Here is a copy of the ballot for the April 8 special election to fill the empty St. Thomas St. John seat in the Legislature.Sample Ballot Special Election

Sample Ballot for April 8 Special Elections:

Sample Ballot for April 8 Special Election

We From Upstreet Inc. Centennial Activities Committee invites the public to its next lecture to be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 1, at J. Antonio Jarvis House Museum & Learning Center. The lecture, presented by Dr. Lauren “Larry” Larsen, educator, focuses on “The Educational Transformation of the Public School from Danish West Indies to the United States System.” Admission is free.

Each month, the organization will host activities to include exhibits, lectures and workshops on the traditions and history of all the different communities.  These events will also recognize many prominent residents (past and present) who have made and continue to contribute significantly to the growth of the Virgin Islands. 

Admission to all events is free; however, Upstreet Inc. appreciates any donations given at these events. Membership is open to all residents of the Virgin Islands.

For information, call Yvette Finch, president of We From Upstreet Inc., at 776-1983 or e-mail wefromupstreet@gmail.com.  Events will also be listed on the VI Transfer Centennial Web site at: http://www.vitransfercentennial.org/events. 

President Donald Trump signed a letter commemorating the centennial of the transfer of the U.S. Virgin Islands from Denmark to the United States, which Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke read at ceremonies on St. Croix and St. Thomas.

“Virgin Islanders have found great success as members of the American family, distinguishing themselves in the arts, literature and sports, and achieving great acclaim in the fields of education, medicine, science, engineering, agriculture, politics and law. Virgin Islands patriots have served honorably in all branches of the United States Armed Forces and continue to serve and sacrifice for our freedom and liberty,” the letter signed by Trump says.

“We thank God for the U.S. Virgin Islands, for its wonderful people, and for making the U.S. Virgin Islands part of the United States of America. Congratulations, U.S. Virgin Islands, on your American century,” the letter concludes.

Zinke joined Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen at the commemoration and American Samoa Delegate to Congress Amata Coleman Radewagen also attended as representative of Speaker of the House of Representatives Paul Ryan.

“Today is a testament to the Virgin Islanders whose commitment, vision, expertise, and sacrifice built these islands, enriched our shared history, and contributed to our national security,” Zinke said at the St. Thomas ceremony, according to a statement from the Interior Department.

“Since joining the American family, Virgin Islanders have distinguished themselves in education, medicine, engineering, politics, law, entertainment, and sports. And many of their sons and daughters have honorably served and are serving with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces to provide for our Nation’s defense. As we celebrate the history and heritage of your islands, President Trump has asked me to convey his heartfelt congratulations and very best wishes to the people of the Virgin Islands on this historic occasion,” he said.

Zinke said noted that the thriving tourism industry in the USVI has drawn nearly three million visitors a year to enjoy the islands’ natural beauty and rich cultural tapestry. “The global market place also has posed economic challenges for your communities and we are maintaining an open dialogue with your leaders as they assess options and examine opportunities to address these challenges,” Zinke said.

Zinke also met with Gov. Kenneth Mapp and other local leaders during his visit and participated in various centennial activities.

The USVI Department of Health will host events from Monday through Friday in recognition of the American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week, themed “Healthiest Nation 2030.”

The DOH announced in a news release Friday that it will will educate the community on health issues affecting Virgin Islanders and providing health tips so that individuals can make informed decisions and instill a daily regimen of healthy habits.

Realizing that government as a whole plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the public, the DOH has invited various government agencies, senators, and community partners to take part in this week’s activities, the news release said.

The department will hold an open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the lobby of the Charles Harwood Complex on St. Croix and in the lobby of the Schneider Regional Medical Center on St. Thomas.

The DOH is also hosting a health fair from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the amphitheater of the Sunny Isle Shopping Center and the atrium of Tutu Park Mall. Displays, giveaways and free glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol screenings will available. Also Wednesday, from noon to 1 p.m.the department will host a “Healthy Happy Hour” with a free workout provided by 340 Cross Fit St. Croix and Reebok Cross Fit of St. Thomas and a healthy lunch, provided by Plaza Extra West, Plaza Extra Tutu and United Way of the Virgin Islands.

According to the DOH, the U.S. lags behind peer countries in life expectancy and in a number of health measures, including poor birth outcomes, higher numbers of injuries and homicides, high instances of obesity and high risk of death from lung disease and heart disease. The U.S. also spends more on health care than comparable countries. In the USVI, chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are at an alarming rate.

“We are thrilled to host these events and energize our community around improving health,” said Commissioner of Health Michelle Davis. “National Public Health Week plays an important role in raising awareness about the public health issues that affect our nation and territory, every day, including – but not limited to – mental health, infectious diseases, chronic diseases and the like. Addressing these issues and working toward becoming a healthier nation starts right here in our community.”

Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of American Public Health Association, said the week’s events give the community to learn more about their health and healthy habits.

“National Public Health Week offers an annual opportunity to educate Americans, engage communities, garner awareness and take action on public health issues affecting individuals throughout the nation,” Benjamin said. “This year, we’re celebrating the power of prevention, advocating for healthy and fair policies, sharing strategies for successful partnerships and championing the role of a strong public health system.”

The DOH’s scheduled events will be added to the hundreds of events taking place throughout the nation. Since 1995, APHA has hosted National Public Health Week during the first full week in April. Communities, organizations, schools and others nationwide celebrate during this week to raise awareness about public health and prevention.

More information about National Public Health Week is online at www.nphw.org. More about public health efforts in the USVI can be found at doh.vi.gov or facebook.com/virginislandsdoh.

More information about Public Health Week activities in the USVI can be obtained by calling 340-626-6290.

During Friday’s Transfer Day Centennial ceremony, dancers dramatize the slave’s life under Danish rule.

Echoing a moment from a century past, on Friday the Danish flag was lowered and the U.S. flag hoisted up at 4 p.m. – the same time as 100 years ago, marking the centennial anniversary of the Virgin Islands becoming part of the United States.

Throughout the day’s outdoor ceremony, speakers celebrated the unique, historical friendship the Virgin Islands has with the Kingdom of Denmark, but not without numerous acknowledgements of how the former colonial ruler benefited from the institution of slavery.

More than 400 people, including local and Danish government officials and military service members, Danish tourists, local schoolchildren, dancers, musicians and members of the community attended the event at the Legislature building on St. Thomas.

In a politically charged speech, Congresswomen Stacy E. Plaskett, the V.I. delegate to the House of Representatives, recounted the political history that has denied Virgin Islanders full voting rights as U.S. citizens and noted that U.S. territories don’t receive as much federal funding for education and infrastructure as the states do.

Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen addresses the crowd during the Centennial Transfer Day ceremony on St. Thomas.

Plaskett said that last week she introduced a joint resolution that, if approved, would give Virgin Islanders and other residents of U.S. territories the right to vote for president.

Acknowledging the ills of slavery, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, told attendees that although the territory and his country share a common past that they haven’t always had the same understanding of that history.

Rasmussen said older history books in his country painted the Virgin Islands as an idyllic place under Danish rule despite the fact that slavery was present.

“Is there any justification for suppression?” Rasmussen asked the crowd before saying that slavery is unforgivable dark part of Danish history. He said the true heroes of the past are the men and women of the Virgin Islands who fought to take back their freedom.

Rasmussen continued, “What happened in the past has affected where the islands are today.”

For that reason, Rasmussen said he wants Denmark to help improve the Virgin Islands in the future and has already planned to start doing so with a college scholarship program for local students.

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp thanked the prime minister for acknowledging the real history of slavery in the territory and said he supports the push for stronger relations between the two places.

From left, Savannah Loftus, Hadiya Sewer and, T’Sean Brady members of the V.I. Youth Advocacy Coalition, call for Virgin Islanders to fight against the territory’s current political status.

Looking to the future, Mapp said these observations are made to recognize the amount of work that needs to be done over the next 100 years to promote prosperity for more Virgin Islanders. He said he wants there to be conversations about self-determination and political maturity.

A number of other dignitaries shared remarks about the historic occasion. Nicolao Pula, acting assistant secretary for insular areas for the U.S. Department of the Interior, introduced the newly appointed Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke.

Zinke read a signed letter from President Donald Trump that read: “Virgin Islanders have found great success as members of the American family, distinguishing themselves in the arts, literature and sports, and achieving great acclaim in the fields of education, medicine, science, engineering, agriculture, politics and law. Virgin Islands patriots have served honorably in all branches of the United States Armed Forces and continue to serve and sacrifice for our freedom and liberty.”

Speaking on behalf of Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, Congresswoman Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen from American Samoa read a statement congratulating Virgin Islanders on the historic anniversary.

Central to the issues raised by Plaskett, American Samoa is the only place in the U.S. where citizenship is not granted to people at birth if neither of their parents is already a citizen. In the other four unincorporated territories, including the Virgin Islands, people born in the territory automatically become a citizen.

Danish service members march in Friday’s Transfer Day parade.

A parade preceded the ceremony, stretching from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to the Legislature building. For the first three-quarters of the parade route people were sparsely clustered, but the crowd grew thicker nearer Fort Christian.

Danish military personnel marched in the parade along with Virgin Islander military servicemen and women, students from the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), firefighters and local school marching bands.

While the parade mostly featured military personnel, the ceremony at the Legislature highlighted the islands’ culture and history. Written specifically for the Centennial, a choreographed dramatization featuring modern and Bamboula dances explored the reality of slavery and the accomplishments of prominent native Virgin Islanders.

For some, celebrating the historic transfer strengthens sentimental ties they have to their family’s past. St. Thomas resident Jeffrey Sewer said the celebration was special to him because his grandparents lived under the Danish flag. Cheryl Bougounea, a St. Thomas resident, said that growing up her father had a photo of the historic switching of the flags that he kept hung up in the home.

Not all people along the parade route were enthusiastic about the celebratory nature of the Transfer festivities. Savannah Loftus, Hadiya Sewer and T’Sean Brady held signs that said “End Colonialism,” and “Decolonize the U.S.V.I.”

Sewer, who is a doctoral candidate in Africana Studies at Brown University and is a member of the V.I. Youth Advocacy Coalition, said that she doesn’t think people should be celebrating the Transfer, since the Virgin Islands were sold to the U.S. without the consent of the native people living there.

According to the United Nations, the Virgin Islands are a non-self-governing territory, which is another way of saying “colony,” and people living in U.S. territories aren’t allowed to vote, Sewer explained.

Others don’t see the issues as so black and white. They appreciate celebrating the historical ties between the territory and Denmark, but they also think the former colonial ruler should apologize for slavery. And, they think full constitutional rights should be extended to all U.S. territories.

“We proudly celebrate our union with the United States and embrace all that America represents, including the ideal of equality, justice and opportunity for all, yet we also contemplate our status as a territory and reflect on what it means to be American in a jurisdiction where the United States Constitution does not automatically follow the flag,” said Honorable Rhys S. Hodge, chief justice of the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands, when he addressed the crowd.

Lt. Gov. Osbert E. Potter said that there are different opinions about what should come out of the Transfer Centennial. He said some want reparations, an apology, or to vote for president.

Still, Potter said the day was a day for Virgin Islanders to be thankful that they live under the U.S. flag, where they are guaranteed safety, protection and freedom.

Throughout the three and a half hour ceremony, which left little time for people to prepare for the following reception, government officials and members of the Transfer Centennial Commission thanked everyone involved in planning the celebration.

Former V.I. Gov. Charles Wesley Turnbull recognized the territory’s elders and centenarians who were alive when the transfer took place. Daniel Orlando Smith OBE, premier of the British Virgin Islands, also spoke.

Road and lane closures will continue, commencing Sunday, April 2, for road construction operations along Route 30-Moravian Highway. Periodic road and lane closures will start at the intersection of the Rte. 30-Moravian Highway and Rte. 33 – Crown Mountain Road. They will end just beyond the intersection of Rte. 30 and Gasvaerks Gade (Emile Griffith Ballpark), according to a press release issued by the V.I.  Department of Public Works (DPW).

The contractor will be executing construction, rehabilitation, traffic video detection systems installation and completion of landscaping in the medians.

During construction working hours, there will be a traffic plan implemented to assist and redirect motorists and pedestrians around the construction zones. Traversing motorists and pedestrians are advised to adhere to all traffic devices, signs and posted speed limits.

Catch a whopper dolphin (mahi-mahi) over 55-pounds and win $25,000.

This is the top prize in the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s (VIGFC) 22nd Annual Dolphin Derby, sponsored by Budget Car and Truck Rental and set for April 9.

New rules assure that both professional sports fishermen and weekend warriors have a fair shot at earning the Top Boat prize.

“To even the playing field, we are limiting each boat to weighing-in their 10 largest fish, even if they caught more,” said Kevin Haddox, tournament director and VIGFC board president.

“We are also going to ask each boat to register as an amateur or professional. There will be a Top Amateur prize. We’ll see how these new rules work and decide if we keep them or make changes for next year. The main goal is to have fun and give everyone an opportunity to win,” said Haddox.

The Best Boat award will be given to the vessel with the most dolphin by weight; ties will be broken by length.

Up for grabs is a total of over $30,000 in cash and prizes.

Register for the tournament between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., Friday, April 7, at VIGFC in Red Hook. The fee is $275 for member boats, which includes four anglers and four rods, with $50 for an extra rod. Non-members pay $325 with $60 for an extra rod. The Captain’s Meeting will follow registration.

Fishing will begin with lines in the water at 6 a.m. on April 9. All boats must pass ‘P’ dock at IGY American Yacht Harbor Marina by 4 p.m. The weigh-in will be held at the marina. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served at the weigh-in.

The Awards Dinner will take place at 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 10, at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club, in Red Hook, St. Thomas.

For more information, call 775-9144 or e-mail usvigfc@gmail.com

The Department of Public Works (DPW) advises the public that the Fort Christian parking lot will be closed for the Virgin Islands Carnival festivities effective 6 p.m., Sunday, April 9. All vehicles remaining in the lot will be towed at the owner’s expense.

The parking lot will re-open on Monday, May 8.

For more information, contact the Fort Christian Parking Lot Office at 774-7046.

EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT
2017 APPLICATIONS

The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), announces the availability of the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) 2017 grant year applications.

ESG is a HUD formula-allocation grant, which provides funding to: (1) engage homeless individuals/families living on the street; (2) improve the number and quality of emergency shelters and transitional housing facilities for homeless individuals/families; (3) provide funding for the operation of these shelters; (4) provide essential services to shelter residents, (5) rapidly re-house homeless individuals/families, and (6) prevent homelessness. Eligible activities include street outreach (essential services related to connecting unsheltered homeless with emergency shelter, housing and other critical supportive social services); shelter rehabilitation/renovation, operations (maintenance, rent, utilities, furnishings), data collection, and homeless prevention/rapid re-housing assistance.

Eligible applicants include non-profit and faith-based organizations, and governmental agencies.

Applications are available at VIHFA offices from:
Monday, April 3, 2017 – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3202 Demarara Plaza, Suite 200, (Frenchtown) St. Thomas
Frits Lawaetz Complex, 100 Lagoon Complex, Suite 4 (Frederiksted) St. Croix

Applications are due: Friday, May 5, 2017 at 4:00 PM. No extensions of the due date will be granted.

Orientation sessions for applicants will be held at VIHFA’s offices in both districts as follows:

St. Croix: Wednesday, April 19, 2017                      Time: 5:30 PM
St. Thomas/St. John: Thursday, April 20, 2017     Time: 5:30 PM

Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend the scheduled orientation sessions.

For additional information contact:
Ms. Candice James, ESG Coordinator, at (340) 772-4432.

Alpine Securities USVI LLC and White Bay Group have announced the 8th Annual King of the Wing will be held June 10 at Magens Bay Beach.

This year’s beneficiary is Junior Achievement Virgin Islands (JAVI), which a non-profit organization dedicated to helping young people in the V.I. learn economics and the free enterprise system. JAVI’s mission is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy.  Junior Achievement has programs on all educational levels including after school programs. Alpine Securities and King of the Wing hope to again raise crucial funding for this program.

For information, contact kingofthewingvi@gmail.com or 714-2020 or visit www.facebook.com/alpinekow

The VI Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) advises residents of its hours of operation for the facilities and administrative offices in observance of the Easter Holidays.

Landfills, Transfer Stations (TS) and Convenience Centers (CC)

April 13, Holy Thursday/April 14, Good Friday/April 16, Easter Sunday/April 17, Easter Monday

St. Thomas

Bovoni Landfill: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m./ 6 a.m. to noon/ 6 a.m. to noon/ 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Mandahl CC: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m./ 6 a.m. to noon/ 6 a.m. to noon/ 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

St. John

 Susannaberg TS: 7 a.m. to noon/ 7 a.m. to noon/ 7 a.m. to noon/ 7 a.m. to noon

St. Croix

St. Croix TS: 6 a.m. to 4 p.m./ CLOSED/ CLOSED/ 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Peter’s Rest CC: 6 a.m. to 2 p.m./ CLOSED/ CLOSED/ 7 a.m. to noon

All administrative offices will be closed on Thursday, April 13 through Monday, April 17, in observance of the Easter Holidays. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, April 18. 

*In observance of Transfer Day, all administrative offices will be closed on Friday, March 31 and regular business hours will resume on Monday, April 3.

32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands April 3

Senate Calendar Week Beginning April 3

Monday, April 3

No committee meetings will be held today.

Tuesday, April 4

10 a.m.

Committee on Education, Youth and Recreation

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas

Agenda:

The committee has scheduled a meeting to receive testimony regarding recreation, sports and other programs for youths in the Virgin Islands,

Wednesday, April 5

9 a.m.

Committee on Public Works, Waste Management and Planning

Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas

Agenda:

The committee has scheduled a hearing to receive updates and pending issues from the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, The VI. Housing Authority and the V.I. Waste Management Authority.

9 a.m.

To receive updates on the condition of housing communities in the territory (public and low income), pending and forthcoming housing projects, recent changes in policies and procedures, and status update on homelessness and homeless programs

Noon – LUNCH

1 p.m.

To receive updates on the V.I. Housing Finance Authority, its affordable housing communities, any pending and forthcoming capital projects, and any changes to its policies and procedures

3 p.m.

Consideration of the following measure:

Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority’s second amendment to its three-year plan

Thursday, April 6

10 a.m.

Committee on Finance

Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Hall, St Croix

Agenda:

The committee will consider the following bills and lease agreement:

BLOCK I

10 a.m. to Noon

Bill No. 32-0002 – An Act to authorize the Virgin Islands Government to purchase Estate Catherineberg from WICO by offsetting payments owed in lieu of taxes as mandated by Act No. 5826, as amended

Noon – LUNCH

BLOCK II

1-3 p.m.

Bill No. 32-0010 – An Act amending Title 13, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5, section 531, relating to the rate and computation of franchise taxes

BLOCK III

3-4 p.m.

Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the Department of Property and Procurement on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Allison L. DeGazon c/o Cruzan Organix Farm Inc. Leased Premises: Portion of Parcel #7 VICORP Lands, Estate Jealousy, Prince Quarter, St. Croix

Friday, April 7

No committee meetings will be held today.

Trust is having faith in someone or something. It is a positive attitude about life. You are confident that the right thing will happen without trying to control it or make it happen. Even when difficult things happen, trust helps us to find the gift or lesson in it.

You are practicing trust when you:

– Believe there is some good in everything that happens,

– Look for the lessons in painful experiences,

– Let trust take away your worries,

– Know that your best is good enough,

– Trust others unless you have good reasons not to, and

– Don’t nag, worry, or try to take control.

Affirmation:

I am trusting. I have no need to control others. I release fear and worry. I feel at peace and know I am not alone.

The Family Connection was established in 2005 by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands as an early-childhood initiative. The mission of TFC is to strengthen the community child care and early education infrastructure in the USVI by building awareness of the importance of early learning and development for success and working with community agencies to promote quality care and education.

One of its efforts is the Virtues Project, an international initiative focused on building peaceful and caring communities.

The Source supports the Virtues Project. We will publish one of the virtues developed by the project each week.

Danish Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen announced his country will fund 10 scholarships for students from the University of the Virgin Islands to study at one semester at a Danish university.

Rasmussen made the announcement Saturday at UVI’s St. Thomas campus.

Rasmussen has been on the islands to mark the centennial of Transfer Day – the day in 1917 when ownership of the islands was transferred from Denmark to the United States. He alluded to the scholarship program in speeches he gave on Transfer Day ceremonies on Friday, during which he condemned slavery.

“We are supporting students in the Virgin Islands so that they have the best possible conditions to create the prosperity that the islands deserve,” the prime minister said in an email.

Rasmussen gave the details in a joint press conference with UVI President David Hall.

“The commitment by Prime Minister Rasmussen and the Danish government will assist us in achieving one of our important educational goals for UVI students, which is to expose them to the world,” Hall said. “Having 10 UVI students per year spend time at a university in Denmark will certainly provide support for this strategic educational value, and help prepare them to be world leaders.”

The program will pay for student tuition and living costs in Denmark. Aalborg and Copenhagen University already have existing partnerships which may work in the program.

The first scholarships will be granted to students in 2018.

The government will fund the scholarship program by dedicating an amount in the Danish Finance Act for 2018. The administration of the funds will be anchored at Danish universities.

The program of approximately $143,000 per year will run for a period of five years.

Hall told the Source in an email he appreciated both the offer and the spirit in which it was was made.

“I was impressed with the Prime Minister’s sincerity and thoughtfulness in regards to the past injustices and oppression that were inflicted upon the people of the Virgin Islands through Danish colonization. I also see this financial commitment as a contribution toward creating a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. It is an important first step in the building of a strong and lasting relationship between the University of the Virgin Islands and the Danish government and people,” he said.

The Danish government is also contributing an additional $435,000 to the funding of projects and organizations for the commemoration of the centennial. Some of the projects are in the Virgin Islands and others are in Denmark. According to a fact sheet released by the Danish government, contributions will be made to the through the Danish Minister of culture.
They include in the Virgin Islands:
– Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix.

– Brother’s Workshop in St. Thomas.

– Local Danish friendship associations, supporting their work in strengthening the connections between the Virgin Islands and Denmark.

– The Copenhagen Boys Choir’s concert tour to the US Virgin Islands in April/May 2017.

– Restoration of a former Danish sugar plantation residence in St. Croix, which today is a museum.

– In Search of Identity, a private project to raise funds for the restoration of two notable Danish buildings in the Islands so they can be used as a national museum, as well as for future artistic studies.

Projects in Denmark receiving funding include:

– The National Gallery of Denmark and the Royal Danish Library for implementation of a project to activate works related to the colonial history of Denmark and the former Danish West Indies in order to create new stories.

– The National Museum of Denmark plan to compile a new permanent exhibition on colonial history.

– The National Museum for a special exhibition about Peter von Scholten’s furniture from the former Danish West Indies in the Royal Reception Rooms at Christiansborg Palace.

– Stop slavery! an exhibition at the Workers’ Museum in Denmark about Denmark’s history of colonialism and slave trade seen from a contemporary perspective focusing on unfree labor.

– A short film stemming from the opening of the archives of the Danish National Archives about the colonial era in the former Danish West Indies.

– Queen Mary – a memorial sculpture. A project by the artist Jeannette Ehlers, for the West India Warehouse in Copenhagen.

– A traveling exhibition about In Search of Identity and about ten local heroes from the Virgin Islands.

Charles Leonard’s produce stand is full of local produce at Market Square.

Even though the territory has a year-round growing season and there are fruit-producing trees all around, it’s still difficult to regularly find local produce in the Virgin Islands.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service, about 98 to 99 percent of food in the territory is imported, though exact data is hard to come by due to the lack of reporting and sampling on farms.

Carlos Robles, commissioner of the V.I. Department of Agriculture, said this figure underscores the importance of growing more local food on a commercial level in the territory.

Growing food on all of the islands is no small feat. Water availability, soil quality and steep slopes make farmers work extra hard to produce food. With its high mountains, St. Thomas is especially prone to erosion.

To encourage them to keep growing, local farmers need regular business to sustain their operation and livelihoods. If their source of income is too unpredictable, full-time farmers can understandably get discouraged.

Eating locally produced fruits and vegetable on a regular basis not only supports farmers in the community, it’s also more nutritious. After being picked, the nutrients in produce diminish over time. Most of the food that is shipped here was harvested up to weeks before it makes to the local supermarket.

So where can consumers consistently find produce on St. Thomas? According to Billy Abraham, director of marketing at the V.I. Department of Agriculture, local produce can be purchased at the following locales.

Bordeaux Farmers Market, Bordeaux

Open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. the second and last Sunday of every month, the Bordeaux Farmers Market is worth the drive to the island’s west end. The market usually has about five vendors who sell locally grown vegetables and fruits like greens, peppers, cucumbers, mango and bananas. There’s also prepared vegan-friendly food that’s expertly spiced with local herbs.

Run by We Grow Food Inc., the name of the farming collective that tills the land in the area, many of the group’s farmers are Rastafarian and eat a veggie-based diet in accordance with the religion’s belief system.

Locally grown quash, plantains and bananas fill a vendor’s colorful table.

Members of We Grow Food Inc. take farming seriously, as evidenced by their official statement: “To lose agriculture is to lose our culture, integrity, self worth and pride. Without these characteristics, we, as a people fail to exist.”

Sanderilla Thomas Bungalow, Market Square, Charlotte Amalie

Every Saturday the perimeter of this square is lined with vendors selling produce from around the territory, as well as prepared foods and hot sauces.

Running from 4:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., it’s best to go early for a wider selection and to make sure you don’t miss out on the popular vegan stews made by Ras Nashamba-I, which always sell out by mid-morning.

On the outskirts of the square, local fishermen sell freshly-caught fish and lobster from the back of their pickup trucks. Snapper and triggerfish are commonly available.

Later this month a selection of vendors at the market will again accept vouchers for the Women, Infants and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program, or WICFMNP, which allows women to use the food dollar benefit at farmers markets.

Yacht Haven Grande, Charlotte Amalie

On the first and third Sunday of the month, there’s a farmers market near the Shops at Yacht Haven Grande. There you’ll find fresh produce and local crafts that are made in the territory. The market runs from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

According to the organizer’s website, the market “supports our local food growers, artisans, and producers, helping create a vibrant community with easy access to locally-grown farm fresh food and products made in the USVI.”

In addition to the weekly markets above, some roadside stands sell fresh produce as well, some of which is locally-produced with a lot of it coming from other islands in the Lesser Antilles region.

The Persad stand along the waterfront in Charlotte Amalie is open seven days a week. A stand near Cost U Less sells produce a few days of the week, and one just south of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School is open most days.

Running coach Therese Hodge welcomes participants and gets them ready for a warm-up.

Adults who came out to watch and cheer on competitors in 2017 Rotary Sunrise Kids Triathlon said they do so because the event promotes healthy activity and children, unites the community, and raises money for worthy causes.

Held over the weekend at Magens Bay Beach on Saint Thomas, this year’s Kids Tri brought out almost 130 participants, evenly split between the three age groups – five to eight years old, nine to 11, and 12 to 15 – representing all schools across St. Thomas. Parents across the board said the exposure to students from different school is one of the biggest benefits of the Kids Tri, along with the chance to “throw themselves into nature” instead of staying at home and watching television or playing on the computer.

During the event, competitors in the five to eight age group are asked to swim 25 yards, bike half a mile and run a quarter mile; in the 9 to 11 age group competitors swim 100 yards, bike a mile and run half a mile; and the older competitors, 12 to 15, have a 200-yard swim, a three-mile bike and a one-mile run.

Parents at Saturday’s event said the Kids Tri gets very young athletes excited about sports, while training offered by the club beforehand gives them the confidence needed to finish each part of the course.

“This is the greatest event for kids,” parents Paul Meyer and Allison Slimming said Saturday. “We love that students from all the different schools participate and that they have the chance to catch up and talk to one another before and during the event. Competition is great for kids, and make them excel outside and inside the classroom, but the (event) is mostly also about fun and our kids have fun every year. That’s why we keep coming back and it’s great that Rotary Sunrise stays so committed to making it happen.”

Swimmers in the five to eight age group get ready to start.

V.I. Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy had 37 students participating, taking home the prize for most participants. Antilles School was second with 34, followed by homeschooler, Charlotte Amalie High School and Addelita Cancryn Junior High, whose principal, Lisa Hassell-Forde stayed from the beginning of the event until the end and cheered loudly from the sidelines.

“Rotary is one of our biggest sponsors and supporters, they sponsor this year our water safety and swimming program for example, and so they also came to the school this year to see how we could participate in this,” Hassell-Forde said. “And of course we did. We fielded several teams out on the course and we’re proud to be here because this is such a great event, and the kids are ready to run, to bike and to swim.”

While Hassell-Forde said that she was excited to watch her students participate, she said the event is so community-driven that her staff really comes out each year to cheer on all Virgin Islands children.

“It’s a great opportunity for all schools to come together, it’s a great way to promote health for our children and the event also allows us to use our resources. Magen’s Bay is a great backdrop for an event like this, and we’re happy to participate,” she said.

The excitement of the parents and students is also matched each year by the enthusiasm shown by the volunteers and sponsors of the event. Coming back for another year as one of the silver sponsors of the event, Scotiabank marketing officer Christine Lee described the Kids Tri as the “premier event for young people on the island.”

“We like to get into the community, into the grassroots, and just see where Scotiabank can help in the uplifting of children,” Lee said. “So, it’s only right and fitting that we’ve been out here every year. And, our team has gotten so wonderful at cheering on the runners, the bikers and swimmers. We like to set up every year right near the finish line so we can be there at the end helping get them across, and showing them that we’re cheering them on. That’s really my favorite part. It’s great to have the children be out here at such a young age and we wholeheartedly support this event submission for promoting fitness and exposing them to nature.”

“It’s just a joy,” said Sam Hughes, who had three children compete Saturday. “I love watching the kids push themselves athletically, academically and personally and it’s just a joy watching them grow out there and being nearby to cheer them on and offer support. Even my emotions get a workout watching them go through it. It’s just an amazing thing.”

The Kids Tri is Rotary Sunrise’s biggest fundraiser, supporting several of club’s other efforts, including the new swim program for students at Cancryn, which also gives participants training in stand-up paddle boarding. Proceeds have also benefitted: Camp Shriver, St. Thomas Swimming Association, Jane E. Twitter Elementary and Seaview Adolescent Facility.

2017 Rotary Sunrise Kids Triathlon Info

127 Participants

Age Groups

5-8 – 46 Participants

9-11 – 41 Participants

12-15 – 40 Participants

12 schools participated in the 2017 Rotary Sunrise Kids Triathlon. The VI Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy won the school participation trophy for the most participants, with 37. Antilles School was second with 34. Homeschoolers brought 23 participants, 8 from Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and 8 from Charlotte Amalie High School. Other schools participating included Gladys Abraham Elementary School, Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, Ulla Muller Elementary School, Dober Elementary School, All Saints Cathedral School, Calvary Christian Academy and Ti’moun Daycare.

Winners
12-15
Boys
1st Place – Taber Helton, 25:52
2nd Place – Jay Fulford, 29.38
3rd Place – Camille King Iii, 36:14

Girls
1st Place – Kaia Anspacher, 27:54
2nd Place – Erin Hughes, 29:42
3rd Place – Shaiah David, 32:20,

Relay Teams

1st Place – Anapia Brunt, Aviela Maynard, Nickolas Swan, 25:51
2nd Place – Skyler Anspacher, Axel Bartsch, 26:14
3rd Place – Gabriella Brunt, Christian Belcher, Thomas Brunt, 27:13

9-11
Boys
1st Place – Shyne Hood, 13:01
2nd Place – Gabe Derksen, 13:02
3rd Place – FFlynHughes, 13:33

Girls
1st Place – Maia Tolus, 14:04
2nd Place – Flame Gonzalez, 14:24
3rd Place – Lilly Derksen, 13:02

Relay Teams
1st Place – Paul Magee, Bilal Muhammed, Veronica Lienenbach, 11:20
2nd Place – Mariana Brunt, Aurora Rodriquez, Sofie Kappel, 12:46
3rd Place – Lillian Clarke, Korey Woitylak, Liam Alterness, 13:19

5-8
Boys
1st Place – Sunny Gonzales, 7:01
2nd Place – Boarden Gonzales, 7:02:7
3rd Place – Lyle Ratchford, 7:52

Girls
1st Place – Fion Hughes, 7:06
2nd Place – Vivienne Cabarrao, 10:27
3rd Place – Jada Chase, 10:57

Relay Teams
1st Place – Charlie Gerritson, Willie Gerritson, Connor Shitko, 7:02:5
2nd Place – Coby Fagen, Harrison Oriol, Sanjiv Bachan, 7:39
3rd Place – Croix Nelthropp, Rohan Nelthropp, 8:18

Eighteen calypsonians battled Saturday night for the opportunity to become one of nine finalist to compete against the reigning Calypso Queen, Caribbean Queen for the 2017 Calypso Monarch title.

The elimination, which kicked off St. Thomas Carnival for 2017, was held in two rounds at the Stoli-Budweiser Calypso Elimination Tent, at the Crown Bay Center. King Kan-Fo-Plenty, Broc-Le, Yellowman, Singing Jackie, Bakka, General Val, Mighty Pat and X-Man competed in round one. Super T, John Gotty, De Arc, Sarrow, Nikki Smith, Incredible Shark, The Bloop, King Generic, Iroy and Chaplet competed in round two. The calypsonians delivered songs ranging from comical to uplifting to political commentary to a delighted crowd.

At the end of the competition, the finalists selected to compete for the Carnival 2017 Calypso Monarch title against Caribbean Queen are (in no specific order): King Kan-Fo-Plenty, Broc-Le, Yellowman, General Val, Mighty Pat, Super T, John Gotty, Nikki Smith and The Bloop. The V.I. Calypso Competition will be held on Saturday, April 22, at 8 p.m. in the Lionel Roberts Stadium.

West Indies Company, distributors of Stoli Vodka and Budweiser and the Crown Bay Center helped sponsor the competition.

For additional Carnival 2017 information, visit the V.I. Carnival Committee website at (www.vicarnival.com).

Schedule of events for V.I. Carnival 2017 on St. Thomas:

Z’Qi Chapman wins 2017 Territorial Spelling Bee.

Following nine rounds of exciting competition, Z’Qi Chapman (No. 5), an 8th grader at Church of God Holiness Academy on St. Croix, emerged as the 2017 Territorial Spelling Bee Champion on Thursday, March 30. He will represent the Virgin Islands at the 90th Scripps National Spelling Bee, May 28-June 4, in Washington, D.C.

The territory’s top 12 spellers — six from each island district — competed in the 44th annual competition held at the John H. Woodson Jr. High School. The students represented Wesleyan Academy, Good Hope Country Day School, St. Patrick’s Catholic School, All Saints Cathedral School, Church of God Holiness Academy, St. John Gifft Hill School, Gladys Abraham Elementary School, Lockhart Elementary School, Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, John H. Woodson Jr. High School and Eulalie Rivera Elementary School.

The soft-spoken Z’Qi credits his success to the support of his family and coach, Stephen Marcel. Of his big win, Z’Qi said, “I feel excited and nervous at the same time.” He further pointed out that his winning strategy is simple, “Studying, studying and more studying.” Z’Qi has only participated in spelling bees over the last three years and looks forward to representing the Virgin Islands at the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Z’Qi was left standing at the end of Round 8, having spelled the word “hydrate” correctly. He then spelled his final word, “prodition” correctly in Round 9 to claim the 2017 championship.

Spelling Bee participants

Coach Marcel expressed his pride in Z’Qi’s successful run. “I knew we had a great chance because he is a very brilliant student,” he said. “We studied very hard. We studied the different languages, the roots of words, entomology, prefixes and suffixes. We expect him to go very far, as well, in Washington, D.C.”

As part of his prize package, Z’Qi received a trophy, an electronic tablet and a $200 Amazon gift card. Additionally, he received the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a free one-year subscription to Britannica Online Premium, and a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online.

Each Territorial Spelling Bee participant also received a certificate and a gift bag containing a notebook, pen, flask, flashlight, screwdriver set, and a flash drive.

Student – School — Coach

Aiden Glasford of Wesleyan Academy (Coach Agnes Bellot)

Michael Atwell of Good Hope Country Day School (Coach Denise Blanchette)

Daniel Lugo of St. Patrick’s Catholic School (Coach Sharosne Elcock)

Krishiv Amarnani of All Saints Cathedral (Coach Suzy Gomez-Smith)

Z’Qi Chapman of Church of God Holiness Academy (Coach Stephen Marcel)

Mera Foster of Gifft Hill School (Coach Mary Burks)

Joshua Morgan of Gladys Abraham Elementary [the current St. Thomas-St. John District Spelling Bee winner] (Coach: Loretta Silcott)

Waniya Baig of Lockhart Elementary (Coach Daniela Roumou)

Carmindy Pickering of Pearl B. Larsen (Coach Veronica Sargeant)

V’Andre Rochester of BCB Middle School (Coach Tamik Pilgrim)

Makayla Todman of John H. Woodson Jr. H.S. [the current St. Croix District Spelling Bee winner and two-time Territorial Spelling Bee champion in 2015 and 2016, was eliminated from the competition on the word “pandowdy.”] (Coach Chantelle Quinones) John H. Woodson Jr. H.S.

Ivante Mark of Eulalie Rivera Elementary School (Coach Ellen Cyrille-Charles)

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Z’Qi Chapman with Territorial Spelling Bee officials.

District Spelling Bee coordinators Dr. Carla A. Bastian, language arts coordinator in the St. Croix District, and Jessica John-Baptiste, language arts coordinator in the St. Thomas-St. John District, assisted in the success of the program. Denise Gomes, program manager of the State Office of Curriculum and Instruction, coordinated the 44th Annual Territorial Spelling Bee.

Victor Somme III, director of the Alternative Education Program on St. Croix, served as Master of Ceremonies; Maureen Moorehead was chief judge, presiding over judges: Avon Benjamin and Cheryl Jeremiah-Ambrose; Rev. Wesley Williams and Richard Muhammad were pronouncers.

As a primary sponsor of the Territorial Spelling Bee, the Virgin Islands Daily News will cover all travel and hotel expenses for Z’Qi, his family members and his coach to attend the National Spelling Bee.

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt and the Virgin Islands Department of Education are also sponsors of the Territorial Spelling Bee.