The Virgin Islands Department of Education
The Department of Education Division of Sports and Athletics has scheduled its pre- and post-season meetings for coaches.
Pre-Season Meetings
St. Thomas District Pre-Season Coaches’ Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 19, at 5:30 p.m. in the Charlotte Amalie High School Library
Elementary School Teams:
Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls Softball, Tennis, Flag Football and Track and Field
Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Teams:
Baseball, Tennis, Basketball, and Track and Field
St. Croix District Pre-Season Coaches’ Meeting
Thursday, Oct. 26. 5:30 p.m. in the St. Croix Educational Complex Cafeteria
Elementary School Teams:
Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Track and Field
Middle School, Junior Varsity and Varsity Teams
Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, and Track and Field
Virgin Islands Department of Education Division of Sports Athletics
Post-Season Meetings
St. Thomas District Post-Season Coaches’ Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 2, at 5:30 p.m. in the Charlotte Amalie High School Library
Elementary School Teams:
Girls and Boys Basketball, Girls Softball, Tennis, Flag Football, and Track and Field
Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Teams:
Baseball, Tennis, Basketball, and Track and Field
St. Croix District Post-Season Coaches’ Meeting
Thursday, Nov. 9 at 5:30 p.m. in the St. Croix Educational Complex Cafeteria
Elementary School Teams:
Baseball, Softball, Basketball, and Track and Field
Middle School, Junior Varsity, and Varsity Teams:
Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Tennis, Golf, Basketball, and Track and Field
Sen. Samuel Carrion
Sen. Samuel Carrion reiterated the urgency of his concern for the people of St. Croix suffering from the water quality crisis and called for further action in the wake of Gov. Albert A. Bryan Jr.’s announcement of a “no drinking” advisory.
“For two months now, I’ve been saying that this water was undrinkable and that we were facing a crisis situation,” Carrion said. “This is why I called for a State of Emergency in early September. The results are now in, but how long will it take to address this issue truly? Many people are not comfortable using this water to bathe, wash dishes and clothes, or even sustain their fruit and vegetable gardens. Further action must be taken.”
In a heartfelt letter addressed to the governor on Sept. 7, Carrion urged Bryan to consider declaring a State of Emergency to provide immediate relief to the people of St. Croix who are struggling with critical water supply and quality issues.
“Water is an essential necessity of life, and the current situation on St. Croix is simply becoming intolerable. The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) is the primary source of water for many of our residents; however, in recent months, both the quality and availability of water have become increasingly problematic,” said the senator.
WAPA’s recent testimony confirmed that there is no clear or immediate solution to the multifaceted water crisis affecting St. Croix.
As stated in his previous letter to Gov. Bryan, Sen. Carrion is advocating for the speedy establishment of water distribution facilities on St. Croix to provide clean, safe drinking water to citizens dealing with poor water quality. The current water situation burdens ratepayers, particularly senior residents, who are continuously forced to pay for subpar water.
Carrion’s request for a State of Emergency declaration is based on the urgent need to receive federal assistance to combat the water crisis effectively. This step will help enable the implementation of targeted solutions and provide relief to the St. Croix community.
In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the coexistence of a vibrant Jewish and Palestinian community. Both of these communities have played an integral role in our society, attending our schools, owning businesses, and living and working among us. It’s become increasingly apparent that we must extend our empathy to both groups, especially given their significant contributions to our collective identity.
What strikes me most is how both these communities have shown up, not just for themselves but for others as well. Over the past few decades, they have been steadfast allies in the fight for the liberation of Black people, illustrating a shared commitment to justice and equity. It’s a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity and how essential it is to be an ally, even if you’re not a member of either community.
In navigating the turbulent waters of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s imperative that we focus on centering humanity. We must resist the temptation to get caught up in divisive talking points, instead approaching the situation with an open heart and a commitment to understanding.
Our Palestinian friends yearn for us to see and acknowledge their humanity, recognizing their inherent right to life and the ultimate goal of self-determination. It’s a plea for empathy, understanding, and the rejection of preconceived notions that equate the Palestinian existence with groups like Hamas. No one should have to face starvation, ongoing violence, and further loss of human rights.
Our Jewish friends, on the other hand, want us to understand their perspective too. The loss of innocent Jewish lives is a pain deeply felt by the Jewish community. Their fight for justice and survival is not a recent phenomenon; it’s a struggle that spans time immemorial. It’s a historical context that shapes their fear and grief, and it’s a history that we should take the time to appreciate. Understanding their historical journey does not equate to endorsing the violence against Palestinians. Their pain, like any other, needs time to be processed and grieved.
Being critical of actions by groups like Hamas and the policies of the Israeli government is not incompatible with holding space and compassion for Jewish and Palestinian individuals. We must make this distinction clear. We cannot justify any form of human rights violation, and we can collectively agree that the world powers’ failure to address this conflict impartially has allowed tensions to escalate, putting both sides at immense risk.
In the midst of this complex and often divisive conflict, it’s easy to hear the loudest voices, the extremists on either side. However, it’s our collective responsibility not to let those voices drown out our common humanity. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, our Palestinian and Jewish friends need our unwavering support as they navigate this difficult journey toward understanding, empathy, and, ultimately, peace.
A rendering of the Flamingo Bay Eco Resort that will be built on Water Island. (Screenshot from CZM meeting)
The St. Thomas Coastal Zone Management Committee has approved three big projects: A 14-unit eco-resort on Water Island; a marina and restaurant at the Latitude 18 property in Estate Nazareth; and the modernization of the Bertha C. Boschulte School in Bovoni.
At the decision meeting Tuesday — which featured hours of back-and-forth discussion with each of the applicants — commissioners attached numerous conditions to the developments. However, the projects ultimately passed unanimously, except for the marina project, which Commissioner Jawanza Hilaire voted against.
That project, which requires a Major Coastal Zone Management Permit, will include a restaurant and marine services building, an event lawn, a dry stack boat storage, fueling facilities, a back-of-house yard, a wastewater treatment plant, and a generator.
Additionally, the marina will include 17 slips with a total of 2,128 linear feet alongside dockage and a managed mooring field that will include 68 buoys in Muller Bay, with pump-out facilities and amenities available, according to the application by a firm called Jack Rock B-A C LLC.
The Water Island project, by a company called BBK Development LLC, also requires a Major Coastal Zone Management Permit. Plans are to develop a 14-unit eco-resort that includes eight studio units, two one-bedroom units, four two-bedroom units, a swimming pool, an open-air restaurant and 30 parking spaces. There will be a total of 29 bedrooms, and management will be on site 24 hours a day, according to the presentation.
Called the Flamingo Bay Eco Resort, it will repurpose some existing slabs at the old Fort Segarra complex that was abandoned by the U.S. military in the 1950s in an area known for its stunning sea views and historical legacy.
Among the conditions placed on the development is that the restaurant may only offer takeout and room service after 7:30 p.m., and may not play live music after that time, to address the noise pollution concerns of nearby residents.
Fort Segarra consists of four existing hurricane-damaged structures: three barracks buildings and a mess hall. The ruins of these old buildings will be incorporated into the resort project, the developers said.
Both the resort and marina developments also will be required to follow Virgin Islands Conservation Measures for the Virgin Islands tree boa, which inhabits both sites, the CZM commissioners said.
Regulatory tree boa guidance allows for chainsaws to cut vegetation down to less than 36 inches. If the snake is found within any of the working or construction areas, activities must stop and the Department of Fish and Wildlife must be contacted for their safe capture and relocation, if necessary.
A schematic shows the layout and location of the Latitude 18 marina project on the East End of St. Thomas. (Screenshot from CZM meeting)
Education Department officials were seeking approval of their plans to gain Federal Consistency Determination approval to allow renovations of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, which was damaged in Hurricane Irma, using Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.
The project to transition the school into a PreK to eighth-grade campus will include the renovation and modernization of existing classrooms, new PreK to fifth-grade classrooms, administrative offices, a library, cafeteria, kitchen, bathrooms, stairways, balconies, and a theater, according to the application.
Attending the meeting were Commissioners Hilaire, Karl Percell, Kai Smith, and Winston Adams.
Well-wishers from across the district packed the St. Croix Legislature Thursday to pay their final respects to former Sen. Alicia “Chucky” Hansen as her body lies in state.
A hearse outside of the Legislature Building delivers the body of former Sen. Alicia “Chucky” Hansen. (V.I. Source photo)
The former senator, who was affectionately known as “Chucky,” passed away at the age of 70. Hansen served an impressive 11 terms in the Legislature, where she held the positions of secretary, White House Liaison, and vice president of the Senate.
A wreath hangs outside of the Legislature Building on St. Croix in honor of former Sen. Alicia “Chucky’” Hansen. (V.I. Source photo)
Members of the 35th Legislature also paid their respects during the public viewing of the late senator. As mourners consoled one another, a slide show played on the screens of memories of the former senator.
the Legislature flag flies at half-staff in honor of Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen. (V.I. Source photo)
Funeral services for the late senator will be held on Friday at the Friedensthal Moravian Church in Christiansted, with viewing at 9 a.m. and the service at 10 a.m., followed by interment at Kingshill Cemetery.
Emergency vehicles escorted the body of late Sen. Alicia “Chucky” Hansen to the Legislature Building on St. Croix. (V.I. Source photo)
V.I. National Guard Joint Staff Director Colonel Glenda Mathurin-Lee spoke Thursday at a 50th birthday reception for the local militia. (Photo courtesy of VING)
The Virgin Islands National Guard held celebrations on St. Thomas and St. Croix Thursday to remember the day the territory’s militia began 50 years ago.
Receptions held to mark the Guard’s beginnings took place at the Leonard Francis Readiness Center on St. Thomas and the 210th Regional Readiness Center on St. Croix. Thursday’s events took place in a week capped on each end by military galas.
A former official of the Guard was among the gathering at a “small reception” on St. Croix. “To mark this day, we had a cake and we had some light refreshments,” said retired Lt. Col. Beresford Edwards. Edwards said he joined the Guard after serving four years of active duty in the Army, starting his local duties with the 661st Military Police Corps.
He is currently the president of the Virgin Islands National Guard Association and chair emeritus of the Virgin Islands Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
Those who joined the reception also heard remarks from VING Joint Staff Director Colonel Glenda Mathurin-Lee, Chief of Staff Colonel Ivan Udell, and Command Sergeant Major Kent Bellot.
St. Thomas-St. John Senator Dwayne DeGraff — a former guardsman — appeared as well but did not speak. Edwards said he, too, had a chance to offer his congratulations.
Earlier this year, members of the V.I. Legislature drafted Bill No. 35-0170: “A Resolution Honoring and Commemorating the Virgin Islands National Guard on the Commemoration of its 50th Anniversary.” The bill’s language includes details of how the Guard began in 1973 with two units, one establishing its headquarters and the other made up of the 661st Military Police Company, stationed on St. Croix.
They were first called up for duty in 1974 by then-Gov Cyril E. King. Since then, Edwards said, VING has responded to the assistance in the aftermath of every major natural disaster in the Virgin Islands. They also deployed to Honduras to assist with disaster-related wreckage in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina and in Honduras after Hurricane Michael.
Members of the Guard have also been deployed overseas to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Guantanamo Bay, and Germany, among other places.
Edwards also noted that cooks from VING have been sent to duty at Camp David, a favored retreat where U.S. presidents sometimes confer with foreign leaders.
Fiftieth-birthday festivities continue with a gala ball on Saturday at the Westin Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef.
Shots were fired at police Wednesday on St. Croix, the V.I. Police Department reported.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received calls at around 6:50 p.m. about shots being discharged at a police unit in the area of Sugar Mills in Barren Spot. Two suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving behind their vehicle, which is now in police custody. Officers canvassed the area and were unable to find the suspects, according to the release.
No more information is available at this time and the Criminal Investigation Bureau is currently investigating the incident. Anyone with information on this incident or any other incidents, please call the Criminal Investigation Bureau Tip Line at (340) 778-4850, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1(800) 222-TIPS (8477) or 911.
Teen age driver (Submitted photo)
Nationally, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens 15 to 18 years old. According to the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2021, there were 2,608 people killed in crashes involving teen drivers of which 861 were fatal for the teen driver. To address this issue, the Virgin Islands Office of Highways Safety (VIOHS) joined the nation from Oct. 15-21 promoting National Teen Driver Safety Week.
In the territory, data for teen drivers are equally critical. In FY 2022, there were 429 crashes involving teen drivers – 9.36% of the year’s total crashes. In addition to inexperience and immaturity, other contributing factors to teen injuries and fatalities on the roadways include speeding, alcohol use, distracted and drowsy driving, transporting disruptive passengers and seat belt non-compliance.
“Communicating your expectations for safe traffic behaviors to your teen is essential,” said Virgin Islands Police Department Commissioner Ray A. Martinez. “Safe driving reduces your young driver’s risks for crash-related injuries and fatalities, while keeping other road users safe.”
When establishing clear expectations for safe driving practices with their teens, parents should also communicate consequences for noncompliance that are significant to the teen driver and consistently enforced.
A safe driver is alert, provides full attention to the task of driving and exercises preventive strategies to keep vehicle occupants and other road users safe.
“Teens must be encouraged to remain focused, drive sober, wear seat belts on every ride and adhere to the rules of the road,” urged Daphne O’Neal, VIOHS director. Expectations set for teen drivers must also extend to their passengers, who are often their peers. “For teens, driving is a privilege that parents must be willing to revoke to protect both novice drivers and the community at large,” said O’Neal.
For more safe driving practices and information on creating parent-teen driving agreements, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or Occupant Protection Planner/Coordinator Denise Gomes at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov. People may also contact the office via telephone at 772-3025 or 473-7383.
Celestina A. Johnhope
Celestina A. Johnhope, age 87, of Strawberry Hill, died on Oct. 4.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Indiana Jarvis; father, Luke Appleton; daughter, Rose Appleton; son, Staff Sgt. Eric Appleton; grandchild, Ian Grey; sisters: Ada Dickenson, Erma Appleton and Elvira “Aggie” Alexander; and brothers: Neville Stevens, Eaton, Kaiser, William and Charles Appleton.
She is survived by her daughters: Indiana Duncan, Frandelle Appleton, Julie Johnhope-Taylor, Julia Johnhope-Bailey and Juliet Johnhope; sons: Thomas “Walter” Appleton and Trevor Johnhope; grandchildren: Kareem Ross, Dehlia Ross-Vidal, Francois Pierre, Tanya and Tanisha Johnhope, Deandra Taylor, Linval Bailey Jr., Lyndon and Janiyah Bailey, Dimitri, Destini and Nathan Appleton, Terry and Lynn Willocks, and Nyalah Rivera-Bethel; great- grandchildren: Kendehl Vidal, Tayshawn, Tyri and Trevontae Moore; and sisters: Inez Appleton (Antigua), Ernie Appleton (New York), and Nancy “Lena” Joseph.
She is also survived by nieces: Margaret Chapman, Sylvia, Olive, Viola, Yvonne and Marilyn Joseph, Mary Gainey, Rosalyn Cooper, Everette Stevens, Delacie Brown and Evette Appleton; nephews: Ian and Dean Appleton, Liston, Glenroy, Seymour, Darius, Stedroy, Walter and Vernon Joseph, Leon Francis, Leroy and Linroy John, Glenmour Fabian, Keithroy and Lloyd Stevens; adopted daughters: Cassandra Looby, Ingrid Jeffers, Sandra Smith and Isha Ible; daughters-in-law: Simonette Appleton and Veronica Johnhope; sons-in-law: Donley Taylor and Linval Bailey Sr.; and brother-in-law, Wally Joseph.
Other survivors include godchildren: Moesha and Monet Martin and Abigail Pace; special friends: Sis. R. Diaz, Conrad Joseph, Sis. Rosette Benjamin, Sonia Smith, Sis. R. Lane, Sis. Francis, Sis. Dostalie, Sis. Alfred, Nehemiah Richards, Sis. Madir, Ms. Elsa, Sis. Bruney, Dale Ross, Mary-Sue Augustine, Albert James, Carmen Denia, Franklyn Thomas and family, and Cicely Warrican; cousins and other relatives: Yvette Joseph and family, Violet Pilgrim and family, and Phoebe Tonge and family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, at Central Seventh-day Adventist. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Catherine Elizabeth Fenton, age 57, of Whim Garden, died on Sept. 27.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Fenton; father, James Fenton Sr.; and brother, James Fenton Jr.
She is survived by her son, Michael Monsanto; grandchildren: Shanijah Urgent, Malachi Monsanto, and Elijah Joseph; sisters: Anna and Margaret Fenton, and Bernadette Fenton-Webster; brother, Silton Fenton; nieces: Laurel Browne Ferrer, Arielle Jackson Royer, Aynell Jackson and Jacyntha Gloade; and nephews: Arnell Jackson Jr., A-Jay Jackson, and Ishmael and Sherman Webster.
She is also survived by great nieces: Azalea Sylvester, Nina and Nahla Browne, Kathy Cruz, Amaka, Gianelle and Amina Jackson, and Daniella Webster; great nephews: Cayden and Adisa Jackson, Alijah Henry, Naqah Lake, and Donovan and Dominic Webster; brother-in-law, Stevie Webster; special friends: LaTarsha Cochrane, Maria Belle and Rochelle Simmonds; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
Catherine Elizabeth Fenton, age 57, of Whim Garden, died on Sept. 27.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Sarah Fenton; father, James Fenton Sr.; and brother, James Fenton Jr.
She is survived by her son, Michael Monsanto; grandchildren: Shanijah Urgent, Malachi Monsanto, and Elijah Joseph; sisters: Anna and Margaret Fenton, and Bernadette Fenton-Webster; brother, Silton Fenton; nieces: Laurel Browne Ferrer, Arielle Jackson Royer, Aynell Jackson and Jacyntha Gloade; and nephews: Arnell Jackson Jr., A-Jay Jackson, and Ishmael and Sherman Webster.
She is also survived by great nieces: Azalea Sylvester, Nina and Nahla Browne, Kathy Cruz, Amaka, Gianelle and Amina Jackson, and Daniella Webster; great nephews: Cayden and Adisa Jackson, Alijah Henry, Naqah Lake, and Donovan and Dominic Webster; brother-in-law, Stevie Webster; special friends: LaTarsha Cochrane, Maria Belle and Rochelle Simmonds; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at St. Paul’s Anglican Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery. 
