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BVI Bumped Up Immigration Fees as USVI Boats Repositioned

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BVI Bumped Up Immigration Fees as USVI Boats Repositioned
The BVI raised immigration fees by hundreds — sometimes thousands — of dollars in October. (Source photo by Mat Probasco)

Visiting or working in the British Virgin Islands got dramatically more expensive for foreigners in October as local officials raised immigration fees by hundreds — in some cases thousands — of dollars.

The Department of Immigration’s Oct. 1 bump up came as a large chunk of the U.S. Virgin Islands’s charter boat industry repositioned to the BVI in hopes of avoiding steep new taxes on bringing passengers to the neighboring islands.

The more than 90 boats relocating from St. Thomas and St. John to avoid the fees introduced in June will take with them nearly $14 million in direct seasonal economic activity, USVI industry officials estimated. Any of the roughly 180 crew for those vessels who didn’t file their work permits before October may have been hit with an unexpected additional cost of doing business in the BVI.

The price of an entry form and stamp doubled Oct. 1 from $25 to $50. An official request to reside in the BVI had previously been free but was now $100, as was a “conditional permit application,” according to the Government Information Services website. If that request was approved, it would cost another $250.

A formerly-free work permit card now costs $75, and the formerly-free business visitor permit application is now $100.

Some of the regulations approved in June may need ironing out: The price for visitors to check in early or after hours aboard boats or aircraft with “below 15” people remained at $20 per hour that the officer on shift needed to work. That price rose Oct. 1 to $50 per hour for vessels with “16 or above” passengers. Department of Immigration documents did not specify the cost for vessels carrying exactly 15 passengers.

Checking in at remote or untraditional locations used to cost $20. Not anymore. Checking in off-site in Tortola or central Virgin Gorda now costs $500. Checking in off-site in Jost Van Dyke, Peter Island, Norman Island, or Cooper Island now costs $800. Alternate Anegada check-ins were now $1,000. North Shore Virgin Gorda, Saba Rock, Mosquito Island, and Necker Island check-ins were now $2,000. Each passenger in a group of up to 25 would need to pay an additional $100. That additional fee was cut to $50 for vessels of between 25 and 149 passengers, according to Department of Immigration documents.

An application for residency in the BVI used to be free, but as of July 1, now costs $250. If residency was granted, a status certificate that used to cost $300 now costs $1,500.

Some of the largest increases in residency fees were reserved for those seeking the coveted belonger status. Becoming a BVI belonger can take decades to acquire, even for those born in the British overseas territory. A formerly free application now costs $250. A certificate conferring belonger status used to cost $500 but, as of July 1, now costs $2,500.

The fee to appeal an immigration decision was free until Oct. 1 but now costs $850.

The Department of Immigration released a statement in September saying the new fees were needed to ensure the sustainability of its operations.

Teenage Sensation Elizee Secures Dominant Big 4 Title with Helenites SC

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Teenage Sensation Elizee Secures Dominant Big 4 Title with Helenites SC

Yannic Elizee announced his arrival on the biggest stage Sunday afternoon, scoring a hat trick in his first Men’s Premier League championship match to lead Helenites to a 9-2 victory over Raymix FC in the USVISF Big 4 final at Bethlehem Soccer Complex. The 15-year-old U-17 national team player, called up from Helenites’s youth academy for his first season with the men’s team, became the star of a match that was never in doubt.

Helenites’s teenage sensation Yannic Elizee chats with commentator Kurtice Lewis after scoring two goals in the first half of the Big 4 final. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

Helenites claimed their Big 4 title in emphatic fashion, overwhelming a Raymix side still recovering from Saturday’s grueling 120-minute semifinal victory over CAPA.

Elizee set the tone early, scoring his first goal in the 11th minute to give Helenites a 1-0 lead. Cade Winchester doubled the advantage in the 17th minute before Raymix’s Clervens D’Haiti briefly offered hope with a goal that earned him the nickname “giant slayer” from the commentators.

Helenites SC starting 11 ahead of Sunday’s Big 4 final. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

Thoughts of a Raymix comeback evaporated quickly when William Schaffer scored Helenites’s third in the 24th minute and Raejae Joseph made it 4-1 in the 26th. The match turned decisively in the 34th minute when D’Haiti, Raymix’s number 11, received a red card for a tackle from behind on Elizee, reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Playing with a man advantage and brimming with confidence, Helenites continued to blaze forward. Elizee added his second goal in the 40th minute to make it 5-1 at halftime, capping a first-half performance that left commentator Kurtice Lewis asking the teenager if he planned to score more in the second half. Elizee nodded with a laugh.

“It’s a very big game and a very special moment for me and my family,” Elizee said during the halftime interview. “A big deal for my career. It’s just a special moment. Going into this match everyone was saying this is the game I’m going to score and prove myself.”

Raymix FC starting 11 take a final team photo before taking the field to face Helenites SC in the USVISF Men’s Premier League Big 4 final. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

For Raymix, the fatigue of Saturday’s penalty shootout victory had caught up with them, and now they faced the second half a goal down and a man short.

“It’s all about heart and pride,” commentator Kevin Sheppard said. “Hopefully Raymix can find a way back into this game.”

Helenites’s Elizee completed his hat trick in the 52nd minute to make it 6-1, fulfilling the promise of his halftime nod.

Raymix put up a gritty fight against Helenites in Sunday’s Big 4 final that ultimately ended in a dominant Helenites victory. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

Schaffer assisted Winchester for Helenites’s seventh goal in the 73rd minute. Darnell John converted a penalty kick in the 80th minute to make it 8-1, with substitute goalkeeper Denali Nicholas having replaced starter Whelan Joseph. Schaffer completed his own hat trick in the 88th minute, pushing the score to 9-1.

Raymix earned a consolation penalty in the 89th minute after a foul by Helenites’s number 4. Wood Pierre, wearing number 7 for Raymix, converted the spot kick against Nicholas in the 90th minute to bring the final score to 9-2.

The lopsided result shouldn’t diminish Raymix’s remarkable weekend. The second-seeded St. Thomas’ side upset top-seeded CAPA on penalties Saturday, playing with limited resources and unlimited heart.

Helenites SC secure USVISF Men’s Premier League Big 4 championship with a commanding 9-2 victory over Raymix FC. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

For Helenites, the championship validated their balanced roster and tactical approach. Winchester and Schaffer each contributed hat tricks across the tournament’s final two matches, and Elizee proved he belonged on the biggest stage the USVI club soccer calendar offers

CAPA Rallies Past New Vibes for Third Place in USVISF Big 4

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CAPA Rallies Past New Vibes for Third Place in USVISF Big 4

CAPA SC stormed back from a second-half deficit to defeat New Vibes SC 4-2 in Sunday’s Big 4 third-place match at Bethlehem Soccer Complex, scoring three goals in the final nine minutes after their opponents were reduced to nine men. The dramatic finish capped a weekend marred by penalty issues for New Vibes, who collected their third and fourth red cards of the tournament in the closing stages.

The match began as if New Vibes might erase the memory of Saturday’s 4-0 semifinal loss to Helenites. Naqwan Henry opened the scoring in the third minute, and Jamie Browne added a second goal in the eighth to give the St. Thomas side an early 2-0 advantage.

The starting 11 of St. Thomas’s number one-seeded New Vibes pose for a final team photo ahead of Sunday’s Big 4 third-place match. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

CAPA, who dominated the St. Croix division this season, responded quickly. After New Vibes’ Johson Bazelais fouled Hasani Edgar Evans in the seventh minute to concede a dangerous free kick, CAPA’s Trevon Thorpe found the back of the net in the 14th minute with a well-placed finish.

“This time he went for placement, not power,” commentator Kevin Sheppard said.

New Vibes goalkeeper Clinson Bonhomme made a crucial save in the 13th minute to preserve his team’s lead, and they took their 2-1 advantage into halftime. The momentum shifted before the break when Henry, who had opened the scoring, was forced out with a red card.

The action mounted with tough blocks and high-flying kicks in Sunday’s third-place match between CAPA and New Vibes SC. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

Playing a man down, New Vibes shifted to a defensive approach to protect their lead. The recently crowned President’s Cup champions held firm deep into the second half despite the numerical disadvantage.

In the 78th minute, CAPA’s Jamol Yorke received a red card for a tackle on New Vibes captain Aubin Atemazem, evening the teams at 10 men apiece with New Vibes still clinging to their 2-1 lead.

CAPA head coach Harry Nelson turned to his bench, bringing on substitute Davion Bell. The move proved decisive. Bell tied the match 2-2 in the 86th minute, then New Vibes’ discipline issues resurfaced. Kervin Denis received a red card late in the second half for a tackle on CAPA’s Edgar Evans, reducing New Vibes to nine men and giving CAPA the numerical advantage for the first time.

Starting 11 of St. Croix’s division champions, CAPA, who secured 3rd place in the USVISF Men’s Premier league after defeating New Vibes 4-2. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

Bell capitalized immediately, sneaking in his second goal from the far post in the 91st minute to give CAPA their first lead at 3-2. Thorpe added an insurance goal in the 94th minute to seal the 4-2 victory, completing CAPA’s comeback and securing third place.

For New Vibes, the defeat marked their fourth red card in two days, a stunning collapse in discipline that overshadowed their early-season success.

“Playing with one man down was really challenging,” captain Atemazem said. “We just lacked focus. It was a big let down playing with 10 men. We lost our composure, attacking the ref every time he made a call instead of focusing on the game. We tried our best, that’s all we could do.”

Browne, who scored New Vibes’s second goal, acknowledged the team’s struggles with composure.

“It was very challenging,” he said. “Both teams have very good structures and very good players. We have some players who can’t keep their composure when they take cards, and that’s what really killed the game.”

In a last-minute effort, CAPA overtook New Vibes SC to earn third place in the USVISF Men’s Big 4. (Photo courtesy USVISF)

For CAPA, the victory provided redemption after Saturday’s penalty shootout loss to Raymix in the semifinals. Nelson, in his first year bringing a team to the Men’s Premier League, saw the third-place finish as a foundation for future success.

“Our goal was to make a statement, and we achieved what we wanted,” Nelson said. “If this is how we finished the first year, think about what will happen the second year and the third year.”

CAPA captain Kassall Greene, who scored in Saturday’s penalty shootout loss, kept his focus forward rather than dwelling on the semifinal disappointment.

“I don’t think about what happened yesterday,” Greene said. “We came today and did what we had to do.”

Thorpe, who scored twice, including the opening goal and the final insurance strike, praised his team’s overall performance across the tournament.

“It was a great performance every game,” he said. “Today we got a win.”

Bell, whose two goals in five minutes turned the match, credited his emotions for fueling the comeback.

“I was pretty angry coming out,” he said. “I used that to play the game.”

The victory gave CAPA third place in their debut Big 4 appearance, while New Vibes finished fourth despite entering as the top seed from St. Thomas and the reigning President’s Cup champions.

Track and Field Federation Urges Athletes to Cross Country Championships

Mat Probasco
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Track and Field Federation Urges Athletes to Cross Country Championships

The Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation is pleased to announce an open call for eligible athletes to express interest in representing the Virgin Islands at the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships, scheduled to take place in Tallahassee, Florida.

Michelle Smith of the University of Georgia and St. Croix Track Club settles into the blocks ahead of her 400m hurdles victory at the 2025 Eunice Bedminster National Championship.(Source photo by Amara Stokes Gilbert)

This prestigious international event offers a platform for endurance athletes to compete among the world’s best in a challenging and celebrated discipline. Men and women race will cover a 10 km course. VITFF encourages all qualified athletes to seize this opportunity for global exposure and competitive growth.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Athletes must be registered with VITFF prior to submission.
  • Athletes must submit performance times using the official VITFF ranking template.
  • Submitted times must reflect current fitness and competition readiness, verified through sanctioned events or time trials.

Submission Process:

  • Athletes should go to the VITFF website to submit results.
  • Completed submissions must be received October 31st to allow for processing and ranking validation.

President Keith A. Smith Sr. emphasized, “This is more than a race—it’s a chance to showcase your talent, and pride of Virgin Islands athletes on a world stage. For more information, registration assistance, or to request the ranking template, please contact VITFF at vitff.p@gmail.com or visit Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation – Propelling Athletics in the U.S.V.I.

For more information, including qualification criteria and event logistics, please visit www.vitff.org or contact the VITFF office at +1 340-277-1123. Don’t miss your chance to wear Virgin Islands colors on the world stage—register today!

Two Arrested at Traffic Stop Had Guns, Ammunition, Ski Mask, Police Say

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Two Arrested at Traffic Stop Had Guns, Ammunition, Ski Mask, Police Say

Police patrolling the Market Square area of St. Thomas saw an Acura with no front license plate and a tinted cover over its rear plate Friday night. In the car, police found cannabis, two handguns, a black ski mask, and ammunition, some of which was lying loose on the car’s floor, according to court records.

The car’s driver, Shane Forbes, and passenger, Kevin Warrel, were both charged with unauthorized possession of ammunition and two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm. Bail for each was set at $75,000 and, unable to post bail, they were transferred to the Corrections Bureau pending their advice of rights hearings Saturday, police said. It is unclear from the court docket whether they remain in jail as the pretrial release orders posted on the Superior Court docket were not available for public viewing.

The Virgin Islands Police Department officers told the Superior Court they’d followed the Acura to Mannassah Hill Road. During the traffic stop, the officers said they saw suspicious movement in the car and ordered the occupants to get out. When they did, the officers said they saw cannabis in the vehicle as well as a backpack with a gun in it. Neither Forbes nor Warrel acknowledged ownership of the backpack.

A second handgun, modified to fire like a machine gun, and an extended 40-round magazine were also found in the vehicle, according to court records.

Forbes, 21, was previously arrested on handgun charges in November 2023. He told police he witnessed a friend being robbed in Frenchtown shortly before dawn. When the supposed assailant shot his friend in the leg they fled, crashing Forbes’ Toyota into another car at the intersection with Veterans Drive, according to court records.

Forbes later changed his account of the event, police said. In the second telling, Forbes drove through a yellow light, hit the other car, and his friend in the passenger seat shot himself in the leg while trying to climb out the window.

Forbes told police he threw his friend’s gun in a vacant lot, according to court records. Police later found the handgun with the help of a K-9 unit.

The driver of the other vehicle had a similar but slightly different story. While driving west on Veterans Drive with his four-year-old grandson, the man passed through a green light at Frenchtown. Forbes’ Toyota sped through the intersecting red light, slamming into the man’s Honda so violently that it spun the car around to face east. The driver and his grandson fled when they heard a gunshot and people shouting that someone had shot themselves, according to court records.

Forbes faced six charges, including misrepresentation of a felony. In a deal with prosecutors, Forbes pleaded guilty to a single count of interfering with an officer. He was given a one-year suspended sentence and a $200 fine.

On March 27, 2024, Superior Court Judge Denise M. Francois ordered Forbes to not violate Virgin Islands laws again.

The Match’s On TV! USVI Soccer Streamed to Global Audience

Mat Probasco
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The Match’s On TV! USVI Soccer Streamed to Global Audience

The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation (USVISF) is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with FIFA+, the official global streaming platform of world football’s governing body. Through this collaboration, USVI soccer will now reach audiences across the world — marking a major milestone in the Federation’s continued mission to grow, promote, and elevate the game throughout the Virgin Islands.

The 2025 Big 4 Finals will serve as the historic debut of USVI soccer on FIFA+, giving fans both at home and abroad the opportunity to experience the passion, talent, and excitement of Virgin Islands football at the highest level.

“This partnership with FIFA+ represents a transformative step for our Federation and for soccer in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Firas Idheileh, General Secretary of the USVI Soccer Federation. “To see our clubs and players showcased on a global platform alongside the world’s best is not only an incredible moment of pride but also a reflection of the tremendous growth and development happening within our football community.”

FIFA+ provides free access to live matches, highlights, interviews, and exclusive football content to millions of fans worldwide. With USVI soccer now featured on the platform, the Federation takes a major step forward in visibility, professionalism, and international engagement — opening doors for players, coaches, and fans alike.

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach’s USVI-Puerto Rico Friendship Day Message

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Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach’s USVI-Puerto Rico Friendship Day Message

I join the entire Virgin Islands community in celebrating the 61st Anniversary of Virgin Islands Puerto Rico (VIPR) Friendship Day. This local holiday was initiated in 1964 under the leadership of Governor Ralph M. Paiewonsky. The historic legislative action resulted in the redesignation of Columbus Day to Virgin Islands Puerto Rico Friendship Day, a day to recognize the cultural and historic connections between the Virgin Islands and our neighboring islands of Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra.

The longstanding history, contributions, friendship, and ties that bind the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico are strong and vibrant. As a people, we remain connected in pride and legacy and continue to sustain this relationship by coming together and embracing our rich heritage. The sharing of our cultural traditions is passed down from one generation to the next through unique foods, language, the arts, music, and our valued way of life. The merging of these cultures has strengthened our distinct relationship as friends and neighbors.

This special holiday serves as a true symbol of the people and represents a valuable part of the history that unites the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. I am especially grateful for the significant contributions of many Virgin Islanders of Puerto Rican decent who have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our community. I also applaud the work of the VIPR Friendship Committee in ensuring that this celebration takes place in a unique and creative way each year.

I look forward to a jubilant series of festivities as we come together in love and unity. Happy Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day to all!

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Calendar

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36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Calendar

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands

SENATE CALENDAR

October 13, 2025 – October 24, 2025

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2025 

Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging,

Sports and Parks

Town Hall Meeting

5:30 P.M.

Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room, St. John Annex

The Committee of Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks will host a critical townhall meeting with the Taxi Associations in the St. Thomas/St. John District on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of  this meeting is to garner feedback from the respective Taxi Associations and have discussions regarding ongoing  planning and policy discussions related to enhancing transportation services and guest experiences for our valued  visitors.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025 

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

Town Hall Meeting

5:30 P.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee of Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a critical townhall meeting with the Taxi Associations in the St. Thomas/St. John District on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 5:30 P.M. The purpose of this meeting is to garner feedback from the respective Taxi Associations and have discussions regarding ongoing planning and policy discussions related to enhancing transportation services and guest experiences for our valued visitors.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2025

Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning has scheduled a meeting for Thursday, October 

16, 2025 in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room at 10:00 A.M. to discuss and consider the following:

BLOCK I

Bill No. 36-0135 An act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 294 regarding expedited 

building permits for developers.

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

BLOCK II

The Committee will receive an update from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources with a focus on the implementation of the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan, including a review of:

• Progress made to date

• Current or anticipated challenges

• The projected timeline for next steps in the implementation process

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Jean-Pierre Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources

BLOCK III

The Committee will receive testimony from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on the status of FEMA-funded power plant upgrades and recovery projects at, including a review of:

• Progress on FEMA-funded replacement of the Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix and unit upgrades at the Randolph Harley Plant on St. Thomas, including the design-build solicitation process and anticipated construction timeline.

• Critical resilience projects such as undergrounding of electrical lines, installation of advanced composite utility poles, battery energy storage systems, and advanced metering.

• Integration of the recently commissioned solar farms on St. Croix into the WAPA power grid and their impact on system reliability, as well as any plans for solar development and integration in the St. Thomas–St. John district.

Invited Testifiers:

Lemuel Lavinier, Chief Operating Officer, Electric System, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Noel Hodge, Chief Engineer, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority 

Vernon Alexander, Director of Special Projects, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority 

Maxwell George, Director of Project Management, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

Joelle Webster, Director of Grants Management, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2025

Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety

10:00 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

The 36th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety will meet on Friday, October 17, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands to consider the following agenda.

BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:15 A.M.

Bill No. 36-0139 An act amending title 31 Virgin Islands Code to assess civil liability for destruction or damage to government property through willful or negligent act 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK II 11:15 A.M. – 1:15 P.M. 

Bill No. 36-0151 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code regarding the illegal possession of machine guns and machine gun conversion devices

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Mr. Moleto Smith, Director, V.I. Law Enforcement Planning Commission

Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, V.I. Office of Gun Violence Prevention

Bill No. 36-0144 An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and requiring safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibiting large-capacity magazines and preventing the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Mr. Luis Valdes, Florida State Director, Southeast Regional Director, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands Director of Outreach, Co-Chair Fuerza 2A, National Spokesman, Gun Owners of America

Mr. Kosei Ohno, Founder, VI Safe Gun Owners

Mr. Ehren Henderson, Former Gun Shop Owner, St. Thomas

Mr. John Canegata, Owner, D&J’s Shooting Gallery, LLC, St. Croix

BLOCK III 1:15 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. 

Bill No. 36-0105 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III by prohibiting the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, V.I. Police Department

Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General, V.I. Department of Justice

Honorable Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Health

Honorable Louis E. Petersen, PhD, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Agriculture

Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

Ms. Joanne Moorehead, Executive Director, V.I. Office of Cannabis Regulation

Ms. Riise Richards, Chair, V.I. Industrial Hemp Commission, Deputy Commissioner, V.I. Department of Agriculture

Mr. Duane Howell, Executive Director, ARCH Institute

Ms. Lindsey Rithamel, Owner, The Remedy

Mr. William Waldo, Owner, Virgin Abis

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

The Committee on Education and Workforce Development will meet on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive Considerations of proposed legislations.

Bill No. 36-0067 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 by adding a section 41j requiring the Pledge of Allegiance and the Virgin Islands Motto to be recited at the beginning of each school day in public schools, but additionally provides that students may opt out of the recitation

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Bill No. 36-0069 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, subsection (a) 

by changing the age a child begins kindergarten from five years of age to four years of age 

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Human Services

Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health

Bill No. 36-0080 An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools in the Virgin Islands

Invited Testifiers:

Kyza A. Callwood, PhD., Chairperson, Virgin Islands Board of Education

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Merlene Jones, Ed.D., Principal, Lockhart K-8 School, Virgin Islands Department of Education

Honorable Justa E. Encarnacion, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Health

Brian Young, MD, FAAP, Pediatrician, Partners 4 Kids

Honorable Vincent Roberts, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

Frederick Joseph Dies at 81

Mat Probasco
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Frederick Joseph Dies at 81

Frederick Joseph, aka “Freddie”, of Estate Two Brothers, transitioned into eternal life on September 23. He was 81 years old. 

Frederick Joseph

He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes Figaro Josep, and father, Terrence Joseph.

He is survived by his spouse, Amelia Petersen Joseph; daughters, Anita Joseph, Teresa Duncan, Ali Felix, Beverly Joseph, Dahlia Weekes, Kerisha Gill; sons, Julen Leslie Joseph, Shadrach Gill Jr., Howard Gill; grandchildren, Felicia Bello, O’Dani Evans, Ketisha Iles, Myles Leslie, Emil Leslie; great-grandchildren, Azariyah Iles; sisters, Theresa Greenaway, Greeta Joseph, Ivy Maxwell, Elenora Joseph, Claron Warrington; brothers, Patrick Paul, Kenrick Joseph, Erick Joseph; aunt, Annie Hazel; daughters-in-law, Annette Leslie; son-in-law, Andre Duncan; brothers-in-law, Stanley Maxwell, Leon Petersen; sister-in-law, Arlene Abrahams; godchildren, Sequenia Rogers, Carla Baird, Anthony Williams; cousins and other relatives, Jacqueline Massicott; special friends, Curtis & Alfred Williams & Family, Daryl Rogers, Elizabeth Wilson, Corine Messer, Dawn Rodgers, Idio Francis, Randy Allen, Clifford Joseph, Gloria Joseph, Kenneth Gittens, Club 21 Members, Swimming Group, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. 

Funeral service will be held on October 23, at Friedensberg Moravian Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix, USVI. Viewing will begin at 9 am with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Friedensberg.Moravianvi@gmail.com via Paypal. Or, denote Window Project in memory of Frederick Joseph, Friedensberg Moravian Church PO Box 617, Frederiksted, VI 00841

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

Hispanic Heritage Month Shines During VI/PR Friendship Celebration on St. Croix

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Hispanic Heritage Month Shines During VI/PR Friendship Celebration on St. Croix

Hispanic Heritage Month festivities were in full swing Saturday night as hundreds of residents and visitors gathered on St. Croix for a lively block party celebrating Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day. The event, part of a weekend of cultural activities, brought music, food, and fellowship to the streets in a vibrant display of Caribbean unity.

This year’s block party was organized a bit differently from previous Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day celebrations. In past years, the committee hosted the event in a village format. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Attendees were seen dancing the electric slide to the sounds of the 411 Band, supporting local vendors, and proudly wearing shirts in recognition of Puerto Rican friendship. Laughter, movement, and music filled the air as the community came together to celebrate decades of shared heritage. Central High School’s SPARK Committee was also seen vending and representing the school. A special happy birthday was extended to “Big Daddy Chucho” before he took the stage with the 411 Band.

The VI/PR Committee organized a weekend of events that included a recognition ceremony at Government House on Thursday, a block party on Saturday, and a gathering at Altona Lagoon on Sunday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Virgin Islands. – Puerto Rico Friendship festivities were in full swing over the weekend with performances by the 411 Band, Vio International, DJ Ricky Sounds, and more. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
During Saturday’s block party, “Big Daddy Chucho” was recognized and celebrated his birthday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

First established in 1964 by Gov. Ralph Paiewonsky, VI/PR Friendship Day honors Puerto Ricans who live in the Virgin Islands or have made significant contributions to the territory. The public holiday, observed annually on the second Monday in October, coincides with Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day. This year marks the 61st celebration, which will be officially observed on Oct. 13.

A crowd breaks out into the Electric Slide during the block party on Saturday night. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Vendors sold VI/PR-branded apparel, food, drinks, and more during the block party. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The crowd gathers to enjoy music and festivities during the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day activities. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

 

The festivities extended beyond the block party, with the multiday VI/PR Village festival on St. Croix featuring cultural presentations, traditional dishes, and performances celebrating the deep connections between the two U.S. territories.

Block Party attendees line up at a food stand beneath the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rican flags. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

As part of the celebrations, four honorees were recognized Thursday at Government House for their outstanding contributions that reflect the enduring friendship and shared legacy between Virgin Islanders and Puerto Ricans. Arthur Cedric Petersen Jr. was honored for his decades of service in agriculture and education. Michelle Smith, a rising track standout, was celebrated for her athletic excellence. José Luis Saldana, business owner and community advocate, was recognized for a lifetime of enterprise and civic engagement rooted in his family’s migration story from Vieques in the 1930s. Carmen Gladys Félix Encarnación was also honored for her lifelong dedication to community and culture.

Dancing continued throughout the night as attendees enjoyed an evening of music during the Saturday block party. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
A member of SPARK stands in front of their food stand at the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico Friendship Day block party on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

As the celebrations continued into the night, one sentiment resonated throughout the crowd — pride in a shared history and optimism for the future of the Virgin Islands–Puerto Rico bond.

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