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Housing Construction, Business Expansion Crux of Zoning Requests Going to Governor

Sens. Angel Bolques and Marvin Blyden prepare to hear zoning requests on Friday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)

Senators breezed through the approval of nine zoning changes Friday morning, with senators not even using their two minutes of debate time.

Sen. Franklin Johnson pointed out that five of the nine zoning changes were to allow more housing in the territory. Sen. Milton Potter said the territory’s housing stock was “anemic” and could use all the help it could get. Sen. Samuel Carrion said the zoning changes were “needed.” Three of the changes were to help small businesses expand.

One of the measures forwarded to the governor would allow the rezoning of plots on Strand Street in Frederiksted so that The Fred Hotel could add 30 or more rooms.

Another request would allow a local family to follow through on a plan to build affordable housing on St. John, in Estate Susannaberg. Preliminary plans are for six cottages.

Ezra and Atarah Garib have requested a zoning change in Estate Williams Delight, allowing six apartments to be built on a third of an acre zoned for low-density residential use. By switching to medium-density residential, twin, two-story buildings could be built, each with a pair of one-bedroom apartments and a single two-bedroom apartment available for long-term rental. The site is at 1068 Estate Williams Delight, Prince Quarter.

Another zoning request would allow the construction of a mixed-use commercial area alongside a new tiny-homes neighborhood in Mount Pleasant, St. Croix. The 16 tiny homes could be brought to the area, which would be accessible by golf cart. The site is 8 Estate Mount Pleasant, Prince Quarter.

Still, another proposed zoning change would allow four three-story buildings with 36 two-bedroom units and a commercial building in Estate Smith Bay, East End Quarter, St. Thomas.

Another measure forwarded to the governor would modify a Minor Coastal Zone Permit to allow Teague Paradise to redesign an existing dock for personal use in Teague Bay, Christiansted, St. Croix.

All the senators except Kenneth Gittens, who was absent, attended the morning session, during which the zoning requests were approved.

Indierra Marie Morales Dies

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Indierra Marie Morales

The Family of the beloved “Indierra Marie Morales” is saddened to announce her passing on September 8, 2024. She is survived by her Mother: Beatrice Lawrence; Father: Andres Morales; Son(s): Adrian Sanes Jr; Brother(s): Andy Morales, Randy Morales, Kareem Morales, Amanie Morales, Andres Morales Jr; Jah-Quan Morales, Shavorn Morales, Jah-Mani Morales, Jah-Lani Morales & Justin Nesbitt; Sister(s): Rodesha Lawrence, Jah’Hira Ovesen, Jenisha Morales, Shanice Morales, Jah-Shanda Morales & Jah-Seanna Morales; Aunt(s): Rhea Rivere, Leandra Joseph, Sonia, Takeya, Lisette, Redalia, Melly, Brenda, Maralyn, Lorna, Celestine & Debra; Uncle(s): Orlandy, Jerry, Eustace, Albert, David, Jose Felix and Sergio Jr; Niece(s): Gilmaries Rivera, Israela Rivera, Zara Rivera, Demyrah Bruno, Jaylhana Burrell, Ada’Nyjah, Ah’Layasia, Jamelis, Leilani & Jahdelis; Nephew(s): Dominic Morales, Royal Morales, Jaycean Burrell, Azhir Morales, Ray-Andre, Rayel, Josiah, Jamal & Nae Tayman; Cousins: Jayan, Requan, J’shawn, Lenora, Shay Shay, Rupert, Kenneth, Myrah, Samuel, Gabriel Jr, Gabriella, Leandra, Temari, Ismel & Adonis; Special Friends: Genesis Rodriguez, Elisa Richards, Elvis Shaggy George, Melissa Ilarraza, Thaina Garcia, Nelisha Berry, Sh’lante Maxwell, Mekeya Glenda (chi chi) Ayala, Junisha Henry, Jahdysha Henry & Jimmy Plante; Other Relatives and Friends too numerous to mention.  

Family/Friends Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, 303 Clifton Hill, Kingshill VI, 00850, from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at City of Refuge Church, Estate Barren Spot, USVI 00820 St. Croix, with Viewing at 9:00 am and Service at 10:00 am.

 

Monica Therese Emanuel Dies

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Monica Therese Emanuel

The Family of the beloved “Monica Therese Emanuel” is saddened to announce her passing on September 7, 2024. She is preceded in death by her Mother: Etherlin M. Thomas Emanuel; Father: Charles A. Emanuel; Sister(s): Jeanette McAlpin-Felix; Nephew: Pedro “Saba” Felix; She is survived by her Son(s): Jelani O. Osborne (FL); Sister: Lenore M. Emanuel – Parker; Brother(s): Gerad M & Desmond N. Emanuel; Nieces: Donna Feliz-Miller, (NJ), Debra Felix-Abel, Asha M. Parker-Miller, (TN), Thema Emanuel-Ladd, (NY), Rukiya Emanuel, (VA), Talibah Morris, (MD), Khalifa Emanuel, (MD), Mennen, (MD), Hadassah Emanuel, (NC), Sarah Emanuel Ngata, (FL) & Safarah Emanuel McSween; Nephew(s): Mark Felix, Orlando Felix, Siwatu Emanuel, Kenya Emanuel, Jonah Emanuel; Son’s Father: Leroy Osborne; Sister-In-Law: Marjorie Hendricksen Emanuel, Claudia Matthew Emanuel; Special Friends: Hon. Judge Alphonso Andrew, Lucinda Benjamin, Beatrice Benjamin, Ms. Sylvia Barnes, Racquel Saldana, S. Bess Banwaree, Martha Osborne, Aretha Macfarlane, Donte Macfarlane, Wade Macfarlane, Prof. Luis Jackson, Julian Hall, Arthur Edwards & Shelbourne Hewitt; Other Relatives and Friends too numerous to mention.  

Family/Friends Viewing will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, 303 Clifton Hill St. Croix, from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm (Private Invite Only)

Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, 303 Clifton Hill, Kingshill St. Croix, Service at 10:00 am.

 

DPW: Queen Mary Bridge Temporary Closure

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Beginning Tuesday to Wednesday, the bridge on Queen Mary Highway will be closed to allow the contractor, Custom Builders, to remove and replace the asphalt on the bridge deck, the Public Works Department, in collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration’s Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division, announced.

As noted previously, the contractor was awaiting the arrival of a bonding agent before repairs could begin. The bonding agent, which arrived on the island late last week, will be used to ensure proper adherence of the asphalt to the bridge surface.

Motorists are asked to use alternate routes and adhere to detours while work is in progress.

(Image courtesy DPW)
(Image courtesy DPW)

Monday Will Be Mostly Sunny, Scattered Showers, 89°F – EXCESSIVE HEAT –

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Updated 9/29/24 at 6:02 p.m. AST 

Weather updates are posted by Jesse Daley, who has been reporting on weather for the Source since 2022 and holds an Undergraduate Certificate in Weather Forecasting from Pennsylvania State University. 

VI SOURCE WEATHER UPDATES

! The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has explained that excessive heat will continue across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on Monday. Please stay hydrated and cool.

MONDAY’S WEATHER FORECAST: 9/30/24

Happy Monday!

According to the National Weather Service (NWS) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monday will be mostly sunny, with a chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. An area of high pressure will be near the region, helping to limit the chance of precipitation. The high temperature will be approximately 89°F, 31.6°C. The heat index will be high, making the temperature feel even warmer. Winds will be out of the east at roughly 7 to 11 mph. The chance of rain on Monday is approximately 30 percent.

Monday night will be mostly clear, with a chance of isolated showers. The low temperature will be approximately 80°F, 26.6°C, with winds out of the east-northeast at roughly 8 to 10 mph. The chance of rain on Monday night is approximately 20 percent.

Yellow = Limited Risk, Orange = Elevated Risk, Red = Significant Risk

Below: Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 5:30 p.m. AST on Sunday indicates a partly cloudy sky across the USVI and Puerto Rico. Rainfall and thunderstorms are possible.

MARINE WEATHER UPDATE

The NWS has noted that wave heights will reach approximately 3 to 5 feet on Monday. Winds during the daytime will be out of the east at approximately 5 to 10 knots.

The water temperature is approximately 86-87°F, approximately 30-30.5°C.

Ocean Water Temperature Map from 9/27/24, courtesy of NOAA:

Wave Height Forecast Map courtesy of NWS:

HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS

Thunderstorms: The NWS has noted that isolated showers and thunderstorms are possible over the local waters.

Rip Currents: On Monday, the risk of rip currents is projected to be moderate across most of the region. 

Clear = Low Rip Current Risk, Yellow = Moderate Rip Current Risk, Red = High Rip Current Risk

Learn more about rip current safety in an interview between the NWS and the VI Source here.

TROPIC WATCH 

Tropical Activity:

The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring several areas, including Hurricane Isaac in the Northern Atlantic, Tropical Storm Joyce in the Central Atlantic, Tropical Depression in the Eastern Atlantic, and an area in the Western Caribbean and another in the Eastern Atlantic for possible cyclonic development.

At this time, no systems threaten the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, the Climate Prediction Center’s Global Tropics Hazards Outlook indicates the potential for cyclonic development over the next couple of weeks. The weather can change quickly, and residents and visitors in the USVI are encouraged to follow the NHC for the latest tropical updates.

Click here for tips on remaining prepared during the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

Days Remaining in the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season: 61 Days

OBSERVATIONS

Sunrise: 6:11 a.m.
Sunset: 6:11 p.m.

The water temperature is approximately 86-87°F, approximately 30-30.5°C.

UV index: 10 out of 10 (VERY HIGH)

Sunday’s high temperature: 89°F, 31.6°C
Sunday’s low temperature:  81°F, 27.2°C

Preparation for extreme weather events in the Caribbean, such as earthquakes and tropical cyclones, is important. Residents and visitors in the USVI are encouraged to stay updated on weather events on the V.I. Source Weather page and sign up for alerts from the National Weather Service and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

Article Series: “Extreme Weather in the Caribbean”

Virtue of the Week – Courtesy

Virtue of the Week – Courtesy

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.

 

Courtesy

Courtesy is treating others with kindness and tact. We take the time to speak and act graciously, showing people that we value and respect them. We make requests, not demands. We remember our manners, greet others warmly, and listen closely when they speak. Courtesy is a way to honor others. Those closest to us need our courtesy most of all. It is the mirror of their value.

Quote: “All doors open to courtesy.” -Thomas Fuller

The Practice of Courtesy

I remember my manners.

I show others that I value and respect them.

I treat others graciously.

I make requests, not demands.

I listen attentively.

I treat people around me with special care.

Questions for Discussion

  • In our community, what does speaking and acting graciously look like?
  • Do we treat every member of our community like they matter?
  • As we continue our social justice work, how do we make requests of other community members? Of ourselves?
  • What could cause community members to not listen to each other attentively?

Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!

Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.

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.

To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com.

 

Shots Fired on St. Thomas Leaves Three Wounded

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Police officers responded to shots fired in the Bovoni area on St. Thomas Friday, the V.I. Police Department reported.

Initially, per the call to 911 around 7:57 p.m., citizens had reported that one man was shot. However, when officers arrived on scene, they were told that two additional men were transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center by ambulance, according to the police report.

All three men were treated for their gunshot wounds, the police report stated.

The CIB Major Crimes Division is currently investigating this case and is asking anyone with information to please call the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 340-774-2211, Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS or 911.

Ina Juanita Petersen Sylvester Dies at 85

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Ina Juanita Petersen Sylvester

Ina Juanita Petersen Sylvester died peacefully at her residence on Sept. 9. She was 85 years old.

The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 3, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. The second viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by a service at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 4, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Interment will be at the Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Chrystalia V. Smith; father, Percival Petersen; sons: John Turbe Sr. and Anthony “Hamster” Warner; brothers: Errol, Hjalmar, Robert, Wilford, Octavius and Gustave Petersen, Jens George and William “Eddie” George; sisters: Lena Petersen Francis, Isabell Petersen Horton, Viola Petersen Krigger, Helen Petersen Hall, Merle Allen and Ruby George; grandchildren: Khamal “Petty God” DeSilvia, Alford “Shimbo” Rhymer Jr. and John Turbe Jr.; great-grandchildren: Akil Greig Jr. and Cairo Dawson; and son-in-law, St. Clair “Whadablee” DeSilvia.

She is survived by her daughters: Sharon Turbe DeSilvia, Ann Greaux, Karen and Mildred Turbe; sons: Robert Petersen Sr. and Alford Rhymer Sr.; brother, Louis George Sr.; granddaughters: Khamry DeSilvia, Antoinette and Shennice Joseph, Sherina Turbe Smith, Mitzi Fisackerly, Monica Greaux, Melyssa Aubain, Amarah, Aminah and Aeshah Rhymer, Kanisha Joseph, Antonique, Antonisha, Alisha and Anya Warner, Bridgette and Shenell Lake, Monique Turbe and Jasmine Turbe; and adopted granddaughter, Maxine Sasso.

She is also survived by grandsons: Khaleed, Khamoi and Khadeem DeSilvia, Elvin “Junior” Fahie, Sidone, Laurent and Emile Lake, Kori Vialet Sr., Anthony Turbe Sr., Robert Petersen Jr., Dixon Martin, Dwight and Gene Aubain, Mark, Jermaine and Michael Turbe;

She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Melaya, Melik and Mekai Petersen, Aaliyah, Alaziah, Alysha and Alanee Bryan, Anthony Fleming III, Akim Greig, Claudeja Brutus, Warreniq Bell, Malia Hodge, Anajah Francis, Anthony, Armani, Anijah and Ajahnique Mills, Aniyah Smith, Anthony Jr., Ashanti and and Aniyah Turbe, Keira, Kayla, Trinity, Kori Jr and Kyng Vialet, Kerissa, Kerry Jr., Kerisma and Me’Kyrie Matthew, Denycia Fahie, A’Nyla, A’nyah, A’Leiya and O’Neil Rhooms, Laurent, Laurence, Lauren and Laurel Lake, Alanique and Andenique Prentice, Candissa, Amerie, Kylah, Khalia, Emile Jr. and Mya Lake, Shaniqua, Shaquan, Shanique and Shenyla Brown, S’Niyah Lake, Elvin, J’Mir, E’sai, J’sai Fahie, Jeraye, Jeleah, Amarii and Amanii Estrill, Kianna King, Jniyah Arthur, Adisha, Jmoi and Essence Turbe, Makajah, Makai and Makoi Prince, Jaden Chesterfield, Ziniyah Turbe, Mikisha, Kiandre, Markia, Mark Jr. Turbe, Jnique and Jkieya Blyden, Alex and Alyssa Fisackerly, Trev’on, Te’Quan and Te’Nique Adams, Gequan and Genese Aubain, Kaidyn, Henry and Heyze Aubain, and Krislyn Blanco.

Other survivors include great-great-grandchildren: A’Quan Holston, A’Mir Livingston, A’myah Queeley and Je’Leah Turbe; nephews: Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Donald “Budha” Francis Jr., Lucien “Butch” Petersen, Kaseem, Kwame and Melvin George, Dean Blyden, William “Lee” George, Leon Petersen, Shamba Israel, Melvin Christian, Wilford Petersen Jr., Charles, Elroy, John and Edwin Horton, Glen Petersen, Roy, Joseph and Melbourne “Yambo” Clarke, Daniel Daley and Raymond Menders; nieces: Lorrie Petersen, Simone Essanason, Keisa George, Anna and Rita Hall, Dorris Sutton, Denise Albert, Chrystalia, Nicky and Gina George, Sheryl and Wilma Petersen, Valerie and Sharon Horton, Cheryl Petersen Clark, Lois Samuel, Patricia Thomas, Ancelina “Darkie” King, Calmar Petersen, Barbara and Margarie Christian; as well as great nieces Wanda Douge and a host of other great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention; many relatives and friends to include the Petersen, Turbe, DeSilvia, Francis, Hall, James, Horton, Smith, Harvey and George families.

Mavis V. Samuel Dies at 95

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Mavis V. Samuel

Mavis V. Samuel was born on May 27, 1929, and died on Sept. 9, at the age of 95.

Mavis is survived by her children: Corbet Charleswell (son), Michelle “Shelly” Samuel (daughter) and Cecelia “Celia” George (daughter); son-in-law, Bradley Charleswell; and grandchildren: Akiela Martin-Greene, Kishma David, Rochelle Charleswell, Jamar Charleswell, Rockly Charleswell, Chayne Charleswell and Lashae Brown.

She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Ajera Ottley, Ra’Kayla Greene, Amarie Greene and Ro’mel Greene; a host of nieces starting with Coreen Samuel, Doris Samuel-Roger, Beryl Samuel-Larsen, Patricia Samuel, Jacqueline Callwood-Cordero and Jennifer Callwood; nephews: Dennis Samuel Sr, Bertrand Samuel, Byron Samuel and Lucien “Jambie/Poso” Jr.; great-nieces and great-nephews too numerous to mention.

Mavis was preceded in death by her brothers: Lucien Samuel and Leslie “Sam” Samuel; sister, Leoniece Samuel; uncle, Retired Colonel Axel Henri Sr., Axel Henri Jr.; Erica Henri and Anita Henri with a special mention to her cousin, Oscar “Chapito” Rollings II.

The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, at All Saints Cathedral on Garden Street. Her Interment will be at Cemetery No. 1. Tributes can be emailed to to Mavissamueltributes@gmail.com

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services, St. Thomas.

Priscilla Ilene Joseph Callwood Dies

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Priscilla Ilene Joseph Callwood

Priscilla Ilene Joseph Callwood, affectionately known as “Cilla,” was born on St. Thomas, USVI, on Jan. 9, 1945, to Florence Anesta Freeman Joseph and Ivan Joseph. Cilla died on Wednesday, Sept. 4.

Priscilla was predeceased by her beloved husband, Keith E. Callwood Sr.; parents: Ivan and Florence Joseph; brothers: Allen Callwood and Edwin Joseph; sisters: Alhenia Joseph Crichlow (Tiny) and Cynthia Hills; and grandson, Kasey Callwood.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her sons: Keith E. Callwood Jr. (Falisha) of Dover, Del.; Karl Callwood of St. Thomas, USVI; Kenrick Callwood (Lisa) of Plant City, Fla.; Kirk Callwood Sr. (Tracy) of St. Thomas, USVI; and daughter, Ikeisha Callwood of St. Thomas, USVI.

She is also survived by her three sisters: Dorothy Hills of Brooklyn, NY; Lydia Joseph of Brooklyn, NY; and Ilva Turnbull of Huntersville, NC; two brothers: Rehalio Joseph of Queens, NY; and Malcolm Joseph of St. Thomas, USVI; ten precious grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; Additionally, she is remembered by a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family members and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., Friday, Oct. 4, at Holy Family Catholic Church. Interment will be in Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay.

Priscilla Ilene Callwood was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Her unwavering faith, love and dedication to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She will forever remain in the hearts of her loved ones.

Arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Cremation Services. For directions and online condolences, please visit the website or contact them at 779-6565 or via email at turnbullsfuneralhomevi@yahoo.com.

Tributes

In memory of Priscilla, tributes can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America to help in the research. Donations can be made through the following link: http://act.alz.org/goto/Priscilla_Callwood

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