An unplanned release of liquefied petroleum gas during routine maintenance triggered a brief evacuation Tuesday morning at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority announced in a press release.

WAPA confirmed the incident involved atmospheric venting of LPG through a designated vent while technicians were servicing the Wartsila Phase II units. Security personnel noticed a visible vapor plume in the venting area, prompting the immediate evacuation of the facility in line with safety protocols. The area was cleared and declared safe for reentry within 20 minutes, according to the press release.

Atmospheric venting is a standard practice conducted ahead of fuel line maintenance and occurs through pipes designed to mitigate risk. WAPA said the release was momentary and involved what is believed to be an insignificant volume of gas, the press release stated.

“There was no risk to the public, no injuries reported, and no disruption to electrical service,” the authority stated in a press release. “The venting area is specifically designed and permitted for such releases during maintenance operations,” the release continued.

WAPA added that it remains committed to reviewing procedures to ensure continued safety and reliability at its facilities.

In recognition of Older Americans Month, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is hosting a series of events throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands to honor the territory’s senior citizens and highlight the administration’s ongoing commitment to their well-being, Government House announced in a press release Tuesday.

The celebrations began Tuesday with a barbecue at Estate Catherineberg on St. Thomas, where Bryan and members of his Cabinet served healthy meals to seniors from the Human Services Department senior centers. The afternoon was filled with storytelling, laughter, and recognition of the pivotal role older adults have played in shaping the Virgin Islands, according to the press release.

“Our seniors are the bookends of our society,” Bryan said. “They have held our families, our institutions, and our values together. Their contributions deserve more than recognition. They deserve our respect, our attention, and our care.”

Tuesday’s event followed a similar gathering in March at the Adrian Senior Center on St. John, where the governor also cooked and shared a meal with the island’s elders. Two additional events are planned to close out the month, including a Seniors Ball at Government House on St. Croix scheduled for Wednesday, May 22. The ball will feature music, dancing, food, and fellowship, the press release stated.

While festive in nature, the events also reflect the governor’s awareness of the challenges facing the territory’s seniors, particularly as the cost of living continues to rise. “We know our seniors are feeling the pressure,” Bryan said. “Prices are rising. Incomes are not. These events are a small gesture, but they matter. It is one way we can show them that they are appreciated and not forgotten.”

Bryan also reiterated his administration’s efforts to support seniors through policy and financial action, including the delivery of retroactive wage payments to government retirees, many of whom are seniors who served in public roles for decades, the release stated.

“For years, efforts to address retroactive wages were postponed, often because of limited resources and competing priorities,” he said. “When we came into office, Lieutenant Governor Roach and I made it clear that resolving this issue would be a priority.”

He emphasized that honoring seniors must be more than ceremonial.

“Our seniors deserve more than kind words and special events,” Bryan said. “They deserve action. They deserve results. And they deserve to know that we will continue to stand with them.”

Older Americans Month serves as a reminder of the legacy and resilience of the Virgin Islands’ elder population. Through both celebration and continued advocacy, Bryan said, his administration is committed to keeping seniors at the forefront of its agenda.

Chef Stephen Coe — six-time “Chopped” champion, victor over Bobby Flay, and a founding force behind Keep Left, LLC — returns to national television tonight in the premiere of Food Network’s newly relaunched “Cutthroat Kitchen: Knives Out” at 9 p.m. EST. The episode will be available for streaming Wednesday on Max, a press release announced Tuesday.

Hosted by California chef and restaurateur Brian Malarkey, the reboot promises fast-paced kitchen sabotage and competitive culinary chaos as chefs battle through mind games and high-pressure challenges in pursuit of the title, according to the press release.

Coe, well-known in the Virgin Islands culinary scene, continues to build his profile on and off the screen. When he’s not navigating sabotage on national television, he helms the menus at 1756 Grotto and St. Croix Cellars, and is preparing for the debut of his newest restaurant, Ciba Matta, in downtown Christiansted, the press release stated.

Since opening in March 1756, Grotto has quickly become a standout on St. Croix. The restaurant recently earned top honors at the 2025 Taste of St. Croix, winning the coveted “People’s Choice” award — a title voted on by event attendees, the release stated.

Online reservations for 1756 Grotto are encouraged at 1756grotto.com, as seats often book quickly for guests hoping to dine under the direction of a Food Network star, it said.