Effective Tuesday, Eulalie R. Rivera K-8 School on St. Croix will operate under a modified scheduled in response to the ongoing heatwave affecting the territory and concerns about extreme classroom temperatures, the V.I. Education Department announced Friday morning.
Because Monday is a federal holiday, the schedule will take effect on Tuesday, and will continue until further notice:
Homeroom and morning announcements will commence at 7:30 a.m.
First period will be from 7:35 to 8:20 a.m.;
Second period from 8:25 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.;
Third period from 9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.;
Primary lunch (fourth period) from 10:05 a.m. to 10:50 a.m.;
Intermediate lunch (fifth period) from 10:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.;
Sixth period from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Transportation services will continue for those who use the school bus, the department said.
The changes come as concerns about excessive heat, lack of air conditioning and other school maintenance issues have led to teacher sick-outs and staff protests in both districts.
Last month, kitchen workers and other staff at Lockhart Elementary staged brief walkouts that were sparked by malfunctioning or broken AC units in the cafeteria, kitchen, and other key spaces. Those protests came on the heels of a similar demonstration at Joseph Gomez Elementary School just a day prior.
And just one month into the school year, on Sept. 5, a St. Croix Educational Complex student was treated at the hospital after a ceiling fan fell on him in his classroom, causing a deep gash in his side that required 30 stitches, according to reports at the time.
The Education Department said Friday that the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance “is continuing its efforts to address heat-related challenges at school sites and is working diligently to improve conditions for students, faculty, and staff.”
A retired health educator, candidate Margaret Price is an advocate for senators “getting out in the streets” to develop solutions. Host Raven Phillips engages her more in this episode of The Fish Fry, produced by VI Crawl and powered by Mad Hot Media and the VI Source. There’s always something new!
Sen. Diane Capehart chairs Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting Thursday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature Facebook page)
A significant portion of the legislative package during Thursday’s Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting focused on the Virgin Islands’ energy future, with the passage of Bill 35-0300 and Bill 35-0320—two measures that approve lease agreements for renewable wind energy projects on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Bill 35-0300 authorizes a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Advanced Power LLC, allowing the company to construct, operate, and maintain wind turbine generators on several parcels of land on St. Thomas. The project, part of a larger microgrid initiative, is expected to produce 16.6 megawatts of renewable energy, representing about 25 percent of the island’s energy needs. This shift to green energy is seen as a major step toward reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cutting energy costs, and promoting sustainability.
“This is about investing in the future of our islands,” said Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., who sponsored the bill. “We are bringing in external funding and expertise to construct this wind farm without burdening our local government finances, and the benefits will be long-lasting.”
Similarly, Bill 35-0320 approved a wind energy project for St. Croix, granting a lease to Advanced Power LLC for multiple parcels of land in Queen’s Quarter. This project aims to deliver renewable energy and alleviate the high costs associated with the aging Water and Power Authority infrastructure.
“These projects will help stabilize our energy grid and make our islands more self-reliant while lowering utility costs for our people,” Francis added.
The session also saw the passage of Bill 35-0374, which conveys a parcel of land on St. Thomas to the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System (WTJX). This move will allow WTJX to expand its facilities to continue providing educational programming and cultural enrichment to the local community.
On the waste management front, Bill 35-0384 amends an existing lease agreement to provide the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) with additional land on St. Croix, expanding waste management facilities. The new centers are part of a broader effort to modernize the territory’s waste disposal systems, improving sanitation and reducing environmental hazards.
While energy and infrastructure were key focuses of the legislative session, the committee also approved several significant social welfare bills aimed at improving public health and safeguarding children in the judicial system.
Bill 35-0031, known as the Child Victims and Child Witnesses Rights Act, seeks to provide enhanced legal protections for minors who are either victims of or witnesses to crimes. The bill introduces safeguards such as specialized courtroom accommodations and legal protections designed to minimize the emotional and psychological harm that children can experience when participating in criminal proceedings.
“This legislation ensures that our children are treated with the care and dignity they deserve,” said Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr., who sponsored the bill. “We are aligning our territory’s laws with best practices, making sure our legal system is sensitive to the needs of young victims and witnesses.”
The bill received widespread support, with the Human Services Department and the Justice Department offering recommendations to strengthen its provisions. The passage of this act is seen as a critical step forward in protecting vulnerable children during what can often be traumatic legal processes, senators said.
In addition to child protection, the committee addressed public health by passing Bill 35-0283, which amends the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act. This bill is largely administrative, correcting technical errors and clarifying provisions in the original law without altering its core intent.
“This bill doesn’t alter the intent of the original cannabis legislation but rather cleans up technical issues and adds needed clarity,” said Sen. Marise James, a vocal supporter of the amendments during the session. The senator explained that the proposed changes were carefully crafted in response to feedback from regulatory authorities to ensure the law remains functional and transparent.
The Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, initially passed by the 34th Legislature, legalized adult-use cannabis but has faced delays in implementation due to the complexities of creating a regulatory framework from scratch. The amendments introduced by Bill 35-0283 are seen as a crucial step in addressing those complexities and ensuring the regulatory system operates smoothly as the market opens.
Supporters of the bill emphasize that a clear regulatory framework is vital to the industry’s success. Senators said that by addressing regulators’ concerns and ensuring that the law is precise and enforceable, the territory can attract investment, promote economic growth, and ensure public safety in the cannabis sector.
Lastly, Bill 35-0289 raises the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21, bringing the Virgin Islands in line with national tobacco regulations. The move is part of a broader public health initiative aimed at reducing early tobacco use, which is a leading cause of long-term addiction and related health issues.
“Raising the age for tobacco purchases will help prevent lifelong nicotine addiction, and it’s a critical step toward improving public health in the territory,” said Sen. Ray Fonseca, who sponsored the bill. “Research shows that nearly 95 percent of adult smokers start before the age of 21, and by raising the legal age, we can significantly reduce the number of young people taking up smoking.”
The main beach at Caneel Bay reopened to the public in August after being closed since 2017. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Anyone hoping to learn more about the future of Caneel Bay Resort will have to endure a couple more weeks of suspense.
On Oct. 22, the National Park Service plans to release its request for qualifications, the first step in the selection process for a new developer of the iconic resort, according to Ahmad Toure, chief of the Division of Interpretation for the Virgin Islands National Park.
Toure and other park officials met with the public Wednesday evening at the Resource Management and Science Complex at Lind Point on St. John to provide updates on a number of park initiatives.
The announcement contains the surprising news that the Park Service is offering “an unprecedented 60-year lease term on 74 acres of the Virgin Islands National Park.” The length of the lease to rebuild the resort, which was heavily damaged by hurricanes in 2017, became a contentious issue with the previous leaseholder, CBI Acquisitions.
According to the announcement, “Competition for this lease is a straightforward two-step process, where bidders submit their qualifications to the NPS during the request for qualifications (RFQ) process.”
Those bidders found eligible through the RFQ will then be given the exclusive opportunity to submit a detailed proposal to “develop and manage an eco-friendly destination resort that commands the level of customer service expected in the U.S. Virgin Islands while also becoming an integral member of the community on St. John and throughout the Virgin Islands.”
Penny Del Bene, superintendent of the VINP, said the RFQ will be published for 60 days and can be extended for another 30 days upon request. The RFQ process is expected to take five or six months, she said.
Penny Del Bene, superintendent of the Virgin Islands National Park, fields questions while Ahmad Toure, Interpretation Division chief, checks facts. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Del Bene added that discussions are now underway about extending the temporary agreements with the owners of Caneel Bay Beach Club, the water plant, and ZoZo’s Restaurant which have been allowed to continue to operate on the property.
The park has no further plans at this time to offer land access to any other beaches on the Caneel Bay property, Del Bene said.
Caneel Bay Resort Removal of Hazardous Materials is Ongoing
At Wednesday’s meeting, Deputy Superintendent Scott Simmons gave an update about the process of removing contaminated materials from the Caneel Bay Resort property.
Scott Simmons, deputy superintendent; Astrid Santini, chief of Staff; and Nick Crowley, facilities manager, listen attentively at Wednesday evening’s meeting. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
More than 58 tons of asbestos-containing material was removed from the lodging area between September 2023 and May 2024 and shipped to a site in Florida licensed to store this hazardous material, Simmons said.
The Park Service has awarded a contract to an independent company to monitor the removal of hazardous materials, including chemicals found in fuel and pesticides, from the former maintenance area at the resort. The cleanup is anticipated to begin in February, Simmons said.
The remediation of a third site, a 1.5-acre landfill once located behind Honeymoon Bay, is still in the planning stages.
Process to identify a Southern Emergency Evacuation Route has begun.
For many years, certain St. John landowners have said the establishment of the VINP has caused them to lose access to family land, which is within the boundaries of the VINP on the southern side of the island.
An aerial view of St. John shows the undeveloped south side of the island, where some landowners want to see a road built. (Image from Map Geo)
The steep and rocky L’Esperance Trail, which leads to Reef Bay and then connects to another trail leading to Lameshur Bay, was once an unpaved pathway that provided access to their property. At public meetings, requests have been made for the Park Service to grade and pave that trail, which would have the extra benefit of creating an alternate route out of Coral Bay.
At Wednesday’s meeting, officials announced that the VINP “has begun pre-National Environment Policy Act (NEPA) actions examining the feasibility of a project to provide an alternate evacuation route for emergencies, as well as to provide access to private lands within NPS-owned lands.”
This pre-NEPA process “includes additional proposal development, scope refinement, identification of data gaps, and other preparatory work that must be completed before initiating a full NEPA process,” according to officials.
An NPS team plans to keep the project moving forward by holding bi-weekly meetings, said Astrid Santini, the park’s chief of staff. Upon further questioning, Simmons said that some discussions have already been held with south shore landowners whose property can only be accessed now by steep trails.
Nick Crowley, the park’s facility manager, said plans are underway to rebuild the washed-out road at Lameshur Bay in 2026. That road connects to the paved road that runs past Salt Pond and eventually leads into Coral Bay.
Crowley said plans are also in the works to upgrade the water and wastewater plants at Trunk and Cinnamon bays and clear trails on Hassel Island in Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
A slide shows plans to upgrade trails and facilities at Hassell Island.(Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Audience members continued to ask for more clearance of bush along the roadsides, which makes opposite-lane traffic hazardous. New hires for positions in the Maintenance Division are pending, Crowley said.
Thomas Kelley, natural resource manager, spoke about the park’s collaborations with the University of the Virgin Islands and Coral World to protect coral reefs from bleaching and disease, and research techniques for growing and out-planting corals. Funding is in place for a number of initiatives for the next five years, he said.
Wednesday’s meeting was sparsely attended compared to other meetings held since June. VINP officials are planning to hold their last public meeting for the year on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
“Many parks do not hold public meetings,” said Del Bene, “but we want to do the right thing with the community.”
Cheraine Christian and Cherise Williams of In The Mix Cakery plan to start shipping internationally. (Submitted photo)
In The Mix Cakery, the family-run Peters Rest bakery on St. Croix, known for its custom-designed cakes, is on the cusp of something big. The Economic Development Authority approved In The Mix for tax benefits Thursday and soon, the co-owner said, Cakery products could be on shelves outside the Virgin Islands.
Cherise Williams kindled a passion for baking as a child but when it came time to work joined the corporate world. After a decade or so she found herself laid-off and got back in the kitchen, whipping up cookies and other treats. When a friend with an ice cream parlor wanted specialty cakes to accompany his frozen fare, Williams found herself specializing in cake.
“As people started asking for cakes, the demand grew and we’re like, we’re on to something,” Williams said. “We do everything related to cakes.”
She opened In The Mix Cakery with her daughter, Cheraine Christian, in 2016 across from Plaza Extra East. Thursday, with tax incentives in place, the bakery is working on financing for a manufacturing plant in the William D. Roebuck Industrial Park that could eventually employ ten or more people.
Reached by phone at her shop shortly after the EDA’s Enterprise Zone Commission voted in favor of her benefits, Williams was both excited and humble, saying her religious faith came first.
“We have a huge project that’s coming. We will be shipping a lot of our products globally,” Williams said, declining to further describe the project until financing was in place. She said she’d never dreamed of her business growing in such a way. “I used to do baking part time!”
Specializing in custom cakes — ice cream cakes, wedding cakes, picture cakes, number cakes, character cakes, butter cookies, and more — Williams said her shop keeps individual slices available daily. A popular item is the company’s cake jar product: passion fruit, berry, and other flavors of cake packed into a small, portable jar for easy, on-the-go cake eating.
In The Mix Cakery, St. Croix’s makers of cake jars plans to start shipping internationally. (Photo from In the Mix Cakery Facebook page)
The Economic Development Commission discussed in executive session two new applications for benefits from Bloom Analytics, LLLP and MJB Caribbean Ventures, Inc., owners of St. Thomas’ Hotel 1829 and At Home in the Tropics Bed and Breakfast. MJB also owns the bar and service Rumpourium.
MJB told the EDC it would invest more than $4 million in St. Thomas, hiring at least 10 full-time employees.
Bloom Analytics, which provides consulting, ideation, development, and management services, including analytics, marketing, and consulting solutions to lenders, financial technology firms, and embedded finance companies, committed to hiring five full-time employees within one year from the date the VIEDC Chairman signs the VIEDC Certificate. Bloom Analytics also said it would invest a minimum of $100,000.
The Krause Lagoon or Molasses Pier is currently used as the only boating ramp on St. Croix. (Photo from DPNR Facebook page)
A group of 10 members of the St. Croix boating community were present at a “Design Presentation and Boating Community Input” meeting held by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources on Thursday at Fort Frederik in Frederiksted to share their ideas for the Krause Lagoon (Molasses Pier) development.
Director of Fish and Wildlife Nicole Angeli said that the department received $1 million to improve the ramp located at the Krause Lagoon. Currently, the ramp is too short, and as a result, vehicles and trailers get stuck off the short end of the ramp.
The initiative stems from a memorandum of agreement signed earlier this year by DPNR and the Virgin Islands Port Authority. The goal is to enhance boating access and comfort for small-scale and recreational fishers at the roll-on/roll-off ramp at the pier.
“There are currently two ramps existing, the one ramp was built by the government and the others built by fishermen. The two ramps are the only safe 365 days of the year public access ramp in St. Croix to access the south shore or even the north shore,” said Angeli.
She said that 50 percent of local fishers land at Molasses Pier, and when they drop off their catch reports, they say the ramps are not serving them anymore.
The key project components include data collection and site condition assessment, public engagement, program and concept development, and creating a master plan vision book.
“The goal of today’s meeting was to get feedback from stakeholders in the community about what they want to see on the site, “said planner Sam Leiban of engineering firm Moffat & Nichol.
“Any plan we propose we want to have the community feedback so we are providing a roadmap for exactly what the community wants or needs instead of dictating to them what we think should happen,” he continued.
Leiban said the meeting was successful as they received pages of notes and feedback. “It’s going to be very helpful moving forward in using that feedback to generate a plan.”
Some concerns raised during the meeting included environmental preservation, security, lack of lighting, and absence of water for cleaning fish, leaving fishermen to clean fish on the dock.
The next step is to internally create some options for the client to review. “We are working towards one final master plan or vision concept for the site,” said Leiban.
“This side of the island is industrial in nature, but its most important feature is that it is the only publicly accessible boat ramp on the entire south shore of the island. This emphasizes the importance of this site and everything that is done here really needs to keep in mind that it is integral to the community and the whole island,” he said.
Currently, Leiban said the priority is to renovate the existing boat ramp. The future plans are to utilize the space while preserving the environmental features to create additional uses on the site.
During the presentation period of the meeting, Leiban showed boaters suggested spaces for future development, which included improved facilities, new community amenities, fishing docks, an actual fish market on site, an environmental education center, pavilions for picnics, shade structures, restroom area and better security.
Leiban said the plan is to gather feedback to create a project program. Three concepts will be prepared for the site, which DPNR will review. Cost information will be received and the design will be finalized based on that.
For further information, contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at 340-773-1082 ext. 2205 or email DFWElectronic@usvi.onmicrosoft.com.
World Migratory Bird Day is the perfect occasion to plan a birding outing with students, friends, and family. It marks peak migration activity — which means that birds will be everywhere! It’s a wonderful time for both beginner birders and those with more experience to enjoy our magnificent Caribbean biodiversity. (Photo by Natural History Museum of Jamaica)
Birdwatchers and nature lovers across the Caribbean are invited to marvel at the incredible migratory journeys that birds make to reach their wintering grounds here in the region on Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) Saturday. Peak migratory activity is expected and birds will be everywhere, the organization BirdsCaribbean announced.
The Caribbean islands play a critical role in the survival of millions of migratory birds that travel thousands of kilometers in search of safe places to spend the winter. The territory’s gardens, forests, wetlands, and coastlines become essential “all-inclusive” rest stops, providing food and shelter to sustain birds on their long journeys, according to the press release.
The striking Back-and-white Warbler also visits the Caribbean during migration season! Black-and-white Warblers can be found in a wide range of habitats. As well as forests and woodlands, they can be seen in gardens, shade-coffee plantations, wetlands, and mangroves. (Photo courtesy BirdsCaribbean)
The theme of WMBD 2024, “Protect Insects, Protect Birds,” highlights the crucial role insects play in supporting migratory birds. As food gets scarce on their breeding grounds in North America, these birds travel south to the Caribbean and Central and South America, relying on abundant insect populations for nourishment. The success of bird migrations depends on the availability of insects at stopover sites, making insects vital to the survival of migratory species, the press release stated.
One of the incredible migratory birds that comes to the Caribbean is the Peregrine Falcon. Able to achieve speeds of upwards of 320km when diving, the Peregrine Falcon is famous for not only being the fastest bird in the world — but being the fastest animal in the world! (Photo by Chuck Hantis)
Insects are also indispensable to the ecosystems and benefit humans in numerous ways. They pollinate crops, control pests, and help decompose organic matter. Despite their importance, insect diversity and populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and light pollution. This decline threatens the birds and ecosystems that depend on them, the release stated.
Tens of thousands of migratory birds, like these Sanderlings, will visit our islands during migration season! Wetlands and coastal habitats are especially important for these birds to rest and refuel — for migratory birds, the increasing degradation and loss of these habitats in the Caribbean is a matter of life and death. (Photo courtesy BirdsCaribbean)
This October, Caribbean islanders can participate in safeguarding both birds and insects. Simple actions like reducing pesticide use, planting insect-friendly gardens, and participating in local conservation events can make a lasting impact on our ecosystems, it said.
Visit www.birdscaribbean.org and find BirdsCaribbean on social media for more migratory bird facts, tips to help insects and birds thrive, and free fun activities to get involved.
The Forum will open its 2024-2025 Season with Plena Libre, a multi-Grammy nominated Afro-Rican band that combines traditional plena and bomba rhythms with other Afro-Caribbean styles and jazz. Their music creates contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of unique indigenous musical traditions while embracing modern sounds.
Plena Libre will perform at Prior-Jollek Hall. The Courtyard will open at 6 p.m.; the concert will begin at 7 p.m., Saturday, October 19.
He is preceded in death by his father, Henry Hubert; his mother, Eugena Mantor; and his brothers: Frankie Mantor, Cyril Mantor, Patrick Mantor, Leo Mantor and Cesar Hubert.
He is survived by his son, Dexter Hubert; sisters: Mary Schuster, Jane Samal, Marie Unice Hubert, Agnes Hubert, Agatha Vital and Fay Griffith; brother, Allan Griffith; sister-in-law, Tina Mantor; and nieces: Janice Schuster, Mathilda Hubert, Lenny Emmanuel, Catherine Samuel, Marlin Samuel Joseph, Lorine Samuel, Debra Samuel, Debbie Charlemagne and Marva Mantor.
He is also survived by nephews: John Hubert, Johnny Hubert, Camilus Henry, Danny Charlemagne, Eddie Emmanuel, Adrian Hubert, Ernie Cherubin, Dale Charlemagne, David Samuel, Simon Samuel and Earl Samuel; special friends: Ashel T. Belardo, Cyerian (CY or Cinco), Theodore and Percy Harris; as well as many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Friday, Oct. 11, at Divine Chapel, 129 Peter’s Rest.
Interment will follow at the Kingshill Cemetery (New Earth Burial section).
Claude A. Francis, also known as “Tony,” of Estate Grove Place died on Tuesday, Sept. 10, in Bridgeport, Conn.
He was preceded in death by his son, Antonio Francis; and brother, Wilbur H. Francis Sr.
He is survived by his children: Claudia Denice Francis, Claude Antonio Francis Jr. and Joseph A. Francis Lawrence; grandchildren: Ninotchka R. Sanes Francis, Joannys Sanes Francis, Keanu Mora Francis, Austin Mora Francis and Falcon Mora Francis; and great-grandchild, Neyshleane Y. Hernandez Sanes;
He is also survived by adopted children: Velina L. Frederick, Hubert Lorenzo Frederick and Claudia V. Frederick; siblings: Estia A. Francis, Magdalen E. Francis-Benjamin, Denice D. Francis-Parris, Mae A. Francis, Lorna T. Francis-Delano A. Francis Sr. and Terance D. Francis; as well as nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and other family and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17, at St. Paul’s Episcopalian Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.
