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Lt. Gov. Roach’s Transfer Day Remarks

Mat Probasco
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Lt. Gov. Roach’s Transfer Day Remarks

I offer this message in observance of the 109th Transfer Day anniversary as we conclude the month of March which commemorates Women’s History Month and Virgin Islands History Month each year.  This occasion gives us the opportunity to reflect on the rich historical significance that the month of March represents and highlights the many contributions of Virgin Islanders since the changing of the flags from Denmark to the United States on March 31, 1917.

Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach Legislature livestream)

As we remain an unincorporated Territory of the United States, let this Transfer Day remind us to continuously embrace our Caribbean experience and African heritage, regardless of our existence as American citizens.   As Virgin Islanders, we are guided by the bold and unwavering legacy of our ancestors. We are inspired by those who fought unapologetically for our freedom and for basic human rights.  We stand on the shoulders of visionaries who possessed a deep-rooted love for the Virgin Islands.  We are proud of those who have represented the Virgin Islands locally, nationally, and globally, solidifying our placement in history along the way.  Transfer Day reminds us that despite the challenges posed by our status, we continue to be a people of resilience and determination.

We have witnessed 109 years of innovation, achievements, and advancements, which hold great prospects for the future.  I offer my prayers of God’s guidance and protection over all Virgin Islanders as we continue to contribute to our complex but beautiful history and legacy as a Territory.

33rd Annual Tutu Park Mall Easter Eggs-Travaganza Set for Saturday

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33rd Annual Tutu Park Mall Easter Eggs-Travaganza Set for Saturday
A basket of colorful eggs. (Source photo by Nyomi Gumbs)
Children gather colorful eggs during a past Easter eggs-Travaganza at Tutu Park Mall, which returns Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with games, activities, and family entertainment. (Source file photo)

The 33rd annual Easter Eggs-Travaganza at Tutu Park Mall is set for Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will feature the Easter Bunny, games, food and activities for the community.

Marketing Director Juan Christian said the event is designed with families in mind and reflects the mall’s broader focus on creating shared community experiences. “It’s an event that we’re very proud of because it’s very much family-oriented, like many of our events that we have here,” he said.

This year’s celebration will include a range of activities for children and families, from traditional games like musical chairs and hula hoop contests to an Easter egg hunt featuring a golden prize egg. Christian said the event is designed to be interactive and engaging, “It’s going to be filled with fun, exciting games,” he said.

A special appearance by the Virgin Islands Institute of Performing Arts is planned, along with the Easter Bunny himself. “We’re going to be having a special appearance by the Virgin Islands Institute of Performing Arts. They’re going to be here as well,” Christian said. “And of course, the Easter Bunny is going to be making his appearance. The children love when he shows up because he brings an element of surprise and even more excitement to the festivities for the day.”

Christian pointed to activities that have become staples of the event. “We’re going to have our hula hoop contest. There’s always the hula hoop contest,” he said, noting the familiarity of the event, which has become a tradition for many over its 33 years.

In addition to entertainment, the event will feature local vendors offering food and refreshments, including cakes, pastries, popcorn, hot dogs, and lemonade, along with other on-site options.

Christian said one of the highlights each year is the Easter Bunny’s “bunny train,” a dance activity where children follow along in a group, creating what Christian described as a memorable and magical experience.

“The Easter Bunny leads the dance routine … and the kids just follow him,” Christian said. “That’s something that is truly magical … I find that we have captured the essence of magic for children and for the young at heart.”

He added that the event goes beyond entertainment, serving as a space for community connection and shared positivity. “Events such as this represent positivity, represent community connectivity, camaraderie, and ultimately, unity and togetherness,” Christian said.

“I would just like to encourage the community to come and be a part of this excellent event that we’re having,” Christian said. “Don’t just see this for our children only. You know, a lot of us are young at heart, and that’s where the true magic is, when we all come together as one and enjoy positive aspects that’s happening here, not just at Tutu Park Mall, but in other places in our community.”

St. John Resident Asks for Help Locating Missing Parrot

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St. John Resident Asks for Help Locating Missing Parrot

Residents and visitors to St. Thomas, St. John, and neighboring islands are asked to keep an eye out for Cookie, an Alexandrine Ringneck parrot that has been missing for more than two weeks.

At nearly 20” in length, Cookie is larger than local wild parrots. (Submitted photo)

Michael Frascella, Cookie’s owner, said the bird flew away on March 14 from the old Colombo Smoothie stand on Centerline Road on St. John. At a site elevation of 700 feet and with winds of 25 to 30 mph that day, Cookie could have been blown nearly 15 miles away, Frascella said. “He’s a good flyer, but not an expert flyer, and his wings are not clipped,” he added.

Frascella described Cookie as having a green head and body, with light green/yellow tail feathers that are longer than his body. He has red feathers ringing his neck, red splashes on his wings, and his beak is reddish orange. He measures about 20 inches in length.

Although he doesn’t talk much, “Cookie has a very loud whistle/call — unlike any bird in the territory — which is very distinctive,” said Frascella. “Parrots don’t like sun exposure, so the best times for him to be seen or heard is early morning or around sundown.”

Michael Frascella likes to take Cookie to the beach. (Submitted photo)

Frascella said Cookie does not interact with other birds. “He has been domesticated all of his life, so he sees other birds as predators. His survival techniques are very, very limited, and he has been hand-fed all of his life, so he really does not know how to forage. He eats mainly fruit.”

Cookie has lived with Frascella for the last three years. Before that, he lived with Frascella’s mother. He flew away once before and was found three days later, about two miles from where he took off. Frascella has searched some off island cays by kayak and has received some bird sighting videos from St. Thomas, but so far, no luck.

If anyone has any information on Cookie’s whereabouts, Frascella asks that they contact him by phone at 340-624-3467, by email at Flamike1967@gmail.com, or on local Facebook group pages dealing with missing pets and local news.

St. Thomas-St. John Power Outage Continues

Mat Probasco
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WAPA Plant personnel continue to bring online additional units to meet load demand. As the grid stabilizes, some customers may experience intermittent power interruptions as we work to safely balance generation and restore full service.

Busta Rhymes and R. City Headline St. Thomas Carnival Village Lineup

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Busta Rhymes and R. City Headline St. Thomas Carnival Village Lineup

The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department and the Division of Festivals have announced in a press release the lineup for the 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village, featuring six nights of free performances with local, regional and international artists.

Headliners include Busta Rhymes and St. Thomas–born duo R. City, according to the press release.

“This year, I am especially excited by the range of artistry that will take the stage at the St. Thomas Carnival Village,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King. “The Division of Festivals continues to attract globally recognized talent while honoring our longstanding commitment to elevating local artists at every stage of their careers.”

Local performers scheduled to appear throughout the week include Th3rd, Goyo, Star Martin, Mic Love, Nikki Brooks, Temisha, Shaw HP, Rudy Live, Adam O and Pumpa, the press release stated.

“The Virgin Islands Carnival celebrations capture the spirit and vibrancy of the Caribbean, reflecting the traditions and cultural pride that unite us,” said Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull. “Our focus is to elevate authentic talent and create an unforgettable experience that resonates with everyone who attends.”

Additional acts include Steel Pulse, Destra Garcia, Alison Hinds, Voice and Full Blown. A Bouyon Fest is also planned with performances by Trilla G, Shelly, Reo and Trev Li, the release stated.

The annual Village concerts are part of the 74th Annual St. Thomas Carnival, which will run April 26 to May 2. Organizers said more information is available on the Division of Festivals social media platforms.

Some Feeders Getting Electricity in St. Thomas-St. John

Mat Probasco
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The following feeders have been restored: 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, 6B, 7B (partial), 8B, 9B, 10B (partial), 7C (partial), 9C (partial)

WAPA personnel continue working to restore all remaining feeders.

Man Arrested in Domestic Assault Investigation on St. Croix

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Man Arrested in Domestic Assault Investigation on St. Croix

A St. Croix man was arrested Sunday after police said he assaulted and strangled a woman during a domestic incident on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report around 6:38 p.m. from a female complainant who said Valence George had assaulted her earlier and was at her residence refusing to leave, according to the police report.

Officers responding to the scene made contact with the victim, who displayed visible injuries, police said.

An investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau found that the victim and George were involved in a physical altercation at the Frontline Bar. During the incident, George assaulted and strangled the victim, causing injuries to her face, neck, and other areas of her body, according to the report.

George was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was arrested and charged with assault second degree-domestic violence and simple assault and battery, police said.

He was remanded to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, according to VIPD.

Man Arrested After Vehicle Pursuit in Old Fredensborg Area

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Man Arrested After Vehicle Pursuit in Old Fredensborg Area

A St. Croix man was arrested Sunday after fleeing from police during a vehicle pursuit in the Old Fredensborg area of St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

The 911 Emergency Call Center received a radio transmission around 8:40 a.m. from detectives investigating a shooting incident earlier that morning, police said. Detectives reported observing two suspicious vehicles traveling at a high rate of speed and operating in a reckless manner near Food Town Supermarket.

Officers attempted to stop both vehicles, but a dark-colored sedan fled the area. Police followed a grey Acura TL and intercepted it in a residential area of Old Fredensborg, according to the police report.

The driver, identified as Roy Christopher, abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot through nearby bushes toward the Alfredo Andrews School. Officers apprehended him shortly after in the area, police said.

Christopher was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, advised of his Miranda rights, and arrested on a charge of reckless endangerment in the first degree, the report stated.

Bail was set at $30,000. Christopher was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.

Traffic Stop Ends in Crash, Arrest and Firearms Recovery on St. Thomas

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Traffic Stop Ends in Crash, Arrest and Firearms Recovery on St. Thomas

A traffic stop on Veterans Drive led to a crash, foot pursuit, and the recovery of two firearms Friday night, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Special Operations Bureau officers observed a black Acura ILX traveling eastbound without a rear license plate around 10:22 p.m. on Friday, police said.

Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver fled, disregarding multiple stop signs and traffic signals and nearly colliding with other motorists, according to the police report.

The pursuit ended when the driver lost control and crashed into a wall in front of a laundromat on Alton Adams Drive, police said.

After the crash, a passenger identified as K’Andre Lake exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued and apprehended him shortly after, police reported.

Police said Lake was found in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest. He later told officers he had discarded a second firearm during the pursuit and provided information that led to its recovery.

Lake, 22, was charged with unauthorized possession of a firearm, unauthorized possession of ammunition, reckless endangerment, possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a school, constructive possession of ammunition, disobeying a lawful order, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, destruction of property, interfering with an officer in the discharge of official duties, and simple possession of marijuana, the report stated.

Bail was set at $180,000. Lake was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.

Homeowner Detains Burglary Suspect on Hospital Street

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Homeowner Detains Burglary Suspect on Hospital Street

A homeowner detained a 58-year-old man during an attempted burglary early Saturday on Hospital Street in Christiansted, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

The 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of a burglary in progress around 2:27 a.m. on Saturday, police said.

Responding officers made contact with the homeowner, who reported that Thomas Brennan opened the rear door of the residence and attempted to enter without permission. The homeowner intercepted Brennan during the attempted entry and reported firing two shots. Brennan was detained at the scene until officers arrived, police said.

The homeowner told officers that no consent was given for Brennan to enter the residence.

An investigation by the VIPD Burglary Unit found that Brennan removed property from the porch and used an object to damage the door lock in an attempt to gain entry, according to the police report.

Brennan was advised of his Miranda rights and arrested on charges of attempted burglary, second-degree trespass, destruction of property, and petit larceny. He was transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was booked and processed.

Bail was set at $5,500. Brennan was unable to post bail and was remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, police said.

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