A 21-year-old man was arrested early Monday after police said he forced his way into an apartment and assaulted a woman in Lorraine Village on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The VITEMA 911 Emergency Call Center dispatched VIPD patrol officers at about 2:25 a.m. Monday, in reference to a disturbance of the peace, domestic violence incident in progress, according to the police report.
According to the report, the victim reported that Malachi Thompson came to her apartment intoxicated and barged inside when she opened the door. She told officers that Thompson assaulted her with his hands, causing bruises to her head. Police said the victim called 911 shortly after the incident.
Police said Thompson exited the apartment when officers arrived and was taken into custody. The victim sustained visible injuries to her head that were observed by officers.
Thompson was arrested on domestic violence charges. No bail was set pending his appearance before a judge under Virgin Islands domestic violence law. He was booked and transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility is pending an advice of rights hearing scheduled for Tuesday at Kingshill Superior Court, police said.
A 43-year-old man was arrested Jan. 2 on burglary and related charges after police said he forcibly entered an office and accessed a prohibited area on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
VIPD patrol officers arrested John Allen at about 1:21 p.m. Jan. 2. Police said Allen admitted to forcing open office doors and damaging locking mechanisms to gain access to items inside a storage cabinet he was not authorized to possess while on the compound.
Allen was charged with third-degree burglary, destruction of property, and domestic violence, according to the police report.
Following his arrest, Allen was booked and processed. No bail was set because the case is classified as domestic violence. He was remanded to the John A. Bell Correctional Facility pending an advice of rights hearing, police said.
Two 23-year-old men were arrested in connection with a New Year’s Day shooting in the Bovoni area of St. Thomas, where police say a firearm was discharged into a crowd during a disturbance, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
VIPD officers assigned to the Special Operations Bureau were dispatched to the area near the Lima Laundromat about 2:08 p.m. Jan. 1 after Central Dispatch received multiple reports of a large disturbance and gunfire, according to the police report stated.
According to the report, officers identified Engember Brito as the individual who discharged a firearm into a crowd of people who were engaged in a physical altercation. Police said further investigation showed that Robert De La Rosa fled the scene in a vehicle with Brito after the incident.
Officers later conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle at the Racetrack Gas Station on Rhymer Highway. Surveillance footage reviewed by police showed Brito and De La Rosa switching driving roles at the gas station, the report stated.
Both suspects later provided recorded statements to the Criminal Investigation Bureau and denied possessing a firearm, police said. Investigators obtained additional evidence that corroborated Brito’s involvement in discharging a firearm into the crowd before fleeing the scene, the report stated.
Brito and De La Rosa were arrested and charged with illegal discharge of a firearm and multiple related offenses. Police said Brito’s bail was set at $231,000 and De La Rosa’s bail was set at $131,000. After failing to post bond, both were booked, processed and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending advice of rights hearings, police said.
A three-car collision on Dec. 30, 2025, on Nicholas “Nick” Friday Memorial Drive on St. Thomas led to the arrest of a 77-year-old man on driving under the influence charges, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
VIPD officers were dispatched to the crash at about 7:13 p.m. Dec. 30. Police said three vehicles were involved and all drivers refused medical attention, according to the police report.
According to the release, officers observed that one driver, Richard Lawrence, had glossy red eyes, difficulty standing, stumbled while walking and emitted a strong odor of alcohol. Officers administered a standardized field sobriety test, which Lawrence failed to perform as instructed, police said.
Lawrence was detained and transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command, where he was booked and processed on driving under the influence charges. Bail was set at $1,000, according to VIPD.
A 34-year-old St. Thomas man was arrested Saturday on multiple domestic violence charges after police said he assaulted a woman during an argument at a residence, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
VIPD patrol officers were dispatched to the residence about 11:17 a.m. Saturday in reference to an assault. The victim told officers that she and Ashby Gibson argued and the dispute escalated into a physical altercation, the police report stated.
According to the report, the victim stated that Gibson caused her to fall, dragged her on a rug and strangled her while she was on the ground. She further told officers that Gibson threw objects at her, striking her, and later pushed her against a glass front door while she was holding her infant child as she attempted to leave the residence. The victim said she was able to get away and then called 911.
Police said the victim sustained visible injuries and complained of neck pain. Emergency medical technicians examined her at the scene, but she refused transport to Roy L. Schneider Hospital. The infant was not injured, the report stated.
Officers made contact with Gibson, advised him of his constitutional rights and placed him under arrest, police said. He was transported to the Richard Callwood Command, booked and processed, and turned over to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
Gibson was charged with assault, second-degree domestic violence, assault, third-degree domestic violence, simple assault, domestic violence, disturbance of the peace, domestic violence, and reckless endangerment, second-degree. No bail was set under Virgin Islands domestic violence law, the report stated.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a shots-fired incident reported Saturday in the Anna’s Retreat area on St. Thomas, the department stated in a police report.
Police said officers were dispatched after receiving an alert from the ShotSpotter system. An adult male told officers he was sitting outside his residence when he heard gunshots and believed bullets passed above his head. He reported dropping to the ground and crawling inside his home for safety. The man told police he did not see who fired the shots and is unaware of anyone who would want to harm him or his family, according to the police report.
Officers later observed several pock marks on the residential structure and recovered numerous spent shell casings in the area. The scene was processed by the Forensic Identification Unit, and the case has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Bureau for follow-up, the report stated.
The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the 911 Emergency Call Center, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, or Crime Stoppers U.S. Virgin Islands at 800-222-8477. Tips may be provided anonymously, police said.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. will deliver the 2026 State of the Territory Address at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, from the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chamber in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s 2023 State of the Territory Address was upbeat and optimistic.. (Photo by Barry Leerdam for V.I. Legislature)
The 2026 address will be Bryan’s eighth and final State of the Territory Address. The governor will present an accounting of the administration’s work over the past seven years, the territory’s current outlook, and the priorities and decisions that will shape the year ahead.
“This is a moment to speak plainly to the people of the Virgin Islands about where we stand, what we have built together, and what must still be done,” Bryan said. “It is also a moment to honor the strength of our people. We have been tested, we have worked, and we have moved these islands forward. I encourage every Virgin Islander, at home and across the diaspora, to tune in.”
The Office of the Governor has requested that the Legislature approve an extension for the State of the Territory Address from Jan. 12 to Monday, Jan. 26. The Legislature is expected to formally consider the request and act on the date change during its scheduled session Monday, Jan. 12, 2026.
The State of the Territory Address is the governor’s annual report to the Legislature and the public, outlining major initiatives and policy priorities affecting the lives of Virgin Islanders across St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.
Viewing options
An enhanced livestream of the 2026 State of the Territory Address will be available on:
• facebook.com/governmenthouseusvi
• facebook.com/viconsortium
The address will also air on:
• Government Access Network, Channel 27 for One Communications cable subscribers
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority advises motorists that roadwork has commenced along Centerline Road in the Hannah’s Rest area as part of the ongoing Hannah’s Rest Phase 1 Electrical Undergrounding Project.
Traffic plan for the Centerline Road closure map for the Hannah’s Rest Electrical Undergrounding Project. (Submitted photo)
Beginning Monday, Jan. 5, through Friday, Feb. 13, traffic in both directions will experience impacts along sections of the roadway between the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion and the Caribbean Centers for Boys and Girls of the Virgin Islands in Frederiksted.
These temporary lane closures will allow WAPA’s contractor, J. Benton Construction, to continue installing underground electrical infrastructure. This work is critical to improving service reliability and strengthening the resilience of St. Croix’s electrical grid against storms.
Motorists are encouraged to exercise caution, follow posted detour signage, and adhere to traffic cones and flagger instructions to help ensure a safe environment for workers and the traveling public.
WAPA thanks the community for its patience, cooperation, and continued support as this important infrastructure project moves forward.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
The family of Shiroon Mohammed of Estate Clifton Hill announces her passing on Jan. 3, 2026.
Shiroon Mohammed
She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion and is lovingly survived by her daughters, Zenora Hunte, Sherry Ann Mohammed-Guzman, and Jennifa Mohammed-Parrilla; her treasured grandchildren, Taahira Guzman, Amir Guzman, Suhayl Guzman, and Sameer Parrilla, who were the light of her life; her sisters, Sharefa Subratie, Hafiza Hosein, and Zobida Bissoon; and her sons-in-law, Angel Guzman and Sammy Parrilla. Shiroon was a devoted mother, a gentle soul, and a deeply loving grandmother who poured her heart into her family and surrounded them with care, guidance, and unconditional love. Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength will forever be remembered by all who had the blessing of knowing her.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 5 at the Abu Bakir Assidique Mosque at 12:30 p.m., with burial to follow at Kingshill Cemetery. “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we shall return.” We humbly ask Allah to forgive her shortcomings and grant her the highest place in Jannatul Firdaus.
The recent closure of St. Croix’s only major department store should concern every resident, regardless of political affiliation. In a small island economy, the loss of a flagship retailer is not merely a retail setback; it is a signal of deeper structural problems that affect jobs, the cost of living, and confidence in our economic direction.
Omar B.U. Henry (Submitted photo)
Large retailers do not leave markets casually. They leave when operating costs are unpredictable, infrastructure is unreliable, and long-term planning becomes impossible. When this happens on an island with limited alternatives, the consequences ripple outward — lost employment, reduced consumer choice, weakened small businesses, and a shrinking tax base that places even greater strain on government finances.
This moment requires more than just explanations. It demands structural reform. The island of St. Croix district needs a legislatively established, independent economic development authority with a clear mandate to attract and retain major employers, transparent incentive frameworks, and measurable performance standards. Economic development should not rely on political cycles or informal negotiations, but rather on predictable rules, enforceable timelines, and public accountability.
Such an approach would lower investment risk, restore confidence, and make St. Croix competitive again for flagship department stores and other major businesses. Just as importantly, it would give the public a straightforward way to measure success — or failure — based on results rather than rhetoric.
Retail closures are easy to dismiss as global trends. On St. Croix, there are warning lights. If we want a resilient economy, lower living costs, and real private‑sector growth, we must be willing to reform how economic development is governed and measured.
The question is no longer whether we can afford reform. It is whether we can afford to continue inaction.
— Omar B.U. Henry is a writer, civic advocate, and commentator in the U.S. Virgin Islands. His work focuses on democratic renewal, moral leadership, and community engagement across the Caribbean and the broader American experience. He is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, dialogue, and shared responsibility in public life.
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.
