Local news

Bryan Acts on Bills Passed in 35th Legislature’s November Session

By Source staff - November 30, 2023

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. acted on seven bills passed by the 35th Legislature at its session on Nov. 14 by vetoing two bills and acknowledging several of the Legislature’s nominations and commendations, Government House announced Thursday.

WAPA Board Updated on Pole Project, Water Situation

By Don Buchanan - November 30, 2023

Kyle Fleming, chairman of the Water and Power Authority’s Governing Board, Thursday questioned authority staff if it was using traditional methods to solve problems instead of taking advantage of the resources and technology available in 2023.

EDC Hears Havensight Hotel Application

By Mat Probasco - November 30, 2023

Developers of the new soon-to-be 126-room hotel near Havensight Mall presented their case for tax incentives through the Economic Development Commission Thursday morning. They anticipate a March 2025 opening date.

Judge Rejects Motions for New Trial and Others Filed by John Jackson

By Judi Shimel - November 30, 2023

The latest attempts by a convicted sex offender to have his 2022 conviction thrown out has been turned down by a federal judge. Chief District Judge Robert Molloy turned down six motions filed by former Olympic Boxer John Jackson in an order issued Nov. 29.

Coast Guard Approves WAPA’s Oil Recovery Plan

By Source staff - November 30, 2023

The Coast Guard federal on-scene coordinator approved Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s Oil Removal Action Plan Wednesday, as clean-up efforts continue for the tank 11 diesel discharge at the Randolph Harley Power Plant in St. Thomas and the affected area of Lindbergh Bay, the agency announced Thursday.

Researchers: Pollutants Could Disrupt Mating of Sea Turtles

By Bernetia Akin - November 30, 2023

Maybe for every Jack, there is a Jill, but for every Tyron Turtle, there may soon be thousands of Tillie Turtles.

Roosevelt Park Lighting of the Trees Set for Sunday Afternoon on St. Thomas

By Source Staff - November 30, 2023

St. Thomas is gearing up for the 28th annual Lighting of the Trees at Roosevelt Park, promising an afternoon filled with holiday cheer and entertainment. Organized by We From Upstreet Inc., the event has become a long-standing tradition in the area.

Op-Ed: CEO Smith Responds to Lawsuit with Commitment to Solutions for St. Croix Water Customers

By Andy Smith, V.I. Water and Power Authority CEO - November 29, 2023

This week, the Source reported that more than a dozen St. Croix residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the V.I. Water and Power Authority and Seven Seas Water Corporation over lead and copper contamination in the island’s water supply. WAPA’s CEO responds to the suit in this statement.

Status of Land Swap Questioned

By Don Buchanan - November 29, 2023

Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. told the Source this week that he is confident that negotiations concerning water rights around Whistling Cay will not “hinder” the proposed land swap with the National Park Service. The land swap will give the Virgin Islands government land in Estate Catherineberg on St. John to build a school.

USVI Launches Ambitious Economic Recovery Initiatives

By Ananta Pancham - November 29, 2023

Amidst global economic upheavals and a history of significant challenges, the U.S. Virgin Islands is gearing up for a transformative economic journey and the public is invited to get involved and have a voice at the upcoming SEDI-CASE 2023 Winter Economic Summit on St. Croix.

Deeper Details Shared at Digital Access Public Meetings

By Judi Shimel - November 29, 2023

Bringing digital access to Virgin Islands residents in ways never seen before was the focus of three public meetings held this week, sponsored by the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network.

Colorado State University Reports “Above-Normal” 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season in Post-Season Review

By Jesse Daley - November 29, 2023

The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season was “above-normal” in terms of tropical activity, according to a comprehensive summary of the season released by Colorado State University’s (CSU) Tropical Meteorology Project on Nov. 28.

Part 4: Clear De Road: Multiple Genres of Emancipation 175 on Exhibit at Fort Frederik Museum

By Elisa McKay - November 29, 2023

“Clear De Road,” the Emancipation 175 Exhibit at the Fort Frederik Museum, has evolved into a myriad of artistic documentations culminating with Part 4, the conclusion of the artists whose “decolonial work recenters the narrative to ensure it speaks from inside the Virgin Islands and for the Virgin Islands.

Protesters Call for Resignations of Governor, Several Sitting Senators

By Nathan Visel - November 28, 2023

Midday showers did not keep a small group of protestors from assembling outside of the St. Thomas Legislature on Tuesday, calling for the resignation of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr and several sitting senators.

Class-Action Suit Alleges WAPA, Seven Seas Failed to Keep STX Water Safe

By Sian Cobb - November 28, 2023

More than a dozen St. Croix residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the V.I. Water and Power Authority and Seven Seas Water Corporation over lead and copper contamination in the island’s water supply.

St. Croix Montessori Gears Up for Campus Expansion

By Source staff - November 28, 2023

St. Croix Montessori announced Tuesday that the school will continue expanding and growing for the 2024-25 school year and beyond with the addition of an International Baccalaureate program and renovations to allow for more extra-curricular activities.

Made In USVI Pop-Up Shop Returns

By Mat Probasco - November 28, 2023

Virgin Islanders have a chance to support local craftsmanship as the Made In USVI pop-up shop returns to Frederiksted Thursday.

V.I. State Health Insurance Program Will Hold Medicare Outreach Events

By Source staff - November 28, 2023

The Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) will hold outreach events for all Medicare beneficiaries during December, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor announced Tuesday.

Government House Questions Water Testing Results, But No Confirmation Yet From EPA

By Jesse Daley - November 27, 2023

According to V.I. government officials, results of initial tests conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency, which exposed hazardous levels of lead and copper in St. Croix’s water supply, may have been inaccurate. In response, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. plans to extend a local State of Emergency declaration as investigations continue to confirm the island’s water quality.

Legislature Demands Stay of Payne Lawsuit, Alleges Judge’s Term Was Expired

By Sian Cobb - November 27, 2023

Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory and members of the 34th Legislature have demanded an immediate stay of proceedings in former Sen. Steven Payne’s lawsuit against them, claiming in a motion filed Monday that Judge Renee Gumbs Carty was presiding over the case while her term on the bench was expired.