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Lorenzo Acosta Dies

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Lorenzo Acosta

It is with deep regret and sadness to announce the passing of Lorenzo Acosta aka Renzo aka Ras. You were adored by many.

We love you. I am leaving you with a gift- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled and afraid.- John 14:27

Lorenzo was loved and survived by his beloved wife, Erica Acosta. Daughters: Damali, Dafina, and Khaleedra Acosta. Sons: Lisimba and Khalfani Acosta. Adored Grandchildren: Mandelah and Judah Acosta, Kezziah Morales, Elijah, Ezekiel, Elisha, Esdras, and Elisabeth, Sackey Nubiyah, Ayjah, and Zahnyla Acosta. Onias, Jashobeam, Bezaleel, Amethyst, and Lazarus Demetrius, Khali Pharoah Acosta. Sister: Sandra Eubanks. Beloved Aunts: Aunt Carmen Acosta and Maria Gomez. Beloved Uncles: Lawrence “Larry” Jacobs, Lionel “kunani” Andres, Junito Acosta. Nieces/nephews: Stephanie, and Stephen Eubanks, Carla Lafong Acosta, Warren Jr. Acosta Tahirah Daniel Anderson, Tameica Buffong, Isaiah Daniel, Kwame Daniel, Kevin Jackson, Phelicia, Jamal, Hasheem Hicks. Mother-in-law: Angelina Jackson, Sister-in-law: Bernadette Jackson-Daniel, Brother-in-law: John Jackson. Cousins: Cheryl Francis, Ray Barnes, Natalie Moorehead, Debra, Melinda, and Wayne Ventura, Elizabeth Acosta, Innocencio Acosta Jr, Juan Acosta, Stephen Acosta, Gregory O Acosta Sr, Lamar, Lawrence Jr, and Althea Jacobs, Carmen Santiago, Elena Santiago, Natalia Acevado, and Rafael Acevado, Donna Cisse, Calorie ”Iulah” Lynch Rupert Robert’s. Nyere Francis, Kulak A. Francis Hendrickson, Zakiyah, Bhakti Prasada Ashanti Solomon Sryah Ward, Kareem Dowdye, Kenya Willocks, Shantelle Gittens, Onesimo Roberts. Closest friends/family: Bennett Smith, Robio Lang, Ralph Wilson, Ronald Wilson, Robert Ogami Wilson, Raymond Wilson, Russell Mozi, Ryan Wilson, Rachel Wilson, Marion Wilson, Renisha Wilson, Wanda Gail, Khaleen Samuel. So many more friends and family to name. We love you all!

For 64 years of life, Lorenzo dedicated his time and love to the family and community, which he loved so much. True definition of a Crucian. He served at the St.Croix VI Fire Department for over 30 years and ended his reigns as “Captain of Suppression.” If he wasn’t fighting fire he was always assisting someone, with his tough exterior and huge heart, he was always there when he was need. If not, he was spending time with his loved ones. His best times were spent on a baseball field, where he played on many. Renzo was a connoisseur of food. Always in the mood to give his expert advice on which ingredients can be used to compliment your pot. His absence will forever leave a huge impact on all the people that knew him, he was a good time and he would be extremely missed. Come out and reminisce with us at Cramers Park on October 6th, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

 

St. Thomas Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge

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A St. Thomas man wanted for attempted murder for an incident that occurred in June was arrested Sunday, the V.I. Police Department reported.

The incident occurred in Redhook on June 5 when Hyram J. Graneau Jr., being assisted by other individuals, attempted to rob the victim of his bag. During the altercation, Graneau Jr. shot the victim at least once in the head. The victim sustained a tangential wound to the right side of his head, according to the police report.

Graneau Jr. left the territory days later; however, on Tuesday, Sept. 10, authorities in New Jersey apprehended Graneau Jr., 35, on account of an arrest warrant, which was issued by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands on Aug. 20, the police report stated.

Graneau Jr. was extradited to St. Thomas on Sunday. He is being held on $100,000 bail, pending further court action, the report stated.

This case remains under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. Anyone having
information regarding this incident is encouraged to notify the 911 Emergency Call Center or Detective Y. LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, the Chief’s
Office at 340-715-5546, the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506, or the anonymous tip service Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-8477.

 

VICM To Host Worldwide Day of Play

The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum (VICM) is excited to invite the public to the upcoming Worldwide Day of Play event on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Buccaneer Mall on St. Thomas.

The Worldwide Day of Play is an annual event that encourages children and families to engage in science, music, cultural demonstrations, and traditional gameplay. This year’s event promises to be a day filled with fun and learning for all ages, according to the press release.

Sponsors this year include Island Designs LLC, Keswick Insurance, RapierMed, Tutu Park Mall, and Universal Concrete, LLC. Their contributions have made it possible to offer FREE admission to everyone who wants to PLAY at the VICM on this special day. Raffle Prize donors to date include Gallows Point Resort and Crucian Gold. Sponsorship of this event not only supports a day of play for the community but also helps with the museum’s operational costs, the press release stated.

In addition to the sponsors, VICM recognizes the community organizations who have joined in making this event a success. These include Coral Bay Community Council, DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, DFG Community Impact Foundation of the VI, Growing Research, Restoration, Outreach, and Education USVI Mangroves, Happy Times Entertainment, MLB School of Dance, Reef Response / University of the Virgin Islands, Shen Dragon Karate Dojo, St. John School of the Arts, The Coziah Dancers, VI Movement Lab, Virgin Islands Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR), Virgin Islands Marine Advisory Service (VIMAS), Virgin Islands Public Library System – DPNR/DLAM, Virgin Islands Surfing Federation. This year, the VICM will be selling snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, and snow cones. Nikki’s Temporary Tattoo/Henna will also be in attendance and will donate 10% of her sales to the museum. Admission, crafts, face painting, games, performance art entertainment, and more will be free, the release stated.

The Worldwide Day of Play is part of Nickelodeon’s Our World global initiative, aiming to inspire kids and provide them with tools to activate their individual and collective agency. As part of a network of more than 300 ACM member children’s museums, VICM is excited to celebrate Our World: Worldwide Day of Play with you. As a day dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play, this global event focuses on getting children and their families active, it said.

For more information about the Day of Play and to learn about last year’s celebration and upcoming event details, please visit VICM’s website at www.vichildrensmuseum.org/dayofplay.

For sponsorship opportunities and inquiries, please contact VICM via email at vichildrensmuseum@gmail.com or complete the pledge form at https://forms.gle/oeR4ddvLbFJCV2w38.

CZM To Participate in Coastweeks International Coastal Cleanup

The Division of Coastal Zone Management will take part in the COASTWEEKS INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP, also known as COASTWEEKS, from Saturday, Sept. 21 to Saturday, Oct. 26, Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol announced.

This nationwide event, coordinated by The Ocean Conservancy, has played a crucial role
in environmental conservation in the Virgin Islands for the past 30 years, thanks to the
support of numerous community partners and the Virgin Islands Marine Advisory
Service, according to the press release.

“The removal of debris is essential for maintaining the vibrancy and aesthetic quality of
our ecosystems,” said Oriol. “Collecting data during cleanups is equally important as it helps us capture vital information, such as the types, quantities, and weight of debris removed. Without this data, simply removing debris does not effectively prevent or reduce future accumulation on our coastlines.”

CZM has designated the following beaches for this year’s cleanup:
• Lindbergh Beach on St. Thomas
• Columbus Landing, Salt River on St. Croix

DPNR is calling on the community for support. Student volunteers are encouraged to
participate and can earn community service hours, the press release stated.

The St. Thomas cleanup will take place on Saturday, Oct. 12, and the St. Croix
cleanup will happen on Saturday, Oct. 19. Both cleanups are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., and supplies, including gloves, bags, and water, will be provided, the release stated.

For more information, please contact Zola Roper, Marine Debris Coordinator, at 340-
774-3320 ext. 5134 or via email at zola.roper@dpnr.vi.gov.

Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club To Host Kids Fishing Tournament Oct. 5

The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s annual Kids Fishing Tournament will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. until Noon at IGY’s American Yacht Harbor (AYH) Marina in Red Hook, St. Thomas, the club announced.

Register for FREE at www.vigfc.com. The event is FREE for youth aged 14 years and younger. A parent or guardian must accompany all junior anglers. Each registrant receives a T-shirt, backpack, handlines, bait, and bucket. Club members will be on hand at the dock to offer fishing tips, according to the press release.

Family fun fishing in the 2023 VIGFC Kid’s Tournament. (Photo by Dean Barnes)

“Fishing is a great family activity, healthy outdoor sport, and life skill that’s a natural for us here in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where we are surrounded by sea. The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club is pleased to host this annual event and make it easy for first-time and repeat fishers alike by providing everything needed. It’s fun to watch the junior anglers spread out along the docks to fish, and afterward, there’s pizza and prizes,” says Kelvin Bailey Jr., president of the VIGFC Board of Directors.

The catch will be officially weighed by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Fish & Wildlife Division professionals. Kids are encouraged to be conservation conscious and release their catch, the press release stated. 

Weighing in a catch at the 2023 VIGFC Kid’s Tournament. (Photo byDean Barnes)

There will be free pizza sponsored by Island Time Pub and drinks after fishing. Prizes will be awarded to two age groups: 11 and under and 12 to 14 years; trophies, cash prizes, gift certificates, and rash guards will donated by community businesses. Sponsored by the VIGFC, AYH, DPNR Fish & Wildlife, Neptune Fishing Supplies, Seas the Day, and Island Time Pub. Additional sponsorship is welcome. For more information, call 340-775-9144 or Email: usvigfc@gmail.com

STX Drug Trafficker Sentenced in Cocaine Conspiracy Case

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Leroy Roebuck Jr., 37, of St. Croix, was sentenced by District Judge Wilma A. Lewis to 97
months incarceration, three years of supervised release, a fine of $2,000.00, and a $100 special assessment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to possess a controlled
substance with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.

According to court documents, on April 25, 2023, Roebuck arranged for the sale of 60 kilograms of cocaine to an undercover agent at a cost of $900,000.00. On April 26,
2023, Roebuck contacted the undercover agent and agreed to sell the agent 50 kilograms
of cocaine after he discovered that the remaining 10 kilograms were of poor quality.
Thereafter, on April 26, 2023, Roebuck and an unidentified individual arrived at a
predetermined location to complete the sale of the cocaine. Roebuck asked the undercover
agent if he wanted to see the cocaine, after which he showed the agent four containers that held varying quantities of individually wrapped bricks of cocaine. Roebuck was then
placed under arrest.

Legislature Corner: Plaskett Progress Multiple Bipartisan Pieces of Major Legislation

Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on two major pieces of legislation that successfully progressed through legislative markup in significant House Committees of jurisdiction:

“I am pleased to share that this week, H.R. 6084, the Expediting Disaster Recovery Act, which I reintroduced with my Republican colleague, Congressman Garret Graves, successfully passed the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. This bill creates a separate funding stream for FEMA, after the declaration of a major disaster, to expeditiously (within 30 days) allocate additional assistance to cover unmet needs as a result of such disaster. Since we are amid hurricane season and are on the frontlines of climate change, it continues to be abundantly clear that our territory and other disaster-impacted areas need the support of the federal government to rebuild lives, businesses, and communities as quickly as possible. This bill cuts out some of the unnecessary federal process to put a minimum amount of long-term recovery funding on the ground in the immediate aftermath of a major disaster, without taking away oversight of taxpayer dollars.”

“Additionally, I am proud to share that H.R. 920, the Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act, which I co-sponsored with my Republican colleague and fellow Caribbean sister, Congresswoman Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon has progressed through the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee as part of legislation to reauthorize the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). This critical legislation provides statutory authority for the requirement for the ONDCP to include a Caribbean Border Counternarcotics Strategy in its National Drug Control Strategy. This strategy must include measures for preventing the illegal trafficking of drugs through the Caribbean region into the United States, including measures to combat drug trafficking and drug-related violent crime in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

“I would like to thank both Congressman Graves and Congresswoman Gonzalez-Colon, Chairman Comer, Ranking Member Raskin and their teams for their willingness to work across the aisle to advance these two timely pieces of legislation for the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean region.”

“These bills must still come the Floor of the House of Representatives and be passed by the House and Senate before they go to the President’s desk for signature into law,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “In addition, we are working to have companion measures considered by the Senate.”

VIDA Observes V.I. Arbor Day with Week-Long Celebration

The Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) will celebrate and observe Virgin Islands Arbor Day on Friday, the agency announced.

There is an exciting array of events in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service International Institute of Tropical Forestry’s State, Private and Tribal Forestry unit to be held from Monday through Sunday, according to the press release.

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, trees play a critical role in creating healthier, safer, and more connected communities. They clean our air, filter our water, and even slow storm surge and flooding. Neighborhood trees have shown the ability to reduce stress, improve overall health and development in children, and encourage physical activity. VIDA would like to increase civic pride among our residents through events that highlight our trees. This year, our observance will include book readings and presentations, an agricultural career and organization fair, guided trail tours, and a tree seedling giveaway, the press release stated.

VIDA would like to invite the Virgin Islands community to our Arbor Day community events.

Firstly, the low-difficulty guided trail tours are open to all ages, providing a safe and enjoyable environment in which to appreciate the beautiful ecosystem and learn more about the greenery surrounding the island. The tours will be held at:

  • Adventure Trail, St. Croix – Saturday at 9:00 a.m., led by Virgin Islands Trail Alliance and St. Croix Hiking Association.
  • Cinnamon Bay Trail, St. John – Saturday at 9:00 a.m., led by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park

A tree slip giveaway will be held on St. Thomas on Sunday at 10:00 a.m. during the bi-weekly Bordeaux Farmer’s Market. Everyone is welcome to receive slips on a first-come, first-served basis.

DPW: Emergency Road Closure on STT

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On Tuesday, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., DPW contractor Island Roads will pave portions of Kronprindsens Gade near the Labor Department. This closure is expected to last three days to allow for repairs to the failed roadway.

During work hours, traffic on Kronprindsens Gade will be diverted between Horace Callwood Drive and Gasvaerks Gade. Westbound traffic will not be allowed past Horace Callwood Drive, and vehicles traveling East must turn right onto Gasvaerks Gade (See map). Motorists are asked to use alternate routes and adhere to detours while work is in progress.

(Photo courtesy DPW)

Our Town Frederiksted Announces the Launch of New Concert Series: Rhythms at Sunset

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Our Town Frederiksted, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of Rhythms at Sunset, a new community event series aimed at revitalizing nightlife and entertainment in Frederiksted.

The kickoff event will take place on Friday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Verne I. Richards Veteran’s Memorial Park on Strand Street. The series will continue on the third Friday of every month, offering an ongoing celebration of live music, poetry, and more, all in the heart of Freedom City, according to the press release.

The Rhythms at Sunset series will showcase various local talents, including musicians, poets, and performers, creating a lively and diverse cultural experience. With Frederiksted’s rich history and stunning waterfront as the backdrop, this event aims to unite residents and visitors in a shared celebration of community and creativity, the press release stated.

“Our goal with Rhythms at Sunset is to bring music, life, and a sense of community back to the streets of Frederiksted,” said Shomari Moorehead, president of the Board of Directors of Our Town Frederiksted, Inc. “We want to showcase the incredible talent within our community and create an event where residents can come together and enjoy the paradise we are fortunate to call home.”

In addition to promoting local talent, the event series will highlight Frederiksted’s potential as a vibrant hub for arts and entertainment, enhancing the town’s potential as the premier location for cultural experiences and community-driven events in St. Croix. Attendees will enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities to experience the beauty of Frederiksted at sunset while being immersed in performances that reflect the unique cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, the release stated.

The Rhythms at Sunset concert series is free and open to the public. Our Town Frederiksted encourages everyone to come out, support local artists, and participate in Freedom City’s revival of nightlife, it said.

For more information on Rhythms at Sunset and future events, please visit Our Town Frederiksted’s website at www.ourtownfrederiksted.org or follow us on social media at @ourtownfrederiksted.

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