The V.I. Department of Health mailed nearly 500 letters to parents who received vaccine exemptions for their children. (Submitted photo)
The V.I. Department of Health mailed nearly 500 letters to parents who received vaccine exemptions for their children Friday, according to a statement released Saturday. With more than 1,000 cases documented on the mainland across 31 states, and 14 active outbreaks confirmed, local health officials urged unvaccinated families to reconsider.
More than 50 percent of Virgin Islands children under the age of 6 have not received the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine — dramatically higher than the mainland. More than 90 percent of children on the mainland have received the MMR vaccine by age 2, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
“We are very concerned about measles reaching our shores, especially as individuals and families travel to and from the U.S. Virgin Islands for summer vacation,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said in a written statement. “This is a critical time to take preventative action.”
Roughly 96 percent of the mainland measles cases are unvaccinated people, and 30 percent are children under the age of 5. Three measles-related deaths have been reported – two children and one adult.
The letters sent out Friday strongly encouraged families to take immediate steps to protect their children by vaccinating them against measles, mumps, and rubella, Encarnacion said.
“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses known, and unvaccinated children are at significant risk of becoming seriously ill if exposed,” Encarnacion wrote in the letter. “We are deeply concerned by the growing number of cases on the mainland and want to prevent a similar outbreak here in the Virgin Islands
The letter outlined measles infection dangers, including complications such as pneumonia, brain swelling or encephalitis, hearing loss, and even death. It emphasizes that two doses of the MMR vaccine provide 97 percent protection against measles and is considered both safe and effective by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.
The three-in-one injection has been widely used since 1971.
Health officials stressed that unvaccinated individuals not only risk their own health, but also the well-being of vulnerable members of the community—such as infants under 1 year of age, individuals with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
“Vaccination remains the best and most reliable defense we have,” Encarnacion said. “We’re asking parents to act now, not just for their children, but for the health of the entire community.”
The territory’s health officials have been warning for many years that the Virgin Islands, with the nation’s worst vaccination rate, is at high risk for measles.
Workers in the U.S. Virgin Islands earned an average hourly wage of $24.82 in May 2024, significantly below the national average of $32.66, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The findings, part of the agency’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey, highlight disparities in wages and employment concentrations between the territory and the rest of the United States.
Acting Regional Commissioner Mark J. Maggi reported that legal, management, and computer and mathematical occupations were among the highest paid in the territory, with average hourly wages of $46.21, $44.79, and $41.08, respectively. Lower-paying fields included building and grounds cleaning and maintenance at $16.51 per hour, and sales and related occupations at $17.88, according to the press release.
The OEWS data show that employment in the U.S. Virgin Islands is concentrated in a few major occupational groups. Office and administrative support roles accounted for 13.7 percent of the workforce, followed by food preparation and serving-related jobs at 12.6 percent and sales and related positions at 9.5 percent. Occupations with the lowest local employment included architecture and engineering (0.4 percent), legal (0.7 percent), and arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media (0.8 percent), the press release stated.
Office and administrative support was used to illustrate the range of available occupational data. The territory had 4,660 workers in that category, earning an average hourly wage of $20.90, below the national average of $24.12. Notable occupations within this group included 660 secretaries and administrative assistants (excluding legal, medical, and executive), 580 general office clerks, and 560 first-line supervisors. Among the best-paid positions in the group were postal service clerks, earning $30.54 per hour, and postal service mail carriers at $27.98. Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks earned $14.23 per hour, while tellers earned $15.42, the release stated.
The report also provided location quotients, which measure the concentration of an occupation in a given area compared to the national average. The Virgin Islands showed significantly higher concentrations in several office and administrative support roles. Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks were employed at nearly eight times the national rate (7.96), while hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks were employed at nearly four times the U.S. average (3.91). The employment share for medical secretaries and administrative assistants matched the national rate, with a location quotient of 1.00, it said.
The OEWS survey is a joint effort between the BLS and State Workforce Agencies. In this case, data collection was conducted by the Virgin Islands Labor Department. The territory’s survey included 674 establishments and achieved a response rate of 89 percent, it said.
A graphic showing the current drought status across USVI and Puerto Rico. Both U.S. territories remain free of drought. (Photo courtesy of NIDIS/Drought Report)
Recent rainfall across the region has kept the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico free of drought, with no immediate concerns for drought development. The wet weather has also led to lifting burn bans across the U.S.V.I., except on Water Island, where restrictions remain.
An image indicating rainfall deviation from normal across Puerto Rico. While a U.S.V.I. map is unavailable, both U.S. territories have received abundant precipitation. (Photo courtesy NWS San Juan, Puerto Rico, and NIDIS/Drought Report)
Plentiful Precipitation Across the U.S.V.I. and Puerto Rico in April
Atmospheric conditions throughout April created favorable conditions for abundant rainfall. The NIDIS report provided details about the rainfall collected across the region, noting that drought conditions are unlikely to develop anytime soon.
“Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands have been drought-free since late April 2024 and late February 2024, respectively,” the NIDIS explained. “The onset of the early wet season brought an astonishing amount of rainfall to the territories. In just a 16-day period, areas in the mountains of Puerto Rico collected over 20 inches of rainfall, (and) the rain was so widespread that every location in the islands is currently showing a surplus in precipitation,” the NIDIS stated.
A rainbow appears over lush greenery on the northside of St. Croix on May 1, after excessive rainfall during the month of April. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
“Rainfall amounts are well above normal in the Virgin Islands, too, based on data collected from the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network, which is keeping the soils wet and the vegetation healthy,” the NIDIS stated. “Charlotte Amalie Airport recorded its fourth wettest April on record with 6.37 inches, which is nearly three times its expected monthly total. The groundwater levels in the U.S. Virgin Islands improved, too. To view U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) monitoring well levels, visit the USGS Virgin Islands water conditions page.”
“Currently, there is no concern for any of the major water reservoirs, fire ignition, or vegetation stress,” the NIDIS noted. “However, water levels in wells in south-southeast Puerto Rico have not improved with the recent rains,” the report added.
Rainfall Impacts Across the Local Region
The report detailed the overall impacts of the heavy precipitation on both U.S. territories, noting issues such as isolated flooding, road erosion, and ponding on roadways. It also provided an in-depth look at agricultural effects, with farmers and agriculturalists reporting benefits and drawbacks. While the rain supported some crop growth, it also led to problems such as soil erosion, increased pests, and weeds.
The NIDIS reported several impacts due to excessive rainfall, including erosion, across Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.. (Photo courtesy Samuel Rodriguez, NIDIS/Drought Report)
The following information was shared regarding the overall effects of the rainfall:
“Puerto Rico Impacts: An extremely wet period led to flood, flash flood, and landslide impacts for a large portion of Puerto Rico. Even though the south-southeast coast of Puerto Rico also received rain, it was not enough to replenish groundwater across these regions,” according to the NIDIS report.
“U.S. Virgin Islands Impacts: Farmers in the USVI appreciated recent rains that left the USVI wet. Currently, there is neither dryness nor drought. Regular rainfall improved groundwater levels on St. Thomas and St. Croix in the USVI, while St. John has had intermittent rain with less groundwater improvement. Sporadic rain continues to saturate the soil. In agricultural areas on St. Thomas and St. Croix, impacts of erosion are ongoing, with Bordeaux farmers on St. Thomas reporting some roads impassable due to recent downpours. Wetter conditions spread toward most of the Virgin Islands, erasing any dryness that developed by mid-March,” continued the report.
No Drought Expected in the Coming Months; Burn Ban Update
The NIDIS does not expect drought conditions to develop over the next few months.
A photo of Mary’s Point on St. John, indicates lush conditions across the region. (Photo courtesy Rafe Boulon, NIDIS/Drought Report)
“No drought is expected to develop over the next three months in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s current Seasonal Drought Outlook,” the NIDIS report said.
Current conditions have led to the lifting of burn bans across the USVI, except for Water Island.
“The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services announces the immediate lifting of the territorial burn ban, which had been in effect since April 9, 2025,” according to a press release on May 8 from VIFEMS. “This decision follows careful consideration of current environmental conditions and the safety measures in place to help prevent brush fires.”
Importantly, a burn ban will remain in effect for Water Island.
“While certain burn restrictions have been eased across St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix due to improved weather conditions and fire risk assessments, open burning of any kind remains strictly prohibited on Water Island,” VIFEMS asserted in a separate press release. “This longstanding policy remains in effect to protect the island’s natural landscape and ensure the safety of the community.”
Above Average Temperatures and More Precipitation Possible
The NIDS report concluded with information regarding computer forecast models that expect rainfall to be slightly above or near normal levels through the summer. Additionally, there is a significant chance that above-normal temperatures will affect the local islands over the coming months.
“The North American Multi-Model Ensemble (forecast) for summer (June through August 2025) indicates near-normal precipitation for Puerto Rico, and slightly wetter than normal for the Virgin Islands. Additionally, there is a 50 to 60 percent chance that temperatures will remain above normal through the summer months.
Stay Informed About the Weather
Residents and agriculturalists can stay updated on the latest drought information on the NIDIS website. Additionally, the local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel.
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, and USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared. NOAA plans to release this year’s hurricane season predictions on May 22, and individuals will be able to locate the forecast on the administration’s official website.
Steve Chmura and Shannon Manns in the Mutiny Vodka dining room, seated on chairs with table tops created from recycled plastic by RePlastic Recycle. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Two companies that talk about “sustainability,” Mutiny Island Vodka and RePlastic Recycle, recently collaborated to furnish one location with recycled plastic table tops and chairs while ridding the other, and St. Croix, of more than 2,300 pounds of plastic refuse.
Shannon Manns of Mutiny Island Vodka, which makes distilled spirits from breadfruit, contracted RePlastic Recycle when she needed to outfit the distillery and restaurant with furniture. She finalized a deal for more than a dozen sturdy plastic tabletops and dozens of chairs.
“So, their brand works with ours. We’re an eco-conscious brand. Our facilities run on solar power. Our tag line is ‘better cocktails, better planet.’ When I was shopping around for furniture, I knew I needed to get with RePlastic Recycle, so not only is our back of house eco-conscious, our dining room is eco-conscious. It’s become quite the conversation piece, and I hope it continues the momentum and spreads the word that they’re doing some amazing things for the island,” she said.
For RePlastic Recycle co-founder and chief executive officer Steve Chmura and the staff of five, it began almost three months of intense work to complete the project. Since opening their doors more than two years ago, they have made various items of plastic, including children’s chairs and Adirondack lounges.
“It’s (Mutiny) the first big project we’ve done, because we collected all of the plastic here on the island. The plastic isn’t dyed — color is the plastic we’ve collected. Gain green, Arm and Hammer yellow, and Surf blue,” Chmura explained.
“You can fill this dining room twice with the amount of bottles it took to make the tables and chairs,” he said.
RePlastic Recycle accepts cottage cheese and milk containers, detergent and fryer oil containers, and other number two and number five plastics.
“Anything that has food in it, that’s not clear, we take,” Chmura said.
The process begins with breaking the plastic into pieces and shredding it. Then, it is washed and separated by color into containers. Then, a sheet press forces the plastic to the desired thickness, and ultraviolet protection and hardeners are added.
In the near future, Chmura said extruding will allow more plastic to be processed in less time. Eventually, they hope to make bricks to rebuild after hurricanes.
Currently, Chmura said they are looking for at least 10,000 square feet for a new home to expand the business. Recently, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with V.I. Waste Management Authority, and eventually will start using WMA collection stations.
“As we are moving down the road, we’ll have a lot more options.”
Before settling on St. Croix, Chmura and his wife sailed to various Caribbean islands for five years researching plastic use and disposal. He has an engineering background and has owned several businesses, making him “a serial entrepreneur.”
Liam and Olivia hold strong for sixth consecutive year as top names for babies. (Shutterstock image)
For the sixth consecutive year, Olivia and Liam have claimed the top spots as the most popular baby names in the United States, according to data released by the Social Security Administration.
Emma and Noah also held steady in second place for girls and boys, respectively, marking a continued trend of families favoring familiar choices. Notably, the name Luna has fallen out of the girls’ Top 10, replaced for the first time by Sofia at number 10, according to the press release.
The agency, which has tracked baby name data since 1997 using information provided when parents apply for Social Security numbers at birth, releases its list of the 1,000 most popular names each year as part of its Mother’s Day tradition. The complete list can be found at www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames.
“As Mother’s Day nears, we remember the incredible impact that mothers have on our lives,” said Social Security Commissioner Frank Bisignano in a press release. “Growing up with a working mom, I witnessed firsthand the dedication, resilience, and balance it takes to juggle both career and family. Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers in our lives who inspire us and set an example for future generations.”
Most families apply for their child’s Social Security number during the hospital stay after birth. An SSN is required to claim a child as a dependent for tax purposes, open a bank account in the child’s name, or buy savings bonds. More information is available in the agency’s publication “Social Security Numbers for Children.”
Here are the top 10 names for boys and girls in 2024:
Boys:
Liam
Noah
Oliver
Theodore
James
Henry
Mateo
Elijah
Lucas
William
Girls:
Olivia
Emma
Amelia
Charlotte
Mia
Sophia
Isabella
Evelyn
Ava
Sofia
In addition to ranking the most popular names, the SSA also tracks names rising fastest in popularity. For 2024, the boys’ name Truce — meaning “peace” — made the biggest leap, jumping 11,118 spots to land at No. 991. Among girls, Ailany, which means “chief,” saw the sharpest rise.
Committee chair Sen. Kurt Vialet advocated for better educational services for students with disabilities (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
In a hearing that stretched across several hours Friday, senators on the Education and Workforce Development Committee confronted agency leaders with a wave of concerns over persistent gaps in special education services across the territory. At the heart of the discussion: a growing backlog of student evaluations, a critical shortage of specialized staff, and the long-term impact on students left without timely support.
“We can’t just keep doing the same things over and over and expect different results,” said committee Chair Sen. Kurt Vialet. “Students are being streamed into general education classrooms with teachers who haven’t been trained in special education,” he continued. “And when the curriculum moves too fast, their behaviors are seen as acting out. That’s not fair to the teachers or the students.”
Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington and her team provided detailed testimony on the scale of the challenges. As of Friday, the St. Croix District reported a backlog of approximately 250 evaluations, while the St. Thomas-St. John district cited 180 reevaluations and 80 new referrals pending. Officials said the summer months would be used to process as many as 60 evaluations in St. Croix and a comparable portion on St. Thomas, using a team of 20 professionals, including school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, social workers, and diagnosticians.
But senators said the timeline isn’t fast enough. “We’re talking about children who should have been evaluated in first grade, who don’t get placed until third grade. That’s two years lost,” Vialet said. “If you don’t catch them early, you’re designing a system for them to fail.” Officials acknowledged the issue, with St. Croix Special Education Director Tanya Lockhart and her St. Thomas counterpart, Ellen Masters, agreeing that prioritizing early evaluations is key. Still, both noted that staffing and funding constraints remain a barrier.
Those resource gaps were echoed in testimony submitted by Education, which also reported a drop in federal IDEA funding from $85 million to $73 million. The cuts came just as more students are qualifying for services. VIDE has petitioned for an increase, but in the meantime, local funds have been diverted to cover staffing costs, leaving little left for supplies or contracted evaluations. Deputy Commissioner Renee Charleswell explained that $4.7 million was allocated for St. Croix and $4.8 million for St. Thomas-St. John, but most of it is now consumed by salaries.
Staffing shortages — particularly of speech-language pathologists, school psychologists, special education teachers, and behavioral therapists — have placed increasing pressure on educators. Orange Tree Staffing, the agency contracted to help fill many of those roles, testified that recruitment remains difficult due to high living costs, housing shortages, and workload expectations. They recommended earlier contract finalization, clearer evaluation processes, and the creation of a standardized onboarding guide for professionals.
In the classroom, these gaps translate to real strain. Sen. Avery Lewis described a visit to a classroom where one teacher was responsible for five students with drastically different needs, including nonverbal autism, visual impairments, and extreme behavioral challenges. “People don’t realize how hard our special education teachers work,” he said. “And when a class has multiple grade levels and multiple disabilities, every single thing has to be differentiated. That takes training, time, and support.”
Wells-Hedrington noted that special education teachers receive the same base salary as other educators, along with a small stipend. While she confirmed that the promised $50,000 starting salary for teachers has been implemented, she agreed that incentives for specialized staff should be on the table in upcoming union negotiations.
Lawmakers also took issue with the lack of career preparation for students with disabilities, both in terms of postsecondary readiness and workforce inclusion. The Department of Labor reported that out of nearly 1,000 job seekers served last year, only 42 disclosed a disability, and just two were placed in jobs. Senators were quick to point out the gap between K – 12 supports and adult services.
“We need to start planting the seed in elementary school,” said Sen. Dwayne DeGraff. “If we’re serious about solving this, we should be growing our own teachers, our own behavioral specialists – starting now.” DeGraff said he had heard similar testimony before and challenged education officials to bring solutions, not just updates.
“I’ll take probably the majority of these testimonies, cut and paste them around a different date … and we are in the same state as we were a year ago,” he said.
The University of the Virgin Islands echoed the importance of early intervention, citing national studies showing improved lifelong outcomes and reduced future educational costs. UVI Dean Karen Brown emphasized that while the university offers accommodations under the Rehabilitation Act, many students don’t self-disclose their disabilities, often out of fear of stigma. Her testimony called for greater training in inclusive practices, expanded early childhood services, and territory-wide public education campaigns to shift perceptions.
Despite nods to progress — such as grant-funded summer evaluations, career academies, and expanding interagency partnerships — senators remained cautious. “Too often we hear the same thing, just dressed up in a new chart or with a different date,” DeGraff said. “But if we’re serious about building a better future, then we need to start now — with early intervention, real training, and the funding to back it up.”
As the hearing adjourned, lawmakers promised continued oversight and insisted that future budgets reflect not just legal obligations, but a moral one: to give every student – regardless of ability – a fair shot at learning, leading, and succeeding.
Sen. Carla J. Joseph chairs the Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary Thursday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
The Senate Committee on Rules and Judiciary voted Thursday to confirm three of the governor’s nominees and approved legislation that would require health care providers to share critical information when prescribing opioids.
The committee, chaired by Sen. Carla J. Joseph, gave the green light to Carolyn Hermon-Percell for the University of the Virgin Islands board of trustees, Winston M. A. Williams Jr. for the Virgin Islands Board of Contractors, Trades, and Crafts, and Kirk Callwood Sr. for the Banking Board of the U.S. Virgin Islands. All confirmations and legislation will move to the full Legislature for final consideration, according to the press release.
Hermon-Percell, an alumna of UVI, Georgetown University, and Case Western Reserve University School of Law, cited her passion for public service and education as motivation for serving. She acknowledged current challenges at UVI — including enrollment decline and cuts to federal funding — and committed to leveraging her legal background to support the university’s strategic goals, the press release stated.
“UVI is the cornerstone of socioeconomic mobility in the Virgin Islands,” Hermon-Percell said, responding to questions from Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr.
Williams outlined a vision centered on capacity building and regulatory review, noting that the territory is expected to see $20 billion in construction over the next decade. He proposed conducting a SWOT analysis, evaluating fee structures, and creating a contractor scorecard to improve accountability and growth in the sector, the release stated.
Callwood, appointed to the Banking Board for the St. Thomas–St. John district said he would prioritize consumer protection and financial access. His goals include refining licensing and examination practices while advancing financial innovation and increasing capital availability for small businesses, it said.
The committee also approved Bill No. 36-0021, sponsored by Sen. Marvin A. Blyden and co-sponsored by Sens. Ray Fonseca and Kurt A. Vialet. The legislation amends Title 19 of the Virgin Islands Code to require medical practitioners to review key information with patients when prescribing opioid medications, it said.
Committee members present included Sens. Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Alma Francis Heyliger, Angel Bolques Jr., Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kenneth L. Gittens.
All approved items will move to the full Senate floor for a final vote in the coming weeks.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands Adam Sleeper has been nominated to officially fill the position. (Source file photo)
The White House has nominated Adam Francis Sleeper to be the next U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands, replacing Delia L. Smith, who abruptly vacated the post April 15.
The nomination Tuesday would elevate Sleeper, who had been the acting U.S. Attorney since Smith’s departure, to be the top federal prosecutor in the territory.
Since joining the Virgin Islands U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sleeper has been attached to hundreds of cases — both older closed cases under review or appeal and new cases, many involving undocumented migrants and illicit drug charges, according to court records.
Sleeper did not respond to requests for comment on the nomination but a senior official at the U.S. Attorney’s Office said they had no comment. The position requires congressional approval.
U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president, while the attorney general is either elected by the people or appointed by the governor, as is the case in the USVI.
Sleeper is a career prosecutor with the United States Attorney’s Office. He has served as First Assistant U.S. Attorney and as Appellate Chief.
Sleeper received an undergraduate degree from Connecticut College and a law degree from Cornell Law School. Before joining the Justice Department, he clerked for Judge Curtis Gómez of the District Court of the Virgin Islands and Judge Joel Carson III of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. He also worked as an associate in the Boston, Massachusetts office of an international law firm, the release stated.
Plaintiffs in a civil suit against the V.I. Water and Power Authority gave notice Friday that they will take their case to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals after a V.I. District Court judge ruled in March that their due process claims against WAPA may proceed but dismissed all other counts against the utility and the private contractors that installed its so-called smart meter system.
The dismissed counts alleged violations under the federal False Claims Act, the Virgin Islands Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act, and a product liability claim related to cybersecurity vulnerabilities in the electrical grid. The count that remains alleges WAPA violated the plaintiffs’ 14th Amendment rights when it failed to provide due process before threatening or cutting off electricity services tied to a faulty metering system.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Juan R. Sánchez narrowed the scope of the lawsuit considerably but left the door open for legal scrutiny of WAPA’s internal procedures and the statutory protections afforded to customers.
At the heart of the case is WAPA’s 2014 contract with Tantalus Systems and Itron Networked Services Inc. to replace its analog meters with a digital Advanced Metering Infrastructure system. The $13 million project was financed in part by a loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and was promoted as a cost-saving measure that would eliminate the need for meter readers and allow customers to monitor real-time usage.
However, the plaintiffs alleged that Tantalus and Itron knowingly misrepresented the functionality of the AMI system to secure the USDA loan and that they submitted false invoices for “services not performed and faulty equipment.”
According to the plaintiffs — a mix of individual residents and local businesses, including KH, RV, Gordon Ackley, Gasworks Inc., and Fruit Bowl Inc. — the AMI system never worked as promised. They allege that WAPA continues to estimate bills because the meters cannot reliably report usage, resulting in frequent overbilling.
During a meeting of the V.I. Public Services Commission in August, WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight said the authority would have to continue relying on estimated billing until the system could be replaced because the existing AMI hadn’t worked properly since hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
One plaintiff in the lawsuit said he relied solely on a generator for an entire billing period, yet still received a high-usage bill. Another was charged thousands of dollars during a time when his family was out of town. Several plaintiffs reported receiving disconnection notices after unsuccessfully disputing charges with WAPA’s customer service. Ackley, one of the named plaintiffs, had his service temporarily shut off for nonpayment of what he claims was an incorrect bill and continues to receive disconnection warnings.
These billing issues are compounded by what the plaintiffs describe as a lack of transparency and recourse. Virgin Islands law allows customers to appeal unresolved disputes to the Public Services Commission, but plaintiffs argue that the process is ineffective and, in practice, unavailable. The complaint points to the experience of plaintiff Johann Clendenin, who served as a commissioner of the PSC and said he was “beset with Virgin Islanders complaining about their bills,” none of which were resolved through the commission.
The plaintiffs further alleged that the PSC “never provided the ratepayers with notice and implemented formalized procedures to resolve customer complaints.” Taken together, the court found the allegations sufficient to support the claim that WAPA violated the plaintiffs’ right to due process under the 14th Amendment by failing to provide meaningful procedures before terminating or threatening to terminate service.
The plaintiffs’ remaining claims, however, did not survive, with the court ruling that the allegations were too vague, lacking the specific details required under the heightened pleading standards for fraud. Sánchez noted that “Plaintiffs conclusorily allege a false claims scheme without details,” and emphasized that they failed to provide “any details on the services that were not performed or the alleged faulty equipment.”
Itron has since filed a motion for an award of attorneys’ fees in the amount of $164,272.
In February, WAPA’s governing board voted to award Itron a four-year, $30 million contract to replace the failed Advanced Metering Infrastructure, or AMI. The short list of vendors considered for the FEMA-funded project included Aclara, Honeywell, Landis+Gyr and Itron. WAPA electrical engineer Belgrave Stedman said during a presentation to the governing board that Itron provided the most complete bid and scored highest based on technological criteria. Itron’s proposal was rated second in cost-effectiveness.
The Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort pool and park celebrated its grand opening Friday in Frederiksted on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort and Park officially opened to the public Friday in Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Following a ribbon-cutting attended by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., V.I. Disaster Recovery Office Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien, contractor J. Benton, president and founder James Benton, and other officials, residents gathered Friday afternoon to celebrate the predominantly FEMA-funded reopening of the west end’s only public pool.
“It’s very good that we have the pool open, because at least the kids them have something to do this summer,” said Maddy Martinez, who just moved back to St. Croix.
Ynaia Ramos, 6, above, and Janae Isaac, 7, below, enjoy an inflatable obstacle course during an opening celebration for the Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort Friday afternoon in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Friday’s “Family Fun Day” boasted music, bounce houses, carnival games, a petting zoo, and a smorgasbord of free food for kids and adults. In a statement this week, Bryan said the event was part of his administration’s Healthier Horizons initiative to improve and encourage use of the territory’s public recreational spaces.
“Our goal is simple. We want to support the health and wellness of our residents. By revitalizing these public spaces, we are investing in our people and the future of the Virgin Islands,” he said.
Rayah Jackson, 1, gets acquainted with the water jets in the shallow area of the Vincent F. Mason Sr. pool with help from Stacey Aay Friday afternoon on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Deputy Health Commissioner Janis Valmond testified to the public health benefits of a recreational space like the Vincent F. Mason Coral Resort and Park Friday afternoon.
“First of all, we need our Vitamin D. We need the 15 minutes of Vitamin D every day. So being able to be outdoors is one benefit of the public pool, she said before noting that swimming is one of the best things people can do to foster cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for Virgin Islanders,” Valmond said.
Valmond encouraged “families to come out, be physically active out here, enjoy the water, enjoy the swimming, enjoy the environment, and just always, always understand that being able to do that is a benefit overall for health — but definitely for chronic disease conditions that tend to plague our community.”
Voltage Volleyball VI’s Leiani Byron lines up a serve at the beach volleyball area in the Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort Friday afternoon on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Migdalia Nieves told the Source she was among the first to take advantage of the reopened pool when she took a therapy swim Friday afternoon.
“I’ve been coming here for over 10 years, but I had stopped as I got older — a lot of kids grown, so. But I’m back here for me, now,” she said before explaining the therapeutic value of swimming in a pool versus the beach.
“I hope everybody remember — the west side, from east to west, wherever — come and enjoy the pool,” she said. “Keep the area clean … and no issues. And just have fun with each other’s neighbors here at the pool. Weekend, holidays or whatever day.”
