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.”
NOAA uses environmental satellites and global weather observations to gather data, which is then processed through Numerical Weather Prediction models to generate forecasts. (Photo courtesy World Meteorological Organization)
Artificial intelligence is expanding into new frontiers, including one of the most complex: weather forecasting. Still, experts caution that human judgment remains vital to the forecasting process.
“Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models, such as the GFS and the ECMWF models, take these atmospheric data, create a snapshot of the current atmosphere, and run highly complex calculations to predict what the atmosphere will do next,” according to the World Meteorological Organization. “Meteorologists then use the NWP model outputs, called ‘forecast guidance,’ to help aid them in preparing their weather forecasts,” the WMO said.
“This approach has revolutionized weather forecasting, resulting in dramatic improvements in forecasting accuracy,” the WMO stated. “To be effective, NWP models require an accurate understanding of the current state of the atmosphere, including its temperature, pressure, and water vapor at different levels of the atmosphere and from around the Earth,” the WMO said. (This data is primarily obtained by environmental satellites and weather observations around the globe.)
Despite their sophistication, the GFS and ECMWF models have limitations, including occasional accuracy issues and restrictions based on how often the models are initialized daily.
Artificial intelligence is expected to play an expanding role in helping meteorologists produce accurate weather forecasts. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
Hogsett first explained how the current major forecast models aid meteorologists.
“The global numerical models, such as the GFS and ECMWF, are similar in that they solve the equations that govern the atmosphere,” Hogsett stated. “In doing so, each model makes assumptions about different atmospheric processes (such as) how clouds and storms develop, for example, and these assumptions lead to slightly different forecast outputs among the models.”
He clarified how the numerical forecast models, based on physics, differ from AI prediction systems.
“The end goal of physics-based and AI-driven approaches is the same: to predict future weather hazards as accurately as possible,” Hogsett said. “However, instead of solving the physical equations of the atmosphere, the AI-driven models essentially learn patterns by training models with vast amounts of historical data. AI models require less computational power to produce a forecast, so they run faster than traditional (numerical) models,” he noted.
“However, the AI model training process requires vast amounts of historical analyses, which are actually produced by traditional models,” said Hogsett. “So, in that sense, traditional models and AI systems are highly complementary.”
Hogsett went on to describe how AI-driven weather forecasting is rapidly evolving.
“The use of AI in weather forecasting is accelerating,” Hogsett acknowledged. “While simple forms of AI have been used for many years, new tools are emerging more quickly than ever. The ECMWF, for example, has operationalized a new AI-driven global forecast system, which will be available this hurricane season. More AI-based tools and models are certainly coming, and we’re evaluating them all thoroughly for potential integration into forecast operations,” he said.
Advancing Weather Forecasting with AI in the Caribbean
Artificial intelligence tools have the potential to enhance the accuracy of climate predictions globally, including in the Caribbean region, where AI tools will be especially beneficial for tracking hurricanes.
NOAA’s Weather and Climate Operational Supercomputing System powers advanced forecasting and climate modeling. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“We are just beginning to formally evaluate and incorporate these new models into forecast operations,” Hogsett shared. “It takes time to fully evaluate the skill of new models, and we don’t like to point to a single event’s success or failure as indicative of the overall value of a new tool,” he continued.
“AI-based forecasting models are showing some promise to improve tropical cyclone track forecasts, which of course are critical for the Caribbean,” Hogsett said. “(For example,) there are efforts to develop higher-resolution AI models that may yield benefits for areas with highly localized weather phenomena, such as island communities.”
Why Human Expertise Still Matters in Weather Forecasting
While artificial intelligence models are constantly improving, Hogsett emphasized that there will continue to be a need for human weather forecasters.
“No (forecast) model is perfect, (but) models have always been, and will continue to be, very important tools that have strengths and weaknesses,” Hogsett acknowledged. “The role of trained meteorologists isn’t changing; we are experts on not only the science of the weather, but also on the strengths and weaknesses of the tools that we use. Most importantly, we use this knowledge to communicate the uncertainty that informs the decisions that (the public) must make,” he added.
“AI models are critically dependent on their training data, (and) most of the current generation AI models are trained on relatively coarse-resolution data,” Hogsett explained. “(Therefore,) they are not yet able to capture fine-scale details, such as thunderstorms and hurricane structure,” he continued. “This missing fine-scale detail is often where the most severe hazards occur, so human expertise is critical.”
Cultivating Public Trust
As artificial intelligence starts to play a bigger role in weather forecasting, Hogsett noted that public trust remains critical. Hogsett said that new tools like AI are tested before being utilized in forecasts, and no matter how advanced the tech gets, the core mission of protecting lives and property stays the same.
“Building and maintaining public trust is part of our job (as meteorologists) that we take very seriously,” Hogsett asserted. “Any new tools and technologies undergo a rigorous evaluation, often over several years to fully understand how the tools perform in many different scenarios, before they become a core component of our forecast and risk communication process,” he emphasized.
“As meteorologists, we have collaborated well with machines for decades,” Hogsett pointed out. “AI may change the way we collaborate with machines, but it won’t change our core mission focus of saving life and property,” he concluded.
Stay Informed About the Weather
Hurricane season begins on June 1 and runs through Nov. 30, and USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to be prepared. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 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.
Press Conference at Bethlehem Soccer Stadium on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Soccer Federation)
A press conference was held Thursday at the Bethlehem Soccer Stadium on St. Croix, marking the return of CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani to the island for the first time in six years.
Montagliani was last on St. Croix to witness the dedication of the only FIFA-certified football pitch in the Caribbean.
During the press conference, Montagliani reflected on the progress made in local football since his last visit, underscoring the growing support for the sport in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This occasion highlights the increasing recognition and investment in football here in the Virgin Islands,” Montagliani said. “FIFA is a global governing body with 211 members, and the USVI is proud to be one of them. One of the great things about FIFA is that it operates on the principle of one member, one vote. CONCACAF, which is one of FIFA’s six confederations, now has 41 members, and we’re thrilled to see the progress being made.”
Yohannes Worede, president of the Virgin Islands Soccer Federation, shared his vision for the future of the sport in the region, emphasizing the importance of grassroots development and coach certification.
“Our goal is to get 10 teams in each division on each island,” Worede said. “But to make that happen, we need to strengthen the foundation. One of our main focuses is getting our coaches certified, and we’re working through that process right now.”
CONCACAF President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani and Yohannes Worede, president of the Virgin Islands Soccer Federation. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Soccer Federation)
Worede explained that while some coaches may not yet have formal certification, efforts are underway to fast-track them into the ‘C’ license program, with the pathway leading up to ‘B’ and ‘A’ licenses, and eventually to professional coaching qualifications.
“It’s a process that will take time, but it’s necessary for the long-term growth of football here,” Worede added.
Montagliani also spoke about his broader vision for leadership in football and the positive changes he’s seen in the sport during his tenure as CONCACAF president.
“When I first took over, football was struggling with governance — not just in terms of corporate governance but real leadership,” Montagliani said. “At CONCACAF, we’ve shifted the focus from leadership being about power to leadership being about service.”
Montagliani, a lifelong advocate for football’s universal appeal, concluded with a reflection on the sport’s ability to unite people worldwide.
“Football has given me everything in my life,” he said. “The beauty of this game is that it doesn’t speak a language, it’s not about gender, religion, or politics. It connects people on the field, and it brings everyone into the game. There’s nothing like it.”
Montagliani’s visit to St. Croix comes ahead of the 75th FIFA Congress, which begins on Thursday, May 15.
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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
