The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the community that the LBJ Pump Station is currently offline due to mechanical issues. As a result, wastewater overflows are occurring in the immediate area and parts of Christiansted.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
The VIWMA staff are working diligently to complete the necessary repairs to restore service.
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution, as runoff may contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health. Residents should avoid areas with runoff, including gutters, puddles, manholes, and drainage basins, as well as any locations that appear discolored or emit foul odors.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter. The VIWMA remains dedicated to providing reliable services and appreciates the community’s ongoing support and understanding.
For more information, please contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene Pedrito Blyden, also known as Gene or BLYX, of Boynton Beach, Florida, who passed away on March 13, 2026.
Eugene Pedrito Blyden
Eugene was a man of God, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for God, family, and friends was always his main priority. He enjoyed nature, good old reggae music and rhythm & blues, and sharing wisdom while discussing the Laws of God.
He served for many years with the Virgin Islands Police Department. After resigning, he continued his service with the Virgin Islands Fire Department, where he worked until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maude Akins and Cecil Blyden, his sister, Liana Claxton; nephew, Malik Graham, and many aunts and uncles.
Eugene leaves to cherish his memory his beloved Wife of 45 years, Maria Darius Blyden. He also leaves behind his sons:
Eugene Blyden Jr., Raheem Blyden, and Rah’Gene Blyden; daughters: Shenelle Blyden and Shantel Blyden.
Grandchildren: G’Nia Nicholas, Amaiyah Doctrine, Elijah Blyden, G’Shawn Blyden, G’Mari Blyden, G’Mani Blyden, Azmarie Jazzy Blyden, G’von Blyden, Xavier Lockett ]r., G’mali Blyden, and G’ nelli Blyden. Brothers: Ovaldo Graham, Joseph Graham, Anthony Graham, and Wayne Blyden. Sisters: Karen Byden, Celestine Blyden, Lynncia Blyden, Beverly Blyden-Folson, and Joann Blyden Henderson. Mother-in-Law: Simona Darius, Stepmother: Ethelyn Blyden,
Brothers-in-law: Mark Claxton, Timothy Williams, Ricky Darius, Malik Folsom, and Miles Henderson. Sisters-in-law: Beverly Parrilla, Christiana Vital, Tiffany Peter, and Jennifer Jeppesen-Blyden and Claudia Graham;
Nephews: Akiel Hendrickson, Akeem Graham, Kenneth Lewis, Kareem Small, Jaman Small, Jelani Small, Rasheed Graham, Malik Graham, Melvin Roll Jr., Jelonn James, Joseph Graham Jr., Omari Hendrickson, Delon Blyden, Delanzo Canton, Jalen
Folsom, Jordan Folsom, and Wayne J. Blyden. Nieces: Clarissia Claxton, Dena Graham, Tamar Graham, Tanyeka Graham, Shanoya Hendrickson, Nadisha Nieves, Nadirah Nieves, Shyana Claxton, Moriah Claxton, Amoia Brewley, and Elyssa Brewley. Aunts: Bernice Blyden and Melsades Cornelius. Many grandnephews, grandnieces, and cousins too numerous to mention; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held at Church of the Palms UCC 1960 N. Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444 March 24, 2026. Viewing begins at 10 a.m., with service at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Delray Memorial Gardens 901 S.W. 10th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444
Sunrise: February 13, 1935 – Sunset: March 2, 2026
It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Antoine Charles announce his passing on March 2, 2026. Born on Feb. 13, 1935, he lived a long life filled with love for his family, friendships, and the community. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.
Antoine Charles
Antoine was preceded by his beloved wife Marcellina Charles, his mother Elizabeth Charles, and his father Joseph Lemay.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughters Lucy Talian, Arlette Cole, and Sandra Moffat Charles, and his sons Andrew Charles, Robert Charles, Gabriel Charles, and Andy Charles.
He also leaves behind a large and loving legacy through his grandchildren: Terence Cole Jr., Melissa Noel, Lisa Noel, Melanie Frederick Walker, Clement Noel, Adysa Charles, Andrew Charles II, Roberta Joseph, Reana Charles, Shaunita Charles, Percy St. Croix, Marilyn Antoine, Jamine Charles, Drew Armsted, Karen Charles, Rosie Charles, Marcelina Dubois, Gabriella Dubois, Amanda Dubois, Gabriel Dubois, Danny Charlery, Wayne Lawrence, Geovani Bonapart, Quincy Bonapart, Testa Antoine, Anthis Emmanull, Maryline Smith, Barbraleen Roberts, Lectria Francis, and Anna Antoine.
He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth Malcolm (also known as Unera) and family, and Madeline Jn’Baptiste (also known as Geraldine) and family; his brother Peter Malcolm (also known as “G”) and family; his niece Irene Simmonds; and extended family members and loved ones.
He was also preceded in death by his in-law Susan Phillip.
Antoine will be fondly remembered by his special friends Cynthia, Mickey Peterson, Miss Vita, Predro Harrison, Edwards Cyril Thomas, Eddyton, Sis Margaret, Michael Joseph Ordre (better known as Mrs. Rex), and Mr. & Mrs. Mathurin Vivian and family, along with many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, April 12 at Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 17A Estate Plessen, Grove Place, Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00840.
Viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m.
The family extends sincere thanks to everyone who has offered prayers, support, and condolences during this difficult time.
“Forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.”
WAPA officials say rotation outages could continue into the weekend as crews work to bring a critical generation unit back online following a breakdown Thursday that continues to strain the system.
In an interview with the Source Friday afternoon, V.I. Water and Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight said crews are aiming to restart Unit 15 as early as Saturday, but acknowledged repairs could stretch into Sunday depending on progress.
The unit, one of the Harley Plant’s aging generators, tripped around midday Thursday, forcing the utility into load-shedding protocols while crews began repairs. Because the unit must cool before work can begin, response efforts have been slowed. While offline, the system is short roughly 5 megawatts of generation — enough to trigger rotational outages, particularly during evening peak demand, he explained.
Knight said the authority has been running six of its seven available engines, but without Unit 15, operators have had to rotate feeders to balance load. “There are points and times where we are short capacity,” he said, noting that rotations are used to prevent a wider system failure.
WAPA issued multiple alerts overnight into Friday morning as crews worked to stabilize service. By about 1 a.m., the authority said most feeders had been restored, though some pockets — including feeders 10B, 6B, and portions of 7B — remained offline temporarily. WAPA warned that the rotation schedule would remain in effect through the morning hours and likely beyond as additional generation came online.
Through much of Friday, officials said they were largely able to stick to the published rotation schedule, aided by lower daytime demand and supplemental generation from solar facilities on St. Thomas, along with the Wartsila units currently in operation. But heading into the evening peak, the system again showed signs of strain.
Residents on the 6:30 p.m. rotation and subsequent cycles reported that some feeders did not fully restore when scheduled. Feeder 6A, for example, experienced only a partial restoration, with similar issues reported on 7A and other circuits — a result of the continued shortfall in available generation capacity.
Knight said the situation underscores the fragility of the territory’s aging infrastructure. Unit 15, along with its sister unit 14 — already retired — has long been slated for replacement, but delays in securing FEMA-funded projects have kept the unit in service beyond its intended lifespan. “That unit is starting to show its age,” he said, adding that without a full overhaul, it is nearing the end of its useful life.
In the short term, WAPA is working to bring additional capacity online, including repairs to Unit 27, which could return to service within the next few weeks and help stabilize the grid. Longer-term plans call for replacing the aging units with new generation, potentially supplemented by temporary leased power, Knight added.
WAPA has also indicated it will continue issuing updated schedules as conditions evolve.
The Source will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe appeared before a federal magistrate judge Friday morning on St. Thomas after a grand jury charged him with four counts of bank fraud, four counts of making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft. (Source file photo)
A federal grand jury charged V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe with multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft in an indictment filed with the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on March 12 and unsealed Friday.
Dowe was released from custody after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Teague Friday morning at the federal courthouse on St. Thomas, where he also surrendered his passport.
According to the indictment, which can be read below, Dowe has been accused of including false information on loan documents submitted to Banco Popular between March 2021 and November 2023. The allegedly false information included an assertion on one loan application that he expected to receive monthly, $4,500 rent payments for a property “when in truth and fact, as the defendant well knew,” the purported renter “was not leasing any property from the defendant.” In that instance, Dowe was also charged with forging the person’s name and signature on a loan document.
Dowe has been accused of inventing monthly, $15,500 rent payments from at least one other supposed tenant on three other occasions in 2023.
Reached by the Source Friday morning, VIPA Board Chair Willard John told the Source that Dowe had “recently” informed the board of his intent to retire on April 10. John said the board was unaware of any legal proceedings involving Dowe at the time of his notice and that they were “finding out this morning like everyone else.” He added that the board would confer with its legal counsel to determine whether Dowe remained eligible to receive pay in light of the arrest. Later Friday, John said Dowe will remain on sick leave until his retirement.
Dowe’s appearance in federal court Friday came two decades after he was found not guilty of federal wire fraud charges following an alleged scheme to duplicate government payments. He went on to serve in the Virgin Islands Legislature before taking the top job at VIPA in 2013. According to reporting at the time, he was fired in late 2016 in part because of rumors that he might run for governor.
His name has also repeatedly appeared in communications released amid the territory’s Jeffrey Epstein-related lawsuits and the millions of so-called “Epstein Files” released by the U.S. Justice Department this year.
In one March 2017 email Epstein sent to Cecile de Jongh, the territory’s former first lady and his longtime employee, Epstein asked if “john” was “thinking of running again.”
“No,” de Jongh replied on March 12, “although he is getting a lot of encouragement (pressure) to do so since Carlton dropped out. Carlton dropped out because Mapp/Walker threatened to arrest him. Many don’t see Albert Bryan as a viable candidate but he seems to have the backing of Erika and her partner, Greg.”
Gov. Kenneth Mapp appointed Claude Walker acting attorney general in August 2015, and the Legislature confirmed his appointment four months later. Tax and business attorney Erika Kellerhals represented Epstein locally. She and Greg Ferguson are named partners at the firm Kellerhals Ferguson and Kroblin.
Another file released this year described an interview that former V.I. Attorney General Denise George gave to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2023, in which George claimed that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. became increasingly frustrated with her lawsuit against Epstein’s estate. George told the FBI that she believed Bryan sent Dowe to convince her to settle the lawsuit.
According to George’s characterization of that conversation, Dowe said that he “does things for [Bryan] too but has a line he won’t cross.”
Attorney Kevin Rames describes the plot of land where Blue Sky Towers proposes to install a 150-foot communications tower. (Screenshot from CZM Zoom meeting)
Commissioners on the St. Croix Coastal Zone Management Committee held off on a vote to approve or deny a 150-foot communications tower Thursday evening amid community pushback.
Attorney Kevin Rames represented developer Blue Sky Towers Thursday and said the proposed project had changed significantly after residents and property owners voiced concerns during a public hearing in February. Changes included shortening a utility and access easement connecting to East Shore Road and a modification of the site footprint from 60-by-60 square feet to 120-by-30 square feet.
“The same square footage but significantly modified in order to ensure that the environmental impact of the creation of this site is minimized as much as possible,” Rames explained. “In fact, the access road leading in from Estate South Grapetree Bay subdivision into project site is small enough so that it does not qualify for the creation of a stormwater pollution prevention program application.”
The project was launched by Liberty Mobile and the Virgin Islands government as part of the First Responder Network, or FirstNet, and is funded by a combination of public and private sources. Rames noted Thursday that of the 11 sites identified for construction, only the parcel in Estate Long Point and Cotton Garden was suitable. The others were on protected land owned by the government or the nonprofit Nature Conservancy.
“There has been some discussion — most recently at the CZM level — concerning an alternative site,” Rames said, “and that alternative site is owned by the government of the Virgin Islands and subject to the same conservation easement as all of the other government sites.”
One property owner, Mark Salisbury, said Rames made it sound like residents’ sole concern was the access road, “when in fact we had concerns about property devaluation, radio frequency — high-power radio frequency — being pumped into people’s homes, view degradation and environmental concerns as well.” Woodward said one alternative proposal involved bolting “microcells” to existing utility poles, which would eliminate further environmental impact and fill in coverage gaps caused by the area’s terrain.
After more discussion, Commissioner Kai Nielsen asked Rames if he was opposed to delaying a vote on the matter while the committee gathered more community input for developers to address.
“I would appreciate that at this point,” Rames said, “because this is really not — I don’t want to overstate here — but this is generally not the forum within which new and fundamental questions are asked. This is the forum where those answers have already been given and you’re discussing those answers.”
Earlier Thursday evening, committee members voted to approve a plan to install boat lifts in Gallows Bay.
“One of our big challenges — unlike Salt River and Green Cay Marina — is that we don’t have a very protected harbor area, so we get a lot of wave action in our marina which causes boat damage and dock lines breaking and fenders deflating, just because it’s very unprotected from the weather,” St. Croix Marine Center owner Chris Hanley told the committee.
Keeping St. John residents and businesses out of the dark has become a business strategy for island retailers. One week after a three-day power outage crippled daily life, hardware store managers described increased sales activity seen in the days before.
Managers at St. John Hardware and Paradise Lumber described a surge in sales of generators, batteries, fuel containers, lanterns and extension cords. Many of those buyers came to supply vacation homes and villas or to power equipment used to maintain properties.
A bright idea — a rechargeable light bulb — demonstrated by Paradise Lumber Manager Jammie Joseph. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
“ … We have batteries. Obviously, people need batteries. That’s for flashlights, things like that — battery operation. We have five battery-operated fans, which we used after Irma; we used extensively in our house.” said St. John Hardware owners James and Kate Swan. “They take a 20 volt battery and they can last almost 8 to 10 hours. So while you’re sleeping, you can have a fan, especially in September when it’s hot.”
Generators moving out the door included newer-model propane generators that the Swans said run more quietly than gas-powered versions. Buyers also took away large capacity Generac units used to power villas. “I think I sold three or four … And then just recently, we helped the School of the Arts with one because they were having problems. And then I sold it, and I got another one that came in by mistake and immediately that sold within minutes, before I took it out of the container,” Jim Swan said.
Vacation homes and villas make up the majority of guest accommodations on St. John, making it important to ensure reliable power during outages when occupied by guests.
In describing activity during the outages of February and March, Paradise Lumber manager Jammie Joseph said generators topped the sales record. “St. John is always unique because there are power struggles with WAPA,” Joseph said.
Sales of other items like batteries, extension cords, gas cans and lanterns left parts of the store’s display shelves empty. Property owners and cleaners made up much of the customer base during and after the most recent outage.
An array of power sustainables on hand at St. John Hardware. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
“We had property managers and cleaners (come in); property managers looking for generators. Cleaners looking for generators and battery-powered generators so they can run their cleaning machines,” Joseph said.
But also on hand at the lumberyard hardware store were household items for homeowners, renters and visitors. The manager unboxed a special lightbulb that comes equipped with a power storage cell. When the power goes out, he said, the bulb stays lit for several hours.
Pressing the bottom of the bulb, Joseph showed off an additional feature; the bulb also acts like a flashlight and can be turned off if the occupant leaves the dwelling.
But sales of smaller items remained modest; most likely because consumers don’t realize items like the bulb are available, he said.
Or the standing fan charged by a solar panel the size of a sheet of paper. Or the solar-powered lantern that also acts as a cellphone charger.
Attending product expos, browsing the internet helps the store stock rechargeable items and those that can be charged by the sun — items that give light, can power appliances and provide cooling air flow. “There are also solar bulbs they can set out in the sun and they will charge,” Joseph said.
But many on St. John say they’re still waiting for better solutions. “I think we need the emergency generator that was promised many years ago,” Jim Swan said.
Town hall meeting at JFL. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Residents gathered for an informative and transparent town hall discussion on health care costs and medical billing during the hospital’s first Community Conversation of the year, held Wednesday night in the Juan F. Luis Hospital conference room.The session, led by hospital leadership and financial services staff, aimed to help community members better understand how medical billing works, why charges can sometimes be confusing, and what resources are available to assist patients.“This is about building one system, stronger together,” said JFL CEO Darlene Baptiste. “Every dollar counts, and we cannot do it without the community.”The discussion focused on the hospital’s billing process – commonly referred to as the revenue cycle — which involves three main parties: the hospital, insurance providers, and patients. Officials explained that while the hospital submits claims and insurance companies determine coverage, patients are responsible for any remaining balance.Presenters acknowledged that medical billing can often feel overwhelming. Common challenges include missing or incorrect information, insurance delays or denials, and the need for prior authorizations for certain services. In addition, billing terminology can be difficult for many patients to understand.“One of the most frustrating experiences is not knowing what you owe or why,” said Lisa Hanley, Manager of Patient Accounts. “We hear that, and we are working to improve it.”Hospital officials emphasized that unpaid bills are often the result of confusion or financial hardship rather than a lack of willingness to pay. As a result, the hospital is focusing on improving communication, increasing transparency, and providing support to patients.Several financial assistance options were highlighted during the session, including charity care for qualifying patients, flexible payment plans, and health care financing programs designed to help manage out-of-pocket costs.“Please don’t let your bill go unanswered,” said Hanley. “We are here to help.”The hospital also shared that it has partnered with a revenue cycle management firm to strengthen internal processes. The partnership is expected to improve billing accuracy, reduce delays, and enhance the overall patient experience.Community members actively participated in a question-and-answer segment, raising concerns about billing practices across different facilities. Hospital representatives confirmed that patients may currently receive separate bills for services provided at different locations, as systems are not yet fully integrated. However, they noted that integration remains a long-term goal.Questions were also raised about how and when patients can apply for financial assistance. Officials explained that individuals can seek support after receiving care, particularly if they are unable to pay their bills.The Community Conversation series is expected to continue throughout the year, with future sessions focusing on topics such as emergency room services, available hospital programs, and ongoing facility improvements.Residents were encouraged to stay engaged and to suggest topics for upcoming discussions as the hospital continues its efforts to strengthen communication and build trust within the community.
Officers and community members gather for a “Bodied by De Cadres” morning workout at the VIPD Training Academy on St. Thomas, part of an initiative to promote fitness and strengthen police-community relationships. (Photo courtesy Police Chief Deborah Hodge)
In an effort to promote physical wellness and build trust between law enforcement and the public, the Virgin Islands Police Department has introduced a free morning exercise program open to officers, civilian personnel, and community members.
The initiative, titled “Bodied by De Cadres,” began in July 2025. The program meets Monday through Friday from 5:15 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. at the VIPD Training Academy in Sub Base on St. Thomas. Each session begins with stretching and warm-up exercises to reduce the risk of injury. Workouts are structured to target different muscle groups each day, ensuring a comprehensive and balanced fitness routine for participants.
According to Police Chief Deborah Hodge, the program serves a dual purpose. “The benefit of this initiative is twofold; we get to work on improving physical health and strengthening the relationship with the community. When police officers and community members share positive spaces, such as exercise, it humanizes us and sends a gentle reminder that we are also a part of this community. This is really about promoting physical health while creating a positive space for everyone in attendance,” Hodge explained.
Since its launch, the program has seen consistent participation and positive feedback from those included. Hodge noted personal benefits as well. “In my opinion, it has been excellent. I feel better, I am more conscious about what I consume and I have received many compliments about my physical appearance. We find ourselves holding each other accountable not only in attendance but with our performance. We periodically have weigh in sessions and the cadres then help us to focus on any personal goals we may have.”
Community participant Jo-Lique Margetson shared her perspective on the program’s broader impact. “I am now more trusting of the VIPD after experiencing a more approachable side of officers during our workouts. It’s a lot of fun, but this doesn’t mean you can now run red lights and expect special treatment. Just do the right thing,” Margetson said.
No registration or prior experience is required to join. Interested individuals are encouraged to simply show up to any scheduled session.
