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UVI Launches S.P.A.R.K. Initiative To Power Clean Energy Future and Workforce Development

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UVI Launches S.P.A.R.K. Initiative To Power Clean Energy Future and Workforce Development
Shovels sit before the groundbreaking ceremony Monday for the new solar farm at the University of the Virgin Islands RTPark. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

A major step toward energy resilience and sustainable workforce development was celebrated Monday at the University of the Virgin Islands, RTPark, and the Caribbean Green Technology Center formally launched the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative — Sustainable Practices Advancement and Renewable Knowledge.

Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the S.P.A.R.K. Initiative, short for Strategic Projects for Advanced Resilience and Knowledge, aims to reduce UVI’s dependence on fossil fuels while expanding educational opportunities in renewable energy. At the heart of the initiative is the construction of a 423-kilowatt ground-mounted solar farm that will offset the RTPark’s reliance on the grid and serve as a hands-on training site for students.

“This here is going to be something special,” said Hugo Hodge Jr., president of Volt Energy, the local contractor overseeing the project’s construction. The new solar array will not only support campus operations but also feature a dedicated teaching component for UVI’s newly launched Associate of Science in Renewable Energy Technology.

Official groundbreaking for the solar farm at UVI RTPark. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

UVI President Safiya George emphasized the broader educational benefits. “Here, students will learn about energy management, conduct real-time energy audits, and gain valuable experience,” George said. “This initiative is not just for UVI students — it will also serve high school and middle school students across the territory.”

Project Manager and Master of Ceremonies Amina Saleem opened the launch event by acknowledging the many departments and individuals who contributed to the project’s success.

Eric Sonnier, representing UVI RTPark, highlighted the organization’s role in economic development. “We are an economic development organization, just like the local EDA,” he said. “We focus on diversifying the economy by attracting knowledge-based and technology companies to the territory.”

A few employees and key people for the solar farm project at the groundbreaking ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The Caribbean Green Technology Center also played a key role. Its director, Greg Guannel, was instrumental in the project’s development and implementation.

Also in attendance were Adrienne Williams-Octalien, director of the U.S. Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery, and Karl Knight, CEO of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.

“You have the top hitters on this project,” Williams-Octalien said. “You have the people that know. You have all the homegrown talent.”

Knight praised the project’s long-term vision. “While it might seem like the progress is not happening — maybe the progress is steady, but firm,” he said. “We are making progress. Projects like this make us very excited because they help us build resilience.”

The solar farm will be located on the west side of the RTPark building. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Ian Tomlinson, chairman of the UVI RTPark Board, added, “We are building opportunities for Virgin Islanders by ensuring that the next generation has the tools, training, and pathways they need to lead in the industries of tomorrow. This is the kind of impact the RTPark was designed for.”

Following the ceremony, a ribbon-cutting marked the official launch of the project, followed by a reception. Also among those in attendance were Sen. Marise James and Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming.

The solar farm is expected to be fully completed by August.

‘Spring Equinox’ Exhibit Evolves Into ‘A Taste of Spring’ Immersion at CMCARTS Thursday

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‘Spring Equinox’ Exhibit Evolves Into ‘A Taste of Spring’ Immersion at CMCARTS Thursday
Lucien Downes (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

Local artist/curator Lucien Downes did it again with the “Spring Equinox” exhibit that opened at CMCArts in downtown Frederiksted April 12. The forces of spring brought feelings of rebirth and renewal for Downes to recreate and curate an exhibit for the second year in a row. It’s in his blood!

Patrons experienced the expertise of Downes’ ability to discern and curate the high-quality work that would be “harmonious to the theme of the show.”

There are 67 entries of artwork displayed in the rooms of the upstairs gallery – submitted by 27 artists in the territory, mostly from St. Croix, with a note to collectors: They are all for sale.

Wee Haven. Mixed media, by Ziva Kim Sanchez (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

“Spring is life,” Downes said, as he mused about “folks back in the day.” 

“They looked at spring as the beginning of the year. Everything starts to bloom. Everything comes to life, while the Gregorian calendar sends a nod to Jan. 1 as the beginning of the year. 

“Of course, this is the beginning of the spring equinox,” Downes said. “So, I thought about how we go through life learning about things they taught us. And as we grow older, we learn the truth about things; it’s as if what we learned in our childhood was all a lie,” he laughed as he leaned into his recollection and detection of the ‘truth.’”

Spring Sea Chicken. Acrylic on canvas by Nora Stewart (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

Downes found it all very interesting when he decided to do the spring collection show. He believes, he said, in life and the really great energy at this time of the year. 

“We don’t pay attention year ‘round. Then we notice when there’s a good amount of rain, everything turns from brown to green. I love to see the Flamboyant tree in bloom – when everything else is dying, they come out in their splendor; they are the brightest thing around when there’s no water. The islands take care of themselves. They know when to bloom and when not to bloom. It’s still beautiful yearly.”

When the Sun Stands Still. Acrylic yarn, by Kanda Burgess (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

Downes spoke to the Source about the “Taste of Spring” collaboration between him and CMCArts. He and executive director Lisa Mordhorst brainstormed about an inspiration for patrons to come again and for new patrons to experience the work. 

“We talked about a ‘meet and greet’ for the artists and the patrons. It would be a very interactive event — a whole immersive experience,” Downes shared.

Divine Feminine. Mixed media, by Lucien Downes (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

“Last year, we experimented with a private event: a sit-down dinner as a suggested donation fundraiser with a one-hour walk-through with the artists. It was well-received and very impressive,” Mordhorst said.

This year, the collaborators (Downes and Mordhorst) decided on a more reception-style affair with curator Downes guiding a tour throughout the gallery, giving a more intimate view of the artwork, with some of the artists present to speak about their work.

Serendipity. Acrylic on canvas, by Gene Rotter (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

“We are very grateful for our partnership with Lucien each year because he is very conscientious about wanting to create a fundraiser to help CMCArts. Not only does it help the artists, in this case, because we’re talking about the show, to invigorate interest in buying the work. Lucien is always very concerned about creating deeper fundraising opportunities for CMCArts and I’m grateful for that,” Mordhorst said.

“Philanthropy by Design has donated the energy and the food: charcuterie towers — a smorgasbord — paired with wines. CC1, although wholly focused on the St. Thomas Carnival, has donated wines from a specific vineyard for tasting at the event,” Mordhorst shared.

Atabey (The Creator of Goddess). Mixed media, by Eliana Schuster Brown (Photo courtesy Lucien Downes)

“We’re classifying ‘A Taste of Spring’ as a fundraiser. It’s an amazing opportunity for the community. It’s an Equinox Experience: Celebrate the beauty of spring in full bloom with us at a special evening with the ‘Spring Equinox’ Exhibition! Step into a lush world of color, flavor, and creativity with an exclusive artist-guided tour led by curator Lucien Downes, discounts on some original artworks, and savor an exquisite charcuterie spread by Philanthropy by Design with wine pairings sponsored by CC1. May 8, 2025, 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets: $45, Couples: $40 each. All proceeds contribute to the SEA Education Fund Match and Candia Atwater-Shields Scholarship Fund,” Mordhorst said. 

Music by a special guest will take place on May 8. The exhibit will be open until May 24.

For more information:
cmcarts.org
Call: 340-772-2622

The Caribbean Writer Submissions Open

Mat Probasco
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The Caribbean Writer Submissions Open

In anticipation of its upcoming 40th anniversary, The Caribbean Writer (TCW) is issuing dual call for submissions under the theme: “40 years of The Caribbean Writer: A Spectrum of Representation.” We invite contributors to explore this theme in all its permutations with works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, or one-act plays.

In addition to the usual call for creative works, we are also issuing a Call for Papers focused on the diverse themes explored in The Caribbean Writer over the years, highlighting how our shared humanity emerges through the discourse present in poetry, fiction, and nonfiction. As an international journal, The Caribbean Writer continues to investigate our humanity at home and in the diaspora in an ever-changing world. Through its dynamic publications, it has remained impactful for over four decades. Papers will be presented at the anniversary symposium scheduled for April 2026 and published in an anniversary supplement of The Caribbean Writer.

Abstracts will be reviewed by a scholarly panel of seven. Successful papers will be published in a TCW supplement while selected authors will be invited to present their papers at the Conference to be held at the University of the Virgin Islands, St Croix campus.

Using the TCW journal as a reference point, authors are invited to explore the themes, subjects, motifs, and topics over the 40 years of The Caribbean Writer and present a scrupulous analysis in one of the following contexts:

1. Building Regional Community, Connections and Transformations

2. Calypso and Conflict: Music and Politics in the Literature

3. Voices of the Diaspora: Migration and Belonging

4. Negotiating Nuances of Legacy, Ethnicity, Hybridity, Identity

5. Masculinity as a Navigational Theme in Caribbean Communities

6. Rewriting History: Literature as a Tool for Social Change

7. How Language Shapes Meaning in Caribbean Text

8. Myths, Monsters, and Morality: Universal Archetypes

9. The Art of Protest: Caribbean Literature as Resistance

10. Women, Sexuality, and Identity

11. Negotiating Borders and Walls: Expressions in the Literature

12. The Caribbean Writer as a Force of Representation

13. Themes Across The Caribbean Writer

14. Visual Art as a Channel for Caribbean Literature

15. Governance and the Complexities of Power Dynamics

16. Disruption as a Motif in the Literature

17. Memory as a Force in the Literature

18. How Environment, Nature and Land Development Shape Property Ownership

19. Food as a Translation of Fellowship, Community and History

20. Contemporary Musings: Literature, Academia and the Canon

 

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGES

The proposal’s abstract (or summary) should be no more than 300 words. Abstracts are due by October 31, 2025. Kindly note that submissions for volume 40 will be accepted until November 30. Submit Word files at www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submissions/

Papers should be based on the analysis of the journal’s published works. We invite you to visit the websites below to reacquaint yourselves with our publications, beginning with the first issue released in 1987:

Digital Library of the Caribbean

https://www.dloc.com/

Volumes 1 through 30 (free to view)

The Caribbean Writer website

https://www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/product-category/volumes/

Volumes 31 to 38 (available for purchase in digital or hard copy format)

As always, contributors may submit works of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, essays, or one-act plays around the theme “40 years of The Caribbean Writer: A Spectrum of Representation,” exploring the ideas resonating within the region and its diaspora. The Caribbean should be central to the work or reflect a Caribbean heritage, experience, or perspective. Prospective authors should submit all creative works, drama, fiction, and poetry manuscripts in Word format through the online portal ONLY at www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submission. Note that TCW does not accept hardcopy submissions. Submissions for volume 40 are accepted immediately through to November 30, 2025. Submit Word files at www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/online-submissions/

Individuals may submit poems (3 maximum), short stories (2 maximum), and personal essays (2 maximum) on general topics and themes. The maximum length (for short stories and personal essays) is 3500 words. Only previously unpublished work will be considered. The term “previously published” covers print and electronic publication —including on social media platforms and self-published items. The Caribbean Writer does not accept simultaneous submissions (items being considered for publication elsewhere). On a separate page in that submission, the prospective author should provide contact information, including mailing address, phone number, any professional affiliations, and brief biographical information (no more than 100 words and such as appears under the “Contributors” section of the journal). If the author’s contact information changes, the author should make all updates by logging into the online account.

Artists interested in having their artwork considered for use by TCW should submit electronic files in vertical format as PNG or JPEG files with a resolution of 300 dpi or greater. The journal also accepts black-and-white art (line drawings, sketches, block prints, etc.) but does not accept graphic poetry or narratives.

Before submitting, the writer should carefully edit and proofread the manuscript, adhering to publication-ready details, as well as standards of proofreading such as spelling, grammar, punctuation, formatting, and consistent language, along with the elimination of typographical errors, and with a focus on the overall quality of the work.

The Caribbean Writer is a refereed journal. There are no fees payable to submit or publish in this journal. All submissions undergo an initial anonymous review by the editor. Creative works, such as fiction, poetry and drama, after editorial review, are advanced by the editor to the double-blind peer review process. In this process, reviewers’ and authors’ identities are concealed from the reviewers and vice versa throughout the review process.

Literary Prizes

All submissions are eligible for these annual prizes:

The Daily News Prize of $600 was awarded to a resident of the US Virgin Islands or the British Virgin Islands.

The Marvin E. Williams Literary Prize of $500 is awarded to a new or emerging writer and donated by Marvin’s widow, Dasil Williams, in honor of her late husband, who served as the editor of The Caribbean Writer from 2003 – 2008.

The Vincent Cooper Literary Prize of $300 is awarded to a Caribbean author for exemplary writing in Caribbean Nation Language (Kamau Brathwaite) and donated by UVI (University of the Virgin Islands) Professor Vincent Cooper, PhD.

The Anacaona Prize of $500 is awarded to anyone published in the respective volume for their interpretation of the theme, level of technical skill, and originality. It is donated by a distinguished TCW Advisory Editorial Board member who wishes to remain anonymous. (Anacaona was a female cacique, poet, and composer. She is memorialized in contemporary art and literature across the Caribbean region. A statue commemorating her legacy is in Leogane, Haiti.)

For more information, contact The Caribbean Writer at thecaribbeanwriter@uvi.edu.

Excise Tax Collections Reminder

Mat Probasco
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Excise Tax Collections Reminder

Joel A. Lee, CPA, Director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, reminds taxpayers of the process for the clearance of imported goods into the territory.  It should be noted that there has been no change to the excise tax clearance process.  The excise tax collection process is an online process, and returns must be completed on the Bureau’s website.  Personal items being imported must also be cleared using the excise online portal.   The excise online portal can be accessed at excise.bir.vi.gov 

Local manufacturers are also reminded that they are required to file a manufacturer’s excise tax return, Form 721VI, and include the manufacturer’s worksheet, Form 721VI MWK, which will cover the monthly sale of items manufactured in the Virgin Islands. The returns are due 30 days following the month concerned. Manufacturers returns are available on the Bureau’s website, at bir.vi.gov and at the Bureau’s offices.

Questions concerning the excise tax should be directed to Mr. Glenford Hodge, Supervisor of Excise Tax Return at (340) 715-1040, extension 3201.

Maria E. Pinder Dies at 99

Mat Probasco
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Maria E. Pinder Dies at 99

Maria E. Pinder

August 1925 to April, 25, 2025

Church service May 13 at Way Of The Cross Baptist Church, 23 B Work & Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix. Viewing at 9:30 a.m. Church service at 10:30

Maria E. Pinder

She was preceded in death by her husband John I Pinder

Daughters: Eleanor Johnson, Sheron Ramdhanny(deceased), Rena Brodhurst and Lillian Pinder

Sons: Raphael James and Dale Gibbs(deceased)

Son In Law: Harold Johnson(deceased)

Surviving siblings: Dorothy Vivican, Myrtle Daniel and Roy Thomas

Grandchildren: John Ramdhanny Jr., Harold Johnson Jr., Maria Ramdhanny, Dwayne Renny

Ramdhanny(deceased), Britney Hall and Lasiba Knight

Great Grandchildren: Danielle Bryant, Dwayne Anthony Ramdhanny, Kimani Johnson, Tyanna Johnson, Kelisha Johnson, King Tipton, John Ramdhanny III, Jenai Johnson, Aaydin Johnson, Braxton Hall and Maxine Knight

Great Great Grandchildren: Phillip Bryant, Dwayne Ramdhanny III, and Preston Bryant

Her siblings that preceded her in death were Fred, Mary, Edith, Edwin, Alfonso, Christian and Peter

Her siblings’ children are Hazel, Pearl, Fred, Edith, Emelda, Leila, Joy, George, Angela, William, Alfred, David, Veronica, Roberta, Peter, Evelyn and Lawrence.

Niece In Law: Hazel Coulter

Devoted Godchildren: Henry Derricks Jr. and Kira Francis

Adopted Children: Norman (Chi Chi) Gibbs (deceased), Timothy Heidmann, Karina Phillip and Deanna Williams

Other family and friends too numerous to mention.

Special thanks to Deanna Williams, Primary Care, PLLC and staff and Continuum Care of St. Croix and staff.

The viewing will be held at Way Of The Cross Baptist church 23 B Work & Rest on May 13th from 9.30 a.m. -10:30 a.m.

The service will commence at 10:30 a.m. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Divine Funeral Home.

USVI Tennis Cup Returns

Mat Probasco
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USVI Tennis Cup Returns

USVI Cup 1 & 2 are back in St. Croix, as part of the Caribbean Cup Tennis Series. The two consecutive ITF Junior tournaments are scheduled to take place between May 5 to 9 and May 12 to 16 at the landmark Buccaneer Hotel in Christiansted.

Tennis’ USVI Cup

For the next two weeks, St Croix will be home to players from around the world, including France, China, Brazil, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Colombia, Italy, Canada, the U.S. and more. 

The tournament is an opportunity to continue developing tennis in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with several local players competing alongside peers from around the world. For international players, families and coaches, in addition to tennis, this is also an opportunity to discover the local culture, lifestyle and tranquil beaches of St. Croix.

Among the players joining this week, London Evans (U.S.) comes off an amazing performance at the J30 ITF in Barbados, where she was crowned champion. On the boys draw, USVI native, Yared Alfred is back playing his home tournament as the number three seed.

The tournament offers a packed schedule, starting at 9 a.m. daily, with finals for both boys and girls singles and doubles on Thursday/Friday of each week (finals times TBD).

Tournament organizers estimate more than 200 players, coaches and parents will be on the island during the two-week period. 

For further information, please contact tournament director, Andrei Alexe at:

Tel: 647-406-4589

Email: aalexe85@gmail.com 

Tournament location: The Buccaneer Hotel, 5007 Estate, Christiansted

Leonard Bernard Francis, Jr. Dies

Mat Probasco
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Leonard Bernard Francis, Jr. Dies

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Attorney Leonard Bernard Francis, Jr., on April 23, 2025. Known affectionately as “Cocky”, Atty. Francis was a man of intellect and unwavering moral conviction. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice and service to others.

Leonard Francis Jr.

He leaves a legacy through his sons, Nyere Francis, Sr., Dr. Kenny Hendrickson; daughters, Dr. Kula Francis Hendrickson, Donnica Williams; Grandsons, Nyere Francis, Jr., Tyereeq Perez; Granddaughters, Madison Francis, Knala Hendrickson; Great-grandchildren, Nyea and Nyel Francis, Logan Industrious; Sisters, Eleanor Turner Thomson, Karen Turner, Joyce Francis Edwards, and Faye Francis-Jenkins; Brothers, Alfred A. Turner, Clayton Francis; Sisters-In-Law, Rodrene Turner, Donna Cisse, Valorie Lynch, and Linda Phillips Prentis; Brothers-In-Law, Derrick Jenkins and Rupert Roberts, Jr., Nieces, Cheryl Thomson, Linette Thomas-Tyler, Juliette Smith; Charmaine Venzen, Norma Parsons, Shawna L., Kishma S., Chenelle, Melissa, and Jasmine Francis, Nichole Jenkins; Nephews, Luis Rosario, Walter and Michael Thomson, Jermaine John, Michael Jenkins, Jamal, Xavier, and Randolph Francis; Cousins, Glenroy Smith, Bastanio David, III, Lauritz David, Cheryl Hermon, Glenora, Glenda, Linda, and Glencia Joseph, Coreen Rodgers-Reed, John Trotman, Jr., Morales Trotman, Glenn, Desiree, Lucita, and Sonell Francis, Emile Francis, Jr., Laurie L. Francis-Venzen, Ray, Duane, Delma Laverne, Emmett, and Roy Francis, Isa and Diane Shachove, Martha Luis, Other family including The Benjamin, Hermon, Francis, Monsanto, Birch, Mulraine, Trotman, DeCastro, Donadelle, and Vessup Families, Special Friends, Linton and Marilyn Rabsatt, Clarence “Plow” White, Atty. Stylish Willis, Tyel Lawrence, Franklin Connor, Wayne Hodge, John Prevost, Alberto “Junie” King, Dennis Frett, Daylight Bakery Crew, 3MJV Auto Sales, and other family and friends, too numerous to mention.

The viewing is scheduled for Friday, May 16, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., at New Herrnhut Moravian Church. A service will follow immediately at 10 a.m. Interment will take place at Francis Cemetery in Smith Bay.

Tributes may be sent to: francistributes@gmail.com. Flowers and wreaths may be sent to Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. 

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

Pre-Hurricane Season Bulk Waste Cleanup

Mat Probasco
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Pre-Hurricane Season Bulk Waste Cleanup

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority will host a Pre-Hurricane Residential White Goods and Bulk Waste Clean-up on St. Thomas on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 15, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Residents are invited to bring bulk waste items such as furniture, mattresses, carpets, grills, and other bulky items, as well as white goods such as stoves, dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters, and other appliances to the Cancryn and Nazareth Bin Sites and the Mandahl Convenience Center.

Commercial waste, construction debris, electronic devices, fats, green waste, and used motor/cooking oil are not permitted at the bin sites; they need to be disposed of at the landfills and transfer station.

VIWMA thanks the community in advance for their participation.

For more information, contact Ms. Stevens at 340-473-0246 or email communications@viwma.org.

Weekend Violence Claims Two Lives in Separate St. Thomas Shootings

Source Staff
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Weekend Violence Claims Two Lives in Separate St. Thomas Shootings

Two men were killed and another wounded in separate shootings on St. Thomas over the Carnival weekend, jolting the community and forcing an early shutdown of the season’s final celebration. The killings – one on Saturday night and the other late Sunday – are being investigated separately by the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit.

The most recent shooting occurred late Sunday. Around 11:49 p.m., the VIPD’s Shot Spotter system detected multiple gunshots in the Fort Pladsen area of Charlotte Amalie, near the Village grounds. At the same time, a 911 call came in reporting that two men had been shot and needed immediate medical help.

Officers responding to the scene found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One was rushed to Schneider Regional Medical Center. The other, who had no signs of life, was pronounced dead at the scene at 11:59 p.m. by emergency medical technicians.

Police have not yet released the deceased man’s name, pending notification of next of kin. The case remains under investigation, and no arrests have been made.

This death marks the fifth homicide on St. Thomas and the 12th in the territory, according to the Source Homicide List.*

Just 24 hours earlier, on Saturday night, May 3, gunfire erupted inside the Carnival Village, forcing a premature end to the weekend’s final festivities.

VIPD officers were called to the Fort Christian Parking Lot, where they found a man unresponsive near the restroom walkway. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim was later identified as 26-year-old Franky Matthew.

The Carnival Village was promptly shut down at 12:15 a.m. Sunday, canceling the remainder of the night’s performances. Police have not released details on a motive or suspect.

VIPD’s Major Crimes Unit is actively investigating both cases and urging anyone with information to come forward. Tips can be submitted to the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-714-9823 or 340-714-9829, to VIPD directly at 340-774-2211, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-TIPS.

*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.

Impressive Performances by VI Track Athletes

Mat Probasco
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Impressive Performances by VI Track Athletes

On May 3, Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith showcased her exceptional talent by securing second place in the 400m hurdles at the LSU Invitational held at Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Smith, representing the University of Georgia, completed the race in an impressive time of 54.62 seconds The event was fiercely competitive, with professional athlete and Olympian Anna Cockrell taking the first place with a time of 53.84 seconds.

Nicola Peters (Submitted photo)

Smith’s performance was very commendable, as she managed to put down a qualifying mark for the World Athletic Championship for a second time as a freshman at the University of Georgia. This achievement underscores her exceptional talent.

Michelle Smith is set to compete next at the SEC Championship in Lexington Kentucky from May 15 – 17.

On May 3, Virgin Islands Track and Field member Mikaela Smith delivered an outstanding performance at the East Coast Relays held in Jacksonville, Florida. Competing in the 800m event, Smith finished second in her heat, clocking a personal best time of 2:08.09.

Virgin Islands Track and Field Team member Nicola Peters, a freshman sprinter at Jacksonville State University, competed in the 2025 Outdoor Music City Challenge held at the VanderBilt Outdoor Track in Nashville Tennessee. Peters competed in the 100m, 200m and 4×100 relay.

Michelle Smith (Submitted photo)

In the 100m preliminaries, Peters secured a 5th place finish with a time of 12.05 seconds, which qualified her for the finals. In the final she finished 8th with a time of 12.21 seconds. In the 200m event, Peters achieved 3rd place in her heat with a time of 24.91 seconds. Additionally, Peters anchored the Jacksonville State University 4x100m relay team, helping them to a 5th place finish with a time of 47.46 seconds.

Virgin Islands Track and Field Team member Sofia Swindell, a senior at The Lawrenceville School, competed on May 3, at the Puma East Coast International Showcase 2025 in Baltimore, MD. Swindell competed in the preliminary rounds of the 100m Hurdles where she won her heat in 13.96 to advance to the final. In the final of the 100m Hurdles Swindell ran a huge personal record of 13.90. Swindell also competed in the 200m where she finished 6th in her heat with a time of 24.69.

Virgin Islands Track and Field Team member Malique Smith competed in the UCF Knights Invite held in Orlando, Florida. .

In the 400m hurdles, Smith finished 3rd with a commendable time of 51.71 seconds. Smith also competed in the 400m, where he finished 5th in his heat with a time of 48.81 seconds.

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