The board that oversees the West Indian Company Limited’s cruise port reported stronger ship demand and improving financial performance Friday, while noting that long‑term diversification and infrastructure planning will be essential to keep pace with a growing cruise industry.
On the operations side, WICO President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph B. Boschulte said ship calls remain strong and that multiple major brands have already booked itineraries several years out. “All in all, we are very strong in terms of our ship calls to fiscal year 2026,” Boschulte told the board.
The board was told that operating revenues are about $3.3 million, roughly 1% below earlier projections, but tighter cost controls are beginning to pay off. Hugo Hodge Jr., chair of the board and finance committee, reported that expenses are down about 6.9%, roughly $114,000. This improved the port’s day-to-day operational earnings, known as EBITDA, by about 5%, resulting in a modest increase in overall operating profit.
Hodge added, “We see an opportunity to continue trending in the right direction and improve the finances. But it is definitely prudent for us to pursue diversification measures to help ensure that success comes to fruition.”
Boschulte said major brands, including Carnival-affiliated lines, Norwegian, Disney, and others, are calling at the port, and that the two largest partners, Carnival Corporation and Norwegian, have booked ship calls through 2028, reflecting continued demand for St. Thomas as a Caribbean destination.
Virgin Voyages has become an increasingly important part of that mix, according to Boschulte, who said the company has submitted a growing number of berth requests. The line is particularly attractive because it tends to call on Saturdays and Sundays, historically softer days at the port. “We are seeing a significant increase in requests from them,” he told the board.
Boschulte also highlighted a broader industry trend putting additional pressure on the port: cruise lines are now selling itineraries more than two years in advance and will not market routes unless they know their ships have secured space in port. “One of the trends that’s happening in the business right now is bookings are being sold 24 months plus out,” Boschulte said. “A line will not be able to market an itinerary unless they have secured berthing.”
Board members said diversification efforts could include rethinking how rental space is used and supporting on-site businesses with more events and activities at the port, even as WICO evaluates what investments will be needed to ensure long-term stability.
The final public meeting of the drafting period for the proposed 2050 transportation plan was held Thursday on St. Thomas, where residents discussed congestion, road conditions and calls for safer walking and bicycle infrastructure ahead of the plan’s anticipated summer release.
Planners summarized territorywide transportation concerns and reviewed proposed projects, asking participants to identify gaps, priorities and potential unintended consequences.
While the overall 2050 plan identifies 76 projects across the territory, Thursday’s discussion on St. Thomas focused on 27 local proposals, including safety and operations upgrades, sidewalk and bike improvements, and new or expanded transit and maritime connections.
The Department of Public Works says the 2050 plan builds on the earlier 2040 effort and will serve as a long-range framework for transportation investments through midcentury, addressing roadways, sidewalks, trails, ferries, transit and other modes of travel across the territory. It is intended to help the territory compete for federal funding, coordinate priorities among agencies and give the public a clearer view of proposed projects.
“A lot of the funding will need to come from grants, and that’s why having the plan and that list of priorities matters,” said Maya Miller, deputy project manager for WSP, the consulting firm working with the Department of Public Works on the 2050 plan. “These grants can work for specific projects because they align with what’s already been identified.”
Accessibility also emerged as a concern, with residents urging planners to prioritize universal design rather than one-off sidewalk segments. Many noted that people using wheelchairs or walkers are often forced into the roadway when paths abruptly end or lack ramps.
Curtis Gomez, a resident attending the meeting, emphasized the need for safer and more accessible sidewalks. “I’m all for the sidewalks,” he said. “Give people a way to move in an alternative way if they choose, other than jumping into a car… especially accessible sidewalks, because I’ve seen many instances where people in wheelchairs get to a point and can’t go any further.”
Tourism-heavy routes were cited as especially in need of improved walking infrastructure, with visitors often walking along narrow roads. Residents highlighted areas near the hospital, downtown Charlotte Amalie, Skyline, Tutu, Red Hook, Smith Bay and other high-traffic corridors.
Transit reliability and public information were also recurring concerns. Limited or unclear route details and uncertainty about bus arrival times were described as barriers to ridership. Suggestions included real-time tracking tools, updated maps and clearer schedules, along with ensuring affordable transit options are available to all residents.
Residents supported additional water-based options but raised concerns about limited parking, park-and-ride capacity and the visual and environmental impacts of new waterfront parking structures.
One attendee said the goal should be to shift drivers out of their cars rather than add more lanes on already crowded roads. “Our ultimate goal is to reduce cars on the island,” the resident said. “I personally don’t see anything wrong with trying to develop more water services.”
Entirely new roadway links were proposed in part to gauge public reaction. While attendees generally agreed on the need to improve emergency redundancy and ease pressure on existing corridors, many cautioned that new roads could accelerate development, reduce remaining green space and alter the character of still-rural areas. Residents urged planners to evaluate reopening or upgrading existing alignments before carving out entirely new corridors.
Informal roadside parking at Brewers Bay and Lindbergh Bay was described as creating conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians. Participants recommended better-defined parking areas and safer access near beachfronts and food truck clusters, as well as lighting and visibility improvements along north side routes.
Despite differing views on individual proposals, attendees broadly agreed on the need to make existing corridors safer and more walkable, improve transit reliability and information, combine multiple transportation options rather than rely on a single mode and protect key natural assets while addressing congestion and safety concerns. Planners said the feedback will be incorporated into the draft 2050 project list ahead of the summer 2026 publication.
The Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted, St. Croix. (File photo courtesy V.I. Port Authority)
V.I. Port Authority Director Carlton Dowe praised employees for their valiant actions in saving a tourist who fell off the Frederiksted pier on Monday, during a meeting of the VIPA governing board Wednesday.
During the meeting, Dowe acknowledged the efforts of Chief Wharfinger Waynia Charles and V.I. Police Officer Karima Liburd, who heroically jumped into the water at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in Frederiksted when they saw a female passenger from the Oceania Cruises MS Nautica fall into the ocean.
“Both of those ladies jumped into the water and started to perform a rescue operation,” said Dowe. “They were able to safely get this tourist back on board.”
According to Dowe, Charles was promoted to chief wharfinger earlier that very day.
“That same Monday, at a staff meeting that I held, we had just promoted a young lady, Waynia Charles, to chief wharfinger, and that very same day that was done. And when this lady went overboard, she [Charles] jumped into the water with some assistance by V.I. Police Officer Karima Liburd,” he said.
The incident occurred Monday around noon. According to the director, the tourist had accumulated water in her lungs and was transported to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for further treatment, where she was later released.
In other news, Dowe provided updates on projects and community initiatives of the authority. The director informed the board that there are ongoing discussions with Royal Caribbean and Cruise Terminals International to expand the cruise infrastructure at Crown Bay.
“We were given some insight into what the designs will look like, but we’re still in discussion,” Dowe said.
Further regarding infrastructure, Dowe acknowledged ongoing efforts with Tropical Shipping and Crowley to utilize a $22 million grant. Additionally, Dowe acknowledged Southwest Airline’s inaugural flight to St. Thomas from Orlando, Florida on Feb. 5. The airline now offers direct flights between St. Thomas and Orlando and Baltimore, Maryland.
Board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Kevin Rodriguez, Gordon Rhea, Jennifer Matarangas King, and Celestino White Sr. were present.
The V.I. Port Authority board during its monthly meeting Wednesday. (Zoom meeting screenshot)
The Virgin Islands Port Authority board voted to increase the director’s spending limit, authorized agreements with investment firms, and ratified numerous poll votes on Wednesday during their monthly meeting on St. Thomas.
The board approved the executive director’s spending limit increase from $75,000 to $250,000.
According to Khadila Joseph, procurement and contracting manager, “Increasing the spending threshold will enable the authority to efficiently manage new and ongoing projects and readily address critical needs that have the potential to adversely affect its daily operations.”
She added that the increase compares to other commissioner budgets in government that range between $150,000 to $250,000, and that the funding will mainly go towards assisting emergency repairs in both the aviation and marine sectors, in addition to other operational needs.
“These needs include but are not limited to the bulk purchase of janitorial and office supplies, emergency repair, purchase, and/or installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” said Joseph.
The board unanimously approved the increase with the exception of Kevin Rodriguez, who abstained.
In other financial news, on an accrual basis, the Port Authority incurred a $5 million operating profit. Additionally, the board unanimously authorized the Port Authority to enter into an agreement with up to three investment firms — Jefferies, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, and Samuel A Ramirez & Company — which will serve as underwriters for the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s 2026 Marine Bond transactions.
Relating to projects, the board awarded an additional $79,312 for insurance coverage regarding its contractual agreement with Island Roads Corporation. Island Roads will commence construction and redevelopment services at the Crown Bay Cargo Port. The contract cost will now total $22,719,507.38.
The Port Authority currently has eight active projects in the St. Thomas-St. John district totaling $98,717,340.75 and seven projects in the St. Croix district totaling $4,237,811.01. During the meeting, Executive Director Carlton Dowe highlighted the need to redevelop the territory’s airports.
“Look outside,” he told meeting attendees. “It continues to be a J’ouvert morning situation, especially at the King Airport. You go inside the waiting area there are people on top of people,” said Dowe, emphasizing the need to improve operations.
In other news, the board also unanimously approved poll vote ratifications for several items:
– Ratified a Dec. 19 poll vote seeking authorization to issue Amendment No. 01 to the existing contract between VIPA and William R. Nash, V.I., Inc. for the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal Air Conditioning and Air Conditioning Duct Repairs project in the not-to-exceed amount of $40,334 for costs associated with additional work. Funding Source: VIPA Operations Budget
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to renew the lease agreement for continued use of approximately 53,040 square feet of land space at the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier, St. Croix, for the stockpiling/staging of aggregates and construction materials for a three-year term with a three-year option to renew.
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Amendment No. 01 to American Infrastructure Development’s Task Order #24, to provide professional services related to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron 6,7,2 project in the not-to-exceed amount of $157,350. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 2 for an extension to the period of performance of the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the aircraft aprons at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. The proposed extension accounts for 215 days and would extend the period of performance to end on Jan. 10, 2027. This extension is solely time-related and does not include any monetary compensation. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 3 to the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation in the not-to-exceed amount of $104,360.20 for costs associated with unforeseen subgrade conditions.
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 4 to the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation in the not-to-exceed amount of $328,105.00 for costs associated with unforeseen subgrade conditions. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to enter into a contract with Energy Efficient Builders, LLC to 1) demolish the “old” Cargo Warehouse; 2) provide cosmetic and concrete repairs to the office building; 3) improve lighting and relocate security cameras; and 4) remove and install perimeter fencing at the Gallows Bay Marine Facility located on St. Croix at a cost of $194,050. Funding Source: VIPA Operating Budget – Marine STX
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to accept the bid proposed from Continental Construction and Engineering LLC for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Air Traffic Control Tower — Water Leak Repairs in the amount of $140,362.80. Funding Source: VIPA
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to consider an amendment to the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Airline Service Incentive Program, accepted Feb. 25, 2025 for a period of March 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026.
Board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Kevin Rodriguez, Gordon Rhea, Jennifer Matarangas King, and Celestino White Sr. were present.
Zenobia Howe and Sienna Gray stand behind a V.I. Clean Coasts informational table at a recent outreach event. (Photo courtesy Zoe Banfield)
V.I. Clean Coasts is announcing a territorywide expansion of its efforts to combat the persistent pollution caused by single-use plastics and polystyrene, commonly known as Styrofoam.
These materials, which choke landfills, litter coastlines, and break down into harmful microplastics, have long been a target for environmental groups. Now, VICC is ramping up its Eco-Certification program specifically for the food and beverage industry, aiming to turn the tide on waste.
The program provides tangible support that includes personalized, hands-on guidance from the VICC team to navigate the switch to reusable and sustainable alternatives. “The biggest challenges we’ve encountered for businesses that want to be more sustainable are that they aren’t sure where to start or don’t have the funds to make eco-friendly changes. To address these challenges, our team provides customized guidance to implement waste-reduction methods that can easily be incorporated into daily operations. We also offer the opportunity to apply for funding to cover possible start-up costs”, says Sienna Gray, V.I. Clean Coasts Director.
Eligible businesses across the USVI can apply for up to $3,500 to cover the costs of transitioning away from single-use items and other harmful pollutants. The money can be used for a variety of eco-friendly upgrades, including bottle filling stations, reusable dish ware and dishwashers, or other equipment that specifically cuts down on waste.
Once a business has successfully eliminated Styrofoam and reduced reliance on other single-use items, it can apply for official VICC Eco-Certification. Certified businesses receive public recognition, including a feature on the VICC website, promotional newsletters, acknowledgement on social media, and a physical certification to display.
To make it easier for both residents and visitors to support these efforts, VICC has launched a new, restaurant-specific webpage. A key feature of the site is a live, interactive map that pinpoints all the VICC Eco-Certified food establishments across the Virgin Islands. Users can easily locate the restaurants that have ditched Styrofoam and are adopting other eco-conscious practices, with each listing providing a direct link to the business on Google Maps.
The outreach isn’t only stopping online; throughout the year VICC coordinators will be present at community events, visiting businesses directly, and hosting informational tables where people can see alternative products first-hand and learn more about the program. This push will be amplified in the coming months with educational campaigns set to launch on radio and television across the territory.
Businesses interested in joining the effort to take the plunge can find more information and apply for funding at the VICC website. Individuals are also encouraged to participate by choosing to dine at Eco-Certified restaurants, spreading the word about the dangers of Styrofoam and plastic, and reducing their own personal waste.
Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming announces that its expanded network of electric vehicle chargers in the St. Thomas/St. John District are energized and open for public use. The 16 chargers join a growing ecosystem of charging infrastructure constructed by VIEO that is augmenting refueling options for EV owners in both districts.
The six Level II Electric Vehicle chargers installed at the Fort Christian parking lot on St. Thomas are capable of delivering 10kw of power. These chargers, along with the 10 others installed by the Virgin Islands Department of Energy, have greatly expanded refueling options for EV adopters in the territory’s northern district. (Photo by Andrew Ray, VIEO Energy Project Manager)
The pedestal mounted chargers are capable of delivering over 10 kw of power and can recharge a vehicle four to eight times faster than is possible when plugging into a typical household outlet. Six of the new chargers have been installed at the Fort Christian Parking Lot, four at the Red Hook Plaza, and two each at parking lots located adjacent to the Lindquist Beach, the Enighed Pond and the Gift Hill School.
Since going into service VIEO’s charging network has output over 27,700 kwh of energy to the growing number of EVs plying territorial roadways, displacing the equivalent of approximately 4,000 gallons of gasoline. By supporting the motoring publics ability to confidently buy EVs VIEO has directly reduced the amount of CO2 generated in the territory by more than 40 tons.
On St. Croix motorists can plug into public chargers located at the Christian “Shan” Hendricks Vegetable Market in Christiansted, adjacent to the Virgin Islands Economic Development Agency’s Office in the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park, and at Ziggy’s Island Market. Charging on VIEO’s network is currently free of charge thanks to funding provided by a Department of the Interior grant. The initial no-cost charging period is an adoption-focused incentive, designed to remove barriers for new EV drivers, build public familiarity with the infrastructure, and accelerate the territory’s transition to zero emission transportation. VIEO and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority are actively developing a long-term transaction model for these sites that will support the upkeep and maintenance of the public charging network.
This charging expansion builds on the strong momentum created by VIEO’s Electric Mobility (EM) rebate program, strategic government procurement of EVs, and a rapidly growing selection of electric vehicles available in the market.
The public’s growing appetite for EVs is reflected in registration trends visible in data collated from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. EV registration has surged from 149 in 2023 to 516 in 2025, more than tripling in just two years. To further support this growth, next week VIEO is finalizing the installation of the territory’s first-ever DC fast charger on St. Croix, co-located at the Research and Technology Park’s solar farm and a battery energy storage system, enabling EV charging powered by renewable energy while also providing resilience so that brief grid outages will not disrupt an active charging session.
VIEO is still actively offering the EM rebate for eligible new and used EVs registered in the territory. The program offers EV owners a rebate of $7,500 for qualifying EVs, and $500 for electric bikes purchased from an authorized VIEO vendor. For more information about VIEO programs, please visit us at energy.vi.gov and find out how the agency can help you meet your energy efficiency goals.
The family of Luis Felipe Munoz sadly announces his passing on Feb. 4, 2026. He was born on Oct. 22, 1958, and will be remembered for his kindness, strength, and the love he shared with his family and friends throughout his life.
Luis Felipe Munoz
Luis was preceded in death by his father, Antonio Munoz; his son, Julio A. Munoz; his brother, Jorge Munoz; and his grandson, Nathaniel Felix.
He leaves to cherish his loving mother, Ana Gloria Pina; his devoted children, Elizabeth Munoz and Luis F. Munoz Jr.; and his beloved grandchildren, Luis Daniel, Tiani, Yediana, Yelianis Munoz, Julio Munoz Jr., and Naishma Felix. He is also survived by his sister, Gloria Ivette Munoz; his nieces, Jessica Lawrence, Saisha, Crystal Encarnacion, and Eva Greenidge; his nephews, Jorge Munoz Jr. and Francisco Rodriguez Jr.; his cousins, Juan Vega, Maria Vega, Sandra Vega, and Charlic Vega; his son-in-law, Norbin Felix Jr.; as well as his special friend, Alicia Maldonado-Joseph.
Luis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
A Memorial Service will be held on March 5, at 10 a.m. at Divine Funeral Services, 129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, VI 00820.
With hearts filled with love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Ivy Elvena Beard announces her peaceful passing on Feb. 6, 2026. Born on March 16, 1936, Ivy lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and devotion to family and community
Ivy Elvena Beard
She leaves to cherish her loving memory her devoted daughter, Donna Miller; her adopted sons, Fitzroy Delacoudray and Theodore Delacoudray; and her beloved nephews, Wellington “Shaheily” Pennyfeather, O’Neil “Breed” Pennyfeather, Adolphus Pennyfeather, and Alton Pennyfeather.
Ivy was deeply loved by her special cousins Rosalind Browne and family, Camelita London and family, and Lorna Tobierre and family. She also leaves behind her treasured great-nieces Aisha, Kanika, Unika, Tabia, Allysha, Kimkaya, Sherishma, Jada, O’nealia, Aisha Pennyfeather, Kaya Pennyfeather, Ariel Hill, Shaneka Pennyfeather, and Sheniba Pennyfeather; and great-nephews Anandi, Hansen, Dalwin, Anefe, Shaquille, Jonathan I, Jonathan II, Freddie, Asheal, Kareem, Al, Allen, Ahleem, Alton Pennyfeather, and Khamir Cummings Pennyfeather.
She will also be lovingly remembered by her godchildren Elenita Cintron, Elwyn Browne, and Dekoven Tobierre, along with her special friends Ann Petersen-Encarnacion, Claudius Christopher, Lorna Abbott, and Pascuala Saldana.
Ivy’s life was enriched by an extended circle of close family and friends including the Bass Family, Bowry Family, Bramble Family, Bucchanan Family, Catherine Ferrol, Chambers Family, Cheryl George, Chris Herbert, Cintron Family, Corbin Webster, Dina Digna, Dawn Brodhurst and Family, Dorene Haye, Encarnacion Family, Gary Simmonds, Jerica Bryan (TX), Kettley Nichols, Hendrickson Family, Jacob Family, Jenkins Family, Kettly Nichols, Martin Family, McSheene Family, Milligan Family, Miller Family, Molloy Family, Moorhead Family, Parris Family, Phillip Family, Ruthly Fredericks, Saddlers Family, Theresa Beck and Family, Terrance and Christine Isaac, Tonge Family, Williams Family, and Woodley Family.
The family extends special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gwendolyn Owens, the Continuum Care Staff, Pastor Enoch King, and the congregation of Way of the Cross Baptist Church for their care, prayers, and support. Ivy also leaves behind extended family members in St. Kitts, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Trinidad who will continue to honor her legacy.
A celebration of Ivy Elvena Beard’s life will be held at Way of the Cross Baptist Church in 23B Estate Work & Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands on Tuesday, March 3. Viewing at 9 a.m. and Funeral Service at 10 a.m. Interment follows at the Kingshill Cemetery.
Runners take off from the starting line for the 8 Tuff Miles 25th edition in 2024. (Source file photo courtesy Simonson)A colorful banner hangs at Mongoose Junction Shopping Center Friday, marking the gathering place for athletes taking part in 8 Tuff Miles on Saturday. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The 27th running of 8 Tuff Miles is expected to see more than 1,500 runners take off Saturday morning at the Cruz Bay traffic circle on St. John, headed to Coral Bay, according to the event’s chief sponsor. Saturday is also a day the operations manager at St. John Brewers says he looks forward to personally.
Tim Hanley sat outside the doors of the company’s retail outlet, the Tap Room at Mongoose Junction, Thursday afternoon as race particpants came in to pick up their numbered bibs. A colorful banner hangs outside the shopping center, marking the official organizing and post-race party spot.
Hosting the event has had a positive impact on the bottom line for the business, he said. Runners and their families stop in, order meals and wash it down with root beer, summer ale and sparkling water.
As a runner himself, Hanley said he sees the scenic course as a major draw for those who sign up. The 2026 race will mark his 18th charge up the road.
“I don’t know how many races in the world are as picturesque or as fun of a course with the hills; it definitely garners a lot of attention,” he said.
Logistics are handled by a team of volunteers. On Friday morning they were seen at the finish line, setting up spots where participants could check in and have their times recorded.
Those who have not yet picked up their bibs should visit the National Park Visitor’s Center in Cruz Bay from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Friday or between 6 and 7 a.m. on race day.
Pauline R. Garray James, aka “Vivky, Ricky, Mama” of Orlando, Fl, passed away on Feb. 16. She was 72 years old.
Pauline R. Garray James
She was preceded by her spouse, Hipolito Garray; companion, Ulrick James; mother, Irene “Addie” Pyke; and father, Pearle Liddie.
She is survived by her daughter, Tynisha Garray; sons, Leonaldo Garray, Hipolito Garray, Anthony Garray; grandchildren, Omari, Leonaldo, Leomyer, Jahkeem, Adika, Jahkeema, Jaheem, Shylequaa, Jaheema, Jahreema, Janiqua, Hipolito Jr., Janysha, Jayden, Jayli, Ashara, Anthony Jr., Amari great-grandchildren, McKayla, Jaheem Jr., Josiah, Samyra; sisters, Claudette Douglas, Anita Gregory; brothers, James Pyke, Paul Liddie, Jephthah Liddie; other precious family members and special friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on March 6 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
