Schneider Regional Medical Center will transform into a hub of Carnival energy Monday, April 21, as the hospital hosts its annual community celebration for patients, staff and families who might otherwise miss the territory’s premier cultural event. The free Carnival at the Hospital festival begins at 6 p.m. on the Roy L. Schneider Hospital grounds.
The event brings the magic of Carnival directly to clinical spaces through partnership with the USVI Carnival Committee. “While we host the event, it’s really the Carnival Committee who brings the magic—parade troupes, music, and royalty,” said Karen Rennie, event coordinator. The tradition began to serve long-term and pediatric patients, and now extends to behavioral health patients, staff working extended shifts, and others who would otherwise miss the celebration.
Community members can support the event through multiple volunteer opportunities including assisting with traffic control, distributing bottled water to seniors and young performers, helping with activity stations, or supporting overall event operations. Local businesses and artisans can still reserve vendor spaces for $150, with proceeds benefiting patient- and family-centered services at SRMC.
The celebration features preview performances from both the children’s and adults’ parades, along with appearances by newly crowned Carnival royalty. Attendees can enjoy traditional games, cultural displays and vendor booths while supporting patient care initiatives.
“Carnival at the Hospital is about inclusion, healing, and community spirit,” Rennie emphasized. The event brings cultural pride into healthcare spaces, offering a safe celebration for elderly patients, children of staff, and healthcare workers pulling 24-hour shifts during the festive season.
“It’s a powerful reminder that joy is healing,” Rennie added. “Whether you perform, volunteer or cheer along our parade route, you’re part of something special.”
For vendor registration or volunteer information, contact Camellia Williams at 340-776-8311 extension 2367 or cwilliams@srmedicalcenter.org.
The event remains open to the public throughout the evening, with vendor setup beginning in the afternoon.
The United States Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands sent athletes to the 52nd Caribbean Free Trade Association Games and the 40th CARIFTA Aquatics Championships, both held from Saturday through this Wednesday in Trinidad and Tobago.
Track and field events are being contested at Hasely Crawford Stadium, while the swimming competitions are taking place at the National Aquatics Center.
First held in 1972 in Bridgetown, Barbados, the CARIFTA Games were created to strengthen ties among the English-speaking islands of the Caribbean through sport. The organization has since welcomed participation from non-English-speaking territories, such as the French and Dutch Antilles. Track and field events, governed by World Athletics (formerly the IAAF), feature boys and girls competing in under-17 and under-20 divisions.
Trinidad and Tobago Marena Martinez, second place; USVI Reagan Uszenski, first place; and Zara Persico, third place, are the top three winners in the Girls 13-14 800 Meter Freestyle. (Photo by Kelly Uszenski).
Aquatics joined the CARIFTA movement in 1985, when the first meet was held in a 20-yard pool at the Ursuline Convent in Barbados, after regional limitations with pool size. Swimming competitions are governed by the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees, with age groups for boys and girls in the 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17 divisions.
The 2025 CARIFTA Games are also scheduled to be held in Trinidad and Tobago.
ISV Swimmers Earn Medals
Reagan Uszenski delivered a standout performance for the U.S. Virgin Islands, winning gold in the Girls 13-14 800-meter freestyle with a time of 9:22.27. Her victory made the ISV national anthem the first to be played at the National Aquatics Center during the event. Teammate Lisa Melwani placed seventh in the same race with a time of 10:26.31.
USVI in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2025 CARIFTA Games. (Submitted photo).
In the Boys 13-14 1,500-meter freestyle, Cole Cullinan and Teague Gleason finished ninth and 11th, respectively, with times of 18:12.58 and 18:57.66. Kaeden Gleason just missed the podium in the Boys 15-17 1,500-meter freestyle, placing fourth in 16:52.70.
Zion John Baptiste also narrowly missed a medal, finishing fourth in the Boys 13-14 50-meter backstroke with a time of 29.12, just 0.05 seconds behind third place.
Riley Miller captured a bronze medal in the Girls 15-17 50-meter backstroke, touching in 30.03. Kaeden Gleason placed seventh in the Boys 15-17 edition of the same event, clocking in at 28.24. Uszenski came close to earning a second medal, finishing fourth in the Girls 13-14 100-meter butterfly.
BVI Finds Success on the Track
The British Virgin Islands got off to a strong start on the track. Tiondre Free earned silver in the under-17 boys 100-meter dash with a time of 10.58. Mkenzil Crabbe finished sixth in the under-17 girls 100-meter dash in 12.66, and J’Den Jackson also placed sixth in the under-20 boys division with a time of 10.2.
BVI in the parade of athletes during the opening ceremony of the 2025 CARIFTA Games. (Submitted photo)
In the field, Paul Hewlett secured a sixth-place finish in the shot put and seventh in the high jump.
The CARIFTA Games and Aquatics Championships continue Sunday in Trinidad and Tobago and will conclude Wednesday.
Cellist Anita Graef will perform at the St. John School of the Arts Friday at 6:30 p.m. Pianist Chelsea Wang will accompany her in this final concert of the 2025 Sis Frank Concert Series.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased online here or at the door.
Anita Graef has appeared both nationally and internationally in concerto, recital and chamber music engagements while establishing a reputation as an artist “who is equally at home exploring traditional as well as contemporary works, along with a deep commitment to service, outreach and education,” according to her website.
Cellist Anita Graef will be performing at the St. John School of the Arts Friday. (Photo by Grittani Creative)
Jeune´ Provost, executive director of the St. John School of the Arts, said she was drawn to include Graef in the concert series because of her commitment to music education.
In her artist’s statement, Graef said, “To build a life in music, a crucial amount of investment is made by our families, our mentors and our teachers. For this very reason, a cornerstone of my work as a soloist, chamber musician and artistic director is my passion for teaching. My approach to teaching emphasizes the need to build a musical voice that is equal parts technical brilliance, limitless expression, and resilience in mind and body.”
Pianist Chelsea Wang has appeared as a soloist and chamber musician throughout North America in venues including Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center and has performed extensively in Europe and Asia.
Pianist Chelsea Wang will accompany Anita Graef at Friday’s concert. (Photo by Janice Carissa Photography)
She received her Master’s of Music degree and Graduate Performance Diploma at the Peabody Conservatory under the tutelage of Leon Fleisher and Yong-Hi Moon, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music with James Giles.
Additionally, Wang is a member of the prestigious New York-based Ensemble Connect, a highly selective two-year fellowship program under the joint auspices of Carnegie Hall, The Weill Institute, and The Juilliard School.
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.
Hope
Hope is looking to the future with trust and faith. It is optimism in the face of adversity. Hope gives us the courage to keep moving forward. It can be elusive when we suffer, yet it is the light that can reignite our dreams. With hope, we know we are not alone. With hope, we find the confidence to keep trying.
Quote: “Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” —Desmond Tutu
The Practice of Hope
I maintain a positive attitude.
I embrace my life fully.
I have faith in the value of life.
I have the confidence to succeed.
I seek to discern life’s lessons.
I persevere through all conditions.
Questions for Discussion
What hopes do we have for our social justice work?
How do we celebrate hope in our community?
What fills us with hope?
How do we persevere while acknowledging harm?
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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 virtue 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.
The 52nd CARIFTA Track & Field Championships, are taking place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 to April 21.
Results for Day 1 of the CARIFTA Games. April 19.
Faith Eatmon competes in the 400 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Faith Eatmon showcased her determination and speed at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Under-17 female 400m event. Despite the challenges of high-level competition, Eatmon delivered a personal best time of 1:00.07, demonstrating her growth and potential in the sport.
However, in a heartbreaking turn of events, Eatmon was disqualified after stepping on the inside line during the first curve of the race. While the rules of track and field are strict regarding lane violations, her performance remains a testament to her dedication and ability to push her limits.
Although the result was disappointing, Eatmon’s achievement in setting a new personal record highlights her progress and resilience. Every race is a learning experience, and this setback will undoubtedly fuel her drive for future competitions. With her talent and determination, she is poised to come back stronger in upcoming events.
Micah Dominique competes in the 400 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Micah Dominique put forth a determined effort in the Under-17 male 400m at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Competing against some of the region’s best young sprinters, Dominique finished 6th in his semi-final, clocking a time of 52.79 seconds. Despite his strong performance, he did not advance to the final.
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Juvante Hurst took to the track at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Under-17 male 400m event. Facing stiff competition from some of the Caribbean’s top young sprinters, Hurst finished 7th in his semi-final, recording a time of 54.47 seconds.
Aminah Prasad competes in the 100 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Aminah Prasad put forth a determined effort in the Under-17 female 100m at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Competing against some of the Caribbean’s fastest young sprinters, Prasad finished 7th in her semi-final, recording a personal best time of 13.11 seconds. While she did not advance to the final, her performance marked an important milestone in her athletic journey.
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Charlise Morris took to the track at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Under-17 female 100m event. Facing tough competition from some of the Caribbean’s fastest young sprinters, Morris finished 8th in her semi-final, recording a time of 13.32 seconds.
Kennedy Coggins competes in the 100 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Kennedy Coggins stepped onto the track at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Under-17 male 100m event. Coggins finished 7th in his semi-final, recording a time of 11.78 seconds.
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Jah’Quan Creque took to the track at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago, competing in the Under-17 male 100m event. Facing stiff competition from some of the Caribbean’s fastest young sprinters, Creque finished 6th in his semi-final, recording a time of 11.46 seconds.
Charlise Morris (left) in the 100 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Kemori Francis delivered an excellent performance in the Under-17 male 1500m at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Competing against some of the region’s strongest middle-distance runners, Francis finished 8th in the final, setting a personal best time of 5:26.60.
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Nathan Langley took on the challenge of the Under-20 male 1500m at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Facing a competitive field of middle-distance runners, Langley finished 14th in the final, recording a time of 5:25.04.
Jah’Quan Creque competes in the 100 meter. (Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands track and field athlete Ayden Cintron took on the challenge of the Under-20 male 1500m at the 52nd CARIFTA Games in Trinidad and Tobago. Facing a competitive field of middle-distance runners, Cintron finished 15th in the final, recording a time of 5:32.10.
The VI Track and Field athletes competing on the second day, Sunday April 20 are as follows:
The Morning Session
Kemori Francis (left) in the 1500 meter. (Submitted photo)
Michelle Smith – Female Under 20 – 400m Hurdles at 10:05 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 5
Aminah Prasad – Female Under 17 – 200m at 11:46 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 1
Charlise Morris – Female Under 17 – 200m at 12:00 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 1
Jah’Quan Creque – Male Under 17 – 200m at 12:14 am – Semi-Final 2, Lane 8
Nathan Langley in the 1500 meter. (Submitted photo)
Kennedy Coggins – Male Under 17 – 200m at 12:28 am – Semi-Final 4, Lane 3
Sofia Swindell – Female Under 20 – 200m at 12:42 pm – Semi-Final 2, Lane 7
The Afternoon Session:
Female Under 17 – 4x100m Relay at 4:15 pm – Semi-Final
Male Under 17 – 4x100m Relay at 4:35 pm – Semi-Final
Safiya Prasad – Female Under 17 – 800m at 5:33 pm – Semi-Final 1
Ayden Cintron in the 1500 meter. (Submitted photo)
Kemori Francis – Male Under 17 – 800m semi-final at 5:57 pm
Juvante Hurst – Male Under 17 – 800m semi-final at 5:57 pm
Nathan Langley – Male Under 20 – 800m semi-final at 6:21 pm
Safiya Prasad – Female Under 17 – 400m Hurdles Final at 6:55 pm
Michelle Smith – Female Under 20 – 400m Hurdles Final at 7:03 pm
Isaiah Benjamin – Male Under 20 – High Jump final at 7:30 pm
Malique Smith, a member of the Virgin Islands track and field team, delivered an impressive performance over two consecutive days, showcasing his speed and endurance in both the 400m hurdles and the 400m sprint. Competing at the South Florida Invitational at the University of South Florida, Smith dominated his heat in the 400m hurdles, clocking an impressive 52.41 seconds.
Not content with just one victory, Smith returned to the track the following day at the Pure Athletics Invitational in Clermont, Florida, where he once again proved his prowess. This time, he took on the 400m sprint, winning his heat with a swift 48.19 seconds. His back-to-back wins highlight his versatility and endurance across different track events.
The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation and the VI Swim Federation teams attended the combined opening ceremony of the 52nd CARIFTA Games on April 18, 2025, at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. With flags waving and spirits soaring, the team joined with 27 other participating nations in a vibrant celebration marking the beginning of this intense competition.
(Submitted photo)
The 52nd CARIFTA Track & Field Championships, which will take place at the Hasely Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago from April 19 to April 21.
The VI Track and Field athletes competing on the first day, Saturday April 19 are as follows:
The Morning Session
Faith Eatmon – Female Under 17 – 400m at 9:23 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 2
Micah Dominique – Male Under 17 – 400m at 9:40 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 8
Juvante Hurst —Male Under 17—400m at 9:48 am – Semi-Final 2, Lane 2
Aminah Prasad – Female Under 17 – 100m at 10:58 am – Semi-Final 2, Lane 8
Charlise Morris – Female Under 17 – 100m at 11:05 am – Semi-Final 3, Lane 8
Kennedy Coggins – Male Under 17 – 100m at 11:12 am – Semi-Final 1, Lane 5
Jah’Quan Creque – Male Under 17 – 100m at 11:26 am – Semi-Final 3, Lane 7
The Afternoon Session:
Kemori Francis – Male Under 17 – 1500m final at 4:54 pm
Ayden Cintron – Male Under 20 – 1500m final at 5:14 pm
Nathan Langley – Male Under 20 – 1500m final at 5:14 pm
And the finals of the 100m and 400m
The events that the athletes will compete in are:
Faith Eatmon – Female Under 17 – 400m, 4*100m
Charlise Morris – Female Under 17 – 100m, 200m, 4*100m
Aminah Prasad – Female Under 17 – 100m, 200m, 4*100m
Michelle Smith—Female Under 20- 400m Hurdles, 800m
Sofia Swindell — Female Under 20—200m, 100m Hurdles
Kennedy Coggins – Male Under 17 – 100m, 200m, 4*100m, 4*400m
Jah’Quan Creque – Male Under 17 – 100m, 200m, 4*100m, 4*400m
Micah Dominique – Male Under 17 – 400m, 4*100m, 4*400m
Juvante Hurst —Male Under 17—400m, 800m, 4*100m, 4*400m
Kemori Francis – Male Under 17 – 800m, 1500m
Isaiah Benjamin – Male Under 20 – High Jump
Ayden Cintron – Male Under 20 – 1500m, 5000m
Nathan Langley – Male Under 20 – 800m, 1500m, 4*400m Relay
(Submitted photo)
Virgin Islands CARIFTA Medalists:
The Virgin Islands has achieved a cumulative total of 36 medals in the CARIFTA Games, spanning from 1982 to 2024. These medals consist of 10 Gold, 9 Silver, and 17 Bronze. Out of all the Virgin Islanders, Michelle Smith holds the distinction of the highest number of Gold medals won, with a remarkable tally of 6. Additionally, Michelle Smith stands as the sole Virgin Islander who has managed to set a CARIFTA Record. Michelle holds the U17 400m Hurdles Record at 58.61, set in Kingston, Jamaica in 2022.
Iyiechia Petrus won the first V.I. medal a Bronze – 400m 57.36 Kingston Jamaica 1982
Franklin “Felco” Feltieu won the first male medal a bronze – 400m 50.48 Kingston Jamaica 1982
Franklin “Felco” Feltieu won his second medal a silver – 800m 1:57.5 Kingston Jamaica 1982
Iyiechia Petrus won her second medal a silver – 400m 57.32 in Martinique 1983
Iyiehia Petrus won her third medal a silver – 800m 2:15.12 in Martinique 1983
Flora Hyacinth won her first medal a bronze in the 400m 54.70 Barbados 1985
Iyiechia Petrus won her fourth medal a bronze in the 800m 2:14.75 Barbados 1985
V.I. won first relay women medal bronze in 4x100m relay 48.09 Barbados 1985
Iyiechia Petrus fifth medal
Flora Hyacinth second medal
Fidora Phillip first medal
Ruth Morris first medal
V.I. won second relay women medal bronze in 4x400m relay 3:50.48 Barbados 1985
Iyiechia Petrus sixth medal
Flora Hyacinth third medal
Fidora Phillip second medal
Ruth Morris second medal
Jimmy Fleming won his first medal a bronze medal in the 100m 10.80 Barbados 1985
Jimmy Fleming won the first gold medal for the V.I. in the 200m 21.65 Barbados 1985
Rodneshyia Pitts won her first medal a bronze in the 100m 12.15 Barbados 1997
Rodney Pitts won his first medal a bronze in the 100m 11.09 Barbados 1997
Rodneshyia Pitts won her second medal a silver in the 100m 12.25 Martinique 1999
Adrian Durant won bronze medal in 200m 21.14 Trinidad & Tobago 2003
Sanny Eugene won bronze medal 800m 2:18.87 Bermuda 2004
Juan Robles won bronze medal in 3000m 9:53.88 Bermuda 2004
Sanny Eugene won gold medal 800m 2:12.75 Tobago 2005
Anecia Willliams won bronze medal in 1500 4:54.13 Guadeloupe 2006
Allison Peter silver medal 100m 11.91 St. Kitts & Nevis 2008
Allison Peter gold medal 200m 23.99 St. Kitts & Nevis 2008
Leslie Murray won the bronze medal in the 400m 46.74 St. Lucia 2009
Leslie Murray won the silver medal in the 400m hurdles 51.20 St. Lucia 2009
Allison Peter won bronze medal in the 100m 11.50w St. Lucia 2009
Allison peter won bronze medal in the 200m 23.51 St. Lucia 2009
Allison Peter won gold medal in the 200m 23.29 Cayman Islands 2010
Allison Peter won silver medal (6th medal) 100m 11.51 in the Cayman Islands 2010
Evan Jones won silver medal 1500m 4:02.93 in Nashua, Bahamas 2018
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 400m Hurdles 58.61 and set a U17 CARIFTA record in Kingston, Jamaica 2022
Michelle Smith won a Silver medal in the 100m Hurdles 14.31 in Kingston, Jamaica 2022
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 800m 2:10.78 in Kingston, Jamaica 2022
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 400m Hurdles 57.69 in Nassau, Bahamas 2023
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 800m 2:09.72 in Nassau, Bahamas 2023
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 400m Hurdles 56.28 in St. George, Grenada 2024
Sofia Swindell won a Bronze medal in the 100m Hurdles 13.95 in St. George, Grenada 2024
Michelle Smith won a Gold medal in the 800m 2:06.18 in St. George, Grenada 2024
Carifta stands for The Caribbean Free Trade Association. Carifta grew out of an economic trade association that began with three Caribbean countries and grew to over 14 Caribbean countries into CARICOM today. The Carifta Championship of today is the world’s best Junior Championships. It is where the great Caribbean athletes usually get their start. Olympic gold medalists such as Usain Bolt and Shaunae Miller-Uibo came up through the Carifta Championships.
The Virgin Islands CARIFTA team received funding through competition grants from both the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee and the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, April 20, through Saturday, April 26. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan. (Shutterstock image)
Six Jeffrey Epstein victims who sued the V.I. government in Manhattan federal court have signaled they intend to appeal a judge’s order dismissing the case against all but Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett.
In a motion filed Thursday in Manhattan federal court, their attorney Jordan K. Merson asked Judge Arun Subramanian to enter a final judgment as to the dismissed parties, even though claims remain outstanding against Plaskett, so that the plaintiffs may appeal his order to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals.
“The issue that was extensively argued, and ultimately led to the dismissal, was personal jurisdiction over nearly all Defendants, due to allegedly insufficient ties to New York under law set by federal courts applying New York law,” according to a memorandum accompanying the motion. “By that determination, this Court acknowledged that New York courts have not ‘weighed in on the precise question’ whether conspiracy jurisdiction theory is available” under New York’s Civil Practice Laws and Rules.
The class action suit was first filed in November 2023 by Jane Does 1-5, was amended that December to add a sixth plaintiff, and amended again last May.
The complaint alleged negligence and violations of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, or TVPA, and the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, claiming territory officials actively conspired with Epstein to perpetuate his sex-trafficking scheme for their own gain.
It named the V.I. government, former governors John de Jongh and Kenneth Mapp, former senators Celestino White and Carlton Dowe, former Attorney General Vincent Frazer, and former first lady Cecile de Jongh, who was Epstein’s longtime office manager.
However, Subramanian ruled on March 21 that the charges against Cecile de Jongh are dismissed because she is protected by a broad release the plaintiffs signed when they settled a previous suit against Epstein, which bars all claims against any of his employees.
RICO claims were dismissed against the others because merely receiving funds from Epstein’s New York bank account did not constitute transacting business in that state or subject them to personal jurisdiction by that state, the judge ruled.
The New York court also lacks jurisdiction over the V.I. government, said Subramanian, writing that the plaintiffs’ 83-page second amended complaint alleging a $50 million loan from Epstein’s New York bank account — which the USVI has denied was ever solicited or made — “is not on its own sufficient for long-arm coverage” by the court over territory officials.
Plaskett, however, “is the only defendant that the [second amended complaint] alleges ever traveled to New York and the only defendant alleged to have actively solicited funds from Epstein in New York,” Subramanian wrote.
While he dismissed the RICO claims against Plaskett in her official capacity as “an alleged USVI employee,” he denied her motion to dismiss the Trafficking Victims Protection Act and negligence charges.
Plaskett has denied any wrongdoing, most recently in an answer to the amended complaint on April 4.
In their motion for entry of judgment, the Jane Does argue that it “will expedite litigation, save the current parties and the Court resources in the event that the Second Circuit (or New York Court of Appeals) resolve this issue differently than this court did. Indeed, the issue has never been resolved by either the Second Circuit or New York state courts. Given the novelty of this unresolved issue, Plaintiffs submit that the requested relief is proper.”
Additionally, Plaskett is now the lone defendant in a case against six plaintiffs “and a potential class,” meaning more victims could join the suit, the memorandum states. “The likelihood this case will be able to resolve [sic] by settlement prior to trial is highly unlikely as she is unlikely to be able to cover near to what the case is worth. However, if the dismissed Defendants in this matter, were [to] reappear in this matter, the likelihood of settlement would increase significantly, presenting an opportunity to expedite resolution of this matter on all claims,” it says.
“It would be ‘more efficient’ for reinstatement of claims on appeal to occur in time for trial, together with the remaining claims, thereby avoiding an ‘expensive and duplicative trial,’” the plaintiffs argue, citing Second Circuit law on Rule 54(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure that permits courts to enter judgment on a portion of a case where there are multiple parties or claims, even if other claims remain pending.
“Here, if the parties were forced to wait until after the trial in this matter was decided as to Defendant Plaskett to appeal the Court’s Order and Opinion, there is no question that, if the Second Circuit reinstates claims against Defendants, discovery (and potentially a trial) would be duplicated by Plaintiffs and Plaskett. It would be an unnecessary waste of the courts’ and the parties’ time and resources, which favors 54(b) certification in this case,” the memorandum states.
The judge had not ruled on the motion as of Friday.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated at 5 p.m. Friday to add comment from Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Tropical Shipping CEO Tim Martin.
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett has secured exemptions from punitive service fees and restrictions on shipping companies proposed by the Trump administration that would have exponentially skyrocketed the cost of goods for the Virgin Islands, her office announced Friday.
Plaskett secured the exemptions after speaking with and questioning U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer during a Ways and Means Committee hearing last week. He subsequently issued a Notice of Action late Thursday that exempts the Virgin Islands from aspects of the plan that would have had far-reaching economic consequences, the announcement said, including shipping delays and estimates of 50-60% increased shipping costs
However, the U.S. Virgin Islands falls within the 2,000-mile exemption (Annex II, Targeted Coverage, page 33) in the Notice of Action issued Thursday by USTR, it said. “Furthermore, transport operators with fleets comprised of Chinese-built vessels would have been charged up to $1.5 million per vessel entrance to an American port, as well as an ‘additional fee’ of up to $1 million per vessel entrance to an American port if the number of foreign-built vessels in the operator’s fleet is equal to or greater than 25 percent,” according to the announcement.
Even vessels under the U.S. flag, operated and owned by a U.S. entity that are Chinese-built, would have been subject to the fees in USTR’s proposal, it noted. “If the Proposed Action had been implemented, the unintended consequence would have been an increased presence of Chinese vessels and carriers transporting goods from sources outside of the United States — including China — within the United States’ third border, the Caribbean Basin,” it said.
Plaskett said she was grateful for the opportunity to speak with and question Greer during the Ways and Means Committee hearing, when she urged him to consider the practical impacts of tariff actions on the U.S. outlying areas and ultimately reconsider those actions.
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett meets with maritime industry stakeholders. (Photo courtesy Office of Stacey Plaskett)
“Our communities would have borne a tremendous undue cost, which made clear the need for an exemption. I also led a letter to USTR Ambassador Greer and the Administration, with Members of Congress from both the Atlantic and Pacific areas to make the case for an exemption for the territories and U.S.-owned companies and underscore the impact of these fees on the Virgin Islands, which would have permeated through the Caribbean region,” Plaskett said.
“USTR Ambassador Greer took my letter into serious consideration when making final arrangements of this action,” she said. Under the Notice of Action, exemptions apply to:
U.S.-owned or U.S.-flagged vessels enrolled in the Voluntary Intermodal Sealift Agreement, the Maritime Security Program, the Tanker Security Program, or the Cable Security Program;
vessels arriving empty or in ballast;
vessels with a capacity of equal to or less than: 4,000 Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units, 55,000 deadweight tons, or an individual bulk capacity of 80,000 deadweight tons;
vessels entering a U.S. port in the continental United States from a voyage of less than 2,000 nautical miles from a foreign port or point;
U.S.-owned vessels, where the U.S. entity owning the vessel is controlled by U.S. persons and is at least 75 percent beneficially owned by U.S. persons;
specialized or special purpose-built vessels for the transport of chemical substances in bulk liquid forms; and
vessels principally identified as “Lakers Vessels” on CBP Form 1300, or its electronic equivalent.
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Tropical Shipping President and CEO Tim Martin. (Photo courtesy Office of Stacey Plaskett)
Greer’s team highlighted Plaskett’s advocacy both in Committee and her letter, stating, “We note as a monumental achievement the critical work done by the Congresswoman and her team to bring together disparate communities who the federal government have historically pitted against one another.”
Plaskett also expressed gratitude to Greer’s team for reaching out to share the news with her before the public announcement and expressing the importance of the information her team shared.
“I thank my colleagues, USTR Ambassador Greer, elected officials, the maritime industry, and stakeholders, particularly Tropical Shipping and Jennifer Nugent-Hill, for their support to urge the Trump Administration to reconsider the Proposed Action,” said Plaskett. “I will continue to collaborate in a bipartisan manner with my colleagues, stakeholders, and the Virgin Islands community to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands. I believe that we can work with everyone while not compromising our values and beliefs and get things done. This achievement is an example of that.”
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said in a statement Friday afternoon that the exemption “is the result of strong leadership, strategic engagement and sustained collaboration,” before going on to thank President Donald Trump, Greer “and the entire team at the USTR for hearing our case and recognizing the unique supply chain vulnerabilities” faced by the Virgin Islands.
“I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the maritime industry stakeholders who stood with us,” particularly Tim Martin and Nugent Hill of Tropical Shipping, along with the territory’s congressional partners including Plaskett, members of Congress who supported the efforts “and our outstanding lobbying team in Washington, D.C. Together, we ensured that Virgin Islanders were not left behind.”
Bryan emphasized that the exemption not only protects the Virgin Islands from unintended consequences but also preserves the territory’s role in supporting broader U.S. national security and logistical resilience throughout the Caribbean Basin.
“This decision recognizes the Virgin Islands’ strategic importance as America’s third border and affirms the value of having our voices heard in the halls of power,” Bryan said. “It underscores what we can achieve when the territory’s federal priorities are clearly communicated and forcefully advocated for through leadership, unity and collaboration.”
Martin also heralded the move, saying in a statement Friday afternoon that the proposed surcharges would have cost Tropical Shipping customers an additional $3,000 per 40-foot container load had they gone into effect.
“This is a huge victory for us and the entire Caribbean region that we serve,” said Martin. “Our voices were heard. We could not have accomplished this without the relentless advocacy from our Caribbean representatives in Washington, D.C., our customers, and the many organizations that wrote letters to the USTR describing the devastating multiplier effect these port fees would have had on all of us.”
