As Wartsila #3 continues to undergo unscheduled repairs, please see the current rotational outage schedule in effect. Customers on the schedule below will only be affected as load demands. Plant personnel will do their best to maintain as many customers as possible:
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feeder 7B
Feeder 7E
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Feeder 10B
Feeder 8A
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Feeder 7C
Feeder 8B
12:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Feeder 9C
Feeder 6A
Financial officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands are proposing a $958.2 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027 while reporting tight short‑term liquidity, tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills and continued reliance on federal disaster recovery funding.
Appearing Monday before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, administration officials said the proposed General Fund plan for FY 2027 is up from about $848.8 million projected for FY 2026.
Office of Management and Budget Director Julio A. Rhymer Sr. said the proposal prioritizes investments in infrastructure, recreation and housing and is focused on “building stronger, more resilient communities.” Asked by Chairman Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. to sum up the budget in one word, Rhymer replied: “Sustainable.”
Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy told senators the government faces significant liquidity pressure, with $40 million to $45 million in accounts payable. Asked how much cash the government currently holds, he replied, “Thirteen days, $53 million”
The administration also acknowledged it has been paying down large volumes of past‑due obligations. Rhymer said more than $100 million has already been spent this fiscal year covering prior‑year bills that had not been properly recorded or submitted.
To manage the cash strain, Rhymer said the administration has reduced current‑year allotments, cutting larger agencies by roughly 12% to 15% and smaller departments by about 6% to 7%.
“The central government as a whole … will be perfectly fine, but because we have instrumentalities that cannot support themselves, it’s creating a little bit of havoc on the central government’s front, because we can’t pay our bills,” he said.
On overall revenue performance, Bureau of Internal Revenue Director Joel Lee said collections through May totaled about $610 million, roughly $14 million higher than the same period last year.
Lee also warned of pressure on the tax base from the departure of two high-income residents. “Two major taxpayers have left the territory to move to the states,” he said. “Both of them combined, probably about 30 to 35 to 40 million” in individual income tax.
Property tax collections raised concern among senators. Rhymer said the government budgeted about $62 million in property tax revenue for FY 2026 but expects a shortfall of roughly $5 million, calling for reassessments and more aggressive collection efforts.
Tax Assessor Ludence Romney said the total assessed value of real property in the territory rose from about $15.3 billion to $16.3 billion in the past year after staff discovered homes built on parcels previously listed as vacant land. He also said delinquent property taxes total about $110 million and are expected to increase as additional bills become overdue.
Tax amnesty programs also drew criticism. Rhymer said they reduce long-term revenue by eliminating penalties and interest, while Lee said a recent amnesty generated about $6 million in payments but required the government to waive roughly $11 million in penalties and interest.
Despite those pressures, officials said the territory’s economy is being buoyed by large-scale federal disaster recovery spending. Rhymer testified that total federal grants projected to be available to the territory amount to about $20.65 billion in fiscal 2026 and $20.59 billion in FY 2027. He told senators those levels are expected to decline over time, saying that by around 2033 to 2035, federal grants should return to a “normalized” range of $600 million to $700 million a year.
For FY 2027 alone, the Office of Disaster Recovery anticipates about $733.9 million in disaster recovery spending, which Rhymer said is expected to generate roughly $36.7 million in local revenue tied to gross receipts and related taxes. ODR Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien reported that more than $302 million had already been spent through May on recovery projects in the current year.
Chief Negotiator Joss Springette said about 21 union contracts have expired. He testified that talks were “temporarily paused” during implementation of a new $35,000 minimum salary but have since resumed. Officials from the Division of Personnel said those salary adjustments are nearly complete, with only 10 employees still being processed.
Lawmakers plan to continue budget hearings with individual departments and agencies in the coming weeks before drafting final appropriations legislation for consideration by the full Legislature later this year.
The 2026 Atlantic Hurricane season began last week, and officials Monday urged Virgin Islanders to make preparations ahead of what is forecast to be a summer with less-than-average storm activity.
V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen said during a Government House briefing that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting 8-14 named storms in the 2026 season. Between three and six of those could develop into hurricanes, and there could be up to three major hurricanes. Most of that activity is likely to occur in August, September and October, Jaschen said.
“First of all — and no surprise — we want you to reinforce and protect your home,” Jaschen said. “We want you to start now. Inspect your roof, your shutters and your windows. Make repairs before the storm develops, not after a storm is assigned. So please, take the initiative now.”
Jaschen also told residents to secure loose items around their property and make a plan if they intend to stay in a public shelter. Preparedness kits should include, at minimum, three to five days of water, nonperishable food, medications, cash, important documents, flashlights and batteries. For category three storms and above, Jaschen said Virgin Islanders should prepare to be self-sufficient for seven days and St. Johnians should have enough supplies for 10 days.
Shelters will open during major hurricanes at the Lockhart K-8 School on St. Thomas, at the Adrian Senior Center and V.I. Human Services Department Community Hub on St. John and at the D.C. Canegata Recreational Center and St. Croix Educational Complex on St. Croix.
This year’s hurricane season comes amid concerns about the federal government’s willingness to respond to natural disasters. Prior to resuming office, President Donald Trump expressed an interest in dismantling the Federal Emergency Management Agency in favor of state-level responders.
“I say you don’t need FEMA,” he said during a January 2025 press conference. “You need a good state government, and when you have a problem in Los Angeles or when you have a problem even in the state of California, you have your own — essentially — FEMA. You fix it yourself.”
Asked about the federal government’s posture Monday, Jaschen said the territory always takes the lead during emergencies and that its federal partners are “always here to support us … based upon our exhausting of our local resources.”
“The change has not happened at all,” he said. “The Stafford Act’s always been in place for that. As far as a local cost-share — that may change down the road, but that’s not my concern so much. My concern is making sure that the resources in front of us support the territory when emergencies do come.”
Monday’s briefing also fell on the same day the V.I. Port Authority responded to a recent letter signed by multiple major airlines that called the territory’s billion-dollar plan to overhaul its airports expensive and unsustainable. Interim VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn said in a statement that the Port Authority is “still in the active procurement process to finalize related agreements” with developer SkyCity and that “coordination and consultation with the airlines serving the U.S. Virgin Islands, who are key stakeholders in this process, are ongoing.”
“VIPA has long been in communication with the airlines regarding terminal modernization in the Territory, dating back to the 2018 planning and design charrettes for the Cyril E. King Airport and the Phase 1 Expansion of the hold room at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, completed in December 2021,” according to the Port Authority’s statement. “Since December 2022, VIPA has engaged in numerous ongoing discussions with the airlines regarding the Authority’s P3 initiative, and we highly value their participation and input. We encourage all parties involved in the process to take part in the final stages of planning and the delivery of this transformative project.”
Asked about the dispute, Government House spokesperson Richard Motta Jr. said that “there are conversations being had” and “some alternative plans that are being floated” but that he was not able to discuss details.
Motta also had little to say about a separate letter from the St. Thomas Humane Society in which its president, Randolph Knight, excoriated the Virgin Islands government and Agriculture Department for failing to disburse more than $156,000 to cover animal services. Knight wrote that while the government allocation accounts for less than nine percent of the Humane Society’s budget, “this pittance still provides some needed relief.”
Animal shelters, according to the letter, “have been maligned, mistreated and taken advantage of for far too long. Most regrettably, all of the territory’s nonprofits are inadequately and inconsistently funded and disrespected while they still somehow find a way to provide the services abysmally neglected by the VI Government.”
Asked about funding bottlenecks Monday, Motta said nonprofits that provide services have to meet a number of requirements in order to receive their allotments.
“And so I don’t know if there’s a discrepancy on either side that’s preventing that or creating that bottleneck, but I know that the government is well-intentioned in providing that support — and hopefully can work out whatever discrepancies that there are to make sure that those necessary functions are funded appropriately,” he said.
The Virgin Islands Board of Elections debated candidate qualifications, residency requirements, and nomination petition procedures during a Monday emergency meeting that highlighted ongoing disputes surrounding the 2026 election cycle. The meeting was a continuation of Friday’s board meeting, which was recessed for lack of a quorum.
A significant portion of the discussion centered on congressional candidate Jimmy Weber and whether election law allows candidates to correct filing deficiencies after submission. Virgin Islands Code, Title 18, Section 401(a)(1) was referenced.
Weber, who is seeking to run for delegate to Congress as an independent candidate, was disqualified by Elections Supervisor Caroline Fawkes after filing nomination papers in the St. Thomas-St. John district instead of the St. Croix district, where he resides.
Board Chair Raymond Williams argued that the law was clear regarding filing requirements.
“I believe that the law was very clear when it states that you must file in a district where you reside. Simple,” Williams said.
Other members disagreed, arguing that candidates should be given an opportunity to remedy filing defects.
“I think this situation could be solved very, very simple,” Cleopatra Peter said. “If there is a defect, remedy it in three days. If he doesn’t bring it to us, then cancel him out.”
Following discussion, the board voted 4-3, with one abstention, to give Weber three days to cure the issue. Fawkes said Weber would be required to retrieve the nomination packet filed on St. Thomas and submit it on St. Croix within the allotted time period. Peter, Barbara LaRonde, Harriet Mercer, and Atanya Springette voted in favor. Kareem Francis, Williams, and Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal voted against. Cornelius JnBaptiste abstained. Chaneel Callwood, Franz Christian Jr., Nathan Fletcher, Shikima Jones, and Michael Joseph were absent.
The board also considered the candidacy of gubernatorial hopeful Stephen “Smokey” Frett and his proposed running mate, Derek Bermudez. Fawkes informed members that Bermudez was not a registered voter in the Virgin Islands and therefore did not meet the constitutional qualifications to run for lieutenant governor. After discussion, the board upheld the disqualification and agreed to formally notify Frett that the decision would stand.
The board also discussed residency-related questions involving candidate Ida Smith. While members debated the need for additional documentation, Fawkes said she had not received the information some members referenced.
“I have no letter from Ms. Ida Smith,” Fawkes told the board. “She got a letter requesting information. Again, that’s what she sent to the board members, so I have nothing on that.”
The meeting also included debate over the role of political parties in the election process, particularly the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands.
Peter criticized what she viewed as excessive influence by party leadership, arguing, “It’s a private club. And now we, the Election System and the Board of Elections, are allowing a private club to determine how we run our election.”
Board member Francis pushed back, noting that previous court rulings have upheld the authority of political parties to establish their own candidate-selection rules.
“The courts already ruled that the parties have the right to dictate their process and who is going to represent them,” Francis said. “If you intend to run as a Democrat or as a Republican, then the court ruled that you have to adhere to whatever those parties’ rules and processes are.”
Another appeal involved aspiring Delegate to Congress candidate Jed JohnHope, whose nomination papers contained only 28 signatures from the St. Thomas-St. John district and three signatures from St. Croix, far short of the 100 signatures required from each district under Virgin Islands law.
Fawkes defended the disqualification, citing the requirements of Virgin Islands election law.
“When you have an issue such as that, there’s no cure mechanism,” Fawkes said. “You have to have signatures.”
Fawkes later informed the board that the Office of the Attorney General had issued an opinion supporting the disqualification decision, and members ultimately upheld the Elections System’s determination.
The board also discussed aspiring senatorial candidate Jaylen Gabriel. Fawkes told members Gabriel had failed to return his nomination petition after receiving a notice of defect and later indicated he no longer wished to seek office. The board took no action on the matter.
Throughout the meeting, members repeatedly questioned how election laws should be interpreted and applied, particularly when candidate filing errors occur.
In addition to candidate appeals, the board reviewed meeting minutes, discussed budget matters, considered correspondence from candidates, and addressed procedural issues related to board operations. Members also attempted to fill the vacant vice chair position created by the resignation of former Vice Chair Lawrence Boschulte, who stepped down to pursue a Senate seat. However, a motion to appoint a successor failed on a tie vote.
Before adjournment, LaRonde revisited the issue of Ida Smith’s residency and a prior Attorney General opinion regarding her eligibility to run for delegate to Congress. A motion was introduced that would have directed Fawkes to withdraw a request for residency documentation from Smith. However, the matter remained unresolved after the board lost its quorum when Belardo de O’Neal left before a vote could be taken.
Several matters remain unresolved and are expected to return before the board as election officials continue preparations for the 2026 primary and general elections.
A sixth-grade teacher from St. Croix was named the Virgin Islands’ 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year during a recognition ceremony Saturday at Government House on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Education Department announced.
Joanie Phillip of Ricardo Richards Elementary School received the honor after being selected from among the territory’s district teachers of the year, according to the press release. She was recognized alongside Jessica Sibilly, the St. Thomas-St. John District Teacher of the Year, as the territory’s two finalists.
Commissioner of Education Dionne Wells-Hedrington praised both educators during the ceremony.
“This evening, we honored two educators who embody both leadership and heart. They lead with light by setting an example of excellence, innovation, and professionalism. They teach with heart by nurturing not only academic growth, but also character, confidence, and hope,” Wells-Hedrington said. “The State Teacher of the Year represents the very best of our profession. We are honored to recognize Ms. Phillip as the 2027-2028 State Teacher of the Year and are incredibly proud of the impact she continues to make each and every day.”
The event was attended by Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, Sens. Carla Joseph and Novelle Francis, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, the Virgin Islands Board of Education and Education Department officials. Throughout the evening, the finalists received awards, gifts and other recognition for their work in public education, the press release stated.
As State Teacher of the Year, Phillip will serve as an ambassador for the teaching profession and promote her educational platform, “Show Up and Read,” which focuses on the relationship between school attendance and literacy, the release stated.
“Students show greater engagement when they can connect attendance to their reading goals, track their progress, and take pride in their growth,” Phillip said. “I hope we continue to see attendance, not just as compliance, but as an issue of equity.”
Phillip also received a sponsored cruise vacation and was crowned and presented with a sash during the ceremony, symbolizing her selection as the territory’s highest teaching honor, the release stated.
Young adults interested in conservation, agriculture and workforce development have until June 11 to apply for a paid training program on St. Thomas and St. John, according to a press release from CHANT.
The St. Thomas–St. John USVI Conservation Corps Program will select up to 10 participants ages 18 to 30 for hands-on training and work experience in conservation, environmental stewardship, agriculture, climate resilience, community service, leadership development and workforce readiness, CHANT said in the press release.
Participants will receive training in environmental restoration, native planting, trail maintenance, land stewardship, agriculture, documentation and outreach, tool safety, teamwork and community engagement, the press release stated.
According to the release, trainees may also participate in certification and training opportunities, including CPR and First Aid, OSHA training, financial literacy, professional development, swimming and scuba activities, GED assistance and career exploration programs.
The program is being offered through partnerships with organizations including The Art Exchange, Ascension Livity Inc., CWORI, GRROE, Environmental Rangers, Nia Farms, We Grow Food Inc., Taitu Farm and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture. The organizations will help provide training, mentorship, project sites and career exposure opportunities, the release stated.
Participants will work on projects supporting the environmental, cultural and community well-being of St. Thomas and St. John while exploring careers in conservation, agriculture, environmental management and community development, according to the release.
Space is limited. Additional information and applications are available at chantvi.org/conservation-corps. Interested applicants can also email dcooper@chantvi.org or call or text 340-643-6863.
Funding for the program is provided through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, according to the release.
Officers from the Department of Homeland Security detained a St. Thomas man last week who had allegedly packed 500 rounds of live ammunition in his and a travel companion’s suitcases.
Kareem Eric Casimir, 32, allegedly acknowledged he had not declared the bullets to airline or federal security personnel on St. Thomas or in Miami, where the flight departed. He allegedly told investigators he had bought the ammunition — 150 rounds of 9mm bullets, 50 rounds of 380 automatic ammunition, 100 rounds of .40 ammunition, and 200 rounds for a .223 weapon — in Florida and planned to sell them in the territory, according to court records.
The bullets were split between Casimir’s bag and one belonging to Tonia Mella, according to court records. It was unclear how Casimir was able to board the plane in Florida with the stockpile. It was also unclear why Mella, who allegedly told federal agents she knew of the bullets, was not charged.
Casimir was charged with failure to provide written notice of a firearm to a common carrier — a felony punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. He was released on $10,000 bond after surrendering his passport.
The arrest comes two years after Casimir was arrested for allegedly stealing and attempting to dismantle a Jet Ski. Police found Casimir on June 10, 2024, after a wanted poster had been printed. He faced charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle, damaging and tampering with a vehicle and possession of stolen property.
In January 2019, Casimir was charged with assault and disturbance of the peace but charges were dropped a month later.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN
IN THE MATTER OF THE
ESTATE OF JEFFREY CHARLES CLABAUGH A/K/A JEFFREY C. CLABAUGH
A/K/A JEFFREY CLABAUGH
Deceased.
PROBATE NO. ST-2026-PB-00060
NOTICE OF PETITION FOR
DEVISEE UNDER FOREIGN WILL TO BE RECOGNIZED AND PLACED IN POSSESSION OF PROPERTY
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for Devisee Under Foreign Will to be Recognized and Placed in Possession of Property has been filed on behalf of the Estate of Jeffrey Charles Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey C. Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey Clabaugh, deceased, pursuant to V.I. R. Prob. 24.
All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, verified by affidavit, with the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas & St. John, or ATTN: Alex T. LeJeune, Esq., BoltNagi PC, Attorneys for the Estate, 4608 Tutu Park Mall, Ste. 202, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands 00802.
All persons indebted to the Estate are to make payment promptly to the Estate of Jeffrey Charles Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey C. Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey Clabaugh in care of the undersigned attorney.
Respectfully submitted,
Dated: June 8, 2026
/s/ Alex T. LeJeune__________
Alex T. LeJeune, Esq.
BoltNagi PC
4608 Tutu Park Mall, Ste. 202
St. Thomas, USVI 00802
(340) 774-2944 Telephone
(340) 776-1639 Fax
alex.leJeune@vilaw.com
Attorney for the Estate of Jeffrey Charles Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey C. Clabaugh a/k/a Jeffrey Clabaugh
Ronald Ernst Russell, affectionately known as Ronnie, passed away peacefully at his sister’s home in New York on May 6, 2026, at the age of 71.
Born on June 10, 1954, Ronnie was raised by his maternal grandmother, the revered educator and culture bearer Eulalie Rivera. Over the course of his life, Ronnie served his community as a distinguished attorney, Virgin Islands Senator, and President of the 29th Legislature. He represented the Virgin Islands as a sprinter at the 1976 Montreal and 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; was instrumental in the creation of the Virgin Islands Supreme Court; and remained a lifelong musician, performing guitar with the Soul Busters, and eventually the Ronnie Russell Band. Ronnie was a devoted family man, a man of deep faith, and a cornerstone of Frederiksted. He will be remembered for his warm smile, welcoming personality, passion for music and dedication to the Virgin Islands.
Ronnie was preceded in death by his grandmother, Eulalie Rivera; his mother, Grace Rivera Russell; his father, Edwin G. Russell; and his uncle, Angel Rivera.
He is survived by his step-mother, Louise Russell; his wife, Royette Valmond Russell; and his seven children: Angelique Piper, Kamal Russell, Aja Barretto, Andrea Russell-Broyles, Ronaqua Russell, Samantha Smith, and Mayah Russell.
He is also survived by his siblings, Edwin “Eddie” Russell, Edward Russell, Renee Russell, and his nieces and nephews. Eddie’s children: Stephanie Russell Nichols, Diane Russell, Esq., Edwin Russell, Jamila A. Russell, Kai Russell Gonzague, Monifa Russell Victoria, Rashida K. Russell, Kwasi Barnes, PhD, Makeda A. Russell, Shari Russell, and Mia Russell. Edward’s Children: Tanya Russell Foletti, Chad Russell, Darryl Russell, Shani Russell Sadiq, Alphaeus Russell, Terandrose Russell. As well as a host of grandchildren, godchildren, and extended family including the Rohlsen Family.
He leaves behind cherished friends: Sandy Richardson, Kelly Barretto, Aquanette Chinnery, Diana Russell, Cherene Williams Walters, Roy Delemos, Claire Roker, Gustav James and Family, Sam Raphael, Sherry and Alaric Gardine, Lenny Larson and Family, Devin Carrington, Bobby and Tony Richards, Wallace Williams, Marlon Williams and Family, Dr. Gerd Daniel Pust, and a host of other friends and family, too many to mention.
The public is invited to pay their respects during the official Lying in State on Tuesday, June 9, 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the St. Croix Legislature. A celebration of life service will be held on Wednesday, June 10 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Frederiksted:
• Viewing: 10 a.m.
• Service: 11 a.m.
• Repast: 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at LEVELS in Christiansted (across from Luncheria)
Lastly, on Thursday, June 11 at 5 p.m., to honor Ronnie’s favorite running route, the family will be hosting a “Walk and Dip” consisting of a walk or jog from Claude O. Markoe to Dorche Beach, followed by a sunset dip at 6 p.m.
Please send tributes to ronaldrusselltributes@gmail.com. Funeral Arrangement by James Memorial Funeral Home.
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