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UVI Appoints Five To Leadership Roles

Mat Probasco
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UVI Appoints Five To Leadership Roles

The University of the Virgin Islands has appointed new leaders in academic affairs, finance, innovation and administration—strengthening its commitment to academic excellence, operational efficiency and innovation in higher education. These appointments position UVI to better serve students and the Virgin Islands community.

“These appointments represent a bold step forward for UVI,” said President Dr. Safiya George. “Each leader brings unique strengths that will help us deliver on our mission to be a student-centered university driving innovation, research and economic development.”

Lora Bailey

Dr. Lora Bailey Named Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Lora Bailey has been appointed Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, serving as UVI’s chief academic officer with oversight of six schools and colleges, enrollment management and athletics. Since joining in July 2025, she has begun to guide academic strategy, strengthen research and advance quality and innovation across the University.

With more than 25 years of higher education leadership at Virginia State University, Indiana University Northwest and Virginia Commonwealth University, Dr. Bailey has secured over $7 million in external funding and successfully led national accreditation processes at other institutions. She holds a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, an M.A. in Teaching and a B.S. in Business Finance, all from Auburn University.

“Dr. Bailey’s experience in academic leadership and federal research funding will strengthen UVI’s programs and expand opportunities for students and faculty,” said Dr. George.

Guadalupe Valencia

Guadalupe Valencia Named Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance & CFO
Guadalupe “Lupe” Valencia has been appointed Interim Vice President for Administration and Finance & Chief Financial Officer. She brings extensive experience in university financial operations, including roles at The University of Texas at El Paso, the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center at El Paso, the University of Washington, the University of Arizona and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Valencia is a Past President of the Western Association of College and University Business Officers (WACUBO) and also served on the board of the National Association of College and University Business Officers (NACUBO). She holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting from The University of Texas at El Paso and is a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).

Nelson Pizarro

Dr. Nelson Pizarro Promoted to Assistant Vice President for Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
Dr. Nelson Pizarro has been promoted to Kiril Sokoloff Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Assistant Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Economic Development. In this expanded role, he leads efforts to attract business partnerships, build public-private collaborations and position UVI as a regional hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

At UVI, Dr. Pizarro has launched the Certificate in Entrepreneurship, secured more than $375,000 in external funding and revamped student competitions that awarded over $20,000 to emerging entrepreneurs. He holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Grenoble School of Management and an MBA from the University of Florida.

Owen Mtambo

Dr. Owen Mtambo Joins UVI as Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Science
Dr. Owen Mtambo has joined UVI as a Postdoctoral Fellow in Data Science. He previously served as Biostatistician and Head of the Data Science Department at the Training and Research Unit of Excellence (TRUE) in Malawi, Lecturer in Statistics at Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Lecturer in Biostatistics at Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and brings nearly 20 years of teaching and research experience.

Dr. Mtambo holds a Ph.D. in Statistics from the University of South Africa (UNISA), along with advanced degrees in biostatistics and mathematical sciences. His research spans public health, biostatistics and data science with more than a dozen peer-reviewed publications. At UVI, he will advance interdisciplinary research and help expand data-driven academic programs.

Kelly Harrigan

Kelly Harrigan Appointed Board Liaison and Administrator
Kelly Harrigan, who has served UVI for 17 years, has been appointed Board Liaison and Administrator, effective October 6. In this role, she will be the primary contact for the Board of Trustees, coordinating meetings and communications between the Board, administration and stakeholders.

Harrigan brings over 30 years of experience in information technology, project management and higher education administration, including leadership as UVI’s Director of Information Technology and management of a $20 million NSF VI-EPSCoR grant. She has also held positions at Temple University, Florida International University and AT&T Wireless.

As President Safiya George continues her second year at the helm, these appointments underscore her commitment to strengthening UVI, expanding opportunities for students and driving economic growth across the Virgin Islands. “These leaders bring the expertise and vision needed to propel UVI into its next chapter of growth,” said Dr. George. “Together, we are strengthening our foundation and expanding opportunities that will benefit our students and the Virgin Islands for years to come.”

For more information, contact pr@uvi.edu.

Medicare Part D Enrollment Open

Mat Probasco
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Medicare Part D Enrollment Open

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. advises all Medicare beneficiaries and persons newly eligible for Medicare about the critical open enrollment period for Medicare Part D. This period, from October 15, 2025, to December 7, 2025, is a crucial window for beneficiaries to join or drop their prescription drug plan. It’s important to act before the scheduled December deadline.

Medicare Health Insurance Card (Source file)

The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) provides prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries, with certain exceptions. Beneficiaries with employer or union health coverage or with the USGVI Medicare Advantage plan do not need to enroll in a prescription drug plan. Joining the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan may result in a loss of coverage under your union, employer, or Medicare Advantage plan.

To receive Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare beneficiaries must enroll in a plan offered by a private insurance company approved by Medicare. Each year, the plan sets the cost and determines which prescription drugs are covered.

In preparation for open enrollment, beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to review their current Medicare coverage. This proactive step ensures that the plan adequately meets their needs in terms of cost, coverage, and convenience, empowering them to make informed healthcare decisions. Individuals who are satisfied with their current plan do not need to re-enroll. Persons not participating in this year’s open enrollment period will have to wait until next year to make any changes to their coverage.

Beneficiaries are not alone in this process. They may contact the Virgin Islands State Health Insurance Assistance Program (VI SHIP) Medicare office in the St. Thomas/St. John District at 340-774-2991, extension 4507, or 4508, or in the St. Croix District at 773-6449, extension 3151 or 3152 to schedule an appointment. VI SHIP is here to provide the necessary support and guidance. For additional information, beneficiaries may visit www.medicare.gov.www.medicare.gov. or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227).

 

VIPA Concludes Public Hearings on Proposed Marine Tariffs Wednesday Night on STX

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VIPA Concludes Public Hearings on Proposed Marine Tariffs Wednesday Night on STX

The Virgin Islands Port Authority announced Wednesday that a second public hearing will not be held on St. John regarding proposed amendments to the marine tariff. However, residents are encouraged to submit written feedback or suggestions via email to info@viport.com, and to attend tonight’s hearing on St. Croix, which will also be available via Zoom with an expanded capacity for 500.

Executive Director Carlton Dowe stated that Monday’s hearing at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall in Cruz Bay was well attended, and additional residents were accommodated and given the opportunity to speak. St. John residents also participated in the St. Thomas hearing held on Tuesday evening, and VIPA has received feedback via Zoom and email, according to the release.

The St. John meeting was was filled to capacity and locked down 10 minutes before the start of the meeting. A crowd of nearly 60 gathered on the balcony outside the conference room, and some trying to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom reportedly received messages that the online host had reached capacity.

The Port Authority has proposed a slate of fee increases that affect everyone in the territory, including docking fees at V.I. ports, fees for travelers between the BVI and USVI, and pilotage fees (primarily for cargo) for vessels over 100 tons. Dowe’s presentation, which outlines current VIPA projects and provides details of the fees, can be seen here.

The final public hearing will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the VIPA Conference Room, located on the second floor of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Topics include proposed increases to:

  • Red Hook Barge Ramp Fees
  • BVI International Passenger Ship Dues & Wharfage
  • Docking Fees
  • Pilotage
  • Red Hook Ferry Terminal Parking Rates

New fees under consideration:

  • Additional Passenger Fee for Non-Drivers at Red Hook Barge Ramp
  • Cargo Overflow Staging Fee
  • Paid parking at Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay

Residents may also attend via Zoom by registering at www.viport.com/events (meeting capacity has been expanded to 500 participants). The presentation and current marine tariff are available for download at www.viport.com.

For questions, contact VIPA’s Public Relations Office at 340-774-1629 ext. 6640.

Friends of the Park Keeps Youth Team on Job Despite Federal Shutdown

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Friends of the Park Keeps Youth Team on Job Despite Federal Shutdown
Bookstore attendant Ethan Popo directs visitors to the Friends of the V.I. National Park pop-up store at Mongoose Junction on St. John. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Bookstore attendant Ethan Popo directs visitors to the Friends of the V.I. National Park pop-up store at Mongoose Junction on St. John. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Oct. 1 was supposed to be the first day on the job for a new manager at the Friends of the V.I. National Park Bookstore at the Cruz Bay Visitor Center on St. John. Then came the nationwide federal shutdown.

However, some quick thinking and swift action by Friends’ leadership allowed bookstore manager Ameir Sprauve to perform his first day’s work. Sprauve, along with three others, makes up a team of young staffers working at the bookstore.

A directive issued by the U.S. Department of the Interior in September cited guidance provided by the Office of Management and Budget, stating that all park personnel who are not exempt or granted an exemption are on furlough during the shutdown. Volunteers who work with furloughed park personnel are told not to report for work.

At least they were not to report to the shuttered visitor center, said Friends Executive Director Tonia Lovejoy. “When they got wind of the shutdown, the four store employees were concerned about their jobs,” she said.

So was the staff at the St. John nonprofit. The night before the shutdown took effect, Lovejoy said, they went to the visitor center and moved some of the bookstore merchandise. They reached out to the manager at nearby Mongoose Junction Shopping Center and asked if there was any retail space available.

The manager put them in touch with shopping center owner Glen Speer and a merchant who offered space for a pop-up store.

Towards one of the center’s entryways, a former information desk was draped with a Friends of the Park banner and decorated with stuffed animals. Several days after the shutdown began, a smiling Ethan Popo sat there, welcoming guests.

The Cruz Bay Visitor Center on St. John has been shuttered by the federal shutdown. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The Cruz Bay Visitor Center on St. John has been shuttered by the federal shutdown. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Popo, along with Sprauve, Kevanna Matthews, and Raisa Curry, worked together on the Friends’ youth trail maintenance crew. Popo said he also worked with the University of the Virgin Islands Mangrove Restoration Project. He directed a visitor towards the pop-up bookstore, but said it would only be staffed on days when trail duties weren’t on the schedule.

The director said there was enough work to make up for the team’s lost hours, and if the shutdown stayed in place for a while, she would look around to see what other Friends projects needed attention.

Lovejoy said the group was glad to have the new bookstore manager on the job, despite the interruption. “To have him as part of our team, to have someone knowledgeable about the park’s operation and his interest in business is super,” she said.

Proceeds from the sale of books and souvenirs help fund natural and cultural preservation projects supported by Friends of the Park.

Governor Bryan Signs Executive Order Establishing Process for Gender Marker Changes on Government-Issued Identification

Mat Probasco
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Governor Bryan Signs Executive Order Establishing Process for Gender Marker Changes on Government-Issued Identification

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has signed Executive Order No. 543-2025, establishing a formal process by which individuals in the Virgin Islands may request a change to the gender marker on their official government-issued identification documents.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (Photo by Government House)

The Executive Order directs executive branch agencies—including the Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles—to amend gender designations on official documents upon request, ensuring that Virgin Islanders can obtain identification that accurately reflects their identity.

“Virgin Islanders have reached out to our administration seeking a way to have their documents reflect who they truly are,” Governor Bryan said. “This Executive Order provides a fair and compassionate process where none existed before. It ensures that our government recognizes and respects the lived realities of all our residents.”

Currently, no law or administrative process existed to guide such changes. While the Bryan-Roach Administration previously submitted legislation to the 36th Legislature proposing a process that required a court order, the measure was not advanced beyond its initial hearing. To address this gap, Governor Bryan acted through Executive Order to establish a clear and practical path forward.

Under the new process:

  • An individual aged 18 or older—or a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor—may request a change of gender marker in writing from the issuing agency.
  • The request must be accompanied by a statement, signed under penalty of perjury, from a licensed healthcare provider who has treated or evaluated the individual, confirming that the individual has an intersex condition and that a gender designation change is appropriate.
  • Alternatively, a judicial order from the Virgin Islands or another jurisdiction granting a gender change designation may be submitted in lieu of a healthcare provider’s statement.

Once approved, the relevant executive department will amend the individual’s identification documents accordingly. The revised documents will use the term “gender” rather than “sex” for the designation.

Governor Bryan noted that this action aligns the Virgin Islands with at least 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, which have adopted administrative procedures for amending gender designations on birth certificates, and more than 30 states, Puerto Rico, and D.C., which have similar processes for driver’s licenses.

“Our administration remains committed to fairness, dignity, and respect for every Virgin Islander,” Governor Bryan added. “This Executive Order brings the Virgin Islands in line with modern standards of inclusion and ensures that all residents have access to accurate and affirming government identification.”

For more information or to request a gender marker amendment, residents may contact the Department of Health’s Office of Vital Statistics or the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.

The Bryan-Roach administration remains committed to building resilient infrastructure and advancing the territory’s recovery while promoting transparency, restoring trust in government and stabilizing the economy.

For more information, visit transparency.vi.gov, follow @governmenthouseusvi on Facebook, X and YouTube, and @govhouseusvi on Instagram.

Alston Smith Dies at 85

Mat Probasco
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Alston Smith Dies at 85

Celebrating a Life Well Lived

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Alston Smith who departed this life on Oct. 5, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on May 13, 1940, in Trinidad and Tobago and throughout his years, touched the lives of many with kindness, wisdom, and generosity.

Alston Smith

A Life of Dedication

Alston C. Smith was known for his unwavering commitment to family, friends, and community. He pursued a career as a welder where he was respected by colleagues and peers. Beyond this he will be remembered for his passion to reading and studying the Bible, the way he always kept himself well dressed and for always being there to offer advice, encouragement and a helping hand to those in need.

Family and Legacy

Alston C. Smith is survived by (wife) Grace Smith, (children) Jasper, Jahmal, Jerome, Joey, Joel, Jody, Jed and Jason Smith, Eddie Frorup, Karlene & Marcia De Leon; grandchildren Thomas Romano, Jalique, DeMarco & Zyaire Smith, Jenisha Georges, Jashim & Jahvon Charles; (great grandchildren) J’Kaiya Georges and Da’Niaah Brady;  Special Family Dr. Williams & Family, Civella & Family, Hendricks Family, McIntosh Family, LaPlace Family, & Marcus Family. As well as great, great grands and relatives and friends too numerous to mention who will cherish his memory. The legacy he leaves behind is one of love, compassion, and inspiration.

Celebration of Life

We will remember Alston Smith for his joyful spirit, enduring strength, and the warmth he brought into our lives. May he rest in eternal peace, forever in our hearts.

Healing Hands Worldwide Launches “Echoes in Pink” 5K Walk/Run

Mat Probasco
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Healing Hands Worldwide Launches “Echoes in Pink” 5K Walk/Run

On Saturday, Oct. 18, Healing Hands Worldwide, Inc. will host the first annual Echoes in Pink 5K Walk/Run- a global event honoring survivors, remembering loved ones, and raising funds for breast cancer care and education in underserved communities.

Echoes in Pink Walk/Run 2025

This virtual walk/run welcomes participants from everywhere in the world. Whether jogging, strolling, or sprinting, every step taken echoes solidarity, hope, and commitment to the fight against breast cancer.

“Participation is easy as it allows individuals to join from wherever in the world they are,” says Karen Nelson-Hughes, Executive Director of Healing Hands Worldwide, Inc. “Simply by registering on the platform, identifying your own location to walk or run and donning a pink shirt to commemorate ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month,’ participants can unite with the worldwide team,” she says adding: “Sharing pics, posting videos and connecting virtually with all participants in the name of supporting, honoring and spreading hope will add to what makes this amazing event so special.”

Where Proceeds Go

Funds raised support:

  • One-Patient-at-a-Time: providing free chemotherapy to underserved breast cancer patients.
  • One-Student-at-a-Time: awarding full scholarships and mentorship to students in need.

A Celebration of Strength and Resilience

With 1 in 8 women facing a breast cancer diagnosis in her lifetime, events like Echoes in Pink provide vital resources while amplifying survivor stories that inspire strength and courage.

For over a decade, Healing Hands Worldwide has delivered free chemotherapy treatment to uninsured and underinsured women in Jamaica, Ghana, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization also funds full scholarships for high-achieving students from underserved communities, removing barriers to education and opening doors to opportunity. “As an organization, we are intentional about supporting women who fight not just for themselves, but for their families,” said Dr. Erole McLean Hobdy, Founder of Healing Hands Worldwide. “That support can mean the difference between life and loss.”

How to Get Involved

  • Register: Sign-up at: www.hhworldwide.org 
  • Donate: Give directly at: https://www.hhworldwide.org/donate to support patients and students.
  • Form a Team: Rally friends, coworkers, or family to walk or run together.
  • Fundraise: Create a personal/team page – raise $100 and unlock complimentary registration.
  • Cost: $20 Per participant
  • Share: Post your story and photos with #EchoesInPink.

Why Join?

From the waterfront in St. Thomas to the streets of Kingston, to the city of Accra, or your own neighborhood, your steps echo hope. 

“Echoes in Pink is more than a race, it’s a movement,” adds Dr. McLean Hobdy. “Every step honors the courage of those battling breast cancer and celebrates the determination of young people striving for a brighter future. No one walks this journey alone.”

About Healing Hands Worldwide

Healing Hands Worldwide, Inc. (HHW) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit expanding access to healthcare and education in the Caribbean and Africa. Through One-Patient-at-a-Time, HHW provides free chemotherapy to underserved breast cancer patients. Through One-Student-at-a-Time, HHW funds scholarships, mentorship, and enrichment for deserving students, transforming lives, one person at a time.

Sen. Bolques Launches Fee Increases Survey

Mat Probasco
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Sen. Bolques Launches Fee Increases Survey

Senator At Large Angel Bolques Jr. is asking St. John residents to fill out a quick online survey to share how a proposed increase in marine fees and the potential institution of new fees could affect them.

Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. (file photo)

The Virgin Islands Port Authority is considering raising marine tariffs—fees that could impact ferry rides, barge transport, water taxis, and other marine services that St. Johnians rely on every day.

“I need your help,” said Senator Bolques. “Your answers will help me show the VIPA Board how this proposal would affect the daily lives of the residents in St. John. Before they make a final decision, they need to hear from us. Your input is the data that will speak for St. John.”

The survey takes just a few minutes. My goal is to ensure that the VIPA Board has real, tangible, community-based information before making such a significant decision that could have drastic consequences. Senator Bolques will use the results to present a clear and realistic picture of how the changes may impact St. John.

Take the survey here: https://tally.so/r/3j1JJY
Take the survey and get more info: angelbolquesjr.com/news-and-updates/community-survey-on-vipa-proposed-marine-tariff-increase

Eunice C. Carey Dies

Mat Probasco
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Eunice C. Carey Dies

We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Eunice C. Carey, who passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. 

Eunice C. Carey

She was preceded in death by her sister Agnes Herbert on Dec. 19, 2024. 

She leaves to mourn her darling husband, Edward E. Carey; son, Elroy Carey; and daughter-in-law, Kifani Hendricks-Carey; daughter, Elrose Adams; and son-in-law, Ronald Adams; surrogate daughter/niece, Hilarine Caines; stepdaughter, Evette Patrick; and stepson-in-law, David Patrick; stepson, Anthony Roberts; and stepdaughter in law, Karen Roberts; special grandson, Kailand Walker; granddaughters, Tanecka Carey, Tasheema Martin and  Keleshia Huff; sister, Camilla “Yvette” Matthew; brother, Alpheus Burt; and great nephew and great niece, Sean David and Chezarae David; and a host of close family and friends.

The viewing is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 20 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. The funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21 at Wesley Methodist Church, Tutu. 

Viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. and service begins at 10 a.m.

Followed by interment at Smith Bay, Eastern Cemetery 

Tributes can be submitted to eunicecareyhomegoing@gmail.com no later than Oct. 14.

Arrangements Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services. 

Op-Ed: How Maroon Country Became a Territorial Park

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Op-Ed: How Maroon Country Became a Territorial Park
The beautiful Annaly Bay tidepool is within the Maroon Park, northwest of the historic lighthouse. This pool has an opening cave to the Caribbean Sea. The pool is difficult to hike, which involves rock climbing with a large swimming pool from four to 14 feet deep. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
The beautiful Annaly Bay tidepool is within the Maroon Park, northwest of the historic lighthouse. This pool has a cave opening to the Caribbean Sea. The pool is difficult to hike, involving rock climbing and swimming a large pool from four to 14 feet deep. (Photo by Olasee Davis)

I am so happy that Maroon Country is now protected forever. Believe me, what a long political and social journey it has been trying to preserve 4% of St. Croix’s 54,400 acres and to designate the northwest as a Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park. I have been getting calls and email messages from the public about how this idea of creating a park in the northwest and northeast central part of St. Croix came about.

Olasee Davis
Olasee Davis (Submitted photo)

In the 1920s and 1930s, there were several attempts by federal officials, especially the Department of the Interior, to help create or jump start a Virgin Islands Territorial Park System.

In those days, creating a territorial park system in the Virgin Islands fell victim to our Legislature. They were not interested. They lacked the vision and political will to create such a system of parks in the Virgin Islands. I don’t need to tell you how national parks in the United States, the Caribbean, and the world benefit the economy while preserving human history, culture, and the integrity of the environment. The late native naturalist George A. Seaman, who was born in 1904, developed a Conservation Master Plan for the Virgin Islands government.

To make a long story short, our government ignored Seaman’s cries in the wilderness to protect the natural and cultural resources of these islands. Seaman left St. Croix with a bitter heart for good and lived in Saba until he died in his 90s with a broken heart. Believe me, I can understand how Seaman felt. I too have struggled with my mortality, but I relied on my faith of making an everlasting difference in my community for the generations after me. Now I will tell, in a nutshell, how the preservation of St. Croix Maroon Country materialized.

It is a long history with many players. However, I will start with a man named Ward M. Canaday, born in 1885, from Toledo, Ohio. He was a wealthy businessman and a friend and advisor to President Franklin Roosevelt. Roosevelt was one of our “conservation presidents” who protected about 230 million acres of public land for parks, national forests, and game preserves — a long list of accomplishments for we the people of this great nation.

In 1933, Canaday visited St. Croix for the first time. He met local people like Betty Skeoch, Eva Armstrong, Frits E. Lawaetz, and other individuals. Meeting local people, Canaday became interested in purchasing lands on St. Croix. There were 2,000 acres of land on the northwest of the island, some 13 estates were up for sale for a long time when Canaday visited St. Croix again in 1936. The price was right for him and he purchased 2,000 acres for $17 an acre.

The estates he purchased were Mt. Victory, Sweet Bottom Bay, Rose Hill, Oxford, Wills Bay, Bodkin, and Pleasant Vale. In 1946, he brought Annaly, Big Fountain, Solitude, Parasol, Mt. Eagle, Hermitage, Blue Mountain, Prosperity northwest, and River estates. This brought his total land ownership to 5,900 acres — the largest private holding ever in the Virgin Islands. Without going into detail of the history of the northwest and northeast central estates, some of them now are part of the newly established Maroon Sanctuary Territorial Park system of the Virgin Islands.

This 1796 sugar mill is at Wills Bay Estate, part of Maroon Country's historic landscape. Tashya Allen from NOAA, in front with her backpack, looks up at the mill opening along with other federal and local government officials. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
This 1796 sugar mill is at Wills Bay Estate, part of Maroon Country’s historic landscape. Tashya Allen from NOAA, in front with her backpack, looks up at the mill opening along with other federal and local government officials. (Photo by Olasee Davis)

Believe it or not, it was former President Joe Biden that made it all possible to establish the park when he introduced the Inflation Reduction Act to Congress, and it passed. Also, former Sen. Samuel Carrion, who I worked with along with my colleague Toni Thomas from the University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas campus, on Bill No. 34-0267 to establish the territorial park system. The bill was passed by the 34th Legislature and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed it into law.

Thus, the Territorial Parks System and Protected Areas was established as a division within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. Kitty Edwards, a native Virgin Islander, became the first director of the park with a staff of seven people with different expertise. When Kitty became director of the Territorial Parks System, I said to her that Maroon Country had to be the top priority on her agenda. I also talked to the Virgin Islands Source online newspaper Executive Editor Siân Elisabeth Cobb, asking her if I could write a series of articles about Maroon Country, although I have been writing articles since the 1980s about the northwest of St. Croix.

Then, a break came through with the Inflation Reduction Act. A small group of us with Kitty Edwards applied for funding. Kitty and Melissa Hill, project manager for The Trust for Public Land of Florida, worked tirelessly along with the working group assisting them, including myself, to get funding to establish a park in the northwest of St. Croix. I forwarded our working group lots of information from my archive of the northwest, such as the cultural, natural, historical, research, my traditional knowledge of the area, including endangered species animals and plants, archaeological sites, and more to be part of the grant proposal. Other members of the working group submitted information as well.

NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, non-profit organizations (Trust for Public Land), V.I. Territorial Park staff, and myself enjoying lunch at Cane Bay restaurant after we visited Maroon Country on foot. Our job locally was to convince the federal government that Maroon Country is worth preserving due to its ecological, historical, cultural, and marine resources. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce, non-profit organizations (Trust for Public Land), V.I. Territorial Park staff, and myself enjoying lunch at Cane Bay restaurant after we visited Maroon Country on foot. Our job locally was to convince the federal government that Maroon Country is worth preserving due to its ecological, historical, cultural, and marine resources. (Photo by Olasee Davis)

The other day, I asked my colleague from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Aranzazu Lascurain, what made our grant proposal favorable to the U.S. Department of Commerce and NOAA to fund the Virgin Islands government $69 million through the Inflation Reduction Act to acquire four properties at risk for development, including Maroon Country. She responded with a full written page of how superb our application was to NOAA. Lascurain said that Kitty did an excellent job of putting the proposal together with the input she received from the working group.

I believe Kitty deserves a pay increase. For me, I am satisfied that Maroon Country is now protected. Last year, some of NOAA staff came to St. Croix and met with us, including Kitty with her staff and Melissa Hill from The Trust for Public Land from Florida, the Virgin Islands Trust for Public Land, and others. We hiked and drove Maroon Country as I explained to the group the history of the sites. NOAA staff fell in love with Maroon Country and its natural beauty and cultural resources.

Then, early this year, NOAA and other federal agencies personnel visited us again. We hiked part of Maroon Country. Believe me, they were very impressed with the natural, marine environment, and cultural landscape of Maroon Country. Now, the real work of planning the park begins. Thus, the input of the public is the first step of planning for the park. After all, it is the people’s park.

— Olasee Davis is a bush professor who lectures and writes about the culture, history, ecology and environment of the Virgin Islands when he is not leading hiking tours of the wild places and spaces of St. Croix and beyond.

Following are links to previous editorials by Olasee Davis, advocating for Maroon Country to be included as part of the Territorial Parks system:

Op-Ed: It is Beyond Time to Make St. Croix’s Maroon Country a Territorial Park
Open Forum: St. Croix’s Maroon Country Should Be a Territorial Park System Priority
Open Forum: Estate Annaly Must be Included in Maroon Territorial Park
Open Forum: A Maroon Territorial Park is Not an Option But a Must

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