Drought Conditions Improve Across USVI and Puerto Rico; Trend Expected to Continue

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Drought Conditions Improve Across USVI and Puerto Rico; Trend Expected to Continue

Due to significant rainfall since February, drought conditions have improved across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. The trend is anticipated to continue over the coming months, and both U.S. territories are forecast to become drought-free.

“Beneficial rains were observed since Feb. 1 across portions of the territories, causing drought conditions to relax in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands,” according to information contained in an update released on April 11 from the National Integrated Drought Information System and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

“The northeastern Caribbean is moving into the start of its wet season, and drought conditions are expected to improve further,” the NIDIS report added.

The precipitation received over the last couple of months has alleviated the dry conditions observed earlier this year. The NIDIS anticipates continued improvement despite portions of the islands remaining relatively parched.

“According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), 15.2 percent of Puerto Rico is experiencing Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions, while nearly 6.6 percent is under a Moderate Drought (D1) [across the northwestern and the eastern interior of the island],” according to the NIDIS.

Drought monitor graphic showing the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Drought conditions have improved across both U.S. territories due to recent rain. (Photo courtesy NIDIS)
Drought monitor graphic showing the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Drought conditions have improved across both U.S. territories due to recent rain. (Photo courtesy NIDIS)

In the Virgin Islands, “St. Thomas remains under Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions, while St. Croix and St. John are currently free of drought or dryness,” the NIDIS reported.

The NIDIS provided details regarding the higher-than-normal amounts of rain that were observed across the region recently.

“Nearly a foot of rain was observed in Saint Croix in the past two months,” the NIDIS stated. “In the same time period, almost ten inches of rain were observed in St. Thomas. During the month of February, Windswept Beach in St. John saw 5.66 inches, which is a record wet total for the month there, dating back to 1984. These pulses of rain allowed for significant improvement across the islands,” the report detailed.

Puerto Rico, which continues to endure drought across portions of the northwest and the eastern areas of the island, has also benefited from substantial amounts of precipitation over the last two months.

“Puerto Rico observed beneficial rains over the past 60 days across most of the island, with only the northwest coast and southeast coast seeing below-normal rainfall,” the NIDIS stated.

“Parts of the southern coast and central interior saw more than 200 percent of normal rainfall during this period,” the NIDIS noted. “The amount of the island [categorized as experiencing] Moderate Drought (D1) fell from 40 percent in late February to only 6.6 percent in early April.”

Agricultural Sector Impacts

While the recent rain has been helpful, agriculturalists in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands have reported that conditions across the region remain relatively dry. Farmers have also experienced gusty winds and warm temperatures, which, in addition to other meteorological factors, can help to increase evaporation rates, leading to drier soil.

“Farmers across the USVI stated that while light rain helps, it can also give a false impression,” the NIDIS cautioned. “The rain is just enough to quickly allow vegetation to bounce back, but then the vegetation dries out again very quickly due to heat and high winds. Some vegetation is showing signs of distress, including soil cracking,” the NIDIS continued.

Livestock and poultry farmers have also reported some adverse effects from dry conditions, particularly in the Virgin Islands.

“Poultry farmers across the USVI are reporting a decrease in egg production due to recent heat waves and winds, which have given them less access to water and vegetation for feed. Poultry farmers are currently using grain due to a consistent lack of access to vegetation and hay,” according to the NIDIS. “Overall, farmers have indicated that due to losses last year, prices for eggs have surged by more than 25 percent due to demand and increased production costs.”

The recent high temperatures have also taken a toll on farmers and agriculturalists in Puerto Rico.

“The dry conditions along with the high temperatures reported pose a risk for the well-being of workers, who have chosen to finish tasks earlier [than usual] to protect themselves from the heat,” the NIDIS explained.

The NIDIS update reported that agriculturalists experiencing hardship due to drought impacts may qualify for financial aid.

“According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, St. Croix and St. Thomas have already qualified for a ‘2023 Secretarial drought disaster declaration,’ based on the U.S. Drought Monitor. Similarly, livestock producers in St. Croix and St. Thomas qualified for direct assistance through the USDM-driven Livestock Forage Program,”  the update said.

The “U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook” indicates drought conditions are expected to improve across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NIDIS)
The “U.S. Seasonal Drought Outlook” indicates drought conditions are expected to improve across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NIDIS)

Stay Informed About the Drought

According to the Climate Prediction Center, part of NOAA, the drought is forecast to “disappear” across both U.S. territories by June 30.

“The NWS Climate Prediction Center’s Seasonal Drought Outlook calls for drought conditions to improve across the region, and drought removal is likely for both the eastern interior and northwestern Puerto Rico,” the NIDIS said. “No additional drought is expected to develop elsewhere in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands in the next three months,” the NIDIS added.

Residents and agriculturalists can stay updated on the latest drought information on the NIDIS website.

The weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Individuals can also sign up for emergency alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency and the National Weather Service.

Former Mayor of Atlanta to Speak at UVI Commencement Ceremonies

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Former Mayor of Atlanta to Speak at UVI Commencement Ceremonies

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta who previously served as senior advisor and director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, will be the keynote speaker at UVI’s 60th Commencement Ceremonies.

Keisha Lance Bottoms (Submitted photo)
Keisha Lance Bottoms (Submitted photo)

The event will take place on May 9 at the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and on May 10 at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix. Both ceremonies will commence at 1 p.m.

Lance Bottoms’ unique background includes serving in all three branches of government: as a judge, city council member, and mayor, marking a first in Atlanta’s history, the university noted in a press release. Her tenure as mayor, starting Jan. 2, 2018, spanned critical periods including a global pandemic and a racial justice movement in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, positioning her as a key voice on urban challenges and opportunities in the U.S. She is widely respected for integrating equitable outcomes into government and commerce, it said.

During her leadership, despite the pandemic-induced economic downturn, Lance Bottoms delivered four years of balanced budgets without increasing property taxes, laying off city employees, or implementing furloughs, maintaining city reserves at $181 million, according to the release. Her administration was marked by significant achievements in enhancing Atlanta’s resilience and economic growth, including a monumental real estate deal — known as the Gulch development — contributing millions in community benefits and attracting nine Fortune 500 company headquarters, significantly boosting the local economy and job market.

Lance Bottoms spearheaded initiatives to address systemic issues and improve city living standards, such as transforming the city’s jail into a diversion center, eliminating cash bail for non-violent offenders, and increasing affordable housing units by over 7,000. She also emphasized diversity and inclusion in government, including establishing the city’s first fully staffed Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and appointing an LGBTQ Affairs Coordinator and a Human Trafficking Fellow.

Lance Bottoms also established new police and fire stations, and tackled historical inequities, with reforms that included body cameras being worn by United State Justice Officers executing warrants and planned arrests, the release stated. Amid America’s migrant crisis, she also declared Atlanta a “welcoming city,” in 2018 signing an executive order forbidding the city jail to hold Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees, noting that is the role of the U.S. Marshals Service.

“We are thrilled that Ms. Lance Bottoms has accepted the invitation to address our graduates at UVI’s 2024 Commencement Ceremonies,” said UVI President David Hall, who will be presiding over his final commencement after 15 years of service to the university.  “Her presence and invaluable insights will undoubtedly inspire and empower the graduating Class of 2024. It has always been our goal at UVI to bring to our students, leaders that are change makers, whose understanding of the democratic process allows them to make positive change that impacts thousands.”

Recognizing her dedication to equity-driven leadership and her efforts to guide and protect marginalized communities, Lance Bottoms was honored with the Distinguished Civil Rights Advocate Award by the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under the Law. She was also named one of Glamour Magazine’s Women of the Year and was named a member of Ebony Magazine’s prestigious Power 100 List. She has also been honored as a BET 100 Entertainer and Innovator of the Year and was named the Smart Cities Dive’s 2020 Leader of the Year.

A product of Atlanta public schools, Lance Bottoms graduated from Frederick Douglass High School and received her undergraduate degree from Florida A&M University. She earned her juris doctorate from Georgia State University College of Law. She is the daughter of R&B icon Major Lance and Sylvia Robinson and is married to Derek Bottoms. She is the proud parent of four children.

For more information about the University of the Virgin Islands 60th commencement ceremony, visit www.uvi.edu.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Extends Hours for Filing Tax Returns

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Bureau of Internal Revenue Extends Hours for Filing Tax Returns
IRB Director Joel Lee testifies before the Senate Finance Committee about his department's budget Tuesday. (Photo by Barry Leerman for the V.I. Legislature)
Joel A. Lee, CPA, director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue. (Photo by Barry Leerman for the V.I. Legislature)
Joel A. Lee, CPA, director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, has provided extended hours for the filing of tax returns. On Saturday, April 13, taxpayers can file returns and pay taxes owed between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on St. Thomas at the Red Hook location and on St. Croix at the Sunny Isles office. The hours of operation for tax day on Monday, April 15, will be extended for the convenience of the taxpayers. The Bureau of Internal Revenue offices on St. Thomas (Red Hook and Nisky) and St. Croix (Sunny Isles) are open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The St. John office will remain open until 5 p.m. Taxpayers who are unable to file their 2023 returns by the due date are reminded that they can file an extension by using Form 4868. To obtain approval of the extension, the taxpayer must properly estimate the tax liability due and file Form 4868 no later than April 15. The extension is only for the filing of the tax return. Taxpayers who owe taxes must pay the tax due on April 15 to avoid the failure to pay the penalty. The extension will be granted until October 15, 2024. Questions concerning the extended office hours can be directed to the Processing Division at 715-1040, extension 2223.

30th Annual VI Moot Court Competition and 2nd Annual Scholarship Art Auction Fundraiser

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30th Annual VI Moot Court Competition and 2nd Annual Scholarship Art Auction Fundraiser
Court Gavel (file photo)
The Virgin Islands Bar Association’s Moot Court Planning Committee is pleased to announce the 30th annual Virgin Islands Moot Court Competition. In 1994, the Hon. Verne A. Hodge, Presiding Judge of what was then the Territorial Court of the Virgin Islands, and the Hon. Soraya Diase-Coffelt, a judge of the Territorial Court, established this moot court competition for the students of the territory. This year’s competition began on Feb. 5, with the release of the fact pattern and law library. There are 10 schools participating territory-wide. Three schools on St. Croix (St. Croix Central High School, St. Croix Seventh-day Adventist School and Good Hope Country Day School) and seven schools on St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalie High School, Ivana Eudora Kean high School, All Saints Cathedral School, Saints Peter and Paul Catholic School, St. Thomas-St. John Seventh-day Adventist School, Antilles School, and Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy) are participating this year. There have been 32 squads entered by the 10 schools, which means that 64 students will present arguments in the competition. Due to the number of participants, a new District Qualifying Round has been added to the competition, which will be held on Tuesday, April 9. This round of the competition will be hosted online by St. Mary’s Law School. The top 10 squads in each district will advance from the District Qualifying Round to the Tuesday, April 16, District Rounds. On April 16, beginning at 9 a.m., the competition rounds will begin in their respective districts. On St. Croix, the competition will be held at the District Court in Golden Rock. On St. Thomas, the competition will be held in Crown Bay at the Supreme Court. The top five squads in each district will advance from this round to the championship. In each district, students will be awarded as follows: Individual Awards: Best Oralist, 1st Runner up, 2d Runner up. 3d Runner up. These students will receive the following scholarships: Best Oralist- $500; First Runner Up- $400; Second Runner Up- $350; Third Runner Up- $250 Teams Awards: Champion, 2d, 3d. Scholarships are awarded to each squad, as follows: Champions- $500 (split evenly); Second Place- $350 (split evenly); Third Place- $150 (split evenly). The top five squads from each district will advance to compete in the championship on Thursday, April 18. This round is held online via the Virgin Islands Judiciary’s live-streaming platform (https://www.vicourts.org/media — select “Live Stream”). In the championship, students compete for the following awards and scholarships: Individually: Best Oralist: $1,250; 1st Runner Up: $925; 2nd Runner Up: $750; 3d Runner Up: $250; 4th Runner Up $100; 5th Runner Up: $100. Then to the teams to be divided among the members including any alternate (the smaller amount is 1/3 assuming an alternate), are awarded as follows: 1st Place: $1500; 2d Place: $1050; 3d Place: $900; 4th Place: $675. Through hosting such a competition, the Virgin Islands Bar Association seeks to increase community understanding of the judicial process and governmental operation, increase citizens’ awareness of the roles of a lawyer and a judge, promote the community’s awareness of current issues in the law, promote the study of the law, provide the opportunity to develop and advance public speaking and advocacy skills, improve community perceptions of the legal profession and lawyers, and provide financial education assistance to the students of the territory. Additionally, the second annual Virgin Islands Moot Court Competition Art Auction scholarship fundraiser is underway. Mango Tango Art Gallery has again provided a very substantial donation of art to auction the pieces off to raise scholarship funds. The auction link is on the gallery’s auction webpage: https://www.mangotangoart.com/vi-bar-association-moot-court-art-auction-2024/ Moot Court awards $17,500 in scholarships to the high school students of the territory each year. This auction helps provide those scholarships

Schneider Regional Medical Center to Host Carnival at the Hospital, Seeks Vendors

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Schneider Regional Medical Center to Host Carnival at the Hospital, Seeks Vendors
Schneider Regional Medical Center is the hospital for St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Kelsey Nowakowski)
Schneider Regional Medical Center is on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Kelsey Nowakowski)
Schneider Regional Medical Center (SRMC), along with the U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Festivals, is happy to host “Carnival at the Hospital” at 6 p.m., Monday, April 22, on the Roy L. Schneider Hospital campus. The Hospital Show is one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Carnival season by our patients, their families, seniors and citizens of all ages. “At SRMC, we are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients, ensuring they have an exemplary experience during their time at the hospital. That’s why we proudly continue to support this cherished cultural event that brings such joy and excitement to the entire community,” said Tina Comissiong, CEO of Schneider Regional Medical Center. Get ready to enjoy a diverse range of activities, including a preview of the carnival troupes, games, live music, and a selection of delectable treats from our vendors. Schneider Regional Medical Center invites all local vendors who wish to join SRMC in showcasing their products, services, dishes and drinks to a broad audience to secure a spot today. Spots are $150 per vendor. For more information or to become a vendor, please contact Camellia Williams at 776-8311 ext. 2367 or 2264. You may also email her at cwilliams@srmedicalcenter.org.

Legislature Corner: Part-time Students Now Get Free Tuition

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Legislature Corner: Part-time Students Now Get Free Tuition
Sen. Samuel Carrion
Senator Samuel Carrión is pleased to announce that part-time students will soon have access to free tuition at the University of the Virgin Islands. His legislation, Act 8814, significantly expands the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship to include part-time students, making a college education more accessible to those who may most require assistance. “I have been working to extend the scholarship program for quite some time now,” Carrión said. “By enabling more students, regardless of their life circumstances, to access financial support for their studies, this legislation ensures that the dream of higher education is within reach for all.” “This is one of the things that I wanted to address on taking office,” he said. “Most part-time students hold down full-time jobs and, often, are also raising families or [are] caregivers for senior parents. Extending free tuition for these students is the right thing to do.” Senator Carrión extended appreciation to the University of the Virgin Islands and his colleagues for supporting the measure. “Together, we celebrate this victory for educational access and equity,” he said. “As we look to the future, I’m excited about the opportunities that Act 8814 will help provide for countless students.” Sen. Samuel Carrion: The senator represents St. Croix in the 35th Virgin Islands Legislature.

Plaskett Issues Statement on Chairman Jordan’s Letter to Social Media Companies

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Plaskett Issues Statement on Chairman Jordan’s Letter to Social Media Companies
Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett (Source file photo)
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, a ranking member of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government, sent a letter to Jim Jordan, chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, regarding threatening letters to technology companies under the guise of “conducting oversight of how and to what extent the Executive Branch has coerced or colluded with companies and other intermediaries to censor lawful speech.” The letters sent to Amazon, Apple, Alphabet, Meta and Microsoft showcase the very instances Chairman Jordan claims the select subcommittee is supposed to combat – bullying and cajoling these companies to relax their standards when protecting American voters from disinformation and misinformation from our foreign adversaries. “With the timing of a presidential election so near, one cannot wonder if your motivation is not in fact to open Americans up to foreign influence operations in service of Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign,” Ranking Member Plaskett included in her letter. “It is time for Chairman Jordan to come clean to the American people. This Select Subcommittee continuously calls on witnesses that cannot prove any of the allegations lodged against our federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force. “You know that the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force is on the frontlines combatting Russian, Chinese and Iranian efforts to hurt American people, businesses and government. Through multiple hearings, it is clear that the FBI’s Task Force is critical to ensure a safe election,” said Plaskett. Ranking Member Plaskett’s ultimate question to Chairman Jordan is, “… whether the House Judiciary Committee majority is consciously engaged in doing the work of America’s adversaries.” Read the letter here. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1C4PqHdxBNapjYD8KmYNCXNb540UyBMbi/view

Consider the Source with Adisha Penn

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Consider the Source with Adisha Penn
Guest Troy DeChabert Schuster, State Director of AARP Virgin Islands, shares more about the legislation the organization has been championing while host Adisha Penn recaps the biggest headlines of the week. Watch Consider the Source on our Virgin Islands Source websites, Viya Channel 4 and Fox/NBC.

Weekly Weather Forecast with Jesse Daley

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Weekly Weather Forecast with Jesse Daley
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, April 14, through Saturday, April 20. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.  

Three Dengue Cases Confirmed

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Three Dengue Cases Confirmed
The last major dengue outbreak in the Virgin Islands was a dozen years ago, meaning the territory is overdue, health officials said. (Photo courtesy Centers for Disease Control)

At least three cases of dengue fever have been reported in the territory recently, officials said, meaning the true number may be far higher.

Epidemiologist Lisa Ekpo confirmed three cases Thursday. One of the sickened people was a visitor who became ill after returning home to the mainland.

Health officials were not immediately able to say which islands the mosquito-born illness was contracted on, but had been warning for months about a likely outbreak. The last major dengue outbreak in the Virgin Islands was a dozen years ago, meaning the territory is overdue, health officials have said.

Ekpo declined to speculate on how many cases may be unreported, saying she could only speak to reported cases. But the Centers for Disease Control has said often only about 25 percent of people carrying the virus may become sick. Also, it was not clear how many people do become ill and don’t report to a hospital or a medical professional.

The most common symptom of dengue is fever and it can be accompanied by: nausea, vomiting, rash, aches and pains — especially pain behind the eyes, muscles, joint or bone pain. Symptoms of dengue typically last two to seven days and most people will recover after about a week. The mosquito that spreads dengue bites mostly at dawn and dusk.

About one in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue, according to the CDC. Infants, pregnant women and individuals who had dengue in the past are more likely to develop severe dengue. Severe dengue usually occurs 24 to 48 hours after a fever has passed. Symptoms include belly pain, tenderness, vomiting at least three times in 24 hours, bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood or blood in the stool, and feeling tired, restless or irritable.

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