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New Leadership Takes Shape at V.I. Elections Board

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New Leadership Takes Shape at V.I. Elections Board
Members of the V.I. Elections Board discuss new officers Friday. From left, Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal, Cornelius Jn Baptiste, Shikima Jones-Sprauve, Florine Audain-Hassell, Nathan Fletcher and Michael Joseph. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)

The Virgin Islands Board of Elections held a special meeting Friday at the St. Croix Elections Office to elect new officers.

Vice Chair Shikima Jones-Sprauve led the meeting and opened the floor for nominations for chair, vice chair, and secretary. After some debate, the board agreed that St. Croix members would fill the chair and secretary positions while the vice chair would be selected from St. Thomas.

Raymond Williams was the first to be nominated for the chairmanship by Nathan Fletcher of St. Thomas. Lawrence Boschulte, also from St. Thomas, nominated Lilliana Belardo de O’Neal, while Barbara LaRonde put forward Cleopatra Peter as a candidate for chairperson.

For the position of vice chair, Boschulte and LaRonde were also put forward as candidates. For secretary, the nominees were Florine Audain-Hassell, Cornelius Jn Baptiste and Raymond Williams.

During the nomination and voting process, questions were raised about Williams’s eligibility to serve on the board. A few board members expressed concerns, noting that his role as director of the V.I. Lottery requires him to hold only one job and maintain a single career. However, the board was reminded of a 2022 ruling by V.I. Attorney General Denise George, who determined that while Williams is prohibited from holding another job, he is permitted to serve on the Elections Board.

“Raymond Williams is in good standing according to the Attorney General,” attorney and board member Michael Joseph affirmed.

Board member Harriet Mercer made a motion that the board should vote for the other two positions until a copy of George’s ruling was produced, which Richard Muhammad, executive assistant, eventually handed to each member.

Jones-Sprauve eventually called for a paper ballot vote. Once the votes were tallied, Williams was elected chair, and Audain-Hassell was chosen as secretary. A tie between Boschulte and Jn Baptiste for vice-chair was resolved in a second round of voting, with Boschulte ultimately being elected.

The meeting was handed over to the newly elected officers. Williams expressed gratitude for the group’s support and assured everyone that the board would operate professionally despite past conflicts. Audian-Hassell also thanked the members, and Boschulte emphasized the importance of maintaining a collaborative and conflict-free atmosphere in future meetings.

During a period at the end of the meeting called Personal Privileges, each member was given three minutes to speak about a subject of their choosing. Most offered suggestions and appreciation but several board members criticized the inability to broadcast the meetings to St. Thomas and St. John constituents.

There are 14 members on the V.I. Elections Board. The seven members from St. Croix are Audain-Hassel, Belardo de O’Neal, Francis, JnBaptiste, Peter, Williams and Joseph.

The members from the St. Thomas-St John district are Boschulte, Fletcher, Jones-Sprauve, LaRonde, Mercer, Atanya Springette, and Chaneel Callwood, who was absent.

American Legion National Commander Visits St. Croix

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American Legion National Commander Visits St. Croix
On Friday, the American Legion of St. Croix welcomed National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. During his visit, he was able to meet with veterans and enjoy lunch. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

On Friday, the American Legion of St. Croix welcomed National Commander James A. LaCoursiere Jr. with a tour of the St. Croix Veteran Affairs Office and a meeting with other veterans.

“We are vastly invested in finding out what we can do for the veterans and the military families here on the island,” said LaCoursiere.

“My big concern is what we can do to help because there is such a large disconnect between the continental U.S. and the U.S. Territories,” he said.

During his visit, LaCoursiere toured the Veterans Affairs Clinic and met with Chief Medical Officer Dr. Veronica L. Linares. One of the concerns discussed was that only one physician was responsible for seeing 800 veterans.

Another issue raised by Commander Ramon Padilla was the veterans’ pharmacy. “The national commander’s visit was important because we need to check with the service being provided to the veterans if it’s adequate and right now, we have some issues,” he added.

LaCoursiere also met with veterans, listening to their concerns and considering their needs.

“We are trying to put all the pieces together to take some of the barriers down and try to communicate with Congress on what we really need for the U.S. Territories. As far as making sure that they have all the medical resources available to them, proper care and the same benefits we have on the continental U.S.,” he said.

LaCoursiere, who oversees 1.6 million veterans nationally, said that he has been meeting with other territories that have been experiencing similar issues.

LaCoursiere said he tries to visit all the states and territories where there are American Legion posts and military troops. “My primary focus this year is the quality of life for our veterans and their families,” he said.

“Our number one mission, ‘Be the One,’ that he also wears as a pin and gives to others in remembrance of this message,” he continued. “We are trying to reduce the veteran suicide rate. We can do that with true compassion at heart, but also trying to take away the anguish and mental roadblocks,” he said.

Some of those issues include unhoused veterans, lack of education, food insecurity, restricted child care and more.

American Legion District Commander Secondino Roman-Cruz said that the national commander’s visit is very important for the Virgin Islands because they are speaking directly to the person who takes veterans’ needs to Washington.

“There is where we will get the aid that we need,” said Roman-Cruz.

“By having him here and meeting with the medical staff that treats the veterans and the veterans themselves he has a better knowledge on how he can present the needs that we have. We are not treated like the veterans in the mainland. There is a difference. We are fighting and will continue to fight so that we can receive the same benefits that the veterans in the mainland receive because we all serve together,” he said.

In the process of getting the attention of Congress, there is strength in the number of veterans enrolled in Veterans Affairs Healthcare, and LaCoursiere encourages veterans to register online. “If your reportable numbers of veterans enrolled in the Veterans Affairs Healthcare are low, but you have a lot of veterans, they are only looking at who is enrolled,” said LaCoursiere.

Padilla said this is an effort that they will be working on. “Some of the veterans that are unaccounted for. There are so many Veterans that are entitled to apply, and we cannot find them.” To connect with these veterans, plans are in place to host a series of health fairs.

“We have the same mental issues that the veterans in the States have, and we do not get the same service. We keep fighting and by the national commander coming here he gets up front information,” said Roman-Cruz.

Every year a new national commander is voted in and with previous commanders there has been progression, said Roman-Cruz. For instance, a transport plane for veterans is available to take them to Puerto Rico and return the same day, if not veterans are housed overnight. They are also provided with a certain amount of money for travel expenses.

Roman-Cruz also acknowledged the efforts of the director of the V.I. Veterans Affairs Office, Patrick Farrell, who he said has been “a very good asset to the veterans.”

To register as a veteran with the Veterans Affairs Office on St. Croix, call 340-773-8387 or email info_va@va.vi.gov.

Port Authority OKs Work at Airports

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Port Authority OKs Work at Airports
A view of Charlotte Amalie Harbor. (Photo from the Port Authority’s year-end report)

On Thursday, the V.I. Port Authority Governing Board approved millions of dollars for work at the territory airports and voted to keep Willard John as chair.

The work approved included $3.6 million for an aviation master plan. This project involves the Federal Aviation Administration and will utilize Airport Improvement Program Grant funds to conduct work at both airports and assess the potential future needs of both seaplane bases in the territory.

According to the staff report, VIPA has been working on Phase I of the plan since May 2023 and is preparing to move into the second phase.

Ricondo, the authority’s aviation planning consultant, will do the work. It will be funded 90 percent federally.

The governing board also accepted a $4.6 million proposal from Island Roads Corporation for selective slab replacement of the commercial apron at the Cyril E. King Airport. This project will be funded from the FAA Grant Funds with a 10 percent match by the Port Authority.

All the work being approved Thursday was not for the airport. Moffatt & Nichol received a contract for $131,350 related to the Red Hook Customs Building design update project.

Moffatt & Nichol was also granted a job not to exceed $441,550 to design and construct a warehouse for the Education Department. This fulfills an obligation the authority had as part of transferring the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School Campus property from the Property and Procurement Department to the authority.

The engineering firm Stantec received approval for three projects from the board. One is for $719,900 for geotechnical investigation related to projects at the St. Croix airport, and another is for $609,850 for design and permitting services related to environmental mitigation for airfield drainage and conveyance upgrades at the St. Thomas airport. The staff reported that this project deals with the wetland on the north side of the runway. It would address the wildlife hazard by removing the wetland and creating a tidewater protection area.

In the third contract, Stantec is not to exceed $893,100 for design and permitting services related to a new aircraft rescue and firefighting station to be reconstructed in the existing structure’s location. The programming and schematic design were completed in December 2024, and the next steps are to finish the design so that funding can be arranged for the construction of the new station.

The board members attending the meeting were Joseph Boschulte, Derek Gabriel, Willard John, Gordon Rhea, Kevin Rodriquez, Leona Smith, and Celestino White Sr.

Rhymer and Brooks Sworn In as OMB Director and Police Commissioner

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Rhymer and Brooks Sworn In as OMB Director and Police Commissioner
From left, Police Commissioner Mario M. Brooks, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Director of the Management and Budget Office Julio A. Rhymer Sr. (Photo courtesy V.I. Government House)

Family members, colleagues, supporters, and friends gathered Thursday on St. Thomas for the swearing-in ceremony of Julio A. Rhymer Sr. as director of the Office of Management and Budget and Mario M. Brooks as police commissioner.

The ceremony, hosted in the Columban Hall of Holy Family Church, was attended by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, and other members of the Bryan-Roach administration. The event was streamed live on Facebook and the VI Government Access Network. Superior Court Presiding Judge Debra S. Watlington administered the oaths of office, according to the Government House press release.

Bryan welcomed the new commissioners into the administration, emphasizing the collective responsibility they share while affixing cabinet pins onto their lapels. “What happens to one of us happens to all of us,” Bryan said. “When you take up this mantle of responsibility, 100,000 souls count on us to do our best. When we let down the Virgin Islands in any way, 100,000 people feel the impact.”

Roach commended Rhymer and Brooks for stepping into leadership roles during challenging times. “I am grateful to Julio Rhymer and Mario Brooks that they have decided that they will take the challenge no matter what,” Roach said.

Rhymer, a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of experience, has previously served as the director of the Office of Management and Budget, executive director and chief financial officer of the V.I. Water and Power Authority, and chief financial officer at the V.I. Housing Finance Authority. During his remarks, Rhymer reflected on his upbringing and paid tribute to his father, who was present for the occasion, the press release stated.

Brooks, a veteran law enforcement professional and military officer, brings over 30 years of experience to the role. He has risen through the ranks of the V.I. Police Department, serving in key positions, including commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Marine Unit, and Special Response Team. Most recently, he served as assistant police commissioner and holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the V.I. National Guard, the release stated.

Acknowledging the responsibility of his new position, Brooks pledged to uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability, knowing that he carries the weight of the Virgin Islands community’s safety on his shoulders, it said.

Emilie Almestica Dies at 76

Mat Probasco
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Emilie Almestica Dies at 76

Emilie Almestica of Wilkes, Antigua transitioned into eternal life on Jan. 16. She was 76 years old.

Emilie Almestica

She was preceded in death by her grandmother Millicent Mason; mother Sybil Daniels; father Johnny (John) Kirby; and brother Patrick Daniels.

She is survived by her husband Ramon Almestica Sr, sisters Daisylyn Hodge, Lynette (Florie) Otto; daughters Ginna Randolph, Tashira (Rashad) Almestica-Dostalie; sons Gary (Corona) Randolph, Teddy (Rolanda) Randolph, Keith (Chandra) Randolph, Treavor Randolph, Ramon Almestica Jr, Sergio Almestica. Grandchildren Termich (Travis) Cherry, Isaiah Randolph, Richard Bochamp, Teddy Ravae (Deanna) Randolph, Cherish Randolph, Azarah Almestica, Gabriel Dostalie, Jahsai Dostalie, Serenity Dostalie, Hezekiah Randolph, Jeka’meam Randolph, Allora Almestica, Isabella Almestica; great grandchildren Savior Randolph,Truth Harrison, Royalty Randolph, Logan Cherry, Levi Cherry, Isaiah Randolph Jr

Malachi Randolph, Kairo Randolph, Rhyan Randolph, Nico Randolph; god children Xiaxiang Washington, Sevon Washington, Kelia Bradshaw, Xiamara Gomez, and Ebbie Gomez.

Close family and friends, the Kirby family, the Almestica family, the Daniels family, Nicole Thomas Peters, Carmen Brown and family, Angela Burt-McIntosh and family, Diana Washington and family, Deborah Bailey, Hyacinth Bailey, Eunice Bailey, Denfield (Bampo) Jones, Dahila Green, Valarie Ponce, Natanya Ponce,  Shamarra Ponce, Gerard and Nadine Glasgow, Gail (Gigi) Glasgow, Janet Jonas, Denise Jackson, Elba Proctor, Augusta Stevens, Esther Urgent, the Ricardo Richards school family, Alexander Henderson School family, Rueben Gomez and family, Vashti Harris, Yvonne Isles, Yvonne Auguste and family. As well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Friends and family viewing will be held on Thursday, Feb. 6 at Divine Funeral Services, 129 Peter’s Rest Christiansted between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, Feb. 7 at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1 Mount Pleasant, Frederiksted, viewing at 10 a.m., service at 11 a.m.

Interment following service at the Kingshill Cemetery.

The family request that those in attendance wear shades of red.

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at UVI Convocation

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Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at UVI Convocation

The University of the Virgin Islands is proud to announce that the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, will be the featured speaker at a Student Convocation at 3 p.m. on Feb. 7, in the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on its Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas and streamed live in a closed link to members of the UVI Community.

“We are honored to host the Honorable Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at the University of the Virgin Islands in a historic event that is sure to inspire us all,” said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. “I am excited that our students will be able to hear first-hand from Justice Jackson, who has had an inspirational career, with many achievements, as she makes monumental legal decisions serving on the highest court in the land.”

Justice Jackson, born in Washington, D.C., has a distinguished background in law and public service. She grew up in Miami, Florida, where her parents were public school educators. Her academic journey began at Harvard University, where she enrolled in 1988 and graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Government from Harvard-Radcliffe. She continued her education at Harvard Law School, earning her Juris Doctorate (J.D.) in 1996.

Following law school, Justice Jackson’s career has been marked by a commitment to both private practice and public service. She has held three federal clerkships, with Judge Patti B. Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, Judge Bruce M. Selya of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit and Justice Stephen G. Breyer of the U. S. Supreme Court. Her public service includes two years with the United States Sentencing Commission from 2003 to 2005 and a role as a federal public defender from 2005 to 2007. In 2010, she returned to the U.S. Sentencing Commission as a commissioner. Justice Jackson served on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia from 2013 to 2021. She was also appointed to the Defender Services Committee of the Judicial Conference of the United States in 2017, and the Supreme Court Fellows Commission in 2019.  In 2021, President Joe Biden appointed her to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. On Feb. 25, 2022, President Biden announced he was nominating Jackson to fill the Supreme Court seat left open by the retirement of Justice Stephen Breyer. The U.S. Senate voted to confirm her on April 7, 2022.

Justice Jackson has the distinction of being the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, the first federal public defender to sit on the Court and the first Justice since Thurgood Marshall to represent criminal defendants. She took the oath of office on June 30, 2022.

Justice Jackson is married to Dr. Patrick Jackson, and they are the proud parents of two daughters.

During the convocation, Justice Jackson will be awarded an honorary degree from UVI, recognizing her significant contributions to the legal field and her role as a trailblazer for women and people of color in the judiciary.

“We invite the University Community to attend this special event, which offers UVI students a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the most influential and celebrated justices serving on the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Dr. George. “This event promises to be an inspiring occasion, highlighting Justice Jackson’s remarkable journey and her commitment to justice and equality.”

“The presence of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at this convocation is a profound moment for UVI and the Virgin Islands,” said Dr. Una Dyer, vice president of Strategic Affairs, who has been working closely with President George on managing the event’s logistics.

 “Justice Jackson’s story will resonate deeply with our students, reminding them that excellence, perseverance and dedication can lead to extraordinary accomplishments.” UVI encourages all members of the University Community to participate in this historic event. Registration will be required for UVI students and employees to attend the event.

In 2017, the University had the distinction of hosting the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayer at a student convocation.

Margaret E. Miller Dies at 69

Mat Probasco
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Margaret E. Miller Dies at 69

Margaret E. Miller, of Sion Hill, transitioned into eternal life on Jan. 18. She was 69 years old. 

She is preceded in death her mother Violet Ramsey and father Frederick Ramsey.

She is survived by her spouse Aaron Buntin; daughter, Chamonie Miller, Andrea Miller; son, Andreas Miller Jr.; grandchildren, Rickisha & Ricardo Richards, Abassi Boston, Najee Miller, Juicy Miller, Shaniya Miller, Letecia Miller, Janiaha Warden, Jazarah Warden, Jahmario Warden, Jahmanie Morton, Jahmarley Warden; great-grandchildren, Ty’rese Williams, Dy’aire Wrensford, Chalia Boston; sister, Pamela Noorhaseen, Hyacinth Bradshaw, Pearline Weeks; brother, Samuel Dore; nieces, Maqueda Noorhasen, Pamela Noorhasen, Octavia Ramsey, Theresa Ponce, Althea Gumbs, Olivia Bradshaw, Marion Bradshaw, Shanika Weeks, Yvonne Weeks, Sharmika Weeks, Patricia & Diane Dore; nephews, Brian Noorhasen Jr., Joseph Ramsey, Leslie Bradshaw, Howard Douglas, Valentine Dore; daughter-in-law, Charice Miller; special friends, Aaron Buntin, Claron Buntin, Barbara Williams, Jola Warden, Murray Barrie, Jose Contreras, Suretha La’Shawn; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. 

Funeral service will be held on Jan. 29 at Bethel A.M.E. Church on #12 Queen Street, Christiansted. Viewing will begin at 9am with service at 10am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. 

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

Update Planned For Coral Bay Water Use

Mat Probasco
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Update Planned For Coral Bay Water Use

Coral Bay Community Council is excited to announce that from now until the end of the year, CBCC will be updating the 2015 Coral Bay Drinking Water and Wastewater Plans to continue to improve drinking water and wastewater systems for the Coral Bay community and beyond. Given the plans are almost 10 years old, and the community has experienced a higher-than-normal turnover of residents leaving the island due to the 2017 hurricanes, COVID-19 pandemic, increase in cost of living, and aging populations returning stateside, now is an opportune time to update them.

We will also continue to coordinate drinking water testing, host workshops for residents and professionals, and provide one-on-one consultation. To learn more about the project, please join CBCC for a project kick-off meeting on Friday, Feb. 7 at Our Place from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We strive to support a healthy and happy community by empowering them with the knowledge and tools to properly operate their systems as well as continue to look for new options and technologies that will make life easier and systems more resilient to our daily challenges and cost,” explains CBCC Environmental Projects Manager, Rachel McKinley.

Part of accomplishing a happy and healthy community is getting input from the community itself. Watershed Coordinator and project lead, Maya Craig says, “CBCC will be involving the Coral Bay community and folks across the USVI in this process. Throughout the year, there will be community meetings, workshops, surveys, and public commentary. Keep an eye out for CBCC outreach on our Facebook, Instagram, newsletters, and posted flyers.”

Updating the plans will include addressing findings from the past nine years of research on unsafe system practices such as discharging effluent water on top of soil, using improper amounts of bleach to purify drinking water, and limited system maintenance, while offering healthier, proven treatment alternatives. The plans and the research reports are available on our website at: https://coralbaycommunitycouncil.org/water-and-waste-water/drinking-water-wastewater-research-projects-reports-plans/

If you have any questions about your drinking water and wastewater systems, call us at 340-776-2099, email Water@CoralBayCommunityCouncil.org or stop by the CBCC office (in Coral Bay across from the fire station) for answers.

The Coral Bay Community Council is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2003 by volunteer residents with the purpose of acting as a community advocate, government liaison, and trusted information and research source. As a watershed management association, CBCC works to protect the Coral Bay watershed, watersheds across the territory, and the people that live within them.

Coral Bay Community Council is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

This material is based upon work supported under a grant by the Rural Utilities Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are solely the responsibility of the Coral Bay Community Council and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Rural Utilities Service.

 

WAPA Stresses Safety for Employees Amid Community Threats

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WAPA Stresses Safety for Employees Amid Community Threats

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is calling for community support to ensure the safety of its employees and contractors following recent threats against workers performing necessary duties.

The authority reported that Meter Reading and Meter Service employees have been targeted while on the job. In response, WAPA emphasized the essential role these workers play in delivering services and announced measures to protect their well-being. WAPA stated in a press release.

The authority is deeply concerned by the threats staff have faced. Their safety is a top priority, and WAPA asks the community to recognize their vital contributions, the release stated.

WAPA provided tips on identifying its field workers and ensuring smooth interactions.

Employees:

  • Operate official WAPA vehicles with marked license plates.
  • Wear WAPA-issued uniforms.
  • Announce their presence upon arrival at residences.
  • Display official WAPA identification.

Additionally, technicians from subcontractor Davey Resource Group (DRG), working on the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Inventory project, may be seen using tablets, GPS devices, and other tools. DRG personnel can be identified by:

  • WAPA Contractor ID badges
  • Safety vests
  • A Letter of Authority available upon request.

Field activities occur seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. across the territory. WAPA urged the public to help create a safe environment for workers and prevent harassment.

“We ask that community members work with us to ensure that WAPA employees and contractors can complete their assigned work without fear of harassment or threats,” the release stated.

Suspects Nabbed in Oswald Harris Court Shooting

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Suspects Nabbed in Oswald Harris Court Shooting

Two individuals implicated in a November 2024 shooting at Oswald Harris Court on St. Thomas are now in custody, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.

Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau arrested Azani Prentice, 18, and Tony Isaac, 19, on charges of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, willful discharge of a firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and conspiracy, according to the police report.

The arrests stem from a warrant issued by the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, the police report stated.

According to police, Prentice, with Isaac’s assistance, was captured on video firing multiple shots at a male victim, who was seen fleeing the area on foot. The victim sustained several gunshot wounds during the incident, which occurred on Nov. 24, 2024. Bail for both suspects has been set at $500,000.

This case remains under active investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, the 911 Emergency Call Center, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers V.I. at 1-800-222-8477. The VIPD emphasized that all tips will remain confidential.

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