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“Caribe Wave” Exercise to Occur in March; Aims to Strengthen Tsunami Preparedness Across Virgin Islands

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“Caribe Wave” Exercise to Occur in March; Aims to Strengthen Tsunami Preparedness Across Virgin Islands

On March 20, the U.S. Virgin Islands will participate in an annual tsunami preparedness drill aimed at educating residents and visitors about the dangers of tsunami waves and the steps to take to stay safe.

“Caribe Wave is the annual tsunami exercise of the Intergovernmental Coordination Group for the Tsunami and Other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions of the Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO),” according to TsunamiZone.com.

Approximately 48 countries and territories are a part of the UNESCO Caribe Early Warning System, including the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

“The purpose of this exercise is to validate and advance tsunami preparedness efforts in the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions, [and] the annual Tsunami Regional Exercise, ‘Caribe Wave 2025,’ will take place on March 20, starting at [11 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time],” TsunamiZone said.

What Will Occur During the Caribe Wave Exercise?

This year, the Caribe Wave exercise will simulate two separate hypothetical scenarios that could generate tsunami waves across the Caribbean region. One event will be focused on an earthquake centered near Jamaica, and the other situation will highlight a theoretical quake that strikes near Portugal.

“Two different scenarios will be simulated for Caribe Wave 2025, [and] each participating country [or territory] will select the scenario that best fits their objectives,” TsunamiZone explained. “The first scenario simulates a tsunami generated by a magnitude 8.0 earthquake located along the Enriquillo-Plantain Garden Fault Zone [near Jamaica], and the second scenario [involves] a tsunami generated by a magnitude 8.5 earthquake located approximately 270 kilometers off the Portugal coast,” TsunamiZone continued.

The Virgin Islands will partake in a hypothetical simulation based on an earthquake striking near Portugal and generating tsunami waves across the Caribbean. (Photo courtesy UNESCO)

According to information about the exercise, the Virgin Islands will participate in the “Portugal Scenario,” which could generate tsunami waves between one and three meters (three to nine feet) across Caribbean islands.

“The [Portugal Scenario] exercise is based on a hypothetical tsunami scenario similar to ‘The Great Lisbon Earthquake’ that occurred on November 1, 1755,” according to information from UNESCO. “During [that] event, a major earthquake [estimated at having a magnitude between 8.6 and 9.0 occurred] in Lisbon, Portugal, [and] generated a transoceanic tsunami that reached the European and African coasts, islands in the Atlantic, and the Caribbean islands,” UNESCO stated.

“Tsunami messages for this exercise [will be] issued by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) and the Central American Tsunami Advisory Center based on hypothetical tsunamis,” according to information from UNESCO. “Expected impacts for these events are determined from pre-computed tsunami forecast models,” UNESCO said.

The Source spoke with Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency(VITEMA), regarding communicating the emergency messages that are planned to be issued. Jaschen explained that VITEMA will receive the simulated alert notifications from the PTWC, and the agency is currently planning how to share the messages with the public. Jaschen said that mock radio broadcasts may be utilized to help convey instructions for what the public should do to stay safe.

Jaschen noted that VITEMA plans to utilize the Caribe Wave to enhance preparedness for earthquakes and tsunamis, including conducting evacuation drills at schools across the territory. (The location of the school(s) has yet to be determined as of the writing of this article.)

Jaschen also said that regularly scheduled tests of the Territory-Wide Emergency Alert System will occur, and sirens will be activated on the same day as the Caribe Wave exercise. To receive notifications issued by VITEMA, individuals can sign up for AlertVI on the agency’s website. Residents can also register for the Caribe Wave event at TsunamiZone.comto help them be ready for an actual emergency.

 Preparing for Earthquakes and Tsunamis

 The Caribe Wave simulation comes on the heels of a powerful temblor that occurred near Honduras on February 8, 2025, when a Tsunami Advisory was briefly issued for areas including the Virgin Islands.

The recent tsunami advisory further exemplifies the importance of preparing for earthquakes and tsunamis across the region.

A previous Source article shared information about the threats to both U.S. territories caused by earthquakes and tsunamis, noting that the islands are positioned in an active seismic zone:

Evacuation map of St. Croix, in the event of an actual tsunami. Evacuation zones are pictured in yellow. (Photo courtesy VITEMA)
Evacuation map of St. John, in the event of an actual tsunami. Evacuation zones are pictured in yellow. (Photo courtesy VITEMA)
Evacuation map of St. Thomas, in the event of an actual tsunami. Evacuation zones are pictured in yellow. (Photo courtesy VITEMA)

“During an earthquake, it is critical for people to ‘Drop, Cover, and Hold On’ to protect themselves,” said Elizabeth Vanacore, a seismologist and a researcher at the Puerto Rico Seismic Network (PRSN).

“If you are driving your car [during a] small [seismic] event, you might not perceive the earthquake,” she explained. “However, if there is a larger event, recommended actions become situational. For instance, if you are in a safe area without electric poles or trees, then you should come to a stop, pull the handbrake, and protect your head with your arms,” Vanacore cautioned.

Vanacore encouraged the public to get involved in drills and exercises [including Caribe Wave] that are intended to familiarize and prepare residents and visitors across the region in the event of an earthquake or a tsunami.

“Understanding the hazards due to earthquakes and tsunamis in the region is constantly improving thanks to efforts of scientists and emergency managers both in the USVI and Puerto Rico,” Vanacore declared. “Relationships across the islands are critical to our continued resilience, [and] while earthquakes and tsunamis cannot be predicted, we can all prepare for them,” she noted.

Tsunami Notifications and Their Meanings

An explanation of the various types of tsunami alerts that may be issued during an emergency. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

In the event of an actual emergency during which tsunami notifications are issued, the National Weather Service (NWS) offers the following information about tsunami alerts and how to interpret them:

“Tsunami Warning: Take Action—Danger! A tsunami that may cause widespread flooding is expected or occurring. Dangerous coastal flooding and powerful currents are possible and may continue for several hours or days after initial arrival. Follow instructions from local officials. Evacuation is recommended. Move to high ground or inland (away from the water).

“Tsunami Advisory: Take Action—A tsunami with potential for strong currents or waves dangerous to those in or very near the water is expected or occurring. There may be flooding of beach and harbor areas. Stay out of the water and away from beaches and waterways. Follow instructions from local officials.

“Tsunami Watch: Be Prepared—A distant earthquake has occurred. A tsunami is possible. Stay tuned for more information. Be prepared to take action if necessary.

“Tsunami Information Statement: Relax—An earthquake has occurred, but there is no threat, or it was very far away, and the threat has not been determined. In most cases, there is no threat of a destructive tsunami.”

Weather Information

Additionally, Weather information is also updated regularly on the Source Weather Page, the Source YouTube Channel, and on the official website of the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico. USVI residents and visitors can also sign up for emergency alerts, including earthquake and tsunami notifications, from VITEMA.

Senate Calendar Feb. 24 – March 7

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Senate Calendar Feb. 24 – March 7

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands

SENATE CALENDAR

February 24, 2025 – March 7, 2025 

MONDAY,

FEBRUARY 24, 2025 

Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection

9 a.m.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas

BLOCK I

The Department of Property and Procurement will provide a comprehensive update on the state of the Government of the Virgin Islands contractual agreements, vendor payments, leases, and the GVI Buy Software.

Key highlights will include the status of capital projects, pending/outstanding leases, contracts, and payments that 

affect government operations. 

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement

BLOCK II

Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to provide an update on programs that prevent fraudulent, deceptive, 

and unfair business practices and information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid scams and fraud.

Key highlights include a fuel price survey, the frequency of grocery store price analyses and results, and the status of 

capital projects.

Invited Testifier:

Honorable H. Natalie Hodge, Commissioner, Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs

 

TUESDAY,

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services

10 a.m. 

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room, on St. Croix.

 

BLOCK I 

The Committee will receive testimony regarding the strategic plan to address staffing shortages and the reduction of 

emergency room wait-times at both hospital facilities. Also, the members will be presented with an overview on the 

territory’s MAP program and the boarder crisis in the Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Regional Medical Center and the 

Schneider Regional Medical Center.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Averil E. George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

Tina M. Comissiong, Esq., MPA, CEO, Schneider Regional Medical Center

Hazel Philbert, Interim CEO, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Regional Medical Center

Darlene Carty-Baptiste, Incoming CEO, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Regional Medical Center

Christopher Finch, Chairman, Virgin Islands Government Health and Hospital Corporation

Edgar Phillips, Resident, St. Thomas, USVI

BLOCK II 

The members will receive an overview on the designs including final completion target dates of the Herbert Grigg 

Nursing Home, Queen Louise Home for the Aged, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital & Medical Center, Schneider Regional Medical Center, Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center, and the Department of Human Services Complex, on St. Thomas.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Averil E. George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

Christopher Finch, Chairman, Virgin Islands Government Health and Hospital Corporation

Darryl Smalls, Executive Director, Facilities and Capital Development, Territorial Hospital Redevelopment Team

Jerry Smith, Incoming Chairman, Virgin Islands Government Health and Hospital Corporation

THURSDAY,

FEBRUARY 27, 2025

Committee on Rules and Judiciary

10 a.m.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.

BLOCK I

The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Judiciary Branch of the Virgin Islands including but not limited to enabling law and jurisdiction, current department challenges, and plan of action to resolve challenges.

 

Invited Testifier:

Regina deChabert Petersen, Esq., Administrator of Courts, Judiciary Branch of the Virgin Islands

BLOCK II 12:30 p.m.

Dr. Safiya George, Governor’s Nominee Virgin Islands Government Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation, District Governing Board of St. Thomas-St. John 

BLOCK III 2 p.m.

Mr. Anthony Mardenborough, Jr., Governor’s Nominee

Board of Career and Technical Education-St. Croix 

 

BLOCK IV 3:30 p.m. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Guadalupe-Perez, Governor’s Nominee, Virgin Islands Real Estate Appraisers Board

FRIDAY,

FEBRUARY 28, 2025

Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications

10 a.m. 

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.

 

BLOCK I 

Update and discussion on key matters related to the operations of the Department of Public Works. Providing the 

department’s short- and long-term goals, staffing updates, transportation and bus route extensions, ferry operations, 

engineering services to GVI agencies, and the current state of the territory’s roads, bridges, and cemeteries. As well as the challenges the Department is facing and their plans to address them to better serve the residents of our territory. 

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

BLOCK II

 Discussion on the operations of the Virgin Island Waste Management Authority as it relates to their plans and priorities for the coming year. Update on the status of staffing, payroll challenges and vendor payments. In addition to the status of tipping fees, wastewater treatment plants, pump station operations and capacity, landfills within the territory, garbage collection, oil collection, and any other challenges the agency is facing, along with their plans to overcome them to better serve the community.

Invited Testifier:

Daryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority

MONDAY,

MARCH 03, 2025

Committee of the Whole

10 a.m.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

TUESDAY,

MARCH 04, 2025

Committee of the Whole

10 a.m.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room

WEDNESDAY,

MARCH 05, 2025

Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance

9 a.m.

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall

FRIDAY,

MARCH 07, 2025

Committee on Education and Workforce Development

9 a.m.

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room on St. Croix.

BLOCK I

Status of Workforce Development Programs that align with key industries (construction, technology, healthcare)

Breakdown of local and federal funds allocated for workforce development and the number of individuals served

Update on the Youth and Apprenticeship Program, including participating service providers and individuals served

Financial breakdown of expenditures for the Youth and Apprenticeship Program

Status and of the Summer Youth Work Experience Program 

Youth Team impact: Number of youths served, completed academic/career assessments, and service referrals

Invited Testifier:

Honorable Gary Molloy, Commissioner, Department of Labor

BLOCK II

Overview of Organization’s Mission and Programs

Workforce Development Initiatives

Educational and training opportunities offered 

Collaborations with schools, colleges, and vocational programs

Success stories and community impact

Barriers and challenges to workforce development

Invited Testifiers:

Scott Bradley, Founder, My Brother’s Workshop

Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director, Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism

Suzanne Darrow-Magras, PhD, Director, University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL)

Bryan Meets With President Trump and Fellow Governors To Discuss Key Federal Partnerships

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Bryan Meets With President Trump and Fellow Governors To Discuss Key Federal Partnerships

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with President Donald Trump and fellow governors at the White House to discuss key policy priorities, including economic development, regulatory reform, education funding, and public safety. The meeting provided an opportunity to address the Virgin Islands’ specific challenges and explore collaborative efforts between state and federal governments.

A major topic of discussion was the restart of the oil refinery, a project Bryan described as a significant economic opportunity for the territory. He stressed the need for streamlined federal regulations to facilitate large-scale projects, ensuring they move forward efficiently while creating jobs and driving economic growth, according to the press release.

Bryan and other governors also raised concerns about the federal regulatory process, arguing that excessive bureaucracy delays essential infrastructure and economic initiatives. They advocated for deregulating certain federal projects to reduce red tape and accelerate progress, the press release stated.

On education, Bryan pushed for block grants to the Education Department, arguing that the current federal funding system imposes unnecessary administrative burdens. He emphasized that granting funds in block form would allow the Virgin Islands to allocate resources more effectively, addressing local educational needs without excessive federal oversight, the release stated.

Public safety was another key issue. Bryan highlighted the importance of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement to remove individuals in the territory illegally and crack down on crime. He also called for stronger federal action to prevent the influx of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the islands and to ensure that those who threaten public safety face serious consequences, it said.

“Today’s meeting was a productive opportunity to ensure that the Virgin Islands’ needs are understood at the highest levels of government,” Bryan said. “By working together with the federal government, we can drive economic growth, improve public safety, and ensure that our residents receive the resources they deserve.”

Bryan remains committed to strengthening federal partnerships to advance the interests of the Virgin Islands. He plans to continue working with the administration and Congress to advocate for policies that support the territory’s economic and social well-being, according to the press release.

New Sports, Parks and Recreation Leader Testifies at Senate Committee Hearing

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New Sports, Parks and Recreation Leader Testifies at Senate Committee Hearing
Testifiers at Friday’s hearing at the Cleone Creque Legislative Conference Room on St. John. From left, Abigail Hendricks, Sean Georges, Averil George, and Taetia Phillips-Dorsette (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

The acting head of the Sports, Parks, and Recreation Department (DSPR) made his first appearance before lawmakers Friday in a hearing held on St. John. The 36th Legislature Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks also received updates on services and programs from officials from the Virgin Islands Human Services Department.

Acting Commissioner Vincent Roberts’ leadership began in early January after the resignation of his predecessor, Calvert White. On Friday, Roberts fielded questions about the status of disaster recovery projects, recreation and revenue-generating activities.

“This is my first time testifying,” Roberts said.

Human Services Commissioner Averil George and her team of administrators updated lawmakers about St. John’s newly built Head Start early learning center, programs, and activities for families and senior citizens. They also answered questions about the island’s disaster preparedness.

Among the recovery projects yet to come are the restoration of the Oppenheimer Beach Center on St. John’s North Shore and construction of the Sports Parks Community Center. Committee members were also eager to hear about the start of operations at the early learning center in Contant-Enighed.

George said the Head Start facility on St. John was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 6. Designed to serve 20 children, the new center includes a modernized classroom, kitchen, and playground. Officials said more than a dozen families have signed up so far. Human Services personnel are taking applications for staff – one teacher, a teaching assistant, and a food service worker.

Roberts spoke about the popularity of the V.I. National Park’s recreation center, the Orville Brown Basketball Court in Pine Peace and the tennis-pickleball court near Enighed Pond.

The St. John Recreation Center and Winston Wells Park are in the architectural and engineering phase, Roberts said. Modular classrooms still occupy the field at Wells Park adjacent to the storm-damaged Julius E. Sprauve School, but Sen. Angel Bolques Jr., who chairs the committee, said there will come a day when the park is returned to public recreation use.

Committee member Avery Lewis said he was looking forward to the redevelopment of Oppenheimer. The acting commissioner agreed. “Oppenheimer has the potential to be the biggest moneymaker for the department,” Roberts said.

Bolques expressed concern about the shrinking shoreline caused by sea level rise that threatens to inundate the community center.

He asked testifiers whether the building should be moved further inland. Oppenheimer was once the agency’s only revenue-producing entity on St. John, he said.

Roberts said the vendor plaza occupies Franklin Powell Park in Cruz Bay now. Under the agency plan, vendors are allowed to set up in the park four times a year and pay fees for their spaces.

Committee member Novelle Francis asked when DSPR would find another space where vendors could operate. He expressed concern that those who would like to enjoy the park’s ambience are crowded out by vendor tents that overwhelm the space.

Roberts said he was not inclined to move them because of the revenue generated there. The acting commissioner mentioned that some of his agency’s St. John facilities, while popular, are operating at a loss.

That also goes for the summer youth recreation center. Up to 40 children of various ages fill the modest space next to the Human Services Multipurpose Center in Cruz Bay. Parents pay $150 for a summer’s worth of activities — less if enrolling more than one child.

The DSPR commissioner also pointed to his agency’s efforts to attract, train and hire lifeguards as a loss leader. The agency offers a salary of $40,000 for lifeguards but has seen several trainees leave the territory shortly after achieving certification.

The same space — once dubbed the St. John Youth Action Center — also hosts senior citizens from St. Ursula’s Church who participate in the Fit and Feisty Circle in the off-summer months.

Those seniors and those attending the Human Services Senior Center at Estate Adrian also receive nutrition service as part of the island’s Meals on Wheels program. About 35 home-bound seniors receive home deliveries of a daily hot meal.

Lawmakers heard there are currently six persons on St. John’s waiting list for Meals on Wheels. “Every day, we get calls,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Sean Georges.

Adrian Center — restored from storm damage and reopened after the COVID-19 pandemic — remains a hub for senior engagement, offering social activities, wellness programs, and daily meals. The center is also St. John’s designated hurricane evacuation shelter.

The commissioner added that the Head Start Center could also provide shelter from natural disasters in Cruz Bay. When asked how well the designated shelter has performed. “What will happen if you have a storm or a natural disaster, because Adrian Center also serves as a disaster shelter,” said Sen. Carla Joseph.

“We haven’t been tested at Adrian yet,” said Adrian Center Project Director Abigail Hendricks. For more than a decade, Hendricks has worked with seniors through Human Services.

Both she and George expressed confidence that with help from the vulnerable person’s registry, they can identify and contact every St. John senior to direct them in case of disaster. The registry was created through passage of a bill sponsored by Sen. Dwayne DeGraff and is managed jointly by Human Services and the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency — VITEMA.

Magens Bay Board Rejects Any More Talk of Smoking Ban

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Magens Bay Board Rejects Any More Talk of Smoking Ban

The Magens Bay Authority voted at its monthly meeting Friday to indefinitely table any discussion of a smoking ban/policy at the beach, saying the issue is sufficiently addressed in the park’s rules and regulations.

Board member Dayle Barry has pushed for a strategic plan around smoking at the beach over several meetings. He first made the proposal at a town hall meeting the Magens Bay Authority held in January 2024 and revisited the topic last July when he asked his fellow board members what information they require before they can say yea or nay to a ban.

“When someone’s behavior impacts my quality of health then I have a responsibility to make a change,” Barry said at the time. “What level of information do people need to make a decision? If there is no level of information, then that’s fine and we can move on.”

Pushback then was swift — with board member Jason Charles noting “we are not public health policymakers” — and it was again on Friday, with board member Kevin Rodriguez expressing exasperation that it was still a topic of discussion.

“Are we still discussing a smoking policy?” he said when Barry raised the issue. “We have exhausted this discussion. I don’t think we need to continue this discussion.”

Barry countered that currently there is no written policy regarding smoking, but his fellow board members said it is effectively covered in the park’s rules and regulations, which prohibit lighting up from the tree line to the water at the parks.

Rodriguez followed with a motion to indefinitely table any discussion of a smoking ban or policy, which was seconded by Charles and passed 4-1, with Barry the lone nay vote and board member Robert Moron abstaining. Member Katina Coulianos had an excused absence and did not attend Friday’s meeting.

The board also unanimously passed a motion by Charles to direct General Manager Monique Simon to solicit bids under the authority’s procurement policy for a trolley to be operated at Smith Bay Park to transport guests from the upper parking lot down to the beach.

Charles noted that the distance from the upper lot to the beach, where there is limited parking, is a trek that might be difficult for elderly patrons or those with a disability, or for people carting a lot of gear.

In the same vein, Charles also made a motion to construct six more parking spaces — two handicapped and four regular spots — at the beach at Smith Bay Park to increase accessibility.

The motion passed, with Moron abstaining and Barry voting against.

In other business, board member Cecile de Jongh, head of the finance committee, reported that nonresident visits to Magens Bay declined by 34 percent, or 100,002 people, from 2023 to 2024.

“Management believes that this is due to competition at Coki Point and Sapphire Beach. Neither destination has an entrance fee and it’s easier for the taxi cabs to pick up and drop off,” she said. “UVI also has tours at Brewers Bay and there’s obviously easy entrance and exit there as well.”

Committee members did a walk-through of Magens Bay last Wednesday and will do another next week “to basically see how visitor flow is going and how our amenities are, and to better plan and to see whether a visitor center is warranted,” said de Jongh, adding that the members “agreed that we need formalize our agreements with our tour operators … and we emphasized we need to have more clarity in our operations and revenue sharing.”

Board Chair Barbara Petersen noted that the board is reviewing requests for proposals for the taxi and water sports concessions at Magens Bay and expects that once that review is complete, they will be issued within 30 days.

In other business the board voted unanimously to indefinitely authorize the annual Rotary Sunrise Kids Triathlon to take place at Magens Bay.

Traditionally held each spring, the event was interrupted by the COVID pandemic but resumed in 2022, with this year’s competition scheduled for April 26. On that day, the road from the bridge onward will be closed from 7:45 to 10 a.m. for children to participate safely, Petersen said.

Family Wins $7.6M Verdict After 2021 Frenchman’s Reef Construction Death

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Family Wins $7.6M Verdict After 2021 Frenchman’s Reef Construction Death
The family of a man who was killed in a 2021 work site incident was awarded $7.6 million by a jury of Virgin Islanders. (Shutterstock image)

A jury awarded $7.6 million last week to the family of John Nigg, a construction superintendent who, in 2021, was crushed and killed when a forklift tipped over during the renovation of the Westin Beach Resort and Spa at Frenchman’s Reef on St. Thomas. He was 50 years old.

Nigg’s son and mother filed a lawsuit in 2022 against the hotel’s owner, CREF3 USVI Hotel Owner Inc., Bluewater Construction Inc., and Bluewater’s managing agent. The family was represented by C. Jacob Gower, of Gower Legal, with co-counsel Morgan and Morgan.

“The untimely and preventable death of a child is among the most painful things a parent can experience, and in this case, one of our clients lost her only son and the other lost his father before his 25th birthday,” said John Morgan, and attorney Kendall Shortway in a statement. “Each defendant in this case refused to take responsibility for what happened, despite someone being killed on the job site of a $400 million-dollar project. They continued to blame the deceased — and each other — until the moment the jury decided in our favor. We are proud to have accomplished justice in this case and to have achieved accountability and closure for the bereaved mother we represent.”

The plaintiffs added claims against the Georgia-based Project Development Services in an amended complaint filed in February 2023, and they reached a settlement with CREF3 — a subsidiary of Fortress Investment Group — earlier this month, according to court documents.

The jury trial of the remaining defendants occurred from Feb. 10 to 14. According to the judgment signed by V.I. Superior Court Judge Carol Thomas Jacobs, the jury assigned 25 percent of the blame for the incident to Project Development Services, 45 percent to Bluewater Construction, 20 percent to Bluewater’s agent and 10 percent to Nigg himself — reducing the verdict by more than $765,000.

Editor’s Note: This story has been revised to reflect that Gower Legal was the lead law firm on this case, with co-counsel provided by Morgan and Morgan.

Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Case Involving Minor

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Man Arrested in Sexual Assault Case Involving Minor

A 23-year-old man was arrested Thursday in connection with the sexual assault of a minor after an investigation by the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau.

Detectives determined that Alfred King James provided alcohol and narcotics to the victim before engaging in sexual intercourse and other explicit acts, which were allegedly recorded. The findings led authorities to secure an arrest warrant, according to the police report.

James was taken into custody by the VIPD Special Response Team and the Florida Regional Caribbean Task Force. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape, aggravated rape, unlawful sexual contact, computer pornography, distribution of a controlled substance to a minor, serving alcohol to a minor, and child abuse. His bail was set at $150,000, the police report stated.

The Virgin Islands Police Department urged anyone with information to contact 911, Detective Y. LoBlack of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, or the Police Chief’s office at 340-774-2211.

Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-8477.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Hits St. Thomas Schools, Day Cares

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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Outbreak Hits St. Thomas Schools, Day Cares
A young child displays a rash after contracting Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, a common viral infection. (Photo courtesy DOH)

The Virgin Islands Health Department is alerting the public to an outbreak of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) on St. Thomas, with 46 cases reported in day cares and schools as of Friday.

The highly contagious illness, most common in children under five, spreads easily in group settings and typically causes fever, mouth sores, and a skin rash, according to the press release.

“We are urging residents to take precautionary measures to stop the spread of this highly contagious virus,” Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said. “Parents and caregivers should be especially vigilant in practicing good hygiene, in monitoring their children for symptoms and keeping them at home if they are ill.”

HFMD is transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking, as well as by touching contaminated surfaces or coming into contact with fluid from blisters or stool. While most children recover within seven to 10 days with mild symptoms, the Health Department advises keeping children home if they have a fever, rash, or blisters. According to Encarnacion, children should remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication and their rash or blisters have dried, the press release stated.

The department’s Epidemiology Division is providing phone consultations and in-person visits to affected schools and day cares, offering infection control training to curb the spread. Though there is no specific treatment for HFMD, health officials recommend rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter pain relievers to manage symptoms, the release stated.

To prevent further infections, the Health Department advises frequent handwashing, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces with a bleach solution, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Despite the outbreak, school closures are not being recommended, it said.

“The V.I. Department of Health is not recommending school closures for HFMD,” said Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis. “Instead, we recommend enhanced hand hygiene protocols and environmental cleaning efforts for all schools and child care settings.”

The department continues to monitor the outbreak and urges schools and providers to report cases by emailing epi@doh.vi.gov.

Residents experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider. More information is available on the CDC’s HFMD page.

36th Legislature To Meet With Bryan on Proposed BVI Tariffs, Travel Fees

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36th Legislature To Meet With Bryan on Proposed BVI Tariffs, Travel Fees

The 36th Legislature will hold an emergency meeting with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to discuss proposed tariffs and new travel fees affecting trade and movement between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands, Senate President Milton E. Potter announced.

The governor’s plan includes a minimum 25% tariff on goods imported from the BVI and new entry and exit fees for non-Virgin Islanders traveling between the territories. His administration says the measures address economic imbalances in cross-border trade and travel, according to the press release.

“We recognize the urgency of addressing economic challenges facing our territory,” Potter said. “The Legislature looks forward to engaging in productive discussions with the Governor’s office while ensuring any proposed measures protect our local economy and maintain positive relations with our brothers and sisters in the BVI.”

Bryan’s team will present details on trade imbalances, economic impacts, revenue projections, enforcement strategies, and the potential effects on tourism and local businesses, the press release stated.

For more information, contact Cosme Christian, chief of staff to the Senate president, at 340-774-0880 or cichristian@legvi.org.

DLCA Fuel Price Report

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DLCA Fuel Price Report

SOL PETROLEUM WHOLESALE RACK RATES

Regular Fuel – $2.58 / Premium Fuel – $2.73 / Diesel Fuel – $2.91

ST. CROIX SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $3.996 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $4.397 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $4.629 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $3.949 per gallon at Fill & Chill Service Station.
  • Premium Fuel: $4.199 per gallon at Titan Service Station, Five Corners Service Station, G-Max Service Station, One Love Golden Rock, Budget Service Station, Island Petroleum, and Pit Stop Service Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $3.999 per gallon at Titan Service Station, Falcon Service Station, and G-Max Service Station.

ST. THOMAS SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.794 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $5.352 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.894 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.699 per gallon at 1st Stop, Giant Gas, Home Town, Ali Baba Service Station, Petrus Polyberg, Petrus Smith Bay, and RaceTrack.
  • Premium Fuel: $5.199 per gallon at 1st Stop, 1st Stop Frydenhoj, Giant Gas Station, Home Town Service Station, Ali Baba Service Station, RaceTrack and RaceTrack East.
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.799 per gallon at 1st Stop, 1st Stop Frydenhoj, Giant Gas, and RaceTrack East.

ST. JOHN SELF-SERVICE

Average Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.779 per gallon
  • Premium Fuel: $5.009 per gallon
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.499 per gallon

Lowest Prices

  • Regular Fuel: $4.769 per gallon at Race Track Gas Station.
  • Premium Fuel: $4.989 per gallon at Race Track Gas Station.
  • Diesel Fuel: $5.439 per gallon at Race Track Gas Station.

Fuel station owners are reminded that it shall be unlawful for any person to offer to sell at retail and dispense or to sell at retail and dispense motor fuel into fuel supply tanks of motor vehicles unless there is continuously and publicly posted and displayed on or near each pump or other dispensing device the minimum octane rating, the retail price per gallon and, separately stated, the tax per gallon, on each blend of motor fuel dispensed therefrom. 12A V.I.C.§ 202.

Gasoline station/fuel retailers should also be reminded that in accordance with 12A V.I.C. §207, all gas stations are required to provide a functioning air hose for public use during normal business hours, failure to comply with this code could result in fine not to exceed $100 for each offense.

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