Students from the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center pledge into the National Technical Honor Society. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
It was a special day for 37 students at the St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center Thursday as they were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society for the 2023-2024 school year.
The occasion, that was held at the St. Croix Educational Complex auditorium, gathered families, friends, and other students to witness the momentous occasion.
Kaylona LaRocque lights a candle during the candlelight ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The event included a description of the society’s purpose, colors, emblem, motto, and slogan, a candlelight ceremony, followed by the induction of the students to include the students selected as NTHS officers.
Officers take a pledge during the National Technical Honor Society ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In describing the NTHS, one of the inducted officers, Eriana Rivera said, “The National Technical Honor Society colors are silver, white, and purple. Silver represents value at work, white represents truth and honesty, and purple represents achievement of honor.”
The mission and vision of the National Technical Honor Society is to honor student achievement and leadership, promote educational excellence and enhance career opportunities.
Former senator and Board of Career and Technical Education member, Genevieve Whitaker, shared some words of praise to the inductees saying, “education has always been the cornerstone of progress, and today as we gather to recognize your outstanding achievements, we affirm the value of career and technical education. Your commitment to excellence in your chosen fields not only speaks volumes about your education, but also serves as a testament to the transforming power of education.”
Department of Education Deputy Superintendent Karen Chancellor gave the closing remarks and said, “if you give a man a fish you feed him for the day, but if you teach a man how to fish you feed them for a lifetime. These students this morning have chosen to learn how to fish, and it is their motivation for me because National Technical Honor Society is not a requirement, but it is a choice. These students are not only honor students, but they are the ones who have chosen to embrace the honor society way of life. These inductees have a bright future. You are role models and mentors for your peers and other youth coming after you. Always find ways to give back to your community because you were created intentionally and for a purpose.”
According to the National Technical Honor Society’s history, the society was established in 1984 and prior to its conception nothing was being done to lift outstanding career and technical students. Over the years, educators have seen the National Technical Honor Society at work, lifting-up students, advancing excellence in career and technical education and raising the bar for students’ achievements.
The Caribbean Genealogy Library hosted its virtual “Finding Family Using Newspapers” event Wednesday, that provided tips on how to access and use newspapers to find information on one’s family roots.
Genealogist Dana Palmer discusses tips on how to use newspapers to research family history. (Screenshot from Caribbean Genealogy virtual event)
Presenter Dana Palmer used her background in genealogy to provide information to viewers on various websites, buildings, types of records, and key research phrases to use in their hunt to better understand their family’s lineage. In her presentation, genealogist Palmer displayed several newspaper clippings from her family’s records and public records to provide viewers examples of the type of information they should be searching for. Newspaper notices of wedding anniversaries, obituaries, funeral announcements, reunion announcements, golden anniversaries, special birthdays, gossipy news, legal notices, crime notices, and military services were referenced.
Dana Palmer references a newspaper article with information on her family genealogy during her presentation on using newspapers for genealogy. (Screenshot from Caribbean Genealogy virtual event)
According to Palmer, notices of lawsuits or other legal matters such as appointments of administrators or executors, can provide pieces of information that lead into genealogy records.
“Sometimes these can give insights to lead to future records you can look for,” she said.
Dana Palmer references a 1928 newspaper notice from Dayton, Ohio during her presentation on using newspapers for genealogy. (Screenshot from Caribbean Genealogy virtual event)
During her presentation, she displayed a 1928 newspaper notice from Dayton, Ohio that Vernie L. Moore placed in the Dayton Daily News that said he will not be responsible for any debts contracted by his wife Ruth Moore. After showing that article to her students at an earlier date, upon further investigation, one of Palmer’s students said that Moore created the notice after a divorce proceeding.
Palmer also made it clear to viewers that they must stay cognizant on how they dive into their research. She highlighted being aware of key terms when searching for records. She gave an example of searching for records surrounding World War I and told viewers that they won’t find data using the term “World War I” during that time period.
“When you’re looking for these papers, think about the words that are used at the time,” said Palmer. “This is World War I. They’re not going to call it World War I because there wasn’t a World War II. So think about that when you’re looking at your paper, about the phrasing that may have been used at the time.”
She also mentioned sometimes narrowing or broadening the location of records for better search results when applicable.
“Include the names of towns, landmarks, or geographic features, Northwest territory instead of just Ohio,” said Palmer.
Palmer also provided successful keywords to use when searching genealogical records for births, deaths, marriages, and military records. They include: born, new baby boy or girl, infant, died, passed away, ill, lingering illness, funeral, funeral home, cemetery, beloved wife or husband, sudden death, departed this life, killed, interment, grave, marriage license, bride, groom, reception, wed, matrimony, soldier, seaman, airman, crewman, conflict, reserve, veteran, battle, service, and overseas.
Palmer said that newspapers are generally kept by historical societies and libraries at the local or state level. The information might be recorded in print, microfilm or digital, so it is important to be aware of the formats of those records.
“If you don’t find it online, don’t get discouraged. You just might have to look for it in another format,” Palmer said.
One more tip that Palmer mentioned to viewers was to be mindful that research tools can be sensitive to words selected for the search. One website she uses, fultonhistory.com (based in Fulton County,N.Y., that collected and digitized postcards and newspapers) uses Boolean research style where you have to type “AND” between a person’s first and last name in order to generate results.
“It can be really really difficult to use this site,” said Palmer.
Overall, Palmer highlighted that while newspapers can be great resources for public interest, they also serve as great resources for personal news and genealogical insight and understanding the daily happenings during an ancestor’s lifetime. She provided many of her favorite sources that can be used for genealogical records and noted that while there are some free sites, there are many subscription websites which charge a fee.
“Don’t pay for subscriptions if your location and time period are not in the collection,” she said.
A list of sources and key information from Palmer’s presentation can be found here.
Resources from the Caribbean Genealogy Library can also be found here.
The next event from the Genealogy Library is on David H. Jackson and Casper Holstein: “Early Collaboration in Fighting for Political Reform 1921-1927” and will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. For access, visit https://www.tickettailor.com/events/caribbeangenealogylibrary/1219518 . For more information on the Genealogy Library, visit https://cgl.vi .
A Dominican Republic national, Ruben Reyes, 37, was sentenced by Chief Judge Robert A. Molloy to 120 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute while on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Friday.
According to court documents, on Nov. 18, 2020, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations intercepted a vessel traveling from St. Thomas toward Puerto Rico at approximately one mile southwest of Savana Island. The vessel was operating without navigational lights, and individuals on board the vessel were observed throwing black objects overboard into the ocean. Agents placed markers in the locations where the objects were discarded while they continued to pursue the vessel. Reyes, Jorge Romero Amaro, Giovanni Graciani, Hector Rivera Concepcion and Pedro Luis Sayan Villanueva were found on board the vessel and seven duffle bags containing approximately 198 kilograms of cocaine were recovered from the ocean.
Amy Veronica Williams
Amy Veronica Williams has died.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Wilmoth Brown and Dorothy Lewis; sisters: Elsa Browne, Audrey James, Veronica “Vero” Lewis, and June Griffith; and brothers: Ephraim Lewis, Fred Lewis and Dennis Browne.
She is survived by her husband, Alban B. Williams; children: Geraldine “Diane” A. Williams-Roberts, Wendy James, Leton Williams, Tidmarsh Williams, Alban B. Williams, and Adrian P. Williams; adopted sons: Rohan Thomas and Daiton Ells; sisters: Diana “Min” Lewis, Sandra Ventura and Karen Fleming; brothers: Grafton Brown and Carlton Brown; son-in-law, Deano A. Roberts; daughters-in-law: Margaret Williams, Angelica Williams and Alysia Echols; and brother-in-law, Melthod Griffith.
She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Marilyn Lewis, Visilca Lewis and Florence Griffith; grandchildren: Adena, Dean, and Deshaun Christian, Tyrique and Aaliyah Williams, Justin (JT), Tidmarsh (TJ) Jr., Jayden and Jorden Williams, Veronica (Nooni) Williams, Rionna (Victoria) Ford and Emanuel Furgess; great-grandchildren: Syncere, Christian and Kali Furgess, and Aniyah Makayla Christian; and nieces: Joy, Gailon, Camilla (Ann), Casilda Keisha, Juliet, Susan Gala and Gewaunie Browne, Margarita Prosper-Dagou, Ednette, Alma and Roseanne Touissant, Tiffany and Osini Lewis, Stacy and Dez Griffith and many more too numerous to mention.
Other survivors include nephews: Ansley Brown, Neil Larson, Tyrone and Devon Lewis, Adrian and Ishan Griffith, Earlon Brown, Max, Dexter, Garnet, Terry and Joseph Brown and many more too numerous to mention; best friends: Etheleen Byers, and many more too numerous to mention; and New Testament Church of God family: Bishop Earl V. Harrison and church members too numerous to mention.
A viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at New Testament Church. Interment will be cremation.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
Dr. Barbara Petrolla Hodge
Dr. Barbara Petrolla Hodge died on April 10. She was 74 years old.
She is survived by her daughter, Deavene N. Hodge; son-in-law, Ethan ML Smith; grandchildren: Deaneen T David-Hodge, Dianilee Duckworth Hodge, Danell T. Hodge and Dillon J. Smith; brothers: Valencia R. Hodge, Vanklyn Hodge, Denver Hodge and Daryl Hodge; and sisters: Stella Horsford, Madge Watts, Gloria Barry and Selina Lindo.
She is also survived by nieces and nephews: Christopher Hodge, Rasheed’s Hodge, Jamaal Hodge, Mitchum Hodge, Khamal Harding Hodge, Marisa Harding Hodge, Vanessa Hodge, Shemois Hodge, Vanklyn “Frankie” Hodge, Velda Hodge, Dvonye Hodge, Colleen Horsford, Lana Hosford-Harrigan, Bernadette Barry, Norma Barry, Melsadis Barry and Tony Barry.
Other survivors include extended family and special friends: Joe Hodge and family, Cassie, Nydia and all the members of Bethel Baptist Missionary Church.
The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Monday, April 22, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. Interment will be cremation.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
Joseph Wilson shows off his catch on a Marine Vocational Program outing. (Photo by Jimmy Loveland.)
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) announces the publication and release of the second edition of “Go Wild, Go Fish VI,” a magazine created by the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) to highlight its work and accomplishments.
“We want to increase awareness of the variety of things that we do,” Commissioner Oriol said. “From our work with community partners on the territory’s first artificial reef to the first habitat corridor, to receiving our first competitive state wildlife grant. With each magazine, we plan to showcase ongoing projects and explore topics of interest to the public.”
In this issue, readers will meet DPNR’s 2024 St. Thomas-St. John Employee of the Year Julia Plotkin, an environmental specialist with the Division of Fish and Wildlife, as well its 2024 St. Croix Employee of the Year, attorney Maureen Madera Garcia, along with port samplers and recent interns.
A boa imperator constricting a Zenaida Dove (Zenaida aurita) in October 2020 on St. Croix. (Photo by DPNR staff)
The first issue of “Go Wild, Go Fish VI” was released last July and cast a spotlight on the endangered Virgin Islands tree boa, the invasive red-tailed bo, the division’s sea mapping program, scientific bird work, exotic pet amnesty program and scientific papers.
“Our work spans the gamut, from issuing permits for research and endangered species to mentoring students to maintaining recreational moorings, to funding kayak tours and providing archery lessons. The division also manages 32 offshore cays, responds to wildlife incidents, conducts scientific sea-life surveys, and registers commercial and recreational fishers,” Division of Fish and Wildlife director Nicole Angeli said. “The magazine is one of the tools at our disposal to keep the public informed.”
To view “Go Wild, Go Fish VI” Issue 2, visit www.tiny.cc/gowildgofishvi2. For Issue 1, go to “Go Wild, Go Fish.”
USVI delegates officially welcome Captain Michele Tuvo of the MSC Seascape on its inaugural call to the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy of WICO)
A MSC Cruises ship made her maiden call to the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday, April 17.
MSC Seascape, berthed at the West Indian Company (WICO) dock where a welcome ceremony was held for Captain Michele Tuvo, 4,827 guests and 1,715 crew.
“As the world’s fourth largest cruise line, MSC has been adding more ships to its fleet to become more competitive,” said Anthony A. Ottley, WICO president and CEO. “Accordingly, they have expanded their itineraries to include North American ports and more Caribbean destinations.”
The second of MSC’s Seaside EVO-class ships, MSC Seascape was designed with more outdoor space and a wider variety of dining options and entertainment venues than the standard Seaside-class ship.
According to the cruise line, MSC Seascape blends elegance and excitement with details, safety features and operations such as total electric power that make her environmentally friendly. She also was voted Forbes Best Cruise for Families Overall and currently is the largest cruise ship built in Italy.
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MSC Seascape’s Specifications
Built: Fincantieri shipyard, Italy
Year of Construction: 2023
Port of Registry: Malta
Class: Seaside-EVO
Cost: $900 million
Capacity: 5,179 maximum passengers
Crew: 1,715
A St. Croix man is facing robbery and reckless endangerment charges after being served with two arrest warrants and a search warrant, the V.I. Police Department reported Thursday.
The robbery occurred January 26, by Valmy Thomas Sporting Goods, where Darnley N. Petersen, along with two others, robbed an adult at gunpoint. The reckless endangerment occurred March 1, on Prince Street, Christiansted, where Peterson was caught on surveillance camera firing his firearm while others were present, according to the report.
The search warrant was executed at a family member’s home, and during the search of the dwelling, a fully loaded firearm with a loaded extended magazine was recovered along with marijuana. Petersen, 22-years-old, was arrested and taken into custody without incident for both charges. The bail was set separately at $50,000 and $75,000 for each incident, the report stated.
Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory said she plans to work with her colleagues to override Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s veto of a bill that would prevent employers from asking about an job applicant’s criminal history until after they have been interviewed and offered a position.
Sen. Donna Frett Gregory (Photo by Barry Leerdam)
The measure — Bill No. 35-0115, an act repealing title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II, “Limited Use of Criminal Records in Hiring Practices” — was passed unanimously by the Legislature last month and is aimed at helping people who have previously been incarcerated or arrested have a fair chance at employment.
The governor announced earlier Wednesday that he was vetoing the bill, citing concerns about “overreaching components … particularly the severe criminal penalty for employers and the absence of a cap on damages for job applicants.”
“I applaud the Senate for passing such a forward-thinking measure aimed at advancing employment opportunities for individuals in the Territory,” Bryan wrote. “I respectfully request the Legislature to amend the measure by removing the criminal penalty against employers and imposing a cap on damages for applicants/employees. Additionally, the declaration of policy in section 465(b) should align with the language of the Act for consistency. These adjustments would ensure that the measure achieves its intended goal without unduly burdening employers and will provide clarity. I eagerly anticipate the approval of a revised revision of this bill.”
However, Frett-Gregory said the language that Bryan objected to is already part of existing law. “It’s been on the books for almost six years. I am willing to work with the Governor’s Office, fellow Senators, and stakeholders to rework that language to address any concerns that employers may have,” she said in a press release responding to the veto announcement, “but that revision should be done in separate legislation and not hold up this one.”
According to the senator, Bill No. 35-0115 simply carried over civil and criminal penalties the Legislature approved in 2018 when it passed Act No. 8134. “These penalty provisions were added before I joined the Legislature and are found in Title 24, section 468 of the Virgin Islands Code,” Frett-Gregory said. “So, the rationale for vetoing the Bill because of penalty provisions that are already law is somewhat inaccurate.”
The message seemed to irk Bryan, who “replied all” to the email that delivered the press release to the media and government officials, writing, “After our meeting and you state you understand why it was vetoed you release this? Really?”
Frett-Gregory said she plans to “collaborate with my colleagues to chart a path forward. April is Second Chance Month, and we need to give our neighbors, family, and friends a fighting chance to get their foot in the door to show that they have learned from their mistake,” she said.
The bottom line is that ban the box legislation — so called because it eliminates the criminal history question on an initial job application — works, the senator said, noting that 36 states and many municipalities have similar measures, some of which include penalty provisions like those found in existing Virgin Islands law.
“The bill does not force employers to hire anyone, nor does it prevent them from conducting a criminal background check or setting a probationary period. It only delays that criminal background check until later in the onboarding process — after the employer has vetted the potential applicant based on their qualifications,” Frett-Gregory said.
“Based on the challenges with our workforce in the territory, we can no longer wait to give previously incarcerated or arrested persons a foot in the door — a door that leads to gainful employment, economic stability, and support for children and families. As legislators it is our duty to ensure that legislation opens doors and create opportunities not close them,” she said.
Bryan approved the following bills and resolutions that were passed by the 35th Legislature at its session on March 25:
Bill No. 35-0133— An Act establishing a scholarship program to support individuals interested in pursuing a career in the maritime industry in the Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 35-0172— An Act relating to the adoption of nationally recognized consensus-based building codes and standards.
Bill No. 35-0178 — An Act allowing for the automatic expungement of arrest records upon a finding that the arrest lacked probable cause and relating to public records to designate expunged criminal records as confidential records.
Bill No. 35-0182 — An Act designating the existing provisions and adding a subchapter II relating to the nonconsensual dissemination of sexually explicit images.
Bill No. 35-0196 — An Act establishing a deadline for the Government Employees Retirement System to resume the personal loan program, remove the $10,000,000 annual aggregate amount and the 8 percent interest rate cap, to limit the System’s liability to $75,000, and set a parameter in section 717 that all loans must be structured such that the payoff date occurs before the member reaches age 70.
Bill No. 35-0218 — An Act relating to unemployment benefits by: reducing the number of weeks that unemployment benefits can be received; increasing the statute of limitations for the collection of overpayments of unemployment benefits from claimants and for delinquent employer contribution and implementing a 10-year record retention period for employers.
Bill No. 35-0226 — An Act establishing a minimum default amount for child support.
Bill No. 35-0237 — An Act recognizing the month of March as Girl Scouts Month.
Bill No. 35-0249 — An Act authorizing the reprogramming of the remaining unused proceeds of the Series 2016 Emergency First Responder Line of Credit to assist the Virgin Islands Police Department in offsetting costs associated with hosting the June 2024 National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies International Symposium.
Additionally, Bryan approved the following zoning measures:
Bill No. 35-0213, Bill No. 35-0233, Bill No. 35-0234, Bill No. 35-0235; and approved the following leases: Bill No. 35-0077, Bill No. 35-0211, Bill No. 35-0225, Bill No. 35-0245 and Bill No.35-0246.
Bryan also approved the following honor bills:
Bill No. 35-0107 — an Act posthumously honoring and commending Dr. Fenella Cooper for her contributions to the field of education, sports and culture and naming the University of the Virgin Islands tennis courts in her honor.
Bill No. 35-0184 — an Act posthumously honoring and commending Private Viggo E. Sewer
Bill No. 35-0208 — an Act honoring and commending Bernice Alma Turnbull for her lifetime of service and dedication to the people of the Virgin Islands and naming the Finance Department’s building located at No. 2314 Kronprindsens Gade, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, “The Bernice Alma Turnbull Finance Administrative Building.”
Bill No. 35-0223 — an Act to honor and commend Bishop Dr. William Alfred Industrious for his service to the people of the Virgin Islands through his transportation service and designating that a portion of Gamle Gade be renamed “Bishop Dr. William A. Industrious Street.”
Bryan acknowledged the Legislature’s favorable action on the nominations of Harold W.L. Willocks as a Supreme Court justice; Averil George as the commissioner of the Human Services Department; Antonio Stevens as the director of Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services; Maurice Muia as board member of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority; May Adams Cornwall as a member from the district of St. Croix for the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission; and Dr. Nathaniel Olive and Carlos Robles as members of the Board of Supervisors on the Virgin Islands Conservation District
Bryan also acknowledged:
Resolution No. 1910 (Bill No. 35-0116) — A Resolution honoring and commending Honorary Brig. Gen. Leayle Gerard Galiber for his leadership in the Virgin Islands National Guard and his dedication to his country and to the people of the Virgin Islands.
Resolution No. 1911 (Bill No. 35-0247) — A Resolution requiring the Virgin Islands Public Services Commission to file an official complaint on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands against Liberty Latin America, Liberty Mobile USVI and Liberty Mobile Puerto Rico with the Federal Communications Commission.
The Casino Control Commission voted Thursday in favor of approving the initial license application for VIGL Operations LLC to operate a casino at the Randal “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In a unanimous vote Thursday, the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission approved the initial license application for VIGL Operations LLC to operate a casino at the Randal “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix.
The vote was witnessed by about 20 people at the Casino Control Commission office in Orange Grove. VIGL was also approved for a two-year renewal of the current license it holds for its operations at the Caravelle Hotel and Casino. This comes after a hearing that was held on behalf of the Casino Control Commission in February to listen to testimonies.
After the decision, the Casino Control Commission Chairman Marvin Pickering shared some thoughts, stating, “… an initial application is for a period of one year and then it’s renewed for a second term. Next year it will be renewed for two years.”
Referencing the application process, Pickering said, “The investigation was lengthy and exhausting. The initial reports of the commission had some issues. So, we requested supplemental reports and after that we had to go back and make sure the commissioners were all comfortable with making a favorable decision, and that was achieved.”
Flamboyant Park Horsemen Association President Elroy Bates Jr. shared some optimism, but also concern. “I’m happy but concerned. I’m not sure how much VIGL can get done in a year,” he said.
CFO of VIGL Andrew Dubuque shared his excitement about the commission’s decision and expressed his willingness to move forward and work with the Casino Control Commission.
“We are very excited that the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement and all the staff that have worked so hard to get us where we are today. This is exactly what we need to move forward. We have been at this since 2016 and then the hurricane and pandemic happened. Since then, essentially, we have been working towards this day to keep going,” he said.
Dubuque continued, “I’m a businessman and I am motivated to get things moving. There’s a reason why the Casino Control Commission and Division of Gaming Enforcement are here. They are here to make sure everything is according to the act and laws. We are excited for this opportunity.”
In attendance was Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr., who said, “I feel good about the decision, and I hope it’s a path forward. We have been waiting for a long time for this to be made so we welcome the decision. The ball is in VIGL’s court at least for what they promise to deliver at the Randall ‘Doc’ Racetrack. I implore them to at least make a start. I know that things are rather difficult now in terms of construction and they are in a race for time.”
Francis also thanked the Casino Control Commission for its decision and said that the Senate will do whatever they can from their end to move the project forward.
Members of the Casino Control Commission include Pickering, Commissioner Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell, Commissioner Luther F. Renee and Executive Director Linda I. Smith.
