Encarnacion, Department of Health
Program Highlights:
•Comprehensive project overview and preconstruction approach
•Guidance on partnering and working with Suffolk
•Small Business participation opportunities
•Prequalification process and support resources
Events Summary
Across both events, we observed a high level of engagement and enthusiasm from the local contracting and business community, demonstrating a strong commitment to contributing to the Territory’s recovery and long-term development. This participation highlights the readiness and capability of local stakeholders to play an active role in delivering complex, large-scale healthcare infrastructure projects.
These Industry Days served as a vital platform for open dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and relationship-building between project leaders, contractors, and community businesses. By increasing visibility into upcoming procurement opportunities and project expectations, the events helped ensure that local firms are better prepared to compete for and successfully execute work associated with these initiatives.
Moreover, the events strengthened trust and collaboration between Suffolk, its partners, and the local business ecosystem—an essential component for delivering projects efficiently, inclusively, and sustainably. By fostering these connections early, we are laying the groundwork for a more resilient and locally empowered construction environment.
We look forward to building on this momentum as we continue working collaboratively to deliver transformative healthcare facilities that will enhance access to quality care, support economic growth, and improve the overall well-being of the community.
Tracy Lee Desmond was born on December 1, 1964, and passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026.
Tracy Lee Desmond
She will be lovingly remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. Tracy’s kindness and unwavering love for her family and friends left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her devoted husband, William Desmond; her beloved daughters, Téa Desmond and Kerri Gentzs (Desmond); her cherished grandchild, Kayden Gentzs; and her special friends, too numerous to mention. Tracy’s presence in their lives was a source of strength, comfort, and endless love.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Tracy will be held on Saturday, April 18, at Ziggy’s, 5088 Estate Solitude, Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00820, beginning at 3 p.m. Family, friends and everyone who shared a part of Tracy are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
Tracy Lee Desmond will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and all who loved her.
The French Academy of Performing Arts proudly announces that three of its young dancers have been accepted into multiple summer intensive programs with the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School—a historic achievement for the U.S. Virgin Islands and a testament to the territory’s rising excellence in the performing arts.
Three young USVI dancers are headed to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School for a summer program. (Submitted photo)
With over 60 years of global impact, the Joffrey Ballet School is recognized as one of the most prestigious dance institutions in the world, known for its rigorous pre-professional training and its pioneering role in shaping American dance through both classical and innovative contemporary techniques. Its mission—advancing dance through artisticexcellence, innovation, and arts education—aligns closely with the vision of FAPA USVI.
Rising Stars from the Virgin Islands – FAPA Power of Purple Movement
The following FAPA students, beginning as young as age 8, have earned acceptance into multiple Joffrey Ballet School programs:
• Dior James (Age 8)
• Nubia Richards (Age 9)
• Azalea Pearsall (Age 10)
Each student successfully completed a competitive audition process and has been invited to attend a variety of prestigious national and international summer intensives, including:
• NYC Ballet Intensive
• JoffreyRED Program
• Joffrey San Francisco
• Joffrey Colorado
• Joffrey South Ballet
• Joffrey Miami Ballet
• Joffrey Las Vegas Ballet
• Joffrey Dallas
• Joffrey West
• Joffrey Midwest
• Joffrey Akron
• Joffrey Italy
• NYC Musical Theater Intensive
Ballet at the Core of Excellence
At the heart of FAPA’s training is classical ballet, the foundational discipline that shapes strength, technique, posture, and artistry. All three students are full-time FAPA dancers, committed to a comprehensive training schedule that reflects the standards of preprofessional programs. Attending Monday – Saturday.
Each student participates in regular ballet classes while also training across multiple genres, including:
• Ballet
• Modern / Contemporary
• Jazz & Theatre
• Gymnastics / Acrobatics
• Fusion & Performance-Based Training
This well-rounded approach ensures that dancers develop not only technical excellence but also versatility, musicality, and stage presence—qualities essential for success in elite institutions like the Joffrey Ballet School.
FAPA Dance Team – Training Beyond the Studio
In addition to their full-time training, these students are proud members of the FAPA Dance Team, an elite group of dancers who travel annually to regional and national competitions, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands on major stages.
Through competition experiences, these dancers gain:
• Advanced performance confidence
• Real-world stage exposure
• Competitive discipline and resilience
• National recognition and scholarship opportunities
This level of commitment further prepares them for the demands of prestigious programs and reinforces their ability to perform at a high level among top dancers from around the world.
Preparing for Excellence Beyond Acceptance
FAPA’s success is not by chance—it is built through intentional audition training and professional preparation. These students underwent a focused audition training process designed not only to secure acceptance, but to prepare them for what it truly takes to thrive in prestigious programs. A 3-week journey that emphasized training in:
• Professional class etiquette and discipline
• Technical precision and retention
• Confidence and performance quality
• The time management, conduct, mindset, and expectations of a pre-professional dancer FAPA ensures that its students are not only accepted into top-tier programs but are fully prepared to succeed within them, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and artistry expected at institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet School.
Elevating Arts Education in the U.S. Virgin Islands
FAPA USVI continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity and excellence in the Virgin Islands, providing youth with access to world-class training and pathways to professional careers in the arts. Under the leadership of Director Lea Scott and alongside esteemed mentor Laurence Floquet, the academy has consistently cultivated discipline, artistry, and ambition among its students.
Through years of dedication, FAPA & its Director Lea Scott has grown into an award-winning choreographer and studio. Acknowledged for professional dance classes, AfterSchool Programs, Summer & Winter Intensives, Annual Recitals and much more
Gaining national recognized scholarship programs, opening doors for young dancers to compete, train, and succeed on national and international stages.
Investing in the Future of Our Youth
This milestone highlights the importance of investing in arts education and creating opportunities for young people in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dance is not only an expressive art form but also a powerful discipline that builds confidence, leadership, and academic strength—enhancing student portfolios and future success.
“These opportunities show our children that greatness is possible from right here at home,” said Director Lea Scott. “We are proud to represent the Virgin Islands and to continue building pathways for our youth to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more.
Trust the process, Believe in yourself and Stay Committed!”
About FAPA USVI
The French Academy of Performing Arts (FAPA USVI) is a premier performing arts institutionbased in St. Thomas, dedicated to providing high-quality dance education, professionaltraining, and performance opportunities for youth across the Virgin Islands. Through itsprograms and its nonprofit partner, The French Ballet Theatre, Inc., FAPA continues toinspire excellence, cultural pride, and artistic achievement.
