The Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) advises its retirees there will be a delay in payment for those who receive their annuity payment via check. Retirees who receive their payment via ACH/Direct Deposit should not experience a delay.

The delay is due to technical difficulties currently being experienced with the check processing system, which will also prevent any retiree from accessing their check stubs online via www.usvigers.com.

Note: retirees who requested changes to become effective March 30 will not see those changes until pay date April 12.

GERS appreciates members’ understanding as it works diligently to get this matter rectified as soon as possible. If there are any questions, call 776-7703.

Ridge to Reef Farm has opened registration for the spring/summer Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) for St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John.

This year, everything from the crop rows to the orchards are ahead of schedule. Check out the many options now being offered.

Spring/Summer CSA options:

            *Certified organic produce share

            *Certified organic fruit share

            *1 dozen free range eggs/week

            *Shade grown Puerto Rican coffee (1 lbs. every other week)

            *Pasture raised meat share

            CSA pick up locations are conveniently located in Frederiksted, Christiansted, Havensight and the Gifft Hill School.  On St. Croix, people now have an option to get it delivered directly to their home or office. Check out the online VI Locally Grown market: www.ridge2reef.org

The VI Locally Grown Market: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ridge2reef/

Sign up for CSA at http://ridgetoreef.csasignup.com or by calling 220-0466.

Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) has scheduled a service interruption for a portion of St. Thomas feeder 6A from 9 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 30.  Service will be interrupted to approximately 900 customers in the Bordeaux area, while crews transfer electrical lines and equipment from an old pole to a newly planted pole. 

While the work is in progress, motorists in the area are advised to use extreme caution and to observe traffic directions for the safety of the crews and the public.

Every effort will be made to restore electrical service as quickly as possible.

Cruz Bay residents at a town hall meeting Wednesday urged Police Commissioner Delroy Richards to redouble efforts to address nightly drug deals occurring on one of the town’s busiest streets.

St. John Administrator Camille Paris, Jr. hosted Wednesday’s town hall meeting in the Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room at St. John’s legislature annex.

Cruz Bay resident Theodora Moorehead, who has been vocal about the same issue in the past, expressed exasperation that drug deals done in plain sight seem to be a perennial problem in downtown Cruz Bay.

“I don’t even know where to begin because every time we have a meeting with the police department things may change for a few days, and then it reverts back to the same situation. I call it the drug strip,” Moorehead said.

Vestergade, the street which runs between Connections and the Cruz Bay Post Office, is the “drug strip” Moorehead referred to. Despite being brightly lit and home to multiple popular Cruz Bay restaurants, Vestergade’s drug problem has been “going on for years,” according to Moorehead.

“Everybody knows who the drug dealers are. You can put up bright lights on the buildings, you can put up no trespassing sign and it seems to attract them even more,” she said.

Moorehead, who lives nearby, said she is also concerned with general loitering and loud music in the area late at night that “makes her windows and doors vibrate.” She said she has made several noise complaints, but has never seen an officer ask anyone to turn their music down.

Richards pledged to focus more VIPD resources on the area, but said that police have been having trouble in recent years addressing loitering, noise disturbances and the sale of marijuana.

In the case of loitering and noise disturbances, Richards said current laws in the Virgin Islands are nearly unenforceable, leaving police with little option but to issue warnings with no teeth to them. The amount of evidence needed to prove these offenses makes it very difficult to convict anyone for them, he explained.

“All of this requires legislation, because the legislation that’s in place has been tested in court and we lost,” he said.

The recent decriminalization of marijuana in the territory has also set the probable cause needed for arrest in cases of the substance’s sale at a high level, Richards said. And although there are functional police surveillance cameras in place in Cruz Bay, dealers have learned to make transactions without making direct, visible exchanges.

Richards said the solution to the problem in his view would be technological updates to surveillance, though Moorehead challenged that the transactions were subtle, saying she could see them from her window.

“All the cameras are going to change,” Richards said.

New surveillance cameras that will be tested on St. Croix in the coming months involve higher definition imagery and four different lenses pointed in different directions. After being rolled out on St. Croix the VIPD plans to install them in “hot spots” around St. Thomas and St. John as well.

Richards said a private donor for the St. Croix system has freed up an extra $500,000 from that district to be transferred to surveillance updates to the St. Thomas-St. John district, which also has an additional matching $500,000.

Richards said another idea to combat Cruz Bay’s drug problem occurred to him, but that he could not yet announce it publicly.

“I’m listening to you and something is going through the back of my head, and what’s going through the back of my head I obviously can’t say. But it can be addressed,” he said vaguely.

Richards also announced at the town hall meeting that the VIPD is planning to greatly increase recruiting efforts for officers from St. John. Those efforts include building an academy annex or training facility where cadets who live on St. John can conduct their training and teleconference in to classes, rather than commuting to St. Thomas for instruction.

Richards said he felt the commute for police training was one of the issues stopping more St. John residents from pursuing careers with the VIPD.

The training facility, Richards said, would be made possible by a partnership with the V.I. Department of Education that is already in place. He said the two departments were in the process of finding the funding for the plan.

Richards said he recognized the need for more officers based on St. John who actually live on St. John, know the island, and want to work there. When he joined the force in 1968, he said, St. John was a place where officers were often sent if they were being disciplined.

“We used to call it Little Siberia, because you exile them to St. John. But this is not Siberia,” Richards said.

The VIPD is also reportedly in the process of procuring a boat for high-speed transport of officers between St. Thomas and St. John in the event that police backup is needed. The vessel’s other purpose is to patrol the waters around St. John for the trafficking of drugs and people.

St. Thomas-St John School District has released the registration schedule for school year 2017-2018 for all grades.

St. Thomas Early Registration from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Curriculum Center for Grades 1-12

Date to Register……………….First Letter of Last Names

May 1, 2017……………………………………………………. A, B

May 2, 2017 ………………………………………………….. C, D

May 3, 2017……………………………………………………. E, F

May 8, 2017……………………………………………………..G, H

May 9, 2017…………………………………………………….. I, J

May 10, 2017……………………………………………………. K, L

May 15, 2017…………………………………………………….. M, N, O

May 16, 2017………………………………………………………P, Q

May 17, 2017………………………………………………………R, S

May 22, 2017………………………………………………………T, U, V

May 23, 2017……………………………………………………… W-Z

St. John Early Registration from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., May 24, at Julius E. Sprauve School

Last Names: A-Z Grades: 1^st – 12^th  

**the last Report Card must be submitted to pick up admission slips for Early Registration

St. Thomas – Late Registration from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Curriculum Center for Grades: 1 – 12

Date ……………………………………….. First Letter of Last Names

June 5, 2017………………………………………………………….. A, B, C

June 6, 2017………………………………………………………….. D, E, F

June 7, 2017…………………………………………………………… G, H, I

June 12, 2017…………………………………………………………..J, K, L

June 13, 2017………………………………………………………….. M, N, O

June 14, 2017………………………………………………………….. P, Q, R

June 19, 2017………………………………………………………….. S, T

June 20, 2017……………………………………………………….. U, V, W

June 21, 2017……………………………………………………….. X, Y, Z

St. John Late Registration from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., June 22, at Julius E. Sprauve School

Last Names: A-Z Grades: 1^st – 12^th  

All children entering kindergarten must be five years of age on or before Dec. 31. Children must be present during registration and accompanied by a biological parent/legal guardian.

For more information, contact Carmen Parsons or Coleen Smith in the St. Thomas-St. John District Registration Office at 775-2250, ext. 8524.

These Are the Documents Required for Public School Registration

1. Passport (foreign or American), Resident Card or Naturalization Certificate;
2. Original Birth Certificate or Baptismal Certificate;
3. Report Card/Progress Report or Transcript from previous school; (for 9th – 12th grade students only); Not applicable for those entering Kindergarten.
4. VI Immunization Card or Current Certified Exemption Letter from the Department of Health
5. Health Clearance Form: form must be obtained from one of the Department of Health Clinics: East-End Clinic (Green Slip), Roy Lester Schneider Hospital or The DeCastro Building (Blue Slip).
6. Proof of Physical Address: A recent WAPA bill, license or receipt showing name and current physical address of parent/guardian.

  Living with Family or Friend: A notarized Residency Affidavit and proof of address from the owner or tenant is required when the parent/guardian and student reside with a family member or friend. (Residency Affidavits are available upon request.) 

 Residence without Rent Receipt or Lease Agreement: A notarized Landlord Affidavit and proof of address from the owner of the property (or the person authorized to lease the property on behalf of the owner) is needed when the parent/guardian is renting a home but is unable to obtain a rent receipt to prove occupancy of a residence. (Landlord Affidavit are available upon request.)  

7. Valid Photo ID: Identification (ex: license, passport, voter’s identification etc.) is required for person registering student;
8. Proof of Guardianship/Power of Attorney (If child is not living with one or both biological parents);
9. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Required for students receiving Special Education Services or 504 Plan and evaluation data if applicable.

All children entering kindergarten must be five years on or before Dec. 31^st of the same year registering to enter kindergarten.

**Students must be present during registration and accompanied by a biological parent/guardian

For more information, contact Carmen Parsons or Coleen Smith in the St. Thomas-St. John District Registration Office at 775-2250, ext. 8524.

UVI to Host Empowering Women to “Break the Glass Ceiling” Forum In celebration of Women’s History Month, a forum entitled “Empowering Women to Break the Glass Ceiling” is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, in the Administration and Conference Center, first-floor conference room. The purpose of the forum is to inspire conversations among students and persons in the community that will empower and aspire women to break through the glass ceiling in various careers. The panelists will include:

• Dr. Laverne Ragster, UVI President Emerita
• Lorna Freeman, Virgin Islands Songstress
• Tamara Lang, UVI Director of Hotel and Tourism Management
• Delyno “Pressure Busspipe” Brown, Musician
• Donna Christiansen, former Congresswoman

Community Invited to Science Café — “Trash in the Sea, Come Talk to Me”           From 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 31, join Dr. Grimes at the Sunny Isles Amphitheater for Science Café, an informal science talk on marine debris in our coastal waters, the event is for all ages.

          Dr. Wilson Grimes will have an interactive, fun presentation. He will present a trivia game and will introduce student projects currently active on St. Croix. For more information contact Migdalia Roach at migdalia.roach@uvi.edu.

UVI Students Urged to Apply for Summer Internship Opportunity to Attend the College of Micronesia The Agricultural Experiment Station has funding to support one UVI student to attend a summer internship at the College of Micronesia in the Federated States of Micronesia (COM-FSM) on Pohnpei (http://www.comfsm.fm/). The summer internship will be from June 8 to 27, excluding the travel dates, which will be an additional 2-3 days before and after the program.

          The student should be interested in pursuing a career in agriculture, food sciences, environment and natural resources, or biology related sciences, but this is not required. There will be a combination of classroom and field experience in the various public and private agriculture sectors. All classes and materials will be offered in English, giving students the information they need to have a written report and an oral presentation completed as required by the end of the internship.

          Funds will cover round trip travel to Pohnpei from the U.S.V.I., a per diem, housing and any other fees required by COM-FSM. Additional funds for supplies may also be provided if needed.

          The goal is to provide an experience in tropical agriculture to students from member institutions of CariPac Consortium, which include the University of the Virgin Islands, University of Puerto Rico, University of Guam, Community College of American Samoa, Northern Marianas College and College of Micronesia (Pohnpei, Marshal Islands and Palau).

Application Procedure and Deadline: By April 12, interested students should be nominated by a faculty member and the student should send a letter of interest and explain how this opportunity would benefit his or her academic career. Send it to Dr. Bob Godfrey, director AES and professor of Animal Science, at rgodfre@uvi.edu. After reviewing students’ letters, a decision will be made as to which UVI student will travel to Micronesia and more information on the internship will be provided. For more information, contact Dr. Robert Godfrey at rgodfre@uvi.edu.       

The Caribbean Writer Remembers Derek Walcott “The Caribbean Writer (TCW) mourns the passing of its esteemed founding editorial board member,   Nobel Prize winner, playwright, poet and artist Derek Walcott, who passed away earlier this morning,” said, Alscess Lewis-Brown, editor of The Caribbean Writer, a refereed, international  journal published by UVI, annually. 

          To read more about the achievements of the distinguished Derek Walcott, visit UVI Today: http://uvitoday.blogspot.com/2017/03/the-caribbean-writer-remembers-derek.html

Community Invited to Annual Career Fair on St. Croix on April 5-10 Come to the annual Career Fair on the Albert A. Sheen Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, in the Great Hall. Meet potential employers and explore many career pathways. Start preparing for after graduation now. Also, there will be a workshop outlining how to maximize opportunities at a career fair on March 29. More details will follow. Community members are also welcome.

          For more information, contact Patricia Towal at 692-4187 or at ptowal@uvi.edu

VIUCEDD to Host Its 10th Annual Autism Conference The Virgin Islands University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) will be hosting its 10th Annual Autism Conference on Monday, April 10, on St. Croix in the Great Hall at the UVI Albert A. Sheen Campus.  On St. Thomas, Wednesday April 12, in the Administration and Conference Center (ACC) at the UVI Campus. The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both islands.

          It is designed to bring awareness to autism and give parents and professional best practices and access to resources when dealing with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the Virgin Islands. The keynote presentation will be “Autism Services in the Virgin Islands: Where We Came From and Where We Are Headed” by Dr. Lindsy Wagner, Psy.D. of Island Therapy Solution.           Additionally, there will be two break-out session topics, “Applications of Applied Behavioral Analysis Across the Lifespan” by Dr. Adriane Maier, BCBA-D and Megan Crowley, MSEd, BCBA, LABA of Island Therapy Solutions, as well as “Advancing the Social-communication and Play of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder” by Dr. Brian A. Boyd, Ph.D., MEd from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

          Registration is available online by visiting http://www.eventbrite.com. To register visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/viucedd-11380188567

          For more information on the conference, call 692-4266 (St. Croix) or 693-1406 (St. Thomas) or send an e-mail to shamika.thomas@uvi.edu.

Agricultural Experiment Station Student Presentations Four students from the university’s Albert A. Sheen Campus will make a special presentation on the educational tour of Agriculture Research Centers at the University of Florida. The seminar will be held from 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, March 28, in the Research and Extension Center, Room 133.

          The presenters will be: Shamali Dennery, Micaiah Forde, Augustus Laurencin, Jr. and Amran Nero. The seminar is open to the university community.

          Student Research Interns are supported by a USDA-NIFA Grant for Resident Instruction in the Insular Areas (2016-70004-25662). 

          For more information, contact Jacqueline Romer at 692-4020 or e-mail: jacqueline.romer@uvi.edu.

Spring 2017 MBA Comprehensive Exam to be held on April 7 The School of Business Spring 2017 MBA Comprehensive Exam is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friday, April 7. The exam will be administrated simultaneously on both the St. Thomas Campus, in B206, and Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix in EVC 303. The deadline to submit an application is Thursday, March 30.

For more information, contact Utha Williams at uwillia@uvi.edu

VI-EPSCoR 2017 Annual Conference Set for April 6 The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) has announced its 2017 annual conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday, April 6, in the Administration and Conference Center Building, Room 142, UVI’s St. Thomas Campus. 

          The community is invited to participate in this conference. This year’s theme is “Transforming Research into Economic Development.” The conference will be a conversation on the research, outreach and education activities that have been facilitated in the territory through VI-EPSCoR’s support and partnerships under a Mare Nostrum Caribbean grant. This will give the community a unique opportunity to learn in greater detail about several of our Mare Nostrum- related activities, and to meet with our researchers, partners and potential partners.

          For more information, contact Joey DeMarco, outreach coordinator, at 693-1478 or by e-mail at joseph.demarco@uvi.edu

Navigating the V.I.’s Cultural, Economic, and Political Spaces Symposium to be Held on April 8 UVI will host the “Navigating the V.I.’s Cultural, Economic, and Political Spaces Symposium” on April 8. The symposium provides an opportunity to consider the identity of the Virgin Islands of the United States from various platforms and positions as we conclude the 100^th  year since the transfer of ownership from Denmark to the United States of America.

          A registration fee of $25 will be requested from faculty and the public. However, students must only show their student I.D. to not be charged.

          Researchers, scholars, and community activists are invited to present talks and papers that examine the topic of identity, in and of the Virgin Islands, across multiple perspectives, including sociological, psychological, economic, fine and performance art, literary and political.

          For more information, contact Dr. Dara Hamilton at 692-4123 or e-mail: dhamilt@uvi.edu.

V.I. Academic and Cultural Awards Endowment Scholarship/Loan Opportunity Now Available The Board of Directors of the Virgin Islands Academic and Cultural Awards Endowment (VIACAE) Program is accepting applications for its territorial scholarship program. Territorial residents pursuing graduate studies or cultural projects are encouraged to apply for this scholarship. Applicants seeking graduatedegrees to teach in the V.I. at the secondary level, particularly in areas of mathematics and science, are especially encouraged to apply. 

          The VIACAE program was created by the V.I. Legislature in 1970.  It provides financial support to eligible residents with a desire to advance their academic and professional studies, and also to those with a desire to engage in cultural projects that will provide significant benefit to the people of the Virgin Islands. 

          For more information and links to scholarship applications, go to http://www.uvi.edu/administration/provost/initiatives/viacae.aspx. The application deadline is Friday, April 28. 

          For more information, contact Mavis Gilchrist in the Office of the Provost at 692-4285 or by e-mail at mgilchr@uvi.edu.

Attention 2017 Graduates — Report to AAS Campus Bookstore for Cap and Gown Order UVI 2017 graduates are asked to submit their cap and gown measurements to the Albert A. Sheen Campus Bookstore by Friday, March 24. Any orders placed after that day will incur a $75 express shipping fee. Anticipated arrival is the first week of May 2017. An e-mail notification will be sent when Commencement regalia arrive at the bookstore.

          For more information visit Shay Roberts at shanta.robert@uvi.edu.

TEAS Testing Scheduled for Spring 2017 Semester UVI has announced testing dates for the TEAS exam.  The Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is used as part of the admissions process by Nursing and Allied Health schools nationwide.  UVI students who desire to enter the School of Nursing are required to sit for the TEAS exam, which is a basic aptitude test designed to identify students who are likely to succeed in nursing school and are able to think like a nurse.  It is a multiple-choice assessment of basic academic knowledge in reading, mathematics, science and English.  The four sections are timed for a total of approximately 4 hours. 

Testing Centers are located at the UVICELL Center on their respective islands.  On St. Croix, the UVICELL Center is located at 23A Hospital Street Frederiksted.  On St. Thomas, the testing site is located at the UVICELL Center on the UVI St. Thomas Campus. 

The testing schedule is as follows:

St. Croix

• 12:45 p.m. – Saturday, March 25

St. Thomas

• 9:30 a.m. – Wednesday, February 22
• 9:30 a.m. – Thursday, March 30
• 9:30 a.m. – Thursday, April 20

For testing fees or more information on the exam, contact the UVICELL Center at 693-1100 on St. Thomas or 692-4230 on St. Croix.  Students may also visit the UVICELL Web site at http://cell.uvi.edu/programs/teas-testing.aspx.   

Member of the Caribbean Ritual Cultural Dancers troupe perform during the Fort Christian reopening event Wednesday in Charlotte Amalie.

After being closed for more than a decade for renovations, Fort Christian finally reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday afternoon with a dedication ceremony that filled its center courtyard with more than 250 people.

The opening came just in time to mark the Transfer Day centennial, the 100th anniversary of the U.S. Virgin islands becoming U.S. territories.

Attendees eagerly explored the fort’s many rooms and its upper deck area that overlooks Charlotte Amalie and its harbor while being treated to live music and dancing.

Said to be the oldest structure in continuous use in the Virgin Islands, the fort has significant historical and cultural value to the territory’s people and will serve as a major tourist attraction going forward.

Built beginning in 1671, the fort’s initial purpose was to protect the Charlotte Amalie Harbor. In 1971 it was designated a National Historical Landmark and then become a museum.

DPNR commissioner Dawn Henry thanks her staff for their efforts to complete the project as she addresses attendees at the reopening of Fort Christian.

Emphasizing the fort’s historical and cultural value, many of the speakers pointed out that the fort has served a number of critical functions throughout its existence.

“We are witnessing something that was almost 350 years in the making,” said Malcolm M. Scheizer, president of the St. Thomas Historical Trust. “This fort through her history has been a place of worship, a place of governance, a fortress of protection.”

For Senate President Myron Dr. Jackson, the fort is a both a cultural treasure and economic driver.

“The restoration of Fort Christian is a significant cultural resource,” Jackson said. “We have the opportunity to reopen its doors to our people and our visitors as a reminder of our struggles, our hopes and our aspirations.”

“The economic benefit to Charlotte Amalie and the territory is enormous. History and culture sells,” Jackson added.

The dedication ceremony began with an abbreviated church service from the Rev. Charles Peters, officiant at Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church, who urged Virgin Islanders to stay committed to the site’s preservation.

“We will never again allow this place to go into disrepair,” Peters said.

Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter remarked that it had felt as if the fort would never be completed, but now that it’s done he hopes young Virgin Islanders will get to learn more about their history.

The fort’s restoration officially began in 2005. Originally planned as a one-year project, construction carried into a 13th year before its recent completion.

Dawn Henry, Commissioner of DPNR, thanked key members of her staff who were instrumental in seeing the project through, as well as two construction companies, Tip Top Construction and Custom Builders, that worked on the restoration.

In an effort to depoliticize the dedication ceremony, Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp said that a number of officials from past administrations should be thanked for their efforts to restore and reopen the fort. He also said that the fire station that abuts the fort will be demolished, so that side of the fort is more visible.

To restore the structure, repairs were made to the roof and outside structure, including the clock tower that serves as its entrance. All above-ground service lines, including electric, cable and internet, were removed and installed underground.

With a focus on historical accuracy, the concrete in the courtyard was removed and replaced with brick in accordance with the original Danish design. The brick was likely covered up when the fort was used as a jail.

During the restoration process, human remains were uncovered at the site. They now rest in a small tomb in the chapel area of the fort.

The fort is expected to draw tourists and school children and will also serve as a venue for community events like weddings and concerts.

Christopher N. Daniel

Christopher Daniel, better known as “Schoolboy,” died on Saturday, March 18, at Roy Lester Schneider Regional Medical Center. He was 94 years old.

A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m. on Monday, April 3, at the Memorial Moravian Church.

He is survived by his children: Lelia “Lele” Daniel, Lorenzo “Mr. Kool” Daniel, Lorraine “Rainy” Daniel and Lubin “Ben” or “Benhead” Daniel; grandchildren: Gail Galloway, Deshaun Victoria, Dionne and Dornelle Thomas, Lorenzo Daniel Jr., Darlene, Luben and Jamoi Daniel; great-grandchildren: Keya and T’Keya Drigo, Linae, Dante and Kyoni Daniel, N’Quan, N’Keya and N’Keisha Amey and K’Niyah Abbott; and daughters-in-law: Doris Rhymer Daniel and Beverly Gumbs Daniel.

He is also survived by adopted children: Lucia Christopher, Janet Harrigan, Edith Werts, Winston Callwood, Alphonso Estrada, Joseph “Blackie” Testamark, Burnette “Butch” Thomas and Myron Thomas Sr.; nieces: Janice Daniel, Elaine Daniel Millington and Ina Daniel; and nephews: Cecil Daniel Jr. of California, Edward “Butch” Daniel of New York, Henry Daniel of St. John and Winston Daniel.

Other survivors include great nieces: Carolyn, Donna and Doris I. Daniel, Ke’ya, Patricia and Tina Daniel, and Carla Millington; great nephews: Antonio Anthony, Bert, Joel, Kyle and Marvin Daniel, Roy Daniel Jr., Lawrence and Terrence Millington, Alvin, James, Joseph, Mark, Michael and Richard Peters; sister-in-law, Beverly Daniel of North Carolina. Christopher Daniel is survived by many, many family members and friends too numerous to mention.

Professional Funeral Service are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home Telephone: 779-6565; e-mail: turnbullsfuneralhomevi@yahoo.com

The Virgin Islands Transfer Centennial Commission will host a free public reception at Marriott’s Frenchman’s Reef Beach Resort at 8 p.m., Saturday April 1. There will be cultural dancers, complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

The reception is open to the public; however, seating is limited. Tickets are being distributed at Urban Threadz (located in Havensight inside of the Buccaneer Mall).

A free shuttle service will be provided from the Havensight parking lot near the Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy to the hotel lobby at 6:30 p.m.

For more information, contact James O’Bryan Jr. at 774-8784, ext. 2260.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) advises the public of road and parking restrictions in place for the Centennial Day Parade and Government House Luncheon that are scheduled for Friday, March 31.

Government Hill (Kongens Gade) will be closed to traffic between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Transfer Day, Friday, March 31. No vehicle will be allowed to park on Government Hill during this time.

Also, Veterans Drive in the area of Lucinda Millin Home to the Cancryn Bridge will be closed from 1:30 p.m. No east and west bound traffic will be allowed until the completion of the parade. Lastly, Veterans Drive (Hospital Gade intersection) from the police station to Forte Strade (Fire Station Street) will be closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic until completion of the ceremony.

Invitation for Bid No: IFB008DPPC17(S)

Pursuant to Chapter 23, Title 31 of the Virgin Islands Code, the Government of the Virgin Islands is requesting Bids from qualified firm(s) for the Land Clearing at Estate Blessing, Hope and Others, St. Croix.

Bids will be received by the Department of Property and Procurement, Division of Procurement at:

#3274 Estate Richmond
St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands 00820

The Invitation for Bid will be received on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time and then publicly opened.

Pre-Bid Conference will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at the above address. A walk –thru will be held after the Pre- Bid Conference.

COST PER SET:  $25.00 NON REFUNDABLE

Documents may be obtained from the Department of Property & Procurement at the above address or at dpp.vi.gov (no fee). For information please contact Ms. Alexis Leycock at (340) 773-1561 ext. 5250 or at alexis.leycock@dpp.vi.gov.

Lloyd T. Bough Jr.
Commissioner Nominee

Royal Danish Navy training ships Thyra and Svanen race through Virgin Islands waters in the St. Thomas International Regatta. (Photo © STIR/Dean Barnes)

The Royal Danish Navy training ships Thyra and Svanen, which sailed to the territory to take part in the Transfer Day Centennial celebration, joined a fleet of sleek sailing yachts March 24 through 26 for the 44th St. Thomas International Regatta.

“We received word last fall that the Thyra and Svanen would be in St. Thomas in late March for the commemoration of the Transfer Centennial. Therefore, we reached out to the commanding officers and invited them to race. Our invitation was accepted, and with strong community support, the rest is history,” regatta director Chuck Pessler said.

According to the St. Thomas Yacht Club, which hosts the international regatta, the two Danish yachts arrived March 20 and at IGY’s Yacht Haven Grande marina for the week. The club orchestrated the measurement of the vessels, a three-plus hour process, in order to assign a CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association) handicap rating. This enabled the two 60-foot Bermuda-rigged yachts to race competitively with other yachts, providing more fun for fellow competitors and hands-on training for the vessel’s officer-in-training cadets.

The next day, 16 students from the Marine Vocational Program, who have taken swim, sail and powerboat classes and who are also members of the Boys and Girls Club of St. Thomas, toured of both the Thyra and Svanen and had the chance to speak with the Danish cadets and officers about their nautical experiences. The cultural exchange was even more pertinent when students asked why the Danish flag flying atop the vessel’s masts didn’t look like the country’s flag they saw in their school lessons. The officers explained that the forked ‘fish-tail’ rather than straight edge on the right side of the flag denoted that the Thyra and Svanen are military ships.

“This was really an incredible experience for our students. They were able to see, take part in and learn many things about the boats and the Danish sailors,” said Jacqueline Brown, St. Thomas unit director of the Boys and Girls Club of the Virgin Islands.

On Wednesday, the Thyra and Svanen’s officers, cadets and crew met with members of the sailing community and public at a reception at the Coral World Ocean Park. The cultural exchange continued in seaside surroundings that are a signature feature of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Almost two dozen racing yachts cast off on the 2nd annual Round the Rocks Race on Thursday, including the the two Danish boats. The event, a tune-up for the regatta, features a circumnavigation of St. John, offering sailors an opportunity to get acquainted with the beauty of this U.S. Virgin Island.

Weather conditions for the three-day STIR ranged from breathless calm to winds gusting 20-plus knots, flat calm to six to eight-foot seas, and rain squalls intermixed with bright sun. Thyra and Svanen were among the vessels that sailed into the Charlotte Amalie harbor on the first day of regatta racing, then sailed in towards the waterfront bulkhead to give a “Centennial Salute” to spectators ashore, the organizers said. The parade coordinated with the shoreside centennial Fort Fete. The Royal Navy yachts continued to race throughout the weekend.

“Racing presented a different opportunity for our cadets,: said said Lt. Commander Martin Kristian Engelhardt, commanding officer of Svanen. “Normally, training is a slow and methodical process. In racing, you have to make quick decisions. It was definitely a very nice experience that we and our cadets will long remember.”

On the final day, Royal Danish Navy Squadron Commander, Captain Lars Hansen watched Thyra and Svanen in action by. The club treated Hansen to a day on the water to watch the racing.

Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes reminds the public that early voting in the Special Election will continue through Saturday, April 1, only in the St. Thomas-St. John District Elections System Office. The Special Election is set for April 8.

The number of electors who have participated in early voting so far are 950 on St. Thomas and 51 on St. John. The Board of Elections projects over 1500 voters will have participated in the Early Voting process by April 1.

The goal of the district board and the supervisor is to ensure a fair, accessible and transparent election. The public and poll watchers are encouraged to visit any one of the Elections Offices and Polling Sites on Election Day to view the process.

Visit www.vivote.gov for regular updates on the 2017 Special Election.

              The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) has received $250,000 in pledges for scholarships in the name of Rachel Hamilton, a UVI alum and treasured employee of Territory East Asset Management LLC (TEAM Consulting). Hamilton died two years ago, and in her honor,

The Rachel Hamilton TEAM Consulting Memorial Scholarship was presented to UVI on March 3

the Rachel Hamilton TEAM Consulting Memorial Scholarship was presented to UVI on Friday, March 3, at the Employee Appreciation Reception at Research and Technology Park on St. Croix.  The funds will help many UVI students finance their educations over a five-year period.

“This gift would not be possible were it not for our longstanding relationship with TEAM Consulting, and Rachel was a big part of that.  She helped give more than $100,000 to the university during her time with the company,” said Mitchell Neaves, vice president of institutional advancement at UVI.  “Her tragic death was a great loss to the company and to the university. We hope to see many more companies following in the footsteps of TEAM Consulting in terms of helping our students achieve greatness.”

David Jackson, the manager of TEAM Consulting, spoke candidly at the reception about being orphaned as a child and receiving a scholarship that changed his own life.  He reminisced about meeting Rachel when she first applied for an internship at the company.  He’d been so impressed with her that he offered her not only a permanent job, but tuition assistance as well. “It was an honor to know Rachel and to work with UVI,” Jackson said. “That’s why we’re here tonight to set up the scholarship.”

“We are happy to see one of our Economic Development Commission beneficiaries not only investing capital into the community and providing job opportunities but also investing in our young people by partnering with our educational institutions,” said Wayne Biggs Jr., acting assistant CEO of the Economic Development Authority, who also attended the reception.

The next Etelman Observatory’s next Public Observing Night will happen on Friday, March 31. The March 24^th one was canceled due to weather.

To reserve space, go to the link below associated with the time slot preferred and follow the directions:

http://observatory-7pm.app.rsvpify.com

http://observatory-8pm.app.rsvpify.com

http://observatory-9pm.app.rsvpify.com

Due to demand for space, Etelman Observatory is now only accepting reservations through this automated system. (If you know someone who does not have access to e-mail but would like to make a reservation, please make a reservation on their behalf through the automated system).

The latest public observing session will feature views of the planets Venus and Mars as well as various deep sky objects including several nebulae and galaxies under a waning crescent moon. It will be another night of astrophysics, fun and learning under the beautiful Virgin Islands skies.

This month’s event will feature a presentation on “Studying the Beauty of the Cosmos from the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Keep in mind that the 7 p.m. start time is designed for the youngest guests (under 10 years of age), while the 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. shows are more appropriate for older children and adult guests.

As usual, a shuttle service will be running from the Sibilly School parking lot (near Sibs and the traffic circle). Participants are asked to make use of the shuttle service due to parking limitations at the Observatory. Please plan to be at the shuttle stop about 20-30 minutes before a scheduled session start time.

“We are pleased to invite the St. Thomas public to join us and enjoy the night sky, views of our galaxy, and a discussion of interesting and exciting topics in the world of astrophysics and space science,” said Dr. David Morris of the Etelman Observatory.

Etelman Observatory: e-mail: etelmanobservatory@gmail.com

This event is presented free of charge to the St. Thomas community. Space is limited, so RSVP at the links provided above.

“This is not your grandfather’s chamber music.” Spark is a quintet that plays at folk festivals, jazz clubs and the great concert halls of the world in Amsterdam, London, Shanghai, Berlin and Barcelona. Spark will perform at 8 p.m., Saturday, April 8, at Prior-Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus.

The five young artists take over the stage with as many as 40 different instruments, from the 10-inch sopranino recorder to the 7-foot tall sub-bass.  Their diverse program ranges from Handel and Bach to the percussive rhythms of Kenji Bunch, very much a 21^st century composer. Spark combines the virtuosity and precision of a classical chamber music ensemble with the power and grit of a folk band.

Tickets cost: adults: $35; teachers: $10; students: free. On sale at Medicine Shoppe (Havensight), Frenchtown Deli, Chelsea Drugstore (Red Hook) and Antilles School Administration Office. Or purchase online at www.theforum.vi or www.instantseats.com.

For information, call 776-7828 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., weekdays.

The full program follows:

Spark members are Andrea Ritter, recorder; Daniel Koschitzki, recorder and melodica; Stefan Balázsovics, violin and viola; Victor Plumettaz, violoncello and Blair McMillen, piano

“When the cock crowed his warning” (2007) by  Chiel Meijering (1954- )

“The Arrival” (inspired by “The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba) by G. F. Handel (1685-1759) /arr. Ritter                                                                                                                                                          

“Rain” by Ryuichi Sakamoto (1952- )

“Songs In Other Words” (2014): [Venezian Gondola Song] by Kamran Ince (1960- )

Beyoncé (2012) by Chiel Meijering (1954- )

“Greensleeves” by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)  Traditional English /arr. Koschitzki                                                                                                      

“Concerto in E Minor, TWV 52: e1, Presto ”  by G. Ph. Telemann (1681-1767) /arr. Koschitzki

 “Scotch Club” (2017) by  Victor Plumettaz (1986- )                                                          

Intermission

“Sheep may safely graze” by Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) [Hunting Cantata BWV 208, 1713]     

Two Etudes (2006) by Marc Mellits (1966- ):  “Medieval Induction” and “Defensive Chili”

“Stonehenge” (2002) by Péter Pejtsik (1968- )

“Alpha Dog” (2011) by Kenji Bunch (1973- ): Lively/ Moderate/ Interlude-Fast

“Candybox” (2009/2013) by Chiel Meijering (1954- )

The St. Thomas-St John Elections System has released the following sample ballot for the Special Election scheduled for Saturday, April 8.

Sample Ballot Special Election

The Department of Human Services, Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services is preparing to celebrate the “Week of the Young Child,” which takes place from April 3 – 7. 

Commissioner Designee Blyden said, “Every year we look forward to staging special events for the young children in the territory. This year, the staff in the Office of Child Care and Regulatory Services has scheduled daily events so as to heighten the community’s awareness on the needs of our young children.”

The national theme this year is “Celebrating the Youngest Learners,” and the planning committee is comprised of stakeholders that include private child care providers.  Child care providers are encouraged to participate in the week’s events, which include:

• Monday, April 3 (Theme: Work Together, Build Together, Learn Together) – Open House Activity at all participating child care centers
• Tuesday, April 4 (Theme: Sing, Dance and Celebrate) – Parade from Sunday Market Square (Times Square) to Fort Christianvaern
• Wednesday, April 5 (Theme: Sharing Stories / Storytelling) – Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp, Lt. Gov. Osbert Potter and staff read to the youngsters.
• Thursday, April 6, 2017 (Theme: Sharing Stories / Storytelling) – Senators read to children in Midre Cummings.
• Friday, April 7, 20017 (Theme: Fun Day) – Fun Day at D.C. Canegata Ball Park

“Our children and their development are very important to our mission at the Department of Human Services.  It is equally important that we continue to partner with every stakeholder as together we ensure their path towards a bright future,” said Blyden.

Sharon Roland

This year marks the 28^th year for the Annual Employee Recognition Awards Ceremony, and two of the Department of Human Services employees will be receiving the coveted award.  District Manager of the Protective Unit Sharon Roland of St. Thomas and Acting District Manager of the Office of Intake and Emergency Services Lisa Richards-Ryan of St. Croix are the two distinguished recipients.  They will be attending the upcoming ceremonies held on St. Croix on Thursday, May 25, and on St. Thomas on Friday, May 26.

“I knew our clients were in good hands because of their exceptional abilities to advocate for their clients,” Commissioner Designee Felecia L. Blyden said. “Their performance throughout the years at DHS certainly conveyed their hard work, perseverance and dedication as social workers.”

Lisa Richards-Ryan

The objective of this award is to recognize those who have made a significant impact in the areas of operation and customer satisfaction; who contributed and demonstrated work that improves the quality of the performance in the Government of the United States Virgin Islands.

“There are five criteria on the list of which only three must be met: Professionalism, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Quality and Innovation,” Blyden said.  “The two selected women meet and exceed these criteria.  They have earned the respect of colleagues and the management team.  Ms. Roland and Ms. Richards-Ryan truly live up to the DHS’ motto ‘Working Together to Make a Difference.’”

                The Virgin Islands Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (VI-EPSCoR) will host its 2017 annual conference, “Transforming Research into Economic Development.”  The conference will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 6, at the Administration and Conference Center (ACC), UVI, St. Thomas Campus.

               VI-EPSCoR invites the entire community to participate in this event, which will be a conversation about the research, outreach and educational activities that have been facilitated throughout the territory by VI-EPSCoR’s support and partnerships under the Mare Nostrum Caribbean grant.  Community members who attend the conference will have a unique opportunity to learn about several of the Mare Nostrum-related activities in greater detail and to meet with VI-EPSCoR researchers, partners and potential partners.

                “This year’s conference promises to be of significant for the territory as we focus on the timely question of how we can transform our research into tangible fiscal benefits for the economic wellbeing of the U.S. Virgin Islands,” said Nick Drayton, EPSCoR assistant director.  “We are especially pleased with the world-class research, findings and leadership of VI-EPSCoR supported researchers.  Our annual conference provides the opportunity to share this research with the whole territory.”

                The conference will feature a broad assortment of presentations about the research and how it may trigger economic development in the V.I.  A keynote address will be delivered jointly by Dr. John Cabra, associate professor at SUNY College at Buffalo’s International Center for Studies in Creativity and Andy Burnett, founder and CEO of Knowinnovation.  Both speakers will discuss the role that creativity plays in research and local economic development. 

Cabra’s and Burnett’s presentation will draw on examples from the United States, Mexico and Columbia. It will be followed by presentations from researchers at UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Science (CMES) as well as researchers from an assortment of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) departments.

                For anyone who lives or works near the ocean, this is a must-attend event.  Please RSVP online at http://www.viepscor.org/2017-annual-conference or call Melissa Williams at 693-1422.