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Local News

Two Arrested at Traffic Stop Had Guns, Ammunition, Ski Mask, Police Say

Police patrolling the Market Square area of St. Thomas saw an Acura with no front license plate and a tinted cover over its rear plate Friday night. In the car, police found cannabis, two handguns, a black ski mask, and ammunition, some of which was lying loose on the car’s floor, according to court records.

The car’s driver, Shane Forbes, and passenger, Kevin Warrel, were both charged with unauthorized possession of ammunition and two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm. Bail for each was set at $75,000 and, unable to post bail, they were transferred to the Corrections Bureau pending their advice of rights hearings Saturday, police said. It is unclear from the court docket whether they remain in jail as the pretrial release orders posted on the Superior Court docket were not available for public viewing.

The Virgin Islands Police Department officers told the Superior Court they’d followed the Acura to Mannassah Hill Road. During the traffic stop, the officers said they saw suspicious movement in the car and ordered the occupants to get out. When they did, the officers said they saw cannabis in the vehicle as well as a backpack with a gun in it. Neither Forbes nor Warrel acknowledged ownership of the backpack.

A second handgun, modified to fire like a machine gun, and an extended 40-round magazine were also found in the vehicle, according to court records.

Forbes, 21, was previously arrested on handgun charges in November 2023. He told police he witnessed a friend being robbed in Frenchtown shortly before dawn. When the supposed assailant shot his friend in the leg they fled, crashing Forbes’ Toyota into another car at the intersection with Veterans Drive, according to court records.

Forbes later changed his account of the event, police said. In the second telling, Forbes drove through a yellow light, hit the other car, and his friend in the passenger seat shot himself in the leg while trying to climb out the window.

Forbes told police he threw his friend’s gun in a vacant lot, according to court records. Police later found the handgun with the help of a K-9 unit.

The driver of the other vehicle had a similar but slightly different story. While driving west on Veterans Drive with his four-year-old grandson, the man passed through a green light at Frenchtown. Forbes’ Toyota sped through the intersecting red light, slamming into the man’s Honda so violently that it spun the car around to face east. The driver and his grandson fled when they heard a gunshot and people shouting that someone had shot themselves, according to court records.

Forbes faced six charges, including misrepresentation of a felony. In a deal with prosecutors, Forbes pleaded guilty to a single count of interfering with an officer. He was given a one-year suspended sentence and a $200 fine.

On March 27, 2024, Superior Court Judge Denise M. Francois ordered Forbes to not violate Virgin Islands laws again.

October 13, 2025

Local News

The Match’s On TV! USVI Soccer Streamed to Global Audience

The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation (USVISF) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with FIFA+, the official global streaming platform of world football’s governing body. Through this collaboration, USVI soccer will now reach audiences across the world — marking a major milestone in the Federation’s continued mission to grow, promote, and elevate the game throughout the Virgin Islands.

The 2025 Big 4 Finals will serve as the historic debut of USVI soccer on FIFA+, giving fans both at home and abroad the opportunity to experience the passion, talent, and excitement of Virgin Islands football at the highest level.

“This partnership with FIFA+ represents a transformative step for our Federation and for soccer in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Firas Idheileh, General Secretary of the USVI Soccer Federation. “To see our clubs and players showcased on a global platform alongside the world’s best is not only an incredible moment of pride but also a reflection of the tremendous growth and development happening within our football community.”

FIFA+ provides free access to live matches, highlights, interviews, and exclusive football content to millions of fans worldwide. With USVI soccer now featured on the platform, the Federation takes a major step forward in visibility, professionalism, and international engagement — opening doors for players, coaches, and fans alike.

October 13, 2025

Local News

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach’s USVI-Puerto Rico Friendship Day Message

I join the entire Virgin Islands community in celebrating the 61st Anniversary of Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (VIPR) Friendship Day. This local holiday was initiated in 1964 under the leadership of Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky. The historic legislative action resulted in the redesignation of Columbus Day to Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Friendship Day, a day to recognize the cultural and historic connections between the Virgin Islands and our neighboring islands of Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra.

The longstanding history, contributions, friendship, and ties that bind the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are strong and vibrant. As a people, we remain connected in pride and legacy and continue to sustain this relationship by coming together and embracing our rich heritage. The sharing of our cultural traditions is passed down from one generation to the next through unique foods, language, the arts, music, and our valued way of life. The merging of these cultures has strengthened our distinct relationship as friends and neighbors.

This special holiday serves as a true symbol of the people and represents a valuable part of the history that unites the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. I am especially grateful for the significant contributions of many Virgin Islanders of Puerto Rican decent who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our community. I also applaud the work of the VIPR Friendship Committee in ensuring that this celebration takes place in a unique and creative way each year.

I look forward to a jubilant series of festivities as we come together in love and unity. Happy Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day to all!

October 13, 2025

Local News

Op-Ed: Save Coral Bay’s Statement Regarding AG’s Opinion on Summer’s End Permit

The recent opinion issued by the Virgin Islands Attorney General has created great confusion among Virgin Islands residents and needs to be understood in its full, legal context. First and foremost, this is simply an advisory opinion written by the Attorney General at the request of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. It does not have the force of law, nor does it have any direct bearing on the CZM permit issued to the Summer’s End Group in December 2020, in spite of media statements to the contrary.

The AG’s opinion claims that a CZM permit does not truly become “eﬀective” until all federal permits are issued, meaning that a developer could hold a territorial CZM permit for years — even decades — without beginning construction. Under this interpretation, the one-year commencement deadline contained in Virgin Islands Code (§910(d)(7)) and in the oﬃcial CZM Regulations (§910-10(a)(4)) would never begin to run. This view is entirely contrary to decades of practice in the Virgin Islands, and regulatory practice across the entire United States, and is based on a strained and legally unsound reading of the Virgin Islands CZM Act.
This reading, if enforced in the courts, would have far-reaching consequences. It would eﬀectively eliminate expiration dates for CZM permits requiring federal approval and would allow projects to remain “alive” indefinitely, regardless of environmental changes, public concerns, or legislative oversight.
It would tie up public trust lands indefinitely, destroying opportunity for real development. Such an approach is inconsistent with the entire purpose of coastal-zone regulation, which is to ensure that development decisions are based on current environmental conditions, current law, and current public input.
The Attorney General’s opinion also exceeds his lawful authority. Under Virgin Islands law (3 V.I.C. §913), once a regulation has been approved by the governor, submitted to the Legislature, and published, it carries the force and eﬀect of law. The AG is attempting to nullify a CZM Regulation which has been in place and enforced for over 40 years. Only the Legislature or the courts — not the Attorney General — can repeal or nullify such a regulation. The longstanding rule requiring construction to begin within one year remains in eﬀect unless formally changed through those processes.
Regarding the Summer’s End Group marina project in Coral Bay, the legal reality is straightforward:

The CZM permit was ratified on Dec. 15, 2020, and became eﬀective on that date.
No construction began within the required 12-month period.
No extension was requested by Summer’s End or granted by the St John CZM Committee.
Therefore, under the plain language of the permit itself and the controlling regulation, the permit automatically expired on Dec. 15, 2021.

The Attorney General’s opinion cannot breathe life into a permit that expired four years ago and automatically became null and void. At most, it provides non-binding guidance for future cases, and even then, only if properly enacted by regulation or through court order. The St. John CZM Committee and the Virgin Islands Coastal Commission remain legally bound to apply the laws and regulations as written — not as reinterpreted through an advisory executive opinion issued at the request of the governor.
The larger concern is institutional and ethical: attempts to use the V.I. Department of Justice to overturn established environmental law for a single politically well-connected developer erodes public confidence in government integrity. It is tantamount to the “weaponization” of the V.I. DOJ, a pattern we are all too familiar with at the national level and now is being seen at the local level. The people of the Virgin Islands deserve a permitting process that is transparent, lawful, and consistent for everyone.
As far as the Summer’s End project is concerned, the only impact which this opinion will have is to further delay the inevitable: if Summer’s End wants to pursue their mega-yacht marina project in Coral Bay they will, at some point or another, need to go back to the St John CZM Committee with an updated permit application, reflecting the project as currently proposed to the Army Corps, reflecting current environmental conditions and impacts in Coral Harbor, and demonstrating actual legal interest in all of the land parcels required to execute their project. Then, and only then, can the project be reviewed according to Virgin Islands law, and if approved, proceed to Army Corps determination.
Needless to say, Save Coral Bay will continue to monitor any and all developments in both the local and federal permitting process, and will advocate for complete adherence to all applicable laws, rules and regulations to protect Coral Bay for future generations.
— David Silverman, President, Save Coral Bay Inc.

Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.

October 13, 2025

Local News

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Calendar

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands

SENATE CALENDAR

October 13, 2025 – October 24, 2025

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025

Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging,

Sports and Parks

Town Hall Meeting

5:30 P.M.

Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room, St. John Annex

The Committee of Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks will host a critical townhall meeting with the Taxi Associations in the St. Thomas/St. John District on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of this meeting is to garner feedback from the respective Taxi Associations and have discussions regarding ongoing planning and policy discussions related to enhancing transportation services and guest experiences for our valued visitors.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

Town Hall Meeting

5:30 P.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee of Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a critical townhall meeting with the Taxi Associations in the St. Thomas/St. John District on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of this meeting is to garner feedback from the respective Taxi Associations and have discussions regarding ongoing planning and policy discussions related to enhancing transportation services and guest experiences for our valued visitors.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, October

16, 2025 in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room at 10:00 A.M. to discuss and consider the following:

BLOCK I

Bill No. 36-0135 An act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 294 regarding expedited

building permits for developers.

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

BLOCK II

The Committee will receive an update from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources with a focus on the implementation of the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan, including a review of:

• Progress made to date

• Current or anticipated challenges

• The projected timeline for next steps in the implementation process

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

BLOCK III

The Committee will receive testimony from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on the status of FEMA-funded power plant upgrades and recovery projects at, including a review of:

• Progress on FEMA-funded replacement of the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix and unit upgrades at the Randolph Harley Plant on St. Thomas, including the design-build solicitation process and anticipated construction timeline.

• Critical resilience projects such as undergrounding of electrical lines, installation of advanced composite utility poles, battery energy storage systems, and advanced metering.

• Integration of the recently commissioned solar farms on St. Croix into the WAPA power grid and their impact on system reliability, as well as any plans for solar development and integration in the St. Thomas–St. John district.

Invited Testifiers:

Lemuel Lavinier, Chief Operating Officer, Electric System, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Noel Hodge, Chief Engineer, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Vernon Alexander, Director of Special Projects, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Maxwell George, Director of Project Management, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Joelle Webster, Director of Grants Management, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The 36th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety will meet on Friday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to consider the following agenda.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.

Bill No. 36-0139 An act amending title 31 Virgin Islands Code to assess civil liability for destruction or damage to government property through willful or negligent act

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK II 11:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0151 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code regarding the illegal possession of machine guns and machine gun conversion devices

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Mr. Moleto Smith, Director, V.I. Law Enforcement Planning Commission

Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, V.I. Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Bill No. 36-0144 An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and requiring safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibiting large-capacity magazines and preventing the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Mr. Luis Valdes, Florida State Director, Southeast Regional Director, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands Director of Outreach, Co-Chair Fuerza 2A, National Spokesman, Gun Owners of America

Mr. Kosei Ohno, Founder, VI Safe Gun Owners

Mr. Ehren Henderson, Former Gun Shop Owner, St. Thomas

Mr. John Canegata, Owner, D&J’s Shooting Gallery, LLC, St. Croix

BLOCK III 1:15 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0105 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III by prohibiting the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Honorable Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Health

Honorable Louis E. Petersen, PhD, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Agriculture

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

Ms. Joanne Moorehead, Executive Director, V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulation

Ms. Riise Richards, Chair, V.I. Industrial Hemp Commission, Deputy Commissioner, V.I. Department of Agriculture

Mr. Duane Howell, Executive Director, ARCH Institute

Ms. Lindsey Rithamel, Owner, The Remedy

Mr. William Waldo, Owner, Virgin Abis

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Education and Workforce Development will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive Considerations of proposed legislations.

Bill No. 36-0067 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 by adding a section 41j requiring the Pledge of Allegiance and the Virgin Islands Motto to be recited at the beginning of each school day in public schools, but additionally provides that students may opt out of the recitation

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

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

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0069 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, subsection (a)

by changing the age a child begins kindergarten from five years of age to four years of age

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

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

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services

Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health

Bill No. 36-0080 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools in the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

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

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health

Brian Young, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Partners 4 Kids

Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

October 13, 2025

Local News

Frederick Joseph Dies at 81

Frederick Joseph, aka “Freddie”, of Estate Two Brothers, transitioned into eternal life on September 23. He was 81 years old.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Figaro Josep, and father, Terrence Joseph.

He is survived by his spouse, Amelia Petersen Joseph; daughters, Anita Joseph, Teresa Duncan, Ali Felix, Beverly Joseph, Dahlia Weekes, Kerisha Gill; sons, Julen Leslie Joseph, Shadrach Gill Jr., Howard Gill; grandchildren, Felicia Bello, O’Dani Evans, Ketisha Iles, Myles Leslie, Emil Leslie; great-grandchildren, Azariyah Iles; sisters, Theresa Greenaway, Greeta Joseph, Ivy Maxwell, Elenora Joseph, Claron Warrington; brothers, Patrick Paul, Kenrick Joseph, Erick Joseph; aunt, Annie Hazel; daughters-in-law, Annette Leslie; son-in-law, Andre Duncan; brothers-in-law, Stanley Maxwell, Leon Petersen; sister-in-law, Arlene Abrahams; godchildren, Sequenia Rogers, Carla Baird, Anthony Williams; cousins and other relatives, Jacqueline Massicott; special friends, Curtis & Alfred Williams & Family, Daryl Rogers, Elizabeth Wilson, Corine Messer, Dawn Rodgers, Idio Francis, Randy Allen, Clifford Joseph, Gloria Joseph, Kenneth Gittens, Club 21 Members, Swimming Group, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on October 23, at Friedensberg Moravian Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI. Viewing will begin at 9 am with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

October 13, 2025

Local News

Hispanic Heritage Month Shines During VI/PR Friendship Celebration on St. Croix

Hispanic Heritage Month festivities were in full swing Saturday night as hundreds of residents and visitors gathered on St. Croix for a lively block party celebrating Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day. The event, part of a weekend of cultural activities, brought music, food, and fellowship to the streets in a vibrant display of Caribbean unity.

Attendees were seen dancing the electric slide to the sounds of the 411 Band, supporting local vendors, and proudly wearing shirts in recognition of Puerto Rican friendship. Laughter, movement, and music filled the air as the community came together to celebrate decades of shared heritage. Central High School’s SPARK Committee was also seen vending and representing the school. A special happy birthday was extended to “Big Daddy Chucho” before he took the stage with the 411 Band.

First established in 1964 by Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky, VI/PR Friendship Day honors Puerto Ricans who live in the Virgin Islands or have made significant contributions to the territory. The public holiday, observed annually on the second Monday in October, coincides with Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. This year marks the 61st celebration, which will be officially observed on Oct. 13.

The festivities extended beyond the block party, with the multiday VI/PR Village festival on St. Croix featuring cultural presentations, traditional dishes, and performances celebrating the deep connections between the two U.S. territories.

As part of the celebrations, four honorees were recognized Thursday at Government House for their outstanding contributions that reflect the enduring friendship and shared legacy between Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans. Arthur Cedric Petersen Jr. was honored for his decades of service in agriculture and education. Michelle Smith, a rising track standout, was celebrated for her athletic excellence. José Luis Saldana, business owner and community advocate, was recognized for a lifetime of enterprise and civic engagement rooted in his family’s migration story from Vieques in the 1930s. Carmen Gladys Félix Encarnación was also honored for her lifelong dedication to community and culture.

As the celebrations continued into the night, one sentiment resonated throughout the crowd — pride in a shared history and optimism for the future of the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico bond.

October 12, 2025

Local News

Meters, Bills, and Trust: WAPA’s Move to Restore Billing Credibility

For years, Virgin Islands residents have complained that WAPA’s bills felt like guesswork — estimated charges, unexplained spikes, and adjustments that arrived months late. CEO Karl Knight doesn’t deny it. “If you take an estimate of an estimate, your accuracy starts to be skewed,” he said in a recent interview with the Source. “We owed the public something better.”

That “something better” is the Advanced Metering Infrastructure system — WAPA’s second attempt at modern smart-metering after the first generation failed more than a decade ago. The new meters, now being rolled out across all three islands, transmit readings over cellular networks instead of older radio-frequency channels that were vulnerable to interference and storm damage. Each device sends real-time consumption data directly to the utility, giving customers accurate usage records and allowing crews to spot outages instantly.

Knight said the first phase of installations is already underway, beginning with areas where meters had stopped communicating entirely. “We’ve installed several thousand new meters to replace failed ones,” he said. “The goal is complete coverage within two years.” To support that goal, WAPA has also reorganized its metering and billing divisions so that both functions report through the same chain of command — an internal change meant to close the loop between energy use, meter reads, and the bills customers receive.

Accuracy is only one part of the fix. The utility is also investing heavily in training. “We’re making sure the people who will run these systems are trained from the ground up,” Knight said. “They’re getting hands-on experience as the network is built, so they understand it inside and out.” WAPA has partnered with a project-management firm to oversee the rollout and will continue sending local staff through on-site certification courses until the full system is operational.

To prevent history from repeating itself, the new meters are being mounted on composite poles — stronger, storm-resistant supports that also serve the wider grid-hardening initiative. “We learned from the last time,” Knight said. “We’ve accounted for weather, terrain, and data reliability. These meters will stand up to island conditions.”

The results could be transformative. Reliable metering means fewer billing estimates and faster detection of energy loss, giving WAPA a clearer picture of where revenue is being lost to faulty equipment or theft. For customers, it means bills that could finally make sense. The authority also plans to introduce an online portal allowing users to view usage patterns, receive alerts, and compare consumption month to month.

Knight is cautious not to overpromise. “It’s going to take time to rebuild trust,” he said. “But if we can show people that their bills are accurate and that our system works — that’s where confidence starts.”

He acknowledged that the reputation gap runs deep. Years of deferred maintenance, outages, and billing confusion have eroded faith in the authority. Yet, he insists, WAPA’s modernization isn’t just technological — it’s cultural. “We’re shifting from reactive to proactive,” he said. “Our customers will see that every dollar they pay is tied to measurable performance.”

Helenites Overwhelm Short-Handed New Vibes to Reach Big 4 Final

St. Croix’s Helenites SC advanced to the USVISF Men’s Premier League Big 4 final with a 4-0 victory over St. Thomas’s top-seeded New Vibes on Saturday afternoon at Bethlehem Soccer Complex, capitalizing on penalty trouble that left their St. Thomas opponents down a man for nearly 50 minutes.
The match featured a homecoming performance from goalkeeper Whelan Joseph, who returned from the United States to compete for Helenites against his former club.
The semifinal showcased two of the winningest programs in Big 4 history, both rosters stacked with national team players. The action-packed match turned decisively in the 42nd minute when New Vibes’ Max Sonder Joseph received a red card for a tackle that left Helenites’ Romario Atkinson limping through the second half.
Playing a man down and without key fixtures like Naqwan Henry and the ejected Joseph, New Vibes battled through a scoreless first half before Helenites took control after the break.
William Schaffer opened the scoring in the 54th minute, and the floodgates soon followed. A foul by New Vibes’ Dante Nicholas in the 65th minute led to a penalty kick opportunity that could have pulled New Vibes back into contention.
Instead, Lentz Bazelais sailed his attempt over the goal. “Tall goalkeeper, very athletic, Lentz knew he needed something special to defeat him,” commentator Kevin Sheppard said. “Unfortunately, he went with power instead of placement.”
Joseph, the former New Vibes keeper, now playing for Helenites, impressed throughout with his athleticism and composure.
“Helenites’s goalkeeper looks very athletic, looks like he can play out,” commentator Kurtice Lewis said. “Looks like more than a goalkeeper. Very good with his feet, very quick, agile.”
“Very tall and athletic, can move, has all the right tools,” Sheppard added.
Joseph’s presence proved particularly valuable as New Vibes continued to search for a lifeline despite their numerical disadvantage. New Vibes goalkeeper Clinson Bonhomme kept his team in the match with crucial saves in the 68th and 71st minutes, but Helenites’s pressure eventually told.
Schaffer doubled the lead in the 71st minute, heading home a corner kick to make it 2-0. Cade Winchester added the third in the 78th minute with another header before Atkinson, the same player who’d been on the receiving end of the red card tackle, beat two defenders and the goalkeeper for Helenites’ fourth goal in the 85th minute.
The lopsided scoreline didn’t diminish New Vibes’ effort in difficult circumstances.
“Kudos to New Vibes,” Lewis said. “They kept their composure and still tried to attack.”
“Shout out to New Vibes for still fighting despite being down a man,” he added later.
For Joseph, the match meant competing against familiar faces and the coach who helped shape his career.
“New Vibes will always have a spot in my story,” Joseph said after the match. “We had a solid group back then, but now you can really see the structure coming together. It’s been almost five years now since I’ve played with them, but there’s always that familiar face in Fabian [Felix] who I really enjoyed playing for. I appreciate the guidance and support he’s given me.”
When asked about returning to the territory for the Big 4, Joseph’s appreciation was evident.
“It felt really good coming back home,” he said. “It’s always love when you touch the island again, especially for something like the Big 4. The energy’s different here — family, friends, the fans, everybody showing love — it just reminds you where it all started.”
Winchester, whose two goals helped secure the victory, kept his focus simple.
“My job is to put the ball in the back of the net,” he said. “You’ve got to finish your chances and that’s what I did tonight.”
Looking ahead to Sunday’s final against Raymix, Winchester noted his team’s advantage in securing the match before overtime.
“We’re just going to play our game,” he said. “They have an extra 30 minutes on their legs so we’re looking to tire them out. Let the ball do the work.”
Helenites’s head coach Aaron Abraham encouraged his players to trust themselves throughout the match. When asked about his strategy for the final, he smiled: “I’m going to keep that as a secret.”
The championship match will pit Helenites against second-seeded Raymix FC, who upset top-seeded CAPA on penalty kicks earlier Saturday after 120 scoreless minutes. Raymix’s marathon semifinal means they’ll face Helenites with significantly less recovery time.
“I know these two teams will fight and battle to see who will take it all,” Sheppard said.
Joseph echoed the sentiment when asked about facing Raymix.
“We’re locked in,” he said. “We know what’s at stake — and we respect them as a side — but we’re coming to handle business. At this stage, it’s all about focus, composure, and making the most of every chance. We just have to stick to our plan and play our game.”
The Big 4 final kicks off at 4 p.m. at Bethlehem Soccer Complex. The game will stream live on FIFA+.

October 12, 2025

Local News

St. Croix Man Arrested Following Domestic Violence Incident

A 37-year-old St. Croix man was arrested Saturday morning after police responded to a report of a domestic violence assault, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
At approximately 9:36 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report from a woman stating that a verbal dispute with her boyfriend, Angel Porfil, had escalated into a physical altercation. She told officers that Porfil attacked her, but she was able to defend herself and escape the apartment, according to the police report.
The victim fled to a relative’s home, where officers observed visible injuries to her face. She declined medical attention at the scene, the police report stated.
Porfil was arrested for simple assault and battery — domestic violence. In accordance with the territory’s domestic violence statute, no bail was set. He was transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, pending his advice of rights hearing scheduled for Tuesday, at the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, the report stated.

October 12, 2025