Bishop Thomas J.W. Douglas Dies
Rosalia Ayala Dies
Kenneth Joseph Henry Jr. Dies at 58
Kenneth Joseph Henry Jr. was born on Oct. 20, 1965, on St. Croix, USVI. He died on Feb. 11. He was 58 years old.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Henry Sr.; mother, Lucille John Henry; grandfathers: William Henry and Edward John; grandmothers: Grace Zachariah Henry, Clarice John and Josephine George; nephew, Anthony Carr; cousin, Andy Henry; brother-in-law, Lascelle Day; uncles: Ivan and James Henry; and aunt, Rosemary Henry.
Kenneth was the only son of five siblings. He is survived by his sisters: Agnes Carr, Clarice Clarke, Josephine Tuitt and Grace Henry; nieces: Ann Marie Carr and Keymara Bolling; nephews: Samuel W. Carr Jr., Freddie Clarke Jr. and Malik Bolling; great nieces: Nayasha Clarke and Arianna Sage; and great nephews: Kobi Brannigan; Christian, Justin, Christopher and Gabriel Carr.
He was also survived by brothers-in-law: Samuel W. Carr Sr. and Freddie Clarke Sr; aunts: Gretel Matthew, Joslyn Barthley, Eileen George, Tryphena Lambert, Josephine Hillhouse and Evelyn George; uncles: Earl and Michael Henry, and Vernon Tuitt; niece-in-law, Brigette Carr; and godmother, Veronica Clarke.
Other survivors include special friends: Yolande Browne, the Skov family, Stedman and Patricia Dublin, Maria Friday and family, Florence Greenaway and family, Bevern Sage, Ray Clarke and family, Eva Rivera and family, Carolyn Jones and Lourdes Pagan; cousins and other relatives: Beverly Brathwaite, Joann Cole, Carla, Sandra and Joy Henry; Donalyn, Judith, Al, Idris and Samantha Matthew, Jessica Barthley, Darlene and Julie Lambert, Junie Brathwaite, Calvin and Kevin Martin, Tim, Ron, Kenny and Dickie Henry, Christobel Lewis, Denise Oliver; Janet and Cindy George, Bernadette Carr-Thompson, the Macoy family, Byam family, Francis family, Ira Matthew and family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19, at St. Ann’s Roman Catholic Church at 42 Barren Spot. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery. Landlord Seeks to Evict V.I. Daily News in Ongoing Property Dispute
The landlord of the Virgin Islands Daily News has filed a complaint in V.I. Superior Court seeking to evict the newspaper from its St. Thomas office, claiming the business hasn’t paid the rent since last May, and prior to that had arbitrarily reduced the amount it was paying.
The case appears linked to an ongoing property dispute between the Daily News Publishing Company and its president Archie Nahigian Jr., and the company he purchased the paper from in 2014.
According to the complaint, the Daily News Publishing Company entered a triple net lease agreement with the Daily News Holding Company, located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on Feb. 25, 2020, agreeing to pay $270,000 over the 18-month term of the contract, or $22,500 per month. When the lease expired on Aug. 1, 2021, it continued to occupy the building in Estate Thomas and to pay rent, “thus converting the Lease into a month-to-month tenancy,” it says.
Thereafter, the paper began to reduce the amount it paid, according to the complaint. “On March 1, 2022, Tenant again arbitrarily began to reduce its rental payment to Landlord but still fully occupied the Property,” it says. Then, on May 31, 2023, the paper “ceased making any rent payment at all.”
According to the complaint, on Jan. 31 the holding company served the newspaper with a Notice of Termination and Notice to Quit the Premises by midnight on March 1, which was hand-delivered on Feb. 1. Besides offices and conference rooms, the building also houses the paper’s printing press. With the closure of the St. Croix Avis at the beginning of this year, the Virgin Islands Daily News serves as the territory’s only print newspaper.
“As of April 3, 2024, the date of the filing of this Complaint, Tenant has failed to vacate the Property as required and remains in possession of the Property despite the Lease Agreement having been terminated and thus, Tenant remains in unlawful possession of the Property without the Landlord’s permission,” the filing states.
The Daily News has not yet responded to the complaint, according to publicly available court records. However, a separate filing by the Scranton-based holding company in July 2022 shows the two have been in a dispute for years regarding an option for Nahigian to purchase a 30 percent tenant in common interest in the property for $675,000 that was tied to his option to buy the entire property under a 2014 lease agreement.
According to filings in that case, Nahigian sought the tenant in common interest deal in 2016 to legally offset capital gains taxes on a rental property he had sold in Washington, D.C., in what is known under federal tax law as a 1031 exchange.
However, the Daily News Holding Company alleges in its complaint that the deal was never closed and that no funds were paid, while Nahigian claims in his response and counterclaim that the closing occurred in April 2016 with a purchase contract, a balloon note and a warranty deed fully executed.
“At the request of DNHC, Nahigian agreed to refrain from recording the Warranty Deed because Nahigian understood that doing so could complicate DNHC’s financing,” according to his filing opposing the holding company’s motion for a preliminary injunction to allow it to sell the property to a third party. “Nahigian was not concerned about delay in recording because he had a course of dealings with this family-owned company, the parties trusted each other and DNHC recognized that Nahigian owned a 30 percent tenant in common interest in the Parcels.”
The holding company contends that “[b]esides not fulfilling any of his payment obligations to acquire the 30 percent interest in the Property, Nahigian decided not to have his company, Daily News Publishing Co., Inc. exercise the option given in his 2014 Lease to purchase the entire Property for $2,250,000 plus one half of any remaining rental payments. The last date for exercising the Option was September 30, 2018, and it expired on that date,” according to the complaint.
However, in early 2021, both parties began discussing a possible sale of the entire property to Nahigian or a company he controlled, but as “discussions progressed over the summer and fall, it became clear that Nahigian was not able or willing to buy the entire Property, but instead wanted only to buy a 30 percent interest in the Property,” tendering a check for $675,000 in February 2022 that was rejected as too late and too little, the complaint states.
“The attempted tardy tender did not include the 1.5 percent per month late charges that are imposed by the 2016 Contract, and which totaled nearly $300,000,” according to a September 2022 motion to dismiss Nahigian’s counterclaims. “Morever, DNHC unequivocally rejected the late and monetarily inadequate tender attempt.”
Nahigian has countered that the $675,000 check, while never cashed, was never returned, and that in March 2022, the newspaper began allocating rent to reflect the 70-30 percent ownership interest in the property. He has also demanded the return of $50,000 he said he paid in April 2021 as a deposit for the property.
The dispute has prevented the holding company from selling the property to another buyer due to liens placed by Nahigian, according to the filings.
On June 1, 2022, the holding company signed a contract to sell the property to Errol Baker for $1,950,000, according to the complaint. However, five days later Nahigian recorded four Notices of Interest with the St. Thomas Recorder of Deeds against the two parcels that comprise the property, asserting that he has an interest as purchaser by virtue of the 2016 contract.
In response, on July 29, 2022, the holding company filed a motion for a preliminary injunction to expunge the Notices of Interest to allow the sale to proceed, or for an emergency motion to allow the sale, which Nahigian has opposed, countering that “DNHC cannot legally sell 100 percent of the Parcels without the consent of VIDN, its tenant in common.” He also alleges that the holding company owes his company a share of the insurance proceeds it received following the 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, which he says caused considerable damage to the building that has not been remedied.
DNHS contends that Nahigian “is currently a holdover tenant in default of its payment obligations under a lease that expired last year. Nahigian was unwilling or unable to buy Plaintiff’s Property, and he does not want anybody else to buy it. Nahigian refused to have his corporation pay even the rents due under the expired lease with Plaintiff, and he has refused requests to enter a new lease. The Notices of Interest are nothing more than a ploy to keep him on the Property as a holdover tenant paying whatever rent he feel [sic] like paying.”
The court has not yet ruled on the various claims, counterclaims and motions to dismiss, or set a schedule for hearings or discovery in the matter.
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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.
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.
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
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.
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
30th Annual VI Moot Court Competition and 2nd Annual Scholarship Art Auction Fundraiser
Schneider Regional Medical Center to Host Carnival at the Hospital, Seeks Vendors
