To raise money for the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release Program and cat food, R.E.A.L. Cruzan Cats is hosting a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Feather Leaf Inn, north of Frederiksted, Saturday from 5-8 p.m.
The four-course gourmet vegan meal will be paired with aperitifs, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One drink will be an island-style Negroni made with Bush Tea Gin from St Thomas, natural sweet vermouth and a choice of three bitters. Natural wines will be paired with each course and fresh bush tea and juices will be available throughout the night, according to Christine Southworth, of RCC.
Guests will be invited after dinner to enjoy a blind bourbon tasting by the pool for those who wish to try different blends.
Throughout the evening, live classical music will be played by clarinetist Evan Ziporyn and classical guitarist Ryan Meyer. They will create a cross-cultural blend of vintage tropical music from Brazil, South Africa, Kenya and the Bahamas.
This is the middle of kitten season and a “purrfect” auction will raise additional funds to help with the unexpected expenses of finding five or 10 newborns every day and also assist in opening the cat sanctuary on the east end of the island.
The so-called Soda Pop Kittens were recently found by RCC volunteers. They are available for adoption soon. (Photo courtesy RCC)
Auction items include stays at Victoria House, The Buccaneer Hotel, Grapetree Bay Hotel, Cottages by the Sea, a dive trip, a sunset sail, dinner for eight, a Dooney & Bourke leather bag, one-of-a-kind silk scarves and artwork.
Tickets are available through realcruzancats.org for $125 each ($50 is tax-deductible), and Southworth said group transportation will be available, if needed.
R.E.A.L. (Rescue, Educate, Adopt, Love) Cruzan Cats is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, started in 2016. Up until now, the group has placed more than 1,000 cats and kittens, along with several dozen dogs, in homes.
The Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release Program provides traps for community members to capture feral cats that will be neutered and returned to the wild. Because the need in the community is so great, RCC provides more than 500 pounds of cat food monthly to people who cannot afford supplies and to feed several community cat colonies.
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci standing with U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (Photo courtesy EPA)
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands last week to meet with government officials, assess environmental infrastructure, and reinforce the agency’s commitment to supporting both environmental protection and economic development in the territory.
Martucci met with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and key members of the administration to discuss coordinated efforts on landfill management, water quality, and oversight of industrial facilities. The meetings focused on balancing public health protection with strategies for economic growth, according to the press release.
“Supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands starts with strong partnerships, clear regulations, and smart investments that protect public health while supporting economic growth,” Martucci said. “EPA is committed to working alongside U.S. Virgin Islands leaders to ensure cleaner air, water, and land for the communities we serve, without stifling economic prosperity.”
During the visit, Martucci toured the Anguilla Landfill and the Anguilla Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he spoke with local officials about improving waste management practices, reducing pollution, and ensuring environmental compliance. He also met with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Waste Management Authority to discuss long-term solutions for solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment, the press release stated.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Acting Director Daryl Griffith briefs Regional Administrator Michael Martucci at the Anguilla Landfill. (Photo courtesy EPA)
Martucci received a briefing from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on efforts to replace aging drinking water infrastructure in the Clifton Hill area of St. Croix. As part of that visit, WAPA officials demonstrated new meter boxes and valves designed to improve the reliability of water service. Don Gregoire, director of water distribution, briefed Martucci on drinking water challenges affecting local communities as part of the EPA’s regulatory review, the release stated.
Director of Water Distribution Don Gregoire briefs Regional Administrator Michael Martucci on drinking water challenges in a local St. Croix community as part of his assessment of regulatory matters in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy EPA)
The regional administrator also visited Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation and Ocean Point Terminals, where he reiterated EPA’s oversight role in monitoring industrial compliance, mitigating environmental risks, and supporting responsible economic development, the release stated.
Martucci reaffirmed EPA’s support for the territory’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and strengthen environmental safeguards. The agency said it will continue working with government agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders to implement long-term improvements in waste management and water protection across the U.S. Virgin Islands, it said.
A 911 call made without giving a location led police to a scene of a disturbance in Christainsted. (Shutterstock image)
A St. Croix woman was arrested on charges of assault, attempted murder and child abuse. On Friday, 911 emergency call operators sent police to the Mount Welcome area after hearing the screams of children and the sounds of a fight in progress coming over the open call line.
Their search for the source of the call sent police driving around the area until they heard a disturbance and the sound of screaming children coming from an apartment in a section of Christainsted. What they found, according to court documents, were two people — a woman and a disabled man — bleeding from various injuries. Both were rushed to Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment.
Police also encountered signs of an apparent violent struggle with overturned furniture and “blood spattered everywhere throughout the apartment.”
They also saw a woman underneath a flipped sofa pulling the children over to join her. After police failed to persuade the children to open the door, court records said a neighbor appeared with a front door key.
“(The officer) heard a female voice telling the children not to open the front door because the police were going to kill her,” the document said.
As they opened the door, officers said the woman, identified as Tiniqua Knowles, ran out with the children following her. A search of the premises led to the discovery of a male in a bedroom with apparent stab wounds to his face and neck.
“I’m in the bedroom. Help me; I’m bleeding out,” the injured man said.
Police questioned witnesses, including neighbors and the oldest child, who said he was the one who dialed 911. As family members arrived at the scene, they urged the children not to speak to police; instead, they asked for a victim’s advocate and someone from the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix to assist.
Knowles was questioned the following day after being released from the hospital. She told authorities she was reluctant to make a statement because the female officers were related to the wounded man in the apartment; police assured her they were not.
The stabbing victim told investigators he had known Knowles for several years but they had never been in a relationship. He said he received a call from her before the incident, when she said she wanted to come over to his apartment and bring the children with her because she felt uncomfortable staying in the place where they were living.
“(The injured man) stated that he sent his cousin to pick up Ms. Knowles and her children, and his cousin dropped them off at his apartment,” according to court documents.
Upon arrival, he said, Knowles asked for his key to lock his front door, which he allowed her to do. A short while later, as he was in the kitchen preparing food for the visitors, the man said Knowles stabbed him in the neck.
Knowles was later persuaded to visit the Wilbur Francis Police Command, where she underwent questioning and was read her Miranda Rights before being arrested. She was charged with attempted murder, first- and third-degree assault, use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a crime and child abuse.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. leaves the Territory today to attend the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Southeastern Zone Business Meeting in Greenville, South Carolina. In his capacity as the Commissioner of Insurance for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Lieutenant Governor Roach serves as a member of the NAIC and actively participates in various conferences, trainings, and meetings directly funded by the NAIC.
The NAIC provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. Lieutenant Governor Roach currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Southeast Zone which includes fourteen of the Southeast states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
The zone meets to consider issues of the people of that region. Members of the NAIC are grouped into zones which meet periodically to discuss pertinent issues related to the geographic areas contained in each zone.
Lieutenant Governor Roach will return to the Territory on Friday, April11, 2025. During his absence, Senate President Milton E. Potter will assume the duties of the lieutenant governor, as per the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands.
A coordinated surveillance operation conducted by the Virgin Islands Police Department on Friday, April 4, led to the arrest of three men in Cruz Bay and surrounding areas for firearm and drug-related offenses.
Between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., officers from the Special Operations Bureau, Marine Unit and Intelligence Unit arrested Jah’Wada Jones, 33, for possession of an unlicensed firearm. His bail was set at $75,000, according to the police report.
Two other individuals, Alvin Grant, 30, and Jarius Penn, 25, were charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Both were assigned bail amounts of $7,500, the police report stated.
The arrests resulted from ongoing surveillance in response to illegal narcotics activity in the area, the report stated.
Module 2 of the Parent University series, hosted by the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Office of School and Community Relations.
Session Title: Effective Family Communication
Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: St. Croix Educational Complex Library
Admission: Free (registration required)
This engaging session will offer helpful tools to strengthen trust, improve understanding, and foster open communication in your family—creating a nurturing space where every member can thrive.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Karen Chancellor, STX District Coordinator of School and Community Relations, at karen.chancellor@vide.vi.
On Sunday, April 13, the Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation will host the final event in the Junior Tri VI series until the fall. Open to junior athletes of all abilities, ages 5 to 15, the swim-bike-run race will take place at 8am at Cramers Park on St Croix’s east end.
The distances of each portion of the race increase with age. Participants will swim between 25 meters and 200 meters on the point-to-point swim course. Flotation aids will be available for beginner swimmers. The youngest racers will bike 1/2 mile while the oldest racers will bike 3 miles. The run, which takes place completely within the park, will range from 1/4 mile to 1 mile.
Race-day registration will be open from 7 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. (No latecomers, please) The $5 entry fee will include a tshirt, goody bag, snacks, finisher’s ribbon and a chance to win a raffle prize. Need to reserve a bicycle for the event? Please contact 340-513-2707 for more information.
Farm-To-Park Prediction Run
The St Croix Road Racing Committee will host the 2nd Annual Farm-To-Park Prediction Run on Saturday, April 26 at 6am.
This unique 5-mile footrace begins at Art Farm on Southside Road and ends at the beautiful East End Marine Park. But this isn’t your typical race—it’s all about how well you know your own pace!
Before the race, participants will predict their 5-mile finish time. Prizes will be awarded not to the fastest runners, but to the top three who come closest to their predicted time. Walkers are welcome and encouraged to join in the fun.
All proceeds will be donated to Art Farm, LLC, supporting their recovery efforts after recent bush fires severely damaged their farmland on Southside Road. The blaze, which required a response from three VIFEMS fire trucks, left several acres scorched and farm equipment destroyed.
Race-day registration will take place at Art Farm from 5am to 5:45am. $5 entry fee. To learn more about the event or find out how you can support Art Farm’s recovery, please call 340-513-2707.
East End Road Race
The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation will host the East End Road Race on Sunday, April 27 at 7am, starting in Estate Solitude, near the Ziggy’s Service Station.
The Elite group will round the east end of St Croix three times, including a climb up to Pt Udall on the first two laps, making the Elite course about 45 miles. The Expert group will complete the 13-mile lap twice, with a climb up Pt Udall on the first lap, for a 30-mile distance. The Sport group will complete one lap and also a climb to Pt Udall for a total distance of 17 miles. The Masters, Women and Juniors will complete one lap of the east end, for a total of 13 miles.
Race-day registration will take place from 6am to 6:45am. Entry fee: $10 VICF Members, $15 Nonmembers. Medals will be awarded to the top three in all racing categories. For more information about the event or cycling in the Virgin Islands, please contact 340-513-2707.
Standing Committee on Government Structure Chair Rupert Ross, right, and member David Silverman follow the discussions at Saturday’s hearing on St. John. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Close to a dozen residents from St. Thomas and St. John joined members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention Saturday as one of its committees held a public meeting in Cruz Bay. The Standing Committee on Government Structure convened virtually and in person at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall to ask for public input.
They were welcomed by a diverse group of individuals, spanning all ages, including nonprofit leaders, concerned citizens, and academics. The purpose of the meeting, as shared with committee Chair Rupert Ross, was to review the work completed by the Fifth Constitutional Convention. This included discussions on the principles of government; the structure and functions of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the organization of local government; proposed amendments to the section on government structure; and steps for implementing any changes if the U.S. Congress approves this version of the Virgin Islands Constitution.
Ross said the session was the committee’s second public meeting. “We want to be successful in this process,” he said, adding his thanks for the input provided by testifiers.
Much of the testimony focused on context — why the territory needed a constitution at this time, and how putting a founding document in place would serve a people still grappling with questions about self-determination.
“We are essentially placing constitutional development before political status,” said consultant and nonprofit leader Hadiya Sewer. Convention President Usie Richards agreed in part, but only up to a point.
Richards said he agreed that addressing status should come before drafting a constitution, but to him, the choice came down to standing on the sidelines or setting his views aside and getting involved in the process.
Former Senator and current convention member Lillianna Belardo De O’Neal challenged the speaker’s remarks that drafting a constitution should be paused in order to address the status question.
After five attempts, Belardo said, drafting and passing a V.I. Constitution should be a priority. “How much longer can you wait? We’ve had five already … When the people elect us, they’re telling us we are capable, and experienced, and knowledgeable to put out a document that the people should accept,” she said.
Nonprofit leader Meaghan Enright offers thoughts on how the V.I. Constitution could address issues tied to local government. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Some testifiers spoke directly to the government structure section of the document. Love City Strong Executive Director Meaghan Enright said the local government should make it easier for everyday citizens to seek assistance.
“I do agree that it may be a valuable experience to make island administrators an elected position, however I also recognize the need for the governor’s office to have representation on each island. So, I think that having municipal government, or a town council, or somebody that is elected at a hyperlocal level could make a huge difference in the ability of the government to allow the community to feel heard on a day-to-day basis,” Enright said.
Virtual testifier J.H. Snider said he’d like to see the committee review the legislative transparency provision, adding that information about bills up for consideration appearing on the Legislature’s website is often unclear in their intent.
Coral Bay resident Pam Gaffin voiced support for electing a lawmaker to represent St. John. Under the current local structure of having St. John and St. Thomas together in one district, “We have somebody on St. Thomas who makes decisions for St. John,” Gaffin said.
Architect Kurt Marsh Jr. asked committee members to think about equitable representation when crafting the section on local government. Because roughly two-thirds of St. John exists as a national park, residents living on the remaining third pay higher taxes proportionately, he said.
“Approximately 30 percent of St. John contributes approximately 25 percent to the treasury of the V.I. government,” Marsh said. “If we ever get to see the stick I’m sure we get the short end.”
Committee member David Silverman, a resident of Coral Bay, asked testifiers for more details. “Regarding municipal government, what encourages you that it can be done or encourages you that it can’t be done?” he asked.
Ross said it is the intent of the convention leadership to make public engagement a greater part of their process this time around. He also expressed encouragement during the Saturday session, saying the first meeting held on St. Croix attracted two participants.
The committee chair said he was hoping to see a turnout similar to the St. John session when the committee holds its upcoming hearing on St. Thomas. “In addition to writing a document, we have a serious responsibility of reaching out to the people,” he said.
Convention Secretary Imani Daniel thanked those who shared their thoughts and those who came to observe at the Cruz Bay hearing.
Inmates at the John Bell Correctional Facility study a horse as they prepare for a class in advance horse care. (Photo courtesy John Bell Correctional Facility)
Since the Brighter Futures Elite Program was launched in 2022, 15 inmates have been certified in advanced horse care and have become eligible for employment as grooms. So far, two who have been released from the John A. Bell Correctional Facility have found employment with the help of the warden and equine instructor.
The program was introduced and is managed by John Bell, Warden Winnie Testamark, and Corminboeuf teaches the course. The therapeutic, vocational program is recognized by the racing industry in the United States.
“Our goal is to make an impact on their lives so that they are better members of the community than when they came in,” Testamark told the Source.
The program includes hours of classroom instruction that consists of equine physical and emotional structure and nutrition. Then they work one-on-one with the horses.
Correctional administrators and medical personnel select inmates to participate in the program so the people selected have a good mindset for the experience.
While the first inmates were being selected for the program, a riding ring and shaded stalls were built and several retired thoroughbred horses were acquired from various owners. A barn will be built next, Corminboeuf said.
First, the inmates learn how to communicate, without talking, with the animal and when both are comfortable, the students will graduate to brushing the animals. Corminboeuf said the course teaches inmates how to connect with other people as well and learn to recognize their own emotions.
A John Bell inmate communicates in silence with a horse. (Photo courtesy John Bell Correctional Facility)
“So the way we start, I teach all the grooming parts that connect with the horse. We learn how to handle the horse and read the horse. So we’re starting with the very basic until they’re comfortable with the horse. We work one-on-one in the round pen.”
One inmate is so dedicated that he trained his horse, again without talking, to move where he points a stick. Another is learning to trim hooves with a farrier who comes to the facility.
“The main thing here is to have the inmate realize that they can communicate properly without violence and without using fear. I guide them through breath work, through being able to relax and encourage them to communicate with their hearts,” Corminboeuf said. “For that they need to be centered. They need to put their anger aside. The horse can sense anger. Being a flight animal, they have to sense danger. So negative emotion is a danger for the horse.”
In the classroom for half a year or more, the students study bones and muscles so they can learn to recognize injuries, but they don’t give medications, Corminboeuf said.
Inmates at the John Bell Correctional Facility groom horses as they learn advanced horse care. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
John Bell inmates also care for chickens, pigs, a few cows and goats and tend a large garden of fruit and vegetables.
The Elite Program is not the only career training available to inmates. For the last two years, there has been a virtual learning class for those who want to learn to be electrical technicians, the Promising People Program.
“I’m very selective about programming that comes here. I don’t just want to have a program so we have a program. It has to be rooted in data, in best practices,” Testamark said.
“When they are released back into the community, they are our neighbors,” the warden said.
Manwe Sauls-Addison will be a guest dance teacher at the St. John School of the Arts starting Wednesday. (Photo from Manwe Sauls-Addison’s website)
Internationally recognized dancer Manwe Sauls-Addison will be a guest teacher at the St. John School of the Arts in the month of April. Sauls-Addison, who trained with the Alvin Ailey Conservatory, will offer a variety of classes for adults and children.
Manwe, which means “peacemaker,” is passionate about making dance accessible to everyone. He works not only with aspiring professional dancers but also with children, introducing them to the art form in a fun and engaging way. He challenges social stereotypes about who can dance, promoting dance as a form of communication beneficial for physical and mental health. His dedication to versatility, personal expression, and inclusivity brought him to the attention of the St. John School of the Arts.
Sauls-Addison attributes his versatile dance foundation to his mother, who ensured he was trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and West African dances from an early age. Growing up in New York, living in the hip-hop culture and surrounded by a rich mix of Caribbean family members, he was exposed to various social dances such as salsa, bachata, merengue, and the hustle. His training with Alvin Ailey School of Dance and Broadway Dance Center has enriched his dance vocabulary and performance skills.
The St. John School of the Arts has scheduled the following classes with Manwe Sauls-Addison for children and adults in the coming two weeks:
On Wednesdays, April 9, 16, and 23, he will teach a one-hour Jazz Performance class at 3:30 p.m. for children ages 7-10.
On Thursdays, April 10, 17, and 24, he will teach a one-hour Street Dance class at 3:30 p.m. for youngsters ages 10 and up.
For adults, Sauls-Addison will teach four fun and energetic dance classes on Wednesday, April 9, at 11:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m., and on Thursday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. and 6:15 p.m.
Each class costs $20, and all proceeds support the St. John School of the Arts’ Middle School Dance program.
Sauls-Addison has performed with Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli, Michael Jackson, and others. His resume includes teaching in New York, Japan, London, and Rome.
For further information, please call the St. John School of the Arts at 340-779-4322.
