As the Eastern Caribbean approaches its season of sweltering heat, the University of the Virgin Islands Green Technology Center is planning to host a summit on extreme heat. Researchers are expected to share their latest findings on links between extreme heat and climate change.
Government planning and health officials, along with a coalition of stakeholders, are working to help the region adapt to a changing climate. Green Technology Center Director Greg Guannel described the summit’s goals: “the purpose of the meeting in the heat summit is to discuss, to understand what’s happening, to understand (sic) why it’s happening, how it manifests itself and solutions … in our home, in our business, but also for us when we go outside,” Guannel said.
Organizers say they also hope to hear from experts at the National Weather Service about factors contributing to extreme heat. Health experts are expected to share their latest findings on how elevated temperatures impact human health; representatives from the UVI Safety in Paradise program will be on hand to help employers learn how to protect their outdoor crews.
So far, in 2025, the Virgin Islands has enjoyed seasonally warm weather with one exception — on June 25, when the daily high reached 93 degrees. But higher temperatures are expected from July to October.
Forecasts published by Almanac.com for parts of the Atlantic, including the Caribbean, predict there will be some “hot” days between mid-July and August where daily high temperatures reach 90 degrees. When combined with high humidity, a factor called the “feels like” temperature could reach up to 100 degrees.
“It’s getting warmer and warmer. And our summers are getting hotter and hotter. A lot of the temperature that we are experiencing in the territory is linked to the sea surface temperature. And as sea surface temperatures continue to rise, our experience on land is going to be hotter and hotter,” Guannel said.
Those seeking further information about Heat Summit 2025 are urged to contact the UVI Green Technology Center at CGTC@UVI.edu or by calling 340-693-1158.

The Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus pulsed with energy this past weekend as girls from across the territory gathered for the She Hoops Island Showcase.

The camp, founded and led by Dallas-based coach Justin Turner, brought pro-level training and intention to St. Thomas, proving once again that high-caliber basketball experiences don’t always require a plane ticket.

For local mother Etoya Brown, watching her daughter Lia Brown lace up for Sunday’s games was a proud moment. “We heard about the camp through a friend from The Process,” Brown said, referencing the respected local basketball program known for building players with both grit and good character. “The recommendation made it a no-brainer —and She Hoops didn’t disappoint.”

Brown, a rising junior, came into camp with big dreams, eyeing programs like the University of Central Florida and the University of Connecticut. She left feeling reassured about her path, “Now I have drills I can work on by myself,” she said. “This definitely gave me more hope and self-confidence.”
That confidence is at the heart of what Turner envisioned when he launched the organization five years ago. His mission is to equip young athletes — especially girls — with the skill, composure, and visibility to succeed at the next level. “These girls are just as gritty, technical, and skilled as the boys,” Turner said. “They just need the opportunities.”
More than a showcase, the camp served as a gateway. Turner carefully evaluated each player and will share his write-ups with coaches across his growing network. His goal is to create ongoing pathways for players in the U.S. Virgin Islands — whether they want to go pro or simply reach their personal best.
“If you’re always ready to perform, it takes the pressure off,” Turner said, underscoring his message of preparation, presence, and confidence. “You’re not the only one trying to be the best. You have to find your advantage and maximize it.”

Turner’s passion and investment didn’t stop on the court. He spent his free time Saturday immersed in the local culture. “I hopped on the safari and just explored the island. I wanted to see some of what makes the players who they are — get to understand them a bit better.”

The connection that brought She Hoops to the Virgin Islands began in Dallas, where Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper first met. It was Cooper’s vision and outreach that made this showcase possible. “We have the talent right here,” she said. “And now we’ve got the coaches. Why not pour into it?”

Special thanks were extended to Coach Wayne Harvey, the University of the Virgin Islands, Coach Mo Wells, Mr. Elridge Blake, and the people of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands who made this weekend not only possible, but unforgettable.

For more on future showcases and opportunities, visit SheHoops.org.