Local News Archives - Page 46 of 88

Local News

Plaskett Discusses H.R. 1 Impact on Health, Education, and Economy

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett addressed the H.R. 1 bill, federal funding, and the rum cover-over during a wide-ranging virtual event hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands on Saturday, July 12, as part of the group’s “Saturday Sessions.”
The conversation drew community members and residents eager for updates about how the sweeping federal legislation could impact health care access, economic development, and the territory’s long-term political future.
Much of the discussion centered around H.R. 1 — a federal budget reconciliation bill also known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” Now law, the bill includes deep cuts to funding for key social programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP.
Plaskett said Medicaid will face roughly $900 billion in cuts nationwide, with additional work requirements expected every six months. About 21,000 Virgin Islanders are currently enrolled in Medicaid.
“That’s going to create a level of bureaucracy we’re concerned with,” Plaskett said.
“This represents some of the largest cuts to health care in American history, and it will have a tremendous effect on us in the Virgin Islands, where we have an outsize number of individuals who deal with these things,” Plaskett said.
Plaskett added that Medicare will also be affected due to the link between federal formulas and Medicaid spending, noting that there are more than 20,000 Medicare enrollees in the territory.
“Medicare, which is for those of us who are older, will be cut by about $500 billion,” Plaskett said.
SNAP benefits — also known as food stamps — are expected to see cuts too, with a $200 billion reduction nationwide, a 20% cut for all participants, along with a possible loss of federal funding for school lunch programs, which many students in the Virgin Islands rely on.
“Cuts to SNAP, which is our food stamp program, will also affect our school lunch programs,” Plaskett said.
In addition to federal funding, Plaskett highlighted her office’s outreach efforts to support youth in the territory — especially through military academy opportunities.
Plaskett said her office has hosted virtual meetings with parents and counselors to walk through the process.
“Our office supports young people … we’re going to the schools to try and get students ready to be able to apply,” Plaskett said.
Her office attempted to sound the alarm before the bill became law, warning residents that cuts to federal funding would impact programs across the territory, including education, school lunches, public health, and food assistance.
“People said I was fearmongering,” Plaskett said, “but I want us to be clearheaded and plan ahead.”
While the bill is already law, Plaskett emphasized the need for local planning and resilience.
“The issue for us now is how do we be creative with what we have?” Plaskett said. “[We need to] jump-start our economy so that we can have private sector revenues so that we are not so reliant on the federal government.”
One possible source of new revenue, Plaskett noted, is the rum cover-over program — a long-standing federal arrangement that returns excise taxes collected on rum sold in the mainland back to the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
“We know that in the Virgin Islands we receive rum cover-over for the rum that we produce and bring to the United States,” Plaskett said. “That money comes back to us.”
She added that securing a consistent and permanent rate would help stabilize a major source of income for the territory.

July 21, 2025

Local News

Carmelita Muhammad Rhymer Benta Dies

The family of Carmelita Muhammad Rhymer Benta announces her passing May 9, 2025.

Carmelita served as an electrical engineer and retired from WAPA and DPNR on St. Croix. She was a faithful contributing member and supporter of the St. Croix Muhammad Study Group and Nation of Islam.

Carmelita is survived by many too numerous to mention but the family acknowledges immediate family members to include her daughter Khaijad Felecia Muammad Tonachel, sister Diane Rodgers, niece Nadia Rodgeres, nephews Tariq and Douglas Rodgers, and son-in-law Jae Tonachel.

The family also offers thanks to everyone for extending their prayers, words of condolences, and well wishes prior to and during this time of bereavement. Thank you.

July 21, 2025

Local News

Yolanda Henry Dies

Yolanda Henry was born on April 13, 1968, on the island of St. Lucia and spent majority of her life on St. Croix, Virgin Islands. Where she built her home, raised her family, and touched the lives of many with her quiet strength and resilience.

Yolanda dedicated much of her life to caring for others, working for many years as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged. Her kindness and commitment left a lasting impact on the residents she served and the colleagues who worked alongside her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son Kadeem Crosbie; her father Joseph Henry; younger brother Joseph Henry Jr. and cherished niece Brenda-Lee Laudat. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them.

Yolanda is survived by her loving mother Marina Edwin, and her children: Khalid Crosbie, Khadija Crosbie, Khaisha Crosbie, Tasheem Stapleton and Tyresha Stapleton. Yolanda will be dearly missed by her sister Sophia Francis, along with her nephews including Benrick, Benaiah and niece Athiya-Merre. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Ciara, Khailan, Kendrick, Skai, Tiara, Khalid Jr. and Yuna who brought her immense joy.

Friends and family viewing will be held Thursday, July 24, at Divine Chapel, #129 Peter’s Rest, between 3-5 p.m.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, at Way of the Cross Baptist Church, viewing at 9a.m. and service at 10 a.m.

Interment follows to the Kingshill Cemetery.

July 21, 2025

Local News

New Sewage Pump Near Cancryn Bridge Installed Tonight

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority will install a new pump to assist with the flow of sewage at the Cancryn bridge, located at the intersection of Kronprindsens Gade. The areas between Veterans Drive and Kronprindsens Gade will be impacted.

This work is scheduled to take place on Monday, July 21, from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. During this time, the VIWMA advises the motoring public that the right lane heading east will be closed. Please drive slowly and remain attentive to the road crew or any personnel directing traffic during this period.

The VIWMA apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as we work to maintain and improve the territory’s wastewater infrastructure.

For updates or further assistance, please contact the Division of Wastewater at (340) 715-9151 or Communications Management at communications@viwma.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

July 21, 2025

Local News

Kruz Schembri Shines on the International Stage

At the 2025 FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, Kruz Schembri, a student at the University of Notre Dame, proudly represented the Virgin Islands in fencing, competing in both the men’s epee and men’s foil individual events. The young athlete delivered a commendable performance against a deep international field, finishing 44th in epee and 24th in foil.

In just under a month, Schembri has competed in four of the most prestigious fencing championships in the world—a whirlwind schedule that highlights both his commitment and resilience. At the USA Summer Nationals, Kruz placed 14th out of nearly 500 athletes, a remarkable feat in one of the largest and most competitive national fencing events globally. Just a week before the University Games, he clinched double gold medals in Epee and Foil at the Central American and Caribbean Games, bringing pride and honor to the Virgin Islands.

Now, with Rhine-Ruhr behind him, Schembri sets his sights on the World Fencing Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, driven by peak physical conditioning and uncompromising personal standards. His focus remains unwavering—even when results vary, his determination to reach the summit never falters.

Kruz’s journey continues to inspire not just his family and national delegation, but also the entire Tampa Fencing Academy community, where young fencers see him as both a role model and a rising fencing superstar.

His coach, Maitre d’Arms Enrique Claro Nunez, shares a deep sense of optimism, viewing these events as essential checkpoints toward an even greater ambition: the Olympic Games. With each tournament, Schembri gains invaluable insights, refining his craft and reinforcing the belief that the ultimate goal—an Olympic medal—is not just a dream, but an achievable reality.

The Virgin Islands stand proudly behind him, ready to conquer the international stages one bout at a time.

July 21, 2025

Local News

Cyclists Battle Wind and Hills in M2M Time Trial

The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation’s M2M Time Trial saw twenty cyclists take on a challenging 10-mile course Sunday morning, racing individually against the clock under sunny skies and strong coastal winds.

Riders were released at one-minute intervals from the start line in front of Welco Service Station in Gallows Bay, and faced a demanding route up the Christiansted Bypass and down Southside Road before finishing in Sally’s Fancy, in front of the former Milgie’s Convenience Store.

Stephen Swanton claimed the overall victory, shaving 45 seconds off his time from last year to finish in 27 minutes and 25 seconds. Elite cyclist Robin Seila recorded the second fastest time of the day, finishing in 30:33, while Expert rider Ted Prosper secured third place with a time of 32:57.

Category winners included Joseph Thomas in the Sport division (35:55), Ralph Bartlett in the Masters division (34:54), and Kat Brownsdon, who was the fastest among the women with a time of 34:28.

The next race on the VICF’s schedule will be held in St Thomas on Sunday, August 10. For more information, please contact 340-643-5050.

July 21, 2025

Local News

In the Matter of the Estate of Aston Wayne Henry, Deceased

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:

ASTON WAYNE HARTY,

Deceased.
CASE NO. SX-2023-PB-00121
NOTICE OF FINAL ACCOUNT HEARING
Notice is hereby given that Co-Executrixes, SANDRA M. HARTY f/k/a SANDRA HARTY GUTIERREZ and CANDIDA HARTY, has filed a Motion Final Accounting with the Court in the above-referenced Estate. A hearing upon this Final Accounting and the distribution therein proposed shall be conducted on August 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., via Zoom Video Conference. Any interested person or entity wishing to object to this Final Accounting, or the distribution therein proposed, must file, and serve upon the Co-Executrixes a statement of objection in writing. Such objections must be filed with the Co-Executrixes and the Court before the hearing date listed herein.
RESPECTFULLY SUBMITTED,

This 21st day of July 2025

McCHAIN HAMM & ASSOCIATES
Attorneys for the Estate
/s/ Charlotte S. Sheldon
Charlotte S. Sheldon, Esq.
5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13
Christiansted, VI 00820
(T) 340-773-6955 / (F) 855-456-8784
csheldon@usvi.law

July 21, 2025

Local News

Sen. Angel Bolques Jr. Applauds Tart Wars as a Cultural and Economic Milestone for the Virgin Islands

Senator Angel L. Bolques Jr. congratulates the talented collective known as the West Gyul for their visionary leadership and cultural creativity, which were showcased during this year’s Tart Wars 2025. Their vibrant energy and artistic flair brought the community together to celebrate the Virgin Islands’ identity and flavor.

The senator also highlighted the recent enactment of Act No. 8848 (formerly Bill No. 35-0078), sponsored by Senators Angel Bolques Jr. and Marvin Blyden, which amends Title 1, Chapter 7 of the Virgin Islands Code to officially establish Fish and Fungi as the national dish and Tart as the national dessert of the Virgin Islands. “This act is both cultural and strategic,” said Senator Bolques. “It affirms our heritage while laying the groundwork for culinary tourism and economic development.”

Tart Wars offered a compelling showcase of this potential, with over 8,000 tarts sold and a record-breaking turnout of tart lovers, local vendors, and curious tourists—all in a single day, solidifying the Virgin Islands tart as both a cultural treasure and a promising economic product. “Our tarts are the best in the Caribbean—bar none,” stated Senator Bolques. “We should be preparing to export Virgin Islands tarts to the mainland and beyond. The demand is real, and our product is exceptional.

He further emphasized that building a tart export industry could open doors for entrepreneurship, culinary training, agriculture, and small business growth, all rooted in authentic Virgin Islands traditions. “This isn’t just about desserts, it’s about economic empowerment,” Bolques said. “Tart production can be a job creator, a tourism booster, and a global ambassador of who we are as a people.”From honoring ancestral recipes to inspiring the next generation of culinary talent, Tart Wars proves that food is a powerful vessel for cultural pride and economic opportunity.

“My favorite Tart has always been Guavaberry—it’s originally traditional, deeply rooted, and might not be as trendy as some of the more popular varieties, but it holds a special place in our cultural heritage. That said, I had the honor of judging the specialty tart category this year, which featured exotic flavors like starfruit, soursop, tamarind, cherry, and Mango. I have to admit, Mango has won me over in the specialty section. I’d like to gently and respectfully encourage West Gyul and their team to ensure Mango gets a spot in next year’s line-up. Honestly, I think coconut has become a little too powerful at this point!” (laughs)

I can’t wait for next year’s Tart Wars!”

July 21, 2025

Local News

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Calendar

July 21, 2025 – August 01, 2025

MONDAY, JULY 21, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Monday, July 21, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority

Eugene Jones, Jr., Executive Director

Virgin Islands Housing Authority

Dwayne Alexander, Executive Director

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

VI Economic Development Authority

Wayne Biggs, Chief Executive Officer

BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority

Daryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director

TUESDAY, JULY 22, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled a hearing for 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The purpose of the meeting is to receive testimony and consider the following legislative measures:

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.

Mr. Vincent Roberts, Commissioner Nominee, Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation

BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 12:30 P.M.

Mr. Erwin Raphael, Governor’s Nominee, University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park Board

BLOCK III 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Mrs. Chantelle D. Quinones, Governor’s Nominee, Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission

LUNCH 1:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.

BLOCK IV 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0077 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 37 to enact the Virgin Islands Commission on Ethics and Conflicts of Interest.

Invited Testifiers:

Ms. Gwen-Marie Moolenaar, PHD., President, League of Women Voters of the Virgin Islands

Mr. Kevin Williams, Chief of Staff, Office of the Governor

Ms. Hinda Carbon, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Bar Association

Honorable Gordon C. Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, Department of Justice

Ms. Regina deChabert Petersen, Administrator of Courts, Judiciary Branch of the Virgin Islands

BLOCK V 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0003 An act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code relating to nursing homes and assisted living facilities by adding a new chapter 76 to establish the services that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide; establishing limitations on financial charges, requirements for visitation, and the rights of a resident.

Bill No. 36-0039 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 4 by increasing the costs to bring

containers or flat rack containers into the Virgin Islands.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, 10 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

VI Casino Control Commission, Marvin L. Pickering, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Bureau of Information & Technology, Rupert O. Ross, Director

THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Thursday, July 24, 2025, 10 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

VI Board of Education, Dr. Kyza Callwood, Chairman

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure, Carmen Vanterpool-Romney, Territorial Executive Director

BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

VI Department of Health

Nicole Craigwell Syms, Assistant Commissioner

FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Friday, July 25, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Nadja Harrigan, Esq., Acting Chief of Staff

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Office of the Governor, Kevin A. Williams, Sr., Chief of Staff

BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Schneider Regional Medical Center, Tina Comissiong, Esq., Chief Executive Officer

TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Education and Workforce Development has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to discuss the status of summer repair and maintenance, staffing and readiness of public schools

Invited Testifiers:

Craig Benjamin, Executive Director, Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

St. Thomas East End Medical Center Corporation, Dr. Tess Richards, Interim Executive Director

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Department of Human Services, Honorable Averil George, Commissioner

THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Thursday, July 31, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Virgin Islands Elections System

BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

Frederiksted Health Center

BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

Juan F. Luis Hospital

FRIDAY, AUGUST 01, 2025

SPECIAL SESSION

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

Committee of the Whole

1:00 P.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

July 21, 2025

Local News

Coconut Reigns Supreme at Second Annual Tart Wars

It was an afternoon filled with fun, laughter, and, of course, tarts — as thousands gathered at the Frederiksted waterfront on St. Croix for the highly anticipated Tart Wars 2025.

Now in its second year, the event brought out fierce tart pride from fans of guava, pineapple, and coconut. And for the second year in a row, coconut tart reigned supreme in the spirited showdown of flavors.

Hosted by West Gyul with the support of numerous sponsors, community groups, and local vendors, the event was a flavorful success. The results for the team competitions were as follows:

Trivia Champion: Team Pineapple
Games Winner: Team Coconut
Community Voting (pingpong Balls): Team Guava

With each team claiming victory in one category, a three-way tie led to a high-stakes tiebreaker: a foot race involving a wooden spoon and a delicately balanced tart on top. Each team selected a representative to carry their tart to the finish line. The challenge? Run without dropping the tart, then eat a mystery tart upon crossing the line.

Guava took an early lead, with Coconut and Pineapple close behind. But just steps from victory, Team Guava’s tart toppled, resulting in an automatic disqualification. In the end, Team Coconut clinched the win, once again taking the Tart Wars crown.

Judges also awarded honors to local vendors for the best-tasting tarts in each flavor category:
Best Pineapple Tart
1st Place: Uniquely Yours
2nd Place: Vivian Mason and Aquaholics
3rd Place: Uniquely Yours
Best Guava Tart
1st Place: Sweet Bites and Vivian Mason
2nd Place: Uniquely Yours
3rd Place: CJ’s Lemonade
Best Coconut Tart
1st Place: Uniquely Yours
2nd Place: Trini Dreams
3rd Place: Sweet Bites and Crucian Cake Queens
Families enjoyed a dedicated “Kidsville” play area while adults sampled tarts, shopped local vendors, and cheered on their favorite teams. When the results were announced, the crowd erupted in support of their chosen champions.

The day concluded with live music from Vio International and a spectacular drone show lighting up the Frederiksted sky, bringing Tart Wars 2025 to a sweet and unforgettable close.

July 20, 2025