U.S. Customs and Border Protection is introducing Pay.gov for electronic payment of duties, taxes, and fees in the U.S. Virgin Islands as part of a broader modernization effort. (Source file photo)U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the rollout of Pay.gov for electronic payment of duties, taxes, and fees on imported goods in the U.S. Virgin Islands, marking a shift toward a more automated commercial process.
In the coming months, importers will be able to submit payments online through Pay.gov, reducing reliance on paper-based transactions at ports of entry across the territory, according to the press release from Customs and Border Protection.
The system will apply to cargo arriving from the continental United States, Puerto Rico and foreign locations. CBP said it will prioritize cargo transactions completed through electronic payment systems as part of the transition.
The platform allows users to create accounts to store payment information, track transactions and manage recurring payments. Payments for formal entries may be made by ACH debit from a U.S. bank account, with data syncing in real time with Automated Commercial Environment records. Informal entries may be paid by credit or debit card, the release stated.
“Pay.gov is a game changer for the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Area Port Director Todd Bellew. “This new platform will make it faster and easier for importers to meet their obligations, while giving CBP the tools to process cargo more efficiently and securely. It’s a win for trade and for the territory.”
CBP said the change is part of a broader effort to modernize trade operations in the territory. The agency plans to introduce additional digital systems, including electronic manifest requirements.
Carriers will be required to submit cargo manifests electronically through the Automated Commercial Environment and Electronic Data Interchange systems, providing advance cargo information. Specific port codes must be used for shipments to St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, depending on origin, the release stated.
Carriers must test their systems with CBP to ensure proper data transmission. Importers and filers must continue to request cargo release through the USVICEI mailbox for authorization, the release stated.
CBP said a grace period will be provided to allow carriers and importers to adjust. After that period, penalties may be assessed for noncompliance, and cargo release could be delayed.
The changes are authorized under the Trade Act of 2002 and federal regulations governing customs operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, CBP said.
The Virgin Islands Board of Education is excited to announce the extension of its transformative one-time Amnesty Program for Professional Educator Certification holders. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to empower educators, offering enhanced flexibility and innovative opportunities to meet certification requirements while advancing their professional growth.Board of Education
Through streamlined processes and adjusted standards, VIBE is paving the way for educators whose certifications have expired or who face challenges with recertification.
Amnesty for Conditional Certificate Holders
If you hold an expired conditional certificate, this is your moment! The amnesty program allows you to apply for a penalty-free extension, granting an additional three years to complete necessary certification requirements. Whether it’s coursework, testing, or teaching experience, this extension ensures you have the time and resources to achieve your goals.
Amnesty for Recertification Candidates
For educators seeking recertification, VIBE is making the journey more accessible by temporarily reducing the required professional development hours. During this program, recertification will require just 75 hours of professional development, a significant adjustment from the standard 125 hours outlined in the Professional
Staff Certification & Higher Education policy.
“We are proud to launch this amnesty program as a testament to our unwavering support for educators and their professional journeys,” said Dr. Kyza A. Callwood, Chairperson of the Board. “This initiative reflects our deep commitment to empowering educators, equipping them with the tools to succeed in the classroom, and fostering a brighter future for our students.”
This exciting opportunity is effective immediately and will remain available until Dec. 31, 2026. For more information, visit www.myviboe.com or contact your district certification officer via email at jedwards@myviboe.com on St. Thomas, dmheath@myviboe.com on St. Croix, or call 340-774-4546 for St. Thomas or 340- 772-4144 for St. Croix. This is your opportunity to reignite your professional certification journey with confidence and ease. Join us in shaping the future of education in the Virgin Islands.
The St. Croix District Office of the Insular Superintendent wishes to inform you that the school redistricting process is now in its final stage and will soon go live. As we prepare to distribute official notifications regarding your child(ren)’s school placement, your immediate attention is required.
Students arrive for class at the St. Croix Educational Complex in 2018. (Photo by Bill Kossler)
To ensure you receive accurate and timely information, please review the following:
Log into your PowerSchool Parent Portal as soon as possible.
Confirm that your residential address and demographic information are accurate and up to date.
Parents/guardians may update contact information (such as email addresses and phone numbers) directly in PowerSchool without district approval.
If updates to other information are needed, contact your child’s school directly for assistance.
Please note that any changes to your residential address must be supported by valid proof of residency, such as:
Lease agreement
Utility bill
Deed
Property tax bill
Residency changes require in-person documentation submission through the Division of Student Services Office.
Deadline: All updates must be completed by April 10, 2026.
We understand that transitions such as this may raise questions, and we are committed to supporting you throughout this process. Ensuring your information is accurate will help us provide a smooth and efficient redistricting experience for all families.
Thank you for your prompt attention and continued partnership in supporting your child’s education.
Cedric Nathaniel Jeffers
Sunrise: June 24, 1943 – Sunset: March 16, 2026
It is with deep sorrow that the family of Cedric Nathaniel Jeffers announces his passing on March 16, 2026. Cedric was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and the love he shared with his family and friends throughout his life.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his loving daughter Angella Lewis of St. Kitts; his devoted sons Kennedy Caines of St. Croix and Shevon Jeffers of Nevis; and his beloved grandchildren Tyrese, Shevonje, and Vondre Jeffers of Nevis and Elijah, Jeshuah, and Yazhid Lewis of St. Kitts. He is also survived by his brothers Wilfred Richards and Robert Carl Jeffers of St. Croix, Edmond Mills, Joseph Maynard, and Gilbert Maynard of Nevis, Roderick Jones of Atlanta, and Vincent Jeffers of Detroit; his sister Linette Mercado of St. Croix; his son-in-law John Lewis of Canada; and his sisters-in-law Claristina Jeffers and Rosemary Richards of St. Croix, Hyacinth Maynard of Nevis, and Lillian Jeffers of Detroit.
Cedric Nathaniel Jeffers
He also leaves behind a host of nieces including Lornette Mills and Samantha Maynard of St. Croix; Neila, Glenicia, Tysha, Estisha, and Tamica Maynard of Nevis; Roshundia Jeffers and Jean Jeffers of New York; Michelle Maynard of St. Kitts; Esther Weekes and Louvina Charles of St. Maarten; Deborah Weekes-Claxton and Claudia McCall of St. Kitts; Carmen Jones and Jessica Jones-Alexander of Orlando; and Shemira Mercado and Shakyma Mercado Williams of St. Croix. He is further survived by his nephews Elroy, Chesley, and Shefton Mills of St. Croix; Edmond Mills of Connecticut; Mannix Maynard of North Carolina; Sylvin Mercado of Indiana; Ryan and Travis Maynard of Nevis; Morris Weekes of St. Kitts; and David Weekes of St. Maarten.
Cedric also leaves to mourn his great-nieces Keosha, Keshaunadia, and Keshyra Quinn, Je’Taia Hanley, Sy and Eve Mercado, Dequilla, Riancia, Nyla, and Tarianna Maynard, Vincia William, and Talia Harris; his great-nephew Brian Maynard; his great-great nieces Mila Ortiz, Kai’J Maynard, Khimarah France, and Ti’Shanika Hanley; and his great-great nephews Khari Newton, Amari Young, Mekhi Maynard, Nazari Norford, and Amir Forbes.
He will also be fondly remembered by his special friends Joycelyn Stapleton, Miriam Pereira, Frances Jones and Family, and Mable Peets of St. Croix; Evelyn Hamilton and family, Vincent Liburd, Rupert Griffin, Sonia Morton, Icilma Hanley, and Bernadine Walters of St. Kitts; Alita Browne and family, Alexis “Fox” Browne, Irick Browne, Alden Browne, Mervin “Tiba” Davis, and Joseph “Wallaboy” Eddy of Nevis; Nardia Francis of Pennsylvania; Nicole Davis of Connecticut; Pamela Browne of Carolina; and Bashley, Mong, Moses, and Hardy of St. Croix, along with many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Beeston Hill Wesleyan Holiness Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 9:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
The University of the Virgin Islands Lady Buccaneers enter the track and field season with a small roster but a clear sense of what they want to be. The 2026 Lady Buccaneers roster includes athletes with running experience, but the group remains relatively new to the collegiate level. The focus early in the season will be on development, versatility, and finding where this year’s three-athlete squad can make its biggest impact.
Pilar Swinson (left) and Londyn Hall. (Submitted photo)
UVI’s women’s side features senior Aisha Sabur, sophomore Londyn Hall, and true freshman Pilar Swinson. Hall is expected to set the pace for the Lady Buccaneers and arrives as a runner the program believes can pose a real challenge to opponents across the season. Sabur returns as an established member of the team, while Swinson gives UVI a new dimension as the first athlete in program history to compete in the hurdles, a notable step for a roster still building its event range.
Sabur’s shift may be one of the most important storylines of the season. After competing in the 100 and 200 during the 2023-24 season, she has turned her focus exclusively to the long jump. That move gives the Buccaneers a veteran presence in the field events and could help define the team’s identity as it searches for points in multiple areas rather than relying only on sprint races.
Head Coach Dale Joseph expressed satisfaction with the progress of the women’s program, stating, “I am pleased with the direction we have taken in developing the women’s program. Over the years, the team has expanded its participation to include events such as the shot put and javelin. This season, we are further broadening our scope by introducing hurdles and reintroducing the long jump, an event in which we have not recently fielded a competitor.”
The season will begin on March 28 at the Nova Southeastern University Shark Invitational in Fort Lauderdale, providing UVI with its initial challenge against regional South Florida programs. Following this, the Buccaneers will compete at the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic in Daytona Beach from April 2-4, a meet that has become annual in the Buccaneers’ schedule. These initial competitions will be crucial in assessing how quickly the Lady Buccaneer newcomers adapt to collegiate competition and evaluating the team’s standing as they approach the core of the season.
The season will close at the 2026 HBCUAC Track and Field Championship, where UVI will face off with their conference rivals. The Buccaneers are slated to compete at the Championships from April 30-May 2 in Shreveport, Louisiana. For this developing squad, the early meets in Florida are essential for establishing form, but the primary objective is to peak by championship time. At that point, Hall’s potential, Sabur’s transition to the long jump, and Swinson’s debut in the hurdles will provide the program with a comprehensive assessment of its competitive standing.
The University of the Virgin Islands enters the 2026 men’s track and field season with a small but balanced roster and a clear point of emphasis under head coach Dale Joseph. Now in his third consecutive season leading the Buccaneers, Joseph is continuing the work of revitalizing a program he previously guided from 2007 to 2020, with UVI set to rely on a six-man team that features sprinters, middle-distance depth, and javelin throwers.
The Buccaneers’ identity starts with versatility. Team captain Rayhan Sabur is expected to be one of the anchors in the 100- and 200-meter races, joined by two other sprinters, sophomore Gabriel Elcock and junior Ahsan Ambo, in those events. Senior V’Andre Rochester gives UVI another option on the track, competing in the 200 and 400. Freshman Lance Latare adds range to the lineup by taking on both the 1,500 meters and the javelin, while Zahir Mbengue will focus solely on the javelin throw. That mix gives UVI event coverage across the track and field slate, even with a compact roster.
Elcock is the lone returner from last season, while Rochester and Sabur are back with the program after a year away. Their most recent competition came at the 2024 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship, giving the Buccaneers some experience to build around. Ambo is in his first season with the team, and freshmen Latare and Mbengue will make their collegiate track and field debuts this spring, making development just as important as results in the early meets.
“The team is relatively inexperienced, and we are throwing them into the fire early on and will see how they perform,” said Joseph. “However, the team has been working hard, and I think they will fare well. They’ll be put to the test when we line up in our first few meets. We’ll be able to see where we currently stand and build towards our ultimate goal at the end of the season, which is a good showing at the conference championships.
The season opens March 28 at Nova Southeastern University, where UVI will line up against regional South Florida institutions in its first test of the year. The Buccaneers then head to Daytona Beach for the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, scheduled for April 2-4, a meet UVI has regularly attended. Those opening competitions should give Joseph a clearer read on his group and on how quickly the newcomers can settle into collegiate competition.
The schedule builds toward the HBCUAC Track and Field Championships, where the Buccaneers will close the season against familiar conference competition. The HBCUAC Track and Field Championship is scheduled for April 30 – May 2 in Shreveport, Louisiana, with the championship meet serving as the program’s main target. For a team still shaping its depth, the formula is straightforward: score where the sprinters can create opportunities, find points in the javelin, and continue the steady rebuild Joseph is trying to establish with this year’s group.
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Elders, youngsters, and every age in between came together at the National Park Ballfield on Friday to celebrate traditional Virgin Islands culture at the VI Folklife Festival on St. John. The event continued on Saturday at the Annaberg Historic District from 2 to 5 p.m.
Old friends greet each other and get hugs from young friends, too. From left, Henry Powell, Jenny Paris, Lorene Blackwood, and Gwenavire Hyndman. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“We invite the community to come out and carry on the culture through music
and movement,” said Penelope Del Bene, superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park.
VINP Superintendent Penny de Bene samples food from a vendor. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“This festival is a testament to the vibrant culture of the Virgin Islands community and their dedication to preserving these traditions.”
School children left their classrooms to wander among tents with activities
highlighting traditional foods, crafts, tools, and traditions.
Eighth-graders from the Julius E. Sprauve School arrive at the NPS ball field in Cruz Bay. Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Some students seem particularly pleased to leave the classroom on a beautiful Friday afternoon. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Former VINP ranger Jackie Clendenin says she worked with other AARP volunteers to chaperone nearly 200 students from St. Thomas during the morning. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“They were so excited to be here,” she said. “When I asked them how many of them had been to St. John, only a few raised their hands.”
JESS students practice their skills with culture bearers like Lindy Parsons, who helped them make jam tarts. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Daniel Paul instructs the students on the health benefits of fruits and teas. Those who can answer questions afterward are rewarded with local “fig” bananas. Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Culture bearer Julian Frett concentrates as he fabricates a broom out of traditional materials. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Children seem amazed as they reach out to touch an old telephone, part of a collection of household artifacts assembled by siblings Jenny Paris and Henry Powell. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Yolanda Morten demonstrates the use of an old-fashioned grinder for coffee and spices. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Charles “Callah” Jackson cuts slices of sugar cane for sampling. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Kathy Hilliard, Larry Wilson, and Lonnie Willis of the St. John Historical Society display traditional St. John baskets and a coal pot. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
On April 8, the Historical Society invites the public to join them in a cleanup of William Woods Cemetery behind the Sprauve Library. The Historical Society’s final meeting of the year will be on Tuesday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the Bethany Moravian Church and is open to everyone.
Throughout the day, festival goers were entertained by musicians and dancers.
Glen “Kwabena” Davis, a mainstay of the event, contributes by singing songs, telling stories, and calling out instructions for maypole “plaiting.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)V.I. for Life Quadrille Dancers move regally to the sounds of Quelbe Resurrection Band. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Jonte Samuel of Quelbe Resurrection Band waves hello during a break. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)Bamboula dancers of all ages sashay across the field in their white skirts. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)La’nae Charles says she was excited to see the park bring back the Folklife Festival. “It was a staple when I was growing up. I haven’t seen a maypole since elementary school.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
The fun continues next week.
Alvis Christian holds up a schedule of activities planned by the Emmaus Moravian Church for Easter Monday, April 6, on the Coral Bay ball field from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be traditional games like egg and spoon, grease pig, and tug-of-war. Performers include the Dynamic Dancers, the Love City Pan Dragons, and quadrille dancers. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Children will gather for a community Easter egg hunt Sunday afternoon at Thali Indian Grill, where thousands of toy-filled eggs and family activities will support a local pageant contestant. (Source file photo)
A free Easter egg hunt featuring thousands of toy-filled eggs, live animals, and the Easter Bunny, and family activities will take place Sunday afternoon at Thali Indian Grill in a community event organized to raise funds for a local pageant contestant.
The Easter egg hunt is scheduled from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at Thali Indian Grill and is being organized in partnership with Being Humane USVI, a nonprofit founded by restaurant owners Gary and Sally Udhwani.
“We did the Easter egg hunt last year and it was a great success. People called and asked if we were going to repeat it this year, so we’re bringing it back by public demand,” Gary said.
The event is designed with children and families in mind, with activities planned throughout the afternoon, including games, music and opportunities to interact with animals.
“This is really meant to be a fun community event,” he said. “There will be games for the kids, animals they can pet like turtles, ducks and bunnies, plus raffles and music.”
In addition to the egg hunt itself, organizers said there will be cookie-decorating, drawing and painting stations, bouncy houses and the Easter Bunny.
A number of local businesses have backed the event, including The Beauty Corner, Offshore Real Estate, Consolidated Shipping, Rapier Med, Solar 340 and several local jewelry stores that contributed raffle prizes and financial support.
Organizers said approximately 3,000 eggs will be hidden across the venue, each filled with toys. “The eggs the children hunt for aren’t empty. We’ve got about 3,000 eggs, and they’re filled with toys.” Gary said.
Admission to the event is free, with attendees paying only for food or optional participation in games and raffles. Proceeds from ticketed games and raffles will go toward helping a local contestant cover the costs of an upcoming pageant.
“The proceeds from the raffle and the games will go to help support Liliana Bryan, a contestant for Little Miss U.S. Virgin Islands,” Gary said.
He added that the raffles are expected to be a major draw for attendees.
“The raffle is actually the most fun part of it, because we receive so many gifts that we have to do a raffle like every 10 to 15 minutes to be able to give all these things away,” Gary said. Raffle prizes include items donated by local jewelry stores and other businesses, as well as goods purchased with earlier cash donations to Being Humane.
The fundraiser is one of several community initiatives undertaken recently by Being Humane USVI. In addition to Sunday’s event, the nonprofit has provided assistance to federal workers affected by pay disruptions.
“Through Being Humane, we recently provided 60 lunches to TSA employees here in the Virgin Islands because they weren’t getting paid,” Gary said. “Next, we plan to provide lunch for other federal agents as well.”
He added that the group intentionally keeps its mission broad so it can respond to a variety of needs as they arise.
“We didn’t form the organization for a single purpose, so we can support anything that comes to us looking for help,” he said. “It’s a new organization that we just built last year. We’re developing it as we go.”
Being Humane USVI operates by funding events up front and then donating the proceeds to local causes. Gary said that by using events to raise money, the group can often donate more, pointing to past efforts where similar fundraisers have multiplied what the couple could give on their own.
Sally Udhwani, founder of Being Humane, said the organization is planning additional community events in the months ahead.
“In November, Being Humane is going to host its next gala, and we are focusing on benefiting the hospital with that,” she said. The group is working with hospital leadership to identify specific supplies that could be purchased and donated directly.
Organizers say Sunday’s Easter egg hunt offers families a way to support those broader efforts while giving children a festive afternoon of activities.
“We encourage everyone to come out,” Gary said. “It’s a fun event for the community, and it supports a child and other causes through Being Humane.”
The Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts will open a second location in Charlotte Amalie this year, expanding its programming beyond St. Croix after more than 30 years, according to a press release.
A sign marks the future home of CMCArts on Dronningens Gade in Charlotte Amalie, where the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts plans to open its second location. (Photo courtesy CMCArts)
The new site will extend CMCArts programming to St. Thomas and include a museum store and exhibition gallery featuring artists from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and the diaspora. The expansion is expected to increase access to exhibitions, educational initiatives and cultural programming across the territory, the press release stated.
CMCArts is seeking artists interested in selling artwork and locally made items in the museum store. Interested creatives can contact the organization at 340-772-2622, the release stated.
The St. Thomas location will be housed within Fifteenandnine’s redevelopment at 15 Dronningens Gade on Main Street. The project focuses on restoring a historic property while creating space for local businesses, artists and community-centered activity, the release stated.
A rendering shows the interior gallery space planned for the new CMCArts location, featuring exhibition walls and open layout for displaying local and Caribbean artwork. (Photo courtesy CMCArts)
According to the release, the partnership supports efforts to strengthen Charlotte Amalie’s economic and cultural activity through locally driven retail and walkable community spaces.
CMCArts said the expansion aligns with its mission to promote Caribbean art and culture while increasing visibility for artists and expanding community engagement throughout the Virgin Islands, the release stated.
The organization also plans to hire a museum manager. The position is expected to be posted within the week on the Department of Labor website, vidolviews.org.
“The expansion of CMCArts to a St. Thomas location goes a long way towards our goal of becoming a hub of art and culture for the Caribbean,” Stephanie Felix, CMCArts board member said.
The Buccaneers’ identity starts with versatility. Team captain Rayhan Sabur is expected to be one of the anchors in the 100- and 200-meter races, joined by two other sprinters, sophomore Gabriel Elcock and junior Ahsan Ambo, in those events. Senior V’Andre Rochester gives UVI another option on the track, competing in the 200 and 400. Freshman Lance Latare adds range to the lineup by taking on both the 1,500 meters and the javelin, while Zahir Mbengue will focus solely on the javelin throw. That mix gives UVI event coverage across the track and field slate, even with a compact roster.
Elcock is the lone returner from last season, while Rochester and Sabur are back with the program after a year away. Their most recent competition came at the 2024 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Championship, giving the Buccaneers some experience to build around. Ambo is in his first season with the team, and freshmen Latare and Mbengue will make their collegiate track and field debuts this spring, making development just as important as results in the early meets.
“The team is relatively inexperienced, and we are throwing them into the fire early on and will see how they perform,” said Joseph. “However, the team has been working hard, and I think they will fare well. They’ll be put to the test when we line up in our first few meets. We’ll be able to see where we currently stand and build towards our ultimate goal at the end of the season, which is a good showing at the conference championships.
The season opens March 28 at Nova Southeastern University, where UVI will line up against regional South Florida institutions in its first test of the year. The Buccaneers then head to Daytona Beach for the Embry-Riddle Running Elements Classic, scheduled for April 2-4, a meet UVI has regularly attended. Those opening competitions should give Joseph a clearer read on his group and on how quickly the newcomers can settle into collegiate competition.
The schedule builds toward the HBCUAC Track and Field Championships, where the Buccaneers will close the season against familiar conference competition. The HBCUAC Track and Field Championship is scheduled for April 30 – May 2 in Shreveport, Louisiana, with the championship meet serving as the program’s main target. For a team still shaping its depth, the formula is straightforward: score where the sprinters can create opportunities, find points in the javelin, and continue the steady rebuild Joseph is trying to establish with this year’s group. 
