Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, March 22, through Saturday, March 28.
Please stay safe and follow the Source for more weather updates!
Update: Police Identify Homicide Victim
March 30 | 2:20 p.m.
The Virgin Islands Police Department has confirmed the homicide victim, who was identified by next of kin as 20-year-old Sijah Benjamin.
March 21 | 9:24 p.m.
A robbery suspect met his demise Saturday at the hands of his intended victim, following an attempted robbery, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
At approximately 1:09 a.m., patrol units traveled to a report of an armed robbery. Upon their arrival, a victim reported that he was robbed by several males dressed in all black and wearing face masks. The victim additionally stated that one of the suspects approached him with a long rifle while the others carried handguns. He reported several items were taken from him before the suspects entered a gray SUV and fled the area, the police report stated.
About an hour and a half later, multiple gunshots were detected in the Red Hook area. VIPD received a call stating a male had been shot. There were also reports of a victim, who, while on the side of the roadway in the Red Hook area, was approached by a male wearing all black with his face covered, armed with a long gun, who exited a gray SUV, and attempted to pull the chain off the victim’s neck, according to the report.
Patrol units traveled to Red Hook and discovered an unresponsive male lying on the ground with what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds to his body. The investigation revealed that the male was the individual who exited the gray SUV with a rifle in his hand and that his intended victim had fired the shots that struck him. Emergency Medical Technicians traveled to the scene and concluded that the male did not have any vital signs. The identity of the male is currently unknown. Investigators are seeking to identify the male and contact the next of kin before releasing the identity of the deceased, the report stated.
This death marks the third homicide reported this year on St. Thomas and the sixth in the territory, with three recorded on St. Croix and none on St. John, according to the Source Homicide List*.
Anyone who has any information about this crime can contact the VIPD at 340-774-2211 or Major Crimes Unit (WhatsApp) 340-642-8449. People can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS) or 911.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of homicides recorded in 2026 in the U.S. Virgin Islands based on reports from the Virgin Islands Police Department. The listing does not include suicides or vehicular homicides, which are sometimes counted in police statistics and by other media outlets, creating occasional discrepancies in totals.
Beeston Hill “Residential” Rezoning Allows for Hotels
In rezoning 15.9 acres of St. Croix green space for medium-density residential use, the Senate added a “guardrail” amendment meant to only allow housing on the property. Although the measure prohibited most commercial uses commonly allowed by R-3 zoning, it explicitly allowed for building hotels — something residents of the sleepy Beeston Hill neighborhood called “stupefying,” Saturday.
The Virgin Islands Code allows many structures and activities in R-3 zoned areas not typically associated with housing, including amphitheaters, churches, convention centers, country clubs, garages, museums, schools, stadiums, sewage treatment plants, and much more.
In hopes of quelling outraged neighbors of the property — who fretted the landowner’s original plan to zone the area for businesses would bring noise, traffic congestion, and fundamental change — the Senate unanimously passed an amendment to the rezoning bill that limited use to a short list of housing-related activities: single and multi-family dwellings, apartment hotels, rooming and boarding houses, children’s homes, nursing and retirement homes, sanitariums, religious quarters, mobiles homes, as well as hotels and guesthouses.
Senators at Wednesday night’s Committee of the Whole meeting said the rezoning was to alleviate the territory’s housing crisis and never mentioned hotels would be allowed.
Atta Misbeh and brother Jihad Misbeh purchased the property zoned R-1, low-density residential, in late September 2022 and almost immediately attempted to change the zoning to B-3. Less than two months later, his plan for 24 condos in a mixed-use strip mall on the property was before the Senate.
Despite hundreds of signatures in an online petition and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ recommendation against rezoning, the Senate passed the rezoning measure in December, just over three months after the Misbehs purchased the land. Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said the effort was the clear result of “special interests” and vetoed the bill.
Atta Misbeh altered the plan in 2025, asking for a B-2 zoning to help raise money for development. Former Senator and one-time DPNR Commissioner Alicia Barnes represented Misbeh before DPNR land-use experts, promising the landowner planned to only build housing-related structures. Neighbors were suspicious.
DPNR again advised the Senate against the rezoning, as did people living in the area and others. Crucian culture keeper Olasee Davis said the recently enacted Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan specifically warned against spot zoning. He urged the Senate to adhere to the plan and DPNR’s recommendations.
“We know housing is needed. The question is whether commercial zoning is needed to accomplish it,” Davis told the Senate Monday.
That same day, Barnes told the Senate Misbeh would be willing to accept R-3 zoning if B-2 was unavailable.
On Wednesday, shortly before votes were taken, Senators Avery Lewis and Kenneth Gittens proposed the amendment to change the official wording of the bill from B-2 to R-3 with a provision that only allowed for residential use under narrow subsections of the VI Code. They said it would address many of the concerns other residents had about traffic and noise. It may not.
Even the narrow residential-only subsections of R-3 zoning rules allow broad options for massive development.
The law requires 35 acres of green space in R-3 zoning, which leaves Misbeh or future owners with roughly 10 acres to develop. With a maximum of 80 people living on any one acre in structures no taller than six stories, Misbeh could potentially develop accommodations for 800 or more people in the sparsely populated neighborhood.
Judith Lordi lives on an adjacent property and told the Source Saturday the idea of 800 people in six-story buildings or a hotel complex in the area was “stupefying.”
Attah Misbeh did not respond to emailed questions about his knowledge of what was allowed in an R-3 zone, nor his future plans for the property.
It was unclear when or if Bryan would sign the rezoning bill into law.
MyIsland Ballers Rebels Qualify for Caribbean Shootout
MyIsland Ballers (MIB) Rebels showed out at the Wild’N on the Island Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) qualifying basketball tournament held in Puerto Rico, March 13-15. The MIB Rebels entered two teams into the event. The 12U team finished with an impressive 3-0 record while the 11U team came away with a hard-fought 2-1 record.
Maurice Wells, president of MIB, was pleased with the team’s success, especially since this was truly a Virgin Islands team. “The MIB Rebels are uniquely comprised of student athletes from across the Virgin Islands, creating a diverse and dynamic group that builds camaraderie and unity across the territory,” said Wells.
The wins by both teams mean they will represent the Virgin Islands at the 2026 Caribbean Classic Shootout that will be held in Puerto Rico in July.
The members of both teams:
11U Roster
- Kaiden Castillo
- Kyre Gumbs
- Kelvin Jones
- Carter Rojas
- Zachori Schmidt
- Allan Springer
- Shemar Thomas
- Ethan Warner
- Caleb Wells
12U Roster
- Myles Gardner
- Kyle Gumbs
- Mosiah Huggins
- Asad Moe
- AhZante Nibbs
- A’Monii Stephens
- De’Marley Williams
Mechanical Failure Knocks LBJ Pump Station Offline
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the community that the LBJ Pump Station is currently offline due to mechanical issues. As a result, wastewater overflows are occurring in the immediate area and parts of Christiansted.
The VIWMA staff are working diligently to complete the necessary repairs to restore service.
Motorists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution, as runoff may contain contaminants or pollutants harmful to human health. Residents should avoid areas with runoff, including gutters, puddles, manholes, and drainage basins, as well as any locations that appear discolored or emit foul odors.
We understand the inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter. The VIWMA remains dedicated to providing reliable services and appreciates the community’s ongoing support and understanding.
For more information, please contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org.
New St. Thomas-St. John Rotating Power Outage Schedule
Unit 15 is still in need of additional repairs. The power plant is unable to meet load demand. The rotation outage schedule is as follows:
5:30 PM-7:30 PM
Feeder 9C
Feeder 8B
7:30 PM-9:30 PM
Feeder 10B
Feeder 6A
Feeder 7A (if needed)
9:30 PM-11:30 PM
Feeder 7C
WHAT FEEDER AM I ON?
https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/default-document-library/feeder_listings—stj-stt.pdf?sfvrsn=74ec8718_24
Eugene Pedrito Blyden Dies
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene Pedrito Blyden, also known as Gene or BLYX, of Boynton Beach, Florida, who passed away on March 13, 2026.
Eugene was a man of God, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His love for God, family, and friends was always his main priority. He enjoyed nature, good old reggae music and rhythm & blues, and sharing wisdom while discussing the Laws of God.
He served for many years with the Virgin Islands Police Department. After resigning, he continued his service with the Virgin Islands Fire Department, where he worked until his retirement.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Maude Akins and Cecil Blyden, his sister, Liana Claxton; nephew, Malik Graham, and many aunts and uncles.
Eugene leaves to cherish his memory his beloved Wife of 45 years, Maria Darius Blyden. He also leaves behind his sons:
Eugene Blyden Jr., Raheem Blyden, and Rah’Gene Blyden; daughters: Shenelle Blyden and Shantel Blyden.
Grandchildren: G’Nia Nicholas, Amaiyah Doctrine, Elijah Blyden, G’Shawn Blyden, G’Mari Blyden, G’Mani Blyden, Azmarie Jazzy Blyden, G’von Blyden, Xavier Lockett ]r., G’mali Blyden, and G’ nelli Blyden. Brothers: Ovaldo Graham, Joseph Graham, Anthony Graham, and Wayne Blyden. Sisters: Karen Byden, Celestine Blyden, Lynncia Blyden, Beverly Blyden-Folson, and Joann Blyden Henderson. Mother-in-Law: Simona Darius, Stepmother: Ethelyn Blyden,
Brothers-in-law: Mark Claxton, Timothy Williams, Ricky Darius, Malik Folsom, and Miles Henderson. Sisters-in-law: Beverly Parrilla, Christiana Vital, Tiffany Peter, and Jennifer Jeppesen-Blyden and Claudia Graham;
Nephews: Akiel Hendrickson, Akeem Graham, Kenneth Lewis, Kareem Small, Jaman Small, Jelani Small, Rasheed Graham, Malik Graham, Melvin Roll Jr., Jelonn James, Joseph Graham Jr., Omari Hendrickson, Delon Blyden, Delanzo Canton, Jalen
Folsom, Jordan Folsom, and Wayne J. Blyden. Nieces: Clarissia Claxton, Dena Graham, Tamar Graham, Tanyeka Graham, Shanoya Hendrickson, Nadisha Nieves, Nadirah Nieves, Shyana Claxton, Moriah Claxton, Amoia Brewley, and Elyssa Brewley. Aunts: Bernice Blyden and Melsades Cornelius. Many grandnephews, grandnieces, and cousins too numerous to mention; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral service will be held at Church of the Palms UCC 1960 N. Swinton Avenue
Delray Beach, FL 33444 March 24, 2026. Viewing begins at 10 a.m., with service at 11 a.m. Interment will be held at Delray Memorial Gardens 901 S.W. 10th Street Delray Beach, FL 33444
Antoine Charles Dies at 91
Sunrise: February 13, 1935 – Sunset: March 2, 2026
It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Antoine Charles announce his passing on March 2, 2026. Born on Feb. 13, 1935, he lived a long life filled with love for his family, friendships, and the community. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.
Antoine was preceded by his beloved wife Marcellina Charles, his mother Elizabeth Charles, and his father Joseph Lemay.
He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughters Lucy Talian, Arlette Cole, and Sandra Moffat Charles, and his sons Andrew Charles, Robert Charles, Gabriel Charles, and Andy Charles.
He also leaves behind a large and loving legacy through his grandchildren: Terence Cole Jr., Melissa Noel, Lisa Noel, Melanie Frederick Walker, Clement Noel, Adysa Charles, Andrew Charles II, Roberta Joseph, Reana Charles, Shaunita Charles, Percy St. Croix, Marilyn Antoine, Jamine Charles, Drew Armsted, Karen Charles, Rosie Charles, Marcelina Dubois, Gabriella Dubois, Amanda Dubois, Gabriel Dubois, Danny Charlery, Wayne Lawrence, Geovani Bonapart, Quincy Bonapart, Testa Antoine, Anthis Emmanull, Maryline Smith, Barbraleen Roberts, Lectria Francis, and Anna Antoine.
He is also survived by his sisters Elizabeth Malcolm (also known as Unera) and family, and Madeline Jn’Baptiste (also known as Geraldine) and family; his brother Peter Malcolm (also known as “G”) and family; his niece Irene Simmonds; and extended family members and loved ones.
He was also preceded in death by his in-law Susan Phillip.
Antoine will be fondly remembered by his special friends Cynthia, Mickey Peterson, Miss Vita, Predro Harrison, Edwards Cyril Thomas, Eddyton, Sis Margaret, Michael Joseph Ordre (better known as Mrs. Rex), and Mr. & Mrs. Mathurin Vivian and family, along with many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Sunday, April 12 at Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, 17A Estate Plessen, Grove Place, Frederiksted, U.S. Virgin Islands 00840.
Viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m.
The family extends sincere thanks to everyone who has offered prayers, support, and condolences during this difficult time.
“Forever loved, always remembered, and deeply missed.”
WAPA Targets Weekend Fix as Aging Unit Failure Continues to Strain St. Thomas–St. John Grid
WAPA officials say rotation outages could continue into the weekend as crews work to bring a critical generation unit back online following a breakdown Thursday that continues to strain the system.
In an interview with the Source Friday afternoon, V.I. Water and Power Authority Chief Executive Officer Karl Knight said crews are aiming to restart Unit 15 as early as Saturday, but acknowledged repairs could stretch into Sunday depending on progress.
The unit, one of the Harley Plant’s aging generators, tripped around midday Thursday, forcing the utility into load-shedding protocols while crews began repairs. Because the unit must cool before work can begin, response efforts have been slowed. While offline, the system is short roughly 5 megawatts of generation — enough to trigger rotational outages, particularly during evening peak demand, he explained.
Knight said the authority has been running six of its seven available engines, but without Unit 15, operators have had to rotate feeders to balance load. “There are points and times where we are short capacity,” he said, noting that rotations are used to prevent a wider system failure.
WAPA issued multiple alerts overnight into Friday morning as crews worked to stabilize service. By about 1 a.m., the authority said most feeders had been restored, though some pockets — including feeders 10B, 6B, and portions of 7B — remained offline temporarily. WAPA warned that the rotation schedule would remain in effect through the morning hours and likely beyond as additional generation came online.
Through much of Friday, officials said they were largely able to stick to the published rotation schedule, aided by lower daytime demand and supplemental generation from solar facilities on St. Thomas, along with the Wartsila units currently in operation. But heading into the evening peak, the system again showed signs of strain.
Residents on the 6:30 p.m. rotation and subsequent cycles reported that some feeders did not fully restore when scheduled. Feeder 6A, for example, experienced only a partial restoration, with similar issues reported on 7A and other circuits — a result of the continued shortfall in available generation capacity.
Knight said the situation underscores the fragility of the territory’s aging infrastructure. Unit 15, along with its sister unit 14 — already retired — has long been slated for replacement, but delays in securing FEMA-funded projects have kept the unit in service beyond its intended lifespan. “That unit is starting to show its age,” he said, adding that without a full overhaul, it is nearing the end of its useful life.
In the short term, WAPA is working to bring additional capacity online, including repairs to Unit 27, which could return to service within the next few weeks and help stabilize the grid. Longer-term plans call for replacing the aging units with new generation, potentially supplemented by temporary leased power, Knight added.
WAPA has also indicated it will continue issuing updated schedules as conditions evolve.
The Source will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Port Authority’s Carlton Dowe Charged With Bank Fraud
A federal grand jury charged V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe with multiple counts of bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and aggravated identity theft in an indictment filed with the U.S. District Court of Puerto Rico on March 12 and unsealed Friday.
Dowe was released from custody after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Teague Friday morning at the federal courthouse on St. Thomas, where he also surrendered his passport.
According to the indictment, which can be read below, Dowe has been accused of including false information on loan documents submitted to Banco Popular between March 2021 and November 2023. The allegedly false information included an assertion on one loan application that he expected to receive monthly, $4,500 rent payments for a property “when in truth and fact, as the defendant well knew,” the purported renter “was not leasing any property from the defendant.” In that instance, Dowe was also charged with forging the person’s name and signature on a loan document.
Dowe has been accused of inventing monthly, $15,500 rent payments from at least one other supposed tenant on three other occasions in 2023.
Reached by the Source Friday morning, VIPA Board Chair Willard John told the Source that Dowe had “recently” informed the board of his intent to retire on April 10. John said the board was unaware of any legal proceedings involving Dowe at the time of his notice and that they were “finding out this morning like everyone else.” He added that the board would confer with its legal counsel to determine whether Dowe remained eligible to receive pay in light of the arrest. Later Friday, John said Dowe will remain on sick leave until his retirement.
Dowe’s appearance in federal court Friday came two decades after he was found not guilty of federal wire fraud charges following an alleged scheme to duplicate government payments. He went on to serve in the Virgin Islands Legislature before taking the top job at VIPA in 2013. According to reporting at the time, he was fired in late 2016 in part because of rumors that he might run for governor.
His name has also repeatedly appeared in communications released amid the territory’s Jeffrey Epstein-related lawsuits and the millions of so-called “Epstein Files” released by the U.S. Justice Department this year.
In one March 2017 email Epstein sent to Cecile de Jongh, the territory’s former first lady and his longtime employee, Epstein asked if “john” was “thinking of running again.”
“No,” de Jongh replied on March 12, “although he is getting a lot of encouragement (pressure) to do so since Carlton dropped out. Carlton dropped out because Mapp/Walker threatened to arrest him. Many don’t see Albert Bryan as a viable candidate but he seems to have the backing of Erika and her partner, Greg.”
Gov. Kenneth Mapp appointed Claude Walker acting attorney general in August 2015, and the Legislature confirmed his appointment four months later. Tax and business attorney Erika Kellerhals represented Epstein locally. She and Greg Ferguson are named partners at the firm Kellerhals Ferguson and Kroblin.
Another file released this year described an interview that former V.I. Attorney General Denise George gave to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 2023, in which George claimed that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. became increasingly frustrated with her lawsuit against Epstein’s estate. George told the FBI that she believed Bryan sent Dowe to convince her to settle the lawsuit.
According to George’s characterization of that conversation, Dowe said that he “does things for [Bryan] too but has a line he won’t cross.”
