Claudia Lombard from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service brings the speared turtle to shore after safely catching it. (Photo courtesy STAR)
A green sea turtle found in distress with a fishing spear through its neck Monday near the Frederiksted Pier on St. Croix has been released back to the water, thanks to the quick response of the Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue team and a host of other individuals, groups and organizations.
This was the first photo sent to STAR of the green sea turtle with a fishing spear in its neck. (Photo by Glen Deal)
According to STAR, divers sent photos of the injured turtle to the nonprofit’s turtle stranding hotline and team members were able to capture the turtle and carefully remove the spear.
“Fortunately, the turtle exhibited no signs of lasting damage, and the wound was treated on site. After monitoring the turtle to ensure it was no longer bleeding and was displaying normal behavior, the team quickly released it back into the water,” according to a press release Thursday from STAR USVI Sea Turtle Stranding Coordinator Natalie Monnier.
Green sea turtles are considered Threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to human and natural impacts, so protecting their populations in the U.S. Virgin Islands is crucial, Monnier said. The USVI is home to three species of nesting sea turtles: greens, hawksbills, and leatherbacks. Green turtles may be found foraging on seagrass beds throughout the territory’s coastal waters and nesting on beaches from June to November, she noted.
So far this year, five sea turtle strandings in the territory have been linked to fishing activity, according to STAR. A stranding is when a sea turtle is found dead, injured, or exhibiting distress. In cases related to fishing, strandings can include sea turtles entangled in discarded fishing line, hooked on rod and reel, caught in nets, and injured because of spearfishing. Improper use of fishing gear puts sea turtles at risk of injury or death.
The STAR team assesses the turtle’s condition after carefully removing the spear. This was done to determine the extent of its injuries and get the turtle ready for release. (Photo courtesy STAR)
If you accidentally catch or injure a sea turtle during fishing activities, please call STAR immediately. There’s no penalty for reporting, and your quick action can help save the turtle, said Monnier. To help prevent interactions between turtles and fishing gear, STAR urges the fishing community to properly dispose of gear and practice responsible fishing by never leaving your fishing gear unattended. Sea turtles in the USVI are protected under the Endangered Species Act, which makes it illegal to harm, harass, or injure them in any way. Violations can result in severe fines and may include jail time.
STAR is a nonprofit organization of government agencies, local nonprofits, veterinarians, and dedicated volunteers. Operating across all three U.S. Virgin Islands, STAR responds to any sea turtles or hatchlings that are injured, trapped, entangled, disoriented, or dead.
To report a sea turtle to STAR, call 340-690-0474 and be ready to provide detailed information about the location of the stranding, the condition of the turtle (alive or dead), and a description of its size and any visible injuries. For more information on STAR and sea turtle conservation efforts in the USVI, visit stxturtles.com/sea-turtle-rescue or find them on Facebook and Instagram (star.usvi).
“STAR extends a huge thank you to the divers and snorkelers who reported the turtle and helped with rescue efforts, including individuals from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, St. Croix Sea Turtle Project, St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures, Nep2une Scuba, Virgin Islands Port Authority, and Vivot Equipment Corporation. This sea turtle rescue would not have been possible without everyone involved,” the press release concluded.
STAR responders with the recovered spear, including team members from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the St. Croix Sea Turtle Project, and St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures. (Photo courtesy STAR)
The Legislature of the Virgin Islands gathered on Aug. 7 to observe Purple Heart Day, a day dedicated to honoring service members who were wounded or killed in action while serving their country. This annual observance serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel in defense of freedom.
The Legislature building is illuminated in purple to honor Purple Heart Day. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)Members of the 36th Legislature and the V.I. government gathered to honor Purple Heart Day.(Photo by Barry Leerdam)
The Virgin Islands Police Department wishes to advise the community that on Saturday, Aug. 9, there will be NO PARKING allowed from the intersection of King Street and Queen Cross Street (Old Hondo’s, now Island Movement Yoga & Wellness Center) to Caravelle Casino from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m., for the HEART OF THEBLOCK CONCERT, a tribute to Jordan “Dutty Heart” Jones.
The University of the Virgin Islands, in partnership with the GRROE USVI Mangroves team, hosted its first “Mangroves in the Classroom” (MIC) Educator Workshop on St. Croix on July 28. Held at UVI’s Albert A. Sheen Campus Great Hall, the full-day workshop introduced educators to MIC’s interactive, science-based curriculum and focused on adapting lessons for middle school learners and bringing the MIC program to St. Croix. The workshop was made possible through funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Roots to Reefs Project, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Strong Coasts project, and the Schmidt Ocean Coalition. The event brought together 22 educators, environmental professionals, and community partners from across the Virgin Islands.
Myrna G. Cabe of Claude O. Markoe School contributes to the discussion on classroom adaptation and student engagement during the MIC Educator Workshop on St. Croix. (Photo by Kristin Grimes)
Originally developed on St. Thomas in 2022, MIC is a place-based education program that engages students in mangrove science, restoration, and conservation through classroom lessons, hands-on activities, field trips, and storytelling. This year’s workshop marked the beginning of the program’s expansion to St. Croix, where implementation is expected to begin in Spring 2026.
Over the course of the day, participants engaged in a range of sessions, from educator panels and curriculum walkthroughs, to collaborative breakout groups focused on tailoring the lessons for younger students and the St. Croix community. The workshop emphasized how MIC can be adapted to St. Croix’s cultural and ecological context while keeping students at the center of learning through visual tools, creative storytelling, and sensory-based activities. Participants also explored ways to incorporate local knowledge and increase opportunities for field-based experiences.
Teachers from St. Croix were particularly enthusiastic about the potential for field-based learning. Risa Gordon, a science teacher at St. Croix Educational Complex High School, shared, “I would love to take my students to see the mangrove restoration projects on St. Thomas. Seeing that kind of work in action makes the science real.”
“The MIC workshop was another significant learning opportunity for me, seeing the brighter side of how the entire U.S. Virgin Islands, families, and students, benefit from the presence of mangroves in our coastal communities. The integration of the MIC program in schools would enhance students’ motivation to learn and take part in various hands-on learning experiences, do experiments, participate in field trips, and explore the real world – making them resilient, life-long learners,” said Myrna Cabe, of the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School.
“We are thrilled to see how energized St. Croix educators are to bring mangrove science to their students,” said Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, research associate professor at UVI and lead for GRROE USVI Mangroves and the MIC program. “MIC thrives because of the creativity and dedication of our teachers.”
To learn more about Mangroves in the Classroom program or to receive updates, email: kristin.wilson@uvi.edu.
Members of the GHHFC delegation tour AdventHealth Orlando during a weeklong mission to study best practices from top-performing U.S. hospital systems. (Submitted photo)
From redesigning hospital workflows to expanding partnerships and ambulatory care access, a recent fact-finding mission to Florida is expected to guide major changes in how health care is delivered across the Virgin Islands.
The weeklong visit, held from July 27 to 31, took members of the V.I. Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation to three nationally ranked institutions — Orlando Health, AdventHealth, and Baptist Health South Florida — where they toured facilities, met with leadership and staff, and observed operations in real-time. What they brought back, according to GHHFC Chair Jerry R. Smith, was a clear sense of how coordinated systems, smart use of data, and strong provider relationships can transform care from the inside out.
“We saw systems where patient information flowed across every department, where teams were aligned, and where the focus wasn’t just on treating illness, but on guiding the entire patient journey,” Smith said. “That’s the direction we’re moving toward.”
The delegation — comprised of GHHFC board members and key leaders from the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Health Information Technology, and the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team — is expected to use insights from the visit to inform ongoing efforts to unify hospital services, invest in electronic medical records and data systems, and build a more modern health care infrastructure for the territory.
In an interview with the Source, Smith said the lessons from Florida’s top-performing health systems are especially timely as the GHHFC continues work to develop more integrated care delivery models — both within the hospitals and across the wider health care landscape.
“One of the biggest takeaways was how intentional these systems are about building relationships across facilities and specialties,” Smith said. “Whether that’s between hospitals and outpatient clinics, or through partnerships with community organizations, the goal is always to connect the dots for the patient. That’s something we’re starting to implement here — particularly as we look at expanding our ambulatory care footprint.”
Ambulatory care centers — dedicated facilities for outpatient services and same-day procedures — could be a key part of that strategy. Rather than defaulting to emergency rooms for nonurgent needs, Smith said the territory must give patients more accessible entry points into the health care system. These centers also help decompress hospital operations, lower costs, and support continuity of care by linking patients to preventive services and follow-up.
“What we saw in Florida were systems where ambulatory clinics aren’t just on the periphery — they’re fully integrated into how care is delivered,” he said. “They allow the hospitals to focus on acute care while ensuring patients have consistent support before and after their visit. It’s a smarter, more efficient use of resources.”
Territorial leaders have already begun exploring how to expand and better utilize outpatient facilities across the islands. The long-term vision could include leveraging new and existing partnerships to build out these centers as hubs for specialty care, chronic disease management, and coordinated services like lab work, imaging, and behavioral health – aligned under the same system and standards as the hospitals.
“There’s no question that we need more options for care that don’t require a hospital visit,” Smith said. “These site visits reinforced how critical ambulatory clinics are to creating a system that meets people where they are — before their condition worsens.”
The delegation’s timing coincided with the release of U.S. News & World Report’s 2025–2026 hospital rankings, which highlighted the exceptional performance of each facility visited. AdventHealth Orlando, for example, was named the only Florida hospital to make the national Honor Roll of Best Hospitals and ranked the top in the state and Orlando metro area. Orlando Health and Baptist Health South Florida also earned regional and national distinctions for excellence in multiple adult and pediatric specialties.
Still, Smith said the most impactful insights came not from accolades, but from operations— particularly how these systems align leadership, staffing, data, and infrastructure around a shared mission.
“They have strong physician leadership, integrated workflows, and a culture that supports innovation,” Smith said. “We saw how data is used daily to make decisions, track outcomes, and improve the experience for both patients and staff.”
The delegation identified several recurring best practices across all three systems, including:
A commitment to real-time data sharing and systemwide EMR use
Strong interdisciplinary collaboration between departments and sites
Standardization of processes across clinical and administrative teams
Formal partnerships with community providers and education institutions
Territorial officials say those models will help guide future decisions around staffing, governance, and investment. The information will also be critical as the Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team moves forward with plans to rebuild and modernize Juan F. Luis and Schneider Regional Medical Centers, and as agencies work to align services across islands to reduce duplication and improve care continuity.
One of the key takeaways, Smith added, was how deliberately the Florida systems have built partnerships to extend their capacity and improve access to specialized care. During the site visits, the team learned how institutions like AdventHealth and Baptist Health have formed clinical and academic partnerships — including one with Howard University – designed to support workforce development and expand services for historically underserved populations.
“Those partnerships aren’t just for research or reputation — they’re built into the delivery of care,” Smith said. “Seeing how systems collaborate with universities like Howard to train providers and increase access to specialists gives us a model to look at as we think about what’s possible in the Virgin Islands.”
Federal Medicaid policy remains one of the biggest challenges, with capped funding limiting long-term planning and infrastructure investments. But Smith said the Florida visit reinforced that certain gains — especially those involving process and culture — are still within reach.
“This isn’t about replicating billion-dollar systems,” Smith said. “It’s about scaling what works: partnerships, data-driven leadership, access points like ambulatory clinics, and systems that are designed with the patient in mind.”
The GHHFC is expected to finalize its updated strategic plan later this year, with many of the insights from the Florida mission playing a central role. The next step, Smith said, is ensuring that hospital leadership – particularly the CEOs of the territory’s two public hospitals — have the opportunity to engage directly with these systems.
“Getting our CEOs into these environments is essential,” Smith said. “They’re the ones who have to operationalize this vision. Seeing it firsthand will allow them to better identify what can be applied immediately, what needs to be adapted, and how to lead their teams through that process.”
Those follow-up visits, expected in the coming months, will build on the groundwork laid in Florida and help bring the vision of a more connected, patient-centered system closer to reality.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NHC was monitoring several areas across the Atlantic basin, including Tropical Storm Dexter in the North Atlantic Ocean. (Photo courtesy NHC)
Atmospheric and oceanic conditions across the Atlantic basin are becoming increasingly supportive of tropical development. With warm sea surface temperatures and a gradual reduction in wind shear, forecasters say the environment is shifting toward a more active pattern as August progresses.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the National Hurricane Center was monitoring several areas across the Atlantic basin, including Tropical Storm Dexter, spinning in the Atlantic Ocean, several hundred miles south of Newfoundland. Additionally, there is a disturbance being monitored off the southeast coast of the U.S. mainland with a low chance of development.
There is also a tropical wave located in the eastern-central Atlantic with a greater chance of organizing into a cyclone and potentially intensifying into a tropical depression in the coming days. The wave is currently moving across the Atlantic.
“Shower and thunderstorm activity has become a bit more concentrated with a tropical wave in the eastern-central tropical Atlantic,” according to an update on Wednesday from the NHC. “Environmental conditions are forecast to be conducive for gradual development during the next few days, and a tropical depression could form late this week or over the weekend as the system moves generally west-northwestward to northwestward across the central tropical and subtropical Atlantic,” the NHC said.
An update at 2 p.m. EST on Wednesday from the NHC indicates that the disturbance may pass northeast of the Lesser Antilles. However, the NWS office in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has noted that two of the widely-used forecast models — Global Forecast System and the European Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasts model — are not in complete agreement on the possible storm track. The NWS has advised residents and visitors across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico to monitor the progress of the system.
One of the tropical waves being monitored by the NHC is currently located in the eastern-central tropical Atlantic. While the system may pass northeast of the region, the NWS says it is still too early to determine whether Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands will be affected. (Photo courtesy NWS)
“Given current trends, the long-term forecast leans toward the U.S. Global Forecast System, which supports a deterioration in weather conditions after Monday, with increasing moisture, instability, and a rising flood risk across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through at least Tuesday,” the NWS explained in an update on Wednesday. “That said, forecast confidence remains low, and it is too early to specify exact impacts for the region,” the NWS added.
“Residents, visitors, and emergency managers are strongly encouraged to closely monitor the forecasts from official agencies, particularly from the NHC and the NWS San Juan forecast office, as confidence is expected to improve in the coming days,” the NWS said.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its weekly Global Tropics Hazards Outlook Tuesday. NOAA highlighted areas near the Caribbean and within the Main Development Region – the zone between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean — as having increased chances for tropical activity later in August. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
In its latest update, NOAA highlighted areas across portions of the Caribbean as well as within the Main Development Region — the zone between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean — as having increased chances for tropical activity in the coming weeks. The Eastern Pacific basin, which has been active in recent weeks, is also expected to maintain an elevated opportunity of cyclonic development.
Conditions Becoming More Favorable for Development
Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane specialist at AccuWeather, shared information about favorable environmental conditions for storm development and the possibility of an increased chance of cyclonic activity in comments provided to the Source on Wednesday.
A graphic provided by AccuWeather highlights several areas that are being watched for potential tropical development in the coming days. (Photo courtesy AccuWeather)
“We’re now into August and getting closer to the statistical peak of the hurricane season, which is in early September,” DaSilva said. “We are seeing warmer ocean temperatures, less wind shear overall, and less dry air as well. We’ve seen some of that Saharan dust back off a little bit, and we’ve also seen some of that wind shear back down across the Atlantic basin. We are also seeing ocean heat content increasing across the Main Development Region. Ocean heat content is essentially the depth of the warm water and how deep it extends below the surface of the sea,” DaSilva explained.
In addition to warmer sea surface temperatures and reduced wind shear across parts of the Atlantic basin, DaSilva cited a weather phenomenon known as the “Madden-Julian Oscillation.” The NWS defines the MJO as “an eastward moving disturbance of clouds, rainfall, winds, and pressure that traverses the planet in the tropics and returns to its initial starting point in 30 to 60 days on average.”
“We’ve seen an MJO wave passing through the area,” DaSilva stated. “That can enhance some showers and some thunderstorms, potentially leading to some development in the days that it comes through and even some days after it passes through, because it can affect some of the tropical waves over Africa,” DaSilva said.
Closely Watching the Tropics
Responding to questions about threats across the USVI and Puerto Rico, DaSilva noted that the NHC is continuing to monitor a tropical wave currently moving across the Atlantic Ocean. However, he told the Source that he is more troubled about a second tropical wave that is forecast to emerge off the west coast of Africa in the coming days, which could potentially track close to the Caribbean.
“I am concerned about the next wave coming off Africa in the next day or so, and by the middle of the month is when we’re looking for something to approach the Virgin Islands potentially,” DaSilva said. “The Bermuda High — a semipermanent area of high pressure in the North Atlantic Ocean — might be a little bit stronger, which may allow this to come much closer to the Virgin Islands. It is still possible that this second wave turns out to sea. However, I think it’s going to get at least closer to the islands than the first wave does,” DaSilva continued.
“The overall pattern is a bit more supportive of something coming a little bit closer to the Virgin Islands, and it could potentially be a hurricane,” DaSilva cautioned. “Therefore, we need to keep a very close eye out for the middle of the month for something to possibly approach the Lesser Antilles and the Virgin Islands.”
Indeed, in an emailed notice Wednesday, meteorologists at the NWS in San Juan also shared information about a potential system approaching the local region during the middle of August. Still, the NWS noted that the forecast can change, and the agency reminds individuals to stay updated on the weather conditions.
“Some global forecast models indicate the possible cyclonic formationlater in August,” the NWS said. “However, given its long-range nature, confidence in the forecast is very low at this time. No action is needed for now, but staying informed is essential,” the NWS said in a message on Wednesday.
It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.
The monthly Cannabis Advisory Board meeting was held Wednesday via Zoom, with Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, Joanne Moorehead, providing a number of updates regarding licensing, staffing, and the progress of the territory’s medical cannabis program.
Moorehead reported that there are currently five registered practitioners on St. Thomas and four on St. Croix. The medical cannabis patient registry includes 17 patients on St. Thomas, 17 on St. Croix, and one on St. John. Additionally, there are two registered sacramental organizations operating on St. Thomas.
Applications for cannabis dispensary licenses are now open and will remain available through the deadline of Sept. 30. A public Q&A session for dispensary license applicants is scheduled for Aug. 14 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. via Zoom. To register, click here. Micro-cultivation permits are currently closed, but Moorehead confirmed plans to reopen them later this year, explaining that both application types cannot remain open simultaneously.
Moorehead also shared that the OCR plans to open applications later this month for manufacturing licenses, research and development licenses, and some third-party vendor licenses. She emphasized that the office is continuing to develop policies and standard operating procedures in preparation for completing the evaluation process and issuing licenses. “We need a lot of policies and standard operating procedures in place before we do that,” she said.
The Office of Cannabis Regulation is actively recruiting two cannabis compliance auditors – one for St. Croix and one for St. Thomas. Moorehead said the roles are critical to the regulatory function of the office, as the auditors will be responsible for evaluating licensees and ensuring they remain in compliance. Those interested in applying for the positions can do so through the V.I. Department of Personnel website. The deadline to apply is Aug. 12.
During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, board Chair Dr. Catherine Kean inquired about the timeline for patient cultivation licenses and asked for clarification on the pricing of cannabis business licenses. Moorehead responded that patient cultivation licenses will likely be approved and distributed within the next 30 to 60 days, pending document verification and the convening of evaluation committees.
Regarding the cost of cannabis business licenses, Moorehead reminded attendees that all cannabis license fees are nonrefundable. The board previously approved an annual fee of $25,000 for cannabis dispensary licenses. In recognition of the high cost, the board agreed to split the dispensary application fee. Applicants are required to pay $10,000 to begin the process, and if approved, must pay the remaining $15,000 to receive the license and begin operations.
The next meeting of the Cannabis Advisory Board is scheduled for Sept. 10.
Current members of the Cannabis Advisory Board include Dr. Catherine Kean, Nathalie Hodge, Justa Encarnacion, Louis Petersen, Joseph Boschulte, Dr. Gary Jett, and Chris Jones.
Jury selection in 2021 Glitters murder and robbery case set for Aug. 11. (Shutterstock image)
The last of four defendants charged with murder and armed robbery of a St. Thomas jewelry store lost a bid to have his pending trial moved to St. Croix. The denial of a motion to change venues came Wednesday from the judge assigned to the case of Jahmar Lewis.
Lewis — a minor at the time — was arrested a few days after the Dec. 4, 2021, robbery and shooting at Glitters Jewelry Store at Havensight Shopping Center. He was charged as an adult with multiple offenses in March 2022. A witness at the scene identified the defendant as one of three armed persons who entered the store and took an estimated $18,000 worth of merchandise.
Police documents also say the defendant was identified as the gunman who turned and fired shots into the store as the robbery team was leaving. A shopper and a security guard were wounded at the scene. Customer Gregoriana Julien succumbed to her injuries while being treated at Schneider Regional Medical Center on Jan. 1, 2022.
On Wednesday Superior Court Judge Carol Thomas-Jacobs addressed claims made by the defendant about his chances for getting a fair trial on St. Thomas.
Defense attorney David Cattie said news reports about the robbery, assault and murder would make it difficult to find unbiased jurors. The judge, in her denial, said most of the news reports about the Glitters robbery and shootings were published three years ago.
Subsequent reports, Jacobs said, were factual accounts updating developments in the case. “Based on these circumstances, the court cannot conclude that the pretrial publicity was so inflammatory that this district is unable to empanel an impartial jury,” the judge said.
Defendants Lewis, Michia Cozier, Akenda Weeks and Junior Garcia were scheduled to stand trial on Nov. 18, 2024, but attempts to pick a jury failed. Since then, Cozier, Weeks, and Garcia filed with the court for change of pleas. All three are scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 16.
That left Lewis alone to stand trial with a new jury cycle, and jury selection in his case is set for Aug. 11. Pending charges include aiding and abetting murder, robbery, assault, attempted murder, and kidnapping.
He is also charged with illegal weapons possession.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism proudly welcomes the nomination of communications and public affairs executive Jennifer Matarangas-King as the next Commissioner of Tourism. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the nomination during a Government House press briefing, positioning Matarangas-King to continue building on the Department’s unprecedented momentum and growth over the past six years.
Jennifer Matarangas-King (Submitted photo)
A native of St. Croix and a respected voice in the Virgin Islands community, Matarangas-King brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational leadership across both the public and private sectors. Her deep-rooted understanding of the Territory’s culture and strong service record align with the Department’s continued focus on responsible growth, innovation, and global brand expansion.
“Tourism is more than our economy. It is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands,” shares Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. “Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep commitment to service. I am confident that she will lead the Department of Tourism with vision and distinction.”
During Commissioner Joseph Boschulte’s tenure, the Department delivered one of the most transformative eras in its history, leading the Caribbean in Average Daily Rate (ADR), welcoming record-breaking air and cruise arrivals, reimagining signature festivals, launching award-winning marketing campaigns, and forging groundbreaking partnerships across sports, entertainment, and global travel markets. The Virgin Islands emerged as a premier destination during a time of global tourism disruption, with the Department’s efforts driving consistent economic recovery, increased visitor spend, and all-time high collections into the Tourism Advertising and Revolving Fund (TARF).
“I am honored and humbled to be considered for this role,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King. “Tourism is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of these Virgin Islands. It drives investment, fuels entrepreneurship, and celebrates our identity. I look forward to working alongside our tourism stakeholders and the incredible team at the Department to elevate our product, empower our people, and expand our reach as a premier Caribbean destination.”
Matarangas-King began her public service career as press secretary to Governor Roy Schneider and later served as public relations director for Senator Vargrave Richards. For over two decades, she played an integral leadership role at Viya and its predecessor companies, spearheading public relations, corporate communications, customer experience, and strategic planning initiatives. Through her work in telecommunications, Matarangas-King played a pivotal role in ensuring connectivity for visitors to the territory and has also served as a board member on the St. Croix Hotel Association.
The Department of Tourism thanks Joseph Boschulte for his years of leadership and innovation. In the interim, Boschulte will provide support to Commissioner Matarangas-King and the Department of Tourism through the transition period, ensuring operational continuity and alignment of strategic priorities.
The Department of Public Works advises the community of an upcoming road closure on Wimmelskafts Gade, informally known as Back Street, on St. Thomas.
Starting on Thursday, Aug. 7, DPW contractor — Island Roads Corp. — will work on the roadway, from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., as part of the Charlotte Amalie Downtown Drainage Project. Access will be allowed for nearby employees to exit their work areas. Work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, Aug. 15.
All parked and abandoned vehicles must be removed from the roadside to ensure roadwork can continue as scheduled. The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience as it works to improve road conditions throughout the territory
Starting on Thursday, Aug. 7, DPW contractor — Island Roads Corp. — will work on the roadway, from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m., as part of the Charlotte Amalie Downtown Drainage Project. Access will be allowed for nearby employees to exit their work areas. Work is scheduled to be completed by Friday, Aug. 15.
