Sewer and pump station failures may cause manholes to overflow in St. Croix and St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority said, warning people should stay away from the standing water.
A collapsed sewer line between Banco Popular Altona Branch and the Cancryn Pump Station in St. Thomas, causing sewer system issues in thedowntown area, which may result in potential manhole overflows.
VIWMA advises residents to avoid standing water in the affected areas. The VIWMAstaff is working diligently to complete the necessary repairs. We understand theinconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter.
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority also informsthe community that the LBJ Pump Station is currently offline due to mechanical issues,which may result in potential manhole overflows in the Christiansted area.
VIWMA advises residents to avoid standing water in the affected areas, as VIWMA staffand contractors work diligently to complete the repairs.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter.
For more information, contact the Division of Education and CommunicationsManagement at 340-474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connectedwith us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn for updates.
The Virgin Islands Police Department advises community members that, Our Town Frederiksted Association will be doing a cleanup of Queen Street, Frederiksted starting at 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 23.
NO PARKING will be allowed on the entire Queen Street from the intersection of Queen
Street and Emancipation Drive to Midre Cummings Park from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Queen Street will not only be cleaned, but the gut will be washed out by the Fire Department, therefore, NO vehicles will be allowed to park on Queen Street during the cleanup process.
All vehicles found parked on Queen Street between 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. will be towed at the owner’s expense.
The Virgin Islands Police Department thanks everyone for their cooperation during this clean effort.
The 35th Legislature approved a measure on Wednesday allowing the Virgin Islands Government to issue millions of dollars in bonds to finance infrastructure projects. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)
A measure approved by the 35th Legislature on Wednesday authorized the Virgin Islands Government to issue millions of dollars in bonds to finance needed infrastructure projects. The projects include a St. Croix-to-St. Thomas ferry, upgrades to Veterans Drive on St. Thomas and St. Croix road improvements.
V.I. Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel led testimony on behalf of the administration during a Committee of the Whole on Wednesday and echoed claims by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. that the proposal “will probably be this decade’s most significant economic initiative undertaken by the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The government’s plan relies on Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds — or GARVEE bonds — through which states and territories can issue securities with the expectation of reimbursement from federal aid grants. Gabriel said GARVEE bonds expedite development of essential projects by leveraging future grants — eliminating delays caused by yearly funding allotments.
Bryan announced the bond initiative during a Government House press briefing last week, calling it a legislative proposal that would “drive our territories forward.”
“Now if you remember, back in 2015, the Legislature passed an appropriation for an allowance of the GARVEE bonds,” he said at the time. “With these bonds, we did the first part of Veterans Drive. Projects on St. Croix include the highway — which is almost complete now — the Lorraine bypass, as well as Frederiksted roads, other associated roads, and the Mahogany Road project — just to name a few of all the stuff we did under that. That money has been utilized over the last seven years, and now we’re seeking to go back to the bond market to get some money to do a couple of different things.”
According to testimony Gabriel delivered on Wednesday, the 2015 GARVEE issuance provided approximately $91 million. Those funds equated to:
$40 million was allocated to Veterans Drive
$8.5 million to Sion Valley Road
$16 million to Melvin Evans Highway
$12.5 million to Mahogany Road
$3 million to Christiansted roads
$6 million to Frederiksted roads
$5 million to Spring Gut Road
The proposed $156 million GARVEE bond issuance Gabriel defended on Wednesday would allocate:
$54 million to refinance existing GARVEE bonds
$20 million toward the St. Croix-St. Thomas ferry
$48 million for the next phase of the Veterans Drive project
$28 million for St. Croix road improvement projects
$6 million for deposit in a “Debt Service Reserve Fund” and to cover issuance costs
The Legislative session came one day after a Government House spokesperson responded to community outcry over the state of territory roads. Over several hours, lawmakers grilled the testifiers on specific roads and infrastructure projects.
“I need to get on my soapbox for this one,” Gabriel said after an exchange with Senate Majority Leader Kenneth Gittens. “We really need to realize that the territory has a crumbling infrastructure, and every time we go in and we do road work, in some instances it causes . . . damage to other conduits.”
Gabriel said that the Waste Management Authority and Water and Power Authority are also dealing with “crumbling” pipes and decried the fact that those utilities had to dig up newly paved areas.
The measure was approved unanimously, with the exception of Sen. Marise James, who was absent for the vote.
Shayla Solomon, left, speaks in favor of a bill honoring her father, right, and uncle. (Photo courtesy of the VI Legislature)
This week, senators unanimously passed a resolution to rename the Charlotte Amalie High School gymnasium as “The Myron ‘MC’ Corbett and Arthur ‘Gutu’ Solomon Gymnasium.” Sponsored by Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, the bill honors the significant contributions of two Virgin Islanders who dedicated their lives to education, athletics, and community service.
Arthur Solomon, better known as “Gutu,” and his late brother Myron Corbett were celebrated as leaders who left a lasting mark on the Virgin Islands. Testimonies from family and friends during the hearing highlighted their roles as educators, coaches, and mentors, as well as their impact on the wider community.
Leaders On and Off the Court
Childhood friend Charles Fonseca shared Solomon’s journey from playing basketball in Frenchtown to teaching and coaching at Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS). “Gutu’s commitment to his players extended beyond the court,” Fonseca said during a Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection committee meeting this week, emphasizing the life skills and values Solomon instilled in his athletes. As head coach of the CAHS girls’ basketball team, Solomon led his players to multiple championships and set a standard of excellence that continues to inspire.
Fonseca also reflected on Solomon’s contributions as chair of the Physical Education Department, where he advocated for resources and better pay for coaches. “His leadership at CAHS and in the community demonstrated integrity, humility, and dedication,” Fonseca said.
Corbett, who passed away in 2017, was remembered for his mentorship and innovation. Known for his work with the “Graffiti Street Teen Talk Show,” Corbett empowered young people through communication and engagement. Together, Solomon and Corbett’s accomplishments on the court, including induction into the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame, were matched by their commitment to shaping lives off the court, testifiers and senators said.
A Family’s Pride and a Community’s Gratitude
During the hearing, Shayla Solomon shared personal stories of growing up around the CAHS gym, describing it as a second home for her father and uncle. “Their dedication to their work was evident in the lasting impact they left on students and athletes,” she said.
Solomon highlighted their legacy not only as athletes but as role models. “What sets them apart is their commitment to shaping lives,” she said, adding that their work influenced countless young people and filled their grandmother’s home with trophies that told a story of perseverance and dedication.
The proposed renaming of the gymnasium, which passed unanimously, reflects their lasting impact. “This recognition not only celebrates their contributions but also serves as a symbol of the values they instilled in everyone they encountered — integrity, dedication, and community,” Solomon said.
Schooner Denis Sullivan makes its way to St. Croix. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The iconic Schooner Denis Sullivan docked on St. Croix Wednesday, marking its third year partnering with World Ocean School, a nonprofit based in Boston that has been active in the U.S. Virgin Islands for 19 seasons.
“We are grateful to be part of this incredible community,” stated President and Executive Director Eden Leonard. “It surely wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our steadfast supporters, helping enable such impactful programming with classrooms from across the island.”
Schooner Denis Sullivan pulls into the dock. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The World Ocean School’s flagship vessel, the schooner Roseway, recognized as a National Historic Landmark, is currently undergoing an extensive preservation project at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut. In its previous season, Denis Sullivan welcomed 269 students aboard during winter and hosted over 1,200 members of the public during sails in Christiansted Harbor, according to the press release.
Schooner Denis Sullivan docks on St. Croix. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Throughout the upcoming months, Denis Sullivan will offer multi-day programs for local public school students, focusing on ship maintenance and sail raising while engaging in team-building activities that enhance their educational experience. Onboard lessons will cover various topics, including water quality, buoyancy, sea poetry, and maritime history, all anchored in World Ocean School’s core values of teamwork, trust, communication, and self-worth, the press release stated.
Public school students will have the chance to take part in team-building activities on the Schooner Denis Sullivan. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The community is invited to join the first sail of the season on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Christiansted Harbor. Additionally, sunset and harbor sails will be available through February, with proceeds directed toward supporting the educational initiatives on the island. Tickets are accessible through www.worldoceanschool.org/st-croix-sails, and free sails are offered to current and former students and their families, the release stated.
Sunset sails will be offered on the Schooner Denis Sullivan. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
“We have a lot to look forward to this season,” Leonard expressed. “The St. Croix community has welcomed Denis Sullivan with open arms these past two seasons, and we’re excited to be back.”
Schooner Denis Sullivan returns to St. Croix. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
For more information about Denis Sullivan and World Ocean School, visit worldoceanschool.org.
Science journals told skywatchers to seek a proper telescope to view 2024 PT5, such as the research-grade 0.5m automated Cassegrain telescope at the University of the Virgin Islands Etelman Observatory on St. Thomas, above. (Photo courtesy UVI)
Back in September, skywatchers worldwide were promised a chance to glimpse a rare sight: the appearance of an asteroid briefly circling the Earth, mimicking the moon’s orbit. However, despite reports heralding the arrival of 2024 PT5 and the advice to seek a proper telescope for viewing, reports of actual sightings are scarce.
Reports carried by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration say 2024 PT5 — a near-earth asteroid about 30 meters wide — was detected in August by a telescope in South Africa that is part of the University of Hawai’i’s Asteroid Terrestrial Impact Last Alert System.
Since then, not even Earth’s most powerful telescope — the James Webb Space Telescope — has detected the item known as the “mini-moon.”
Likewise for the research-grade 0.5m automated Cassegrain telescope at the University of the Virgin Islands Etelman Observatory on St. Thomas. “Unfortunately, the object isn’t bright enough for us to get a clear view of it (according to the astronomers),” said UVI Chemistry and Physics Department Chair Stan Latesky.
Researchers track the passage of asteroids to monitor potential hazards to the Earth in the event that one enters the atmosphere and crashes on the surface. Millions of asteroid fragments — called meteors — enter the atmosphere daily. Most burn up on the way down, leaving a coating of dust, scientists say.
The extraterrestrial visitor is said to have begun its orbit around the Earth in late September and is expected to leave and return to its loop around the Sun around Nov. 25.
The UVI observatory upgraded from an amateur telescope to a “fully automated, robotically-controlled, and queue-driven 0.5m research-grade telescope” during renovations in 1999.
“As part of this renovation project, the Etelman’s original house was converted into an observatory control and science education center. The New Etelman Observatory serves as a center for Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), a venue for public science outreach activities, and a fundamental astrophysics and geophysics research station,” according to a narrative found on the university’s website.
The newly renovated Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy FEMA)
Hurricanes Irma and Maria caused major damage in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion, one of St. Croix’s largest public housing areas. Following a major renovation led by the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, with support from the federal government and FEMA, more than 200 families now have an improved place to live.
The $116 million project is a joint effort involving local and federal resources, resulting in meaningful improvements for the community, according to the press release.
“There’s a real peace of mind,” said Yahmillia John, a long-time island resident and occupant of the updated apartments. “With the security, landscaping, and everything else, it’s really comfortable here. I like the new windows because they’re easier to maneuver, and they make me feel safer, especially during hurricane season. We’ve just had a tropical storm [Ernesto], and we weren’t expecting the winds to be so strong. I didn’t feel anything, and I was on the third floor.”
FEMA funds were critical in the construction and wind retrofitting of 20 apartment buildings, an office building, and a community center. These upgrades enhance the buildings’ ability to withstand hurricanes by including wind-resistant gutters, impact-resistant lights, and stronger roofs. The improvements allow the buildings to resist winds up to 168 miles per hour and prevent rain from entering. Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel hardware was used to protect against salty coastal air, further ensuring the durability of the apartment buildings, the press release stated.
“The Walter I. M. Hodge development has seen a big change,” said Dwayne Alexander, executive director of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority. “With the upgraded buildings, the complex now has hurricane-rated windows and all the necessary updates for safety and comfort in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
A kitchen in the newly renovated Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy FEMA)
The structural changes follow the 2018 International Building Code and American Society of Civil Engineers standards, providing stability from the roof to the foundation. Additional flood-proofing features include vinyl flooring, concrete sealers, and weatherstripping for doors and windows, the release stated.
With the renovations at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion complete, residents can feel a renewed sense of community. As they look forward to the future, they can do so with assurance, knowing their homes are better prepared for any storms that may come, it said.
FEMA funds were critical in the construction and wind retrofitting of 20 apartment buildings, an office building, and a community center at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy FEMA)
The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE), through its Internal Audit Division, invites public feedback on the newly drafted Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse and Neglect Policy. Community members are encouraged to review the proposed policy and submit their comments by the end of day on Friday, Nov. 22.
The draft policy is designed to establish a uniform process for reporting any suspicions of abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect by mandatory reporters within VIDE. This includes prompt reporting to the appropriate authorities, maintaining accurate records, and collaborating with other Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) agencies. The policy aims to standardize VIDE’s approach to safeguarding and supporting the well-being of children across the Territory.
This policy is applicable to all VIDE-affiliated personnel, including teachers, administrators, support staff, contractors, volunteers, and affiliates, irrespective of their specific roles or titles.
Community members can submit their feedback directly to the Internal Audit Division via email at: internalaudit@vide.vi.
The Virgin Islands Department of Education is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of all students. Protecting children goes beyond instruction. Educators and staff have a profound responsibility to create a secure environment where students’ mental and physical health are prioritized. This commitment extends to swiftly reporting any suspected signs of abuse, neglect, or abandonment, as a matter not only of policy but of ethical duty.
The VIDE staff are empowered to act as both educators and protectors, complying with federal and local law in identifying and reporting potential cases of child abuse or neglect. Through these measures, VIDE ensures that every child feels seen, safe, and supported, fostering a nurturing environment for students.
For further information, please contact the Internal Audit Division at 340-773-1095 or 340-774-0100 or via email at internalaudit@vide.vi.
His memory is cherished by his daughters Shareese Ward and Jakeeda Ward, sons Jadel Ward, Anthony Ward, grandchildren Noah Carballo, Nayla Carballo, sister, Marjorie Claxton, brothers Johnson Ward and John Ward, nieces Janice Williams, Mylene Bernett, Glenda Claxton, Sergie Claxton, Siegel Claxton, Kenesha Ward, C. Delecia Gumbs, Evlyne Phillip, nephews Mclean Claxton, Tyrique Ward, Gairy Hull, Auburn Dasent, Jaheem Phillip, Leo Phillip, andspecial cousins Jolson “Junie” Tyrell and family, Milton Walters and Family, the Sutton family (Nevis), the Tyrell family (Nevis), the Walters family, Franklyn Daniel and family.
He also leaves behind special friends Averil George and family, Franklyn “Tuko” Hendrickson and family (Nevis), Elvis Smith and family, Joseph Morris and family, Daniel Tuitt and family, Leroy Smith and family, Derrick Hanley and family, Lorraine and Mitchell Matthew, and many more friends and family too numerous to mention.
Pall Bearers will be Johnson Ward, Jadell Ward, Tyrique Ward, Anthony Ward, Leroy Smith, and Elvis Smith.
The viewing will be held at Turnbull’s funeral home on Thursday, Nov. 21, beginning at 9 a.m. with the service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Eastern cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home.
The Family of the beloved Stevroy McCauley Thomas are saddened to announce his passing on Oct. 23.
Stevroy McCauley Thomas
He is preceded in death by his mother, Fedrica Thomas, father, Archibald Thomas, brothers Ruthlidge Brown, Stevenson Williams, James Christopher Thomas and sisters, Eilleen Richardson and Yvonne Harmon.
He is survived by his daughter, Fedrica Thomas, sisters, Rosemary Morrissey, Etla Joseph, Eldina Henry, aunt, Ambrosine Joseph, Sarah Lynch, Cybil Joseph, uncles, Wilfred Joseph, Demon Joseph, nieces, Roseann Joseph, Rosemary Browne, Shawn Nicholas, Beverly Browne Hines, Joy Hall, Stacy Henry, Florence Drew, Glenda Daley, Kathy Williams, Allison Harmon; nephews Tony Henry, Robroy Joseph, Ricky Joseph, Randy Henry, Gary Henry, Jefferey Joseph, Derrick Nicholas, Angus Harmon, Vaden Brown; cousins, Shirley Mason, Beryl Mason, Pastor Jean Thomas-Samuel, Elma Mason (deceased); and special friends James from the P.O., Sam, Blaster and Bam; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral Service will be held on Friday, Nov. 22 at the Apostolic Faith Mission, located at 487 Baron Spot, Christiansted St. Croix. There will be no internment.
