St. Thomas-St. John Power Outage Continues

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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.

Busta Rhymes and R. City Headline St. Thomas Carnival Village Lineup

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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.

Some Feeders Getting Electricity in St. Thomas-St. John

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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.

Man Arrested in Domestic Assault Investigation on St. Croix

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.

Man Arrested After Vehicle Pursuit in Old Fredensborg Area

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.

Traffic Stop Ends in Crash, Arrest and Firearms Recovery on St. Thomas

A traffic stop on Veterans Drive led to a crash, foot pursuit, and the recovery of two firearms Friday night, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. Special Operations Bureau officers observed a black Acura ILX traveling eastbound without a rear license plate around 10:22 p.m. on Friday, police said. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, disregarding multiple stop signs and traffic signals and nearly colliding with other motorists, according to the police report. The pursuit ended when the driver lost control and crashed into a wall in front of a laundromat on Alton Adams Drive, police said. After the crash, a passenger identified as K’Andre Lake exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued and apprehended him shortly after, police reported. Police said Lake was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. He later told officers he had discarded a second firearm during the pursuit and provided information that led to its recovery. Lake, 22, was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, constructive possession of ammunition, disobeying a lawful order, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, destruction of property, interfering with an officer in the discharge of official duties, and simple possession of marijuana, the report stated. Bail was set at $180,000. Lake was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.

Homeowner Detains Burglary Suspect on Hospital Street

A homeowner detained a 58-year-old man during an attempted burglary early Saturday on Hospital Street in Christiansted, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a burglary in progress around 2:27 a.m. on Saturday, police said. Responding officers made contact with the homeowner, who reported that Thomas Brennan opened the rear door of the residence and attempted to enter without permission. The homeowner intercepted Brennan during the attempted entry and reported firing two shots. Brennan was detained at the scene until officers arrived, police said. The homeowner told officers that no consent was given for Brennan to enter the residence. An investigation by the VIPD Burglary Unit found that Brennan removed property from the porch and used an object to damage the door lock in an attempt to gain entry, according to the police report. Brennan was advised of his Miranda rights and arrested on charges of attempted burglary, second-degree trespass, destruction of property, and petit larceny. He was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was booked and processed. Bail was set at $5,500. Brennan was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.

Man Extradited to St. Croix, Charged in Worthless Check Case

A man was extradited to St. Croix and arrested after police said he used a worthless check to defraud a company of more than $2,000, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. Detectives with the Economic Crimes Unit began investigating Mohammad Suid on Feb. 20, 2025, after determining he “knowingly and designedly, by false or fraudulent representations or pretenses,” defrauded Crowley by paying for a shipment of merchandise with a worthless check, causing additional fees and financial loss, according to the police report. Police said an arrest warrant was entered into the National Crime Information Center database. Suid was apprehended March 18 in Illinois after arriving on a flight from Jordan due to the outstanding warrant. On March 27, VIPD’s Extradition Unit escorted Suid back to the territory, where he was arrested at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport by Economic Crimes Unit detectives, the police report stated. Suid was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Police Operation Building, served the arrest warrant, and advised of his Miranda rights, police said. He was charged with drawing and delivering worthless checks, participating in frauds on creditors, and obtaining money by false pretense, the report stated. Bail was set at $7,000. Suid was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police stated.

Michelle Smith Torches Competition in Florida

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The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation proudly celebrates VI Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith, a sophomore at the University of Georgia, for delivering a commanding season opener at the 2026 Hurricane Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the University of Miami on March 27 and 28 at Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida.
Michelle Smith was way out front at the Hurricane Collegiate Invitational. (Submitted photo)
Competing in her signature event, the 400m hurdles, Smith stormed to victory in a blazing 55.64, establishing herself as the NCAA leader and the No. 1 performer in the 2026 collegiate rankings. Smith’s race was a masterclass in rhythm, control, and competitive execution. From the opening strides, she separated herself from the field, attacking each barrier with precision and maintaining her form through the final stretch. Her 55.64 not only secured the win but also signaled that she is once again poised to be a major contender on the national stage. The Hurricane Collegiate Invitational annually attracts strong early‑season competition, making Smith’s NCAA‑leading mark even more significant. Her performance reflects the continued growth of a world‑class athlete who has consistently elevated the profile of Virgin Islands track and field. The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation congratulates Michelle on her outstanding performance and looks forward to supporting her throughout what promises to be another exceptional season.

Sofia Swindell Opens Outdoor Season With New VI U20 Record

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The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation proudly celebrates Sofia Swindell, freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, for delivering another milestone performance during the 2026 Hurricane Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the University of Miami on March 27 and 28 at Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida.
Sofia Swindell broke the USVI under-20 100 meter hurdle record. (Submitted photo)
Competing in the 100m hurdles, Swindell produced a standout performance, clocking an impressive 13.70 seconds. This time not only marked a new Virgin Islands U20 record, but also placed her among the top six performers in University of Pennsylvania program history, an extraordinary achievement for an athlete in her first collegiate season. The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation congratulates Sofia on her outstanding performance and looks forward to her representing the Virgin Islands at the CARIFTA Games, which will be held in Grenada from April 4–6.