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Spurned Contractor Sues VIHFA, Alleging Favoritism, Conflicts of Interest and ‘Grossly Inflated’ Awards

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Spurned Contractor Sues VIHFA, Alleging Favoritism, Conflicts of Interest and ‘Grossly Inflated’ Awards
(Shutterstock image)
Environmental engineering and consulting firm Gandee and Associates filed a civil complaint against the V.I. Housing Finance Authority in U.S. District Court last week. (Shutterstock image)

An Ohio-based environmental engineering and consulting firm sued the V.I. Housing Finance Authority and two of its top officials last week, alleging a pattern of awarding federally funded contracts to a competitor at “grossly inflated” prices, despite an apparent conflict of interest.

Gandee and Associates claimed in a civil complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands that the firm responded to a request for qualifications to perform environmental review, assessments and testing services in March 2024. According to a bid tabulation Gandee attached to their complaint, the firm was one of two to respond to the RFQ. The second respondent was the St. Thomas-based Encom Company. Gandee claims the firm was not awarded any of the contracts because it did not yet have a U.S. Virgin Islands professional engineer license for one of its principals or an engineering firm license from the Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department, both of which the firm had applied for. Gandee received a non-award letter in June 2024.

“Remarkably, public procurement records reveal that VIHFA subsequently awarded at least five contracts under RFQ-003 to Tysam Tech,” according to the complaint. “This occurred despite the glaring fact, confirmed by VIHFA’s own published Bid Tabulation, that Tysam Tech did not even submit a qualifications package for RFQ-003 by the mandated deadline.”

Gandee further claimed that VIHFA’s “preferential treatment of Tysam Tech appears even more suspect” because the agency’s former senior environmental manager, Kyora Veira, began working for the rival firm three days after leaving her post at VIHFA. A screenshot of a social media profile attached to the complaint appears to show Veira’s last day at VIHFA was May 17, 2024, and her first day at Tysam Tech was listed as May 20, 2024.

“The timing of this transition is highly suspicious, given Tysam Tech’s subsequent receipt of RFQ-003 contracts for which it did not properly bid,” Gandee argued.

According to Gandee, the awards were improper because VIHFA’s own procurement policy prohibits “covered persons” — employees, officers, board members, or agents of the grantee — from participating in the selection, award or administration of a federally-supported contract if any real or apparent conflict of interest is involved.

“Such a conflict would arise when any of the following parties has a financial interest or other interest in the firm selected for award: covered persons as defined in this policy; a covered person’s immediate family; a covered person’s partner; an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the above.”

The U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department, which provides the Community Development Block Grant funds administered locally by VIHFA, has additional conflict of interest requirements, which apply to covered persons during their tenure or for one year thereafter who “exercise(d) any functions or responsibilities for CDBG-assisted activities or who have decision-making responsibilities or can gain inside information from such activities.”

The alleged shenanigans continued when Gandee responded to a second request for qualifications — RFQ-004 — in June, and VIHFA sent an unsigned email 34 minutes before the publicly announced deadline, extending the submission window by one hour without justification.

“VIHFA’s own records clarify the effect of this irregular and poorly communicated extension,” according to the complaint. “These records confirm that only Tysam Tech submitted its qualifications for RFQ-004 during this one-hour extension period. Consequently, Tysam Tech’s submission, which otherwise would have been untimely, was accepted due to VIHFA’s unexplained, last-minute extension of the bid deadline.”

Gandee was subsequently selected to submit bids for eight projects under the RFQ, of which it was awarded seven in December 2024. Gandee claims they refused to sign contracts after identifying discrepancies in the contracts’ scope of work. In March, the firm said defendant Jeanine Blyden, VIHFA’s director of procurement and contracts, abruptly informed the firm that all seven projects had been rescinded. Gandee said at least one of those was later awarded to Tysam Tech at nearly 500% of Gandee’s bid, or $28,232 more.

The eighth project on which Gandee bid, but which was not initially awarded, also went to Tysam Tech. According to a non-award letter Blyden sent to Gandee in December, the firm was not selected for a project at Sejah Farm because it was not “the lowest Responsive Bidder.” According to a copy of the contract attached to the complaint, Tysam Tech’s bid came in at $35,255. Gandee bid $11,000.

“This inexplicable decision to spend over 300 percent more public money for the same services on the Sejah Farm project, awarding the contract to a consistently favored vendor, is not an isolated incident of arbitrary and capricious government action,” Gandee alleged.

Gandee’s federal lawsuit comes nearly six weeks after the firm petitioned the V.I. Superior Court to compel VIHFA to release documents related to the agency’s procurement practices under local and federal public records laws. That petition included a number of allegations about VIHFA’s procurement practices, which the recent civil suit describes in greater detail.

The complaints raised in the civil suit also dovetail with claims made by the agency’s former chief operating officer, Stephanie Berry, who filed a whistleblower suit in December, claiming that VIHFA “will stand to lose millions of dollars through recapturing of federal funds due to noncompliance with policies and procedures.”

Berry’s complaint included allegations that members of VIHFA’s planning and construction staff also participated in procurement evaluation committee panels — “that is, they wrote the specifications for the work to be done, including pricing, and were then allowed to participate in the evaluation of bids for the job and influence who was recommended to be awarded the job.”

“This created a potential conflict of interest in knowing what the bid numbers should be, being able to disclose those numbers to a contractor, and then being on the committee to help influence that the job would go to that contractor,” she argued.

VIHFA subsequently filed a blistering response to Berry’s complaint, characterizing her as a “cantankerous and disruptive employee who was terminated because she was not a good fit for the organization.”

Cyclone Erick Threatens Southern Mexico, Atlantic Basin Remains Quiet

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Cyclone Erick Threatens Southern Mexico, Atlantic Basin Remains Quiet
Tropical Storm Erick is on track to hit southern Mexico and is expected to be a hurricane when it makes landfall this week. (Photo courtesy NHC)

Tropical Storm Erick formed Tuesday in the Eastern Pacific and is forecast to intensify before approaching southern Mexico later this week. A hurricane warning is in effect for portions of Mexico, with flooding risks, mudslides, and storm surge. The Atlantic basin remains quiet for now.

According to information from the National Hurricane Center, as of 4 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time on Tuesday, Tropical Storm Erick was located near southern Mexico, packing maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and is predicted to become a hurricane soon. The system is churning over the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and is moving through an area with favorable environmental conditions for further development.

“Erick is expected to strengthen significantly before reaching the coast of southern Mexico, where a Hurricane Warning is in effect,” according to the NHC update.

“Erick will likely produce heavy rainfall across portions of Central America and southern Mexico through this week. Life-threatening flooding and mudslides are possible, especially in areas of steep terrain, and a storm surge could produce coastal flooding near where the center crosses the coast,” the NHC warned.

Erick, the fifth named storm of the active 2025 Eastern Pacific hurricane season, is forecast to make landfall along the southern coast of Mexico near Oaxaca Wednesday or Thursday. Residents and travelers in the region are urged to closely monitor updates from the NHC and prepare for possible weather-related disruptions.

The Source contacted Carlos Anselmi, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, for information about why the Eastern Pacific has been active.

“The Eastern Pacific’s early-season tropical activity has been supported by warm sea surface temperatures that are well above average and reduced vertical wind shear, allowing storms to organize,” Anselmi said.

Anselmi also explained that atmospheric conditions known as the Madden-Julian Oscillation and Kelvin waves contribute to storm development. He also noted that the current neutral phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation can also aid in the early development of storms in the Pacific.

Atlantic Basin Remains Quiet

While the Eastern Pacific has had an active season thus far, the Atlantic basin has remained relatively quiet. Anselmi said that this pattern is typical for June.

The Atlantic basin remains relatively quiet, and no cyclonic development is expected over the next seven days. (Photo courtesy NHC)

“Climatologically speaking, the start of the season is behaving as expected,” Anselmi stated. “Based on long-term historical data from the NHC in June, the development tends to occur closer to the United States, in the Caribbean, and in the Gulf, with fewer systems forming off the African coast. By July, the formation zone shifts eastward, with more origin points near the Lesser Antilles and eastern Main Development Region,” he continued.

Still, Anselmi acknowledged that several factors are contributing to the lack of cyclonic development across the Atlantic basin.

“Several factors are currently suppressing tropical cyclone formation,” Anselmi explained. “These include a dominant Saharan Air Layer injecting dry air and dust into the Main Development Region; strong trade winds and upper-level subsidence associated with high pressure, which are limiting convection, and a lack of robust easterly waves carrying sufficient moisture to support development.”

According to the NHC, no cyclonic development is expected across the Atlantic or Caribbean over the next seven days. However, a forecast released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center on Tuesday explained that cyclonic development could potentially occur across the Western Caribbean or the Gulf later in June or early July.

Looking Ahead

For the next several days, the main weather-related threats that the USVI and Puerto Rico face include the continuation of gusty easterly winds, an elevated level of Saharan dust in the atmosphere, warm temperatures, and the possibility of showers and thunderstorms.

Additionally, the National Weather Service has noted that a tropical wave will move through the Caribbean at the end of this week, possibly increasing the chance of precipitation. However, the NWS said that most of the moisture associated with the wave is expected to remain south of the local islands.

“A weak tropical wave will move near the islands by Thursday, increasing the frequency of showers and a few isolated thunderstorms, mainly across the local waters,” Anselmi said. “We generally expect limited rainfall, accompanied by brief trade wind showers during the night and early mornings, primarily over windward slopes.”

Anselmi also reminded residents and visitors to be mindful of the possibility of choppy seas and dangerous rip currents over the coming days.

“Mariners can expect choppy seas due to fresh to locally strong easterly winds, and beachgoers face a moderate risk of rip currents throughout much of the week,” Anselmi cautioned.

Stay Informed About Weather Events

The Atlantic Hurricane Season, which began on June 1, lasts until Nov. 30, with the climatological peak of the season occurring in mid-September. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared.

Residents and visitors across the USVI are encouraged to remain prepared throughout the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1 and lasts until November 30. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

In addition to obtaining weather information from the NWS and NOAA, the local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Individuals can also find helpful weather information and alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

Parts of Kronprindsens Gade Closed For Repair

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Parts of Kronprindsens Gade Closed For Repair

DATES: June 19 – 26

WORK HOURS: 9 a.m.to 4 p.m.

PROJECT: Charlotte Amalie Downtown Drainage Project

SUMMARY: The Department of Public Works informs the community of an upcoming road closure on a segment of Kronprindsens Gade in St. Thomas. Starting on Thursday, June 19, DPW’s contractor – Island Roads Corp. – will commence milling of the roadway, followed immediately by paving. The project is expected to be completed by Thursday, June 26.

During work hours:

• Northbound traffic from Maduro Drive onto Kronprindsens Gade will be detoured via Kronprindsens Tväer

Gade to Horace Callwood Drive.

• Westbound traffic will not be permitted through Horace Callwood Drive (see map for details).

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow all posted detour signs while work is ongoing.

DPW thanks the community for their cooperation and patience during this road improvement

Virgin Islands Could Receive $1.5 million From Purdue Pharma Settlement

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Virgin Islands Could Receive $1.5 million From Purdue Pharma Settlement

Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea announces that all 55 attorneys general, representing all eligible states and U.S. territories, agreed to sign on to a $7.4 billion settlement with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family. 

The Sackler family has also informed the attorneys general of its plan to proceed with the settlement, which would resolve litigation against Purdue and Sacklers for their role in the creating and worsening the opioid crisis across the country. 

Now that the state sign-on period has concluded, local governments across the country will be asked to join the settlement contingent on bankruptcy court proceedings. 

“The opioid crisis has left a trail of pain and loss in its wake, including here in the Virgin Islands. This agreement marks a critical step in addressing it and bringing justice to those harmed,” said Attorney General Rhea. It ensures that those responsible are no longer profiting from pain, and that critical resources are finally reaching the communities that need them most.”

Under the Sacklers’ ownership, Purdue made and aggressively marketed opioid products for decades, fueling the largest drug crisis in the nation’s history. The settlement ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue and their ability to sell opioids in the United States. Communities across the country will directly receive funds over the next 15 years to support addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery. This settlement in principle is the nation’s largest settlement to date with individuals responsible for the opioid crisis. 

The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to receive up to $1,586,934.33 from this settlement over the next 15 years, with an initial payment of $251,973.01.

Most of the settlement funds will be distributed in the first three years. The Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion and Purdue will pay roughly $900 million in the first payment, followed by $500 million after one year, an additional $500 million after two years, and $400 million after three years.

Like prior opioid settlements, the settlement with Purdue and the Sacklers will involve resolution of legal claims by state and local governments. The local government sign-on and voting solicitation process for this settlement moving forward will be contingent on bankruptcy court approval. A hearing is scheduled on that matter in the coming days.

The DOJ has participated in settlements with other jurisdictions that have allotted $5,187,299.82 to the VI to fight opioid abuse under certain conditions.

Attorney General Rhea is joined in securing this settlement in principle by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, Wyoming.

Gov. Bryan Releases Initial Fiscal Impact Analysis on Legislative Minimum Salary Mandate

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Gov. Bryan Releases Initial Fiscal Impact Analysis on Legislative Minimum Salary Mandate

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has released an initial fiscal impact analysis of legislation recently passed by the 36th Legislature that raises the minimum salary for public sector workers from $27,000 to $35,000, effective October 1, 2025.

The governor commissioned the analysis from his financial and personnel team to ensure the public and the Legislature fully understand the real and lasting consequences of this mandate on the Government of the Virgin Islands.

“We agree that workers in the Virgin Islands should be paid more,” Gov. Bryan said. “In fact, just last year, I supported the notion of an increase to the government’s minimum wage. But this move, as it stands, will place a massive burden on our finances, and—perhaps most concerning—will undoubtedly add to the inflation woes Virgin Islanders are already facing, potentially negating the very increase it intends to provide.”

The governor emphasized that while the goal of increasing wages is just and necessary, achieving it without destabilizing government services or eroding its purchasing power requires coordination and responsible planning.

Key Findings from the Initial Analysis: 

• The measure would increase the government’s payroll and fringe benefits by $40 million annually, raising the total payroll from $488.9 million to approximately $529 million, an 8.2% increase.

• Additional 3% employer contributions to the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) would intensify long-term pension liabilities.

• Estimated increase to the territory’s debt load ranges from $120 million to $200 million over the next three to five years, unless mitigated by new revenues or cost-saving measures.

• The mandated raise affects 679 central government workers directly but would require further salary adjustments for more than 5,200 other employees due to salary compression.

• The analysis does not account for over 4,100 employees in semi-autonomous agencies and instrumentalities, who would reasonably expect parity, significantly compounding the cost.

• The increase may yield only $6.1 million in new tax revenues, far short of offsetting the projected expenses.

In addition to the fiscal implications, the governor’s team warns that a sudden increase in public sector wages, without a phased implementation or broader economic reforms, could worsen inflation across the territory. This may erode the intended gains for workers as the cost of goods, services, and housing continue to rise.

Governor Bryan also pointed to ongoing union-related disruptions within the Virgin Islands Police Department in the St. Thomas–St. John district as evidence of the very real and immediate consequences of enacting broad wage changes without sufficient planning or collaboration.

“This is not a theoretical exercise. We are already seeing the ripple effects in labor relations and operational stability,” the governor said. “We must make decisions that protect not just our employees, but also the public we serve.”

Governor Bryan reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with the Legislature and labor stakeholders to develop an approach that both honors the dignity of public workers and protects the Territory’s financial stability.

“We can and must do better for our public servants—but we must do it together,” he said. “I am urging the Legislature to join me in a practical, collaborative effort to raise wages responsibly, with thoughtful implementation, long-term planning, and transparency.”

The Governor’s team recommends: 

• Phasing in the minimum salary increase over three to five years to reduce budgetary shock.

• Conducting a comprehensive compensation and classification study to ensure equity and prevent salary compression.

• Exploring operational efficiencies to absorb additional costs without cutting core services.

• Strengthening data collection and workforce analysis through interagency coordination.

The Bryan-Roach Administration remains committed to ensuring fair compensation for government employees while upholding the territory’s financial integrity and protecting the services that Virgin Islanders depend on every day.

Ricardo Richards Elementary School Recognized at 2025 National Conference

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Ricardo Richards Elementary School Recognized at 2025 National Conference

The Virgin Islands Department of Education (VIDE) is proud to announce that Ricardo Richards Elementary School in the St. Croix District has been named a Model School by the Center for Model Schools and will be recognized at the 2025 Model Schools Conference, taking place June 22–25 in Washington, D.C.

This national recognition is reserved for schools that are boldly transforming education, using innovative practices to elevate student achievement and foster excellence across their campuses. Ricardo Richards Elementary stands among an elite group of forward-thinking institutions nationwide, celebrated for its dedication to collaboration, ambitious instruction, data-driven decision-making, and a relentless commitment to student success.

“We are honored to be recognized as a Model School at MSC 2025. This opportunity reflects the heart of our work turning challenges into blueprints for student success and school-wide impact,” said Principal Natasha O’Halloran-Smith.

As part of the honor, the school will present, “Building a Blueprint for Success: Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap,” to over 5,000 educators from across the country. Their presentation will highlight practical strategies and actionable steps that have driven measurable gains in student performance and equity.

“Ricardo Richards Elementary is a shining example of what is possible when visionary leadership, passionate educators, and a supportive school community come together to make a difference. This national spotlight is well-deserved, and we are proud to see them represent the Virgin Islands on such a transformative stage,” said Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ed.D.

The Model Schools Conference, hosted annually by the Center for Model Schools, is one of the nation’s most dynamic gatherings of educators, leaders, and changemakers who are reimagining schools for the future.

Congratulations to the entire Ricardo Richards Elementary School community on this monumental achievement. You have made the Virgin Islands proud!

Lawrence R. Sewer Dies at 83

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Lawrence R. Sewer Dies at 83
Lawrence Ricardo “Larry” Sewer

With profound love and sadness, we announce the passing of Lawrence Ricardo “Larry” Sewer, beloved father, educator, herbalist, musician, community activist and U.S. Army National Guard First Sergeant (Ret.), who transitioned peacefully on June 10, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on St. Thomas on March 13, 1942, to Luna I. Claxton and Captain Victor Sewer, Larry was a proud son of the Virgin Islands whose life was defined by service—to his homeland, his students, his community, and his family.

His career as an educator spanned more than three decades, during which he nurtured the minds and hearts of countless young people. In the classroom, Larry skillfully wove together lessons in science, agriculture, and Virgin Islands history and culture, grounding his students not only in academic knowledge but also in a deep sense of identity and pride in these islands. Long before formal programs existed, he offered guidance to students learning English as a second language, drawing on his own fluency in both English and Spanish to ensure that every child had access to the tools they needed to thrive.

He was the author of the poem The Virgin Island Child, an enduring anthem of self-love, excellence, and cultural pride for Virgin Islands youth, which continues to inspire generations of Virgin Islanders today.

Beyond the classroom, he served his fellow educators as a labor leader with the American Federation of Teachers and participated in ongoing Virgin Islands Constitutional Convention efforts. A lifelong learner and naturalist, he also studied herbalism and attended international conferences on health, including in Ghana, West Africa.

In his leisure time, Larry enjoyed dancing to Latin music and played the conga drums and kalimba. He was known for his wisdom, humility, sense of humor, and his staunch commitment to family, community, and culture.

Larry is survived by his partner, Velma Abramsen; daughters, Loán C. Lake (Earl) and Zenzilé M. Hodge; and grandson, Rafael E. Hodge. He is also survived by his brothers, Alexander F. Joseph, Warren A. Claxton, and Wayne Claxton; sisters, Marguerite Abigail Casey (Leon), Elise Kean, and Hope Sewer; sisters-in-law: Gloria Sewer (Calis), Laurel Sewer (Oswin), and Olga Claxton (Warren); brother-in-law: Leon Casey; son-in-law: Earl Lake; nieces and nephews: Monique Casey, Leon Casey, Jr., LeRoi Casey, Adriane Clarke, Jermila Claxton, Shahla Dowe, Jennifer Erskine, Hakeem Fahie, Hakimo Fahie, Osric Farmer, Danita Gonsalves, Enjoli Ingram, Hugh Joseph, Alexander “Andy” Joseph, Erica Kean, Stephen LaGoff, Shaunte Mckinzie, Kimberly Sewer, Calis L. Sewer, Calista Sewer, Carla Sewer, Llewelyn T. Sewer, Oswin Sewer Jr., and Zaid Sewer; as well as many cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and dear friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Llewelyn, Calis, and Oswin Sewer; niece: Llewella Sewer; nephew: Rudiki Brathwaite; son-in-law: Aaron Hodge; sister-in-law: Marie Joseph; and special cousin Leopoldo Fleming, Jr.

The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 1 beginning at 10 a.m., at My Brother’s Workshop Main Campus, 1-6 Estate Donoe, St. Thomas (behind Home Depot). Interment will take place at Western Cemetery #2.

Arrangements are entrusted to Turnbull Funeral Home. Please submit tributes for the booklet by June 22, 2025 to: tributesforlarry@gmail.com. 

In remembering Larry, we honor a life marked by servant leadership, unwavering devotion, and a profound love for the Virgin Islands and its people. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the enduring lessons he so generously offered.

Georgina Elizabeth Allen Dies at 88

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Georgina Elizabeth Allen Dies at 88

Georgina Elizabeth “Ms. Carrie” Allen, 88, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2025.

Georgina Elizabeth “Ms. Carrie” Allen

Born on May 12, 1937, in Basseterre. St. Kitts. My mom dedicated her life to creating a warm and nurturing home for three sons even when they did not live with her.

Mom’s greatest joy came from fostering a loving environment for her sons. Her birthday was her favorite day of the year because she knew she will have one of her sons in her presence for her birthday or Mother’s Day because both falls in the same week.

She is survived by her children Recaldo “Mogie” Grant, Valentine “Tino” Grant and Allenton “Elvis” Grant. Daughter-in-law” Charmaine A.D. Grant, Grandchildren’s: Rasheba Grant-Felix, Naheem M. Grant-Dyer, Jahi E. Grant, Valentine D. Grant II, Vedall D. Grant, Shaniqua Grant, Rececca Skyers, Arnaiza Hill, Nah Ross and Jahquan Goffe. Grand Daughter in-law: Shonnalee Maximay-Grant. Great Grandchildren: Jania Felix, Jedia Felix, Seth Alejandro M. Grant, Jahasia Grant, Jahesha L’Nique M. Grant, Nevaeh Barnes. Cousins:  Yvette Liddie, Anthony Warner, Patricia Warner, Elodia.  Nieces:  Deborah Caines, Valarie Caines-Matthew, Venetta Caines, Heather Smith, Donna Caines-Paul, Claudeth Grant, Patricia Grant, Rosina Grant, Francis Grant , Cindy Marva Natt. Nephews:  Raymond Grant, Cooley Grant, Cicil Grant, Shawn Grant, James Caines.  Special Sister: Lydia Rivera Greenaway. Special Sons: Dannet F. Fahie, Dwayne Abbott Sr, Eurick Dorsett, Desmond Wallace. Special Daughters: Vilma Dyer, LaVerne Cruse, Patty Cruse and Deborah Ruan Abbott, Maria Rivera. Godsons: Eugene Greenaway, Travis Greenaway. Goddaughter: Aaliyah Elizabeth- Inez Greenaway. Special Friends:   Mrs. Cruse, Mrs. Donavan.

Memorial Service will be held on Thursday June 26, at 10 a.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home, 3815 Crown Bay #10 St. Thomas. Interment at Eastern Cemetery

WAPA Brings STEM Careers to Life for Students at St. Croix Educational Complex

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WAPA Brings STEM Careers to Life for Students at St. Croix Educational Complex
From left, WAPA linemen Kymani Ross, Evanson Matthew, John Briscoe, and Troy Lake engage with STEM summer students, sharing insights about electricity delivery and careers in the electrical field. (Photo courtesy WAPA)

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority visited the St. Croix Educational Complex on Tuesday as part of the school’s STEM Summer Program, engaging middle school students in hands-on activities and career exploration designed to introduce them to essential roles in water and power delivery across the territory, the authority announced in a press release.

WAPA professionals from the Communications, Line, and Information Technology departments met with 23 students from grades 6 through 8, sharing personal career stories and highlighting the many disciplines involved in supporting critical infrastructure in the Virgin Islands, according to the press release.

Students were introduced to the territory’s power infrastructure — from how electricity is generated, including through increasing use of solar energy, to how it is transmitted and distributed. Lineworkers were spotlighted as key players in the process, responsible for maintaining and repairing the power lines and poles that connect homes and businesses to electricity. The session provided students with a deeper understanding of the technical, hazardous, and highly coordinated work required to keep the grid running, the press release stated.

In addition to energy systems, students explored the evolution of water infrastructure, tracing its development from early wooden pipes to modern PVC systems. The session challenged them to think critically about how future technologies might improve water delivery and sustainability, the release stated.

A highlight of the visit was the interactive “Leaky Pipe Water Challenge,” in which students were divided into teams to simulate repairing a damaged pipe. The exercise emphasized real-world problem-solving and reinforced skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking, while encouraging awareness of issues such as water loss, the release stated.

“We are proud to inspire the next generation of engineers, technicians, communicators, and IT professionals,” said Shanell Petersen, director of Communications at WAPA. “These students represent our future, and we are committed to providing them with opportunities to learn, explore, and envision themselves in careers that make a difference in our community and, potentially, the world.”

According to the authority, the summer camp visit is part of WAPA’s broader commitment to community engagement, education, and workforce development. By reaching students early, WAPA hopes to spark interest in STEM pathways and help build a knowledgeable, locally rooted workforce for the Virgin Islands.

USVI Tourism Surges Mid-Year With Strong Gains Across Airlift, Cruise, and Lodging

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USVI Tourism Surges Mid-Year With Strong Gains Across Airlift, Cruise, and Lodging

At the halfway mark of 2025, the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department is reporting strong performance across key sectors — including airlift, cruise arrivals, accommodations, cultural events, and global visibility — as the territory continues to establish itself as one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic destinations.

“We’ve reached the halfway point of 2025 with exceptional results that reflect the appeal and strength of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Joseph Boschulte, commissioner of Tourism. “This is a testament to the dedication of the Department of Tourism team and local stakeholders who together remain focused on sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and cultural authenticity.”

Air service to the territory continues to expand, with daily nonstop flights now operating between Dallas and St. Thomas. Additional service from Chicago and Boston is scheduled to begin in December, while St. Croix will receive new nonstop flights from Chicago later this year. These developments follow a record year for air arrivals in 2024. While projections for 2025 show a slight decline from last year’s peak, numbers remain historically strong, according to the press release.

Cruise travel is also trending upward. St. Thomas and St. John are expected to receive nearly 1.5 million passengers across 414 ship calls — a 4% increase. On St. Croix, 86 ship calls are scheduled, bringing more than 208,000 passengers to the island as it continues to play a growing role in the territory’s cruise strategy, the press release stated.

Hotels and vacation rentals are showing healthy growth. Hotel occupancy is up 4.3%, and hotel tax collections through April 2025 have surpassed the same period in 2024 by 6.7% — a 41% jump over 2023. Short-term rental revenue is also climbing, tracking nearly 11% ahead of the prior fiscal year. The U.S. Virgin Islands now ranks third in the Caribbean for both average daily rate and revenue per available room, each exceeding the regional average by more than 30%, the release stated.

Major cultural celebrations continue to attract visitors. The 2025 Crucian Christmas Festival and St. Thomas Carnival generated more than $5.6 million in combined earned media value and drew thousands to experience the music, food, and pageantry of the islands. The upcoming St. John Celebration, scheduled for June 29 through July 4, is expected to further highlight the territory’s vibrant spirit, the release stated.

National marketing campaigns have helped keep the USVI top of mind for travelers. Partnerships with the LPGA, Chicago Cubs, New York Jets, Boston Red Sox, Klutch Sports Group, Fenway Sports Management, “Way Up with Angela Yee,” and iHeartRadio have expanded reach in key markets. The destination was also featured at the 2025 Dreamville Festival and is preparing for activations at events such as the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen, the LPGA FM Championship, Angela Yee Day, and One Musicfest, according to the release.

The meetings and incentives sector is also growing. More than 17 programs were booked during the 2023–2024 fiscal year, generating nearly 7,000 room nights, $2.7 million in room revenue, and over $330,000 in tax revenue. According to Cvent, St. Thomas now ranks as the fifth most preferred Caribbean destination for incentive travel, ahead of Puerto Rico and Jamaica, the release stated.

The territory’s tourism accolades continue to build. In 2025, Caribbean Journal named the U.S. Virgin Islands both Caribbean Yachting Destination of the Year and Event Destination of the Year. St. Croix was honored as Caribbean Culinary Destination of the Year, and local chef David “Benji” Benjamin received the title of Caribbean Chef of the Year. Globally, Tripadvisor ranked Trunk Bay and Magens Bay among the top ten beaches in the world in its Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards, it said.

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