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Fire Safety Reminders for July Events

Mat Probasco
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Fire Safety Reminders for July Events

As July unfolds, St. Croix prepares to celebrate vibrant community events such as Jump Up, Mango Melee, and Tart Wars. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) reminds all vendors that a fire safety inspection and an approved Special Event Inspection Application are mandatory for participation, regardless of the type of items being sold.

Whether you plan to sell food, drinks, clothing, crafts, or other merchandise, every vendor is required to submit an application per event and pay the associated $50.00 fee before the deadline.

Upcoming Events & Vendor Deadlines:

• Jump Up – Friday, July 11, 2025 (Christiansted) 

Application Deadline: Thursday, July 10, 2025

• Mango Melee – Sunday, July 13, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2025

• Tart Wars – Saturday, July 19, 2025

Application Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025

How to Apply and Prepare: 

1. Fill out and Submit a Special Event Inspection Application:

• Applications are available at the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix.

• Complete and return the form with the $50.00 application fee by the chosen event’s deadline. 

2. Prepare for Your Safety Inspection:

• Once your application has been processed, the VIFEMS St. Croix Prevention Team will schedule a visit to conduct a safety assessment at your vending location.

3. To Successfully Pass Inspection and Receive Approval: 

• All vendors must have a certified ABC fire extinguisher present at their vending area.

• Vendors using deep fryers must also have a Class K fire extinguisher.

• All gas tanks will be inspected to ensure compliance. 

VIFEMS appreciates the cooperation of all vendors in planning ahead, meeting the safety requirements, and helping to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.

For questions or further assistance, please contact the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix at (340) 773-805

DPNR Calling for Kayaker Comments

Mat Probasco
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DPNR Calling for Kayaker Comments

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is conducting a survey to gather feedback from recreational kayakers on potential locations for future adaptive kayak launch installations.

Kayakers listen to tour guide Ty McRae as he speaks about ecosystems and the history of Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

As part of its commitment to making outdoor recreation more inclusive, DFW is working to expand access to kayaking for all Virgin Islanders. The division plans to install ADA compliant adaptive kayak launches, designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. These new access points aim to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the benefits of kayaking, regardless of physical ability.

The survey will help DFW identify both current kayaking hotspots and promising new sites throughout the territory where safe, accessible infrastructure can be developed.

To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/NpBte05XzX or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.

For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (340) 773-1082 (St. Croix), or visit the DPNR website at www.dpnr.vi.gov

Help Shape A Virgin Islands Constitution

Mat Probasco
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Help Shape A Virgin Islands Constitution

Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention are asking all Virgin Islanders to engage in a public meeting of its Standing Committee on Human Rights on Wednesday, July 16.

Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)

The committee will review proposed revisions to bedrock articles from the Fifth Constitutional Convention, including:

Article I – Bill of Rights 

Article IV – Suffrage and Elections 

Article X – Youth 

Article XVI – Initiatives, Referendums, and Recalls 

Article XVII – Political Status Advisory Commission

The virtual meeting is scheduled between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16.

Join by clicking: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83698802889?pwd=7yhXbY7TmpfALM26RKr0dB0bpEsjvq.1

Documents from the Fifth Constitutional Convention can be found at: https://vivote.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fifth-VI-Constitutional-Draft.pdf

The Committee on Human Rights is requesting the community’s presence to participate in the process as we work toward crafting a document that will not only govern but serve the interests of all Virgin Islanders. 

The submission of statements for the record should be addressed to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee. Please forward to: 

visixthconstitution@gmail.com, stedmannhodge@hotmail.com and rudelhodge@gmail.com

The members of the Standing Committee on Human Rights are: 

1. Delegate Stedmann Hodge, Jr.: Chair 

2. Delegate: Rudel A. Hodge. Jr: Vice-Chair 

3. Delegate: Lydia Hendricks: Member 

4. Delegate John Abramson, Jr.: Member 

5. Delegate Usie R. Richards: Member 

6. Delegate David Silverman: Member 

7. Delegate Rupert W. Ross, Jr.: Member

Cyril Abraham Dies at 70

Mat Probasco
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Cyril Abraham Dies at 70

We regret to announce the passing of Cyril Abraham, affectionately known as “Billy” or “Bolly,” originally of Dominica and a longtime resident of St. Thomas. 

Cyril Abraham

He departed this life on May 30, 2025, at the age of 70.

He is survived by his wife Davina Abraham; daughters Hermia Cyrilla Page and Mahalia Abraham; son-in-law Charles Page; grandchildren Malachi Page, Malia Page, and Jovanny Harrigan; siblings Cynthia Abraham, Rosemary Francis, Errol Abraham, and Cyrilla Judith Abraham-Sullivan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Jean-Jules and Clementina Abraham; brothers Sylvester and Baptiste Abraham; and sister Maria Abraham-Velinor.

Viewings will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 4–6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Friday, July 18 at 9 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the funeral to follow. Interment will be at Smith Bay Cemetery. Attendees are asked to wear yellow or blue.

Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

Faustin Adrien Brooks Dies

Mat Probasco
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Faustin Adrien Brooks Dies

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that the family announces the passing of Faustin Adrien Brooks, AKA “ATAM” died Sunset: June 21, 2025.

Faustin Adrien Brooks

Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 17 Viewing 8:00am to 10:00am Service 10:00am at  Agape Seventh Day Adventist Church Interment: Eastern Cemetery

SURVIVORS SISTERS: Wenceslas “Wency” Smith; Oliva Brooks; Chantal Brooks

BROTHERS: Vincent ‘Ashanti” Brooks, Jean ” John” Brooks, Marcellin “Marcell” Brooks

NIECES: Nathalie Potter, Chanique Smith, Darrah Hinton, Janea Brooks- Myricks, Tianna Brooks, Amelia Brooks, Brielle Brooks, Charde Brooks

NEPHEWS: Kwame Smith, Jose ‘Junie” Camacho Jr., Terique Smith, Brandon Hinton, Jason Hinton, Torian Brooks, Jahreese Brooks, Jah’ Paul Brooks, Maliik Brooks, Jah’ Vince Brooks

ADOPTED NEPHEWS: Darius Smith, Etienne Esprit, Uzzia Israel & many more

GREAT NIECES: Alexis Prentice, Kaleena Potter, Kalishia “Lillie” Smith, Alaysia Prentice, Aria Smith

GREAT NEPHEWS: Kemoi Potter, Terique Smith, Jr., Taariq Smith, Tyrece Smith. Tyrique Smith, Taevon Hinton, Enzo Smith, Jace Myricks

SISTERS-IN- LAW: Lisa Bodcock, Gwendolyn Brooks, Monica Brooks

BROTHERS-IN-LAW: Winston Smith, Warren Penny

AUNTS: Armelle Richardson, Elcia Richardson, Theolinda “Linda “George- Frias, Josette Brooks Hamlet,

UNCLES: Henry George, Lucien ‘Tonton” George

AUNTS-IN-LAW: Melanise George, Vaple ” Joan” George

GREAT AUNT: Melani Cooks

MANY FIRST COUSINS:(to include) Franklyn:” Frankie”; ” Nash”, Rupert Jr, Debbie, Trevor, Terry, Glenroy, Jackie, Dianne., Kodie, Kern, Karis, Joseph, James, Kishma, Mariska and Claudius, George.

FAMILIES: Brooks, Smith, Hinton, George, Potter, Reiph, Barrot, Richardson. Lake, Bryan. Hodge, Baly, Hamlett, Bailey, Heyliger, Duzanson, Gumbs, Camacho, Warner, Prentice, Myricks

Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Service

EPA Approves Second Chemical Cleanup at St. Croix Refinery

Source Staff
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EPA Approves Second Chemical Cleanup at St. Croix Refinery
The former Limetree Bay refinery on St. Croix will undergo a second EPA-approved cleanup to remove leftover liquefied petroleum gas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Federal regulators have approved a second round of chemical removal at the former Limetree Bay refinery on St. Croix — this time targeting liquefied petroleum gas still stored in two process units and an ISO container. Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, which owns the site, will carry out the work under federal oversight.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the decision Tuesday evening during a virtual town hall, paving the way for cleanup operations to begin later this summer. The effort is governed by a new Administrative Order on Consent — a binding agreement that defines how the remaining LPG must be removed, monitored, and disposed of. The EPA determined that these units were omitted from earlier reports due to a clerical error discovered after a site inspection in September 2023.

LPG — a flammable mix of propane, butane, and other hydrocarbons — is essential in crude oil refining, used to separate feedstock into lighter fuels like gasoline and diesel. Under the approved plan, Port Hamilton will transfer the LPG in batches to a thermal oxidizer, where it will be vaporized and destroyed at high temperatures. Any leftover sediment with trace mercury will be collected, sealed in drums, and removed off-island. To safeguard public health, continuous air monitoring will test for mercury vapor, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.

This action marks the second round of chemical removal since Port Hamilton took over operations. The first, completed in 2023 under full EPA supervision, removed roughly 26,700 gallons of LPG, along with more than 327,000 gallons of amine solution and 8,400 gallons of anhydrous ammonia. That three-month cleanup included vapor degassing, carbon scrubbing, and shipment of waste off-island.

EPA officials emphasized during this week’s town hall that refinery operations remain not imminent, and no formal “notice of intent” to restart has been filed. Under the terms of an agreement between EPA and the previous operator of the refinery, Port Hamilton must submit that notice at least 90 days before resuming operations. It would also require new permits, further reviews, and community notifications. Both the EPA and Port Hamilton have confirmed that this process remains unchanged, and that filing the notice would be the final step in that sequence.

Still, the chemicals being removed — particularly LPG — are crucial for refining. If Port Hamilton does restart, it will need to repurchase and reintroduce those materials. In public filings and correspondence, the company has said it entered into both the 2023 and 2024 cleanup orders voluntarily and without litigation, and that the work aligns with its long-term plans to bring the facility back online and restore well-paying jobs on St. Croix.

With EPA approval in hand, the company is now set to mobilize contractors and equipment. The thermal oxidizer — permitted earlier this year by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources — will be central to the work, which is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks once it begins.

After cleanup, Port Hamilton will file final documentation confirming compliance with the administrative order. While no restart date has been announced, this second chemical removal clears another hurdle in meeting the conditions necessary for a future reopening. EPA officials say they will continue to monitor every aspect of the process to ensure safety for workers and surrounding communities.

Bolques Responds to Ethics Complaint; Hearing Set for This Month

Source Staff
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Bolques Responds to Ethics Complaint; Hearing Set for This Month

Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. has formally answered an ethics complaint lodged by the Legislature’s Committee on Ethical Conduct, setting the stage for a public hearing later this month that could determine whether the first-term lawmaker faces disciplinary action.

According to a brief statement released Wednesday by the committee, Bolques submitted his response through legal counsel, meeting the next procedural step in the case. The complaint, filed June 17, outlines alleged violations of the Legislature’s internal Code of Conduct, though specifics have not been made public.

The committee now shifts to scheduling a hearing, where both Bolques and committee members will be able to present testimony and evidence. It’s the first formal proceeding under the committee’s recently revived authority, and the outcome will ultimately be decided by the full body of the Legislature once final recommendations are made.

It’s a process steeped in internal rules and protocol, but with public implications, especially for a senator who has steadily expanded his legislative portfolio over the past two years. Bolques, who was appointed in 2022 to fill a vacancy and later won his seat outright, chairs the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks and serves on several others, including Rules and Judiciary.

While the Committee on Ethical Conduct has kept its proceedings close to the chest, Tuesday’s release emphasized its commitment to fairness and transparency. “The Committee remains committed to a fair, transparent, and impartial process, and will continue to uphold the ethical standards expected of all members of the Legislature,” the statement read.

The complaint comes at a time when the Legislature has been under growing pressure to improve internal accountability. The Committee on Ethical Conduct, formed under the 36th Legislature, was designed to address that demand head-on, with powers to investigate and recommend consequences ranging from a formal reprimand to censure.

A date for the hearing has not yet been released, but legislative staff said it will be held before the end of the month. Once the hearing concludes, committee members will deliberate privately before bringing their recommendations to the Senate floor for a final vote.

No Plane Ticket Needed: Coach Cooper and She Hoops Bring Pro Energy to the V.I.

Source staff
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No Plane Ticket Needed: Coach Cooper and She Hoops Bring Pro Energy to the V.I.
Coach Justin Turner stands with U.S. Virgin Islands campers and coaches at the close of the She Hoops Island Showcase. Founded in Dallas, She Hoops is on a mission to provide elite training opportunities for girls who are ready to compete at the next level. (Photo courtesy She Hoops)

The Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus pulsed with energy this past weekend as girls from across the territory gathered for the She Hoops Island Showcase.

The camp, founded and led by Dallas-based coach Justin Turner, brought pro-level training and intention to St. Thomas, proving once again that high-caliber basketball experiences don’t always require a plane ticket.

For local mother Etoya Brown, watching her daughter Lia Brown lace up for Sunday’s games was a proud moment. “We heard about the camp through a friend from The Process,” Brown said, referencing the respected local basketball program known for building players with both grit and good character. “The recommendation made it a no-brainer —and She Hoops didn’t disappoint.”

Players go head-to-head during live drills at the She Hoops Island Showcase, held at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas. The camp focused on building technical skill, composure, and confidence on and off the court. (Photo courtesy She Hoops)

Brown, a rising junior, came into camp with big dreams, eyeing programs like the University of Central Florida and the University of Connecticut. She left feeling reassured about her path, “Now I have drills I can work on by myself,” she said. “This definitely gave me more hope and self-confidence.”

That confidence is at the heart of what Turner envisioned when he launched the organization five years ago. His mission is to equip young athletes — especially girls — with the skill, composure, and visibility to succeed at the next level. “These girls are just as gritty, technical, and skilled as the boys,” Turner said. “They just need the opportunities.”

More than a showcase, the camp served as a gateway. Turner carefully evaluated each player and will share his write-ups with coaches across his growing network. His goal is to create ongoing pathways for players in the U.S. Virgin Islands — whether they want to go pro or simply reach their personal best.

“If you’re always ready to perform, it takes the pressure off,” Turner said, underscoring his message of preparation, presence, and confidence. “You’re not the only one trying to be the best. You have to find your advantage and maximize it.”

She Hoops founder Justin Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper observe player development during the Island Showcase. Their connection and shared vision made the St. Thomas event possible, bringing new opportunities to local athletes without them having to leave the territory. (Source photo by Amara Stokes Gilbert)

Turner’s passion and investment didn’t stop on the court. He spent his free time Saturday immersed in the local culture. “I hopped on the safari and just explored the island. I wanted to see some of what makes the players who they are — get to understand them a bit better.”

The connection that brought She Hoops to the Virgin Islands began in Dallas, where Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper first met. It was Cooper’s vision and outreach that made this showcase possible. “We have the talent right here,” she said. “And now we’ve got the coaches. Why not pour into it?”

Special thanks were extended to Coach Wayne Harvey, the University of the Virgin Islands, Coach Mo Wells, Mr. Elridge Blake, and the people of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands who made this weekend not only possible, but unforgettable.

For more on future showcases and opportunities, visit SheHoops.org.

Hot Topics To Be Explored at Upcoming Heat Summit

Source staff
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Hot Topics To Be Explored at Upcoming Heat Summit
Extreme heat summit explores trends, health impacts and workplace safety factors. (Photo courtesy NWS, San Juan, Puerto Rico)

As the Eastern Caribbean approaches its season of sweltering heat, the University of the Virgin Islands Green Technology Center is planning to host a summit on extreme heat. Researchers are expected to share their latest findings on links between extreme heat and climate change.

Government planning and health officials, along with a coalition of stakeholders, are working to help the region adapt to a changing climate. Green Technology Center Director Greg Guannel described the summit’s goals: “the purpose of the meeting in the heat summit is to discuss, to understand what’s happening, to understand (sic) why it’s happening, how it manifests itself and solutions … in our home, in our business, but also for us when we go outside,” Guannel said.

Organizers say they also hope to hear from experts at the National Weather Service about factors contributing to extreme heat. Health experts are expected to share their latest findings on how elevated temperatures impact human health; representatives from the UVI Safety in Paradise program will be on hand to help employers learn how to protect their outdoor crews.

So far, in 2025, the Virgin Islands has enjoyed seasonally warm weather with one exception — on June 25, when the daily high reached 93 degrees. But higher temperatures are expected from July to October.

Forecasts published by Almanac.com for parts of the Atlantic, including the Caribbean, predict there will be some “hot” days between mid-July and August where daily high temperatures reach 90 degrees. When combined with high humidity, a factor called the “feels like” temperature could reach up to 100 degrees.

“It’s getting warmer and warmer. And our summers are getting hotter and hotter. A lot of the temperature that we are experiencing in the territory is linked to the sea surface temperature. And as sea surface temperatures continue to rise, our experience on land is going to be hotter and hotter,” Guannel said.

Those seeking further information about Heat Summit 2025 are urged to contact the UVI Green Technology Center at CGTC@UVI.edu or by calling 340-693-1158.

Sen. Bolques Has Responded To Ethics Complaint

Mat Probasco
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0
Sen. Bolques Has Responded To Ethics Complaint

Committee on Ethical Conduct of the 36th Legislature announces that, in accordance with the Rules of the Legislature, Senator At-large Angel Bolques, Jr. has formally filed a response through his legal representative to the Statement of Violations issued by the Committee on June 17, 2025.

Pursuant to legislative procedures and in line with due process, a formal hearing will be scheduled by the Committee to consider the matters raised in the Statement of Violations and the respondent’s reply. The hearing, which will be held later this month, will provide an opportunity for all relevant evidence and testimony to be presented and reviewed.

Following the conclusion of the hearing, the Committee will deliberate and prepare its final recommendations, which will then be forwarded to the full body of the Legislature for final action as required under the Rules of the  Legislature.

The Committee remains committed to a fair, transparent, and impartial process, and will continue to uphold the ethical standards expected of all members of the Legislature.

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