Home Blog Page 420

AG Rhea Honors VIPD for Service, Sacrifice During Police Week

Source staff
-
0
AG Rhea Honors VIPD for Service, Sacrifice During Police Week

As Police Week approaches, Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea has issued a public statement recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of the Virgin Islands Police Department, praising the officers’ commitment to public safety and justice throughout the territory.

“During this special week of recognition, we pause to honor the brave officers of the VIPD who put their lives on the line each day to ensure the safety and well-being of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Rhea said in a press release issued Friday. “Their commitment, courage, and professionalism are the foundation of public safety across our territory.”

Police Week 2025 runs from May 11 to May 17 and includes Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15, a date established in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy to honor officers who have died in the line of duty. Rhea emphasized that this time of reflection is also one of remembrance.

“As we mark Police Week, we also remember and pay tribute to the fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Their service and legacy will never be forgotten,” he said.

The Justice Department continues to partner with VIPD in efforts to uphold the law, protect residents, and ensure accountability throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“The Virgin Islands Department of Justice is proud to work alongside VIPD in the pursuit of justice, and we remain steadfast in our shared mission,” Rhea said. “We are honored to continue our strong partnership with the VIPD and extend our heartfelt thanks to every officer for their tireless dedication and sacrifice.”

The DOJ encourages residents across the territory to join in honoring law enforcement during Police Week and to take time to reflect on the vital role officers play in the safety and stability of local communities.

AG Rhea Defends Dismissal of Charges in 2022 St. Croix Double Homicide

Source staff
-
0
AG Rhea Defends Dismissal of Charges in 2022 St. Croix Double Homicide

U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea made a statement Thursday addressing the government’s decision to dismiss, without prejudice, criminal charges against Joshawn Ayala and Anthony Schneider in the 2022 homicides of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis Jr., citing insufficient evidence to meet the legal standard of proof required for trial:

Recent media reports have raised questions about the Virgin Islands Department of Justice’s recent decision to move for the dismissal, without prejudice, of criminal charges against Joshawn Ayala and Anthony Schneider in connection with the 2022 homicides of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis Jr.

At this time, the government’s case relies primarily on a single witness linking the defendants to the crimes. That witness gave a statement to the police, but then last month submitted a signed affidavit, sworn under oath, recanting his statement to the police. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” It is not enough to show that a defendant might, could, or even probably, have committed a crime. The law requires the prosecutor to produce evidence proving guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt”. Here, it was the prosecutor’s judgment that evidence at this juncture was insufficient to satisfy that stringent burden of proof. If the case proceeded to trial and the jury failed to convict, the Constitution’s Double Jeopardy Clause would prohibit renewed prosecution even if new evidence comes to light. Hence, the prosecutor moved to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” which made perfect sense. By asking the court to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” the Government preserves the right to again charge the defendants with murder if new evidence is found. Thus, the proper course was
the one the prosecutor followed.

Community cooperation is essential to ensuring that those who commit acts of violence are brought to justice, and that the families and friends of victims receive the closure they deserve. We urge anyone with information related to these cases to come forward and assist law enforcement.

Investigators continue to pursue every lead, and the DOJ remains steadfast in its commitment to holding those responsible accountable.

We understand the deep pain these unresolved tragedies have caused for the victims’ loved ones and the broader St. Croix community. Justice cannot be served without the active participation of the public—our system relies on it.

VI Student Wins National Prestigious Scholarship

Mat Probasco
-
0
VI Student Wins National Prestigious Scholarship

Nnenaya Bedminster, a seventeen-year-old VI Native is now a Posse Foundation Scholar.  The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains individuals with extraordinary leadership potential. Posse Scholars receive full-tuition leadership scholarships from Posse’s partner colleges and universities. The Posse model works for both students and college campuses and is rooted in the belief that a small, diverse group of talented students—a Posse—carefully selected and trained, can serve as a catalyst for individual and community development.

Nnenaya Bedminster (Submitted photo)

Bedminster was first nominated by her High School Counselor at the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year and later underwent a rigorous 4-month selection process. The three-part process included group and individual interviews.  The DAP process used nontraditional forums to evaluate potential, offering nominated students an opportunity to demonstrate their intrinsic leadership ability, their skill at working in a team setting, and their motivation and drive to succeed. Posse staff and partner college administrators ultimately select a diverse group of 10 students — a Posse — for each institution.

In December 2024, Bedminster beat thousands of students to land one of the top spots and a full 4-year academic scholarship from a partner university, The College of William & Mary. “I am extremely proud of what I’ve accomplished and grateful for this incredible opportunity”, Bedminster stated. Annually, 17,000 students are nominated across the nation, less than 650 are selected. Born and raised in St. Croix, Nnenaya relocated to Virginia ahead of her sophomore year and has continued to be a standout student.  Her other lists of accomplishments include Citizenship Award Winner, National Honor Society Inductee, Key Club Inductee, Hanover Scholar, PH Step Captain and All-Star Basketball Peer Coach.

Nnenaya’s family and friends are extremely proud of all that she has accomplished and are excited about what lays ahead! Nnenaya Bedminster will be studying Biology this Fall at the College of William & Mary.

Roy Eugene Beckles Dies at 70

Mat Probasco
-
0
Roy Eugene Beckles Dies at 70

Roy Eugene Beckles, aka Becka, of LaGrande Princess, passed away on April 30. He was 70 years old.

Roy Eugene Beckles

He is preceded by his mother, Leoniel Benjamin; father, Adrian Beckles.

He is survived by his spouse, Winifred Lawrence Beckles; daughter, Everlyn Beckles Peters; grandchildren, Marlon S. Peters Jr., Marquesha Peters, Marques Peters; great-grandchild, Milani Peters; sister, Victoria Beckles; brother, Victor Beckles; nieces, Erna James, Errolyn James; nephews, Elisha Carty, Errol James Jr., Marvin Lawrence; other nieces and nephews too numerous to mention; aunts, Clari C. Holmes, Esaline Williams, Priscilla Hamilton, Hazelyn Beckles, Hilarena James; uncles, George Beckles,  Fritzup Beckles, Ronald Michael, Michael Cartier, Lionel Benjamin; brothers-in-law, Rhudel Lawrence Sr., Errol James Sr.; sisters-in-law, Lynn Lawrence, Lorna Lawrence, Yvette Bermudez, Marie Bettiste, Maureen Battiste, Rena Battiste, Laurel Lawrence, Linda St. Louis, Veronica Jenkins; godchild, Kenneth Sotoratti; cousins and other relatives, Sardia Wilson, Omar Mitchell, Cheryl Martinez, Agnes Benjamin-Isaac, Linda, Leslie, Denise, Lenore and Atty. Raymond James, Dian, Shermaine, and Winston Cartier Jr., Lynda Michelle, Sherine and Kevin Holmes, Ralph and Marvis Richards; special friends, Kenneth Cobratti Sr., Lucien Williams Sr., Roy Phillips, Valdimore Simmelkjer, Freddy Benitez, Judge Harold Willocks, Raymon Cornelius; other extended family, and countless cherished friends, whose names are too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on May 16 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9 am, with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Drinking Water Week with Educational Events

Mat Probasco
-
0
Drinking Water Week with Educational Events

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is proud to join the national celebration of Drinking Water Week, observed May 4 to May 10, with a series of engaging and educational events for students and community members on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

Students from John H. Woodson Jr. High School on St. Croix learn about water conservation by playing the “Fix the Leaky Faucet” game during WAPA’s Drinking Water Week school visit. (Submitted photo)

Drinking Water Week, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, highlights the importance of safe drinking water and the people who make it possible. To mark the occasion, the WAPA Communications Team, along with WAPA engineers and members of the Water Maintenance Crew, visited Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School and John H. Woodson Junior High School on St. Croix on May 8, 2025, and Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John on May 9, 2025, to educate students about the water purification process and the importance of water conservation.

Through interactive classroom presentations, students learned about the reverse osmosis process — a method used by our partner, Seven Seas Water Group, to convert ocean water into safe, drinkable water, which is vital to our community. To make learning fun and memorable, WAPA staff led a variety of hands-on activities. Students played the “Fix the Leaky Faucet” game to understand the importance of repairing water leaks. They built model aquifers to demonstrate how nature filters groundwater and participated in water conservation games that encouraged mindful water use.

“This week gives us the chance to highlight the essential infrastructure and dedicated teams that keep water flowing in our communities,” said Don Gregoire, Interim Chief Operating Officer of Water Systems. “We’re proud to share this knowledge with the community, especially our youth.”

In addition to the school visits, WAPA hosted community popup events at its business offices on St. Croix and St. John, where staff engaged with the public and shared information about ongoing water infrastructure projects and practical water conservation tips. These events provided a valuable opportunity for residents to ask questions, learn more about infrastructure improvements, and discover ways they can contribute to sustainable water use.

WAPA extends its appreciation to the Department of Education, educators, and community partners who helped make this initiative a success.

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.

Mangrove Restoration Workshop May 14 and 15

Mat Probasco
-
0
Mangrove Restoration Workshop May 14 and 15

Community members are invited to participate in two public workshops focused on coral and mangrove restoration and how these ecosystems support local communities, businesses, and livelihoods. The events will take place on May 14 at Coral World and on May 15 at Island Life Watersports in Bovoni.

A growing mangrove (Photo by Kristin Grimes)

Hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands, the Natural Capital Project at Stanford University, and East Carolina University, the workshops are part of the National Science Foundation-funded “Strong Coasts” project. The initiative seeks to engage local residents in developing nature-based solutions that strengthen climate resilience in coastal communities.

Participants will contribute to interactive mapping and discussions on:

  • The current condition of coral reefs and mangroves
  • Areas important to local economic, cultural, and recreational activities
  • The role of fisheries in supporting community well-being

Attendees will also share insights into how these ecosystems impact daily life and the local economy.

The information gathered will help inform new strategies to enhance coastal resilience and better support communities that rely on natural resources.

Workshop Details:

  • Wednesday, May 14 | 5 – 8:30 p.m.
    Bluewater Terrace at Coral World
  • Thursday, May 15 | 5 – 8:30 p.m.
    Island Life Watersports, Estate Bovoni

Who Should Attend: Tour guides, business owners, fishers, hospitality professionals, non-profit representatives, government employees, educators, real estate professionals, homeowners and renters from Estate Bovoni and Smith Bay, and all interested community members.

RSVP: Please register at https://forms.gle/mrT3h7x2Pxzpzbyq6.

Food will be provided, and all attendees will be entered into a raffle to win grocery store gift cards.

To learn more about the Strong Coasts project, visit: https://naturalcapitalproject.stanford.edu/research/projects/strong-coasts-reducing-climate-risks-equitable-nature-based-solutions

This project is part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Coastlines and People (CoPe) program and is led by the University of South Florida under Award #2209284.

Bertha C. Boschulte Students Dismissed Early Over Bomb Threat

Source staff
-
0
Bertha C. Boschulte Students Dismissed Early Over Bomb Threat
The Bertha Boschulte Middle School on St. Thomas. (Source file photo)

Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School on St. Thomas will dismiss students early today, Friday, at 1 p.m. out of an abundance of caution following a bomb threat, the Education Department announced just after noon.

The school’s administration immediately contacted 911 after receiving a phone call indicating that a student on campus may have a bomb, according to the release. “All potential threats are taken seriously, and emergency protocols were promptly activated to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff,” it said.

The V.I. Police Department, Fire and Emergency Medical Services and Port Authority were immediately dispatched to the school, the release stated.

“These agencies are actively conducting a thorough sweep and assessment of the campus. Students will be provided with lunch prior to dismissal, and transportation will be arranged for those who utilize the school bus service. Parents and guardians who are available to pick up their children before 1 p.m. can proceed to do so,” it said.

“The safety of our students and school personnel remains our highest priority. Dismissal procedures will be carefully coordinated to maintain safety and order. VIDE will continue to provide updates through its official communication channels as additional information becomes available,” according to the release.

Early Dismissal at Boshulte Middle School Due to Safety Concern

Mat Probasco
-
0
Early Dismissal at Boshulte Middle School Due to Safety Concern

The Virgin Islands Department of Education informs parents and guardians that Bertha C. Boshulte Middle School will dismiss students early today, Friday, May 9, at 1 p.m. out of an abundance of caution following a potential safety threat received.

The school’s administration immediately contacted 911 after receiving a phone call indicating that a student on campus may have a bomb. All potential threats are taken seriously, and emergency protocols were promptly activated to protect the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS), and the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) were immediately dispatched to the school. These agencies are actively conducting a thorough sweep and assessment of the campus.

Students will be provided with lunch prior to dismissal, and transportation will be arranged for those who utilize the school bus service. Parents and guardians who are available to pick up their children before 1:00 p.m. can proceed to do so.

The safety of our students and school personnel remains our highest priority. Dismissal procedures will be carefully coordinated to maintain safety and order. VIDE will continue to provide updates through its official communication channels as additional information becomes available.

We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation.

CMCArts Celebrates of ‘A Taste of Spring’

Source staff
-
0
CMCArts Celebrates of ‘A Taste of Spring’

CMCArts hosted “A Taste of Spring” show in Frederiksted, St. Croix, on Thursday. The show will be on view until May 24. V.I. Source reporters Diana Dias and Jesse Daley spoke with several individuals at the event.

Lt. Gov. Roach Names Nadja Harrigan Acting Chief of Staff 

Mat Probasco
-
0
Lt. Gov. Roach Names Nadja Harrigan Acting Chief of Staff 

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. has appointed Attorney Nadja Harrigan to serve as acting chief of staff for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor.

Attorney Harrigan joined the Office of the Lieutenant Governor as legal counsel and general counsel in August 2023.  Her prior positions include assistant attorney general at the Virgin Islands Department of Justice; deputy commissioner of Support Services at the Virgin Islands Police Department; associate with A.J. & Associates; judicial law clerk to Judge Ive Arlington Swan, and Judge Ishmael A. Meyers; and acting chief of the Criminal Division at the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.  Attorney Harrigan is a graduate of the George Washing University School of Law, and a member of the Virgin Islands Bar Association.

Attorney Harrigan has replaced former chief of staff Attorney Monica Williams Carbon who has retired.  “We are grateful to Attorney Williams Carbon for her contributions and for her many years of service to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and, by extension, the people of the Virgin Islands.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach.

Attorney Harrigan will also continue to serve with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor in the capacity of Legal Counsel / General Counsel.

1...419420421...13,069Page 420 of 13,069

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here