Students were filled with joy as they entered the tent in preparation to receive their diplomas from the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert Sheen Campus. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
What started out as a morning of heavy rains and downpours turned out to be an afternoon of sunny skies for the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus “MVP” Class of 2024 graduates. The university conferred over 80 degrees to graduates at the ceremony.
After a bit of a delay, the “meticulous, valiant, and persistent” class walked down the university’s lawn and collected their diplomas. Although saturated from the rain and a bit humid, attendees cheered on their graduates.
The University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen campus students wait patiently. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In his speech, President of the University of the Virgin Islands, David Hall announced that this would be his final commencement after serving in his current position for 15 years. “I am honored to deliver my final commencement remarks to this outstanding class. There is something very special about reaching the end of an important and sacred journey in life and you and I are at the end of a special journey that we started many years ago,” said Hall.
“Finality should not scare us but inspire,” he said.
Caroline Fawkes received an honorary doctorate degree for being the only female State Army Aviation Officer with the National Guard, and the first and only female within the Armed Forces to pilot the C-23B Sherpa Aircraft. She also obtained master aviator wings for sixteen years and 4,000 accident-free flight hours. Also, the 10th African American woman to attend and graduate from flight school. Keynote speaker Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms also received an honorary doctorate and provided a speech for both St. Thomas and on St. Croix.
Caroline Felicia Fawkes receives Doctorate of Humane Letters. Fox is the first and only female State Army Aviation Officer with the National Guard (1986-2002) and the first and only female with the Armed Force to Pilot the C-23B Sherpa Aircraft (1992-2002). (Source photo by Diana Dias)Keynote speaker former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms receives honorary degree at the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert Sheen Campus. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Speaking on behalf of the class was class speaker Nadeja Barber, who went to Denmark for an entire semester. She has also interviewed with a Fortune 500 company and been offered a full-time job. During her speech, Barber said, “Perseverance is ours.”
To speak on behalf of the class Nadeja Barber delivers a speech discussing the challenges of going through the pandemic and her experience in Denmark. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“Perseverance should not come at the cost of our mental or physical well-being. Despite facing health challenges, we remained committed to our academic pursuits. With the support of our families, our friends, and our colleagues,” she said.
Caneel Bay Resort on St. John sparkles in this view taken from the North Shore Road overlook. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Virgin Islands National Park announced Thursday that it is actively working to transition Caneel Bay Resort on St. John to National Park Service management, following an April 22 U.S. District Court ruling affirming the United States’ ownership of the land and ordering EHI Acquisitions, LLC to convey and transfer title of the improvements immediately.
The ruling ended a protracted court battle over ownership of the resort that was managed by EHI since 2004 under an agreement known as a Retained Use Estate, though EHI has appealed the judge’s order that both the land — 150 acres of prime beachfront real estate — and its improvements are to be conveyed to the federal government. The government has a deadline of May 17 to respond to EHI’s motion.
The NPS will host a community meeting at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. where park staff will provide the latest updates about the Caneel Bay area transition. More information about the community meeting will be posted on the park’s Facebook page. Caneel Bay information can also be found here.
The Caneel Bay Resort Area remains closed to the public due to hazardous conditions, according to the announcement. Park management, with assistance from NPS’s Eastern Incident Management Team, is working to provide public access using a phased approach as outlined in the selected alternative from the Caneel Bay Redevelopment and Management Environmental Assessment that was completed last July.
“Priority will be given to safely allowing public beach access in the area, while continuing with condition assessments of facilities and infrastructure,” the announcement stated.
“We thank our neighbors and visitors for their patience as we work towards re-establishing visitor services at Caneel Bay,” said VINP Superintendent Penny Del Bene. “Our goal is to invite Virgin Islanders and visitors back to Caneel Bay as soon as safely possible. The full reopening of the Caneel Bay Resort will take time, and we ask for your continued understanding.”
NPS staff from across the country started arriving in the area last week to support the transition process. There is no timetable for public opening at this time, the park said. Updates, along with the NPS development plans can be found at go.nps.gov/caneelbay.
Environmental Cleanup Continues
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, the National Park Service has completed the first phase of environmental cleanup at the Caneel Bay Resort. NPS removed 317 cubic yards of nonfriable asbestos-containing material debris that was transported to a permitted Florida landfill for disposal, according to Thursday’s announcement.
The initial environmental cleanup phase at Caneel Bay began in January and focused on removing ACM debris from the 2017 hurricanes, Irma and Maria. NPS and its contractors removed debris from three areas near Little Hawksnest, Scott Beach and Turtle Point. The work only involved asbestos-containing hurricane debris no longer attached to buildings and did not include demolition, the park said. NPS used two contractors to remove the material and perform daily air quality monitoring, while ensuring proper handling procedures were followed, it added.
The NPS said it expects to provide updates about remaining CERCLA removal actions in the coming weeks.
Motorists, pedestrians and students from the Julius E. Sprauve School had a chance to view a banner hung in Cruz Bay on Friday by members of the Virgin Islands Police Department.
This year, V.I. Police Week starts Monday, May 13, and National Law Enforcement Memorial Day activities are scheduled for Wednesday, May 15. The Virgin Islands has a custom of honoring police officers who have died in the line of duty over the years.
Nine names appear on the memorial banner; some of those names — Colvin Georges (2012), Ariel Frett (2007), Steven Hodge (1994) and Richard Callwood (1980) have also been acknowledged among fallen officers listed on the Officer Down Memorial webpage or inscribed on the wall of the National Law Enforcement Memorial. The ninth name — Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. — is the latest addition. Phipps was killed in an armed confrontation with a gunman on St. Thomas on July 4, 2023.
A motorcade from the Western Cemetery to the Farrelly Justice Complex is planned for May 15 to remember those officers, starting at 3:30 p.m. A wreath laying ceremony is expected at the end of the event.
The marine science team for the Butler Bay Coral Restoration Project will host an up-close marine science experience at a free open house event at the project’s pop-up coral laboratory at the Feather Leaf Inn on Mother’s Day, this Sunday from 1-3 p.m.
Visitors will be able to view baby coral polyps through the microscope and tour the laboratory with the marine science team, who will demonstrate the equipment and methods used to collect and fertilize the gametes (eggs and sperm) from adult grooved brain corals – one of the species targeted for restoration in the project, according to the press release.
Visitors to the Pop-Up Coral Propagation Lab at Feather Leaf Inn view new brain coral polyps through a microscope at the open house event in 2023. (Submitted photo)
Corina Marks, the lead scientist for the territory’s Butler Bay Coral Restoration Area, likens the process of propagating corals to gardening on land, the press release stated.
“Rearing corals from this early stage is a bit like growing plants from seed. It’s very exciting to see them go from microscopic to visible animals, and like seedlings, they also need some time in a protected nursery environment until they are big enough to plant back onto the reef,” Marks said.
Other types of corals can be grown from cuttings (or “fragments,” in coral-speak) in the same way plants can be cloned from cuttings. Fast-growing elkhorn coral, for example, can be propagated by planting fragments from the same parent directly onto the reef. Within a few months, the fragments will fuse to the reef to create a new colony. Nearly 800 such colonies have been planted in Butler Bay since the launch of the project a little over a year ago, the release stated.
Butler Bay Coral Restoration Project divers collect spawn from grooved brain coral colonies during the annual mass spawning event in May 2023. The project resulted in the release of more than 1.2 million fertilized brain coral embryos into Butler Bay. (Submitted photo)
The open house will also feature a talk by Ashlee Lillis, the coral larval ecologist who oversees spawning operations for the Butler Bay project and similar projects worldwide. In the coming months, Dr. Lillis will oversee a census of last year’s crop of grooved brain corals currently incubating in the nursery in Butler Bay and develop a schedule to outplant the survivors. She will also show visitors examples of the many microscopic animals that make up St Croix reefs, it said.
Attendees who want to make it a day out can also register for a special Sunday brunch at the Feather Leaf Inn before the event. To register for this free event or purchase brunch tickets, please visit https://linktr.ee/featherleafinn or www.featherleafinn.com.
The coral lab is also offering private tours for groups of 4-10 between Tuesday and Thursday, May 14-16. Please email ashlee@soundoceanscience.com to schedule a tour.
The Butler Bay Coral Restoration Project is a collaboration between Ceiba Strategies LLC, Thriving Islands LLC, and the VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
From left, CJ Scatliffe; Kelly McKinney; Ralph Solomon; Senator Potter; Joy Stillman; Mark Shekleton; Harith Wickrema; Myrah Keating Smith; Haley Burt; Jay Bowers; Donald Schnell; Patrice Harley; Lucinda Parsons; John Baker; Dawn Henry; Akeino Williams; Akhil Deshwal (Photo courtesy Island Green Living)
Since its inception, Island Green Living has crushed and baled more than 3.4 million aluminum cans and 78.5K pounds of captured ocean-bound plastic. Last week, It loaded up a 40-foot container donated by Tropical Shipping with the latest batch.
Included were 251,163 cans and 8,707 lbs of plastic. The pallets are on their way to recycling partner PADNOS, where these items will be recycled and find a new lease on life, according to the press release.
Some of the nonprofit’s key supporters gathered to witness the shipment firsthand, including members of the Sigma Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, led by Julice Holder. In fact, Sigma Theta Omega is often joined by Julice’s husband, mom, and kids when they help sort and crush, the press release stated.
Several important financial supporters were also on hand, including Ralph Solomon and Myrah Keating Smith II, Joy Stillman, and Haley Burt representing Canopy Management. They were joined by Sen. Milton E. Potter and board members Donald Schnell, Akhil Deshwal, and Dawn Henry, along with Board President Harith Wickrema and Executive Director Kelly McKinney, the release stated.
“With the increased volume of plastic we are collecting and sorting, it has become a highly labor-intensive operation, especially when residents include items like glass and cardboard, which we don’t have the capacity to collect at this point, and other trash,” explained Wickrema.
“Please only deposit #1, 2 and 5 plastics and aluminum cans. As a first step, however, we encourage people to RETHINK and minimize consumption of plastics and other disposable items. Once these items are part of the waste stream, however, recycling is the way to go. We are a volunteer organization existing on charitable donations; hence any support is welcome and can be made via Island Green’s website,” Wickrema continued.
“Our recycling team, Akeino Williams, John Baker and CJ Scatliffe, led by Jay Bowers, works very hard with passion to keep our beaches, roadsides and landfill free of toxic plastic,” added McKinney.
“This is a charity operation, managed independently from the municipality. However, as a united front, with the financial support and collaboration of the community, we can work towards building a climate-resistant community and preserving our lands and oceans, free from debris,” McKinney said.
Island Green Living picks up recyclables at three popular trash collection sites on St. John with their dedicated truck. The public can conveniently deposit their RINSED recyclable #1, 2 & 5 plastics and aluminum cans in Island Green’s specially marked receptacles. The locations are as follows:
Cruz Bay: Main VIWMA site across from EC Gas Station & Alfredo’s Landscaping
Gifft Hill Road: VIWMA site just past Gifft Hill School
Coral Bay: Main VIWMA site across from Love City Mini Mart
Additionally, the community can drop off at Island Green Living’s ReSource Depot located behind VITEMA on Gifft Hill Road just off Centerline and at the bin at Caneel Bay Fuel Dock in Cruz Bay, according to the press release.
Most commonly used plastics have a resin code listed somewhere on the material, typically on the bottom. Island Green Living can accept #1, 2 and 5 plastics, which include items such as water & soda bottles, some food containers, peanut butter jars, milk jugs, shampoo & detergent bottles, yogurt containers, etc. Caps can be recycled but should be removed from containers. Styrofoam and items like plastic utensils, bags, etc. cannot be accepted, it said.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Office on St. Croix (Source file photo)
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (Authority) has received a $1 million grant from the Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) Technical Assistance Program. This grant will strengthen ongoing efforts to enhance technical training and development programs, building on the Authority’s history of empowering employees and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric grid.
In the past, funds from the Office of Insular Affairs Technical Assistance Program have been instrumental in conducting various training initiatives that have significantly contributed to the professional growth and expertise of the workforce. Notably, WAPA certified 30 linemen through the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship program with a partnership with Electric Cities of Georgia and two Information Technology employees in Cyber Security protocols through SANS.
Our commitment to empowering employees with technical, safety and leadership skills has led to the establishment of a hybrid training program, diversifying the learning approach, and ensuring that the Authority’s workforce is equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. Additionally, a partnership with Northwest Lineman College has elevated training and development standards for WAPA employees, further enhancing their capabilities and readiness to meet the demands of the industry.
The newly awarded grant will enable the Authority to continue efforts in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of the electric grid while providing opportunities for upward mobility and professional development for employees. By qualifying employees according to industry best practices and safety standards, the Authority reinforces its commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of operations.
The Authority extends sincere gratitude to the Office of Insular Affairs for their support and investment in workforce development initiatives, which are essential for the continued growth and success of the Authority and the overall territory.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication Department is committed to reaching, informing and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
Augusto Rodriguez-Molina, 37, a resident of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, and Dominican Republic national, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 57 months incarceration and two years of supervised release following his conviction on conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Friday.
According to court documents, on Jan. 9, 2022, Customs and Border Protection Air and
Marine Operations intercepted a suspicious vessel traveling northeast of St. Croix. The suspicious vessel was operating in international waters in an area known by law enforcement for drug trafficking and displayed no indicia of nationality, no flag, no registration documents. The vessel was, therefore, determined to be a vessel without nationality, thus subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. Rodriguez-Molina, Shannon John, Sean John and Emmanuel Tolentino-Lebron, all of the British Virgin Islands, and 567 kilograms of cocaine were discovered onboard the vessel. All four men pleaded guilty to cocaine conspiracy and were sentenced to 57-70 months of incarceration.
Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens speaking in the V.I. Senate. (Photo by Barry Leerdam, V.I. Legislature)
Senator Kenneth L. Gittens said Thursday that late Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Albert A. Bryan Jr. announced his veto of measures put in place to help address debts to the WAPA from the territory’s hospitals and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority as well as a bill to curtail the Administration’s State of Emergency powers.
“Senators took immediate action to, once again, assist with the current crisis at WAPA,” Majority Leader Gittens said. “The Legislature must have a say in spending government funds and not be notified after the fact. We should be working collectively as we are ultimately responsible for the government’s purse strings.”
In a recent press conference, Sen. Gittens noted that the Legislature had taken aggressive action towards assisting and reforming WAPA over the past six years.
“There is a very long list of all the bills we have passed, funds we have appropriated and hearings we have held,” he said. “Yet our legislation to help fix WAPA has been vetoed and fought in court. We have had to subpoena documents and officials. We have granted this administration just about every request it has made in regard to WAPA, as keeping this utility up and running could not be more critical.”
Gittens said his colleagues were currently in discussions as to the next steps and that an immediate meeting with the administration was in order.
“It is quite sad that more than half the territory remains without power today, while the governor is vetoing legislation to help WAPA and describing senators’ concerted efforts as ‘knee jerk statutes’,” he said. “As I stated at the press conference, placing blame will not help resolve this issue, but we need to look with clear eyes at what has actually transpired in recent years.” Small Business Administration
Senator Kenneth L. Gittens is the Senate Majority Leader.
V.I. Delegate to Congress, Stacey Plaskett, addresses citizens’ concerns during her office’s virtual town hall on Tuesday. (Screenshot from virtual town hall meeting)
Upon the release of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on federal data gaps: “U.S. Territories: Coordinated Federal Approach Needed to Better Address Data Gaps,” Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett issued the following statement:
“I would like to thank the Government Accountability Office for publishing this report on federal data gaps in U.S. territories. Federal agencies have a duty to provide a government-wide strategy and best practices for addressing gaps in data collection and the subsequent impacts. However, the U.S. territories including the Virgin Islands face significant data gaps mainly due to exclusion from federal statistical programs, with costs, geographic challenges and technical issues as contributing factors,” said the congresswoman.
“I co-sponsored the Territories Statistics Collection Equity Act, H.R. 1400, alongside Congressman Raúl Grijalva, ranking member of the House Natural Resources Committee, and our colleagues representing the U.S. territories, to require the implementation of a plan for federal agencies to collect and publish statistics regarding U.S. territories in the same manner as the 50 states,” said Plaskett.
“The GAO report recommends that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) develop a coordinated, government-wide strategy to involve the territories in federal statistical outputs and address these data gaps effectively.”
“Residents of the U.S. territories deserve the same access to federal programs and resources as every other American, but historic inequities across the board continue to leave them behind,” said Ranking Member Raúl M. Grijalva (D-Ariz.). “Addressing the gaps and deficiencies in data collection is only one step, but a meaningful one, in bringing equity and justice to the territories. I urge the agencies to heed GAO’s recommendations and work to put a government-wide strategy in place to improve data collection among the territories, and I encourage my colleagues to use this opportunity to advance the Territories Statistics Collection Equity Act now.”
Click here to read the full report.
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-24-106574
United States Small Business Administration
As part of the Small Business Administration’s 2024 National Small Business Week, the SBA of Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands recognized entrepreneurs and financial institutions for their contributions at a ceremony held in Puerto Rico.
Oriental Bank was awarded the 2024 Silver Lender of the Year Award for the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands region for the second year, and Lender of the Year for the U.S. Virgin Islands for the third consecutive year.
The prestigious awards are given to lenders who best assisted the greatest number of local businesses in utilizing Small Business Administration funds with the goal of fostering local entrepreneurship and economic growth in the community.
Hugh Urbina, Oriental manager of business banking for the USVI, accepted the award. “It is significant that Oriental is being recognized by the Small Business Administration. Oriental Bank is committed to the territory’s small and medium-sized businesses, and their value to the economy. By providing in-depth commercial banking tools and services, it is investing in the businesses’ success and prosperity. When our businesses thrive, our entire community thrives.”
Founded in 1964, Oriental Bank is one of the leading banking financial services companies in Puerto and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through its main subsidiaries, Oriental Bank and Oriental Financial Services provides a wide range of retail and commercial banking, lending and wealth management products, mortgages, services and technology through their branches in the Caribbean.
