Andrew Hairston gets emotional after securing win at the Detroit Marathon this past Sunday. (Photo courtesy Andrew Hairston)
The territory’s Andrew Hairston won the handcycling division of the Detroit Marathon on Sunday, finishing the course in 1 hour and 27 minutes. The 32-year-old athlete finished first out of 17 hand cyclists, claiming victory in what he describes as “arguably the best race for hand cyclists in the U.S.”
This was his fourth time racing in Detroit and his first victory after two previous third-place finishes.
The race began in challenging conditions, with windy and rainy weather greeting the early-morning starters. Hairston’s strategy shifted early on when his friend and racing partner, Dustin, with whom he planned to share the workload, suffered a mechanical issue.
“The toughest part was the 20 miles by yourself, trying to stay motivated and keep the power up so you can keep the gap open,” said Hairston. He credited his team of bike guides for ensuring his safety on the wet, technical course that crosses into Canada and back.
Hairston trains 15-20 hours per week, mixing long rides with high-intensity intervals. “Cycling is all a game of power to weight. The stronger you are the lighter you are, the faster you’ll go,” he said.
He was introduced to hand cycling through the Achilles Freedom Team while recovering at Walter Reed from a life-changing accident that left Hairston with a leg amputation. A free trip to New York, which he almost turned down, led to his first race, which was a four-mile race through Central Park that ended in Hairston taking third place.
Reflecting on the win, Hairston expressed gratitude for the support from the Virgin Islands community. “To have an entire community show love the way they do, makes all the hard work, tough days, and so much more, worth it,” says Hairston.
As a role model Hairston extends a simple message: ”Don’t give up, everybody is going through something. As long as you strive to do your best, you just can’t be upset with the outcome.”
True to that spirit, Hairston is already looking ahead. He will compete next in the Marine Corps Marathon before aiming for World Cup qualification in 2025, with a long-term goal of earning a wild card spot for the LA 2028 Paralympics.
Rotary International continues its global mission to eradicate polio through its End Polio Now campaign, raising awareness and support to eliminate the disease worldwide. (Image courtesy Rotary International)
The community is invited to “Pints for Polio,” a fundraiser organized by the Rotary Clubs of USVI North. The event is set for Friday at the Typhus Beer House from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
This social gathering aims to support a serious global health initiative, the complete eradication of polio. Attendees can enjoy an evening of karaoke, raffles and prizes, and food, with all proceeds directed to Rotary International’s PolioPlus Fund.
The PolioPlus Fund is a critical part of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, a coalition that includes major global health bodies like the World Health Organization, the CDC, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Tricia Homer, president of the Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie, emphasized the long-term commitment behind the event. “For nearly forty years, eradicating polio has been Rotary’s primary humanitarian focus. This event is a way for our community to contribute directly to that mission. Every donation made on Friday helps protect children from this preventable disease.”
The global fight against polio is in its final stages, but the work is not yet complete. According to the latest data from the GPEI, wild poliovirus is now endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan, with only a minimal number of cases reported worldwide in 2025. However, the persistence of vaccine-derived poliovirus outbreaks in areas with low immunization rates underscores the continued need for vigilance and funding.
Rotary International’s contributions to this cause are substantial, having provided more than 2.7 billion dollars and immense volunteer support to immunize over 3 billion children globally. These efforts have been overwhelmingly successful, reducing worldwide polio cases by more than 99.9% since 1988.
The local clubs, comprising the Rotary Club of St. Thomas, the Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie, and the Rotary Club of St. Thomas Sunrise, are uniting to host this public event. Organizers encourage everyone to come out for an evening of music and community spirit in support of a polio-free world.
Discarded trash, including old grills and couches, litter the mangroves along Mandahl Bay. (Photo courtesy Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas)
The upcoming Mandahl Bay cleanup on November 8 and 9, spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, is the first step in a renewed commitment to safeguarding one of St. Thomas’ most valuable natural habitats. While aesthetically beautiful, Mandahl Bay facilitates critical ecological functions and hosts a rich biodiversity profile.
Ecologically, Mandahl Bay is home to a thriving mangrove habitat and vital fish nursery, TPPA Director Kitty Edwards explained. “The pond and surrounding waters are teeming with life, creating a complex and essential ecosystem. This area is a known haven for baitfish, which form the foundation of the local food web and are crucial for fishers. This habitat also provides a safe haven for juvenile fish, including species like sharks and rays. In addition, this location is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where you can sit on the beach and watch pelicans dive for fish, among many of the coastal species.”
The catalyst for this specific, targeted cleanup is the TPPA’s growing mission to actively manage the lands entrusted to them. “We knew Mandahl, being such a special place for the people of St. Thomas, would be one of the first areas we could start exploring what active protection looks like. Unfortunately, there’s significant debris and dumping, which gave us an opportunity to come in with tools and resources larger than a typical volunteer community clean up can manage,” said Edwards.
During the cleanup, the focus will extend beyond the usual litter. Based on site visits, the team will target medium- to large-sized debris, such as rusted grills, discarded tires, furniture, and parts of boats. Alongside these items, TPPA staff will also collect persistent smaller plastics. The ultimate goal, however, extends far beyond these two days.
“The clean up is how we are hoping to get to a clean slate. From there, we want to continue our management of the property by making things better for the community who loves and uses it. With input from the community we will plan continued improvements. Some ideas we are already considering is improving the road coming in, removing invasive plants and replacing them with native coastal vegetation, installing heavy garbage receptacles, installing raised fire pits, and providing benches so families can maximize their enjoyment of the space,” Edwards said.
In addition to these plans, the TPPA team is exploring the possibility of creating walking trails and a bird-watching post so the community can truly enjoy the diverse Mandahl ecosystem.
This initiative is a living example of TPPA’s broader motto, “VI Parks for VI People.” The lessons learned at Mandahl, both about the land and how to effectively communicate with the community, will serve as a model for future projects across the Virgin Islands’ park system.
A Green Heron is spotted near the Mandahl Pond on a sunny afternoon. (Photo courtesy Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas)
The TPPA emphasizes the importance of community partnership through open communication and shared stewardship, reminding residents that these spaces belong to everyone to enjoy and protect. Community members are encouraged to visit Mandahl Bay during the cleanup initiative to meet TPPA team members, share ideas, and discuss how the area can be improved to serve both the community and the environment.
A St. Croix man was arrested early Wednesday after police executing a search warrant at his residence recovered firearms, magazines, and ammunition, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
At about 3:50 a.m., officers from the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Special Operations Bureau executed a search warrant at the Harbor View Apartments home of Victor Murray III in connection with a burglary investigation. During the search, officers found two handguns, magazines of various calibers, and several bags of ammunition, according to the police report.
Murray was transported to the Wilbur Francis Command Police Station, advised of his rights, and arrested on charges of carrying a firearm openly or concealed and possession of ammunition. He was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing scheduled for Thursday in Superior Court, the police report stated.
A former Liberty VI employee has been arrested following an investigation into the embezzlement of more than $20,000, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The VIPD’s Economic Crime Unit launched its investigation on Feb. 27 after receiving a report that an employee had issued fraudulent credits to customer accounts. Investigators later identified the employee as Khadijah Smith, who admitted to processing unauthorized credits to customers, including herself, according to the police report.
Smith voluntarily surrendered to detectives Monday, where she was arrested and charged with embezzlement by an employee. Her bail was set at $200,000. She was transported to the Richard N. Callwood Command for booking and processing before being remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending her advice of rights hearing on Tuesday in Superior Court, the police report stated.
Democracy endures through the moral commitments of its people — to truth, justice, and one another. (Shutterstock image)
In this moment of deep national division and institutional distrust, we must remember that democracy is not sustained by laws alone. It endures through the moral commitments of its people — to truth, justice, and one another. Our crisis is not only political; it is moral. We have allowed democracy to become a spectator sport rather than a shared civic calling.
What America — and by extension, our Virgin Islands community — needs now is not merely reform, but renewal. We need a new democratic institution that restores civic trust and moral purpose. Such an institution would unite citizens across differences to deliberate, serve, and hold power accountable. It would remind us that democracy is not a system that governs us, but a moral enterprise we actively sustain together.
The Founders built a framework; Martin Luther King Jr. gave it a conscience. Now it falls to us to provide it with life again — through participation, empathy, and integrity. The survival of democracy, here and everywhere, depends not on who rules, but on how deeply we care for the republic we share.
Sincerely,
Omar B.U. Henry, Christiansted, U.S. Virgin Islands
The University of the Virgin Islands men’s basketball team is poised to enter the second year of the Kevin Sheppard era with renewed focus and a revamped roster, challenging their conference rivals in the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Athletic Conference for a championship.
The new-look University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers (Submitted photo)
Head coach Kevin Sheppard, a native of the Virgin Islands, returns for his second season at the helm of the Buccaneers basketball program. In his inaugural season, Sheppard and the Buccaneers made a significant impact in the conference, gaining recognition for their dynamic style of play, characterized by fast-paced transitions and converting defense into immediate offense. By the winter break, Sheppard’s Buccaneers led the entire NAIA in two statistical categories: steals and opponents’ turnovers per game. However, the team faced challenges in the latter half of the season due to a depleted roster caused by inactive student-athletes.
Last season, the team finished in the middle of the pack in the HBCUAC, defying expectations after being projected to finish 11th in the conference. They concluded the season as the number eight seed, entering the conference tournament with a 9-13 overall record (7-10 HBCUAC). This season, the Buccaneers face an even greater challenge, as they are ranked 14th in the 2025-26 HBCUAC preseason poll.
“Preseason rankings don’t hold much weight for me; the games still need to be played,” stated Coach Sheppard. “We surprised many last year, and we may need to do so again to demonstrate that we are more than just a one-year team. We aspire to become a perennial power in our conference. Although we lost key players like Amayoa’ah Phillips and Jalil Langston, this is a new year with a new team. I am very pleased with the additions we made in the offseason, and I believe we will have a strong showing this year.”
To address a depleted roster, the Buccaneers coaching staff placed heavy emphasis on their recruiting efforts during the offseason, resulting in a significantly revamped lineup for the 2025-26 campaign. A total of 10 players transferred to UVI to continue their collegiate basketball careers, with recruits traveling from as far west as Washington and as far east as Connecticut. The team has also broadened its horizons by adding two internationally-born athletes: Mustafa Mohamed from Sudan and Sebastian Dokum from Ghana.
Only five student-athletes have returned to the Buccaneers: seniors Denny Gonzalez and Eliyah Stevens, juniors Khaleed Heywood and Chad Molloy, and sophomore Jace Camacho. Molloy, now in his second season with the Buccaneers, will serve as the team’s captain.
The team will have some soul searching to do after losing their two leading scorers, Amayoa’ah Phillips and Jalil Langston, along with four of their five starters. The sole returning starter is Molloy, who also leads the team in points, rebounds, and assists per game, amongst the returners with averages of 10.9, 4.3, and 3.4, respectively.
The 2025-26 edition of the team will have the opportunity to build cohesion in a familiar setting as they open the season at home at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center with back-to-back exhibition games on October 24th and 31st. Last season, the team defended its home court with a 5-1 record, with their sole loss coming to Kuyper College, a team they had defeated just two days earlier.
For the Buccaneers to have a successful season, they must excel as road warriors. Of the team’s 24 total games, 13 will be played away from the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center. This could be the team’s Achilles’ heel, as they recorded just a 3-9 road record last season. Over the course of five months, the team will travel more than 20,000 miles, with trips to Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, and Louisiana, culminating in the HBCUAC Conference tournament in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
The Rotary Club of St. Croix, in collaboration with the Office of the Governor, is continuing its yearlong cardiovascular health campaign by launching Blue Fridays in recognition of World Diabetes Day on Nov. 14.
The initiative follows the Governor’s World Heart Day Proclamation issued on September 29, which called attention to cardiovascular disease — the world’s leading cause of death and disability. With diabetes being one of the major risk factors for heart disease, the campaign now turns its focus to awareness, prevention, and community action.
Throughout November, the Rotary Club of St. Croix will work alongside government agencies, health institutions, and community partners to raise awareness of the link between diabetes and cardiovascular disease, encourage regular health screenings, and promote healthy lifestyle habits that support heart health.
“We are deeply grateful to Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach for their continued support in advancing this important public health effort,” said Kathleen Tuitt, President of the Rotary Club of St. Croix. “Blue Fridays and the World Diabetes Day Proclamation help remind us that prevention begins in our daily habits. Together, we can build a healthier Virgin Islands through education, early detection, and community partnerships.”
The campaign also highlights future efforts to train residents in CPR, identify public venues for AED placements, and host health education sessions across the Territory in collaboration with partners such as the University of the Virgin Islands, UVI CELL, and the UVI Medical Simulation Center.
Residents are encouraged to wear blue every Friday in November to show support for those living with diabetes and to stand united in promoting healthier communities across the Virgin Islands.
For more information or to participate in upcoming Rotary health initiatives, visit the Rotary Club of St. Croix’s social media pages or email rotaryclubofstcroixusvi@gmail.com
About the Rotary Club of St. Croix:
Chartered in 1958, the Rotary Club of St. Croix was the first Rotary Club established on the island and the second in the Caribbean. The club continues to uphold Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self through community-based projects focused on health, education, and humanitarian service.
Do you recognize this person? The VIPD is seeking to identify him as a “person of interest” in a shooting Oct. 6 at the Four Winds Plaza on St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy VIPD)
The Virgin Islands Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a “person of interest” in a shootout just after midnight Oct. 6 at the Four Winds Plaza in Anna’s Retreat on St. Thomas.
Nobody was injured during the incident that police said involved “multiple males” and resulted in significant damage to vehicles in the area.
“While no injuries were reported, the VIPD recognizes the seriousness of this event and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the community,” the department said in a press release Thursday morning.
“This case remains under active investigation and detectives are working diligently to identify and apprehend all individuals responsible for this reckless act of violence,” it said.
The plaza has been the scene of previous acts of violence, including a July 10, 2024 shooting that left two men dead and two others injured, another on July 9, 2021, that injured one man, and yet another on Oct. 24, 2020, that left one man dead and four others injured.
Anyone with information regarding the Oct. 6 incident or the identity of the person of interest is urged to contact 911 immediately or reach out to Detective Y. Loblack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, ext. 5577. The public may also contact the Office of the Police Chief directly at 340-774-2211.
For those wishing to remain anonymous, information can be submitted through Crime Stoppers USVI by calling 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS). The VIPD assures the public that all information will be kept strictly confidential, and individuals providing tips can remain fully anonymous, the release stated.
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger speaks before testifiers at the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee Wednesday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
Virgin Islands lawmakers on Wednesday reviewed a series of education bills shaping daily routines and early learning opportunities in public schools.
The proposals, which included a daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a Virgin Islands motto, lowering the compulsory kindergarten age from five to four, and instituting a daily morning exercise routine, were all ultimately held in committee.
Bill 36-0067
Virgin Islands lawmakers paused consideration of Bill 36-0067 Wednesday, tabling a proposal that would have required students in public schools to begin every morning by standing and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and a Virgin Islands’ specific motto. The Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee voted to hold the bill after a debate on civic unity, students’ constitutional rights, and how to implement such routines.
Introduced by Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger, the bill proposed amending Title 17 of the Virgin Islands Code to require that, at the start of each school day, students recite both the Pledge of Allegiance, a practice common across the United States, and a Virgin Islands’ specific motto: “Let love, honor and respect guide our way. Always be mindful of what we think, do or say. Be kind to all others, no matter great or small. United, we stand, one Virgin Islands, proud and tall.”
Heyliger said the proposal was designed to instill a sense of unity and respect among the territory’s students. She explained that a brief, daily recitation could encourage students to embody the values of mindfulness and community responsibility, helping set a positive tone at the start of each school day.
Education leaders and lawmakers voiced significant opposition to the measure, citing a mix of legal, procedural, and practical concerns. Abigail Hendricks-Cagan, St. John at-large member of the Board of Education, argued that classroom rituals should be shaped by educators, not mandated by legislation. “Matters of daily classroom activity should be guided by school policy and educational practice, not legislative mandate. We must respectfully oppose the bill as drafted.”
One key issue involved was the motto itself, which has not yet been formally approved or adopted by the community through public process. Opponents also questioned whether adding new statutory requirements would place an unnecessary burden on teachers and school administrators, especially with significant variation in current practices. Officials called for broader public input and a thorough review to ensure any changes reflect community values.
Lawmakers and education officials pointed out that mandating daily recitation, even with an opt-out clause, could infringe on freedoms of speech and religion protected by the U.S. Constitution. Senators cited the landmark 1943 Supreme Court case West Virginia State Board of Education v. Barnette, which held that students cannot be compelled to salute the flag or recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
“My biggest concern is … the violation of the constitutional amendments … the First Amendment and the 14th Amendment,” Sen. Marise C. James said during deliberations. Others worried that, despite opt-out provisions, students might still face pressure or stigma for not participating, exposing the schools to legal challenges.
These constitutional objections, coupled with doubts about formally adopting the motto, were repeatedly cited by education officials and lawmakers as factors in the committee’s unanimous decision to shelve the bill for further review.
Bill 36-0069
Virgin Islands lawmakers also debated Bill 36-0069, a proposal before the Senate Education and Workforce Development Committee to amend Title 17 of the Virgin Islands Code and lower the compulsory kindergarten age from five to four.
Heyliger, the sponsor of the bill, described the measure as a bold step to “give children an earlier option to education” and to align the territory with national and international early learning trends. Earlier entry, she argued, could improve readiness and long-term achievement compared to peers both locally and abroad.
Although intended to expand educational opportunities, the bill drew widespread opposition from testifiers, who cautioned that it could destabilize existing early childhood programs, overwhelm public schools, and threaten essential federal funding.
Hendricks-Cagan warned, “Not every four-year-old is ready for the social, emotional, and academic demands of kindergarten.” Nicole Craigwell-Syms, assistant commissioner of the V.I. Health Department reinforced this, calling age five “a benchmark grounded in decades of research in child development, public health, and education.”
Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington agreed, noting, “Starting kindergarten at four years old is possible, though often younger children benefit from a later start to develop social and emotional maturity, which are crucial for academic success.”
Particular alarm came from the Human Services Department, where Assistant Commissioner Carla Benjamin cautioned that the change could devastate the territory’s Head Start program, a federally funded early childhood education program serving children ages three to five. “Head Start funding is directly tied to our funded enrollment … we would lose more than half of our enrollment, which would definitely make us chronically under-enrolled, and we would essentially lose Head Start funding,” Benjamin said. The loss could exceed $10 million and threaten about 180 local jobs.
Lawmakers and education officials also pointed to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and the territory’s aging, sometimes failing school infrastructure. Persistent problems like mold and unreliable air conditioning continue to plague some campuses. As Sen. Avery L. Lewis said, “I don’t think that the Department of Education has the facility to accept these children … We have mold issues. We have air conditioning issues … we just don’t have the capability.”
Beyond the classroom squeeze, officials warned that many Virgin Islands children already face hurdles to healthy development. Fewer than half of children ages three to five receive timely developmental screenings, and more than 20% are classified as overweight or obese. Officials noted that pre-K and Head Start programs help fill these critical gaps by providing early assessments and health interventions.
Throughout the hearing, officials called instead for investment in early childhood and pre-K programs, and cautioned against lowering the kindergarten age and risking the territory’s educational and financial footing. Craigwell-Syms summarized, “This is about giving our children the strongest possible start. By keeping kindergarten entry at five years old and expanding early childhood support, we can work together to build a healthier, more successful future for our young people.”
The bill was unanimously held in committee.
Bill 36-0080
After extensive debate on the first two measures, lawmakers took up Bill 36-0080, which would mandate a daily morning exercise routine across the Virgin Islands’ public schools. The committee quickly and unanimously held this bill for further revisions.
Heyliger, sponsor of the legislation, reflected on her broader efforts by saying, “If you notice, the three pieces of legislation I’ve attempted to bring today all have to do with our children, education, and well-being … The intent, again, is for the best well-being of our children.”
“I really appreciate everyone today and my colleagues for our dialogue, and I think today was a very productive day, and I’m walking away with a wealth of information to further develop these pieces of legislation to benefit the children of our territory,” she added.
