Home Blog Page 197

Green Bay, Iona, CAHS Earn Quality Wins at Paradise Jam Day 2

Marelise Beach
-
0
Green Bay, Iona, CAHS Earn Quality Wins at Paradise Jam Day 2

Day 2 of the 26th edition of Basketball Travelers Inc.’s Paradise Jam brought highly competitive collegiate and high school games to the University of the Virgin Islands’ Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on Saturday.

C.J. O’Hara, #10 of Green Bay, dunks the ball during a game against the University of Massachusetts. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)

GAME 5 – Green Bay 79 – University of Massachusetts 75
The dynamic duo of Justin Allen and C.J. O’Hara fueled Green Bay’s win over the University of Massachusetts (UMass) on Day 2 of the 2025 Paradise Jam. The Minutemen of UMass marched out to a 5-0 early advantage. However, the Minutemen had no answer for O’Hara as he scored 21 points for Green Bay. His teammate Allen was the game’s leading performer with 27 points. Leonardo Bettiol led Umass with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists. Marcus Banks added 19 points for the Minutemen.

University of Massachusetts Head Coach, Frank Martin, talks to his team during a timeout of their game against Green Bay. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

GAME 6 – Iona 91 – Oregon State 84
It wasn’t a pleasant day in paradise for the Beavers of Oregon State as they built a concrete 19-point lead with under 11 minutes to go in the game, only to have the Gaels of Iona methodically chip away until the dam burst in double overtime. The Beavers were in control for much of this contest, nursing a 5-point advantage with under one minute to go in regulation. C.J. Anthony hit two clutch free throws, and the Iona defense held, prompting Coach Dan Geriot to call a timeout. Senior forward Luke Jungers was “as cool as the other side of the pillow,” coined by Stuart Scott, as he nailed the game-tying 3-point basket with under five seconds to go in the regulation. The Beavers were up two with less than 10 seconds to go in the first overtime, but they fouled Anthony. Once again, Anthony made both free throws. In the second overtime, Iona finished the game on a 10-0 run, giving them a hard-fought 91-84 victory. Anthony scored 22 points for Iona, while Noah Amenhauser dropped 20 for the Beavers.

Iona University Lamin Sabally #9 makes the layup in his game against Oregon State. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

Local High School Game – CAHS  64 – IEKHS 61
The final game of the evening featured the local public high schools, Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS) Chicken Hawks, versus Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS) Dynamic Rays. It was the first game of the season for both teams, and they were working out the kinks.  CAHS found its rhythm early, instituting its full-court press and taking a 5-point lead after the first eight minutes of play. The Rays did a much better job handling the pressure and took a 4-point advantage into intermission. During halftime, the Lady Hawks and the Lady Rays had a mini exhibition game. They played two eight-minute halves. IEKHS won the girls’ game 15-4. CAHS dialed back up the pressure in the second half, giving the Hawks the 3-point victory. Kareem Turnquest was the top scorer for CAHS with 18 points. Cameron Hill was the game’s top performer, scoring 23.

The tournament continues on Sunday, Nov. 23, with two tournament games at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Yale will play Charleston at 6:30 p.m. Akron will take on Evansville at 9 p.m.

WAPA Offers Immersive Youth Training

Mat Probasco
-
0
WAPA Offers Immersive Youth Training

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority recently participated in two impactful youth outreach events that brought financial literacy, role-playing, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning to life for students across the territory.

(Top, left and right): Students at the Pathway to Purpose Youth Finance Summit role-play as WAPA meter readers
and customers, learning how to read electric meters and understand their WAPA bills at UVI. (Bottom, left and right): Students at the VI Youth Fun Quest repair simulated leaky pipes, experiencing firsthand what it takes to
maintain and protect the territory’s water infrastructure at Central High School.

Through interactive activities and immersive simulations, students gained a deeper understanding of how energy and water systems support daily life — and the important role they themselves play as future community members, innovators, and utility customers.

At the Pathway to Purpose Youth Finance Summit on November 8, hosted by Aaliyah Boston at UVI on St. Thomas, 8th-grade students stepped into a “day in the life” as adults managing household responsibilities. As part of the simulation, WAPA representatives guided students through financial decision-making tied to energy use. Students learned to read electric meters, interpret utility bills, and even signed up for the Net Energy Billing program.

Students also role-played as WAPA employees, gaining firsthand insight into how the Authority supports the community. The experience reinforced the importance of financial literacy and responsible energy management, while giving students a meaningful look at real-world utility operations.

Yesterday, at the VI Youth Fun Quest on St. Croix hosted by the Virgin Islands Department of Education at Central High School, WAPA continued its hands-on approach with 4th- to 6th-grade students through a STEAM-focused activity station. Children learned how WAPA uses solar energy to power St. Croix, exploring fun facts about the Spanish Town, Petronella and Hogensborg solar farms.Students also learned how expanding solar energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, diversifies the territory’s energy sources, strengthens reliability, and moves the Virgin Islands toward a more sustainable future. They discovered additional practical uses of solar energy by learning how solar ovens work and taking home instructions to build their own.

The role-playing theme continued with WAPA’s water-focused demonstrations. Through a lively “leaky pipes” repair game, students acted as water maintenance crews. This immersive activity offered a new appreciation for the crews responsible for maintaining and protecting the territory’s water infrastructure.

“Hands-on learning and role-playing help students connect the dots between the services they rely on and the systems that make them possible,” shared Shanell Spencer, Director of Communications at WAPA. “We are proud to inspire future leaders and foster a deeper connection to the essential services our teams provide.”

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.

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Marelise Beach
-
0
Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Nov. 29. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

St. Thomas District Ag Fair Extended into Sunday at Bordeaux

Marelise Beach
-
0
St. Thomas District Ag Fair Extended into Sunday at Bordeaux
Students from Moravian School teach agriculture fair visitors how to make their own pound seasoning. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

The spirited celebration of agriculture in the Virgin Islands began Saturday on St. Thomas. The St. Thomas-St. John Agriculture and Food Fair took place at the We Grow Food Pavillion in Estate Bordeaux where Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen announced the event would be extended into Sunday.

The district’s ag fair is a staple event, taking place on the weekend before Thanksgiving for many years. Once staged on the grounds of the Reichhold Center for the Performing Arts, the fair was displaced after the center was damaged by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. This year, it found accommodation at the traditional site of the Bordeaux Farmers Rastafari Cultural and Agricultural Fair.

Residents and visitors enjoyed a selection of soups, pates, small meals, snacks, and sweets. They browsed through tables filled with fruits, vegetables, and herbs, along with potted fruit trees.

Farmer Badega Agusta said she enjoyed sharing her love of horticulture with friends and neighbors. “They’ve all been grown from seed. They grow very well here; everything here will produce fruit within five-to-seven years,” she said.

Also growing well this year – soursop. Several displays in the pavilion held an abundance of the heart-shaped fruit with the knobby green skin. Attorney Judith Bourne spoke with delight at also finding breadfruit, having two tucked into her tote bag.

Petersen said he, too, was pleased to see the yield.

“It just seems to be a good season for soursop. They sometimes like a nice, wet season followed by a dry season, and they do well, and I’ve even seen where they don’t have the typical pest issues they normally have. It’s a really good season for soursoup, and as we say in agriculture, all of the elements came together,” the commissioner said.

Saturday’s fair also enjoyed the talents of young performers in dance, music, and the culinary art of making pound seasoning. Students from the Moravian School held demonstrations for fairgoers.

Instructor and culture bearer Glen ‘Kwabena’ Davis said he taught students how to combine the ingredients and the technique of crushing and grinding them together in a mortar and pestle. “They learned how to prepare a local pound seasoning, and I told them in order to get a grade, you have to go out in public without my instruction and teach adults how to prepare a local pound seasoning,” Davis said.

By late afternoon, those in attendance gathered around the front of the stage to cheer on participants in a coal pot lighting contest.

Agriculture officials, lawmakers, and members of We Grow Food, Inc. addressed the gathering during a midday ceremony. Petersen pointed to the progress made by his department and supported through local and federal funding; they included a groundbreaking for the installation of two cisterns at Bordeaux and a proposal drawn up by Agriculture to fund restoration of the district’s abattoir.

“About a month ago, we had a ceremony on this very site to build two new cisterns. The contractor has committed to us that the work will begin Dec. 1,” the commissioner said.

Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett listed the federal programs directed by her office to support ag initiatives in the VI. And Sen. Hubert Frederick praised a recent event that brought pre-schoolers in the district together with farmers and Agriculture officials to explore the possibilities of growing food, fishing, and raising livestock at home.

Frederick — head of the Committee for Economic Development and Agriculture — also encouraged adults to raise small crops at home and share the experience with youth in the family.

“Let’s start practicing those habits and pass it down to them so we can grow our own food and have good medicine for our bodies,” the lawmaker said.

Berne’s Alley Project Aims to Rekindle Community in Charlotte Amalie

Marelise Beach
-
0
Berne’s Alley Project Aims to Rekindle Community in Charlotte Amalie
Expanded parking area and a new paint job are displayed brightly at Berne’s Alley. (Photo courtesy Crystal Blue Operations)

A once-neglected corridor in the heart of downtown Charlotte Amalie, Berne’s Alley, is undergoing a large-scale revitalization project aimed toward making the space a bustling and thriving community hub.

The revitalization of Berne’s Alley, spearheaded by Crystal Blue Operations (CBO), is a deliberate effort to reweave the historical, cultural, and social fabric of the city’s western edge. CBO is employing a dual approach of restoring the space’s architectural beauty while strategically improving it to suit modern use.

“The vision is to create a space that feels both authentically historic and dynamically present, a welcoming destination for visitors that still retains the essential feeling of ‘home’ for Virgin Islanders,” said Cristina Blackburn, chief executive officer.

Before this transformation, Berne’s Alley had fallen into a state of disrepair. Where workers once grabbed a meal from Golden Dragon and families collected ice from the local plant, years of neglect had taken their toll. “CBO saw the derelict state not just as an eyesore, but as a drag on the area’s safety and economic health. Existing tenants and neighbors deserved better,” expressed Blackburn.

The company envisions the revived alley as an opportunity to craft a better atmosphere for students from nearby schools, families, and churchgoers from the cathedral, ultimately drawing more people to the western end of downtown.

Crystal Blue Operations is working to restore the interior spaces of Berne’s Alley while maintaining the historic integrity of the buildings that are well over 100 years old. (Photo courtesy Crystal Blue Operations)

A key challenge in any historic renovation is integrating necessary modern infrastructure without sacrificing charm. The team, including Vice President of Construction and Facilities Joseph Sibilly and Construction Manager Miles Fossey, is working to tackle this challenge by increasing parking and improving accessibility, while working closely with preservation experts.

“Our Downtown Project Manager Chad Voight and the development team have worked closely with the Historic Preservation Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office. The collaboration has been crucial in preserving defining features like the arched walkway toward Kronprindsens Gade and the original interior stonework,” said Sibilly. Practical steps have already been taken to enhance safety, such as adjusting the Kronprindsens Gade gates to be for pedestrian access only.

Crystal Blue Operations has begun large-scale improvements at Berne’s Alley, including adding greenery, paving walkways, and repainting walls and shutters. (Photo courtesy Crystal Blue Operations)

Beyond the bricks and mortar, the project is designed to foster community. The redesign includes landscaping and pedestrian-friendly features aimed at creating a pleasant, safe environment that encourages foot traffic. While CBO has ideas for the future, they emphasize that “Berne’s is for everyone to enjoy,” encouraging community events to be offered in the space.

“CBO is curating a mix of offices, retail shops, and food and beverage establishments to create a lively destination. We are actively seeking a balance between established brands and local Virgin Islander entrepreneurs. This balance, not only reflects where people want to shop but also strengthens our community and enhances the authentic experience visitors can only have in the Virgin Islands,” says Blackburn.

The Berne’s Alley project is a key piece of CBO’s broader “Historic Area Revitalization Project” (HARP). This larger initiative represents a significant financial investment in the future of the Virgin Islands, aiming to restore the unique character of each block while boosting the local economy. “The anticipated benefits of HARP are multifaceted, including attracting established brands to St. Thomas and creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and job creation. Berne’s will serve as a glimpse of what is to come over the next few years of our revitalization journey,” said Blackburn.

In addition to the revitalization efforts of the buildings, Crystal Blue Operations has also worked to restore the parking lot. (Photo courtesy Crystal Blue Operations)

With the current construction phase complete and landscaping nearing completion, the next major milestone for the public to anticipate is the full transformation, with an anticipated accessibility in late 2025.

Local business owners and entrepreneurs inspired to be a part of this revitalization are encouraged to visit the CBO leasing website www.crystalblueusvi.com or email info@crystalblueusvi.com. CBO invites the community to stay connected by following their social media account @crystalblueusvi found on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X. Their offices can be reached at 340-774-8175.

Poisoning Suspect Arrested At Lindbergh Bay On Louisiana Warrant

Marelise Beach
-
0
Poisoning Suspect Arrested At Lindbergh Bay On Louisiana Warrant

An anonymous tipster called Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers at Cyril E. King Airport to report a woman at Lindbergh Bay Beach was “undocumented” and may have poisoned her boyfriend, according to Superior Court records.

Virgin Islands Police Department officers and Homeland Security agents contacted the woman, 47-year-old Bonnie Janski, or Jansky, who had an active arrest warrant issued by the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, in Louisiana. Janski was wanted on charges of possession of marijuana, resisting an officer, driving while intoxicated, driving without a license, liability insurance required, and possession of open alcohol in a vehicle, according to court records.

On Friday, Janski, or Jansky, refused to give authorities her Social Security number. She told prosecutors she feared extradition back to Louisiana because someone had killed her boyfriend and attempted to kill her, according to court records. She asked for $1,000 bail. Prosecutors had a different story, saying Janski had killed her boyfriend, and Louisiana officials requested she be held without bail.

Jefferson Parish court records weren’t immediately available to explain the killing of Janski’s boyfriend or what her alleged involvement might be. Virgin Islands Judge Paula D. Norkaitis ordered Janski to provide her full Social Security number to law enforcement officers for identification, and ordered a follow up hearing Dec. 22.

Paradise Jam 2025 Opening Day Recap: Next Match at 4 p.m. Saturday

Marelise Beach
-
0
Paradise Jam 2025 Opening Day Recap: Next Match at 4 p.m. Saturday

The 26th installment of Basketball Travelers Inc.’s Paradise Jam started on Friday, Nov. 21, with four men’s games at the University of the Virgin Islands’ Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.

GAME 1 – Yale 73 – Green Bay 67
The Yale University Bulldogs tamed the Phoenix of the University of Wisconsin Green Bay 73 – 67 in the opening game of the 2025 Paradise Jam. The Bulldogs took control in the first half and maintained a comfortable working margin throughout, including a nine-point halftime advantage.  Senior forward Nick Townend scored 13 points for the Ivy League school.  His teammates, Casey Simmons and Riley Fox, each chipped in 11 points for the Bulldogs. Junior forward, Marcus Hall, had an outstanding game for the Phoenix, dropping 20 points and snatching 8 rebounds. C.J. O’Hara added 15 points in a losing effort.

GAME 2 – College of Charleston 69 – University of Massachusetts 65
The Minutemen of the University of Massachusetts started this game on a 7–0 run against the College of Charleston. They outshot the Cougars, making 46.4 % of their shots. They made 4 more three-point shots than their opponents, but came up 4 points short on the scoreboard.  The Cougars of Charleston went 24-29 from the free-throw line, while the Minutemen needed more time on the charity stripe, going 6-13. Jlynn Counter scored 12 points for the College of Charleston. Marcus Banks and Leonardo Bettiol were the top two offensive players for UMass.

The University of Akron’s Shammah Scott #1 makes a contested layup during Akron’s victory over Iona during game three of day one of the 2025 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

GAME 3 – Akron 96 – Iona 75

Iona’s #44, Alliou Fall’s dunk attempt did not fall through the rim during game three of the opening day of 2025 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

Iona University Gaels came into game two of this tournament with an unblemished (4-0) record, while the University of Akron Zips suffered their only loss of the season to top-ranked Purdue Boiler Markings. Akron’s Red-shirt Freshman, Eric Mahaffey, shot 8-9 from the field, including 1-1 from three-point land, igniting the Zips’ offense. Mahaffey finished with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Tavari Johnson contributed 19 points for Akron. Kosy Akametu and C.J. Anthony were the top scorers for Iona, scoring 16 and 13 points, respectively.

GAME 4 – Evansville 73 – Oregon State 69

Oregon State Johan Munch #24 blocks Joshua Hughes #11 of Evansville in game four of the opening day of 2025 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)

The final game of day one of the 2025 Paradise Jam was a very competitive contest. The Evansville Purple Aces were on top of the scoreboard for the majority of the first half, clinging to just a 2-point advantage at intermission (30-8).  The Beavers started the second frame hot, building a modest 6-point lead. However, Evansville went on a 20–3 run that sealed the game for the Purple Aces. Joshua Hughes dropped 16 points and snagged 12 rebounds for Evansville.  Leif Moeller and Connor Turnbull also contributed 14 and 10 points, respectively, for the winning team. Noah Amenhauser scored 17 points and collected 5 rebounds for the Beavers.  Josiah Lake II added 16 points in a losing effort.

The tournament continues on Saturday, Nov. 22, with two tournament games at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Green Bay will play UMass at 4 p.m. Iona will take on Oregon State at 6:30 p.m. The final game of the evening will feature the Charlotte Amalie High School Chicken Hawks against their rivals, the Ivanna Eudora Kean Dynamite Rays, at 9 p.m. At halftime, the Lady Hawks and the Lady Rays will be on the courts for an abbreviated exhibition contest

Paving to Close STT Runway Overnight

Mat Probasco
-
0
Paving to Close STT Runway Overnight

The single runway at the only airport in St. Thomas is scheduled for infrastructure improvements. The Virgin Islands Port Authority has announced that the runway at Cyril E. King Airport will be closed nightly from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., starting Dec. 1, and continuing through 2026, as the Authority undertakes two runway projects.

Passenger disembark at Cyril E. King airport. (Source File Photo by Mat Probasco)

On Dec. 1, VIPA will commence a pavement boring project on the runway. This project involves conducting geotechnical investigations to enhance the condition, operability, and safety of the 7,002-foot runway. The work will be performed at night and will not disrupt normal airport operations.

Following the pavement boring project, VIPA plans to begin resurfacing the runway in January 2026. The $27 million project has been awarded to Island Roads Corporation and is primarily funded by a federal grant from the FAA and Passenger Facility Charges (PFC).  VIPA aims to significantly reduce the likelihood of unexpected pavement failures, improve the reliability of the runway, and ensure the safety and continuity of aviation services for travelers. The last major rehabilitation of the runway took place in 2012. VIPA has been planning this project in collaboration with airport users, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and other stakeholders since 2018.

While VIPA does not expect any significant disruptions to air travel in St. Thomas, the agency apologizes for any inconvenience caused by the nightly closures as it works to complete these crucial improvements to the runway infrastructure.  VIPA will continue to update the public about the specific duration of the nightly closures as the projects progress.

Former Assistant Principal Clifton Boyd Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges as Earlier Allegations Resurface

Source Staff
-
0
Former Assistant Principal Clifton Boyd Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges as Earlier Allegations Resurface

Former assistant principal Clifton D. Boyd was arrested Friday on St. Thomas, three months after the Source first reported that multiple former students had accused him of inappropriate touching, grooming, and sexual misconduct dating back more than a decade. The arrest follows a new complaint from a male student who said Boyd abused him while he attended Joseph Gomez Elementary School during the 2019–2020 school year.

According to a statement Friday from the Virgin Islands Police Department, the student first disclosed the abuse to a school nurse on August 22, prompting an investigation. The student later told police that Boyd would remove him from class and bring him to his office, where he was forced to perform sexual acts — abuse he said continued until he left Gomez. VIPD obtained an arrest warrant on Nov. 19 and took Boyd into custody Friday morning at approximately 10:15 a.m.

The arrest comes amid months the Source’s September investigative piece, Where the Sun Doesn’t Shine (Part 1), in which two former students described incidents ranging from unwanted touching to late-night stalking and repeated boundary violations tied to Boyd’s roles at E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary, Julius Sprauve School, and his summer program, Brighter Writers. Both women said they reported Boyd’s behavior to school officials years ago but never learned of any follow-up, and each was shocked to discover he continued to rise through the ranks.

In that report, Education officials acknowledged Boyd had previously been the subject of internal complaints, including one forwarded by a Gomez principal. The outcome of those proceedings remains unclear. Multiple attempts by the Source to obtain records of past complaints, findings from Division of Personnel hearings, or timelines of administrative action were redirected as officials said the investigation was ongoing.

Friday’s arrest marked the first time authorities publicly confirmed the nature of the newest allegation. VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks described the case as an ongoing, active investigation handled by the Domestic Violence & Special Victims Unit. “This type of conduct is unacceptable,” Martinez said, adding that anyone who abuses students “will be held accountable” and “will live out the remainder of their days behind bars.”

The Virgin Islands Department of Education released its own statement late Friday, confirming that Boyd had been under internal investigation prior to the arrest. The department said it continues to review allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct and reiterated that “any form of misconduct… has no place within our school system.” The agency added that leadership has been reminded of mandatory reporting obligations and that student safety “will always remain our highest priority.”

Both VIDE and VIPD have said they are cooperating with federal and local authorities. It remains unclear how many complaints against Boyd were filed over his three decades in the district, or whether any were previously forwarded to police. The Source reported in September that a separate investigation — tied to the case of former Charlotte Amalie High School coach Alfredo Bruce Smith, now serving a 35-year federal sentence — was also pending, highlighting longstanding concerns about reporting gaps and the handling of misconduct allegations inside the territory’s schools.

For now, Boyd remains detained at the Bureau of Corrections, awaiting his Advice of Rights hearing scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24. Investigators continue to urge anyone with information to contact VIPD’s Domestic Violence Unit or 911.

19-Year-Old Arrested After Early-Morning Domestic Dispute on St. Croix

Source Staff
-
0
19-Year-Old Arrested After Early-Morning Domestic Dispute on St. Croix

A 19-year-old woman was arrested Friday after police say a domestic dispute on St. Croix escalated into a physical assault and damage to property in the early morning hours.

According to the V.I. Police Department, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a call around 3:34 a.m. on Nov. 21 from a woman who reported she had been assaulted and that the suspect had struck her vehicle before leaving the area. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau were assigned to the case.

Police said the investigation determined that during an argument, the suspect physically assaulted the victim, causing visible injuries. The suspect then allegedly struck the victim’s vehicle multiple times with an object and later collided her own vehicle with the victim’s.

The suspect, identified by police as Shania Frederick, 19, later appeared at the Wilbur Francis Command police station, where she agreed to provide a statement. She was subsequently arrested and charged with Assault Second Degree – Domestic Violence, Assault Third Degree, Simple Assault and Battery, and Destruction of Property.

Frederick was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility after no bail was set, pending her Advice of Rights hearing scheduled for Nov. 24 in Superior Court.

The case remains under investigation.

1...196197198...13,068Page 197 of 13,068

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here