The Candido Guadalupe Terrace housing community on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy Google Maps)
The St. Croix man videotaped shooting a woman neighbor at close range July 4, then firing into a crowd of scattering children, striking the woman’s daughter, pleaded guilty, U.S. Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Friday.
Miguel Marrero, 52, admitted to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and two counts of assault in the first degree. Marrero faces a maximum sentence of up to life in prison, Smith said.
Morrero was scheduled to be sentenced July 2, according to court records.
The holiday shooting happened in the courtyard of the Candido Guadalupe Terrace housing community. A video recording of the incident shows Marrero arguing with the victim. The slender woman appears to swipe at his face and maybe hit him before Marrero draws a handgun and shoots her in the back or side as she spins away from the weapon.
As the victim fell, Marrero calmly levels the handgun at someone off camera and fires several more times. At least 10 children and other people gathered nearby, including a woman who appeared to be holding an infant, scattered in all directions. The woman’s 15-year-old daughter was struck in the leg and ankle as she ran.
The girl was treated and released from Juan F. Luis Hospital, but her mother underwent emergency surgery to repair damage to major organs, according to police.
The shooting seemed to stem from a feud between the children of Marrero and the victim, police said.
Other charges against Morrero — reckless endangerment, child abuse, third-degree assault, and possession of a firearm in a school zone — were dropped.
On Tuesday, the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to a tip from a concerned citizen regarding 27-year-old Shaedaya Varlack, a person of interest in a third-degree assault case that occurred in the Estate Mariendahl area. The CIB traveled to the Annas Retreat area, where they made contact with Varlack, who was then taken into custody, the V.I. Police Department reported.
She was transported to the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex, where she was advised of her Constitutional Rights. Varlack refused to provide any personal information or sign any documentation, leading to her being booked as a Jane Doe. She faces multiple charges, including assault third, burglary first, petit larceny, unlawful entry, simple assault, destruction of property, and disturbance of the peace, according to the police report
Varlack was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, with bail set at $75,000, the police report stated.
The case is still under investigation by the CIB. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact 911, the Police Chief’s Office, Detective S. Rhymer at the CIB at 340-774-2211, or Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
On Friday, 74-year-old Millener Rogers was arrested for the fraudulent use of a credit card after an investigation revealed that he had withdrawn more than $40,000 from a deceased woman’s account, the V.I. Police Department reported.
The account, which was left to the woman’s granddaughter, was accessed by Rogers, who was aware of the inheritance. According to the Economic Crime Unit’s investigation, Rogers had possession of the deceased’s debit card and made several unauthorized withdrawals over time.
Rogers turned himself in to detectives from the Economic Crime Unit on Friday morning. He was arrested and charged with the fraudulent use of a credit card. His bail was set at $75,000. Rogers was then transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command, where he was booked and processed. Following his arrest, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advise of rights hearing, the police report stated.
On March 1st, Muslims around the world will begin the first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Ramadan is a deeply spiritual and sacred time when Muslims engage in fasting, prayer, and reflection. It is believed that during this month, the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Ramadan provides an opportunity for Muslims to restore a sense of virtue and clarity between the body and mind, deepening their relationship with Allah (God) and practicing their Islamic duties.
During Ramadan, Muslims focus on spiritual growth, self-discipline, and charity. They refrain from sinful behavior such as cursing, gossiping, lying, smoking, fighting, and disrespecting others. It is also a time for Muslims to seek forgiveness, purify their hearts, and increase their acts of worship. Many Muslims aim to recite the entire Quran during this month and attend as many congregation prayers as possible at their local masjid (mosque). In the U.S. Virgin Islands, Masjid Nur is located on 8th Street in St. Thomas, and Masjid Abu Bakir Assidique is located on Route 85 in St. Croix.
Fasting: The Core of Ramadan
Fasting, one of the five pillars of Islam, is a central practice during Ramadan. Muslims abstain from food, drink (including water), and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, fasting begins around 5:30 a.m. with the last sip of water and bite of food, and ends around 6:30 p.m. at iftar, the meal to break the fast.
The act of fasting fosters empathy for the less fortunate, increases gratitude, and promotes spiritual growth. In the mornings, Muslims have suhoor, a pre-dawn meal to help sustain them throughout the day. When the fast ends at sunset, Muslims gather with family and friends for iftar, a communal meal that marks the breaking of the fast.
Supporting Fasting Students in Schools
During Ramadan, it is important for the community to be mindful of the Muslims who are fasting, especially children in school. Fasting children may experience fatigue, hunger, or thirst during class, particularly as the day progresses or after physical activities like recess, especially if they are outdoors in the sun. Since Muslims are not allowed to drink water during fasting hours, teachers should be sensitive to the physical and emotional needs of fasting students.
Here are some tips for teachers to support fasting students:
Adjust Expectations: Understand that fasting students may need extra support with concentration and energy. Encourage breaks and avoid scheduling strenuous activities.
Be Flexible: Allow accommodations during lunchtime or physical education classes, as fasting students will not be eating or drinking.
Create a Supportive Environment: Encourage other students to be considerate by not eating or drinking in front of their fasting peers. Providing a private and safe space during lunch hours for fasting students can also help.
Check in Regularly: Take the time to check in with fasting students throughout the day to assess how they’re feeling, especially in the afternoon when energy levels may dip.
Extending Warm Wishes for Ramadan
Despite the challenges that come with fasting, Ramadan is one of the most humbling and rewarding months for Muslims. It is a time to reflect on one’s spiritual journey, grow closer to Allah, and give to those in need.
To all Muslims in the U.S. Virgin Islands, “Inshallah” (God willing), this month will be filled with purity and good health. May Allah shower you, your families, and your friends with blessings and answer all your prayers.
To non-Muslims, feel free to send a message to your Muslim friends wishing them well by saying “Cul sana wa entee salama” (for a female friend) or “Cul sana wa enta salam” (for a male friend). This is a phrase we use right before Ramadan to wish each other a happy and peaceful holiday. You can also say “Kull ‘am wa antum bikhayr” (May you be well every year), a heartfelt wish for happiness and well-being during Ramadan.
—Dr. Nour Z. Suid, PsyD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who was born and raised in the Virgin Islands. She graduated with her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Suid is currently working as a mental health counselor at Serenity Wellness & Counseling.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education proudly congratulates the outstanding students who participated in the 2025 MATHCOUNTS Chapter Competitions held Thursday, Feb. 27, simultaneously on St. Thomas and St. Croix. Their dedication, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork exemplify the highest standards of mathematical excellence.
This year’s event showcased intense problem-solving, strategic thinking, and thrilling moments as students competed for the opportunity to advance to the State Competition.
VIDE extends its sincere congratulations to the top performing teams:
St. Thomas-St. John District (STTJ)Top Team Winner: Antilles School
St. Croix District (STX) Top Team Winner: Good Hope Country Day School
These exceptional teams will advance to the MATHCOUNTS State Finals on March 15, at the UVI Innovation Center on St. Thomas. Additionally, the top ten individual students from each district will compete.
In the St. Thomas-St. John District, Evan Fahie (Lockhart K-8 School) placed first. Evan also recently won the St. Thomas-St. John District Spelling Bee. Congratulations!
The remaining top ten students for the STTJ District are: Mia Allesandri (Antilles School) in second, and Layla Pierre (Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School) in third. Nayumi Galidio (Lockhart K-8 School) took fourth, D’Nayah Smith (Lockhart K-8 School) fifth, and Moriah Craker (Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School) sixth. Sam DeGraff, Raj Mirpuri, Roman Overmeyer, and Elize Acuna, all from Antilles School, placed seventh through tenth.
In the St. Croix District, Cole Cullinan (Free Will Baptist Christian School) placed first. Congratulations!
The remaining top ten students for the STX District are: Hudson Mirocha (Good Hope Country Day School) in second, and Leon Perkins (Church of God Holiness Academy) in third. Denae Jenkins and Zachary Richards (Free Will Baptist Christian School) secured fourth and fifth place, while Grace Sookraj, Madison Davis, and Xoroia Gomez (Church of God Holiness Academy) finished sixth, seventh, and eighth. David Vaughan (Good Hope Country Day School) and Shawn Edney (Free Will Baptist Christian School) completed the top ten.
VIDE extends a heartfelt thank you to all students, coaches, teachers, administrators, sponsors, and supporters for their contributions to this year’s competition. Special recognition is given to MATHCOUNTS State Coordinator Ludence A. Romney, St. Thomas-St. John District Mathematics Coordinator Avon Benjamin, and St. Croix District Mathematics Coordinator Jaynae Williams for their leadership and dedication.
As we prepare for the upcoming State Finals on March 15, 2025, we encourage all students to continue striving for excellence. The Virgin Islands Department of Education is incredibly proud of our young mathematicians and looks forward to celebrating their future achievements.
Sen. Kenneth Gittens questions Regina deChabert Petersen at Thursday’s hearing. (Photo from V.I. Legislature livestrea)
Like several of his colleagues, Sen. Kenneth Gittens complimented Regina deChabert Petersen, administrator of Courts, on her testimony at Tuesday’s Rules and Judiciary Committee hearing. But, like several of his colleagues, he also asked how the judiciary branch could speed up its handling of cases, especially those in Probate Court.
Sen. Carla Joseph, committee chair, said some probate cases “go on for years and years.”
She said there must be something fundamentally wrong with the way probate cases are handled in the Virgin Islands because probate cases stateside are usually resolved in 60 days.
Petersen said part of the problem was an antiquated code that convoluted the probate process. She said cases “were not stuck in court, only because of the court.” She added that members of the judicial branch were committed to finding a solution.
Sen. Marvin Blyden asked if creating a Probate Division would solve the problem. Petersen said it would cost $1.2 million to staff such a division in each district.
In a press release before the hearing, Joseph said, “One of my major concerns with the judiciary has been the backlog of cases. This has persisted over decades in the Territory.” She added, “I look forward to reports from Administrator deChabert Petersen on the status of the caseloads, the backlog of cases within the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, and what the court is doing or requires to address the backlog of cases.”
According to Petersen’s testimony, as of last September, the Superior Court had a total pending caseload of 11,666 cases.
“With the exception of the impact of natural disasters and the pandemic on the operations of the branch, judicial vacancies are perhaps the greatest contributing factor to case backlogs,” she said.
As background, she noted, “For fiscal year 2024, excluding applications for marriage licenses, 11,902 matters were filed in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, while 10,923 matters were disposed of for an annual clearance rate of 92 percent.”
Attached to her written testimony was a proposed bill that could help stop backlogs in cases when a judge’s term expires. It would allow a judge to serve until a replacement is approved.
Sen. Milton Potter asked if such a measure could leave judges with expired terms in office for lengthy periods. Petersen said that with everything one does, one takes risks.
Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. said he has a bill ready to do what the Judiciary proposes.
Senators also raised concerns about how long it was taking for the e-Citation program to be up and working. Gittens said the territory has been working on it for two years. Petersen said, “We have done our part,” and it was up to the police department to do its part.
Tamara Charles, clerk of the Superior Court, said the hope was to have the program running this summer.
Sen. Angel Bolques asked about cybersecurity in the judicial branch. Petersen said, “It is huge. We test. It is expensive.”
Sen. Avery Williams asked about any austerity measures the judicial branch was taking. Petersen said the branch had cut out overtime pay except for extraordinary, approved incidents. Workers now receive compensatory time for the overtime they work.
In sort of a summary of her testimony, Petersen said, “Our clearance rates are generally good, but to effectively resolve backlogs, we require additional staffing and funding. Specifically, we are evaluating our data to determine the need and allocation of specialized positions such as dedicated docket clerks and case managers, which have been implemented in other jurisdictions as a best practice.”
She said that, though she had 60 vacancies, the judicial branch would only ask for 20 of them to be filled in the next budget.
Sens. Hubert Frederick, Avery Lewis, Marvin Blyden, Angel Bolques Jr., Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Novelle Francis Jr., Kenneth Gittens, Carla Joseph, and Milton Potter attended the hearing.
Anthony Mardenborough, a Board of Career and Technical Education nominee, got a favorable recommendation from senators on Thursday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
On Thursday, the Rules and Judiciary Committee moved Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s nominees for a hospital board and a vocational education board to the whole body with favorable recommendations.
Safiya George, the Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation, District Governing Board nominee, will serve the St. Thomas-St. John district if she gets final approval. Anthony Mardenborough, the Board of Career and Technical Education nominee, would serve the St. Croix district. The senators thanked both for their willingness to serve.
“As president of the University of the Virgin Islands,” George told the senators, “I have dedicated my career to courageous caring leadership, research, and transformational health care. I believe that strong, strategic leadership and collaboration are essential to improving health care access, quality, and sustainability in our community.”
Sen. Ray Fonseca said George had “impeccable qualifications,” and he would vote for her. Then, he asked about the proposed medical school for the territory. She said a classroom building had been dedicated to the school. Still, the territory was far from the $20 million in endowment funds it would need to even consider medical school certification.
Sen. Milton Potter said he was “struggling” with the medical school proposal. He asked George if it would be better if the territory focused on bringing Allied Health Care to the territory. George said it would be easier to do it that way, but “the easiest way is not always the best way.”
She also fielded questions about general health care in the territory. “We have a huge task before us,” she said, noting that life expectancy stateside was in the 80s, but in the Virgin Islands, it was in the 70s.
She added that the murder rate, with young males as victims, brings down the life expectancy average for Virgin Islanders. The CIA World Factbook site says male life expectancy in the Virgin Islands is 77.6 and female is 84.1.
Sen. Novelle Francis said the state of health care in the Virgin Islands was “troubling” and questioned whether it might worsen if the federal government’s proposed cuts to Medicare and Medicaid went through. He said those cuts would hit the “poor and vulnerable.”
Sen. Kenneth Gittens asked what George could do to speed up rebuilding the territory’s two hospitals, which he said was going “incredibly slow.” George said she needed more information about why the projects were going slow.
Mardenborough grew up in the Virgin Islands and has taught for four years at local private schools. In his testimony, he listed 11 targets he would aim for while on the board.
Sen. Angel Bolques asked about Mardenborough’s target of working with UVI. Mardenborough said his target was to work and maintain a working relationship with UVI to discuss and create pathways for career and technical education at the university with certifications and degree offerings. He told Bolques that would include certification in construction trades.
Construction trades also fit into the target Mardenborough called alignment. This target includes “looking at all current career and technical education courses offered in the territory and adding courses that align with the community’s current needs, including construction, as recovery projects need to be completed.”
He also said he planned on “advocating for the Board of Education to ensure all public K-8 and junior high schools in the territory offer at least three to four ongoing CTE-type courses to the students before high school.“
Mardenborough concluded his testimony by saying, “The future of the Virgin Islands depends on a skilled and competitive workforce. I am eager to contribute my experience and passion to advancing CTE programs that benefit our students, educators, businesses, and the greater community.”
The V.I. Water and Power Authority Governing Board approved a more than $30 million multiyear contract with Itron to replace the territory’s failing advanced metering infrastructure — or AMI — during a regular meeting Thursday held over Microsoft Teams. (Screenshot from Teams meeting)
The V.I. Water and Power Authority voted Thursday to award Itron a four-year, $30 million contract to replace the U.S. Virgin Islands’ failed advanced metering infrastructure, or AMI.
Along with Tantalus Systems, Itron was previously tapped by WAPA in 2015 to install the territory’s “smart grid” AMI system, which was supposed to allow the authority to remotely determine its customers’ energy usage and bill accordingly. Itron provided the electricity meters and Tantalus handled the system’s communications network.
The companies and WAPA are defendants in an ongoing class action lawsuit filed in 2021 by customers who say they continued receiving dramatically — and unlawfully — overinflated bills after the system was implemented.
The chorus of customer complaints crescendoed last summer, prompting some lawmakers in the 35th Legislature to publicly call on the utility to stop overestimating bills while providing customers with spotty-at-best reliability. During a meeting of the V.I. Public Services Commission in August, WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight said the authority would have to continue relying on estimated billing until the system could be replaced because the existing AMI hadn’t worked properly since hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
In September, WAPA expanded its customer service hours to include Saturdays to accommodate customers who wished to dispute their electric bills.
The short list of vendors considered for the FEMA-funded AMI replacement included Aclara, Honeywell, Landis+Gyr and Itron. WAPA electrical engineer Belgrave Stedman said during a presentation to the governing board Thursday that Itron provided the most complete bid and scored highest based on technological criteria. Itron’s proposal was rated second in cost-effectiveness.
V.I. Energy Office Director and board member Kyle Fleming noted Thursday that one of the previous system’s “Achilles’ heels” was thermal regulation and asked presenters if that point of failure had been taken into account during the procurement process.
Consultant Ron Smith, of Z2Solutions, said they looked at “everything from the outside of the meter, the color of the meter, all the way to the inside of the meter and how the meter vendors were now protecting their devices due to extreme temperatures” and questioned vendors extensively about whether prolonged heat exposure will damage the units.
“Certainly, the answer back from Itron — as well as other vendors, to be honest — was that no, their expectation was that on a day-to-day basis, these meters can now operate in these environments,” he said. “But to your specific question, there was a lot [questioning], a lot of interrogation, a lot of due diligence, as well as dismantling of the meters down to the component level to evaluate that.”
This year’s event showcased intense problem-solving, strategic thinking, and thrilling moments as students competed for the opportunity to advance to the State Competition.
