Home Blog Page 226

Assault Suspect Allowed to Leave Territory Now Faces Murder Charge After Victim Dies

Source Staff
-
0
Assault Suspect Allowed to Leave Territory Now Faces Murder Charge After Victim Dies

A man initially released on bail after a violent assault in June — and permitted by the court to leave the territory while the case was pending — is now charged with first-degree murder after the victim died of his injuries two months later.

Travis Lawrence, 36, is accused of attacking 76-year-old Denston Bacchus inside Bacchus’ Estate St. George home on June 15. Bacchus, who sustained severe head injuries, was medevaced to Florida for specialized care and died on Aug. 20. A forensic autopsy later confirmed his death was a homicide, according to police.

At the time of the assault, Lawrence faced charges including assault and aggravated battery. He was released on bail with permission from the Superior Court to leave St. Croix while the case proceeded, according to police and court filings.

Witnesses told investigators they heard Bacchus calling for help outside before discovering him injured. Police say Bacchus had allowed Lawrence inside his home to provide assistance when Lawrence allegedly locked the screen door behind him and began striking him repeatedly. Bacchus was transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital before being airlifted off-island.

After Bacchus’ death, the case was upgraded to a homicide investigation. A first-degree murder warrant was signed on Sept. 23, with bail set at $1 million, according to a VIPD arrest report. Lawrence surrendered on Nov. 3 at the Wilbur H. Francis Command with counsel.

The court again granted his release, authorizing him to return to Tampa, Florida, under 24-hour house arrest. The conditions do not include electronic monitoring, according to a Tuesday press release.

In addition to first-degree murder, Lawrence is now charged with: assault in the first degree, assault in the third degree, aggravated assault and battery, and mayhem.

The EDA’s 2025 Estate Planning Conference Shared Tips on How to Preserve Property

Source staff
-
0
The EDA’s 2025 Estate Planning Conference Shared Tips on How to Preserve Property
Audience members at Muse on St. Thomas during the 2025 estate planning conference. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)

Muse Meetings and Events on St. Thomas was almost filled, over 150 participants tuned in online, and many more attended at the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix to get informed on estate planning during the Economic Development Authority’s estate planning conference Tuesday.

“We’ve been doing this for fifteen or so years,” said Nadine Marchena Kean, the Enterprise Zone Commission’s managing director. She also highlighted that the last four years have been sponsored by a grant from the Department of the Interior.

Marchena Kean began the conference by spotlighting the pilot program for the EZC that assisted eight families with estate planning. According to the director, some participants experienced challenges that the commission used as a learning resource, and some were successful with the program.

“Some of them were really very simple issues. They needed to plan for their estate,” said Marchena Kean. “Others had major, deep, probate issues.”

Enterprise Zone Commission managing director, Nadine Marchena Kean addresses the audience in St. Thomas during the 2025 EDA estate planning conference. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)

Vivian Ebbesen-Flood, one of the participants, shared her experience with the audience. The property that she acquired through the assistance of the pilot program was displayed in the booklet that was distributed to the participants. Ebbesen-Flood said she was “proud” to display property that her family now owns due to assistance from the estate planning program.

“Dirt has value,” Ebbesen-Flood said was something her father used to tell her. For persons interested in estate planning, she shared that, “Just mapping it out on paper, as to what you have in front of you, the web that’s there, and then you go from there in figuring out what else you need to do,” is the advice she can give.

After sharing gratitude for persons and organizations who assisted with the conference, and a short break for refreshments, Marchena Keans split participants into two breakout sessions. One session was on estate planning and the other, probate.

The session on trusts, estate planning, and probate avoidance was led by attorney Karabo Molyneaux-Molloy. She shared that she directs her clients on how to avoid the probate process. She also shared that she finds it disheartening for people, particularly in times of disaster, to be unable to receive disaster relief due to improper estate planning. Though she said a trust won’t always keep you out of probate, she credited having a trust as a good part of estate planning.

“A trust is basically just a contract. It’s letting everybody know who has access to your trust after you die, which is normally your trustee,” said Molyneaux-Molloy.

Attorney Karabo Molyneaux-Molloy speaks to participants about owning a trust during the EDA’s 2025 estate planning conference. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)

A trust has four major elements, she said. A grantor or trustmaker, the successor trustees, beneficiaries, and a recorded deed. She added that wills are not a way to avoid probate. To keep a car out of probate, adding a beneficiary to car titles without car notes will do so. She said the beneficiary form can be found on the Bureau of Motor Vehicles’ website.

However, “if you’re driving your day to day car, you don’t want that in your trust,” said Molyneaux-Molloy.

Gifting deeds and owning LLCs were also topics discussed.

“When you have an LLC it has to be structured properly,” highlighted Molyneaux-Molly.

During the session, the attorney importantly noted to participants that they should pay attention to assets.

“People are complicated, the way that people inherit property is complicated, family is complicated,” said Molyneaux-Molloy. “Just because you’ve been paying this mortgage, and your names are on the building permits, and you love each other, it doesn’t mean that both of you are true owners of the property. You can be on a mortgage but not on a deed. You can be responsible for a note but not have any ownership.”

When asked how often one should update their estate planning, Molyneaux-Molloy said estate plans are typically reviewed every two years, but marriages, deaths, and big events are good times to review them. She also mentioned that trusts do not have to be filed in court.

Ending the session, Marchena Kean directed participants on how to navigate the EDA’s estate planning website, and demonstrated how to use an artificial intelligence tool created to assist with providing resources for estate planning.

“It’s information. This is something that will be available to you to start,” said Marchena Kean of the estate planning webpage. “We’ve tried to use every penny of the grant that we received to help the people of the Virgin Islands.”

At the end of the conference, participants appeared to be more informed about estate planning, with some eager to learn more. For more information about the estate planning conference, contact the USVI Economic Development Authority at 340-714-1700 for the St. Thomas- St. John office or 340-773-6499 for the St. Croix office.

Next Leg of V.I.-to-Jamaica Disaster Response Appears to Be Taking Shape; Local Response as Well

Source staff
-
0
Next Leg of V.I.-to-Jamaica Disaster Response Appears to Be Taking Shape; Local Response as Well
The V.I.-based medevac team Trinity Ambulance Virgin Islands on its first Jamaica response mission. (Submitted photo)

The effort of Virgin Islanders to help the people of Jamaica recover from the damage wrought by Hurricane Melissa appeared to be gaining support one week after the massive storm made landfall.

From Miami on Tuesday, a St. Thomas tow truck operator who joined the response after the storm passed described the task of gathering resources to increase the flow of help coming from this U.S. territory.

Now, more than a week since disaster struck, more Virgin Islanders are offering support. A post on social media announced a donation drive at Barefoot Buddha — a Havensight eatery — that would be added to efforts sponsored by a regional tourism group.

Support is also mounting for a mission launched by Trinity Ambulance Virgin Islands, a fully-fledged air medical crew working with Jamaica Defense Force to perform emergency extractions from areas that suffered devastation from the storm over the course of five days. “I was willing to help the community, our own community and others,” Jose Trotman, a member of the team, said.

Trinity operations director Chis Watson commended Trotman and the rest of the team, adding that they have been continuously workint to medically evacuate residents in a cricitcal care capacity. The team returned to Florida on Monday as safety concerns mounted and supplies dwindled. From Ft. Lauderdale, Watson sought ways to return to the disaster zone while Trotman in Miami reached out for donations of medical supplies. Both V.I. volunteers described the scene on the ground in Jamaica as disorganized and chaotic. “I’m still here in Florida trying to get some more crew so we can head back down,” Trotman said.

That appeal, he said, reached several home-based first responders who said they were willing to join the mission. Trotman said he also heard from one of St. Thomas’ Rotary Clubs, asking how they could help.

“I heard from someone this morning from the Rotary Club on St. Thomas. They are willing to donate some money — I think it’s toward medical supplies; that’s a big need in Jamaica right now,” he said.

Tuesday also brought word from Watson, offering signs that the response in the disaster zone was getting better organized. On the first attempt, the V.I. team worked alongside regular military forces where medical evacuations were just a part of their wider mission.

Meanwhile, other V.I.-based relief efforts appear to be taking shape. From the office of Delegate to Congress, Stacey Plaskett issued a statement of solidarity.

“Throughout this crisis, I have kept Virgin Islanders informed about the storm’s impact on Jamaica, where many of our constituents have family and deep ties. As One Caribbean, we will stand with these communities as they rebuild,” Plaskett said.

Inquiries posed to Government House about any efforts toward Jamaica disaster relief they may know of have, so far, gone unanswered.

Police Arrest Woman After Altercation at Tutu Park Mall Grocery Store

Source Staff
-
0
Police Arrest Woman After Altercation at Tutu Park Mall Grocery Store

A 39-year-old woman, Lowayna Durant, was arrested Friday after an altercation inside The Market at Tutu Park Mall left a 72-year-old man, Patton Mulford, with an injury to his left ear requiring stitches, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.

The incident occurred around 2:40 p.m. inside the grocery store. When officers arrived, Durant was still on scene and reported that the confrontation began as she was walking through an aisle checking her shopping list on her phone. She told police that Mulford approached and stood directly in front of her, telling her to move.

Durant said she believed she had given enough space and admitted to pushing his shopping cart aside, telling officers that the exchange became a face-to-face confrontation in which she felt threatened due to Mulford’s larger stature. She told police she acted in defense of herself, according to a Tuesday press release.

Mulford, who was transported by ambulance to Schneider Regional Medical Center, told officers that he believed Durant intentionally obstructed his path and that both of them refused to move. He said Durant forcefully pushed his shopping cart twice while he was still holding it, and then allegedly lunged and struck him with her fist and forearm. According to the report, Mulford told police that he fell backward into the store shelf, injuring his left ear. He received seven stitches, and officers documented what they described as a laceration resulting in partial disfigurement.

Officers later reviewed store surveillance footage and reported that the video showed Durant as the aggressor in the exchange. The investigation further noted the significant age difference between the two individuals — Mulford is 72, Durant 39 — and concluded that Durant’s actions caused the injury, the release said.

Durant was taken into custody and charged with assault in the third degree, mayhem, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, disturbance of the peace, and simple assault, police said. Bail was set at $25,000, and according to the report, Durant was unable to post bond. She was subsequently remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, pending her Advice of Rights hearing scheduled on Monday.

Umami to Host Second Fundraiser for Culinary Scholarship

Source staff
-
0
Umami to Host Second Fundraiser for Culinary Scholarship

Virgin Islanders can eat, drink, win prizes and support the territory’s next culinary star Thursday at a fundraiser for the M.A.M. Memorial Scholarship at Umami Sushi on St. Croix.

The M.A.M. Memorial Culinary Scholarship is named for St. Croix chef Michael Alexander McKinnon. (Photo courtesy Ashley McKinnon)

Named for Michael Alexander McKinnon, who owned the beloved downtown sushi mainstay Dashi with his wife, Ashley, for 17 years, the scholarship raised $7,000 during its first fundraiser last year. Ashley McKinnon told the Source Tuesday that aspiring chefs de cuisine can apply for the scholarship through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands as long as they’re enrolled in a culinary program.

For McKinnon, it’s a way to continue the work Mike did to support his own employees’ culinary journeys. She recalled how they once sat a former employee down, helped him define his goals and navigate financial aid.

“Mike’s like, ‘we’re buying his books for him.’ And you know, he went away and got to go to culinary school,” she said. “He probably thought he never could do that — but you can, and especially with a scholarship like this to help you.”

Those attending Thursday’s fundraiser can expect fare from chefs Joe Smith, Cody Garcia, Scot Bryan and Sean Skerette as well as herself and Umami’s own Rose Rivera. Each guest will receive a certain number of tickets, which they’ll be able to exchange for “Taste of St. Croix-style portions” of dishes throughout the evening.

“And so you can use your tickets to try as much as you want or as little as you want,” she said, adding that the event will also feature a sake-based cocktail.

Those with full bellies can also try their luck with two raffles — and potentially win two round-trip tickets to Puerto Rico, courtesy of Fly the Whale — or bid on silent auction items like staycations, jewelry, horseback riding, and even a medium reading.

“I’ve been so blessed with how easy it was to get people to participate,” McKinnon said, “because they know how important it is. You know, we always want to help our local youth, and they knew Michael — and his memory is important to a lot of people on this island. We want to keep that alive.”

McKinnon also thanked the fundraiser’s sponsors, Mt. Pellier Domino Club and Geographic Consulting, as well as the Benton and Scott families, for their support.

Thursday’s fundraiser starts at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online here, and direct donations to the M.A.M. Scholarship can be made here.

Op-Ed: Executive Order on Gender Marker Changes is Encouraging, But Limitations Remain

Source staff
-
0
Op-Ed: Executive Order on Gender Marker Changes is Encouraging, But Limitations Remain

The story about Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s Executive Order allowing for gender marker changes on government documents in the U.S. Virgin Islands is being picked up by several national LGBTQ+ news sites, garnering responses of both praise and, predictably, bigotry. While I believe there is room for optimism at this step, I am also feeling it is increasingly necessary to provide additional context gained through the answers provided by Government House to follow up questions, as there also appears to be a great deal of misunderstanding about what the EO actually does.

Andrew Seeber (Submitted photo)
Andrew Seeber (Submitted photo)

First, the ability to present a letter from a medical provider as justification for changes is only available to intersex people the way the EO is written — it does not apply to transgender or nonbinary people. This is great news for intersex people who can access and are receiving treatments. It is unclear, however, whether this was the intention of the EO or a result of misunderstanding about the differences between intersex, transgender, and nonbinary identities.

Second, the option to provide a judicial order as justification for changes does apply to trans and nonbinary people as well as intersex people, however, there is no local process for obtaining a judicial order — the expectation being that this would need to come from the Legislature enacting a bill specifying a process to follow. This option then is only available to people who have left the Virgin Islands and are living somewhere that does provide a process for obtaining a judicial order, which they can then use in the Virgin Islands.

While I applaud the administration for taking steps to support intersex, trans, and nonbinary people from or in the U.S. Virgin Islands, I find it frustrating that there is no process for trans and nonbinary people currently living in the USVI since they can use neither the provider option nor actually get a judicial order locally. I also think it’s important to note that not all trans, nonbinary, or intersex people need, want, or can access medical intervention (or access in the Virgin Islands), which means even the provider letter option applies to only some intersex people.

Gov. Bryan first tried to get gender marker changes addressed through the Legislature with Bill 35-0395. As I noted in my testimony to the Legislature in November 2024 when the Governor’s bill was heard, 21 states and Washington, D.C. do not require a medical provider’s certification, nor do they require a judicial order. It is an administrative process, not a medical or judicial one.

The governor even notes in his press release that administrative processes exist in 25 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C. for birth certificate changes and 30 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C. for driver’s license changes. Only the minority of these require a provider statement. So why wait for the Legislature to create more complicated procedures that create additional barriers rather than just adopt purely administrative processes?

So again, while I find it encouraging that the administration has taken these steps, I believe it is important to clarify the significant limitations in what the EO actually does. I also suggest the process could be easily simplified and made far more inclusive, particularly for trans and nonbinary people currently living in the territory.

— Andrew Seeber, Ph.D., is an openly trans- and nonbinary-identified scholar and author of “Trans* Lives in the United States: Challenges of Transition and Beyond.” Dr. Seeber earned their doctorate in Sociology with a doctoral emphasis in Feminist Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. They have taught a variety of courses across Sociology, Social Work, Social Psychology, Gender, and Trans Studies. Their research focuses on the experiences of trans people throughout the life course, LGBTQ+ people from the Caribbean, and uses an intersectional approach to analyze areas such as family relationships, employment, health care, and strategies for managing difficult social contexts. Dr. Seeber is an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of the Virgin Islands and serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Croix Pride.

VIPD to Host Town Hall on St. Croix Friday

Mat Probasco
-
0
VIPD to Host Town Hall on St. Croix Friday

The Virgin Islands Police Department, St. Croix District will be hosting a Town Hall meeting on Friday, Nov. 7 at the Frederick D. Dorsch Cultural Activity Center (Next to the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Public Library) in Frederiksted and on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Sunny Isle Amphitheater from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

(Photo courtesty VIPD Facebook page)

Community members are invited to join Chief Uston Cornelius, Deputy Chief Naomi Joseph, Zone Commanders and Chief of Detective to engage and discuss issues that affects our community.

The Virgin Islands Police Department strives to keep our community safe and is eager to hear from community members on issues that they encounter. We look forward to hearing from our valuable community members

Ineta Iotha Laffetta Thomas Dies at 79

Mat Probasco
-
0
Ineta Iotha Laffetta Thomas Dies at 79

Ineta Iotha “Ota” Laffetta Thomas, of Estate Sion Hill, transitioned into eternal life on Oct. 20. She was 79 years old. 

Ineta Iotha Laffetta Thomas

She was preceded in death by her, father, Charles Thomas; mother, Virginia Heskey; sister, Venita M. Harrigan; brother, Luchland “Dala” Thomas; niece, Jacqueline Harrigan-Wickham; nephews, Nolly “Lesroy” King, Sr., Calvin Ferrance, Bluel Ferrance, and Warren Ferrance.

She is survived by her children, Bruno Cameron Gore (Alabama) and Laura Laffetta Yáminah Gore (Georgia); sister, Rosalie Avis Ferrance (St. Martin); brothers, Jeremiah “Enoch” Thomas (Florida) and Bernard Thomas (Texas); sister-in-Law, Kim Thomas (Jeremiah “Enoch”), Alice “Lita” Thomas (Luchland “Dala); grandsons, Bruno Gore, Jr., Khalid Arual Ovesen, Abiyah Pitts, Kasim Nesbitt, Obuasi Boulware; granddaughters, Gloria Slater-Winston, Ariadne Gore, Stephanie Gore, Ashley Gore, Krystal Francis, Octavia Pitts, Grace Henry; great grandsons, Tyheri Jackson, Rashaud Jackson, Nevaeh Hill, Damion “Prince” Bogle, Giovanni Samuel; great-granddaughters, A’Leigha Felix, Arionni Gore, A’Lexxis Jackson, A’Lyviah Jackson, A’Laynah Jackson, A’Layrah Jackson, Ashanti Celestin, Aysha Celestin, Taniya K. Bennett, Deanna Gore, GG Gore, Skichi Gore, Tiana Gore; great great-granddaughter, Novah Wynter Yaminah Felix; nieces, Jean “Pam” Phillip, Alexandra Ferrance, Carolyn Ferrance, Yolanda A.Thomas, Melinda Thomas; nephews, Henry Harrigan, Jr., Cortney Thomas, John Thomas, Lance Thomas, Jase Thomas, Glenmore Ferrance, Devon Ferrance, Dion Ferrance; godson, Craig Rawlins; cousins, Christobelle Heskey & Family, Charles Heskey and Family of Old Roads Antigua, Linnet Simon & Family, Molvine Simon & Family, Lucinda Flemming & Family, Cheryl Coates, Dawnie Yorke, Stacy Hewitt, Joann Lewis, and many more too numerous to mention; special Friends, Rosario Calderon de Calderon, Wesley Issac, Edeen Headley, Helen Hecox, Lorna Davis, Mary Schubert, Lori Daubenspeck, Carole Bartholomew Dusseau, Vivian Greenaway, Kareem Bailey, Esther Sweeney, Spencer Williams, Shirley-Ann Guide, Jennifer Joseph, Pauline Antoine, Chester D. Copeman, PhD, Blanche Rawlins, Beverly Woodrup, Thomas Daubenspeck; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on Nov. 14 at James Memorial Chapel. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with the service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. 

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Op-Ed: Virgin Islands at a Crossroads, Part IV: Powering the Future — Transforming the Virgin Islands’ Energy Landscape

Source staff
-
0
Op-Ed: Virgin Islands at a Crossroads, Part IV: Powering the Future — Transforming the Virgin Islands’ Energy Landscape

Energy is the foundation upon which every modern economy is built. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, transforming our energy system is not only an infrastructure challenge. It is the gateway to economic competitiveness, innovation, and long-term prosperity.

Every major economic transformation in history began with energy. Nations that secured reliable, affordable power became centers of innovation and growth. Today, the U.S. Virgin Islands stands at a similar moment. To build a globally competitive, AI-ready economy, we must first build the energy foundation that powers it.

For decades, our islands have struggled with high electricity costs, aging infrastructure, and grid vulnerability. These challenges are more than technical issues as they directly affect our cost of living, business growth, and ability to attract investment. To compete in the 21st-century global economy, we must move with urgency and strategic vision.

 

Leveraging Federal Investment to Lead in Energy Innovation

The Virgin Islands has been entrusted with historic federal recovery and infrastructure funding, providing a once-in-a-generation opportunity. These resources can do more than rebuild what existed as they can launch the territory to the forefront of clean, diversified, and resilient energy leadership.

By aligning federal investment with a short-term and long-term energy strategy, the USVI can:

● Modernize and harden the energy grid
● Deploy large-scale renewable power
● Encourage private-sector energy development
● Build a platform for emerging energy technologies

If executed decisively, the Virgin Islands could become a national model for diversified and resilient island energy systems by reducing costs, improving reliability, and enabling new industries to flourish.

A Diversified Energy Portfolio for Stability and Growth

The future of energy in the Virgin Islands must be balanced, diversified, and resilient. Key pillars include:

● Solar and Wind: Harness world-class renewable resources to reduce costs and dependence on imported fuels.
● Battery Storage (Industrial Scale): Ensure stability and reliability during fluctuations in electrical power generation.
● Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a Bridge: Provide dependable, lower-emission power while renewable capacity scales.
● Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) (long-term): Evaluate next-generation nuclear technology for baseload reliability and hurricane-resilient design.

This diversified approach ensures reliability, reduces price volatility, and positions the territory at the forefront of diversified, clean, and scalable power solutions.

Modernizing the Grid for Reliability and Resilience

Generation is only part of the equation. We must also modernize the transmission and distribution system to support future growth and withstand climate impacts.

Priorities include:
● Grid hardening and undergrounding where feasible
● Smart-grid technology for predictive management and quick restoration
● Microgrids for hospitals, schools, ports, and emergency facilities

This ensures our grid remains stable even in the face of severe storms, which is a critical necessity for our people and for industry.

Energy as the Catalyst for Economic Expansion

A modern energy system is more than utility infrastructure. It is the economic engine that powers every other industry.

Reliable, affordable power enables:
● AI data centers and digital industries
● Advanced manufacturing and biotech facilities
● Cold storage and agricultural expansion
● Tourism resilience and hospitality growth
● Small business development and entrepreneurship

Simply put, energy is the prerequisite for a diversified and thriving economy.

Without dependable power, industries cannot scale. With it, the Virgin Islands becomes a magnet for investment, innovation, and talent.

A Call to Action

We have the opportunity, federal resources and strategic rationale to build an energy system worthy of our future.

Success requires:
● Clear short-term and long-term planning and regulatory alignment
● Public-private partnerships and investment incentives
● Transparent execution and community engagement
● A commitment to a resilient, diversified portfolio

Powering the Future is more than an energy plan, it is the foundation for generational prosperity.

If we seize this moment, the Virgin Islands can become a global model for how small island economies harness diversified, resilient energy systems to drive growth.

If we hesitate, we risk being left behind.

The power to shape our future, literally and figuratively, is in our hands.

This piece is part of the “Virgin Islands at a Crossroads” series, which invites Virgin
Islanders at home and abroad to join the conversation on building a resilient, diversified
future.

Read the first three parts of the series here:

Op-ed: Virgin Islands at a Crossroads: Act Now or Miss the Next Global Economic Wave

Op-ed: Virgin Islands at a Crossroads, Part II: Anchoring the AI Economy at the Digital Gateway of the Americas

Op-ed: Virgin Islands at a Crossroads, Part III: Building the Workforce of the AI and Diversified Clean Energy Economy

— Bernard Dyer is a Virgin Islander in the diaspora, technologist, and strategist with
more than 25 years of public-sector experience, including 17 years with Booz Allen
Hamilton supporting large-scale digital transformation and system consolidation efforts
at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He is also a monthly co-host on WSTX AM
970 radio’s Community Digest for the last 16 years, where he highlights new ideas and
best practices to help build a more diversified and sustainable Virgin Islands economy.

Gov. Bryan Nominates Magistrate Judge Venetia Harvey Velazquez to Superior Court, St. Croix District

Mat Probasco
-
0
Gov. Bryan Nominates Magistrate Judge Venetia Harvey Velazquez to Superior Court, St. Croix District

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. today nominated Magistrate Judge Venetia Harvey Velazquez to serve as a judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for the St. Croix District.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced nomination of Magistrate Judge Venetia Harvey Velazquez to the V.I. Superior Court during a weekly press briefing Monday on St. Thomas. (Screenshot from V.I. Legislature livestream)

“Judge Velazquez has served our justice system from nearly every seat in the courtroom,” Governor Bryan said. “She has tried cases, protected constitutional rights on appeal, managed court operations, advised law enforcement and led complex civil litigation. That record shows fairness, discipline, and respect for the rule of law. I look forward to a careful review and a favorable vote by the 36th Legislature.”

Judge Velazquez began her career in 2000 as a law clerk to Judge Maria M. Cabret at the then Territorial Court. From 2002 to 2007 she was a staff attorney for the Appellate Division of the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands. From 2007 to 2013 she served as Clerk of the Courts for the Superior Court and the Supreme Court.

In 2014 and 2015 she was an appellate public defender. In 2015 and 2016 she served as deputy general counsel in the Office of the Governor. From 2016 to 2024 she was an assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice, prosecuting cases in the Criminal Division and representing the government in the Civil Division, where she served as acting Civil Division chief from April 2023 through October 2024 and was instrumental in the settlement cases against the Jeffrey Epstein Estate.

Since November 2024 she has served as a magistrate judge, presiding over criminal bench trials and civil matters, issuing warrants and mediating civil and family cases.

She earned a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law, magna cum laude, ranking fifth in a class of about 130, and served on the Howard Law Journal with multiple achievement awards in legal research and writing, advanced legal research, remedies, corporations, sales and secured transactions, and recognition for appellate advocacy.

She holds a Master of Arts in education administration and leadership from the University of the Virgin Islands, summa cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts from Howard University, magna cum laude, in human communication studies and political science. Her training includes general jurisdiction for trial judges at the National Judicial College and a 2025 judicial academy for aspiring judges. She is a certified court manager and a certified mediator and arbitrator since 2012, including Florida Supreme Court certification in appellate and family mediation.

Judge Velazquez is admitted before the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, the United States Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands, with pro hac vice appearances in the Southern District of New York and special appearances in the District of Columbia.

The Governor will transmit the nomination to the 36th Legislature for its advice and consent.

1...225226227...13,076Page 226 of 13,076

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here