VirginIslandsDailyNews Today's News

Unique, vivacious and invincible -- Family and friends show support for 160 lively UVI graduates

ST. THOMAS - Pride and exuberance permeated the University of the Virgin Islands' Sports and Fitness Center on Monday as the university granted degrees to 160 graduates.

Auction of Daily News concludes; sale pending court approval --

ST. THOMAS - The auction of Daily News Publishing Co. took place Monday, but the official announcement identifying the successful bidder will not occur until the bid receives court approval, most likely at a hearing Friday in Pittsburgh.

Tourism commissioner courts airlines, travel agents in Denmark --

Drawing more Danes to the U.S. Virgin Islands by adjusting flight schedules and offering tempting discount packages were two priorities of Beverly Nicholson-Doty's first visit to Denmark as V.I. Tourism commissioner.

Astronaut speaks at hospital about patient safety standards --

ST. THOMAS - An astronaut and physician who developed national patient safety standards for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs spoke at Schneider Regional Medical Center on Monday morning about how hospitals can keep patients safer.

Delegates define Virgin Islanders, beach access --

ST. THOMAS - Members of the Constitutional Convention's Citizenship, Virgin Islands' Rights, Environment, and Cultural and Historical Preservation Committee set standards for beach access and devised definitions of different kinds of Virgin Islands residents on Monday night.

DeJongh in France to meet with Cruzan Rum's new owner --

Gov. John deJongh Jr. plans to meet with top executives of Pernod Ricard in Paris this week seeking a commitment from the international spirits company to keep rum production on St. Croix.

WAPA rolling blackouts not expected to continue today in St. Thomas-St. John District --

ST. THOMAS - Rolling blackouts that affected the St. Thomas-St. John District on Monday are not expected today.

Kean class to help senior citizens improve their computer skills --

ST. THOMAS - Ivanna Eudora Kean High School has introduced an innovative program for senior citizens that seeks to increase community involvement in the school.

Board of Education member Gibson arrested on domestic violence charges --

ST. CROIX - V.I. Board of Education member Shawn Gibson was advised of his rights Monday morning in V.I. Superior Court after being arrested during the weekend on domestic violence charges.

Elections Board sets official calendar --

At a St. Thomas-St. John Board of Elections meeting last week, the V.I. Elections System's official calendar for the 2008 election was distributed.

Belated trial begins for defendants in St. John drug case --

ST. THOMAS - The drug case against two men charged with carrying a brick of cocaine near Julius E. Sprauve School in St. John's Cruz Bay went to trial Monday after more than four years of legal wrangling, dismissals and a change of venue.

Opening statements begin in rape trial --

ST. CROIX - Opening statements were heard Monday afternoon in V.I. Superior Court in the trial of a 34-year-old man charged with raping a woman in her home more than two years ago.

7 accept plea deal before trial starts in gun and marijuana case --

ST. THOMAS - Just hours before seven men arrested in the Kirwan Terrace housing community were to go to trial on gun and marijuana charges, all the defendants accepted plea deals Monday in V.I. Superior Court.

2 men shot in Catherine's Rest --

ST. CROIX - Police had little information about the the circumstances surrounding an early morning shooting incident in Catherine's Rest on Monday that left two men hospitalized.

Search continues for missing couple --

ST. THOMAS - Police continue to appeal for the public's help in locating a Bordeaux man and an Illinois woman who have been missing for 10 days.

Mothers get special treatment with fun run and brunches --

ST. THOMAS - Running can be an individual pursuit, but participants in the annual Mother's Day Fun Run early Sunday made it a family affair.

Police honor mothers during launch of Police Week --

ST. CROIX - The V.I. Police Department took a moment Sunday to pay special tribute to mothers who have committed their lives to protecting the community.

Public Works cuts down mahogany trees at Mandela Circle --

ST. THOMAS - A crew working on the Long Bay Road construction project early Saturday morning removed mahogany trees from the Mandela Circle area.

Two V.I. teachers receive Presidential Award for Excellence --

ST. THOMAS - Two veteran St. Thomas-St. John District teachers recently received top honors for their outstanding teaching methods and skills.

Mentoring program paying off for more than a dozen young girls --

ST. CROIX - More than a dozen young girls from two local public schools recently completed a mentoring program that they said has given them a boost in confidence and self-esteem - giving them some of the tools needed to succeed in life.

WAPA's Cassandra Dunn receives energy award --

ST. CROIX - V.I. Energy Office bestowed V.I. Water and Power Authority Spokeswoman Cassandra Dunn with the "Light the Way" award during a ceremony last week for her commitment and work to share the message of conservation with residents.

Culinary program receives donations --

The Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association has donated $2,000 to the V.I. Career and Technical Institute's Culinary Program in conjunction with a donation of equipment by The Ritz-Carlton St. Thomas.

Celebrity chef --

Culinary program receives donations --

Celebrity chef --

Rimpel named to McLean Hospital board of trustees --

University of the Virgin Islands Board of Trustees Chairman Auguste Rimpel Jr. has been appointed to serve on the board of trustees for Massachusetts-based McLean Hospital, a psychiatric facility affiliated with Harvard University Medical School.

Hodge made facilities VP at Schneider --

ST. THOMAS - Karen Hodge has been named vice president for facilities management and capital development at Schneider Regional Medical Center.

Rimpel named to McLean Hospital board of trustees --

Hodge made facilities VP at Schneider --

ST. THOMAS - Karen Hodge has been named vice president for facilities management and capital development at Schneider Regional Medical Center.

Couple launches frozen treat venture with Caribbean flair --

Ben & Jerry's may be Vermont's finest. But when you're looking for a cool treat in the Virgin Islands, two St. Thomas entrepreneurs hope you'll choose something all-natural, locally made and loaded with fresh Caribbean ingredients.

Mail Plus operating at Tutu Park Mall --

Seeing a need in the neighborhood, St. Thomas resident Alvery Smith decided to open a business center, Mail Plus, in Tutu Park Mall.

BVI college to host free master business class --

TORTOLA - H. Lavity Stoutt Community College will be hosting a master class on brand development and strategic planning for business success in January.

BVI commission grants cell phone license to Digicel --

TORTOLA - Digicel has been granted a license to operate a mobile network in the British Virgin Islands, according to separate statements from the company and the government's Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

Relaunch of US Airways' direct flights to St. Croix from Charlotte starts early --

A seasonal weekly flight offered directly from North Carolina to St. Croix has resumed more than a month early because of strong demand.

BVI chamber gives out tourism awards --

TORTOLA - In a departure from the norm, the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association on Wednesday presented awards to several outstanding individuals.

BVI pulls P.R.-based Air Carolina's permission to operate in BVI --

TORTOLA - The United Kingdom Department for Transport announced Friday that it has suspended permission for Puerto Rico-based Air Carolina to fly commercial flights to, from or within the British Virgin Islands.

Carpet Emporium opens in Havensight --

Daily News Photo by SEAN McCOY Carpet Emporium manager Fatih Gungorer, right, talks about various kinds of rugs at the store's grand opening on Friday evening. Carpet Emporium, a 1,000-square-foot gallery of Persian, Turkish and Nepalese rugs, is located at the southern end of the West Indian Co.'s Havensight dock, adjacent to Paradise Gate.

Betsy's Bar shuts its doors in Frenchtown after 12 years --

ST. THOMAS - A Frenchtown institution is no more.

Bank of St. Croix opens branch --

The Bank of St. Croix has opened its second location near the Peter's Rest Shopping Mall on St. Croix and bank officials say it is a milestone for the company that 12 years ago had no loans, no deposits, and no customers.

Tourist spot opens in Market Square --

A new tourist-service business has opened in Market Square, where its owners hope it will help revitalize the historic area.

Trick Hunter, Marfin Express prevail at James Racetrack --

Eight races thrilled spectators at Randall "Doc" James Racetrack on Sunday afternoon, but it was the mothers and daughters who took part in the only stakes race of the day.

Laverne Jones sprints to season bests in Martinique --

St. Croix's Laverne Jones dropped one of the world's top 20 times in the 200 meters in Martinique on Thursday, after coming within .04 seconds of her lifetime 100 meter best with a third-place finish.

Henley powers West past East in Legends All-Stars softball game --

TORTOLA - Their gloves, bats and uniforms have been on the shelf for a while, but you couldn't tell based on the players' performances during the legends All-Stars Game on Saturday at Old Recreation Grounds.

Olympian Robbie Hirst wins BVI Dinghy Championships --

TORTOLA - Exactly 21 years after he won the British Virgin Islands first World Championships medal at any level, Robbie Hirst - a two-time Olympian - proved he is still a winner.

Basics victorious in double OT thriller in BVI Basketball Federation opener --

Daily News BVI Correspondent

Local Briefs --

Zero Tolerance hoops league
ST. THOMAS - Rosters are now available for the Zero Tolerance Summer Basketball League for youths ages 9-12, 13-15 and 15-18. The league is in conjunction with the Housing, Parks and Recreation Department.

Mother's Day card at James Racetrack to be full of drama --

ST. CROIX - Horses are raring to go at the Randal "Doc" James Racetrack for the Mother's Day races on Sunday afternoon.

Country Day still undefeated after 2-0 win over Complex --

ST. CROIX - The Country Day School Tigers continued to be perfect this season as they stretched their record to 11-0 with a 2-0 win over the Educational Complex on Friday night.

Lockhart Christian School wins its first soccer title --

ST. CROIX - The Randolph Lockhart Christian School soccer team made a little bit of school history on Friday night with a 1-0 win over Country Day School in the IAA Elementary Soccer Championships held at the Educational Complex field.

Local Briefs --

CASA Viva tennis tournament
ST. CROIX - V.I. Volunteer Advocates for Children will have its 2nd annual tennis tournament on May 21-25 at the Buccaneer Hotel tennis club. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit children served by the Court Appointed Special Advocates and Homework Helpers programs at VIVA for Children.

Boxing brothers Beijing bound -- Young boxers inspired by their dad get shot at Olympic gold

By NICK SCHNEEMAN

Local Briefs --

V.I. cricket teams head to St. Maarten for LICA tourney
The St. Thomas 40-Plus cricket team is headed to St. Maarten today for the 2008 Leeward Islands Masters tournament, which will take place today through Monday. The St. Thomas team is a newcomer to the tournament and will be joined by a veteran St. Croix squad, who are tournament regulars.

BVI dinghy races to draw sailors from USVI, P.R., Florida --

TORTOLA - Officials are expecting more than 80 participants from as near as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and as far as Florida for this weekend's BVI Dinghy Championships.

Three games to highlight opening of BVI Basketball Federation league --

TORTOLA - The BVI Basketball Federation will open its 2008 league on Saturday afternoon at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, featuring three games.

Mother's Day cycling event on Tortola to help fight cancer --

TORTOLA - Nature's Little Secrets Cycling Club will host its second annual Mother's Day women's race at 3 p.m. on Sunday.

BVI Softball Association to host All-Stars weekend featuring softball legends --

TORTOLA - The British Virgin Islands Softball Association has invited several of its softball legends living in St. Thomas, St. John and Tortola, to participate in its legends All-Stars Game on Saturday.

Fighting Illini shows interest in BVI sprinter Ashley Kelly --

TORTOLA - The University of Illinois Fighting Illini are avidly recruiting British Virgin Islands sprinter and World Junior Championships 200 meters qualifier Ashley Kelly, who just spent four days on a recruiting trip to the school.

Cavaliers whip Wolues; Legends trim Spice Boys in BVI 20/20 cricket --

TORTOLA - The Cavaliers whipped the Wolues while the Legends beat Grenada's Spice Boys by 11 runs to highlight BVI Cricket Association 20-20 play during the weekend at Greenland Field on Tortola.

'Canes' Smith shuts down Young Talent in one-hitter --

TORTOLA - Since the opening of the BVI Softball Association league, May 4 had been circled on the calendar of the league's top pitchers: Hurricanes' Neville "Sheep" Smith and Young Talent's Allen "Woodrow" Smith.

Charles wins annual Children Run Christiansted --

ST. CROIX - Winners were announced Monday for the 30th anniversary of the Children Run Christiansted race that took place on Friday. The race, put on by the V.I. Pace Runners, kicked off the St. Croix Ironman 70.3 Triathlon Jump-Up ahead of the weekend triathlon.

180 degrees for May 10 -- Solution for poverty, solution for race

A professor emeritus of UCLA named James Q. Wilson did a research and then stated, "You need only do three things to avoid poverty in this country. Finish high school, marry before having kids and produce the child after the age of 20. Only 8 percent of families who do this are poor; 79 percent of those who fail to do this are poor." His study was conducted on a mixture of races. This made me think.

180 degrees -- Missing on your mission

Living in the "hood," we can easily see thieves, drug addicts, gamblers and prostitutes. Typically there are no tall buildings, millionaires and good employment opportunities. Money and intelligence are often made in the "hood," but it rarely stays there.

St. Croix chess tournament draws 60 students --

Sixty students from schools throughout the territory participated in the first Spring Chess Tournament on Saturday, displaying the overall skills in the pensive game.

Expo spotlights vocational education students --

Vocational education students from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Charlotte Amalie High School and the V.I. Career and Technical Institute on St. Croix showcased their work at Kean gymnasium on Thursday.

St. Thomas native publishes first book, 'Up From Your Mind: Poetry in Motion' --

The poems in Jahheal Massac's first book, "Up From Your Mind: Poetry in Motion," are illustrated with equally captivating paintings and drawings by the Virgin Islands artist, poet and educator.

V.I. History Quiz Bowl winners announced --

St. Croix Central High, Addelita Cancryn Junior High and Ricardo Richards Elementary schools took top honors at the 2008 V.I. History Quiz Bowl.

Students to learn about disaster preparedness --

TORTOLA - The Department of Disaster Management is moving to ensure that students learn more about disaster preparedness.

Kingdom Life food sale to raise funds for Nigerian orphanage --

In an effort to raise funds to buy food for an orphanage in eastern Nigeria, Kingdom Life International Christian Center is hosting a food sale at 7 a.m. today at Vendors Plaza.

Elder Joann Smith is guest minister for Global Life's women's conference --

Pastors Oral and Everine Hazell of Global Life Church will hold the eighth annual "When Women Worship … Deliverance," a women's conference at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday at the church along the Weymouth Rhymer Highway.

180 degrees -- Depth perception

In psychological studies, there is a concept called "depth perception." This is a person's ability to determine how far away an object is from them.

Local Baha'is to attend convention this month --

Seven of the nine members on the Virgin Islands Baha'i National Spiritual Assembly will head to Haifa, Israel, at the end of April to take part in the 10th International Baha'i Convention to elect the Universal House of Justice.

Student art on display at Cancryn --

Cartoon images, black history motifs and Carnival designs are just some of the themes of "Youth Art in School," an exhibition at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, done by the school's basic and graphic arts classes in conjunction with the library.

Read, read, read --

BVI art competition winners announced --

TORTOLA - Six students were awarded prizes for winning this year's art competition to commemorate Child Abuse Prevention month. Fifty-eight entries were submitted.

180 degrees --

Dutchie,

Education announces winners in District Primary Spelling Bee --

The Education Department has announced the results of the 2008 St. Thomas-St. John District Primary Spelling Bee held on April 4 at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. The Bee lasted for an exciting 13 rounds.

Application deadline extended for summer internship program --

Labor Commissioner Albert Bryan Jr. has announced that the deadline for submitting applications for the Labor Investing for Tomorrow summer internship program has been extended to April 18. Now in its 19th year, the LIFT program continues to provide college juniors, seniors and graduate students with meaningful work and internship experience in their chosen career field. Interns may also gain college credits.

Military News --

Military News
U.S. Navy Seaman Recruit Dean Francis, son of Delita Francis of St. Thomas and Liston Francis of Tampa, Fla., recently completed U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill.

BVI students invited to take part in FCCA essay contest --

TORTOLA - The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board is inviting students to participate in the 2008 Youth Essay Contest sponsored by the Florida Caribbean Cruise Association.

Organization seeks youth interested in natural sciences, agriculture for camp --

The V.I. Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. is seeking eight Virgin Islands' high school students between the ages of 15 and 18 to attend the 2008 Natural Resources Conservation Workshop, to be held June 8 to 12 at the Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Ga.

Guest opinions --

Many students experience adversity in our territory, however, in spite of overwhelming challenges our students excel.

Guest editorial -- As voters and future leaders, our youth must be informed

As voters and future leaders, our youth must be informed

Guest opinions --

Every time you sit down to eat a plate of fish whether it is snapper, blue fish, butter fish, dolphin or even salmon, you should stop for a moment and wonder how your fish was caught, or the process it takes to catch it.

Guest editorial -- Are the hoops we must jump through for customers or the bank?

Last month, while on St. Croix for a few days, I forgot to bring my business account checkbooks with me from St. Thomas. I had gone to the bank to deposit money and checks into my business accounts, and needed a temporary check to pay a bill. I was hoping to get one temporary check from each of my two business accounts. I was told that my bank, which I will refer to as the Red Bank, no longer issues temporary checks.

Guest editorial -- Reparations, Denmark and the V.I.

Virgin Islanders read recently of the decision to delay Gov. John deJongh's visit to Denmark. While there exist many reasons for this postponement, I believe the decision to arrange a later departure date was made in the best interest of all Virgin Islanders, Danes and concerned parties.

Zimbabwe's tumble to poverty --

Some victims get more sympathy than others. The reasons are often based on both history and current political values. Take the whites of Zimbabwe.

Halos for May 10 --

Charming Twirlers Majorettes sends out star-studded Halos to our sponsors IHOP-Subway, VIESCO, Challenger Trucking, Chico's Jewelry, A&R Transport and Beep Business Services for joining us in our Cultural Escape for 2008 in the Children Parade and the Adult Parade.

Guest opinions --

We all live in a watershed. What is a watershed? A watershed is an area of land where water flows and drains to a common waterway such as a stream, lake or the ocean. What are the boundaries of a watershed? A watershed starts at a ridge or mountaintop area and ends at the shoreline.

Guest editorial -- When all is said and done, the best Mother's Day gift is the gift of love

Most moms feel like the little details of the multitude of tasks we are expected to effortlessly complete without complaint get overlooked. Deep inside we know that we are loved and that our families are comforted by knowing they can depend on us to do the things we do.

Editorial -- Truth in credentials

Truth in credentials

Guest Opinion -- What mothers keep in their brains

For those who think that the computer is a fairly recent invention, let me give you the whole story. The first computer was actually created when the first woman became a mother.

Guest opinion -- Our children's futures are directly linked to teachers

Looking back, everyone can name one teacher who sparked their interest and changed the course of their lives. Great teachers not only impart knowledge, but also give us the foundation and inspiration to follow our dreams.

Guest opinion -- Adieu, Comrade Aim� Cesaire

Negritude, a necessary revolt against the European feeling of superiority…

Guest editorial -- My daughter Olessa is part of a rich tradition: a Florida A&M graduate

Recently, I attended my daughter Olessa's graduation at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Fla. Olessa began her studies to become a veterinarian because of her love for animals. However, she changed her mind and enrolled in nursing school.

Editorial -- More traffic troubles

St. Thomas motorists who think traffic can't possibly get worse are discovering the awful truth today:

- H A L O S - --

Super special Halos go out to all volunteers. National Volunteer Appreciation Week - from April 27 through today - and those persons who give freely of their time and talent should be recognized. Volunteers are essential in our community and provide services that are beyond measure.

Guest editorial -- The way pit bulls are treated is morally wrong, cowardly and inhumane

It's time to have a talk with a man, about his dog.

Guest opinion -- The phenomenal life of Alton A. Adams Sr.

On Tuesday "The Memoirs of Alton Augustus Adams Sr." was unveiled with a book signing. The editor, Mark Clague, was perhaps correct when he noted:

Guest editorial -- Memories and conversations in my dad's old Dodge pickup

Through a series of unfortunate events, I have been driving my dad's old Dodge truck for the past few days. it is a typical old pickup. There are very few niceties. It does have power windows and locks, but that's about it. The first thing you notice about riding in the truck, however, is that it has no operational radio.

- E D I T O R I A L - -- The computer gap

Our children are falling behind in a race that gets faster and steeper and longer every day.

Deaths --

Beryl Adams

Deaths for May 10 --

Carlos Juan Ramos
Services will be held Monday for Carlos Juan Ramos, also known as "Buckie," 55, of William's Delight, who died on April 28, 2008, at his residence.

Deaths --

Rita Marie Greaux Vessup

Deaths --

May Christiania Joseph

Deaths --

Warren Thomas

Deaths --

Bernadette Messer

Deaths --

Kenville Merrick

Deaths --

Ashton J. Finch

Deaths --

Anjeliana Adams

Deaths --

Harvin Alex Samuels

Deaths for April 29 --

Dean Martin
Services will be held Wednesday for Dean Martin, 25, also known as "Big Dean," of Peter's Rest, who died on April 20, 2008.

Deaths --

Violet Frazer-Petersen

Deaths --

Catherine Maxwell

Deaths for April 22 --

Samuel Joseph Jr.
Services will be held Wednesday for Samuel Joseph Jr., 92, also known as "Uncle Sammy," who died March 19, 2008, at his residence.

Deaths for April 19 --

Ann Liza Donovan-Smith
Services will be held today for Ann Liza Donovan-Smith, 96, who died April 7, 2008, at Peebles Hospital on Tortola.

Deaths for April 18 --

Sylvia Henry
Services will be held Saturday for Sylvia Henry, who died April 10, 2008.

Deaths --

Malcolm Francis

Deaths --

Mary Frances Mingolla

Deaths for April 15 --

Lister Warrington
Services will be held Friday for Lister Warrington, 75, also known as "Warro," who died on April 9, 2008, at his residence.

Deaths --

Alfredo Sibilly Sr.
Services will be held Tuesday for Alfredo Sibilly Sr., 79, also known as "Yepp" or "Fredo," of Whim Gardens, who died April 8, 2008, at Luis Hospital.

Police Reports --

St. Thomas

Senate Agenda --

Today, St. Thomas

Constitutional Convention --

Today and Wednesday

Senate Agenda --

Today

Police Reports --

St. Croix

Constitutional Convention --

6 p.m. today, St. Thomas

BVI Crime Reports --

Reckless endangerment at cruise ship dock charged

Police Reports for May 10 --

St. Thomas
Aggravated assault and battery charged

Cruise ships for May 10 --

Today, May 10
Adventure of the Seas (3,114) 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Havensight

Senate Agenda for May 10 --

Monday
No meetings scheduled.

Constitutional Convention for May 10 --

6 p.m. Monday, St. Thomas
The Citizenship, Virgin Islands' Rights, Environment, and Cultural and Historical Preservation Committee will meet at Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School. The committee will be hosted by the Bovoni Community Association.

Police Reports --

St. Thomas

St. Thomas-St. John Arraignments --

Irving Sylvest, 23, pleaded not guilty to grand larceny on Thursday in V.I. Superior Court.

Senate Agenda --

No committee meetings scheduled.

Constitutional Convention --

Today

Police Reports --

St. Thomas

Briefs --

Insurance offices offering reusable grocery bags

Senate Agenda --

10 a.m. today, St. Croix

Arraignments --

- Julis Curtis, 40, of Stoney Ground, was arraigned Wednesday on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving. He was arrested April 20 after police said he was involved in a collision and found to be intoxicated. He pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, and a bench trial has been scheduled for 10 a.m. July 30 before Superior Court Judge Francis D'Eramo. He remains free on $1,000 bail.

Constitutional Convention --

Today through Friday