Miriam Shorey-Byrde Dies
Fronchette Alexander Liburd Dies at 75
Weekly Weather Forecast with Jesse Daley
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 9, through Saturday, June 15. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
Territory Administrators Assure Residents of Commitment to Community, Encourage Communication in Times of Need
Power outages have long been a significant inconvenience for residents and visitors across the USVI. However, recent outages, which have been described as having reached a point of crisis across the islands, can be dangerous for individuals who do not have access to safe or healthy living conditions, or who cannot afford a generator. For instance, during extreme heat, elderly residents or those with special needs may require air conditioning to help avoid heat-related illnesses.
The Source spoke with territory administrators for St. Croix and St. John, the territory administrator for St. Thomas, and Government House Communications Director Richard Motta regarding options for residents who may require aid during times of crisis. All individuals stressed the importance of caring for the community and encouraged residents to reach out if they need help, regardless of whether or not the issue is related to a power failure. While individuals should call 911 during a severe or life-threatening emergency, administrators (who hold mayoral-type roles on each major island across the territory) want constituents to know they can assist.
St. Croix Assistance for Residents
Sammuel Sanes, St. Croix administrator, advised that residents be prepared for emergencies and keep important phone numbers nearby (including his number).
“Even when the power is not out, [residents who may] need some type of assistance or [need] information can call me on my number, and I will try to assist as much as possible,” Sanes said. Sanes offered his mobile number for individuals on St. Croix.
“I give everybody my cell number as the administrator of St. Croix,” Sanes said. “I will try to assist with any issue or at least point you in the right direction,” he continued. Sanes can be reached at 340-690-8861.
“[Obtaining important documents that are lost is] one of the hardest things to do after a natural disaster or manmade disaster,” Sanes stated. “I encourage everybody [to store documents either at my office or on your own]. I will even provide you with a waterproof envelope where you can put your documents to make them even safer,” he added.
Sanes also advised residents to contact the Human Services Department during times of need and to dial 911 during a life-threatening situation.
St. Thomas/Water Island and St. John Assistance for Residents
Shikima Jones-Sprauve, St. John administrator, echoed this sentiment. Jones-Sprauve told the Source that she is eager to offer help to the island community. She noted that elderly persons are regularly contacted through services provided by the V.I. Human Services Department. She also offered her personal phone number for anyone who may require aid on St. John but is not facing a dangerous or life-threatening emergency. Jones-Sprauve also expressed gratitude to Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr., for consistently checking in with her regarding the well-being of people living on St. John.
“We are a tight-knit community, and we come together in times of disaster,” Jones-Sprauve declared. Jones-Sprauve can be contacted at 340-474-5762 or 340-776-6484.
Finally, the Source contacted Kevin Rodriquez, temporary St. Thomas/Water Island District administrator, and spoke with Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr., who was present at the interview. Motta explained that St. Thomas/Water Island residents can also contact Jones-Sprauve directly for any help.
“[Shikima Jones-Sprauve] will either connect [St. Thomas/Water Island residents] with the resources that they need or provide direct assistance [for both St. John and for St. Thomas/Water Island],” Motta said.
During serious emergencies, USVI residents should dial 911. However, residents are encouraged to contact territory administrators, the V.I. Human Services Department, and the V.I. Health Department regarding non-critical circumstances requiring help.
Rock City Shakes Magens Bay at Annual King of the Wing Competition
The duo, comprising brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas, known globally for their songwriting prowess and chart-topping hits, brought a piece of that international fame back home. As the final performers of the day, they delivered a show that captivated the audience, setting the perfect endnote to the annual competition that benefitted the Nana Baby Children’s Home.
The King of the Wing competition, a beloved local event, celebrates the best in chicken wings with competitors from all over the island vying for the prestigious title. This year, the competition was more intense than ever, with chefs presenting a mouth-watering array of wings, from tangy and spicy to sweet and savory, showcasing the rich culinary diversity of the Virgin Islands.
But as the sun began to set, it was clear that Rock City was the highlight everyone had been waiting for. The crowd, already buzzing with excitement from the day’s events, erupted as the brothers took the stage. Their performance was a blend of their classic hits and newer tracks, each song radiating their signature energy and charisma. Fans sang along to every word, dancing and cheering as the duo performed with a passion that could be felt in every corner of the beach.
The brothers themselves expressed their joy at performing for their home crowd. “There’s nothing like coming back home and performing for the people who have supported us from the beginning,” Theron Thomas said. “The energy here is unmatched, and we’re thrilled to be part of such an amazing event.”
Photo Focus: St. John Celebration 2024 Kicks-Off with Five Steel Pan Bands
The sounds of Carnival rang through Cruz Bay Saturday at Pan-O-Rama. Pan-O-Rama hosted bands representing all three islands in the territory.
Each gave a 30-minute performance at the launch of 70 Years of Culture and Class Galore, St. John Celebration 2024.
The Ulla F. Muller Panatics opened. This young troupe was led by their director, Francis Wenner and instructor, Sean Steele. They have been playing since 1999.
Next up was the local band, Love City Pan Dragons. The band started in the 1990s and was called the Ghost Riders. It started as a teen drug and pregnancy prevention initiative. In July their instructor Ikema Dyer will be taking the band to perform in Antigua. Anyone interested in supporting their trip can find ways to support them on Facebook, Venmo, and Paypal.
The Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra was created by Vern A. Hodge, a former Superior Court judge. They are in their 43rd year on St. Thomas. The Rising Stars will be co-partnering with V.I. tourism and offering a summer camp starting Monday. Anyone interested can contact Laura Rouse at the U.S.V.I. Superior Court. The chief instructor is James Gittens.
The Rising Stars from St. Croix also has a summer camp starting Monday. The instructor is Uniqua Malone.
Yard Vibes by Panyard People Inc. began in 2020. They are associated with the Pan In Motion band and dedicated to keeping the culture of steel pan alive.
General Funds Down, Federal Funds Up
In presenting the proposed 2025 fiscal year budget to the Senate on Thursday, the government’s financial team, led by Jenifer O’Neal, director of the Office of Management and Budget, talked about billions of dollars. Still, the government will only be spending millions.
According to O’Neal, the Territory will have $8.7 billion in federal grants available to it, an increase of 127 percent over last year.
Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien testified that the increase from $3.8 million to $8.7 million was due to recently approved FEMA projects.
Though more money will be available for the territory from the federal coffers, most will be spent from the general fund next year.
The general fund expenditure is expected to be $897 million. O’Neal said, “It is worth noting that while the $8.2 billion is available/obligated to the Territory, the fiscal 2025 budget only accounts for $443 million from other federal agencies, including the Department of Interior.”
The fiscal 2025 general fund proposed appropriation is $77 million less than last year. Sen. Angel Bolques asked whether any programs were being cut. Sen. Dwayne DeGraff wondered if the lesser budget would limit what could be offered in wage negotiations for government employees.
Members of the financial team assured the senators that their concerns were unnecessary.
O’Neal said the decrease was primarily attributable to the elimination of several one-time obligations and a reduction in the wage adjustment line item to only cover pending negotiated contracts scheduled to take effect on October 1.
O’Neal began her testimony by mentioning the unemployment rate. She said, “The U.S. Virgin Islands continued to demonstrate economic resilience by maintaining record lows in unemployment rates and a continuingly improving tourism sector. As of April 2024, the unemployment rate stands at 3.2 percent, down from 3.6 percent in FY 2023 during the same time.”
Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory said, “We should not be bragging about the unemployment rate when we actually have fewer people working.” She said the Territory has lost over 10,000 workers and she wanted to know what the administration was doing “to bring people home again.”
Frett-Gregory asked Public Finance Authority Executive Director Nathan Simmonds what was being done to stop the Territory losing out on $60 million annually from rum cover all tax that it counted on. Simmonds said Congress had been lobbied and there was no one against the higher return but Congress was too divided to get it done.
During the hearing, the Committee also passed, with a favorable recommendation, a bill to appropriate $1.4 million to begin work on dredging Charlotte Amalie harbor.
Frett-Gregory, Novelle Francis, Jr., Marvin Blyden, Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carriόn, Diane Capehart, DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth Gittens, Javan James, Carla Joseph, and Milton Potter were present.
State of the Territory | A Salute to the Class of 2024: Heralds of Hope and Resilience
In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
To the luminous Class of 2024, we extend our heartfelt congratulations. In your hands, you hold the dreams and aspirations of the Virgin Islands. Amidst the trials of brain drain and capacity challenges, you emerge as the brilliant minds destined to fill these voids with your boundless talent and unwavering determination.
You are the future’s architects, the new wave of teachers, accountants, engineers, military leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians, legal luminaries, filmmakers, music moguls, philosophers, dentists, oncologists, chefs, managers, architects, builders, veterinarians, and humanitarians. Among you lies the cure for cancer, the peacemakers, and the visionaries who will carve out a resilient and radiant future for our Virgin Islands.
Ours is a legacy steeped in sacrifice and triumph. Queen Breffu, Kanta, General Buddhoe, and the Four Queens of Frederiksted ignited the flames of freedom. The French stormed the Bastille for revolution; Palestinians rise each day seeking homeland; Jews have battled for existence through the ages. D. Hamilton Jackson’s voice thundered for justice, and Rothschild Francis’s pen etched the path for decolonization. These sacrifices were the foundation upon which you stand to rise and make a difference.
Maya Angelou’s words resonate, “you are the dream and the hope of the slave.” Through the fury of two Category Five storms, the uncertainty of compromised schools, and the isolation of virtual learning in a pandemic, you have risen. Your grit, your resolve, and your intellect shine brightly in a world that needs your light.
Class of 2024, you are the torchbearers of a new dawn. Lift your heads high, and let your spirits soar. The journey ahead is vast and the world awaits your brilliance. The Virgin Islands calls for your innovation, your leadership, and your fiery passion to forge a future united in pride and hope.
Go forth, mighty Class of 2024, and imprint your legacy upon the world!
Division of Fish and Wildlife Calls a Halt to This Year’s Snake Bounty Program
Rupert Emmanuel James
