A new monthly discussion series focused on issues affecting men, families and community life will debut June 25 on St. Thomas, a press release announced.
The Lounge and 81C announced the launch of “The Lounge: Fireside Chat,” a monthly forum designed to encourage community dialogue on topics including accountability, communication, relationships, fatherhood, leadership and personal growth.
The inaugural event is scheduled for 7 to 9 p.m. June 25 at 81C and will feature a three-person panel discussion inspired by themes explored in The Lounge column, according to the press release.
Organizers said each discussion will center on a featured article from The Lounge, with participants encouraged to read the selected piece beforehand to support more in-depth conversation.
The series grew out of feedback from readers who wanted opportunities to continue discussing topics raised in the column after publication, the press release stated.
“What became evident through conversations with readers was that people were not simply consuming the content. They were reflecting on it, challenging it, discussing it with others, and often wanting a place where those conversations could continue in a meaningful way,” said Langley Shazor, creator of The Lounge. “Fireside Chat is our response to that need.”
While discussions will primarily focus on issues affecting men, organizers said women are also encouraged to participate.
According to the release, the format is intended to promote dialogue and reflection rather than simply present information. Organizers said the discussions are designed to provide space for participants to share perspectives, challenge assumptions and explore issues together.
The partnership between The Lounge and 81C reflects a shared interest in fostering community engagement through conversation, according to the release.
Organizers said they envision the monthly series becoming an ongoing forum for discussing issues that affect individuals, families and communities.
Additional information about future discussions and events will be available through The Lounge and 81C platforms.
The following poems are by DaraMonifah Cooper, concerning the tragic fatal shooting of 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne Friday afternoon at a Savan playground on St. Thomas.
“The sound of gunshots often wake me at night while asleep in my Solberg home overlooking town and on the other side of the hill from the West, but hearing those from Savan Friday in broad daylight while I was already awake immediately reignited concerns, feelings, thoughts, and hopes that I know are much bigger than my immediate ability to help the way I’d like,” Cooper wrote in an email.
In response, she offers these two poems, with the second “more specific to Friday’s tragedy.”
The Constant Scissors that Cut the Night
6 more bullets
in our atmosphere
at the strike of 5 a.m.
wondering did anyone else hear
Each one, like a lash through the night
on the backs of slaves
might one, two or three
lead another to their graves
for every bullet counted
like an automatic mechanism
of an old warehouse that is haunted
genocidal realities
like a slap in your face
waking us up every morning
as if we need to be reminded in this place
that this paradise of ours
is nothing more than their playground
it is the land that was/is bought, sold and cherished
as we sing, swing, climb, fly, fall, run and play around
may the wisdom of the ages capture us
and might acid rains wash away our lack of insight
as we open up our eyes
to the constant scissors that cuts the night
— DaraMonifah Cooper
“Just sick and tired of hearing gunshots this early in the morning. WAKE UP my PEOPLE! WAKE UP!!!,” Cooper wrote.
“Yes, we definitely have a broken village crisis in the Virgin Islands, but we don’t make guns here. ‘If I had a Dollar’ is my offering to our thoughts towards the gun violence in the Virgin Islands community. Shared originally at the Rock Lounge Open Mic event in April 2011, I resurfaced it in order to keep us thinking and working towards actual soulutions through dissecting the real root of the problems,” she continued.
“It was written as a raw, yet creatively indirect, emotional response to gun violence and trauma in the community, along with sibling poem, ‘The Constant Scissors that Cuts the Night,’ the poem uses a devastating ‘if I had a dollar’ metaphor to highlight the tragic losses felt locally and the unasked questions that would point fingers away from simply the gun users, their parents and community, but who brings them in … and who allows it,” said Cooper, explaining the submission below.
If I had a Dollar: The Poem by DaraMonifah
If I had a dollar for every bullet puncturedI’d be filthy richwith the blood, pain, confusion and hatred of my own.peoplewhat are we waiting on?who are we waiting for?BOOM!Another youth goneto the rage of metal and skin and bone collidingwith one swift movementnever erasablefor the fearful:unlikely untraceableso run…run like the wind knows your secretfly…fly like the birds camouflage you into the cloudshide…hide in the scare of your own daily starethe suspicion of your greeting responsethe thoughtless cycle of your motionless presenceif I had a dollar for every bullet shotI’d be a gun pusherI lay in bed eyes wide openwonderingknowingfearingeyes tearingquietlysharing my thoughts with the spirits in the air….Hearing,‘”Who watches the docks at night?”‘
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority advises customers served by Feeders 7A and 8B of a scheduled electrical service interruption on Thursday, June 18, to allow crews to complete maintenance on an electrical pole near Altona Terrace.
The planned outage will occur from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and will impact customers in the following areas:
Feeder 7A – impacting approximately 3,554 customers in the areas of Subbase/Crown Bay, Altona and Welgunst to Four Corners
Feeder 8B – impacting approximately 1,735 customers in the areas of Norre Gade, Hospital Ground, Mafolie to Peterborg
WAPA appreciates the community’s understanding and support as crews carry out this work to maintain reliable service.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett issued the following statement:
Sam Topp in his radio days. (Source file photo)
“The Virgin Islands has lost one of its most trusted and enduring voices. For nearly two decades, Sam Topp showed up for this community every morning, as a radio broadcaster, and a man deeply committed to the people, politics, and the pulse of these islands. Topp Talk was more than a radio program. It was a public square, a place where Virgin Islanders could speak, be heard, and stay informed.
Sam brought integrity, passion, and an unwavering love for the Virgin Islands to every broadcast. He understood that a microphone in the right hands is a powerful tool, and he used his with purpose and care.
Our community will feel his absence deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues and all those who loved him.”
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces the successful completion of the first phase of cleanup efforts at the Native Plant Garden in Fish Bay, St. John.
The native plant garden (Photo by Chantelle Quiñones)
The work, carried out by the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas on June 8 and 9, marks a significant step forward in enhancing this valued natural space. The public is encouraged to explore the newly cleared trails as restoration efforts continue.
In 2024, the property was generously donated to the Government of the Virgin Islands by the Island Resources Foundation (IRF) and incorporated into the Virgin Islands Territorial Parks System. The Native Plant Garden forms part of the 44-acre Nancy Woodson Spire Nature Preserve, an area recognized for its diverse native plantcommunities and unique ecological features spanning two shore-to-ridge guts in Fish Bay. Since its establishment in the mid-1980s, the preserve has benefited from the contributions of researchers and local experts, including St. John naturalist Eleanor Gibney and members of the Fish Bay Homeowners Association, who have played key roles in its study and stewardship.
Commissioner Oriol stated, “This project demonstrates the impact of community collaboration in maintaining accessible spaces where residents can connect with nature. We are grateful to those who worked diligently over the years to complete the donation process, ensuring this resource remains protected for the people of the Virgin Islands.”
The cleanup initiative, led by TPPA Property and Operations Manager Juan Cruz, underscores the Division’s ongoing commitment to preserving the territory’s natural resources while promoting environmental stewardship. TPPA Director Kristina “Kitty” Edwards noted, “As we continue to care for this garden, we look forward to engaging the community in future cleanup efforts and in shaping thoughtful design elements that highlight its natural beauty while supporting public use.”
During the cleanup, TPPA staff removed invasive species, cleared accumulated debris, and improved accessibility by restoring and defining the garden’s walking paths. These efforts enhance a tranquil environment known for its shaded, secluded setting while supporting the ecological integrity of the area. Native plants are essential to maintaining biodiversity, stabilizing soils, and providing habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
For more information, contact Director Kristina “Kitty” Edwards at kristina.edwards@dpnr.vi.gov or email parks@vi.gov.
Effective immediately, the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services announces a territory-wide burn ban. This decision has been made in response to increased fire risks and high winds currently affecting the territory.
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash, yard debris, or brush burning.
Residents and visitors are reminded that a permanent burn ban remains in effect on Water Island.
Open burning is prohibited on Water Island at all times.
Alternative methods for disposing of debris, such as chipping or composting, are encouraged. Additionally, VIFEMS urges the public to exercise caution while using outdoor grills or cooking equipment with open flames. Properly maintaining and monitoring such equipment, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby, can significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires.
VIFEMS will continue to monitor weather conditions and assess fire risks throughout the territory.
The public will be notified once the burn ban is lifted. We appreciate all residents’ and visitors’ cooperation and understanding in supporting these precautionary measures to safeguard our communities.
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Public Hearing for Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0049-25- Virgin Islands Department of Education- Emanuel Benjamin Oliver School Pre-K-8- Demolition and Reconstruction
The project proposes the demolition of all buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks. The reconstruction includes new entrance drive, parking along the northern portion of the site and a new utility building on the west of the site.
The new campus will include four new buildings in total: two (2) two-story buildings, one for administration and one for classrooms, along with a one-story dining building and a one-story gymnasium. All buildings will be arranged around a central open courtyard. Additionally, a new outdoor sport court will be located between the gym and the southern classroom building, and a new playground will be situated between the administration and classroom buildings.
The project is located on REM 148-235, Estate Annas Retreat, New Quarter, St. Thomas, USVI 00802.
The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Public Hearing for Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0049-25- Virgin Islands Department of Education- Emanuel Benjamin Oliver School Pre-K-8- Demolition and Reconstruction
The project proposes the demolition of all buildings, parking lots, and sidewalks. The reconstruction includes new entrance drive, parking along the northern portion of the site and a new utility building on the west of the site.
The new campus will include four new buildings in total: two (2) two-story buildings, one for administration and one for classrooms, along with a one-story dining building and a one-story gymnasium. All buildings will be arranged around a central open courtyard. Additionally, a new outdoor sport court will be located between the gym and the southern classroom building, and a new playground will be situated between the administration and classroom buildings.
The project is located on REM 148-235, Estate Annas Retreat, New Quarter, St. Thomas, USVI 00802.
The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Public Hearing for Federal Consistency Determination
No. CZM0047-25- Virgin Islands Department of Education-Lockhart Pre-K-8 School- Renovation/Modernization and New Construction.
The project proposes renovation/modernization and the addition of new buildings to meet the current and future demand for student space at the Pre-K through 8th School.
The renovation encompasses modernizing the existing classrooms and constructing new PreK-8th classrooms. The renovations include the administrative offices, library, cafeteria, kitchen, bathrooms, stairways, balconies, theater, hallways and all fixtures and equipment.
The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Thomas Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams.
Decision Meeting for Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0001-26- Virgin Islands Department of Education- Yvonne E. Milliner Bowsky Elementary School- Renovation and Modernization.
The project includes demolishing existing temporary modules to prepare the site for modernizing the classrooms and constructing a new gym, along with associated parking and site improvements. The purpose of the project is to redesign, renovate and modernize and expand the school to meet the current and future demand for student space at the elementary school. The renovation encompasses modernizing the existing classrooms and constructing new classrooms. The renovations include the administrative offices, library, cafeteria, kitchen, bathrooms, stairways, balconies, theater, hallways and all fixtures and equipment.
The project is located on Parcels 15B (3ac) and 16 (7.14 ac) Estate Mandahl, Great Northside Quarter, St. Thomas, VI 00802.
The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:
The burn ban will remain in effect until further notice and applies to all open fires, including campfires, bonfires, trash, yard debris, or brush burning.
