Xania Fleming’s Journey to Collegiate Volleyball Stardom

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Xania Fleming’s Journey to Collegiate Volleyball Stardom
Xania Fleming signs to Allegheny Gators. (Source photo by Joshua Crawford Barry)
Signing with Allegheny College for volleyball was a dream come true for Xania Fleming, a recent graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School. “When they first reached out to me, I was in shock,” she recalls. “I didn’t want to get my hopes up, but when the offer came, it was a life-changing experience.” This offer not only validated her hard work and dedication but also opened doors to new opportunities and experiences.  The road to success wasn’t without its challenges. Fleming embarked on her volleyball journey three years ago, bringing with her an enthusiasm and energy that quickly became her trademark. Known for her fiery passion and emotional play, Fleming initially struggled with frequent net fouls. However, she never lost her determination. Her coaches recognized her potential early on, and over time, Fleming honed her skills, learning to channel her emotions positively and refining her technique on the court. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted training and competitions, adding an extra layer of difficulty in balancing academics and athletics. Fleming juggled schoolwork with intense volleyball practices, demonstrating resilience and dedication. Her hard work paid off when she participated in a tournament in Puerto Rico, where she impressed college scouts with her performance. This led to an opportunity to visit Allegheny College in Meadville, Pennsylvania, where she received a scholarship offer to join their volleyball team. As Fleming prepares to graduate from Charlotte Amalie High School, she looks forward to the next chapter of her life with excitement and optimism. At Allegheny College, she plans to major in environmental science with a minor in industrial design, aiming to bring her knowledge and skills back to the Virgin Islands. Her long-term goal is to establish an environmental engineering organization to address climate change and promote clean energy in her home territory. Fleming is also eager to form lifelong bonds with her future teammates and contribute to her new team, the Allegheny Gators. She hopes to join various clubs and immerse herself in the inclusive and welcoming community at Allegheny. Her family and coaches are incredibly proud of her achievements, recognizing the hard work and dedication that have brought her this far. “I definitely look forward to getting closer with my future teammates,” she shared. “I also want to join some of the clubs the school has because they are very inclusive and open.”
Xania Fleming proudly shows off college choice with mentor and coach Mark Daniel. (Source photo by Joshua Crawford Barry)
Coach Daniel, who has been a significant influence in Fleming’s volleyball career, speaks highly of her growth and potential. In the initial stages, Fleming’s enthusiasm sometimes led to errors, but she quickly began to refine her technique. “She used to net foul a lot,” recalls Daniel, “but she has cut down on that considerably. She definitely has a passion and plays with a lot of energy and emotion.” Learning to channel these emotions in a positive way became a critical part of her development. One of the pivotal moments in Fleming’s journey was a tournament in Puerto Rico. It was there that Daniel noticed a combine event, an opportunity for high school students to showcase their skills before college scouts. Despite initial concerns about participating, the event proved to be a game-changer for Fleming. “While she was there, she impressed the coach for Allegheny College,” said Daniel. “They liked her so much that they offered her an opportunity to visit the campus.” For Daniel, Fleming’s progress is a source of immense pride. Having mentored many athletes, he sees her achievements as the fruits of their collective labor. “When I first started out in 2021, the pandemic had disrupted many plans. We sent teams to tournaments in 2021, and in 2022,  Fleming came with us for the first time. She’s the first one to take the skills she honed with us to the college level. It’s definitely a proud moment for us as a club.” Looking ahead, Daniel is eager to see how Fleming will grow as a player and a person at Allegheny College. He draws parallels with past athletes he has coached, like Danielle Selfridge, who also made significant strides in her college career. “I’m hoping for that kind of growth in Fleming,” he says. “I want to see how the experience shapes her and how she brings those skills back to our community.”

Number of Cruise Ship Visitors Climbing to One Million, WICO Predicts

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Number of Cruise Ship Visitors Climbing to One Million, WICO Predicts
Stephan Adams gave the PFA board an update on the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network on Thursday. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
The Public Finance Authority Board of Directors heard reports from Stephan Adams, CEO of Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, and Anthony Ottley, president of West Indian Company, in a public session lasting less than 45 minutes Thursday. The board then went into a two-hour executive session, during which the financial situation of WICO and the ongoing problems with the Water and Power Authority were discussed. Ottley said numbers indicated that WICO, as far as cruise ships were concerned, was having a “definite bounce back” to pre-COVID levels. He said from the beginning of October to the end of April, 217 ships had visited the dock in Havensight — 12 more than the number in the previous October through April. He added that the number of passengers in the same time frame this fiscal year was 729,000, an increase of 125,000 over the previous October through April time frame. He said the percentage increase in ship visits was almost 6 percent, and the increase in passenger visits was over 20 percent. He predicted that the number of visitors this fiscal year would reach 972,000 and the number next fiscal year would reach one million. Adams told the board that viNGN had learned from hurricanes Irma and Maria and it would “not be in the dark” again like it was after those storms. He said the system has been strengthened. The Next Generation Network is a subsidiary of the Public Finance Authority. Its goal is to provide wholesale broadband middle-mile service to providers and to promote local economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. In 1993, the West Indian Company was sold to the government of the Virgin Islands for $54 million. The mall was sold to the Government Employees’ Retirement System for $32 million. The Public Finance Authority acquired the dock area. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. chaired the meeting, which was attended by board members Keith O’Neale, Dorothy Isaacs, and Kevin McCurdy. Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the cruise ship numbers cited were for the territory. They refer only to ships and passengers visiting the WICO dock and not the territory as a whole, which also has the Crown Bay dock on St. Thomas and the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility on St. Croix.   

Numerous Programs at VICM Aimed Toward Community Enrichment, Accessibility, and Child Development

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Numerous Programs at VICM Aimed Toward Community Enrichment, Accessibility, and Child Development
The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (VICM), whose doors opened in 2016, hosts a myriad of programs dedicated to literacy, accessibility, and child development. Their latest program is “Yoga For Kids,” a collaboration with Breathe St. Thomas, which takes place Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. at VICM in Buccaneer Mall. The VI Children’s Museum, located on the island of St. Thomas, is an interactive educational playspace where child-led learning, undirected play, family engagement, and creative expression are prioritized and encouraged. The museum hosts a wide array of STREAM-centered activities (Science, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Technology) that can be curated to support most age groups and learning styles.
Bouy Bay, one of the newest exhibits at the museum, encourages children to use water play as a means of exploring inquiries around density and porosity. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Children’s Museum)
Amber McCammon, executive director of Facilities and Programs, works with her colleagues to guarantee that the exhibits in the museum showcase an array of concepts and themes that ensure that every child can find an activity that supports their unique interests. “We strive to create a space that is inclusive and inviting. We have exhibits that explore space, geology, shapes and color, V.I. plants and animals, art, culture and early-childhood literacy just to name few. The exhibits are enjoyable for various age groups and developmental stages,” McCammon said. “We sometimes have parents ask, ‘When are you getting new exhibits?’ Not realizing that as their children grow, they get to see each exhibit with new eyes and can continue to Explore, Play and Discover at the VICM!”‘
Children explore the dichotomy of light and shadows as well as the underwater animals that generate their own illumination. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Children’s Museum)
“Each week we host Toddler Tuesdays during which we do art, science or music activities that maximizes a toddler’s learning potential while building their hand-eye coordination. Additionally, we have a space within the museum that is dedicated to children age two and under. This space is equipped with cushions, toys and books that help connect new moms and their little ones while kickstarting their love of learning,” explained Chantel Hoheb, executive director of Operations and Development. One of the foundational pillars of the museum is ensuring that the space is accessible to all children within the community. As such, VICM participates in the “Museums for All” (MFA) Program, an initiative of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The MFA program enables low-income families to visit VICM for a reduced admission fee of $2 per person with the presentation of a valid SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) or W.I.C. card. “We are grateful for community partners like VINGN who have supported this program, which ensures more of our funding can go towards our operations,” stated Hoheb. A territory-wide initiative provided through VICM is the “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” program, which provides a free, age-appropriate book monthly to children under the age of five who register for the program. Currently, over 880 children are registered in the territory. “The VI Children’s Museum takes literacy seriously and we’re always on the lookout for community partners to help support these initiatives. We want to do our part by making sure children have access to resources like books and a safe place in which to enjoy them, like our super comfortable Book Nook, which is frequently used for Story Time. In addition to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and our Book Nook, we also have a Books for Peace Library located outside on our porch. The Books for Peace Library was created by Kashish Chainani from Antilles School, who applied for grant funding to build the library and source the books. The rolling library, built by My Brother’s Workshop, allows children and parents to take books they’re interested and leave books they enjoyed for others to read at no cost to the reader,” Hoheb said. The main challenge in keeping the museum open and operational is funding. “The children’s museum is financially sustained through grants, corporate contributions, individual donations, museum memberships, admissions, event space rental, fundraisers and sales from the gift shop. We love the work we do, however, coming up with the funding to upkeep the facilities, pay staff and maintain our programs, while still having to fundraise with such a small team is even more challenging. We invite members of the community and businesses to consider donating money, time, or services so we can ensure the growth and longevity of the museum and the continued success of one of the few child-centered spaces on the island,” she said. To learn more about the programs offered by The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, hours of operation or to donate, visit https://www.vichildrensmuseum.org or follow them on Facebook and Instagram @vichildrensmuseum.    

St. Thomas Man Makes Unwanted Sexual Advances at Woman on Safari

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St. Thomas Man Makes Unwanted Sexual Advances at Woman on Safari
A St. Thomas man was arrested Tuesday after four females reported to police that unwanted advances were made against them, the V.I. Police Department reported. Four female victims made contact with police after riding a safari at about 9:00 a.m. on Monday, according to the police report. The first female complainant stated that while getting onto the safari, contact was made with a tall Black male wearing a black shirt and jeans who sat up partially and thrust himself on her while she passed to get to her seat. The female stated that the male’s behavior became worse after she sat down; he began rubbing her thigh repeatedly and tried to place his arm around her shoulder. While on the safari, several people observed the suspect engaged in lewd behavior, the police report stated. Investigation revealed that the suspect in this matter is 51-year-old Coulav Swan. On Tuesday at approximately 1:24 p.m., Swan was transported to the Criminal Investigations Bureau. Upon his arrival Swan was read his constitutional rights and consented to an interview where he admitted to several allegations from that day in question. Swan was placed under arrest and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections under a bail of $35,000. He was charged with unlawful sexual contact and obscene and indecent exposure, the report stated. This case is presently under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau or Det. S. Donastorg at 340-774-2211 ext. 5575 or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-TIPS.  

Ethelyn D. Smith Dies at 82

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Ethelyn D. Smith Dies at 82
Ethelyn D. Smith
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Ethelyn D. Smith on April 30 at the age of 82, peacefully, at her residence. She was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine Labeet; brother, Levette Ruan Sr.; aunt, Larrise Vanterpool; and niece: Sandra Ruan. She is survived by her sister Elaine Ruan; aunt, Udline Ruan; son, Rueben Crawford; daughters: Cherel Callwood, Pupertua Crawford and Catherine Crawford; adopted daughter, Candy Forbes; special sister-in-law, Carmen Ruan; special daughter-in-law, Eunice Crawford; son-in-law, Dennis Callwood; grandsons-in-law: Nelford Maduro Sr. and Jeff Beaubrin Sr.; granddaughter-in-law, Jonte Crawford; and grandchildren: Deborah Callwood Maduro, Curtis Callwood, Denise Callwood, Derise Callwood Beaubrin, Curtnie Callwood, Ronney Crawford, Krystal Crawford Taylor, Kyle Crawford Christilee Richards and Brittany Christopher. She is also survived by adopted grandchild, Nikki Forbes; great-grandchildren: Ashantae Maduro, Ashlee Maduro, Nelford Ashawn Maduro, Ashandra Maduro, Celina Winter, Ciara Brandy, Cianna Industrious, Alesha Thomas, Denesha Thomas, Anesha Callwood, Deron Callwood, Caelen Charles, Caleb Heath, Deshawn Callwood, Jaden Beaubrin, Jadah Beaubrin, Jeff Beaubrin, Niya Taylor and Amira Taylor; great-great-grandchildren: D’mara Etienne, Kyle Crawford Jr.; and nieces: Averille Harley, Monica Matthews, Sonia Fleming, Cynthia Abraham, Joyce Abraham-Clemons and Barbara Ruan-Hubband. Other survivors include nephews: Claude Ruan and John Fleming, Levette Ruan II; great nieces and great nephews too numerous to mention; cousins and their families: the Ruan, Richardson, Laplace, Hodges, Rogers, Flemings, Gumbs, Webster, Vanterpool, Lakes, Harrigan, Duncans and Lloyds; and special friends: Pastor Gladstone Hazel and wife, Sonia Hazel, Laverne Freeman and church family of Christian Fellowship Church and Globe Life Church. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Friday, May 31, at Living Word Ministry in Smith Bay. The viewing begins at 9 a.m. followed by a service at 10 a.m. with burial at Eastern Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Service.  

Morales C. Webster Dies at 73

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Morales C. Webster Dies at 73
Morales C. Webster
Morales C. Webster, 73, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, died on Tuesday, May 7. The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Monday, June 3, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. The second viewing will be held the morning of the service from 9-10 a.m. followed by the Celebration of Life at 10 a.m., Tuesday, June 4, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home.  Interment will be in Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay. He is survived by his spouse, Frances M. Webster; children: Kathleen Webster-O’Malley, Cindy Webster, Krystal Webster-Alomal and Jason Webster; grandchildren: J’lani, J’lyssa, Josiah Webster, K’moi, Shamoi and Mekhi Hart, Reagan O’Malley, Nikiya, Nykeri, Nakeisha and Mateo Alomal; sisters: Starry Webster and Carol Harrigan; brother, Terrance Webster (Karen); brothers-in-law and spouses: Hamlet Harrigan, Clevette Rogers, Tom, Barrin, Earl (Laurette), Melvin (Dylcia) and Irvin Webster; sisters-in-law: Olive Rogers, Ursula, Anita Webster and Roselyn Webster-Payne (Owen Payne); sons-in-law: Thomas O’Malley and  Nicholas Alomal; and nieces and nephews: Marlia, Marvette, Marlon, Marin and Marvin Harrigan, Aunika, Tiffany, Terika, Micah and Malachi Webster, Keesha Carty, Kalleesha Mendie, Sarah Fraichit and Julie Dias. He is also survived by great nieces and nephews: J’vanni, Rayden, Mali, Sia, and Rayne Harrigan and Kawter Duncan; relatives and friends: Dr. Brian Bacot, Elba Guerra and family, the COG family, Dr. Gilbert Comissiong and family, Dr. Christine Lloyd, Dr. Jessica Wilson, Dr. Wishbourne Hunt and family, Judge Rhys Hodge and family, Tyrone Hodge, Gerda Hughes-Morales and family, Jean and John O’Malley and family, Hugo Jack Carty, Bellows International family, Bernadine Richardson and family, UFO crew and families, Karma Boat crew, Cynthia Stapleton, Mathilda Levet, SRMC MCH family, Jacob Gumbs, Marcus Augustus, Kishore and Rita Kanusing and family, Maria Connor and family, Cleone Boston and family, Lavelle Campbell and family, Tommy Webster. Other survivors include relatives and frends: Ivana Webster,  Ira Hughes, Keith Hughes, Wendell Connor and family, Egbert “Pecker” Dagou, Rhonda, Vernette, and Elfeida Hughes, Pam Webster, Jean Wilson and family, Millicent Harrigan and family, Lee Vanterpool, Geraldine Walters-Buncome, Latoya Lockett, Alicia Benjamin, Jennifer Jn-Baptiste. Cereese Lewis-Smith, Beranice Wade, Asfour family, Zelma and MacClean Webster and family, Charles Richardson and family, Ralph Hodge and family, Maude Richardson and family, Sandy Coke and family, Stephen Webster, Tyrone Webster-Reid Darnely Hodge and family, Bishop Ambrose Gumbs and family and SRMC Obstetric Medical Staff; other family: the Hughes, Webster, Fleming, Hunt, Connor, Harrigan, Augustus, Hodge and Boston families, and many more. Professional services have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

Melva (Wheatley) George Dies

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Melva (Wheatley) George Dies
Melva (Wheatley) George
Mrs. Melva (Wheatley) George passed away on Monday, May 13, at her home, surrounded by her family. Melva was born on Feb. 3, 1938, in North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI, to proud parents: Lawrence and Venetia (Creque) Wheatley. She married the love of her life, Delford George, on Nov. 15, 1964. Melva was a homemaker who loved the Lord and accepted Christ at an early age. She loved attending church and singing hymns on the radio with her husband. She also loved working with her hands and shared her gift with everyone. Melva was an astute seamstress who always had a needle or a crochet hook nearby, as she loved making clothing, school uniforms and crocheted items for the people in her community. In addition, Melva loved cooking and baking for her friends and family, but her real passion was using her connections to keep up with the personal stories that spread throughout th islands. Melva leaves to cherish her most precious memory her loving and devoted husband of 60 years, Delford George of Major Bay, Tortola, residing on St. Thomas; four daughters: Veronica “Ronnie” George of Baltimore, Md., Valencia “Val” George of Orlando, Fla., Norine (Ivan) Fahie of Peoria, Ill., and Latticia “Tisha” George of Orlando, Fla.; four sons: Benson George and Lester “Edgy” George of St. Thomas, Renwick “Makimba” George of Orlando, Fla. and Joseph “Matrix” George of Jacksonville Fla.; sister, Lucille Baptiste of Virgin Gorda; brother, Dale “Blondie” Wheatley of Virgin Gorda; 22 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-law: Estelle Wheatley, Olga Wheatley and Vivian Wheatley. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Vernal Walters Sr.; uncle, Henry Wheatley; nieces: Recina Baptiste, Cherine “Nuka” Baptiste, Larecia “Susie” Baptiste-Young, Roberta Jackson, Mildred Walters-Clarke, Miriam Walters-Francis, Lorelyn Walters-Gibson, Dr. Cassander Titley-O’Neal, Lorraine Wheatley, Marva Wheatley-Dawson, Tahima Callwood, Jeanette Wheatley, Princess Danisha Wheatley, Princess Dasha Maria Wheatley, Arleen Greaux and Arrisa Blyden; and nephews: Lawrence Wheatley, Byron Wheatley, Sydney Wheatley, Charles “Jeff” Wheatley, Willis “Bozo” Wheatley, Orlinton “Puck” Baptiste, Denroy “Fraso” Baptiste, Lenford “Bolo” Baptiste, Avery “Buncha” Baptiste, Reynold Walters, Travis Walters, Trevor Walters and Vernal Walters Jr. Other survivors include first cousins and extended family: Melvin Clifton, Sharlene Cory, Ulric “Tony” Creque, Velma George, Bernard George, Wendell George, Allen George, Ashburn Harrigan, Henry Harrigan, Dean Harrigan, Ena Lewis, Jacqui Mark, Arlene Parsons, Rosalie Skelton, Honorable Premier Natalio Wheatley, Honorable Vincent Wheatley, Pastor Albert Wheatley, Luana Wheatley, Dr. Clayton Wheatley, Maurice Wheatley, Lorindon Wheatley, Michael Wheatley, Norbert Wheatley, Nervin Wheatley, Reynaldo Wheatley, Verne Wheatley and Roxanne Wright; special friends: Olga Melissa Stevens and Eleanor Blyden; and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. She was preceded in death by her parents: Lawrence and Venetia (Creque) Wheatley; brothers: Lowell Wheatley, Wilmore Wheatley and Hilford Wheatley; sister, Gwendolyn Wheatley; daughter, Sheila Murraine; and niece, Victorine Creque. The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday, June 7, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home (3815 Crown Bay No. 10, St. Thomas). The second viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, June 8, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. Melva will be laid to rest at the Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay, St. Thomas. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home. *Tributes can be sent to the attention of Norine Fahie at norine1972@gmail.com

Oriol Issues Reminder of Political Advertising Regulations

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Oriol Issues Reminder of Political Advertising Regulations
Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol reminds the public and political aspirants that pursuant to the Rules and Regulations of the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission under the Virgin Islands Code: “No political signs or political advertising of any type is allowed within the historic districts.” Political posters, banners and bumper stickers erected in these historic districts are to be removed immediately. Violators will be fined. Following are links to the Historic District Boundary Maps on the Virgin Islands Office of the Lt. Governor’s MapGeo website: Property – U.S. Virgin Islands – MapGeo Charlotte Amalie Property – U.S. Virgin Islands – MapGeo Christiansted Property – U.S. Virgin Islands – MapGeo Frederiksted Property – U.S. Virgin Islands – MapGeo Cruz Bay

WAPA’s Frozen Bank Accounts Tied to Lawsuit, Court Records Show

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WAPA’s Frozen Bank Accounts Tied to Lawsuit, Court Records Show

It wasn’t until the V.I. Water and Power Authority tried to pay for a fuel purchase on April 17 that it discovered its FirstBank account with some $6.9 million in funds had been frozen, documents in a long-running lawsuit against the utility reveal.

It was the same day that St. Croix customers were placed on rotating outages during peak consumption hours, which WAPA at the time blamed on emergency repairs to the T1 Transformer “due to changes of the increased load caused by the change in operational configuration of the available generators at the Richmond Power Plant.”

Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal mentioned the frozen accounts during a Government House press briefing on Tuesday that largely concerned WAPA’s ongoing financial, operational and maintenance woes that have led to frequent and lengthy blackouts the last two months. O’Neal is the incident commander for the state of emergency that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. declared over the utility on April 22.

Along with FirstBank, WAPA’s Banco Popular account also was frozen, but that has since been resolved, O’Neal said Tuesday, without offering any details about why the accounts were frozen in the first place.

It turns out that Power Rental Op Co., LLC secured an order on March 25 in Puerto Rico District Court to have the accounts frozen, which occurred on April 16 when the U.S. Marshal served the writ “on First Bank Virgin Islands in Puerto Rico, levying approximately $6.9 million of WAPA’s funds,” according to the utility’s emergency motion to quash the order that it filed two days later on April 18.

Power Rental sued WAPA in February 2020 in Florida district court over $14.2 million it alleges was owed under a rental agreement for power generation equipment and water treatment systems. It prevailed and WAPA was ordered to pay $6.5 million and another $349,279 for attorney fees and costs. The company subsequently removed the case to Puerto Rico, where it registered its judgment from Florida in February and in March was granted the writs of execution to collect on its debts.

WAPA has argued that the writs should be dissolved, claiming that its accounts are located outside of Florida, operate solely in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and are protected under the territory’s sovereign immunity laws.

On May 8, the court granted WAPA’s emergency motion, in part — quashing the writ pertaining to Banco Popular but leaving it in place for the FirstBank account. Because the writ was for some $6.8 million (with interest accruing), and the FirstBank account contains sufficient funds to cover that amount, there is no need to also freeze the Banco account, Judge Maria Antongiorgi-Jordan ruled.

The judge cited Bryan’s state of emergency as the reason for her ruling.

Indeed, WAPA’s emergency motion reveals just how precarious the situation was, including an affidavit from Lorraine J. Kelly, interim chief financial officer at the utility.

“On April 17, 2024, the Authority attempted to enter into a transaction to purchase fuel for its citizens, but the transaction was declined by FirstBank because of the Writ of Execution,” Kelly stated.

“WAPA was obligated to make an additional fuel purchase on Thursday April 18th, but it was unable to do so because WAPA’s funds had been levied pursuant to the Writ. The April 18th payment was remitted on Friday April 19th. WAPA intended to make an additional fuel payment on Monday April 22nd, now Wednesday April 24th, but is without the funds to do so,” according to the affidavit.

“If the Writ is not immediately quashed, WAPA will be unable to maintain its fuel inventory, resulting in significant damages not only to WAPA but, as the sole utility for the Virgin Islands, to the Health, Safety and Welfare of the people of the Territory. Therefore, the Writ goes against public policy and the exemption pursuant to 30 VIC § 111. In addition to powering generators, fuel is required for the desalination process that provides drinking water to the citizenry,” said Kelly.

Double the Celebration: UVI Officially Opens Livestock and Aquaponics Facilities

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Double the Celebration: UVI Officially Opens Livestock and Aquaponics Facilities
Officials cut the ribbon at the Aquaponics Facility at UVI’s School of Agriculture. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

It was double the celebration on Wednesday for the University of the Virgin Islands School of Agriculture as they held their official ribbon cutting for their small ruminant livestock and aquaponics facilities. Both facilities were damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and qualified for both federal and local funding.

UVI Interim Vice President Nerida Washington stepped in for the ceremony on behalf of UVI President David Hall, who was under the weather. Washington said that the renovation and rebuild of the aquaponics facility cost about $600,000, and Mence Construction was the contractor company that conducted the repairs.

“Having this facility back in operation means that full research work will resume at the agriculture experiment station in aquaponics, an area that really places UVI on the global map,” said UVI Dean of the School of Agriculture, Usman Adamu.

“We at the School of Agriculture are so excited because we were looking forward to this facility to be back in operation for a long time,” said Adamu.

Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery, Adrienne Williams-Octalien, said that she made sure she came to celebrate the win.

She spoke about building a more resilient Virgin Islands. “That’s what this project represents today, ‘resiliency,’” she said. “We have food, conservation, sustainability. These are all the commitments, the necessary steps that need to happen to be prepared so that when a disaster strikes, we have a plan.”

Henry Awika, the interim assistant director and research assistant professor at the School of Agriculture, presented the aquaponics facility and asked the community for their understanding that it may not look fully completed.

“We are trying to design a way that will be responsive to the community. It is a very expensive facility to run and therefore we are looking for ways to make the costs manageable in a way that can appeal to the community,” said Awika.

“As you walk around, please don’t feel discouraged,” he said.

Awika said that they are designing a way for the students to benefit and see reasons to extend that knowledge in the communities they come from. Now that they have the funding, he anticipates the completion will take another three to four months.

The tanks are designed for fish to be fed in them, and the waste is flushed out into a plant bed, where the plant absorbs the nutrients. They also have a system to remove the waste from the fish into a tank and direct it to a settling pond.

There are six aquaponics stations, and the tanks can accommodate 600 fish at a time. They are aiming for tilapia as the fish of choice.

Six aquaponics stations at the facility can accommodate 600 fish each. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Later, attendees moved over to the official ribbon cutting for the Small Ruminant Livestock Facility. The project started in March 2022 when the old pen was removed and replaced with the facility on the southeast end of the university. It houses 206 sheep and has eight pens at the scale house.

The building includes an office, locker, container for storage, restroom, hay barn and scale house. Sue Lakos, research analyst III, who referred to the facility as the “sheep farm,” said, “We pride ourselves on the fact that we have sheep here that are from two different breeds. The St. Croix white hair sheep that was developed here on the island of St. Croix to meet the needs of the farmers. We also have dorper crossbreed that is black and white.”

Attendees at the ribbon cutting for the livestock facility at UVI. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

So far, they’ve done research on heat resistance and profitability. “The knowledge we gain for this will benefit the local farmers. We have a booming market for sheep meat on St. Croix. We sell animals to the public both for breeding and for the meat,” said Lakos.

The St. Croix white hair sheep was developed on St. Croix to meet the needs of the farmers. The livestock facility also has the dorper cross bread that is black and white. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

As a fine touch to the occasion, Lakos offered some fine dining of quinoa, pastries, and, of course, a sample of cooked sheep straight from the facility.

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