Commentary

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands' revised weekly calendar

In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.

I pray for God’s guidance and protection as we continue to make history and leave our footprints on the grounds of this great nation which was built by the blood and sweat of our ancestors.

In the Virgin Islands, reporting violence is not always simple. This editorial explores the realities of retaliation, the human cost of gun violence and why the community must keep searching for solutions that save lives.

We cannot continue accepting violence as normal. We cannot continue losing our young people to senseless acts that leave families shattered and communities grieving. Every life lost is a tragedy. Every child taken from us is a future stolen. When we are faced with challenging times, we must not fall into despair; we must fall into community.

Though the stadium erupted as the Knicks and their fans celebrated, and the owners quickly acted to protect their money, beneath this excitement lies a crucial lesson: society often celebrates collective action in entertainment but fails to apply a similar level of engagement and responsibility to democratic life.

Through more than 29 books, Richard A. Schrader Sr. dedicated his life to preserving the stories, traditions, language, and history of the Virgin Islands. In this tribute, Geron A. W. Richards reflects on the cultural giant who inspired generations of Virgin Islanders and whose legacy continues to nourish the community long after his passing.

Senator Fonseca joins the wider Virgin Islands community in honoring the life and legacy of Samuel “Sam” Topp and offers prayers of comfort, peace, and strength to his loved ones during this difficult time.

Our community will feel his absence deeply. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, his colleagues and all those who loved him."

The death of 15-year-old Tre’Vante Etienne has left a family grieving and a community searching for answers. Former Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory writes that the Virgin Islands must respond with more than mourning—it must respond with action.

The story of American freedom is often told through 1776, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Juneteenth. But nearly two decades before emancipation reached the mainland, more than 9,000 enslaved laborers on St. Croix forced their own liberation at Fort Frederik.

All expenses of the baobab tree project in Grove Place were paid for by the Virgin Islands Trail Alliance organization, to install the benches, signage, and painting of poles along the road near the tree. However, my heart was broken when I learned that the property owner, Ms. Magdalene Edney, passed away. She never got a chance to see the baobab tree project completed. The signage and benches under the historic baobab tree in Grove Place are a tribute to her and her family.

In his biweekly column, Langley Shazor speaks to issues important to men within the territory.

The U.S. Virgin Islands has fewer than 100,000 residents spread across islands with expensive logistical realities. Everything costs more. Electricity costs more. Shipping costs more. Construction costs more. Healthcare costs more. Even governance itself costs more because duplication across islands becomes unavoidable. Meanwhile, the economy remains dangerously narrow.

A chance encounter with Scott Pelley at a journalism gala last fall now feels prophetic. As respected news voices disappear from mainstream media, one journalist reflects on integrity, truth-telling and the future of a free press.

“Reliable electricity is not a luxury – it is an essential service,” Senator Gittens said. “Our residents should not have to wonder whether they will have power when they return home, whether their food will spoil, or whether critical medications will remain safe. The people of the Virgin Islands have waited long enough for answers, and I will continue to press for the transparency and accountability they deserve.”

"WAPA cannot keep the lights on," said Sen. Fonseca. "Our residents have suffered enough. This is not just an inconvenience — this is a crisis that threatens the health, safety, and economic wellbeing of every person in this territory."

"The Virgin Islands has lost one of its great pillars. Coach Arthur 'Jimo' Jamison was more than a coach, he was a builder of people."

I am telling the Virgin Islands public that Attorney David Bornn was a godsend to help protect Maroon Country by using his legal skills.

“Above all, she was a devoted mother and grandmother, a faithful friend, and a constant source of kindness to all who had the privilege of knowing her. I extend my heartfelt condolences to her children, grandchildren, and all who loved her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten."