FEMA commits to rebuild school infrastructure across territory. (Source file photo by Diana Dias)
A commitment of $384.8 million to demolish and replace three elementary schools on St. Croix, one on St. Thomas, and repair a school lunch warehouse on St. Thomas marks the latest milestones in FEMA’s collaboration with the territory to rebuild school infrastructure across the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, the agency announced Tuesday.
The prudent replacement of Lew Muckle Elementary School is made possible under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which clears a path for the demolition and rebuilding of seven of the 11 buildings located on a 3.94-acre parcel in Sion Farm, according to the press release.
Eulalie Rivera Elementary School in Grove Place is also receiving prudent replacement costs to repair damages to school grounds and replace 12 structures, including bleachers, an athletic field bathroom, and classrooms, the press release stated.
FEMA has also obligated funds to repair the grounds and replace 10 buildings at the Juanita Gardine Elementary School in Estate Richmond. The buildings to be replaced include classrooms, offices, the auditorium, and an auxiliary building, the release stated.
On St. Thomas, FEMA has committed funds to assist in replacing the Leonard Dober Elementary School. This school, built in 1938, suffered greatly in the 2017 hurricanes. The funds will be used to repair the school grounds and replace three buildings and fencing, it said.
Funds have also been obligated to assist in repairing a 7,000 sq. ft. lunch warehouse on St. Thomas back to pre-disaster design, capacity, and function within the existing footprint, according to the release.
FEMA along with the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands and its departments, including the Education Department, continues to focus on repairing and replacing hurricane-damaged facilities, paving a path for safe and modern school facilities from which to deliver education in an equitable manner for the youngest members of our communities, it said.
“I am pleased to approve these latest obligations that help bring the Virgin Islands closer to post-hurricane recovery,” said Kristen A. Hodge, the director for FEMA’s Recovery Office in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“FEMAs resolve to work with our partners in the USVI to repair and rebuild facilities and infrastructure damaged by Irma and Maria remains a high priority for team members who live here in the territory as well as those in leadership roles at the regional and national levels. Our commitment to help the future leaders of the Virgin Islands by providing them safe facilities in which to receive their education remains strong,” she said.
Carnival on St. Thomas celebrates 72 years in 2024, and the celebration is on! In the early days of April, crowds gathered for pageants choosing Carnival royalty. Musicians struck up the band for calypsonians at the Ruth Thomas Auditorium for the Buoy Ah Buoy, Man a Big Man showcase. And Monday night was a time for friends and family as the annual Carnival Hospital Show played out on the grounds of the Roy L. Schneider Hospital.Crowds settle in for an evening of fun at the Carnival Hospital Show. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)The show became part of the Carnival schedule when organizers considered the patients and the elderly on island. If they could not come to the festivities, the then-Carnival Committee said festivities could come to them.J. Nicole Smith-Thompson and members of the Gypsies Troupe bringing spirits bright. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Schneider Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Tina Commissiong welcomed the guests, including newly-crowned Carnival Queen Majestik Estrada-Petersen and her court. From left, Caricia Caesar, Iniyah Griffin and Carnival Queen Majestik Estrada-Petersen (Source photo by Judi Shimel)“I know the exciting performances that are scheduled for tonight will take us on a cultural tour like never before,” Commissiong said. “At SRMC, we embrace our rich history and we celebrate our rich culture. We are delighted to host this event on our campus.” Lillian Garfield opened the show with a prayer. The hospital chief also thanked the workers for the hard work and service they perform daily.The event also gave enterprising staff members a chance to offer snacks and treats from their food service stands, a recreation of last year’s Hospital Food Fair.Kamilah Joseph twirls up cotton candy at Soups and Things. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Tourism Department’s Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull kept his greetings short as When Band began tuning up. Anticipation began building among those seated at the hospital’s entranceJazmine Samuel shares a smile with chaperones escorting Carnival royalty to Monday’s show. Seated left to right: Ne’Keya Fraser, Jazmine Samuel, Keemyah Forde, Nalneeyah Jeffers. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Seated among the guests was the 2023 Parade Grand Marshal James Lewis. A longtime employee at the Legislature, Lewis said he’s enjoyed hospital shows year after year. “You can get a variety. Coming here is like a mini village — Carnival Village. You can see the vendors, they have a band, a photographer, the seniors and the people in the hospital who don’t have that opportunity,” Lewis said.When Band brings the brass. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Then came the moment all had been waiting for: the mini Carnival parade streaming past the main lobby entrance, including an appearance by Charming Twirlers dressed as nurses’ aides.Charming nurses’ aides twirling at the Hospital Show. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)Commissiong congratulated the hospital staff team that worked with the Division of Festivals to make the event come together as this year’s fete strives to live up to its theme: “A Cultural Tour Like Never Before, St. Thomas Carnival 2024.”
Liberty addresses customer complaints at Public Services Commission meeting Tuesday. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
The complaints continue as Liberty went before the Public Services Commission on Tuesday to address customer complaints both in person and via Zoom.
PSC Executive Director Sandra Setorie said that the reporting and analysis from the listening sessions are not completed yet. “We continue to compile the information that we have gathered so far from the number of activities that we have held. Our comments are still a work in progress, and we will have additional information to report at our next commission meeting,” said Setorie.
The Public Services Commission held a series of listening sessions during which Liberty customers could express their complaints about the carrier.
Liberty recently completed its migration process at the end of March. However, customers continue to grumble about poor service with the carrier.
To answer questions on behalf of Liberty, Ravi Maywahlal, general manager, and Luis Mendez, senior manager, represented the company.
“Issues have been resolved, yes,” said Maywahlal. “We have updated our systems where customers can view online. The issues where individuals are receiving double bills, for the most part, have been resolved. There may be some issues where customers are getting charges from an AT&T platform that may not have been migrated to our platform and those issues are dealt with on a case by case” basis, he said.
Maywahlal also said that response times are under five minutes, specifically on St. Thomas. “If you take a pass by Yacht Haven right now, I’m pretty sure you will be serviced within 5 minutes.”
Also mentioned by members were the ongoing roaming services in other countries. One scenario addressed service in Trinidad not being an option. Liberty Senior Director of Programming Monica Gonzalez-Pirez said that if a customer is to travel to Trinidad, they will have access to the Digicel network while visiting. Customers must ensure that their phone’s roaming feature is turned on. Gonzales-Pirez also said that Liberty is currently servicing 129 countries and has extended to 30 new networks and is focused on synchronizing its options with AT&T.
Commissioner Laura Nichols-Samms mentioned a scenario while in Cruz Bay a week ago: “We were right in the heart of Cruz Bay, where we should have gotten the best signal, and none.”
Commercial Director Catherine Kling of Liberty said that just yesterday, she and a team were looking for satellite service on St. John. “Yesterday, we were scouting locations. All day yesterday, we had 5G Services,” said Kling.
Nichols-Samms challenged and said, “This was not the case on several occasions. This is not the case most of the time.”
Also representing Liberty, Wanda Perez said that it has been three years, and the company has yet to receive approval for its new site in the Coral Bay area on St. John. Perez said that a public hearing is scheduled for sometime in May. After they have the approval, they will still need a fiber permit.
To view the PSC meeting you can visit the PCS Facebook page.
Public Services Commission members include Chairman Pedro Williams, Vice Chair David Hughes, Clement “Clain” Magras, Laura Nichols Samms, and Raymond Williams.
From left, seated, the honorees are as follows: the Rev. Dr. George E. Phillips; the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, represented by St Thomas- St John Insular Superintendent Stefan Jurgen; Gregory Hodge who performs as DJ Avalanche; former Sen. George Goodwin (deceased), represented by his son Neal Goodwin. (Photo by Jamal Potter, Legislature of the Virgin Islands)
The 35th Legislature held a Perma Plaque Ceremony to honor Virgin Islanders for their outstanding contributions to the territory’s growth Monday.
The honorees were the Rev. Dr. George E. Phillips; The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School 50th Year Anniversary (1971-2021); Gregory Hodge, better known as DJ Avalanche, who was awarded the Key to the Territory; and former Sen. George Goodwin, who was honored posthumously with the Virgin Islands Medal of Honor, according to Government House.
In his welcome remarks, Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. indicated that the four honorees have been defined by leadership, service, creativity, and commitment. “This momentous talent, community, and service have been the driving force behind their many accomplishments, and I commend all the honorees here today for their ongoing efforts to have positive effects in our community,” Francis said.
“I want to emphasize, these individuals have not just ‘talked the talk’ but they have ‘walked the walk.'” The Senate president added, “These honorees have exemplified how one’s dreams can be accomplished through hard work, strength of character and dedication. I deeply admire and respect them all.”
The Presentation of the Plaques:
Resolution No. 1895-Bill No. 34-0293, the Rev. Dr. George E. Phillips
Resolution No. 1886- Bill No. 34-0174, The Ivanna Eudora Kean High School 50th Year Anniversary (1971-2021)
Resolution No. 1905- Bill No. 35-0062, Gregory Hodge, better known as DJ Avalanche
Act No. 8702- Bill No. 35-006, former Sen. George E. Goodwin
Sens. Novelle E. Francis Jr., Marvin A. Blyden, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Donna A. Frett-Gregory, Javan E. James Sr., Ray Fonseca, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Alma Francis Heyliger were present at the ceremony.
Aubrey Artworks will present “Expansion and BEcoming,” a pop-up art show Friday, from 5 – 9 p.m. at the St. John School of the Arts in Cruz Bay.
Aubrey “AC” Burgess, the event’s producer, said the theme of the show is transformation.
“I’m always expanding and considering where I’m going,” he said.
Aubrey A.C Burgess poses with friend Alex Ewald at a pop-up art show last year. (Submitted photo)
Burgess said when he first started planning the show, his main motivation was to bring forward the artwork of three young West Indian males – Siyandi Matthias, Jermaine Alexander, and Tyreke Lamar Morten.
But soon, he was drawn to works of other artists, and in the spirit of expansion, he has decided to include paintings, drawings and multi-media artwork by 13 other artists who live in the Virgin Islands.
The first of the three young male artists is Matthias, a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design who grew up on St. Thomas. “Siyandi did the ‘commercial’ for this show, which I love,” Burgess said.
Burgess is featuring Matthias’ animation and graphic work.
Alexander, the second of the three young West Indian artists, is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design who spent some of his early years in Coral Bay. “Jermaine has a love of nature, and he is also a farmer who grows food on Bordeaux, St. Thomas,” said Burgess.
Burgess admires Alexander’s unique viewpoint. “We’ve seen a thousand-and-one paintings of windmills down here, but in Jermaine’s painting, he places himself in the center, looking up, so you can see the details of the rockwork.”
The third young male artist is Morten who attended high school on St. John and now lives in Atlanta. “I see him as the next Basquiat,” said Burgess, referring to the Puerto Rican/Haitian American artist who became famous in the 1980s for his neo-expressionist paintings and graffiti art. “Morten’s works are social statements of how we relate to one another.”
Burgess is also featuring the work of three young white male artists whose families have roots on St. John. “Andrew Barlas Jr. does very abstract, highly professional drawing,” said Burgess, while T.J. Schutt “works in pen and ink, watercolor, and digital art. And Tommy Gibney does stellar photography.”
Burgess said Tyreke Morten’s work “makes social statements.” (Submitted photo)
The show also includes color abstract paintings by Theodora Moorehead, acrylic paintings by Augustin Holder, multi-media collages by Kim Lyons, work in three mediums by Viki Brown, beaded rhinestone designs by well-known tattoo artist Patricia Mazza, acrylic paintings by Amy St. John, pottery by Sara Lee Hayes, infrared photography and stained glass by Jared Shomo, and the “intuitive” painting by Chad Hoover.
Kim Lyons will present a series of collages. (Submitted photo)
Artist Porschia Denning will be painting live at the event.
Music will be provided by With Love from Broheem. Proceeds from a cash bar will help support the St. John School of the Arts.
Burgess is also planning a pop-up show May 23 at Wharfside Village and a pre-carnival show at the Refinery in June.
Throughout the world, one million plastic bottles are bought every minute; each one can take up to 100 years to degrade.
Five hundred billion plastic bags are used each year.
Eight million tons of plastic enter oceans and wash up on beaches every year.
Unless we change our ways, by weight there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish in the year 2050.
Speakers at Planet vs. Plastics workshop include Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, IGLA President Harith Wickrema, IGLA board member Dawn Henry, Sen. Milton Potter, and IGLA Executive Director Kelly McKinney. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
These are just some of the alarming statistics presented at Planet vs. Plastic, a workshop presented as part of the Earth Day activities on St. John sponsored by Island Green Living Association.
Keynote speaker Dawn Henry of Beyond Plastics urged audience members to face the facts: In spite of what plastic manufacturers promised decades ago, only about six percent of plastics are ever recycled.
Henry, a former commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and a board member of Island Green Living Association, outlined the toxic effects of plastics.
Keynote speaker Dawn Henry emphasized the need to reduce the use of single-use plastics. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Plastics contain carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, and the health effects of these substances include asthma, AHDH, low birth weight, infertility, and multiple types of cancer. Those who live in communities of color and low-income areas are more likely to suffer the effects of pollution, Henry said.
But there are actions we can take now to address the problem, she added. As 46 percent of the plastic produced is used for single-use packaging, we can all immediately cut down on our use of single-use plastics by following a few simple steps:
Bring a reusable bag when shopping.
Refuse plastic produce bags.
Compost organic food waste and reduce trash bags.
Bring a reusable to-go container to restaurants.
Bring a reusable cup to bars and restaurants that serve drinks in plastic cups.
Some plastics are now part of our infrastructure, such as PVC pipes that contain vinyl chloride, a known carcinogen. Some communities are taking action by banning PVC pipes and replacing them with copper or stainless-steel pipes, Henry said.
Beyond Plastics, a non-profit organization founded by former U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck, is working to inform the public about the prevalence of plastic in our modern world. (Plastic is a common ingredient in teabags, for example.)
The organization is also calling upon plastic manufacturers and consumers to reduce the use of plastics by 60 percent by 2040.
Jaden Pascal, a senior at the Gifft Hill School where Monday’s workshop was held, said people are now learning to carry their own bags into markets and participate in community clean-ups, but that wasn’t enough. “What about the microplastics in our food sources? We need to find solutions.”
Gifft Hill School senior Jaden Pascal spoke of the long-term concerns including micro-plastics in food sources. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Pascal said community leaders have to set an example, and when he pointed out that V.I. senators typically have a single-use plastic bottle of water set in front of them during legislative sessions, panelist Sen. Milton Potter responded that he would seek to change that. Potter is currently sponsoring legislation to ban the use of Styrofoam plates, trays for take-out food and packaging peanuts.
Kelly McKinney, the executive director of Island Green Living, said, “The environmental situation can feel daunting,” but when she gets discouraged, her mantra becomes “Think globally, act locally.”
Kelley McKinney, executive director of IGLA, described recycling programs on St. John. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Island Green Living’s goal is to transform the USVI into a net zero waste, carbon-neutral community to protect the environment and ensure the health, welfare and economic security of its people.
The organization recycled more than three million aluminum cans since taking over a community recycling program. Its ReSource Depot has kept nearly one million pounds of used building/construction materials, clothing, furniture and home goods out of our landfill. And it has operated a program to recycle ocean-bound plastics since 2022.
Harith Wickrema, president of Island Green Living, said the organization needs funds to keep its programs going. They’re now holding their annual fundraiser Love City Vacation for Two, a one-week vacation package valued at more than $11,000. Tickets are $50 each or six tickets for $250.
In the USVI, more than 200,000 tons of waste is produced each year. That’s roughly nine pounds per person per day, which is 40 percent above the national average, according to panelists.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach, who made opening remarks at the workshop, said, “We all need to be concerned about the environment. We need the planet more than it needs us.”
St. Croix native Alessandra M. Evangelista will represent the U.S. in Japan during her reign (Submitted photo)
The Virgin Islands Association, D.C. (VIADC) announces that Alessandra Maria Evangelista of St. Croix was crowned as the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen at the National Conference of State Societies Official Gala on Friday, April 12, in Washington, D.C.
The National Conference of State Societies is the non-profit, voluntary umbrella association for state and territorial societies in the National Capital Region.
Evangelista, the daughter of Richard and Wanda Evangelista, is a third-year undergraduate at American University studying International Studies who recently returned from a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. She is also an executive board member of the Sisterhood for International Engagement.
Evangelista represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 76th Annual National Cherry Blossom Festival, a perennial tradition celebrating U.S. and Japanese relations.
Queen Alessandra said, “First, I would like to thank the Virgin Islands Association of D.C. for giving me the opportunity to represent my home as a delegate in the 2024 Cherry Blossom Program. I would also like to thank Ms. Diane Parrott and her team for her guidance and support throughout this entire process. Finally, I want to thank my parents, Richard and Wanda Evangelista, and the village they have amassed for me that supports me. As an international relations major, I am deeply interested in global affairs and politics. The Cherry Blossom program perfectly combines my personal interests with my future career goals.”
Virgin Islands Association, D.C. Cherry Blossom Committee Chair Diane Parrott said, “This is an exciting time for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Evangelista, the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen, will travel to Japan for two weeks this summer to promote and strengthen the relationship between the United States and Japan. She will also get the opportunity to promote the U. S. Virgin Islands.” Evangelista has had an amazing week, she said.
On Sunday, April 7, she began her journey as the 2024 USVI Cherry Blossom Princess delegate with the lighting of the historic Japanese Stone Lantern on the shore of the Tidal Basin in D.C. The lantern symbolizes friendship between Japan and the United States. During the week, some of the events she participated in included conferences, visits to embassies and museums, and reading to elementary school students.
“On Wednesday, April 10, the annual Cherry Blossom Princess Delegate Congressional Reception was held where our very own Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was in attendance. My voice is still recovering from the gala held on Friday, April 12, as I screamed as loud as I could when the wheel stopped spinning on U.S. Virgin Islands,” she said. For 76 years, the U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen has been selected by the spin of a wheel and this is a first for the USVI. In 2017, the wheel stopped for the first runner-up position.
“The week of activities culminated with the Cherry Blossom parade on Saturday, April 13, where our VIADC beautiful, intelligent Cherry Blossom Princess delegate made her first public appearance as the 2024 U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen when she rode on the float waving to spectators along Constitution Avenue. I am looking forward to the exciting year ahead during her reign. Alessandra is a remarkable young lady and we are very proud of her,” said Parrott.
The USVI has been represented by Cherry Blossom princesses, now called delegates, since 1982, first through the office of the delegate to Congress, and later through the Virgin Islands Association, D.C.
About the National Cherry Blossom Program
The Cherry Blossom Program is a cultural, educational, and professional development experience for young women leaders, ages 19 through 24, from across the United States and the world. State/territorial societies or international embassies select candidates for their accomplishments in leadership and academics, interest in international relations and world affairs, and a record of community service.
In their roles as Cherry Blossom Princess delegates, the young women serve as representatives for their states, territories and countries, participating in daily public and private events across the National Capital Area. They actively interact with prominent leaders in government, business, the arts and media.
The Virgin Islands Association, D.C. website is www.viadc.org. Email Diane Parrott at viadc.cbc@gmail.com for more information.
(Photo courtesy Facebook)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced this week that the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) was selected to receive approximately $62.5 million to develop solar programs — the highest amount available to the territory in this competitive grant program. The grant will enable low-income and disadvantaged households to benefit from solar power.
“I am very pleased that the Virgin Islands Energy Office was selected to receive the Greenhouse Gas Reductions Fund grant. Providing opportunities for energy resilience is paramount to improving the quality of life for our underserved residents and families. They deserve reliable, affordable and clean power,” said Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett.
The funding through the ‘Solar for All’ grant program is part of the historic $27 billion Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, created under the President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act to address energy costs for families, produce quality jobs and advance environmental justice.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands as a whole are a disadvantaged community that has been historically burdened by centralized fossil fuel-based power systems that suffer from high energy costs and low reliability,” said Kyle Fleming, director of the Virgin Islands Energy Office.
“The Virgin Islands Energy Office’s successful selection of its ‘Solar for All’ application has presented a historic opportunity for the territory to fast-track an equitable energy transition that holistically leverages the islands’ most abundant natural resource,” said Fleming.
The Congresswoman offered a letter of support to the VIEO last year upon applying for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Funds. She highlighted the meaningful benefits of the ‘Solar for All’ program including delivering household savings, increasing access for low-income and disadvantaged households, increasing resiliency by way of creating capacity, facilitating ownership models that support communities build equity projects, and investing in quality jobs and business.
Congresswoman Plaskett said, “My office was happy to support the VIEO in pursuing this competitive grant—not only writing a letter of support but also calling on EPA Administrator Michael Regan and the Biden Administration for support. I would like to congratulate Director Fleming and his team for their great work in securing this grant for our territory. We look forward to continuing to work with the VI Energy Office on this initiative and others in the best interest of all Virgin Islanders.”
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett
Minor female reports to police she was sexually assaulted by Shawn Alexander. (Shutterstock image)
A man wanted for aggravated rape involving a minor turned himself into the authorities Monday, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On April 19 at 5:00 p.m., an adult female escorted a minor female into the police station to report she was touched inappropriately by Shawn Alexander. The child stated that Alexander sexually assaulted her and made numerous advances, and as a result, she told an adult in the household, according to the police report.
On Monday, the Criminal Investigation Bureau disseminated a wanted ad on Alexander. On Tuesday Alexander, 40, turned himself in to police. He was Mirandized and declined to make a statement, the police report stated.
Alexander was charged with aggravated rape in the first degree with his bail set at $150,000. He could not post the bail and was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
A St. Croix man turned himself into the authorities Monday for stealing over $6,000 while he was an employee of Ranger American, LLC, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Aug. 28, 2023, Detectives from the Economic Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into Etienne Theodore. The investigation revealed that between May 23, 2023, and July 11, 2023, Theodore, an employee of Ranger American, LLC, stole $6,910 in cash while making his drops at the First Bank and Oriental Bank ATMs, according to the police report.
On Monday, at approximately 11:19 a.m., Theodore turned himself over to detectives from the Virgin Islands Police Department Economic Crime Unit. Theodore, 27, was served an arrest warrant and placed under arrest without incident. He was charged with obtaining money by false pretense and grand larceny, the police report stated.
His bail was set at $20,000. Unable to post bail, Theodore was remanded to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
