Defense and aerospace giant Lockheed Martin Corporation sought another trial postponement last week in suits by former St. Croix employees claiming health problems after carcinogen exposure on the job. Some of the suits were more than 18 years old. One 1967 employee suggested Monday the proposed delay was foot-dragging.
Milton Burt worked maintenance at the St. Croix alumina refining plant for 26 years with little or no protection from bauxite dust, asbestos, and other lung irritants, according to his 2021 lawsuit. In 2019, his chronic breathing trouble was diagnosed as pneumoconiosis, sometimes called black lung, usually caused by exposure to intense dust.
Similar suits against Lockheed Martin — a company recently valued at more than $20 billion with stock selling as high as $692 a share — go back to at least 2007, alleging aluminum refining companies now under Lockheed ownership were negligent in protecting their employees. Many of the original claimants died awaiting trial.
Augustin Clarke Sr. was just 65 when he died in 2023. Clarke had worked at an alumina plant owned by Martin Marietta Properties, Virgin Islands Alumina, and St. Croix Alumina on and off from 1977 to 2000, according to court records.
In his suit, Clarke claimed the companies had negligently exposed him to silica, alumina dust, and asbestos dust and fibers. He said, among other allegations, that plant owners had failed to monitor the amount of dust, provide protective clothing and apparatus, provide changing rooms so workers didn’t carry carcinogenic fibers home to their families, post warning signs, or even warn employees of the risks.
Since his death, Clarke’s family has continued to seek a trial. The case remains open, according to court records.
Plaintiff Antoine Christopher died in 2023 at 78. Alexander St. Rose was 73 when he died in 2024, the same year Rodney Emmanuel McIntosh Sr. died. Eustacius Regis died in 2019. Gorgonius Jones, Rudolph Christopher, Erwin La Bast, Julian Peters, Henry Francis, Samuel Prime, Angel Miguel Velez, and John Weekes are all former alumina plant workers who died awaiting resolution of their cases.
Gorgonius Jones died in 2011, awaiting a decision in his suit against a company turning bauxite into alumina on St. Croix. (Source file photo)Rudolph Christopher, known as Chris or Sonny, died at 69 in 2010, awaiting a trial date for his suit against his former alumina plant employers. (Source file photo)
In the case of Milton Burt, Lockheed attorneys asked in February that the trial be moved to April 13, then asked that it be pushed back from April 27 to resolve technical legal issues like pending motions. After receiving permission to move the trial date, Lockheed’s attorney told the court on March 4 that their expert witnesses would not be available on April 27 and asked the judge to move the trial to an unspecified later date — maybe in October.
Attorneys for Burt wrote the court Monday crying foul.
“Lockheed created the very scheduling conflict of which it now complains,” Burt’s attorneys wrote to the Superior Court, according to court records. “Lockheed has now sought to delay this trial three times. Each time, it has recycled the same arguments, added new ones, and asked this court to make Mr. Burt wait. Mr. Burt — who is in his eighties and has been litigating this case since 2021 — has been patient, cooperative, and ready at every turn. He deserves his day in court.”
Burt’s lawyers offered four alternatives: Move the trial back to April 13. Or, keep the April 27 trial date and allow the expert witnesses to appear remotely, by deposition, or out of order with two day’s notice of their availability.
“Whether Lockheed knew and did not disclose that its experts would be unavailable for six months or whether Lockheed asked for a continuance without bothering to ask, the result is the same: the fault falls to Lockheed. If Lockheed had been candid with the court that either its experts would be unavailable for six months or that they had not been consulted at all, that information likely would have affected the result. And it is unfair to allow Lockheed to obtain the relief it requested and, then, use the circumstance to insist on a full six months,” Burt’s attorneys wrote.
In July 2024, attorneys for Lockheed Martin argued 17 years was not enough time to resolve legal questions about the complaint, and a trial was premature. Lockheed’s local attorney directed the Source to a 6,673-page document detailing the legacy of Burt’s case as well as reams of ancillary and seemingly unrelated Lockheed Martin business.
A sooner-rather-than-later court date may help Burt avoid the fate of others who died awaiting trial.
Ferdinand Treasure was working for a Jamaican bauxite plant before relocating to St. Croix in 1966, a year before Burt started working in bauxite. Like Burt, he later developed pneumoconiosis. Unlike Burt, Treasure moved to St. Croix to work for the island’s massive oil refinery. He sued Hess Corporation and associated entities in 2020 for allegedly exposing him to carcinogens but died in 2025. The suit remains open, according to court records.
Ferdinand Treasure, who also worked in bauxite, died awaiting trial in his suit against Hess Corporation. (Source file photo)
Treasure wasn’t the only one to sue the refinery. Hundreds of civil suits remain open against former St. Croix refinery owners and related companies dating back to 1991, according to court records.
Even people who didn’t work with bauxite have complained or filed suit against the alumina plant that closed in January 2001. Before the company closed and long after, a mountain of red dust near the plant — a byproduct of the chemical processing of bauxite — plagued residents, blowing into their homes and infiltrating their drinking water.
A mediator assigned to help Burt and Lockheed Martin resolve their dispute outside of a courtroom filed a report Monday saying, “The parties have reached a total impasse, all issues require court action.”
It was not yet clear when that court action might take place.
Bovoni landfill sits amid the surrounding hills on St. Thomas, as concerns grow over a proposal that could impact air quality and waste management in the territory. (Source file photo)
A group of scientists and environmental, agricultural, and community groups are warning lawmakers and the public that Bill No. 36-0232 could harm air quality, public health, and waste management in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The measure would reverse Act 8018, the territory’s “Ban the Burn” law, and allow air curtain incineration to burn vegetative debris.
There is a petition opposing the bill, supported by groups such as the Bovoni Council, Virgin Islands Good Food, St. Croix Environmental Association, Virgin Islands Conservation Society, Virgin Islands Farmers Alliance, Coral Bay Community Council, Empowering People for Real Change, Virgin Islands Alliance for Consumer Justice, Virgin Islands Environmental Association and Island Green Living. Members say the proposal threatens both public health and environmental sustainability.
Polly Hoppin, ScD, research professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, submitted testimony March 19, to Sen. Avery L. Lewis, warning that air curtain incinerators could pose significant health risks. She said she was writing on behalf of the scientific community and noted that experts have long opposed burning vegetative debris.
“In the aftermath of hurricanes Irma and Maria, I submitted a letter from air pollution scientists and environmental health professionals to the USVI Legislature,” she said. “We were unanimous in our strong opposition to burning vegetative debris then, and my concern about burning remains today.”
Hoppin said pollution from air curtain incinerators would threaten residents’ health and well-being, with risks increasing as the volume of debris increases. She added that “elders, pregnant people and children” would be especially at risk.
She said burning vegetative debris would release harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, many of which can cause both short- and long-term health effects, including cancer.
Focusing on the Bovoni landfill, she estimated that burning roughly 20 tons of vegetative debris per day could produce tens of pounds of pollutants, potentially exceeding U.S. Environmental Protection Agency air quality standards and World Health Organization guidelines.
Hoppin pointed to composting, mulching and chipping as safer and more effective alternatives, calling them proven methods that improve soil health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support local economic development. “Choosing this alternative would be the responsible decision.”
Judith Enck, former U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 administrator, also urged lawmakers to reject the proposal, saying air curtain incinerators produce harmful pollutants, including fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds and carbon monoxide, and can trigger asthma and contribute to heart and lung conditions. “Air Curtain Incinerators are a significant source of air pollution,” she wrote, adding that composting and chipping would be safer alternatives that improve soil health and reduce pollution.
Enck said that while managing stockpiled green waste is a challenge, composting offers a better solution. “The answer to that looming problem is to immediately chip and compost the green waste,” she wrote. “This will not only avoid local air pollution but will also help improve soil health on the islands.”
Mark Lichtenstein, principal of Embrace Impatience Associates and Executive Operating and chief sustainability officer at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, said he has worked for more than a decade with governments in the Caribbean, including in the U.S. Virgin Islands, on waste management and disaster debris recovery.
In a March 16 letter to Lewis, Lichtenstein acknowledged landfill fires but cautioned against using air curtain incinerators as a long-term solution.
“The urgency of addressing landfill fires is understandable,” he said. “However, adopting ACI as a primary strategy would create new and significant public health risks while destroying valuable materials.”
He added that even under ideal conditions, air curtain incinerators emit fine particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and carbon monoxide, pollutants associated with asthma, cardiovascular disease, and premature mortality. “ACI does not eliminate pollution,” he said. “It merely transforms valuable organic material into air emissions, ash and wasted heat.”
Lichtenstein framed the issue as a broader policy decision. “The question is whether the Virgin Islands will treat organic materials as pollution to be burned, or as valuable resources that can strengthen soils, agriculture, and the local economy,” he said.
In the petition, supported by many local environmental and community organizations, residents are urged to oppose the bill, saying that it would undermine long-standing public policy against burning vegetative debris and could jeopardize the territory’s clean air. It also emphasizes that composting and related practices would better support agriculture, support the economy, reduce reliance on imports and protect future generations.
I offer this message in observance of the 109th Transfer Day anniversary as we conclude the month of March which commemorates Women’s History Month and Virgin Islands History Month each year. This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on the rich historical significance that the month of March represents and highlights the many contributions of Virgin Islanders since the changing of the flags from Denmark to the United States on March 31, 1917.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach Legislature livestream)
As we remain an unincorporated Territory of the United States, let this Transfer Day remind us to continuously embrace our Caribbean experience and African heritage, regardless of our existence as American citizens. As Virgin Islanders, we are guided by the bold and unwavering legacy of our ancestors. We are inspired by those who fought unapologetically for our freedom and for basic human rights. We stand on the shoulders of visionaries who possessed a deep-rooted love for the Virgin Islands. We are proud of those who have represented the Virgin Islands locally, nationally, and globally, solidifying our placement in history along the way. Transfer Day reminds us that despite the challenges posed by our status, we continue to be a people of resilience and determination.
We have witnessed 109 years of innovation, achievements, and advancements, which hold great prospects for the future. I offer my prayers of God’s guidance and protection over all Virgin Islanders as we continue to contribute to our complex but beautiful history and legacy as a Territory.
Children gather colorful eggs during a past Easter eggs-Travaganza at Tutu Park Mall, which returns Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, activities, and family entertainment. (Source file photo)
The 33rd annual Easter Eggs-Travaganza at Tutu Park Mall is set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature the Easter Bunny, games, food and activities for the community.
Marketing Director Juan Christian said the event is designed with families in mind and reflects the mall’s broader focus on creating shared community experiences. “It’s an event that we’re very proud of because it’s very much family-oriented, like many of our events that we have here,” he said.
This year’s celebration will include a range of activities for children and families, from traditional games like musical chairs and hula hoop contests to an Easter egg hunt featuring a golden prize egg. Christian said the event is designed to be interactive and engaging, “It’s going to be filled with fun, exciting games,” he said.
A special appearance by the Virgin Islands Institute of Performing Arts is planned, along with the Easter Bunny himself. “We’re going to be having a special appearance by the Virgin Islands Institute of Performing Arts. They’re going to be here as well,” Christian said. “And of course, the Easter Bunny is going to be making his appearance. The children love when he shows up because he brings an element of surprise and even more excitement to the festivities for the day.”
Christian pointed to activities that have become staples of the event. “We’re going to have our hula hoop contest. There’s always the hula hoop contest,” he said, noting the familiarity of the event, which has become a tradition for many over its 33 years.
In addition to entertainment, the event will feature local vendors offering food and refreshments, including cakes, pastries, popcorn, hot dogs, and lemonade, along with other on-site options.
Christian said one of the highlights each year is the Easter Bunny’s “bunny train,” a dance activity where children follow along in a group, creating what Christian described as a memorable and magical experience.
“The Easter Bunny leads the dance routine … and the kids just follow him,” Christian said. “That’s something that is truly magical … I find that we have captured the essence of magic for children and for the young at heart.”
He added that the event goes beyond entertainment, serving as a space for community connection and shared positivity. “Events such as this represent positivity, represent community connectivity, camaraderie, and ultimately, unity and togetherness,” Christian said.
“I would just like to encourage the community to come and be a part of this excellent event that we’re having,” Christian said. “Don’t just see this for our children only. You know, a lot of us are young at heart, and that’s where the true magic is, when we all come together as one and enjoy positive aspects that’s happening here, not just at Tutu Park Mall, but in other places in our community.”
Residents and visitors to St. Thomas, St. John, and neighboring islands are asked to keep an eye out for Cookie, an Alexandrine Ringneck parrot that has been missing for more than two weeks.
At nearly 20” in length, Cookie is larger than local wild parrots. (Submitted photo)
Michael Frascella, Cookie’s owner, said the bird flew away on March 14 from the old Colombo Smoothie stand on Centerline Road on St. John. At a site elevation of 700 feet and with winds of 25 to 30 mph that day, Cookie could have been blown nearly 15 miles away, Frascella said. “He’s a good flyer, but not an expert flyer, and his wings are not clipped,” he added.
Frascella described Cookie as having a green head and body, with light green/yellow tail feathers that are longer than his body. He has red feathers ringing his neck, red splashes on his wings, and his beak is reddish orange. He measures about 20 inches in length.
Although he doesn’t talk much, “Cookie has a very loud whistle/call — unlike any bird in the territory — which is very distinctive,” said Frascella. “Parrots don’t like sun exposure, so the best times for him to be seen or heard is early morning or around sundown.”
Michael Frascella likes to take Cookie to the beach. (Submitted photo)
Frascella said Cookie does not interact with other birds. “He has been domesticated all of his life, so he sees other birds as predators. His survival techniques are very, very limited, and he has been hand-fed all of his life, so he really does not know how to forage. He eats mainly fruit.”
Cookie has lived with Frascella for the last three years. Before that, he lived with Frascella’s mother. He flew away once before and was found three days later, about two miles from where he took off. Frascella has searched some off island cays by kayak and has received some bird sighting videos from St. Thomas, but so far, no luck.
If anyone has any information on Cookie’s whereabouts, Frascella asks that they contact him by phone at 340-624-3467, by email at Flamike1967@gmail.com, or on local Facebook group pages dealing with missing pets and local news.
WAPA Plant personnel continue to bring online additional units to meet load demand. As the grid stabilizes, some customers may experience intermittent power interruptions as we work to safely balance generation and restore full service.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department and the Division of Festivals have announced in a press release the lineup for the 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village, featuring six nights of free performances with local, regional and international artists.
Headliners include Busta Rhymes and St. Thomas–born duo R. City, according to the press release.
“This year, I am especially excited by the range of artistry that will take the stage at the St. Thomas Carnival Village,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King. “The Division of Festivals continues to attract globally recognized talent while honoring our longstanding commitment to elevating local artists at every stage of their careers.”
Local performers scheduled to appear throughout the week include Th3rd, Goyo, Star Martin, Mic Love, Nikki Brooks, Temisha, Shaw HP, Rudy Live, Adam O and Pumpa, the press release stated.
“The Virgin Islands Carnival celebrations capture the spirit and vibrancy of the Caribbean, reflecting the traditions and cultural pride that unite us,” said Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull. “Our focus is to elevate authentic talent and create an unforgettable experience that resonates with everyone who attends.”
Additional acts include Steel Pulse, Destra Garcia, Alison Hinds, Voice and Full Blown. A Bouyon Fest is also planned with performances by Trilla G, Shelly, Reo and Trev Li, the release stated.
The annual Village concerts are part of the 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival, which will run April 26 to May 2. Organizers said more information is available on the Division of Festivals social media platforms.
The following feeders have been restored: 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 6B, 7B (partial), 8B, 9B, 10B (partial), 7C (partial), 9C (partial)
WAPA personnel continue working to restore all remaining feeders.
A St. Croix man was arrested Sunday after police said he assaulted and strangled a woman during a domestic incident on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report around 6:38 p.m. from a female complainant who said Valence George had assaulted her earlier and was at her residence refusing to leave, according to the police report.
Officers responding to the scene made contact with the victim, who displayed visible injuries, police said.
An investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau found that the victim and George were involved in a physical altercation at the Frontline Bar. During the incident, George assaulted and strangled the victim, causing injuries to her face, neck, and other areas of her body, according to the report.
George was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was arrested and charged with assault second degree-domestic violence and simple assault and battery, police said.
He was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, according to VIPD.
A St. Croix man was arrested Sunday after fleeing from police during a vehicle pursuit in the Old Fredensborg area of St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received a radio transmission around 8:40 a.m. from detectives investigating a shooting incident earlier that morning, police said. Detectives reported observing two suspicious vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed and operating in a reckless manner near Food Town Supermarket.
Officers attempted to stop both vehicles, but a dark-colored sedan fled the area. Police followed a grey Acura TL and intercepted it in a residential area of Old Fredensborg, according to the police report.
The driver, identified as Roy Christopher, abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through nearby bushes toward the Alfredo Andrews School. Officers apprehended him shortly after in the area, police said.
Christopher was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, advised of his Miranda rights, and arrested on a charge of reckless endangerment in the first degree, the report stated.
Bail was set at $30,000. Christopher was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.
