The V.I. Water and Power Authority board approved a new liquefied petroleum gas supply contract with Carib LPG following an emergency meeting on Friday. (Source file photo)
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority governing board called an emergency meeting on Friday to approve a new liquefied petroleum gas supply contract, following an executive session in which legal and personnel matters were discussed.
Much of the meeting was held in executive session, and no formal action was taken during that closed-door discussion. However, when the board returned to open session, members received an update on the negotiated fuel supply agreement before taking a vote.
Executive Director and CEO Karl Knight outlined the terms of the fuel supply agreement with Carib LPG, which includes fuel delivery logistics, credit terms, and a community contribution component.
Knight said the contract is for two years with an option of extending to a third year. It includes a supply agreement of two million barrels, with a plus or minus 20% option, meaning the authority’s minimum commitment would be approximately 1.6 million barrels. The contract includes transportation costs of 48.5 cents per gallon, six transportation costs, plus the market index price based on the Mont Belvieu market rate.
The agreement calls for shipments of approximately 45,000 barrels per cargo and includes transportation, off-loading, and shuttle service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. Knight said the supplier has secured dedicated shuttle vessels between the islands, which WAPA has already been using during the month of March.
He explained that the contract requires WAPA to provide a three-month projection of fuel needs, while the supplier must provide a firm 30-day delivery schedule and narrow delivery dates to a three-day delivery window. The authority will also provide regular inventory updates to help forecast fuel demand and avoid supply disruptions.
Knight also highlighted improved shuttle service between St. Thomas and St. Croix as a major benefit of the agreement.
“We’re able to take on fuel, turn around and shuttle fuel, and those are one-day operations instead of a day and a half or two days,” Knight said. “So that is an improvement to our shuttle service under this contract.”
Another key component of the agreement is a credit arrangement that allows WAPA to pay for fuel deliveries after receiving shipments rather than prepaying. Knight said payment for a delivery would not be due until just before the next delivery, providing more financial flexibility than recent fuel supply arrangements that required prepayment.
The contract also includes a corporate social responsibility component requiring contributions of no less than 10 cents per gallon — up to 15 cents per gallon — toward charitable and community initiatives in the Virgin Islands over the life of the contract.
The board had previously authorized WAPA to negotiate a new LPG supply contract following a competitive bidding process that produced lower prices and more flexible payment terms than the authority’s previous agreement. During earlier discussions, officials said Carib LPG Trading Ltd. offered a price of about 48.5 cents per gallon — slightly higher than the lowest bidder — but included a credit facility estimated at roughly $3 million, hurricane-readiness measures, diversified supply options, and a corporate social responsibility program.
WAPA officials said the credit arrangement was a key factor in the decision, as prepayment requirements from other proposals could have strained the authority’s cash flow and potentially delayed fuel deliveries. Based on typical shipment volumes, the authority estimated the new contract could generate millions of dollars in annual fuel cost savings compared to the expiring agreement.
At the time, Knight said the credit terms were intended to prevent a repeat of past situations where fuel shipments arrived while the authority was still working to secure payment, which contributed to fuel shortages and service disruptions.
Board members said the agreement was the result of extensive negotiations between WAPA’s management team and legal staff and represents a more stable fuel supply partnership for the utility. The board voted to approve the Carib LPG contract as amended.
Board members present for the meeting included Chair Maurice K. Muia, Xavier Acevedo, Joan Foy, Kyle Fleming, and Cheryl Boynes-Jackson. Knight and members of the authority’s management team were also present.
The Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas has seen long lines amid a partial federal government shutdown this month. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Port Authority officials discussed the long lines seen snaking out from the Cyril E. King Airport during an emergency board meeting Friday. Airport Manager Jerome Sheridan told the VIPA governing board that the federal government had approved funding for the Transportation Security Administration, whose employees have been working without pay for a month.
“However, the Port Authority has been working with the Tourism department to put processes in place to make sure that the traveling public moving through the Cyril E. King Airport remains under cover,” he said. “We’ve also had several meetings over the last weeks with the airlines — to include an emergency meeting in my capacity and power with the airlines, both the local management and their corporate folks — to put in an emergency directive of how we’re going to process folks in the King airport terminal as to alleviating folks from being outside in the elements.”
VIPA Board Chair Willard John noted that the recent airport traffic jams have, in a sense, signaled good news for the territory.
“And in another respect, it’s challenging,” he said. “It’s good because we’re having a record number of people visiting St. Thomas — so that tells us that there are more people interested in traveling and coming to the Virgin Islands. The challenge … is trying to accommodate them with the facilities that we have.”
“It didn’t really matter — whatever your role was at Tourism, you were helping, working the lines,” she said. “I had a chance to work the lines too. I think people were very grateful. They understood, because it’s a nationwide issue, and they appreciated the fact that there were greeters and other people there handing out water and at least engaging, and doing their best to move the line along.”
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, in recognition of World Water Day observed on March 22, welcomed 11 science fair-winning students from John H. Woodson Junior High School for an educational tour as part of its “Splash into Science” initiative. The experience allowed students not only to explore how safe water is produced and delivered, but also to learn about power generation and how the two systems are closely connected on St. Croix.
Seven Seas Plant Manager Elvis Pemberton shows students a filter cartridge that transforms seawater into safe drinking water. (Submitted photo)
As part of the tour, students visited the Seven Seas Water Group reverse osmosis facility, where they saw how seawater is transformed into about 3.5 million gallons of safe drinking water daily. They also learned that water and power systems are interconnected, with the Seven Seas facility relying on continuous electricity to operate and WAPA’s power plant using distilled water from Seven Seas to run its turbines.
“The connection between water and power is something many people don’t often think about, yet it drives the daily services our communities depend on,” said Don Gregoire, interim Chief Operating Officer of Water Systems. “By giving students a firsthand look at how we produce safe drinking water and generate electricity, we’re helping them understand the critical infrastructure that keeps homes, schools, and businesses running — and hopefully inspiring the next generation of engineers, operators, and innovators.”
The tour also included a visit to the Richmond Power Plant, where students received a first-hand look at how electricity is generated and managed. They explored the control room, where plant operators monitor generator operations and track real-time data on solar usage, weather conditions, and emissions.
The tour is part of WAPA’s ongoing commitment to community engagement and STEM education, providing students with a practical, real-world understanding of the essential systems that power daily life in the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
Feeder 7A is experiencing an outage to accommodate load demands. Feeder 7A and 6A (part of the original rotational schedule) will be restored at 5:30 p.m.
The University of the Virgin Islands, through the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service, recently hosted a Water Heroes Curriculum Workshop, bringing together nine educators from St. Thomas–St. John District to strengthen water quality education in classrooms.
Educators tested the efficacy of various household items at removing impurities from water. (Submitted photo)
The workshop was designed to provide educators with the tools and resources needed to confidently lead and implement the Water Heroes Curriculum—an interactive, STEM-based program developed in 2018 following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The initiative emphasizes the importance of water quality awareness and empowers students to better understand and advocate for safe, accessible water in their communities.
For the past seven years, VIMAS and its partners have delivered in-class presentations and hands-on learning experiences through the Water Heroes program. This workshop marked an important step toward expanding the program’s impact by preparing educators to independently facilitate lessons tailored to their classroom needs and schedules.
Participants engaged in collaborative, hands-on activities that encouraged personal reflection on water usage and quality, while exploring practical ways to integrate the curriculum into existing science instruction.
“I plan to add some of the hands-on activities into my arsenal of experiments with my primary-level science students,” said Jacqueline Francis of Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School and Yasmine Salem-Jubran of Charlotte Amalie High School.
Other educators reflected on the workshop’s impact on their own awareness.
“We hadn’t realized that our daily average water consumption was so high—about 100 gallons per day between the two of us. It was an enlightening activity that will encourage changes to our daily routines,” shared Aquellah Cantois of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and Joshuanette Rhasba-Carbon of Julius E. Sprauve School.
Educators also expressed plans to incorporate the curriculum through inquiry-based learning and student-led exploration.
“We envision assimilating the curriculum as a science experiment. Students will conduct pH testing, analyze results, and present solutions as our territory’s new Water Heroes,” said Amber McCammon of the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and Edmund Kale of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.
The workshop also sparked deeper reflection on broader water access challenges.
Educators participating in the newly demonstrated activity Down to the Last Drop which simulates challenges associated with water scarcity. (Submitted photo)
“Are we, as humanity, doing enough to make safe drinking water accessible to everyone? Who is accountable, and how can we amplify education on solutions?” participants asked during closing discussions.
Program leaders emphasized the long-term vision of Water Heroes in fostering early interest in STEM and environmental stewardship.
“The Water Heroes Program began nearly eight years ago, inspired by science fair projects I conducted as a student at Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School,” said Howard Forbes Jr., territorial coordinator of VIMAS. “Today, it empowers educators to deliver water science lessons that are both engaging and meaningful. By encouraging hands-on learning early, we aim to spark curiosity and sustain student interest in STEM fields.”
Eurnett Christopher, Navigating Home workforce fellow and VIMAS Education and Outreach Assistant, highlighted the importance of continued engagement.
“It was encouraging to see educators eager to incorporate Water Heroes into their lessons,” said Christopher. “Students should be curious about where their water comes from, both at school and at home. These lessons help cultivate a generation that will advocate for water quality and accessibility in their communities.”
The workshop was supported by the Water Resources Research Institute and the Virgin Islands Conservation Society, whose partnership has been instrumental in advancing water education initiatives across the territory.
UVI and VIMAS plan to continue expanding the Water Heroes program through educator training, classroom integration, and community engagement efforts throughout the territory.
V.I. Port Authority’s Ava Penn addresses VIPA board members during an emergency meeting held over the video-conferencing platform Zoom, Friday, after being appointed interim executive director. (Screenshot from Zoom)
The V.I. Port Authority governing board swiftly named Ava Penn, the authority’s director of financial affairs, as its interim executive director during an emergency meeting Friday.
Penn’s appointment came one week after outgoing Director Carlton Dowe resigned and was arrested on federal charges of bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft. A Port Authority spokesperson told the Source Friday that Dowe was on leave and “receives his compensation pending the effective date of his retirement” on April 10.
On Friday, VIPA board chair Willard John called for a vote to approve an interim director “so that there is continuity in our leadership because of the major issues that we are facing now.” Board member Kevin Rodriguez nominated Penn “based on the discussion with board members,” though it’s not clear when that discussion happened.
John, Rodriguez, Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel, Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, Attorney General Gordon Rhea and Leona Smith approved Penn’s appointment. Board member Celestino White Sr. abstained.
Toward the end of Friday’s meeting, Penn thanked the board for their vote of confidence and said she would continue to work until they appointed a permanent executive director.
Dowe was released from custody last week after appearing before a federal judge on St. Thomas. He was charged with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft. He was indicted in the district of Puerto Rico.
Sofia Swindell, a Freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, wrapped up her 2026 indoor campaign with a standout performance at the Ivy League Championships, held Feb. 28 and March 1.
The Virgin Islands’ Sofia Swindell (center), a freshman at the University of Pennsylvania. (Submitted photo)
Competing in three demanding events—the 60m hurdles, 200m, and the 4x400m relay—Sofia delivered one of her strongest championship showings to date, earning a medal in the relay while setting a new VI U20 Record in the 60m hurdles.
Her performance was a testament to her consistency, competitive maturity, and ability to rise to the moment when the stakes are highest. The Ivy League Championships are known for their intensity and depth of talent, yet Sofia proved once again that she belongs among the conference’s elite.
Sofia’s Virgin Islands U20 record in the 60m hurdles of 8.45 seconds was one of the highlights of the weekend. Her progress in the event has been steady all season.
In addition to her hurdles success, Sofia also competed in the 200m, demonstrating her versatility and sprint strength. She then closed the meet with a medal‑winning performance in the 4x400m relay, helping her team secure a 3rd place podium finish. Balancing three events at a championship meet is no small task, yet Sofia handled the workload with poise and determination.
With the indoor season officially behind her, Sofia now shifts her focus to the NCAA outdoor calendar. She will open her outdoor campaign at the 2026 Hurricane Collegiate Invitational, hosted by the University of Miami on March 27–28 at Cobb Stadium in Coral Gables, Florida. This early‑season meet is one of the premier competitions on the schedule, drawing top collegiate talent from across the country.
Liberty VI announced today that Catherine Kling, long-time resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the company’s current commercial director, will take on the general manager role in an interim basis. She steps in for Ravindra Maywahlall, who is leaving the company.
Catherine Kling, new manager of Liberty VI. (Submitted photo)
“We are very grateful for Ravindra’s time with us and his contributions to further strengthen the mobile business and support the launch of our true fiber home internet. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors,” stated Guillermo Ponce, general manager of Liberty Communications. “Catherine has been a key player in the operations for over three decades and has shown strong commitment, knowledge, and leadership. We are confident that she will lead the team with an effective organizational culture to achieve solid commercial growth and excellent customer experience.”
With over 30 years of experience in the USVI telecommunications field, Kling has ample knowledge of the local market and the technology industry. She will lead Liberty VI’s commercial strategy and financial performance, supervise customer value propositions and go to market initiatives. In addition, Kling will oversee the continuation of the buildout of Liberty’s ultra-fast fiber network, which is currently underway in the territory.
Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King with members of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism. (Source photo by Judi
Hospitality professionals sat down together at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel this week to ponder the future of tourism in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Discussions were heard at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the St. Thomas-St. John Hotel and Tourism Association.
In the immediate future was the introduction of a new association president and remarks by a guest speaker — newly appointed Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King.
Presenters also shared a forecast of 1.9 million cruise ship passengers reaching the territory’s shores in 2026, up from 1.83 million in 2025. Also, in the future, a campaign by the V.I. Taxicab Commission will require all taxi drivers to offer one alternative payment method in addition to traditional cash transactions.
Hotel and Tourism Association Executive Director Lisa Hamilton served as mistress of ceremonies. Outgoing Association President Scott Derrickson commended Hamilton for being honored Wednesday among a group of outstanding women at a Government House ceremony titled “Her Legacy, Our Future.”
As she delivered the director’s address, Hamilton described the recent collaboration with the taxi association to spread the word about the payment option policy. She also spoke about the association’s outreach to Government House to better regulate beach-based vendors and short-term business compliance with licensing requirements set by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs.
“We want to be fair; we want them to be part of our industry, but we just want to tighten down on that,” Hamilton said.
She also spoke about a recent meeting with Customs and Border Protection and TSA about the way airline passengers are processed at the Cyril E. King Airport. “We are working closely on that to try and make it a better experience,” the director said.
Matarangas-King shared her impressions of the duties she took on in the top spot at Tourism in January. One of the first things she did was fill two personnel spots to work on the visitor experience.
“And I’m glad I did,” Matarangas-King said. She also spoke about dealing with the unexpected, including the arrival of U.S. Navy ships deployed to the Caribbean and the recent government shutdown affecting airport screeners working for the TSA.
“We’re constantly looking at everything,” she said, including the anticipated 1.9 cruise ship visitors and another one million air passenger arrivals in the current year.
“We are watching the whole geopolitical space; there’s a lot happening right now. We think that people will want to stay close to the U.S., and that should be good for us with our No Passport Required — that’s helpful.
Then, in a personal moment with the audience, the commissioner offered encouraging words. “I appreciate the work that you do every day; it’s not easy,” she said.
“I would like to wrap up by saying I challenge you to continue to show up as ambassadors, to continue to take pride in your role no matter how big or small; continue to invest in the territory — not just professionally, but personally,” the commissioner said.
Steve Lowe, founder of Estate Shield VI, and Keturah Nelson, founder of CTF Consulting, hold their prize checks on stage alongside officials and judges after winning the $80,000 top prize and $20,000 student award, respectively, at Startup Battle VI 2026 (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)
On Thursday night at the University of the Virgin Islands campus on St. Thomas, six local startups pitched their ideas for a share of $100,000 in investment at Startup Battle USVI 2026, a live pitch competition.
Steve Lowe, founder of Estate Shield VI, won the $80,000 top prize for his estate planning platform, while Keturah Nelson, a UVI senior and founder of CTF Consulting, secured the $20,000 student award for her environmental waste-to-fertilizer initiative.
“We had a Startup Battle, think about ‘Shark Tank’ down in the Virgin Islands,” said Kelly Pugh, who serves as Client Relations Manager at the UVI Research and Technology Park.
Pugh said the format is designed to showcase a range of local companies and signal to founders that capital is available in the territory. “The idea is that we are hoping to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit in the Virgin Islands and show that there is investment here,” she said.
“This is a way to build that entrepreneurial spirit and encourage more people to see that they can have a viable idea, and there’s someone out there who wants to help them build it and bring it to life,” said Pugh.
This year’s lineup featured six teams, four community-based startups, and two UVI student ventures. Each was given five minutes to present and five minutes for questions from a four-judge panel, which included previous Startup Battle participants and local business leaders.
In the community track, cpStacks presented an artificial intelligence – driven trading platform that allows users to mirror the strategies of experienced investors, with the goal of expanding access to financial tools for everyday traders in markets that are often difficult to enter.
RePlastic Recycle pitched their modular recycling system designed for island communities that uses a human – machine interface, robotics and other technology to convert plastic waste into construction materials such as blocks, lumber and roofing tiles.
Estate Shield VI, founded by Steve Lowe, focuses on modernizing estate planning through a digital platform designed for Virgin Islanders. The company provides tools to help residents protect their assets and avoid common legal and financial challenges tied to probate. The venture was named the competition’s top winner, earning the $80,000 prize.
Lowe cited data showing the Virgin Islands lieutenant governor’s office holds about $22 million in unclaimed property and said traditional wealth management firms often turn away clients without a sizable amount in investable assets. He said Estate Shield VI has served about 180 families in the past 16 months, protecting roughly $250 million in assets.
In a press release from RtPark, Lowe shared, “Startup Battle was an inspirational night In a press release from the UVI Research and Technology Park, he said, “Startup Battle was an inspirational night surrounded by such innovative, driven doers and support from our neighbors and community stakeholders. Spaces and opportunities like this are exactly what we need more of to continuously elevate our territory.”
He added that the investment will help the company reach more Virgin Islands families with affordable estate and financial planning solutions. “This critical investment will help us reach more Virgin Islands families with affordable estate and financial planning solutions that protect their loved ones, assets and legacy while helping them avoid the probate nightmares that have plagued our territory for far too long,” Lowe said. “This is a community fight to break the cycle of poverty and financial vulnerability, and I sincerely thank the UVI RTPark for partnering with us in the fight.”
There was also Juju and Cece’s Lemonades and Treats, a growing agriculture-based business that transforms local crops into beverages and related products. What started as small has expanded into a multi-flavor, farm‑to‑bottle operation sold across the territory, and is now developing body-care products that use byproducts from its drinks line.
