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Revised 36th Legislature Calendar March 10 – 21, 2025

Mat Probasco
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Revised 36th Legislature Calendar March 10 – 21, 2025

MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2025

Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture

10 A.M.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 

BLOCK I

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources will provide a comprehensive update on its operations, regulatory responsibilities, and ongoing efforts to manage and protect the Virgin Islands’ natural, cultural, and historical resources.

Key highlights will include staffing challenges, enforcement capabilities, concerns over potential loss of federal funding, updates on the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s conservation and regulatory programs, ongoing environmental protection initiatives, the status of coastal development projects under the Division of Coastal Zone Management, and current efforts in historic preservation and compliance enforcement.

Invited Testifiers: 

Honorable Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner, Department of Planning and Natural Resources 

BLOCK II

The Virgin Islands Port Authority will present an overview of its operational performance, infrastructure development projects, and efforts to improve air and seaport facilities throughout the territory.

Key highlights will include a review of VIPA’s 2024 Year-End Report, progress on airport modernization projects at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport and Cyril E. King Airport, updates on the $230 million CEKA terminal expansion and $140 million HERA improvements, seaport dredging plans for Charlotte Amalie Harbor, and discussions on coordination between VIPA and WICO to optimize operations and minimize redundancies.

Invited Testifier:

Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority

BLOCK III

The Office of Cannabis Regulation will provide an update on the agency’s progress in implementing the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act and regulating the territory’s emerging cannabis industry.

Key highlights will include the status of cannabis regulations, timelines for business licensing applications, updates on the track-and-trace system partnership with Metrc, staffing levels and hiring plans, public outreach initiatives for 

entrepreneurs, and plans for upcoming community engagement sessions.

Invited Testifier:

Joanne Moorehead, Executive Director, Office of Cannabis Regulation

FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025

Girl Scouts Mock Session

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall 

TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

10:00 A.M.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall 

BLOCK I

Bill No. 36-0028 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Tropical Marine, Inc., for Parcel No. 37-1 Estate Nadir, No. 2 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and a portion of unsurveyed Estate Nadir, No. 2 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

Vincent Richards, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

Carmen Ruan, President, Tropical Marine, Inc. 

Bill No. 36-0040 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Charles 

M. Kim V.I. Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Virgin Islands Museum of Art, for a portion of Lot No. 48b Norre Gade, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

Mr. Vincent Richards, Assistant Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

Mr. Jason Charles, Representative

BLOCK II

Bill No. 36-0008 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 2, chapter 89, subchapter I, section 2494 requiring the Lieutenant Governor to offset a property owner’s property tax liability against any amount of money that the Government of the Virgin Islands owes to the property owner 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Julio Rhymer Sr., Director, Office of Management and Budget

Mr. Joel Lee, Director, VI Bureau of Internal Revenue

Mr. Brent Leerdam, Tax Collector, Office of the Lieutenant Governor

Bill No. 36-0023 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 4, section 72 relating to the highway user tax. 

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance

Honorable Derek A. Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works

Mr. Joel Lee, Director, VI Bureau of Internal Revenue

Bill No. 36-0038 An Act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter III, section 551, subsection 

(a) by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million 

Invited Testifiers:

Mr. Carlton Dowe, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Port Authority

Mr. Willard John, Chairman, VI Port Authority Board of Directors

Swanton and Sommer Dominate Duathlon

Mat Probasco
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Swanton and Sommer Dominate Duathlon

The Virgin Islands Triathlon Federation hosted the DU Your Best Duathlon yesterday at the Divi Casino, featuring a sprint duathlon, a sprint relay, and a Try-a-Du (Super Sprint).

Stephen Swanton

The event kicked off with a 1-mile run, where Stephen Swanton and GHCDS runner Quinn Sayre matched strides. Swanton and Sayre completed the run in 6:07, with Sayre’s classmate and teammate, Vedant Mittal, just a few seconds behind. Swanton, an elite cyclist and triathlete, took control on the 14-mile bike leg, creating a four-minute gap over Sayre’s relay partner, Scott “Moose” Marusa, who was in second. Swanton maintained his lead through the final 3-mile run, crossing the finish line at 1:06:05 – more than four minutes faster than his 2024 time. The relay duo of Sayre and Marusa secured second place overall with a time of 1:11:15, while the team of Catherine Seguin and Troy Holloway took third overall in 1:20:12.

Julie Sommer

A fierce battle unfolded for second and third place in the men’s division between runner Vedant Mittal and experienced cyclist Jerry Remie. Remie used his cycling strength to pass Mittal on the bike leg, but Mittal fought back on the final run. In the end, Remie held on, finishing just under a minute ahead of Mittal.

In the women’s division, Julie Sommer showcased her dominance on the bike, finishing 10 minutes ahead of Alexandra Gutting. Despite Alex’s push on the run, Julie maintained her lead, winning in 1:20:42 – earning her fourth place overall. Gutting took second, while 2015 VI Female Champion Dulcie Crowther secured third place.

In the Super Sprint division, Alison Killelea was the sole competitor, earning well-deserved recognition for her strong effort.

The next event on the VITF calendar is the Island Hoppers Multisport on March 23. This is a two-person relay event which will take place partially off road. For more information, please contact theresa@vitf.org.

St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Meeting Postponed

Mat Probasco
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St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Meeting Postponed

The St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Committee announces that its scheduled monthly meeting for Tuesday, March 11, at 1 p.m. has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 18, at 1 p.m.

The meeting will take place via Microsoft TEAMS. The public is invited to attend online. However, joining a TEAMS meeting requires an e-mail address. Please contact VISHPO 

Director, Sean L. Krigger or VISHPO Administrative Officer II, Eboni L. Powell, at (340) 776-8605, or sean.krigger@dpnr.vi.gov and eboni.powell@dpnr.vi.gov for registration or for any questions. The agenda for the March 18 meeting will be published on Friday, March 14.

St. Croix Track Club Athletes Excel at Puerto Rico Meet

Mat Probasco
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St. Croix Track Club Athletes Excel at Puerto Rico Meet

The St. Croix Track Club athletes showcased their exceptional talent and determination at the Association of Youth/Junior Athletics first qualification Track and Field event held in Ponce, Puerto Rico on March 8.

Each athlete was allowed to compete in two events where the top eight in the lane events (100m, 100mh, 200m, 400m, 400mh), top 12 in field events will qualify for the Finals in May. The event was marked by impressive performances and personal records, highlighting the athletes’ dedication and hard work.

Safiya Prasad emerged victorious in the 400m Hurdles, setting a personal record with a time of 1:09.50. She also secured second place in her heat for the 200m, clocking in at 27.82.

Jahleya George demonstrated her prowess in the field events, finishing third in the shot put with a throw of 6.52m and seventh in the javelin throw with a distance of 15.43m.

Wilfredo Concepcion dominated the shot put, claiming first place with a personal record throw of 10.49m. He also excelled in the javelin throw, securing second place with a distance of 32.79m.

Kahlan Beaupierre showcased his skills in the javelin throw, finishing first with a throw of 33.09m. He also placed second in the shot put with a throw of 9.63m.

Faith Eatmon delivered a stellar performance in the 400m, finishing first with a personal record of 1:00.82. She also won her heat in the 200m with a personal record of 26.92, finishing third overall.

Juvante Hurst proved his speed in the sprints, finishing first in both the 400m with a time of 54.79 and the 200m with a time of 23.19.

Aminah Prasad won her heat of the 200m with a personal record of 26.83, finishing second overall. She also placed third in her heat of the 100m, clocking in at 13.68.

Charlise Morris secured third place in the 100m with a time of 13.30. She also won her heat in the 200m with a time of 27.28, finishing sixth overall.

Jah’Quan Creque won his heat of the 100m with a time of 11.60, finishing fourth overall. He also finished fourth overall in the 200m with a time of 23.00.

Barecia Brooks placed fifth in her heat of the 100m with a personal record of 14.52 and third in her heat for the 200m with a personal record of 29.73.

Yahraya Doctrine finished third overall in the 100m with a time of 11.48 and third in his heat in the 200m with a time of 23.62.

Yahana Doctrine placed third in his heat and ninth overall in the 100m with a time of 11.75. He also finished fourth in his heat for the 200m with a time of 24.48.

Brianna Arjune finished fifth in her heat of the 400m with a time of 1:24.66 and fourth in her heat for the 200m with a time of 35.35.

Curtis Charlery Jr. placed fourth in his heat for the 100m in a time of 12.38 and fifth in his heat for the 200m with a time of 26.13.

The St. Croix Track Club athletes’ remarkable performances at the AAJI qualification event in Ponce, Puerto Rico, are a testament to their dedication and hard work. Their achievements have set a high standard for future competitions and have brought pride to their club and community.

The St. Croix Track Club thanks our supporters for partnering with us to assist our youths in developing their talents. Full results are at: FinalLapTiming | AAJI

The Ronald Lee Experience at St. John School of the Arts

Mat Probasco
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The Ronald Lee Experience at St. John School of the Arts

The Division of Music Education & Programs presents Wellness Wednesday, featuring The Ronald Lee Experience, on March 12, at the St. John School of the Arts from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

As we continue to celebrate Music is ME – Music Education Month, this event is designed to uplift your spirit, rejuvenate your mind, and immerse you in the power of music.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to recharge and refresh, St. John is where you need to be! Join us for a night of music, wellness, and celebration.

Lucien Alberto Wallace, Sr. Dies at 88

Mat Probasco
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Lucien Alberto Wallace, Sr. Dies at 88

The Wallace family is saddened to announce the passing of Lucien Alberto Wallace, Sr., affectionately known as “Spardy” at the age of 88.  

Lucien Alberto Wallace, Sr.

He passed peacefully on Saturday, February 15, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Cynthia Smith-Wallace, his children, Nyra Wallace, Lucien Wallace, Jr., Dave Wallace, Dean Wallace, Cherrie Wallace-Cole and Darryl Wallace; as well as many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in laws, and other family and special friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral Services are scheduled to be held on Friday, March 28, at 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Viewing 10. Service at Memorial Moravian Church in St. Thomas.  Internment will follow at Western Cemetery 1.

To share a tribute, special memory, or reflection, submit via email to lucienwallacetribute@gmail.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services, St. Thomas.

Raymond Henry Ross, Jr Dies at 76

Mat Probasco
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Raymond Henry Ross, Jr Dies at 76

Raymond Henry Ross, Jr. a.k.a. “Ray” transitioned into eternal life on Feb 20. He was 76 years old. 

Raymond Henry Ross, Jr

He was preceded in death by his Wife, Vashti Ivy-Ross; Mother, Veronica Ross; Father, Raymond H. Ross Sr.

He is survived by his Daughter, Kofi Ross; Sons, Shomari Ross and Salim Ross; Grandchildren, LaTrice Clayburn, Wendy Minor, Elisa Ray Thomas, Keith Tate, Sarai Ross, Erin Ross and Skye Ross; Sisters, Dianne E. Henderson, Elinor V. Stolard and Muriel T. Ross; Brothers, Edmund A. Ross and Michael A. Ross; Nieces, Ayana Ross, Takiyah Ross, Soyini Ross and Safiya Stewart, Zakenya Ross, Kalima Ross, Quaniya Ross, Delores Ross and Aniqua Ross, Sonia Calvillo-Binion, Kishma Watley and Christopher Ross; Nephews, Bambula Ross, Yasim Ross, Khamari Ross, Jaheed Ross and Deyambi Ross, Masudi Stolard and George Stolard, Leander Henderson Jr.; Daughter-In-Law, Cashena Ross; Godchild, Shakirah S. Ritter; Special Friends, Bernadette Williams, George Farrell, Wayne Harrison, Dale Cooper, Lorraine Christian, Leona Bess, Ife Donna Ross-El-Chambers. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. 

Funeral service will be held on March 13 at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9:30 am with service at 10:30 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. 

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc. 

St. Thomas Man Killed by Gunfire Sunday in Estate Mariendahl

Source staff
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St. Thomas Man Killed by Gunfire Sunday in Estate Mariendahl

A 28-year-old man is dead following a shooting just after 5 p.m. Sunday in Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas, the V.I. Police Department reported.

Authorities were alerted when a resident called 911 to report that a man was down and bleeding and that he appeared to have been shot, the VIPD said.

Arriving at the scene, officers found an unresponsive man who appeared to have multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency medical technicians concluded that he did not have any vital signs, according to the police report.

The victim was identified by next of kin as Matthew Gumbs, 28. His death is the third homicide on St. Thomas this year, and marks the sixth for the territory, according to the Source Homicide List.*

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the VIPD Major Crimes Unit Division at 340-774-2211, ext. 5555 or 5556, 340-714-9823 or 340-714-9829. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (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.

Angelica Smith Dies

Source staff
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Angelica Smith Dies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Angelica Smith, who passed away on Feb. 19, 2025.

1st Viewing on St. Thomas March 13, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Service 10 a.m. at Westley Methodist Church St. Thomas

2nd Viewing on Tortola March 14, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Service: 1 a.m. at Zion Hill Methodist Church BVI

Interment Frenchman’s Cay Cemetery Tortola B.V.I.

Preceded in death by

Her husband, Antonio V. Smith 

Parents: James Alfred and Calmelita Cameron 

Sisters: Elmira Barronville, Melsada Romney, Erica Donovan, Alpha Robinson 

Brother: Fernando Cameron

Son-in-Law: Juan G. Harrigan

Grandchildren: Kelvin “KJ” Pickering and Larimar “Chiqui” Webbe,  Dashawn Gumbs

Survivors and Friends

Son: Jeffrey A. Smith  

Daughters: Rosalie Smith Randolph, Jenneley Smith, Desserie Smith Harrigan, Lauralie Smith Webbe, Deverell Gumbs. 

Sons-in-Law: Evanton “Kasy” Randolph, Larry “Bunny” Webbe. 

Sisters: Wistaria Donovan, Jennifer Bertie, Stephony Francis. 

Brothers: Alchardio Cameron, Romeo Cameron. 

Sisters-in-Law: Olive Smith, Gwenneth Smith, Diney Smith, Alma Smith, Utah Smith, Schirilette Smith, Sheila Smith, Richardeen Smith, Isalyn “Debbie” Smith, Yvonne Smith, Ione Smith, Lorna Smith, Lavone Smith, Evana Smith, Nicole Smith, Marie Smith, Esme Cameron, Joyce Cameron, Uther Cameron, Marriette Cameron, Karen Cameron. 

Brothers-in-Law: Ogan Barronville, Godfrey Donovan, Richard Smith, Bradford Smith, David Smith, Ernest “Wellington” Smith, Elroy Smith, Toval Smith, Henry Quito Smith, Otis Smith, Dale Smith, Vernald Smith, Daniel Smith, Terence Smith. Grandchildren: Kienen Smith, Koy Smith, Omari Randolph, Jeleesa Randolph, Olani Randolph, Jeremy Daniel, Jonelle James, Kejuan Harrigan, Larik Webbe, Laudori Webbe, Tiffany Gumbs, Tarik Gumbs

Great Grandchildren: Orya Randolph, Truith Randolph, MarlieRose Abong, NoellaGrace Abong, ZuriEverly Abong, Julian Daniel, Mia Daniel, Miles Daniel, Asia James, Amore’ Brown, AlaniMarie Randolph, AlinaMonet Randolph, Amirah Hendricks

Funeral arrangements by Turnbull’s Funeral Home St. Thomas and Majestic Life Funeral Home Tortola

UVI Student Employees Set To Begin Strike Over Delayed Payments, Meet With Administration

Source staff
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UVI Student Employees Set To Begin Strike Over Delayed Payments, Meet With Administration
UVI student employees will begin their strike on March 10 in hopes of getting outstanding payments taken care of, and a streamlined financial system in place. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

Since announcing their intention to strike as student employees starting March 10, University of the Virgin Islands master’s students Joshua Soll and Zoe Price have had an initial meeting with UVI President Safiya George and key financial department staff.

The conversation was a step forward, with university officials pledging to fix the long-standing issue of delayed payments, but until they see proof that payments are processed on time and that transparency improves, they say the strike will continue.

Soll and Price have been leading the movement for about two weeks now, sharing that for years UVI student employees have faced inconsistent and delayed paychecks, tuition reimbursements, and travel stipends. Some students have waited weeks, months, or even more than a year for money that was promised to them, they said.

“Many are owed thousands of dollars, and for some, the delays have had serious consequences,” according to the students’ public petition. “One student lost their apartment and was forced to leave the island. Another was misclassified as a part-time student, triggering an early repayment demand for their federal student loans. Others have had to borrow money from faculty members just to stay afloat.”

The problem, Price and Soll say, stems from — among other things — a severely understaffed financial department and a complex, inefficient approval process at the university that creates a backlog of payments.

Soll and Price say they have exhausted all internal avenues to resolve the issue, including repeated outreach to financial staff and administrators. Frustrated by the lack of progress, they are demanding immediate payment of all outstanding stipends and reimbursements, a complete overhaul of the payment system, and student representation in financial discussions. They are also calling for a reclassification of students receiving stipends, who are currently labeled as “independent contractors” rather than school employees — making them ineligible for health insurance benefits.

While the meeting with UVI leadership has brought some hope for change, the students are refusing to back down until they see real action.

“While we are hopeful for effective and long-term change, we remain skeptical that this issue will come to a conclusion until we see proof that our already promised payments and reimbursements will be on time every time and that communication and transparency between the financial departments and students have increased,” Soll said. “We plan to move forward with the strike and public announcement of the financial challenges we face as a result of the university.”

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