Home Blog Page 4

DPNR Launches Zoning Podcast Series for Virgin Islands Residents

0
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has launched “Zoning 101,” a new podcast series designed to help Virgin Islands residents better understand the territory’s zoning code and land use regulations. (Image courtesy DPNR)

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources has launched a new educational podcast series designed to help Virgin Islands residents better understand zoning laws and how land use decisions affect communities across the territory, according to a Wednesday press release.

The series, titled “Zoning 101,” was developed by DPNR’s Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning and is available on the department’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. According to the release, the episodes are intended to make the Virgin Islands Zoning Code easier to understand for residents, property owners, developers, business owners and other community stakeholders.

“Many people first encounter zoning when they are preparing to build, purchase property, start a business, or navigate a development project,” DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol said. “The Zoning 101 podcast series was created to help residents better understand the rules that guide development and empower them to participate more effectively in planning decisions that shape our communities.”

The podcast explains the history, purpose and practical application of zoning while exploring how land use regulations influence housing, business development, environmental protection and community growth throughout the Virgin Islands, the press release stated.

Topics covered in the series include the relationship between planning and zoning, zoning districts and maps, property rights, permitted uses, development standards, home occupations, parking requirements, subdivision regulations, appeals, variances and the role of planners in administering the zoning program, the release stated.

The series also examines current planning issues affecting the territory, including housing needs, short-term rentals, renewable energy development, infrastructure planning, environmental stewardship and ongoing efforts to modernize the Virgin Islands zoning framework, according to the release.

Episodes are organized around the concepts of a building’s foundation, walls, roof, finishings, occupancy, maintenance and subdivision to guide listeners through the structure of the zoning code in a step-by-step format, the release stated.

According to DPNR planners, the podcast is part of a public education initiative intended to increase transparency and encourage greater public participation in land use decisions.

“Zoning influences everything from neighborhood character and property values to economic development and environmental protection,” the Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning said in the release. “When residents understand how the system works, they are better equipped to make informed decisions and engage in meaningful conversations about the future of the Virgin Islands.”

The department is encouraging residents, civic organizations, professionals, students and community groups to listen to the series and share it with others interested in planning and development in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

David Young Dies at 62

0

It is with profound sadness and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of David Young aka โ€œYankeeโ€, who departed this life on June 9, 2026, at the age of 62.

David Young

David was a beloved father, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend whose kindness, generosity, and warm spirit touched the lives of many. He will be remembered for the love he shared with his family and friends and for the lasting memories he created with everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

David leaves to cherish his precious memories his beloved daughter, Ji’Reh Alicandra Young; his step-daughters, Jenee V. Benjamin and Kamaria A. Henry; his step-son, Shakir J. Noel; his sisters, Angela E. Young and Linda D. Brickhouse; his aunt, Kathleen Young of South Carolina; and his nephew, Sherodd Moore. He is also lovingly remembered by his cousins, Saviour Knowles of New York and Valarie Heywood Stevens and Family.

He also leaves behind his special families, including the Renee Russell Family, the Menders Family,ย  Leon Thomas , Donald Francis aka Juba, the Lawrence Family, Mrs. Gladys Anthony and Family, the Yearwood Family, Debra Felix, and Ashla Christian. David was blessed with many lifelong friendships and leaves to mourn his passing his best friends, Kag Yearwood, Shakur Keith Jr., Sydney Lawrence, and Collin Abbott Sr. He is also fondly remembered by his special friends, Agnes Carr, Sonya Joseph, Lavern Brown, Shakur Keith Sr., Steve Hendricks Sr., Lowell Thomas, and Paul Henry, also known as โ€œMabuto.โ€

David will also be greatly missed by his extended family at Sunny Isles Developers, LLC, the Apostolic Faith Mission Church Family, and a host of other relatives and friends whose lives were enriched by his presence. Although he has departed from our sight, the love, laughter, and memories he shared will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life honoring David โ€œYankeeโ€ Young will be held on Saturday, July 11, at the Apostolic Faith Mission Church, #487 Strawberry Hill, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00850. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the many prayers, words of comfort, and acts of kindness extended during this difficult time. May God richly bless all who have supported and remembered David โ€œYankeeโ€ Young.

โ€œAbsent from the body, and present with the Lord.โ€ โ€“ 2 Corinthians 5:8

Vincent A. Phipps Dies at 63

0

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Vincent A. Phipps, who departed this life on June 22, 2026, at the age of 63.

Vincent A. Phipps

Born on June 28, 1962, Vincent touched the lives of many through his kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering love for his family and friends. His memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.ย 

Vincent was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Shelia P. Phipps and Cyril N. Phipps.ย 

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his devoted brothers, Derrick Wiggley, Cecil Wiggley, Alston Phipps, and Jason Phipps; his loving sisters, Bernadette Phipps, Claudia Phipps-Kelly, and Hilarine Phipps; his cherished aunt, Bernice Walker; his beloved nieces, Anasa Phipps, Rebekah Kelly, Nia Agard, Ameira Phipps, Ameeca Phipps and Azaya Kelly; his nephews, Tawasi Clarke, Calvin Phipps, Delvin Phipps, Darrel Kelly, Darren Kelly, Aden Kelly, Jayrome Matthew, Forest Kelly, and Alston Phipps Jr.; his cousins, Dosette Walker, and Joycelyn Lawrence; the Hart Family, Marrieth Walker, Orion Morris, Brian Williams, Eric Walker, Richard Walker, and the Walker Family, Geraldine Rawlins, Austin Charlie Bell Johnson, Frank Johnson and the Johnson Family; his brother-in-law, Homer Kelly; Friends, Robin Williams, Julia Swanston as well as many extended relatives, special friends, and loved ones who were blessed to share in his life.ย 

Though Vincent’s earthly journey has come to an end, his legacy of love, compassion, and treasured memories will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain with his family and friends.ย 

The family sincerely appreciates the many expressions of love, prayers, kindness, and support shown during this time of bereavement. Your thoughtfulness has been a source of comfort and strength.

A funeral service celebrating the life of Vincent A. Phipps will be held on Friday, July 24, at Divine Funeral Services, LLC, #129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands 00820. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Alpine Securities USVI

 

NOTICE TO ESTABLISHED
VIRGIN ISLANDS BUSINESSES

Alpine Securities USVI, a participant in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Incentive Program of the US Virgin Islands, has a procurement requirement to purchase goods and services locally in the Virgin Islands to the maximum extent practicable and regularly purchases the following types of goods and/or services:

Office Supplies
IT Service
Accounting Services
Pest Control
A/C Services
Legal Services
Alarm Services

Contact Person: Jason P. Charles
Phone Number: 340-714-2020

If you are an Eligible Virgin Islands Supplier as defined in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commissionโ€™s (โ€œVIEDCโ€) Rules and Regulations but are not on the VIEDCโ€™s list of Eligible Suppliers, you are encouraged to request being added to the list by having your business certified by the Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission. Applications for certification may be obtained online at www.usvieda.org or by contacting the VIEDC Office. Completed applications should be filed with the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission at:

ST. CROIX OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

116 King Street, Frederiksted
St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840
(340) 773-6499
OR
ST. THOMAS OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

PO Box 305038
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803
(340) 714-1700
OR
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission
8000 Nisky Shopping Center, Suite 620
St. Thomas, VI 00802

Firstbank PR v. Joseph Jenner Etinoff

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS AND ST. JOHN

 

FIRSTBANK PUERTO RICO,
Plaintiff,ย  ย 

v.ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย 

JOSEPH JENNER ETINOFF,ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

Defendant.ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย ย 

Case No. ST โ€“ 2022 โ€“ CV โ€“ 00312
ACTION FOR DEBT AND FORECLOSURE OF REAL PROPERTY MORTGAGE

 

NOTICE OF MARSHALโ€™S SALE

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  In compliance with a Writ of Execution issued out of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas and St. John, on or about March 26, 2026, wherein FirstBank Puerto Rico (โ€œPlaintiffโ€ or โ€œFirstBankโ€) is the Plaintiff and Joseph Jenner Etinoff is the Defendant, Civil No. STโ€“2022โ€“CVโ€“00312, Action for Debt and Foreclosure of Real Property Mortgage, the undersigned Office of the Virgin Islands Marshal will sell at public sale to the highest and best bidder on the 26th day of August, 2026, at 10:00 oโ€™clock a.m., at the Office of the Virgin Islands Marshal, Farrelly Justice Center, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, the following real property:

 

Parcel No. 1-105 Estate Wintberg

No. 3 Great Northside Quarter

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands,

As shown on PWD No. A9-81-T68;

consisting of a three-bedroom, three-bath residential structure of 2,100 square feet, together with all appurtenances and improvements thereto.

ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  This judicial sale will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of V.I. Code Ann. tit. 5 ยง 471 et. seq. and the terms of sale, the full text of which can be reviewed at the Office of the Virgin Islands Marshal.ย  The terms of purchase include: ten percent (10%) of the purchase price must be deposited with the Marshal no later than 3:00 p.m. on the day of sale, and, upon failure to do so, the Marshal reserves the right to award the sale to the next highest bidder.ย  The balance of the sum bid must be paid within 30 days, or the deposit will be retained by the Marshal as and for liquidated damages and applied toward satisfaction of the Judgment for which the property is being sold, and the Marshal further reserves the right, in such event, to award the sale to the next highest bidder.ย  All payments must be made by cash, certified check, bank check, or U.S. postal money order.ย  Personal uncertified checks will not be accepted.

 

DATED: June 25, 2026ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  ย  OFFICE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS MARSHAL

 

LAWRENCE A. WALCOTT, JR.,
ย  ย  ย  ย CHIEF MARSHAL

ย 

By:ย ย  /s/ Kellen J. Phillips
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  KELLEN J. PHILLIPS,
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย  ASSISTANT MARSHAL

McChain, Hamm & Associates, LLC
Richard H. Dollison
V.I. Bar No. 502
5030 Anchor Way, Ste. 13
Christiansted, VI 00820
Tel: (340) 773-6955
Fax: (855) 456-8784
rdollison@usvi.law

Romanian Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Illegal Re-Entry

A Romanian man was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison after admitting to illegally re-entering the United States following two previous deportations, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.

Beni Lacatusu, also known as Beni Aleman and Beni Burcea, was sentenced June 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge Robert A. Molloy for illegal re-entry after removal, the release stated.

According to the press release, Homeland Security Investigations agents encountered Lacatusu near Nisky Center on St. Thomas on Dec. 11, 2025. After identifying themselves as immigration agents and asking about his nationality, Lacatusu said he was Romanian and did not have legal status to remain in the United States. He was taken to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement office, where agents confirmed his identity and immigration status.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said records checks showed Lacatusu had previously been deported from New York on June 21, 2019, and July 4, 2025. Authorities also determined he had been convicted in New Jersey of credit card theft and fraud on April 17, 2025, had five outstanding warrants in four states, and had previously been convicted of illegal re-entry in the District of New Jersey on June 6, 2025, for which he received a sentence of time served.

VIPD, Port Authority Issue Advisories for Revelers Headed to STJ Celebration

Residents traveling to St. John for the upcoming Celebration and Emancipation Day festivities will need to present a current government ID before boarding the ferry, according to an advisory from the V.I. Police Department. Additionally, the V.I. Port Authority said car ferry service to and from the island will be reduced from four barges to three on Thursday and Friday, with full service resuming Saturday morning.

The VIPD said the ID requirement is according to Coast Guard maritime law. It also advised that during the St. John Celebration, which runs through Saturday, the road from Mongoose Junction (Route 20) to Northshore will be closed to traffic until the completion of the parade on July 4th, which steps off at 11 a.m. at the National Park ballfield entrance. There will be parking in the public parking lot in the Gravel Pit, it said. Fireworks and the closing of the Village will commence at 9 p.m. Saturday.

On Friday, theย Jโ€™ouvert celebration will begin at sunrise at the National Park ballfield entrance, followed by the annual Emancipation Day program at 1 p.m. at Slim Manโ€™s Parking Lot, honoring the abolition of slavery in the Virgin Islands. A torchlight evening procession from the Village entrance will begin at 7 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority advised that the Virginia Pride car ferry will be out of service on Thursday and Friday and is expected to resume Saturday, with the first departure at 9:30 a.m. While the Virginia Pride is offline, the Todd G car ferry will continue to operate on its regular half-hour schedule, starting with the first departure from Cruz Bay at 6 a.m., according to VIPA. The two barges operated by Love City Car Ferries will also run onย their normal scheduleย during this time, it said.

Once the Virginia Pride is back in service on Saturday, all normal ferry schedules will resume, said VIPA. For more information about the Virginia Pride, commuters may contact Big Red Barge Co. at 340-227-0918 or via email at info@bigredbarge.co.

The VIPD also issued the following safety tips for those attending the holiday weekend festivities:

  • No smoking of any kind (to include the rear of the booths), no vaping
  • Be sure to lock your car doors and do not leave items visible inside.
  • Try to park in well-lit areas.
  • Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol is prohibited.
  • Walk in groups.
  • Be vigilant of your surroundings.
  • Please limit the amount of jewelry you wear. You do not want to draw any unnecessary attention to yourself.
  • If you find a lost child or lose a child, notify the nearest law enforcement officer. Parents/guardians are advised to write their name, phone number and the childโ€™s name on a piece of paper and place it in the childโ€™s pocket.
  • Law enforcement officers will be assigned to patrol inside and outside every event.

PL Partners LLP

NOTICE TO ESTABLISHED VIRGIN ISLANDS BUSINESSES

PL Partners LLP a participant in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Incentive Program of the US Virgin Islands, has a procurement requirement to purchase goods and services locally in the Virgin Islands to the maximum extent practicable and regularly purchases the following types of goods and/or services:

If you are an Eligible Virgin Islands Supplier as defined in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commissionโ€™s (โ€œVIEDCโ€) Rules and Regulations but are not on the VIEDCโ€™s list of Eligible Suppliers, you are encouraged to request being added to the list by having your business certified by the Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission. Applications for certification may be obtained online at www.usvieda.org or by contacting the VIEDC Office. Completed applications should be filed with the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission at:

ST. CROIX OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

116 King Street, Frederiksted
St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840
(340) 773-6499
OR
ST. THOMAS OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

PO Box 305038
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803
(340) 714-1700
OR
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission
8000 Nisky Shopping Center, Suite 620
St. Thomas, VI 00802

Tuthill Corporation

NOTICE TO ESTABLISHED
VIRGIN ISLANDS BUSINESSES

Tuthill Corporation, a participant in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Incentive Program of the US Virgin Islands, has a procurement requirement to purchase goods and services locally in the Virgin Islands to the maximum extent practicable and regularly purchases the following types of goods and/or services:

General Office Supplies
(Ex: pens, paper, toner, etc)
Computer and telephone support
Office Cleaning Supplies
(Ex: Paper towels, hand soap, etc.)
Coffee

Contact Person:
Tuthill Corporation, Douglas Tilley
PH: 340-692-0532

ย If you are an Eligible Virgin Islands Supplier as defined in the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commissionโ€™s (โ€œVIEDCโ€) Rules and Regulations but are not on the VIEDCโ€™s list of Eligible Suppliers, you are encouraged to request being added to the list by having your business certified by the Chief Executive Officer of the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission. Applications for certification may be obtained online at www.usvieda.org or by contacting the VIEDC Office. Completed applications should be filed with the Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission at:

ST. CROIX OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

116 King Street, Frederiksted
St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00840
(340) 773-6499
OR
ST. THOMAS OFFICE
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission

PO Box 305038
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00803
(340) 714-1700
OR
Virgin Islands Economic Development Commission
8000 Nisky Shopping Center, Suite 620
St. Thomas, VI 00802

Rashaun Malik Edwin Dies at 30

0

Rashaun Malik Edwin, aka โ€œRashy Rash,โ€ passed away on June 11. He was 30 years old.

Rashaun Malik Edwin

He is survived by mother, Veronica L Edwin; father, Link. A. Edwin Sr.; daughters, Neโ€™Layah Edwin, Aโ€™Leiyah Edwin; sisters, Donna Edwin, Monique Edwin, Latisha Edwin; brother, Omai Phillip, Link Edwin Jr; companion, Jahshema Michael; nieces, Janae Isaac, Deniya Williams; nephews, Kieran Rhymer, Kameron Edwin, Jashaun Isaac, Kyree Edwin; aunts, Lea Gustave, Evelyn Joseph; uncles, David Gustave, Christopher Edwin Jr, Nelvin Williams Jr; godparent, Doreen Rodgers; special friends, Jahshema Michael; cousin and other relatives, Kendall Mason, Jimmilia Plante, Rose Plante, Brittany Williams, The Whyte Family, The Samuel Family, Harris Family, Constable Family and precious friends and other relatives too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on Aug. 1 at Original Pentecostal Church. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Jobs - Click Here