In her biweekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.
In any democracy, the legislative branch is often described as “the people’s house.” In the Virgin Islands, that role carries a particular weight because our Legislature is not just any lawmaking body. It is unique among the fifty states and territories of the United States, and it is central to our democracy. The authority of the Legislature is rooted in the Revised Organic Act of 1954, particularly Sections 4 through 7, which grant and define the legislative power, and in Title 2 of the Virgin Islands Code, which sets out the structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Legislature. These documents place lawmaking, appropriations, and oversight squarely within the Senate’s charge.
The Virgin Islands Legislature is unicameral, meaning it consists of a single chamber. Only one state in the nation, Nebraska, also has a unicameral legislature. Unlike Congress, with its House and Senate, or most state legislatures with two houses, every debate, vote, and decision in the Virgin Islands happens within this one body. This structure concentrates power but also magnifies responsibility. Every senator must weigh both the role of a representative of the people and the role of a check on the executive branch.
Another defining feature is that our Legislature never sine dies. In most states and in Congress, “sine die” adjournment means the session officially ends, closing the book on all pending work until the next convening. In the Virgin Islands, however, the Legislature remains in continuous session throughout its two-year term. This permanence underscores its role as a full-time body. Senators cannot simply step away and return months later. Their duties extend year round, from reviewing budgets to conducting oversight hearings, responding to crises, and holding the executive accountable.
Because of this, calls to reduce the Legislature or to make it part-time miss the point of its design. A part time Senate would weaken oversight, slow responses in times of emergency, and erode the balance of power between branches. The Virgin Islands Legislature was deliberately structured as a full-time body because the needs of a territory with limited resources, complex federal relationships, and constant challenges demand no less.
Unlike other states where the responsibilities of government are divided among city councils, county commissions, zoning boards, and legislatures, in the Virgin Islands many of those duties are collapsed into the Legislature. Senators are at times the equivalent of council members, sometimes serving in a capacity similar to mayors, and often acting as the territory’s zoning board. They review land use decisions, consider permits, and approve major developments in ways that, in the states, would be managed at the municipal level. The result is a Legislature with a broader and more complex portfolio than its counterparts on the mainland.
Yet the role of senators is often misunderstood. Too often, the public expects senators to function as if they were commissioners, directly fixing roads, paying out benefits, or delivering services. Others assume senators are responsible for bringing large corporations to the territory, negotiating tax incentives, or cutting deals with executives to open businesses here. In reality, senators do none of this. The chief negotiator of the territory is the executive branch. The Legislature’s role is to review, debate, and ratify agreements when they come before the body. This distinction is critical.
The frustration arises partly because senators are more visible and accessible than commissioners or agency heads. Constituents see them at the grocery store, at church, or on the street. Accessibility is a strength of our democracy, but it also means senators are the most convenient targets for grievances that should properly be directed at the executive.
The complexity is compounded by campaigns. In the heat of elections, many candidates run on promises they cannot legally fulfill. It makes for a good slogan, but it sets up false expectations. When elected, senators must reconcile campaign rhetoric with statutory authority, often disappointing the very voters who sent them to office.
Still, despite the misunderstandings and criticisms, the Legislature is indispensable. It is the branch closest to the people, and it is the only one empowered to make laws, control the purse strings, and act as a counterweight to executive power. Its uniqueness, the unicameral design, its continuous session, and its full-time nature, is not a flaw but a reflection of the territory’s needs.
The next time frustrations arise, Virgin Islanders should remember that senators cannot pave a road, hire a teacher, or bring Walmart to the islands. Going to a senator for those things is like going to the dentist because your chest hurts. When there is pain in the body, you find the right doctor to treat it. Government is no different. The executive branch, under Section 11 of the Revised Organic Act, executes and enforces the laws. The legislative branch, under Sections 4 through 7 and Title 2 of the Virgin Islands Code, makes laws, appropriates funds, and provides oversight. The judiciary, under Section 21 of the Revised Organic Act, interprets the laws. Each branch has its specialty, and confusing one for the other only leads to frustration. Senators are only one part of the democratic machine, one gear in the system of three branches needed to keep the wheels of governance turning.
The Legislature is not perfect, no institution is, but it remains the beating heart of self-government in the Virgin Islands. To weaken it is to weaken our democracy.
The NHC is currently monitoring three tropical systems in the Atlantic basin, including Hurricane Gabrielle near Bermuda and two tropical waves closer to the Caribbean. (Photo courtesy NHC and NWS)
The National Hurricane Center is tracking three tropical systems in the Atlantic, including Hurricane Gabrielle near Bermuda and two tropical waves closer to the Caribbean. The National Weather Service in San Juan warns that the disturbances could bring increased showers to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in the coming days.
Gabrielle and Additional Tropical Waves Monitored by NHC
As of a 5 p.m. update from the NHC Sunday, Gabrielle had strengthened into a hurricane located about 320 miles southeast of Bermuda, with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph. Hurricane Gabrielle is the seventh named storm of the Atlantic season and the second to reach hurricane strength following Hurricane Erin in August. Gabrielle is forecast to pass east of Bermuda on Monday.
Hurricane Gabrielle is forecast to pass to the east of Bermuda on Monday. (Photo courtesy NHC and NWS)
“At 5:00 p.m. AST, the center of Hurricane Gabrielle was located by NOAA hurricane hunter aircraft near latitude 28.5 North, longitude 61.7 West. Gabrielle is now moving toward the north-northwest near 10 mph,” the NHC said. “A turn more northward is forecast on Monday, followed by a somewhat faster northeastward or east-northeastward motion on Tuesday. On the forecast track, the center of Gabrielle is expected to pass east of Bermuda on Monday evening,” according to the NHC report.
In addition to monitoring Hurricane Gabrielle, the NHC is tracking two tropical waves in the Atlantic Ocean, both of which could enhance rainfall and thunderstorms across the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Disturbance #1, located in the central Atlantic, has been monitored by the NHC for several days. The system carries a low chance of development within 48 hours and a medium chance of intensification over the next week, with the potential to strengthen into a tropical depression. As of Sunday, forecast models suggest it should pass northeast of the islands, though moisture associated with the wave could still bring increased precipitation.
Disturbance #2, flagged by the NHC Sunday afternoon and located closer to the islands, also carries a low chance of development over the next 48 hours and the next seven days. The system is expected to pass across the Leeward Islands before Disturbance #1 and could bring rainfall and gusty winds to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico during the early to middle part of this week.
The NHC is monitoring Disturbance #1 and Disturbance #2 in the Atlantic. (Photo courtesy NHC and NWS)
“A tropical wave located more than 500 miles east of the Lesser Antilles is producing scattered disorganized showers and thunderstorms,” the NHC said on Sunday evening. “Environmental conditions appear marginally conducive for slow development over the next several days as the wave moves quickly westward to west-northwestward at 15 to 20 mph. Regardless of development, gusty winds and showers are expected for portions of the Leeward Islands Monday night and Tuesday.”
Local National Weather Service Update
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has warned that the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will face an increased risk of rainfall, thunderstorms, and localized flooding throughout the week due to the two tropical waves being monitored by the NHC.
Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 8:10 p.m. Hurricane Gabrielle is visible to the north of the local islands, and additional tropical waves are forecast to bring rainfall across portions of the USVI and Puerto Rico this week. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
On Sunday afternoon, the Source contacted Glorianne M. Rivera-Santiago, a meteorologist at the NWS, for further details regarding the local forecast.
Rivera-Santiago explained that as Disturbance #2 moves across the islands by Monday or Tuesday, at least two to three inches of rainfall are expected, accompanied by gusty winds and the potential for localized flooding. She noted that more details will become available as the system nears, adding that it could intensify further once it passes the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
“On Tuesday, a strong tropical wave, located near 50W longitude, will bring an increase in shower and thunderstorm activity across the region. This tropical wave currently has a low chance of development into a tropical system. However, squally weather and periods of heavy rainfall will increase with the wave passage,” the NWS warned.
After Disturbance #2, the other tropical wave being watched by the NHC, Disturbance #1, will continue to bring inclement weather to the region through the week.
“Given the prevailing wet pattern on previous days and the already saturated soils, the main threats include flash flooding, rapid river rises, and landslides in vulnerable terrain,” the NWS said.
Rivera-Santiago noted that Saharan dust will be prevalent in the atmosphere on Monday, causing a hazy sky. She also reminded residents across both U.S. territories that a risk of hot temperatures will persist through the week, and heat alerts may be issued across the region.
Finally, beachgoers are urged to exercise caution due to a fading northeasterly swell and a moderate risk of rip currents, especially across north- and eastern-facing coastlines.
Weather Updates
It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.
First “Leukemia Awareness Month” motorcade in 2022. (Photo courtesy the Logan Miracle Foundation)
The Logan Miracle Foundation is set to host its fourth annual motorcade against childhood cancer Sunday on St. Croix. The motorcade will begin at 2 p.m. at Kingshill Cemetery and will end at Altona Lagoon, where a ceremony will be held.
The foundation was established in honor of Logan Cruz, who lost his battle to acute lymphocytic leukemia in January 2022. Since then, his mother, Anais Cruz, has dedicated herself to keeping childhood cancer awareness alive through the Logan Miracle Foundation. Over the years, the annual motorcade has grown from a small remembrance into a territory-wide movement for awareness and support. What began as a tribute to Logan has become an effort to build resources for families facing pediatric cancer in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Logan Cruz has spread awareness of childhood cancer through his own personal struggle and passing. (Photo courtesy the Logan Miracle Foundation)
As in previous years, participants are encouraged to wear orange and decorate their vehicles in orange. Members from V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Rescue, and the Port Authority are all confirmed to take part, and Cruz shared that the event will feature a slightly larger, more organized setup at Lagoon with seating and a short closing ceremony.
This year, Cruz says the event feels especially meaningful because, for the first time, the foundation will honor a survivor. Sixteen-year-old Leilanie Batista has been named the 2025 Logan Miracle Foundation Honored Hero. Diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at just 1 year and 10 months old, Leilanie endured a battle no child should ever face. Today, she stands as a survivor — and makes history as the foundation’s first Honored Hero Survivor.
Anais Cruz, mother of Logan Cruz at his grave site. (Photo courtesy the Logan Miracle Foundation)
“Leilanie’s story embodies the strength and resilience at the heart of our mission,” Cruz said. “By lifting up Leilanie, we not only celebrate her courage, but we also remind our community why it is so vital to continue raising awareness for childhood cancer and leukemia. Her survival is a victory for us all — a beacon of hope that fuels our commitment to every child still in the fight and every family walking this journey. Together, we are stronger. Together, we keep Logan’s legacy alive. Together, we believe in miracles.”
To deepen the impact within the territory, Cruz has invited a local oncologist to participate this year. She said Dr. Elizabeth DelGiacco, the only oncologist on St. Croix, will attend alongside an oncology nurse to speak about childhood cancer and the local services available. “It was important to me to keep it within the community,” Cruz explained. “I want people to know that on St. Thomas and St. Croix, we have an oncology facility available to people.”
Orange shirts will again be available for preorder, with proceeds going directly to the nonprofit. “We have orange T-shirts this year as well — slightly different — and everything that’s sold goes straight to the nonprofit,” Cruz said. Shirts can be preordered through the Logan Miracle Foundation Facebook page, or by contacting Cruz directly at 832-258-4748 or by email at theloganmiraclefoundation13@gmail.com.
For Cruz, the emotional payoff comes in the moments when she sees the impact on children and families. “This event is surrounded by love … you feel the love at the end,” she said. “I just want to save the next kid that comes out. I need to make sure we’re there and supply the parents with everything that’s needed.” She noted that last year, shirts were distributed at a St. Thomas school, leading to territory-wide participation, and she hopes the movement continues to grow until it can match the scale of larger U.S. organizations.
May 13 is “Logan Cruz Superhero Day” and is celebrated throughout the territory. (Photo courtesy the Logan Miracle Foundation)
“I feel like this is bigger than me,” Cruz said. “If I started something, I have to finish it … the end goal for the Logan Miracle Foundation is to be able to supply anyone from the Virgin Islands who is diagnosed with childhood cancer with the resources their parents need. I pray that our medical system gets better back home. But the Logan Miracle Foundation has to continue — whether I’m there or not — because it’s bigger than me.”
A guest receives a pour of red wine during the St. Croix Foundation’s 2024 “Wine in the Warehouse” fundraiser at Bohlke International Aviation Hangar. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)
The St. Croix Foundation’s annual fundraiser “Wine in the Warehouse” is set for Friday, Dec. 5, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bohlke International Aviation Hangar and features Food Network celebrity chef Eric Adjepong.
Early bird tickets are on sale. They are going very fast at $150 and are available through Sept. 25. Thereafter, regular tickets will be available for $175. Limited VIP Experience tickets will also be released, offering exclusive access to Chef Eric Adjepong, signed copies of his cookbook, craft cocktails and small bites. Tickets can be secured at stxfoodandwine.com
Known as the “Tree of Life,” the baobab stands tall across Africa and the Caribbean as a symbol of strength, nourishment and resilience. Its deep roots anchor communities, while its wide branches and fruit sustain generations.
“At St. Croix Foundation, we see ourselves as a baobab for our island: rooted in place, sheltering our people and sustaining the work that drives progress on St. Croix and throughout the Virgin Islands,” Executive Director Deanna James said about the connection between Ghanaian Celebrity Chef Eric Adjepong and the foundation.
Executive Director Deanna James of the St. Croix Foundation invites the community to “Wine in the Warehouse,” the Foundation’s annual fundraiser blending fine dining, culture and support for local nonprofits. (Photo by Nicole Canegata)
“Wine in the Warehouse” is the fruit of that tree — a joyful harvest where community, culture and philanthropy converge, Each ticket purchased and each sponsorship pledged feeds back into the Foundation’s roots, allowing us to grow the branches of our work: strengthening nonprofits through fiscal sponsorships, grantmaking, and the nonprofit Consortium and advocating for equity across the Virgin Islands, according to the organization.
James spoke about the last five or six years of the food and wine event. It is intentional that the event isn’t bigger than the cause behind it and the mission of the organization, she said. “We are really trying to center the work that we’re doing — the way we think about the work — and see the extension of our impact in the community. So, every year, we go through the exercise of identifying partners and potential celebrity chefs. We are always first interested in the story.”
This year’s event carries an especially meaningful resonance with the announcement of guest chef Eric Adjepong. A first-generation Ghanaian-American, Chef Eric hails from the very homeland of the baobab, where the tree has long been revered as a source of nourishment and community gathering. His presence at “Wine in the Warehouse” bridges our island’s own ancestral roots of bringing together community, corporate partners and philanthropic supporters to build a brighter future for St. Croix, James said.
Celebrity Chef Eric Adjepong will headline the St. Croix Foundation’s annual “Wine in the Warehouse” fundraiser on Dec. 5 at the Bohlke International Aviation Hangar. (Photo courtesy Eric Adjepong)›
“We have been talking about the story of the foundation, our place in the community and our place in the diaspora. So, when we were connected to Eric Adjepong’s publicist and saw how Eric’s roots are directly connected to the way in which we were thinking and how our story is told, we could see how the Baobab Tree is one of those symbols that connects us. That made us know that he [Eric] was the right pick for this year. He immediately accepted,” James announced with joy in her voice.
“The process for securing him was very easy. We assured him that we would not work him too hard and that he would have time to rest and enjoy the island, James continued, smiling as she spoke,” James said.
Historically, the St. Croix Educational Complex Culinary students were featured and given the opportunity to learn directly from the guest chefs. Last year, the St. Croix Central High School Culinary students worked with guest celebrity chef Digby Stridiron. This year, both schools will be featured, and, in addition, culinary students from some of the private schools will participate, and all will learn directly from celebrity chef Eric Adjepong in the kitchen and will showcase their talent for over 500 guests.
More than just a culinary event, “Wine in the Warehouse” is the foundation’s only annual fundraiser, fueling programs that strengthen St. Croix year-round: from revitalizing downtown Christiansted and restoring the historic Alexander Theatre, to awarding youth scholarships and advancing data-driven policy through “ KIDS COUNT USVI.”
Guests mingle under the tents at the 2024 “Wine in the Warehouse” fundraiser, hosted by the St. Croix Foundation at Bohlke International Aviation Hangar. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)
Since its founding in 1990 following the devastation of Hurricane Hugo, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development has been a visionary of social change and holistic community development. For three decades, the foundation has been working with community partners to challenge the status quo and direct strategic investment toward its key priority areas, including community and economic development, education, reform, public safety and nonprofit development, according to the foundation.
Proceeds from the St. Croix Food & Wine Experience support St. Croix Foundation’s year-round holistic community development work, making sponsorship of this beloved event about more than just the high visibility and networking opportunities that the series offers. As both grantmaker and civic hub for local nonprofits and all the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Croix Foundation’s wingspan is broad and deep, encompassing a holistic suite of priorities, including community revitalization, economic development, youth and education initiatives and nonprofit capacity building. Over the course of 35 years, SCF has invested over $50 million directly into the U.S. Virgin Islands and built an incomparable track record around innovative and people-centered solutions that put “community” back into the foundation, according to the organization.
St. Croix Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to presenting sponsors Bohlke International Aviation, CC1, Cost-U-Less, and Crucian Point, and early sponsors Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, Marshall & Sterling and J. Benton Construction for their steadfast commitment to this event and to the community at large. With their partnership, “Wine in the Warehouse” continues to grow as one of the Virgin Islands’ most anticipated culinary celebrations.
Storyteller Kemit Sweeney regales the audience during “Astronomy by the Sea” Saturday night at the St. Croix East End Marine Park. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The south shore of St. Croix became a stage for stories about Anansi, the trickster spider of African and Caribbean and folklore, the djembe and other tales during “Astronomy by the Sea” Saturday night at the East End Marine Park.
The free event was hosted by the Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park and the Planning and Natural Resources Department’s Coastal Zone Management Division. Starting at 7 p.m., storyteller and artist Kemit Sweeney captivated dozens of audience members under the stars at Estate Great Pond Park. Organizer Lindsay Metz, environmental outreach coordinator for the park, said the returning event was about bringing the St. Croix community out to connect with nature — and each other.
“It’s just another way to get people outside — to get people aware that there is 17 miles of protected coastline on St. Croix that’s a marine protected area. And just knowing that can even help protect it,” she said. “And that’s great for the rest of the island, because we’re protecting the seagrass where the baby fish grow up, and then that spillover effect is going to make the whole fishing industry better for the whole rest of the island — which is part of our tourism too, with scuba diving.”
Sweeney said he learned storytelling from his mother, culture-bearer Donna “Asheba” Samuel, and he asked audience members to pass the stories he told Saturday on to younger generations. It’s important, he said, “because there are certain key experiences in life that you can’t be taught.”
“You have to go through the experience yourself,” he said. “But the best way to do that, to guide someone through these experiences, is to tell them a story — wrap up the lesson in a story, so that they have to figure it out themselves, so they have to come into the knowing on their own. And in that way, you give them the confidence so that they can grow on their own.”
Metz said the East End Marine Park has several upcoming events, including a Trunk-or-Treat at the park on Oct. 25.
“We’re going to have a whole lot of different events to bring the community out, and we’ll have this whole outdoor area decorated,” she said.
The Junior Varsity Girls Division featured Antilles School, Charlotte Amalie High School, Virgin Islands Montessori School, Peter Gruber International Academy, Sts. Peter & Paul, and the defending champions from St. Croix, Good Hope Country Day School.
The Panthers of GHCD entered the semifinals with an unblemished 4-0 record, facing the 1-3 Volts of VIMSPGIA. GHCD cruised to a 25-21; 25-12 victory. The host Antilles School took the first set 25-20 over CAHS in the second semifinal match. Athany Harrigan was the star of the second set for the Hurricanes as she served 20 straight points to give her team a 25-5 win. This set up a rematch from last year’s final. Once again, the Panthers withstood the Hurricanes, winning in straight sets 25-12; 25-12. The Hurricane’s Jayne Ashby received the Sportsmanship Award. The Junior Varsity Girls Tournament MVP was Fiona Gilbert of GHCD School.
Good Hope Country Day School won the Junior Varsity Girls Division at the 2025 Antilles Junior Varsity / Middle School Volleyball Tournament. (Photo by Shanique Boschulte)
Antilles School Hurricanes dominated the Middle School Boys Division. They didn’t drop a single set throughout the entire tournament and continued their stellar play through the championship game. Only three teams registered for this division: the Hurricanes, the Antilles CANES, and Julius E. Sprauve School from St. John. The three teams played each other twice in the preliminary round. JESS defeated the CANES twice to join the undefeated Hurricanes in the championship game. The Hurricanes won that match 25-12; 25-10. Jared Dedo of JESS claimed the Sportsmanship Award. Parker Spillane of the Antilles Hurricanes was the division’s MVP.
Antilles Hurricanes won the Middle School Boys Division of the 2025 Antilles Junior Varsity / Middle School Division. (Photo by Shanique Boschulte)
The Middle School Girls category showcased teams with plenty of energy and fire. The host Antilles School registered two teams, the Hurricanes and the CANES. JESS and Gifft Hill School represented St. John, and VIMSGPGIA also participated in this division. On Friday night, the two Antilles squads played a highly competitive match. The Hurricanes escaped with a 19-25; 25-25; 15-4 victory. The Hurricanes took on VIMSPGIA in the first semifinals and won 25-14; 25-5. JESS gave the CANES a little tougher battle in the second semifinal but Antilles did prevail 25-17; 25-17.
Antilles Hurricanes and Antilles CANES finished first and second place at the 2025 Antilles Junior Varsity / Middle School Volleyball Tournament. (Photo by Shanique Boschulte)
This set the table for the highly anticipated rematch. These young ladies did not disappoint. The Hurricanes took control early, but the CANES came roaring back behind eight straight serving points from Nila Gardner. The teams kept it close until the end, with the Hurricanes coming away with a 25-23 victory in the opening set. Set two was also competitive, with the CANES holding a 21-20 lead late. However, Aaliyah Howard stepped into the serving box and the Hurricanes were champions by the time she served the final ball. The Hurricanes won that second set 25-21. Isabell Epps of the CANES won the Sportsmanship Award. The only sixth grader on either roster, Annabel Boschulte was the Middle School Girls MVP.
Antilles Hurricanes celebrate after winning the Middle School Girls Division of the 2025 Antilles Junior Varsity / Middle School Division. (Photo by Shanique Boschulte).
Antilles School will be the place to be this coming weekend as the varsity student-athletes take center court. Teams from St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and the British Virgin Islands are registered to participate in this event. It will start on Friday at 4:00 p.m. The championship will be on Sunday.
This event will take place at the MCM Center on the Antilles School campus. The entrance fee is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. Weekend pass will be $25.00 for adults.
Aliyah Boston warms up ahead of playoff game. (photo by Cleone Boston)
With 7.4 seconds remaining and the Indiana Fever’s playoff run hanging in the balance, Aliyah Boston sneaked past the Atlanta Dream’s defense and drained an unguarded layup to give her team a game-winning lead at Gateway Center Arena Thursday night.
Down 84-85, the St. Thomas native secured the rebound from a missed Dream three-pointer and sent it up the court. After a deflected pass attempt, Fever’s Kelsey Mitchell (#0) downed two Dream defenders and found Boston (#7) wide-open under the goal with a single hand raised. A successful pass positioned Boston to make the shot that sent the Fever to the semifinals. The dramatic sequence showed Boston’s composure in the clutch – a trait her mother has witnessed countless times.
“Aliyah didn’t quit on the failed play,” Cleone Boston observed from the stands. “She positioned her feet for the layup and just put her hands up. She didn’t even say anything.”
At halftime, with the game in the balance, Cleone Boston sent her daughter a message of faith: “Just keep trusting. You’ve got this, and God’s got you. You are already victorious.” The approach reflects the family’s perspective on their postseason journey. “This is a God story,” she explained.
Throughout the pressure-packed moments, Boston’s mother watched her daughter maintain the composure that has defined her career. “Aliyah remains very calm in tight situations,” she observed. “When I saw things getting tough, I just prayed: ‘Lord, remind her that You’ve equipped her. You’ve prepared her for whatever comes. Give her peace.’”
Despite the spotlight on her daughter’s clutch performance, Cleone Boston emphasized the team concept. “It was a team effort. Every point that everyone scored was needed.”
When the game’s defining sequence unfolded with seconds remaining, the crowd erupted. Four quarters of tension had finally reached an uncontainable end. “The atmosphere was great!” Boston beamed. “Atlanta had great basketball fans, but our Fever fans traveled well!”
The Boston family’s animated support drew attention from the home crowd. “We were so into the game, an Atlanta fan turned around and asked, ‘Is Boston yours?'” Cleone Boston recalled. “When they shouted, we shouted. When they booed, we cheered even louder,” she laughed. “The atmosphere was hype. It was loud. The tension was high. Even though we were separated, you could hear all the Indiana fans.”
Boston’s father, Algernon Boston’s, reaction captured the family’s elation: “I’m really happy for Aliyah. I’m really happy for this team. I’m just really happy.”
The Fever’s journey hasn’t been without heartbreak. “Aliyah was in tears watching her team fall apart, injury after injury,” Cleone observed of the season’s challenges.
But in this moment, there was only celebration. With 7.4 seconds and one clutch shot, Aliyah Boston and the Indiana Fever secured the lead necessary to secure an 87-85 victory over the Dream and advance to the semifinals, where they will compete in a best-of-five series against the Las Vegas Aces.
Boston looks forward to the upcoming series with her usual composure. “Thank God that we got the game on the road, and now on to the next.”
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Perseverance
Perseverance is the will to carry on. Once we discern true direction, we stay the course for however long it takes, regardless of obstacles that arise. We patiently pursue our goals, remaining steadfast and focused. We persist with a task until it is completed. People can trust us to finish what we start. When our relationships are tested, we have the commitment to work things through. We are determined to succeed.
Quote: “Just don’t give up trying to do what you really want to do. Where there’s love and inspiration, I don’t think you can go wrong.” —Ella Fitzgerald
The Practice of Perseverance
I have a strong sense of purpose.
I work consistently towards my goals with flexibility.
I have the will to overcome obstacles.
I remain committed to what I want to do.
I am trustworthy in my relationships.
I am determined to finish what I start.
Questions for Discussion
What does staying the course look like in our community?
What does perseverance look like in your strongest relationships?
How is perseverance celebrated in our community?
What will help us remain steadfast and focused in our social justice work
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Sept. 21, through Saturday, Sept. 27. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
Two scientists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently visited St. Croix to better understand and protect coral reefs around the island. Long-term evaluation of the reefs has revealed both their beauty and the vulnerabilities they face.
During their time on St. Croix, the researchers continued reef monitoring efforts and shared insights into what drew them to this field and why the island plays such a vital role in advancing coral reef science.
Researchers’ Backgrounds
Both Enochs and Besemer have been captivated by the marine sciences for many years, a passion that ultimately led them to their current positions at NOAA’s AOML and NCRMP.
NOAA scientist Ian Enochs measures reef structure to monitor coral health, fish habitats, and long-term ecosystem changes on St. Croix’s coral reefs. (Photo courtesy Ian Enochs, Nicole Besemer, NOAA)
“I have always been interested in coral reefs, even as a kid growing up in the U.S. Midwest who had never seen the ocean,” Enochs said. “At that time, I was more focused on their beauty and discovery. However, as I have grown to understand their importance and have experienced firsthand the challenges they face, I have become focused on how we can better understand and save the reefs before it is too late.”
Enochs emphasized the importance of NOAA’s work to protect reefs.
“NOAA recognizes the incredible economic and societal value of coral reefs, including the billions of dollars in tourism and fisheries they support for the U.S. economy, as well as the coastal and storm protection they provide to homes and communities,” he explained. “Our work is targeted at making sure that our American reef infrastructure is maintained for all that benefit from it.”
NOAA researcher Nicole Besemer establishes a monitoring plot for photomosaic imaging of coral reefs on St. Croix. The imaging allows scientists to track changes in coral reef communities over time. (Photo courtesy Ian Enochs, Nicole Besemer, NOAA)
Besemer told the Source that her interest in marine life began at an early age.
“My spark for the marine science field started with going fishing with my dad as a child,” Besemer said. “My passion for coral reefs didn’t come until later in starting my career when I moved to South Florida shortly after my undergraduate studies and when I started to get more into scuba diving. I fell in love with being underwater and exploring local ecosystems. I worked on a variety of projects focusing on invasive species removal, water quality, sea turtle nesting, and seagrass habitat restoration. After experiencing these projects, I wanted to find my way back into diving.”
“I wanted to work in a position that would involve studying coral reefs to achieve my goals, and I am very fortunate to have the opportunities with AOML Coral Program to research coral reef habitats,” Besemer added.
St. Croix’s Coral Reefs
According to a NOAA report, the U.S. Virgin Islands are surrounded by a wide variety of coral reefs.
“Coral reefs are found around the three main islands of St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas as well as most offshore cays. Fringing reefs, deep reefs, wall and shelf-edge, patch reefs, and spur and groove formations are present on all three islands, although only St. Croix has well-developed barrier reefs. Bank reefs and scattered patch reefs with high coral diversity occur on geological features offshore at greater depths,” according to the report.
“St. Croix has coral growth along much of the insular shelf with a well-developed barrier reef on the eastern end and deep coral walls on the north shore.”
Enochs and Besemer shared details about St. Croix’s reefs and explained why they have long been a focus of NOAA research.
“St. Croix is home to beautiful coral reefs that support important fish populations and buffer the shore from wave energy, as well as provide amazing diving and snorkeling opportunities that bring in tourists and support local businesses,” Enochs said.
“Anyone flying into or out of St. Croix can immediately see the importance of reefs from the air, as waves break on them instead of pummeling into the shoreline,” he added. “Anyone walking through the towns can see the importance of diving and ocean tourism, and anyone that is lucky enough to actually see the reefs themselves underwater can view their beauty. Reefs are such a vital part of what makes St. Croix what it is.”
Monitoring the Reefs
Enochs explained that his work on St. Croix began more than a decade ago during a NOAA coral research project at Salt River Bay. Since then, the effort has expanded to include monitoring coral reefs around the entire island.
“I started working in the area over 10 years ago as part of NOAA’s monitoring program in Salt River. Since, we have collaborated with the National Park Service and the University of the Virgin Islands and worked to expand monitoring of St. Croix’s reefs to include multiple sites on each side of the island,” Enochs stated.
A newly installed Bioerosion Monitoring Unit (BMU) on St. Croix’s reef, tagged and secured for long-term monitoring of coral growth and erosion. (Photo courtesy Ian Enochs, Nicole Besemer, NOAA)
“We monitor coral cover reef structure that provides homes to diverse fish and invertebrates as well as water chemistry and temperature. I am fortunate to lead a team of some of the most passionate and brilliant scientists working on coral reefs today,” he continued.
Besemer further explained the methods NOAA uses to monitor coral reefs on St. Croix. She noted that the program is designed not only to track coral growth, but also to measure signs of decline, such as when erosion from fish, urchins, and sponges outpaces the reef’s ability to build new structure.
“Our monitoring program was set up to have comparable methods across jurisdictions that we visit. We deploy temperature recorders that record high precision temperature at a depth gradient around the island,” Besemer said. “We also deploy Bioerosion Monitoring Units to monitor bioerosion and Calcification Accretion Units to monitor calcification. We have six long-term transects in Salt River Bay, where we collect photomosaics to track community changes over time as well as Carbonate Budget Surveys.
“These surveys incorporate rates of coral production that build the reefs as well as quantifying the eroders, such as parrotfish, urchins, and sponges, that degrade the reef to determine if reefs are either growing or eroding,” Besemer continued.
NOAA explains coral bleaching. “When corals are stressed by changes in conditions such as temperature, light, or nutrients, they expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, causing them to turn completely white. When a coral bleaches, it is not dead. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but they are under more stress and are subject to mortality.”
Regarding coral diseases, NOAA stated, “A disease is any deviation from, or interruption of, the normal structure or function of any body part, organ, or system that has a distinct group of observable symptoms whose cause(s) may be known or unknown. Coral diseases are often observed as either color change or skeletal damage and may be accompanied by tissue loss.
Coral diseases generally occur in response to biological stressors, such as bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses, as well as non-biological stressors, like increased water temperatures, ultraviolet radiation, and pollutants. One type of stress may exacerbate another.”
Enochs acknowledged the seriousness of the dangers threatening coral reefs.
“The scale of the coral reef problem is huge, and the number of challenges they face is large,” Enochs asserted. “As such, our response is multifaceted, and our expertise is broad. We conduct important monitoring operations like NCRMP, but also advanced laboratory-based experiments, detailed molecular and physiological studies, computer modeling, and even technological development. Our team is made up of coral scientists, software and hardware engineers, technicians and students, and we all work together to protect our reefs.”
Besemer noted that she has personally witnessed the losses caused by bleaching and coral disease.
“My first time at the monitoring sites was in 2019, and we have now visited in 2022 and 2025,” Besemer said. “I have seen firsthand the difference and amount of coral that we have lost due to bleaching and coral disease in our photomosaics. It’s very important to track these changes and make sure managers, stakeholders and the general public are aware of the status of their reefs so informed decisions can be made to protect and restore them,” she added.
The Future of St. Croix’s Reefs
As their work in St. Croix continues, both scientists emphasized that while monitoring is vital, it is equally important to use the data collected to guide protection and restoration efforts. Enochs noted that diving on the island’s reefs highlights both the urgency of the challenges and the reasons for hope.
A Bioerosion Monitoring Unit (BMU) on St. Croix’s reef after three years underwater, showing growth, erosion, and marine life interactions. (Photo courtesy Ian Enochs, Nicole Besemer, NOAA)
“NOAA’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program spans the Caribbean, western Atlantic, and the Pacific, holistically monitoring the health of U.S. coral reefs,” Enochs explained. “With the data we are collecting, we can identify areas that are particularly vulnerable and in need of attention, as well as resilience areas that we should be looking to for answers about persistence and restoration.”
“Diving in Saint Croix, I’m struck not just by the importance and beauty of the coral reefs, but also by the seriousness of the issues they face. In some areas, there has been so much coral death from bleaching and disease. Swimming for hundreds of feet past the skeletons of dead corals really puts things in perspective for me in terms of how much has already been lost. But it’s not too late. There’s still so much we can do,” Enochs emphasized.
He closed his remarks with a message of optimism about the future of reef protection.
“In the last 10 years I have seen a recognition by people around the globe that reefs are dying and a willingness to start doing something about it,” Enochs acknowledged. “The initiation of nation-wide monitoring programs like NCRMP and the beginning of large-scale restoration efforts such as NOAA’s Mission Iconic Reefs give me hope as we start to face these massive challenges head-on,” he concluded.
Op-Ed: State of the Territory | The People’s House: Understanding the Role of the Virgin Islands Legislature
In any democracy, the legislative branch is often described as “the people’s house.” In the Virgin Islands, that role carries a particular weight because our Legislature is not just any lawmaking body. It is unique among the fifty states and territories of the United States, and it is central to our democracy. The authority of the Legislature is rooted in the Revised Organic Act of 1954, particularly Sections 4 through 7, which grant and define the legislative power, and in Title 2 of the Virgin Islands Code, which sets out the structure, duties, and responsibilities of the Legislature. These documents place lawmaking, appropriations, and oversight squarely within the Senate’s charge.
The Virgin Islands Legislature is unicameral, meaning it consists of a single chamber. Only one state in the nation, Nebraska, also has a unicameral legislature. Unlike Congress, with its House and Senate, or most state legislatures with two houses, every debate, vote, and decision in the Virgin Islands happens within this one body. This structure concentrates power but also magnifies responsibility. Every senator must weigh both the role of a representative of the people and the role of a check on the executive branch.
Another defining feature is that our Legislature never sine dies. In most states and in Congress, “sine die” adjournment means the session officially ends, closing the book on all pending work until the next convening. In the Virgin Islands, however, the Legislature remains in continuous session throughout its two-year term. This permanence underscores its role as a full-time body. Senators cannot simply step away and return months later. Their duties extend year round, from reviewing budgets to conducting oversight hearings, responding to crises, and holding the executive accountable.
Because of this, calls to reduce the Legislature or to make it part-time miss the point of its design. A part time Senate would weaken oversight, slow responses in times of emergency, and erode the balance of power between branches. The Virgin Islands Legislature was deliberately structured as a full-time body because the needs of a territory with limited resources, complex federal relationships, and constant challenges demand no less.
Unlike other states where the responsibilities of government are divided among city councils, county commissions, zoning boards, and legislatures, in the Virgin Islands many of those duties are collapsed into the Legislature. Senators are at times the equivalent of council members, sometimes serving in a capacity similar to mayors, and often acting as the territory’s zoning board. They review land use decisions, consider permits, and approve major developments in ways that, in the states, would be managed at the municipal level. The result is a Legislature with a broader and more complex portfolio than its counterparts on the mainland.
Yet the role of senators is often misunderstood. Too often, the public expects senators to function as if they were commissioners, directly fixing roads, paying out benefits, or delivering services. Others assume senators are responsible for bringing large corporations to the territory, negotiating tax incentives, or cutting deals with executives to open businesses here. In reality, senators do none of this. The chief negotiator of the territory is the executive branch. The Legislature’s role is to review, debate, and ratify agreements when they come before the body. This distinction is critical.
The frustration arises partly because senators are more visible and accessible than commissioners or agency heads. Constituents see them at the grocery store, at church, or on the street. Accessibility is a strength of our democracy, but it also means senators are the most convenient targets for grievances that should properly be directed at the executive.
The complexity is compounded by campaigns. In the heat of elections, many candidates run on promises they cannot legally fulfill. It makes for a good slogan, but it sets up false expectations. When elected, senators must reconcile campaign rhetoric with statutory authority, often disappointing the very voters who sent them to office.
Still, despite the misunderstandings and criticisms, the Legislature is indispensable. It is the branch closest to the people, and it is the only one empowered to make laws, control the purse strings, and act as a counterweight to executive power. Its uniqueness, the unicameral design, its continuous session, and its full-time nature, is not a flaw but a reflection of the territory’s needs.
The next time frustrations arise, Virgin Islanders should remember that senators cannot pave a road, hire a teacher, or bring Walmart to the islands. Going to a senator for those things is like going to the dentist because your chest hurts. When there is pain in the body, you find the right doctor to treat it. Government is no different. The executive branch, under Section 11 of the Revised Organic Act, executes and enforces the laws. The legislative branch, under Sections 4 through 7 and Title 2 of the Virgin Islands Code, makes laws, appropriates funds, and provides oversight. The judiciary, under Section 21 of the Revised Organic Act, interprets the laws. Each branch has its specialty, and confusing one for the other only leads to frustration. Senators are only one part of the democratic machine, one gear in the system of three branches needed to keep the wheels of governance turning.
The Legislature is not perfect, no institution is, but it remains the beating heart of self-government in the Virgin Islands. To weaken it is to weaken our democracy.