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Book Reading of ‘Anna and the Goat Foot Woman’ at CMCARTS Saturday

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Co-authors Angela Golden Bryan (right) and her daughter Erin Shae Bryan (Source photo by Elisa McKay)

Everyone loves hearing a story read aloud, especially children. Saturday at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in downtown Frederiksted, co-authors Angela Golden Bryan and her daughter Erin Shae Bryan will bring their book to life in a reading from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

This will be the third in a series of book signings on St. Croix: Oct. 2 at Botanical Gardens and Oct. 3 at Undercover Bookstore in Gallows Bay introduced the authors and their book to a wide audience of children and adults. This third and final book reading and signing will give the community the opportunity to hear the book read in its entirety. Don’t miss it! Parents and guardians are encouraged to attend and bring their children. 

Attendees at book signing at Undercover Books & Gifts (Source photo by Elisa McKay)

 

Saturday’s format at CMCARTS is a “Little Artists” class, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m., with children’s imagination, artistic exploration, and pure fun for ages two to seven. It is designed to be an enriching afternoon of FREE arts and crafts activities that includes the reading of “Anna and the Goat Foot Woman.

Erin Shae Bryan and Angels Ginden Bryan read excerpts from “Anna and the Goat Foot Woman.” (Source photo by Elisa McKay)

Children will have the opportunity to visit the Upstairs Gallery with the CMCARTS Education Coordinator Jessica Parker White and explore the Permanent Art Collection dedicated to the museum’s founder, Candia Atwater.

Angela Golden Bryan signs the book for a customer. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)

Art stations will be set up in the Courtyard for the Little Artists. Parents and guardians are invited to register online at cmcarts.org and reserve a spot for their young artists. The entrance to the museum is on Strand Street in the blue building. 

For more information and to register:
www.cmcarts.org
Call: 340-772-2622

Arlene Bailey Dies at 86

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ARLENE BAILEY, of Frederiksted St. Croix, passed away on Monday, September 23rd, 2024. She was 86 years old.

Mrs. Bailey was preceded in death by her spouse, Norman Bailey, Jr., mother, Edith Simpson Davis, father, Leroy Franz Arnold.

She is survived by her daughters, Lorilei Plaskett and Riisa Bailey; sons, Micheal & Ira-David Plaskett, Robert & Orthan  and Neil Bailey; grandchildren, Jose Perez III, Luis Perez, Cheanun Perez, Sheanne Rivera, Kandyia Rivera, Nykiia A. Barnes, Khalid Bailey, Nequan Benjamin, Craig Daley, Jr., Tyra Plaskett, Xavier Plaskett, Micheal Plaskett, Jr., Shekina Plaskett, Christopher Plaskett, Lashonda Moore Plaskett, Ketura Acevedo, Diedra Coleman, Melissa Finney, Robert Bailey Jr. Shaquille Bailey, Shaquilla Bailey, Chevalia Bailey, Jamine Bailey, Amonisha Bailey, Kyla Bailey, Amara Bailey, Jaylen Bailey, Brandon Brooks, Rayelle Bailey, Amare Bailey and Alyissa Bailey; great-grandchildren, Aalliyah Alexander, Alande Alexander, Zyon McIntosh, Kelis Perez, Kelijah Perez, Ari’Yanna Perez, Aliyah Perez, Adaizalyn Perez, N’Sheayla Rivera, N’shyla Rivera, Sheanne K. Rivera, Kiari Harris, Azari N. Frazer, N’Kosi King, Kamilah Innis, Amare Bailey, J’Allyn Baron, Edward Ragas IV, Chase Randall, Jewel Plaskett, Darius Plaskett and Donavan Plaskett; daughters-in-law; Lavoyne Bailey, Pamela Plaskett, and Rachel Bailey; son-in-law, Kareem Parris; sister, Theresa Davis; brothers, Orin Arnold, Paul Arnold and Roy Davis; A host of nieces, nephews, family and friends too numerous to mention.

A Memorial service will be held on Friday, October 18th, 2024, at the Holy Trinity Church in Frederiksted at 10:00 am. Repast will be at the Blue Bamboo (old Driving) immediately following.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Schuster’s Crematorium, LLC.

VITRAN: Fixed-Route Services Suspended on Oct. 14

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VITRAN’s fixed-route services will be suspended territory-wide on Monday, Oct. 14, in observation of Virgin Islands – Puerto Rico Friendship Day.

ADA/Paratransit services will be available during the following hours:

St. Croix – 5 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

St. Thomas – 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.

St. John – No ADA/Paratransit Services

St. Thomas Man Demands Money Back, Injures Woman in Intoxicated Rage

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A St. Thomas man surrendered to the police on Tuesday after being accused of assaulting a woman while demanding back money he had given her for groceries, the V.I. Police Department reported.

The victim reported that on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at about 10:00 p.m., Beeri de la Cruz arrived home intoxicated and began demanding the $19.00 that he had given her for groceries. The victim stated that de la Cruz pushed her, slammed her head against the floor, and kicked her in the ribs several times, causing multiple injuries to her body, according to the police report.

On Tuesday, de la Cruz, 37, agreed to turn himself in to the Domestic Violence Unit. He declined to provide a statement; therefore, he was booked, processed, and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing, the police report stated.

This case is currently under investigation by the Domestic Violence Unit. Anyone who has
information about this crime can notify 911, the Domestic Violence Unit at 340-715-5535,
or the Office of the Police Chief.

St. Croix Man Charged with Multiple Counts of Domestic Abuse

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Police officers arrested a St. Croix man for allegedly assaulting a female victim with his hands, a broomstick, and a cell phone, the V.I. Police Department reported.

A domestic violence investigation was assigned to the Criminal Investigation Bureau Tuesday, which disclosed that the complainant reported that on Oct. 6, she was assaulted by Javier Rodriguez at her home, according to the police report.

She stated that Rodriguez made false accusations against her and then began hitting her on the head and face, as well as slapping her. Rodriguez then proceeded to assault her multiple times with a broomstick and a cell phone. He also placed both his hands around her throat, squeezing it until she gasped for air and threatened to kill her. The victim complained of pain in her throat, face, and the back and right side of her neck, the police report stated.

Members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, along with members of the Special Operations Bureau, arrested Rodriguez, 42, at his home. He was charged with assault in the second degree (DV), simple assault and battery (DV), and disturbing the peace (fighting), the report stated.

He was booked, and no bail was set in this matter as per the Domestic Violence statute. He was subsequently transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, it said.

Cyclists Gearing Up for America’s Paradise Challenge on Sunday on STX

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St. Croix is set to host the largest bike race in the Virgin Islands, the America’s Paradise Challenge, on Sunday, the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation announced.

This “race like no other” will feature seven racing categories with varying distances, starting and finishing at DC Canegata Ballpark near Gallows Bay at 7 a.m., the organization said.

The seven categories are: Elite men, 55 miles; elite women, 45 miles; sport, 25 miles; masters, 25 miles; women, 25 miles; and juniors, 15 miles. Entry is $50, $35 for VICF members, and $10 for juniors.

The VICF “is thrilled to welcome competitive cyclists from St. Thomas, Tortola, and Guadeloupe to participate in the second annual event,” the release stated.

Once again, the St. Croix community has come together to sponsor and support the race, making it a premier event, the VICF stated. Sponsors include Bates Trucking, Diageo USVI, Napa Auto Parts, Flemings Transport, Carlos Furniture, Paradise Freight, Island Life Adventures, Sen. Kurt Vialet, Leatherback Brewing Co, Clifford Joseph, VIPD, the Public Works and Sports, Parks and Recreation departments, and the Office of the Governor.

Participants are encouraged to pre-register at Leatherback Brewing Co. on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. Race-day registration will be available at Canegata Ballpark on Sunday between 6 and 6:45 a.m.

For more information, contact 340-513-2707.

DLCA Issues Fuel Survey Findings for the Week of Oct. 6

The Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs has released the latest territory-wide self-service fuel price survey findings that were conducted during the week of Oct. 6. Fuel surveys are designed to inform consumers of the most affordable fuel prices throughout the territory, said Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge. The results are included for comparative viewing and transparency.

ST. CROIX SELF-SERVICE

 Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $3.996 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $4.397 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $4.689 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $3.949 per gallon at Fill & Chill Service Station.
  • Premium Fuel: $4.199 per gallon at Titan Service Station, Five Corners Service Station, G-Max Service Station, One Love Golden Rock, Budget Service Station, Island Petroleum,and Pit Stop Service Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $3.999 per gallon at Titan Service Station.

Second-Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $3.989 per gallon at East Way Service Station, Five Corners Service Station, Gas for Less Service Station, Shuama Service Station, and Super Tanks Service Station.
  • Premium Fuel: $4.289 per gallon at Big A Service Station, and Moe’s Service Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $4.199 per gallon at Shuama Service Station.

ST. THOMAS SELF-SERVICE

 Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.849 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $5.375 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.912 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.699 per gallon at 1st Stop, Giant Gas, Ali Baba Service Station, Petrus Polyberg, and RaceTrack.
  • Premium Fuel: $5.199 per gallon at 1st Stop, 1st Stop Frydenhoj, Giant Gas Station, Home Town Service Station, Ali Baba Service Station, RaceTrack and RaceTrack East.
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.799 per gallon at 1st Stop, 1st Stop Frydenhoj, Giant Gas, and RaceTrack East.

Second-Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.749 per gallon at: Petrus Frenchtown, Puma Bovoni and Puma Polyberg.
  • Premium Fuel: $5.399 per gallon at Petrus Frenchtown, Petrus Polyberg, Petrus Smith Bay.
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.959 per gallon at Puma Bovoni, Puma Frenchtown, Puma Smith Bay, and Tutu Puma.

ST. JOHN SELF-SERVICE

 Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $5.149 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $5.809 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $6.619 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $5.139 per gallon at E-C Gas Station, Midway Gas Station.
  • Premium Fuel: $5.289 per gallon at RaceTrack Gas Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.659 per gallon at E-C Gas Station.

Second-Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: Not Available
  • Premium Fuel: $5.339 per gallon at E-C Gas Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $6.809 per gallon at Midway Gas Station.

Per 12A V.I.C.§ 202, fuel station owners are reminded “that it shall be unlawful for any person to offer to sell at retail and dispense or to sell at retail and dispense motor fuel into fuel supply tanks of motor vehicles unless there is continuously and publicly posted and displayed on or near each pump or other dispensing device the minimum octane rating, the retail price per gallon and, separately stated, the tax per gallon, on each blend of motor fuel dispensed therefrom,” the DLCA stated.

St. John Invited to March Against Domestic Violence on Thursday

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Students at the St. John School of the Arts create artwork displayed at last year’s March Against Domestic Violence. (Photo by the St. John School of the Arts)
Students at the St. John School of the Arts create artwork displayed at last year’s March Against Domestic Violence. (Photo by the St. John School of the Arts)

The Family Resource Center will be holding a march and candle light vigil on St. John on Thursday to increase awareness about domestic violence.

The entire community is welcome to attend the two-hour event that begins at 5 p.m. at Frank Powell Park in Cruz Bay. The evening will include guest speakers and performances by the Dynamic Dancers and the Love City Pan Dragons.

Children and their parents are invited to attend a free art class at the St. John School of the Arts starting at 4:15 p.m. to create artwork that will be used during the event.

In spite of a decades-long national campaign to decrease the number of incidents involving domestic violence, the facts remain alarming. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline:

— Over 1 in 3 women (35.6 percent) and 1 in 4 men (28.5 percent) in the U.S. have experienced rape, physical violence, and/or stalking by an intimate partner in their lifetime.”

— 30 to 60 percent of intimate partner violence perpetrators also abuse children in the household.

— 1 in 10 high school students has experienced physical violence from a dating partner in the past year.”

— One study found that children exposed to violence in the home were 15 times more likely to be physically and/or sexually assaulted than the national average.

Stigma still prevents survivors of domestic violence from seeking help, according to Annette Small, a counselor on St. John who works with the St. Thomas-based Family Resource Center.

“Overall, people still believe in taking care of their own problems,” she said. “They don’t want to report because of fear, financial instability, threats, and other factors. But those that seek counselling do benefit,” she said.

Those who do report crimes of domestic violence sometimes become frustrated with the time it takes for supporting agencies to process their complaints, she added.

Small said she has sent in a request to the Superior Court to get accurate statistics about the rate of domestic abuse in the community.

The roots of the problem are deep, Small said. “In some people’s minds, [abuse] is what ‘love’ looks like because that’s what they grew up with. They choose partners because that’s what their fathers were like. That’s why I like to start with the young. They can grow up with a different mindset.”

Students at the St. John School of the Arts display artwork at last year’s March Against Domestic Violence. (Photo by the St. John School of the Arts)
Students at the St. John School of the Arts display artwork at last year’s March Against Domestic Violence. (Photo by the St. John School of the Arts)

The Family Resource Center provides a variety of services, including counseling, shelters, programs for survivors and perpetrators of abuse, and court advocacy for victims of crimes.

Events to build awareness of domestic violence  will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17 on St. Thomas, sponsored by the Family Resource Center, and on St. Croix by the Women’s Coalition.

For further information, call the Family Resource Center at 340-776-3966 or the National Hotline at 340-776-STOP (7867).

District Court of the Virgin Islands Now Offers More Options for Making Payments

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District Court of the Virgin Islands (file photo)

The District Court of the Virgin Islands now offers new options for making payments.  Effective Oct. 8, online payments will be accepted for miscellaneous fees, bankruptcy miscellaneous fees and criminal debt fees.

www.Pay.gov provides a secure government-wide portal for the collection of funds electronically. The Pay.gov link may be found in two locations on the District Court’s website. It will be on the ‘Programs and Services Page’ and the frequently used links.

The authorized methods of payment are:

  • Credit Card (only for non-criminal debt payments): Payments can be made using an American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa credit card. Credit card payments from bankruptcy debtors cannot be accepted.
  • Debit Card: Payments can be made using American Express, Discover, MasterCard or Visa debit cards.
  • Checking or Savings Account: One-time or recurring payments can be made using business or personal checking and savings accounts.
  • PayPal: Payments can be made from PayPal accounts.
  • Amazon Pay (only for non-criminal debt payments): Payments can be made from Amazon Pay accounts.

Anyone who will be making multiple payments can save time by creating a www.Pay.gov account at www.pay.gov/public/login;  however, it is not required. Please note that tickets issued on federal property are different from criminal debt and miscellaneous fees and should be paid directly on the Central Violations Bureau website at www.cvb.uscourts.gov.

If there are any questions about online payments, contact Financial Services at 776-0221.

For more information, contact:

Glenda L. Lake, Esquire

Clerk of Court

District Court of the Virgin Islands

5500 Veteran’s Drive, Suite 310

Charlotte Amalie, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802

Phone: 774-0640

Fax: 775-8075

Email: glenda_lake@vid.uscourts.gov

Turnaround Firm Mobilizes to Enhance WAPA’s Financial Stability

Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

The Incident Command team announces the activation of a turnaround company to oversee the stabilization and restructuring of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA). This critical action is part of an ongoing effort to address financial and operational challenges at WAPA, ensuring that WAPA can meet its obligations while improving service delivery for the community.

Selected to lead this effort, the turnaround company is working in close coordination with the Water and Power Authority’s leadership team to ensure that critical reforms are implemented across financial oversight, infrastructure modernization and operational efficiency.

The turnaround company’s scope of work includes reviewing and fortifying fiscal oversight measures, and ensuring that financial operations align with long-term sustainability goals. Ernst & Young (EY), a consulting firm with expertise in financial restructuring, has been enlisted to support the effort by providing a detailed assessment of WAPA’s financial standing. Their findings will inform the strategic steps required to stabilize WAPA’s finances, with a focus on delivering reliable water and energy services to the community.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. declared a “State of Energy Emergency” on April 22 to address energy production shortfalls that have been impacting the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Incident Command team is comprised of Incident Commander VI Director of Finance Kevin McCurdy, Chief of Staff Kevin A. Williams Sr., WAPA CEO Karl Knight, managers within the Water and Power Authority financial and operational areas, VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen, and key government policy advisors.

The Incident Command continues to work with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that Water and Power Authority’s financial recovery and infrastructure enhancements progress in alignment with the community’s needs. By taking control of these efforts, the turnaround company is leading a comprehensive approach to deliver a more resilient and sustainable utility structure for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

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