News

WAPA acknowledges ongoing service challenges while advancing major infrastructure investment.

Monday’s jam-packed Government House press briefing ended with the announcement that approximately $5.4 million in tax refunds will soon be paid out to Virgin Islands taxpayers who filed their tax returns by June 28, 2024. 

The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park told lawmakers Monday it is not seeking a General Fund appropriation for fiscal 2027, while expanding STEM programs and lending. 

U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney told representatives from the V.I. Water and Power Authority and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Monday that he will issue an order putting the utility’s fraught relationship with generator manufacturer Wartsila “at issue.”

Lawmakers reviewed the Property and Procurement Department's $24.36 million budget request, with discussions focused on a new e-procurement system, lease revenues, fleet oversight and government property use.

West Indian Company President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph Boschulte, who served as the territory's former tourism commissioner, told the public corporation's board of directors Friday that they welcomed 302 cruise ship calls and just under 950,000 passengers so far in this fiscal year, which he called a “significant increase” over the prior year. WICO expects approximately three calls per week this summer before cruise traffic begins to slow in August. 

The Virgin Islands Police Department is warning the public that anyone who damages, destroys or tampers with government property, including closed-circuit television cameras installed along public roads and intersections, could face federal and territorial criminal penalties.

The Virgin Islands Police Department is warning residents about a telephone scam in which callers impersonate wireless company representatives to gain unauthorized access to customers' accounts.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has acquired a 4.77-acre shoreline property along Altona Lagoon on St. Croix, preserving public access to the area and expanding the territory's growing system of protected parkland.

The V.I. Police Department is working to identify the name and cause of death of a male person found floating face down in Coral Bay Harbor, St. John, on Sunday morning.

What began as an attempt to retrieve a hat that blew overboard turned into the catch of the day for angler Eli James, who reeled in a 30.35 pound kingfish during the 35th Annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament on Sunday.

More than 100 children from nearly 70 families gathered Saturday morning along the Christiansted Fort waterfront for the annual Kids Handlining Tournament, a long-standing community event that teaches young people the traditional art of handline fishing while promoting marine conservation and sustainable fisheries.

St. Croix’s fiercest fruit eating competition returned Sunday during the 30th annual Mango Melee, an annual, day-long fundraiser for the St. George Village Botanical Garden filled with food, exhibits, local vendors and activities for all ages. 

Top of mind for all in attendance was a recent proposal for a “glamping” operation at the beach, which local businessman Kyle Sexius presented last month at a meeting of the Magens Bay Authority board that governs the property as well as Smith Bay Park on the east end of St. Thomas.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has called the 36th Legislature into special session to consider a revised agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Southland Gaming Virgin Islands LLC, the latest step in an effort to restore horse racing on St. Croix while establishing a long-term framework for the sport across the territory.

Beginning July 18 and continuing every weekend thereafter, residents will have the opportunity to dispose of bulk waste, scrap metal, and appliances at designated collection sites on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, July 12, through Saturday, July 18. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved more than $1.3 million in Public Assistance funding for repairs to Friedensfeld Church in Kingshill, St. Croix, as part of the territory's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Maria.

French Heritage Week officially began Thursday, July 9, at Lindbergh Bay Hotel, where community members, government officials and visiting delegates from St. Barthélemy gathered to celebrate the enduring friendship, heritage and cultural ties between the neighboring islands.

Three Democratic candidates for governor and their running mates took to the debate stage Friday night at the St. Croix Educational Complex, three weeks before a consequential primary election that will likely determine the next occupant of Government House.