May 27, 2025 - Page 4 of 27 - Virgin Islands News

Local News

Hilton-Branded Resort Proposed for Former Sugar Bay Site as EDC Grants Compliance Ultimatum to STR Management

The Economic Development Commission’s Board heard testimony from a new applicant anticipating operating the former Sugar Bay Resort property on St. Thomas and held a compliance meeting for STR Management LLC via a virtual meeting on Zoom Tuesday.
Attorney Adriane Dudley, representing DV USVI Investment LLLP, said that the company is seeking tax incentives on St. Thomas to operate as a Category III Hotel/Guesthouse.
“This triple L-P is planning to reopen what’s been known as the old Sugar Bay Resort. This will be a magnificent property under the Hilton brand,” said Dudley.
The property will have 300 rooms on its 30 acres, and according to Dudley, it is anticipated to open in the first or second quarter of 2026. $20 million was invested to purchase the property and the investors will have invested $62 million more for the construction of the resort. Dudley also added that the hotel will employ 150 persons at the time of opening, and will increase to 175 in the first quarter of 2027.
DV USVI Investment LLLP is seeking a 90% exemption on income tax, a 100% exemption on gross receipts tax, a 1% exemption on excise tax, a dividend withholding tax exemption, an interest withholding tax exemption, a 100% exemption on real property tax, and a 20% customs duty exemption.
“We believe that this project will contribute significantly to the Virgin Islands tourist industry as well as the Virgin Islands economy,” said Dudley.
After hearing from DV USVI, the EDC then held a compliance meeting for STR Management, LLC, a company found to be in violation of compliance orders. According to Joy Penn, senior compliance officer for EDC, STR Management LLC applied for tax incentives on May 22, 2012.
“These incentives were approved by the then-governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands, John P. DeJongh, Jr., on December 21, 2012,” said Penn.
After, former EDC Chair Albert Bryan Jr. approved the certificate of tax incentives in May 2013. In September 2024, a compliance review for STR Management was completed covering the period from January 2015 to December 2022. The review found that STR Management failed to meet the charitable contribution benefits, did not provide documentation to comply with paid medical insurance, life insurance, local insurance, retirement plans, and paid vacation, sick, and holiday time, among other items.
The board immediately went into executive session to discuss the matter. After, the board concluded that the company failed to meet certain compliance requirements and unanimously voted that STR Management:

Pay $11,000 to the workforce development and or public educational projects, enterprise zone community redevelopment and revitalization projects, or community-based organizations within 30 days of the board’s decision.

Provide the names of employees who were not covered after medical insurance eligibility, pay a $250 bonus to each eligible employee, and provide proof of payment.

Provide names of eligible employees not covered after their 60-day life insurance eligibility period, pay a $250 bonus to each employee, and provide proof of payment.

Provide the computation used to determine their 3% employer contribution for retirement plans to eligible employees, provide payment to eligible employees, and provide proof of payment.

Additionally, STR Management was forgiven by the EDC Board for $13,229.08 in penalties for failure to file the certificate of existence in good standing for the years 2016-2020. Moreover, STR Management was found to be in compliance with the following matters:

Paid vacations, sick leave, and holidays

Management training program, career development, and budget

Contractors to purchase local insurance

Local procurement and eligible supplier program

The EDC Board also voted to refer the compliance matter regarding source income to the Internal Revenue Department.
Board members Gary Malloy, Jose Penn, Positive T.A. Nelson, Anise Hodge, and Kevin Rodriguez were present.

May 27, 2025

Local News

Governor Laments ‘Woeful’ Housing Situation

V.I. Housing Authority Executive Director Dwayne Alexander presented a report to the Public Finance Authority on redevelopment projects costing $2.4 billion, which include the rehabilitation or construction of 2,300 units. Some of the projects are not destined to be completed in this decade.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. told Alexander that the plan was “woefully lacking” and that a “short-term solution” had to be found for the present housing situation.

He said rent on St. Thomas had become “untenable,” and residents don’t know where to go for housing. He said the situation was going to get worse as more construction projects brought in more workers. Ultimately, he said the territory would lose population.

VIHA Board Member Dorothy Isaacs questioned whether something could be done to rehabilitate houses in areas such as Bunker Hill, where many homes were now uninhabitable.

Bryan stated that the Senate has not taken action on the housing situation. Instead, it has “wasted time on mundane issues.”

A couple of projects mentioned by Alexander have moved along. Construction began in March on the David Hamilton Jackson Terrace rehabilitation project (106 units), and the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion rehabilitation project (248 units, including a senior center) has been completed.

Alexander said that the Estate Donoe redevelopment, with 84 units, would be completed in 2027.

The Alphonso Gerald rehabilitation (18 units) and Tutu North Senior housing (60 units) are in the early stages of project development.

Bryan said he was concerned not only about the fact that some projects were 12 years out, but most of them were just rehabilitation projects. He said, “The net gain in housing is zero.”

A resolution before the board on behalf of the Office of Disaster Recovery, to pay Springline Architects $25 million more than agreed upon in the original contract, which covers works on several public buildings, was discussed at length. Board members Keith O’Neal and Isaacs questioned how the cost could have ballooned so much.

Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Office of Disaster Recovery director, defended the request, which also included an eighteen-month extension of the contract. She said the scope of the agreement had expanded.

The authority also passed a measure to allow an increase of $8 million in a contract with DLR Group for architectural and engineering services related to the Julius Sprauve school project.

The members also unanimously approved the PFA’s proposed budget of $26 million.

May 27, 2025

Local News

VITEMA Urges Hurricane Season Prep During Weekly Briefing

Days before its official start on June 1, the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency asked Virgin Islanders to get ready for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season during a Government House briefing Monday.
Assistant VITEMA Director Ovid Williams, who was appointed to the role earlier this month, said the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts a 60% chance that the season will have above-normal activity, a 30% chance of a near-normal season and only a 10% chance of below-normal activity.
“What that means is that as of now, this prediction says that we’ll have about 13-19 named storms. Six to 10 of those will be hurricanes,” he said. Three to five of those will be “major” hurricanes, according to NOAA.
Williams urged Virgin Islanders to prepare by creating or updating a clear family emergency plan.
“This means sitting down together and discussing where you will shelter during a storm, if you’re staying at home, what’s your evacuation route if you need to leave, what if you get separated, and who will be your off-island contact person that everyone can check in with,” he said. “Write this plan down and practice it with your family — especially your children. Remember to include plans for elderly family members and those will special needs.”
Williams added that “cash is king,” and noted that ATMs could be offline in the days or weeks after a storm. He also urged residents to review their insurance coverage now and to take detailed photos of their home’s interior, exterior and valuable items.
“Create a room-by-room inventory with photos and descriptions,” he said. “Store these photos and inventory lists both digitally and in a waterproof container.”
Williams said most hurricane damage is caused by flying debris and advised homeowners to “take time to consider what might become a projectile in your yard.”
“Check your hurricane shutters and make sure that they are operational — and if they’re not, take the time to replace them now,” he said. “Inspect your roof for damaged areas and remember these tasks take time. Don’t wait until a storm is approaching.”
Williams said to test generators and use them only in ventilated areas.
In the event of a hurricane, shelters will open at: the Adrian Senior Center and Gifft Hill School on St. John; the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School cafeteria and gymnasium and Lockhart K-8 School on St. Thomas; and the St. Croix Educational Complex, D. C. Canegata and Beeston Hill on St. Croix; and the community center on Water Island. People with medical or special needs can preregister with the V.I. Human Services Department for placement in designated shelters, Williams said. Lockhart and Complex will be the only shelters to allow pets.
The shelters will be activated 24 hours prior to a storm making landfall at the discretion of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.
The application window for businesses to apply for curfew passes closes on June 1, Williams said, and faith-based organizations will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Williams concluded by urging residents to sign up for Alert VI to receive emergency updates via text, email or phone.
During his time at the podium, Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. offered condolences on behalf of the administration to the families of Eldred “Edgie” Christian, banjo player and singer for the Ten Sleepless Knights, and Inez Williams, a pillar of the Estate Grove community on St. Croix.

May 27, 2025

Local News

VIEDA Promotes U.S. Virgin Islands At SelectUSA Investment Summit

The U.S. Virgin Islands was promoted as a prime destination for business investment by the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority at the 11th Annual SelectUSA Investment Summit. This summit was hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce from May 11-15, 2025, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, MD.

As an Exhibitor and Gold Sponsor of the summit, in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands’ Research and Technology Park, the VIEDA showcased the Territory’s business opportunities and tax incentive programs, joining hundreds of U.S. economic development organizations, investors, and government officials working together to attract business to the U.S. and its territories.

“The annual SelectUSA Investment Summit offers the VIEDA team a valuable platform to showcase the U.S. Virgin Islands as a prime destination for business and investment. Through strategic networking and one-on-one meetings, the team engaged with investors from the U.S., Asia, Africa, and Europe to highlight the advantages of doing business in the USVI. These investors expressed interest in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, and hotel development,” said VIEDA Assistant Chief Executive Officer Dwayne A. Benjamin.

“Some investors showed strong interest in the South Shore Trade Zone on St. Croix. The summit proved to be a valuable opportunity as VIEDA continues to actively promote its programs through strategic engagements with organizations like SelectUSA—aligning with both the Territory’s investment strategy and the “America First” mandate, supporting the long-term economic growth of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” added VIEDA ACEO Benjamin.

According to SelectUSA, this year was the largest investment summit to date with record levels of attendance and engagement from 5,500+ attendees, 100+ international markets, and 54 U.S. states and territories. The summit attracted 1,100+ economic development organization representatives and 2,700+ international delegates.

Joining VIEDA Assistant CEO Benjamin were Margarita A. Benjamin, managing director, Economic Development; Nadine Marchena Kean, managing director, Enterprise Zone Commission; Celina D. Morris, director, Marketing; and Kyle C. Thomas, program manager, Marketing & 2040 Vision. This economic development team shared information about the USVI’s tax incentive program, the South Shore Trade Zone Program on St. Croix, other business opportunities, and the USVI’s infrastructural assets to attract new investors to the USVI. See video link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RiAnSZYyBLk.

Administered by V.I. Economic Development Commission, the VIEDC tax incentive program offers 90 percent exemptions on corporate and personal income tax, 100 percent exemptions on property, excise, & gross receipts tax, and customs duties; and 83 percent reduction on customs duties decrease from 6 percent to 1 percent. In exchange, eligible businesses participating in this program must create employment opportunities and generate tax revenues in the USVI. Currently, there are at least 100 businesses actively participating in the VIEDC tax incentive program.

With the SSTZ located on approximately 367 acres of relatively flat ocean-front land just south of the airport on St. Croix, the SSTZ Program offers the same benefits except with a total exemption from customs duties. In 2024, the VIEDA Board of Directors approved the first SSTZ Program application from In the Mix Cakery, a St. Croix-based business owned by local residents.

Along with a landscape for connections to be made, the SelectUSA Investment Summit provided a robust agenda that included plenary, academy, and industry spotlight sessions on various topics for business leaders. These topics included, but were not limited to, best practices for expanding an established company in the U.S., delivering a pitch to secure capital investment and build a support network, targeting the best source of capital for a startup, and having cultural awareness and understanding on how business is conducted in the United States in comparison to other countries.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit is the highest profile event in the United States to facilitate business investment by connecting thousands of investors, companies, economic development organizations, and industry experts to make deals happen. It is a one-stop shop for companies considering expanding to the United States and provides economic development organizations with the opportunity to meet directly with international companies to facilitate investment deals.

The SelectUSA Investment Summit has attracted thousands of international companies and economic development representatives generating over $135 billion in new investment projects supporting more than 105,000 jobs across the United States and its territories

May 27, 2025

Local News

Prevent Vehicular Heatstroke

As the summer approaches and temperatures increase, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Office of Highway Safety advises caregivers to avoid pediatric vehicular heatstroke. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average, one child dies from heatstroke every 10 days in the United States by crawling into an unlocked vehicle or being left in a car, intentionally or unintentionally. Heatstroke remains one of the leading causes of non-crash vehicle-related fatalities among children, killing more than 1,000 children since 1998.

“That could never happen to me,” is a common misconception no longer shared by the families of 39 children who died from vehicular heatstroke in 2024. Vehicles heat up quickly, with temperatures rising 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes, creating a deadly situation for a child locked inside. “There is no excuse for leaving a child unattended in a vehicle, even for just a minute,” warned VIOHS Director, Daphne O’Neal. “Each one of the heatstroke tragedies that occurred on the mainland was preventable. By raising awareness, we hope to continue to avoid similar tragedies in the territory.”

Heatstroke begins when the core body temperature reaches about 104 degrees, and death occurs at 107 degrees or above. Rolling the windows down or parking in the shade does very little to combat this tragedy.

The VIOHS offers the following tips to keep children safe:

• Lock vehicles when not in use to prevent access to children

• Never leave a child alone in a vehicle, even briefly

• Check the back seat before locking doors and walking away

• Use reminders like a toy on the front seat or placing your bag on the back seat when transporting young passengers

• Teach children that a vehicle is not a safe place for playing, and keep vehicle keys out of reach

• Act immediately if you see a child locked in a vehicle. Get help; call 911!

For more child passenger safety information or resources, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through Director O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov or Occupant Protection Program Manager, Denise Gomes, at denise.gomes@vipd.vi.gov or via telephone at (340) 473-7383

May 27, 2025

Local News

Joyce E. Benjamin Correa Dies at 86

It’s with deep sadness and heavy hearts we the children of Joyce E. Benjamin Correa announce her passing on May 12, 2025 at the age of 86.

She was preceded in death by her husband Aurio Correa Sr, Son: Aurio Correa Jr., Granddaughter Damilia Correa, Grandson: Secori Elmes Sr.; Parents: Goderick and Glacilda Matthias Benjamin, Sisters: Gloria Henley, Maryrose Benjamin, Joan Benjamin Fleming: brothers: Goderick, Peter and Lionel Benjamin; Nephews: Winston Henley, Omar Brown Jr.

Joyce leaves to mourn:

Sons: Daniel Correa, Sr., Miguel Correa, Delphine H. Correa, Wilfred Henley, Burton Henley, Gilbert Fleming

Daughters: Luz Correa Chesterfield, Ana Correa Parson, Monee’ Parris Richards, Stephanie Henley and Natasha Wright

Sons in law: Ray Chesterfield, Sr., Kelvin Parson, Adeyemi Richard

Daughters in law: Besty Correa, Brenda Correa, Cleone Henley

Brothers: Glen(kwabena) Davis, James Francis, Urlin Benjamin James Benjamin and Franklin Benjamin

Sisters: Irene Francis Acosta, Genevive Benjamin, Cecilia Benjamin, Christanita Barlette and Elizabeth Benjamin

2nd. Generation: Daniel(Culibre), Dario, Aqueelan Correa; Hernado, Andres Correa; Ray jr., Rayne, Sean Chesterfield; Asante, Akil Richards; Aurio Parson St.Claire George; Omar,III, Raymond Brown; Haswani, Jahmad, Jahmani Henley; Delisa, Millie, Gloria, Irene Correa, Wendy Rivera, Jane Turnbull; Pia Smith; Aliya Richards; Raynette Chesterfield, Alana Monsanto, Andrea George; Carmen, Kathleen, Daphne Correa; Wilma, Erainee Acosta

Granddaughter in law: Linda Joseph Correa, Destiny Correa

3rd. Generation: Kahleel, K’ante, Elesa, K’deja, Kayla, Makayl, K’Bria, Kai’elle, Lianna, Lilan, Lila, Lilum Correa; Deniya Smith; Josiah, Ameri Farrington, Ray’Mai, Raya Chesterfield; Me’Shaun Wilkersin Ni’Jai Dowdy; Raynesha Chesterfield; Dream & Tru Smith; A’lekya David, Ahqueah Richards; Xavier, Javien, Kaiden , Noah, Gianna, Jeremiah & Aniyah George; Fabian, Aylanis Correa; Talib Rabsatt; Hugo V., Ezra D.Vilchis; Kyron Correa, Kureen Brathwaite, Ynaeah Correa, Alwyn Baptiste, Kdheim Correa, Shamari, Shamoi Elmes, Jumika Nathaniel, Jerika Nathaniel, Jerome Nathaniel, James Nathaniel, Kendell Smith, Justin Nesbit, Shalante Maxwell, Shakur Pereira, Keyani Rivera; Kimberly Malone, Felix, Shantelle Turnbull, Abayomi Cupid, Curtis Turnbull; Shyheim Morris; Nia Acosta

4th. Generation: Kayden Correa A’ria, A’lea, Anthony Petersen III; Amir Joseph; Harmoni Samuel; Safeerah, Saniya Romney, O’Riya, O’Ryyan Freeman; Sha’Neazjah, Shamari, jr., Shamyrah, Shamayrah Elmes; Jmyrah, Secori Elmes jr.; Azani, Ryssa, Xekahri, Nashla Elmes; Jereema Nathaniel; Raheem Springer Jr.; Dae’Mairah, DéMari James; Faith, Jah’lani Nathaniel; Keshawnn Kirby Jr., J’adore Nathaniel; Raekwon Deyanta Bailey, jr.; Jae’Koury O’Neal; Kimora, Kamari Turnbull; A’Mya Cupid

Brother in law: Deacon Wilfredo Acosta and Alphonso Correa

Sister in law:Carmen Correa

Adopted Grandchildren: Karimah, Desiree Gumbs, Jakela Cave; Herman Hart; Cheryl, Herman Callwood

Special Cousins: Sara Connell, Faye Robinson, Cyril (CB) Benjamin, Maxine Fleming, Attorney Aturo Watlington & Cleone Creque

Extended families: Correa, Benjamin, Watlington, Berry, Callwood, Hart, Dowdy, Thompson, McNamara, Fleming, Matthias, Meyers, Dalmida, Jackson, Sprauve, George, Robinson, Fuller, Lambertis, Ascenio, Fleix, Nieves, Parrila Ayala, Martinez, Rivera, Gonzalez

And Morey Families, Smith, Rojas, Figueroa, and Rivera families

Godchildren 40

Many nieces nephews and other family members too numerous to mention

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend first viewing on Wednesday, June 11 at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, June 12 at Sts. Peter & Paul Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. Interment: Western Cemetery #1. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

May 27, 2025

Local News

Joseph C. Blyden Dies

It is with a heavy heart to share that Mr. Joseph C. Blyden passed away peacefully and quietly at dwelling on Tuesday, May 6, 2025. Mr. Blyden is survived by the following family, friends and community members.

Children: Dennis “Shabazz” Blyden, Dale “Malik” Blyden, Dean “Maha” Blyden, Dave “Kimbe” Blyden, and Daryl “Leviticus” Blyden
Daughters In-Law: Dahlia Blyden and Karen Stewart
Grandchildren: Aiesha Blyden, Khadija L. Blyden, Cephas Blyden, Jennells Blyden, Shervern Blyden, Darline Blyden-Noldand, Daryl Blyden, David Stewart, Malisha Blyden, Mahalia Blyden, Dean Blyden Jr., D’Metria Blyden, Kinia Blyden, Kineal Blyden, Jamal Blyden, Joyce Blyden, Anice A. Wilson, Anisha R. Wilson and Tiana E. Wilson
Great Grandchildren: Jahmere Blyden, Zarail Blyden, Arya Blyden, Arabella Blyden, Airess Blyden, Jazzmyn Joseph, Delani Henry, Amir Henry, Xinovia Noland, Xaiden Noland, Xylia Noland, Saariyah Blyden, Daryl Blyden Jr. and Harmony Blyden
Nieces: Esther Smith, Hanna Ryan, Golden Smith, Geraldine Smith, Ludene Smith, Uldean Smith, Janice Smith-Hodge, Monica Smith-Desir, Mariska Smith, Mario “Reggie” Smith Jr., Marisha Smith, Moira Smith, Marice Smith, Makai Smith, Make em Smith, Monea Smith, Ishara Nykila Monira Jendayi, Justina Smith, Dr. Taylor Shahid, Khayri Shahid, Ileta Blyden-Lettsome, Gracelyn Blyden, Janice Blyden-Thomas and Susanna “Susie” Blyden-Davis
Nephews: Lasima Tushinda M’Bilashaka, Taj Faraji Siwatur, N’Kobi Gonzalez, Romeo Maloney, Rye “Real Deal” Maloney and Rowan Maloney
Brothers: Alexander “Gold” Theophilus Smith, Austin Raymo, Peter Gonzalez, Wilbert “Styler” Blyden, Wilford Blyden, Alliston Blyden, Alfonzo “Bummy” Blyden, Andrew Chalwell, Andy Chalwell, Aston Malone, Kevin “Fish” Thomas, Kevis Thomas, Dwayne Davis and Cecil Hodge
Sisters: Juliette “June” Raymo-Shahid, and Carolyn Patricia Smith-Ottley
Sisters In-Law: Esther Blyden
Brothers In-Law: Noel Martin, Calvin Maloney, Nolan “Dicky” Davies, and Felix Thomas,
Dearest Communities, Extended Family, and Special Friends: The Frenchtown Crew, Michael J. Kirwan Terrace Housing Community, Smokey Frett, Nancy Camacho, Denise Donovan, Keith Jones (Godson), Faye Reed, Larry Pond, Ashley Ritter, Masaka Crique, Annette James and many more too numerous to name.
The celebration of Joseph C. Blyden’s life is scheduled to begin with the first viewing to be held at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services on Thursday, June 5 from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. On June 5 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., the family will also host a second viewing, with the funeral service to begin promptly at 11 a.m. at Christchurch Methodist, Market Square, St. Thomas. The interment will take place at the Easter Cemetery.

May 27, 2025

Politics

Trump to Pardon Todd and Julie Chrisley, Reality TV Stars Convicted of Fraud

The clemency for Todd and Julie Chrisley, the stars of “Chrisley Knows Best,” is Mr. Trump’s latest gift to people he calls victims of a weaponized justice system.

May 27, 2025

How Savannah Chrisley Reacted to Todd & Julie’s Pardons at Sam’s Club

Savannah Chrisley got the call of a lifetime when she least expected it.
Hours after President Donald Trump phoned the Chrisley Knows Best alum to tell her that he would be pardoning her parents…

May 27, 2025

Caribbean News

Argentinian judge withdraws from negligence case over Maradona’s death

One of the three judges presiding over a negligence trial related to the death of Argentinian football player Diego Mara…

May 27, 2025

St. Croix, USVI