MAYAGÜEZ — Orlando Bravo, managing partner of private equity firm Thoma Bravo and founder of the Bravo Family Foundation, today announced he will personally contribute $100 million to his foundation to promote entrepreneurship and economic development in Puerto Rico, where Bravo was raised, and his family still lives.

Bravo will leverage his financial resources and professional relationships – including access to Thoma Bravo’s global network of investors, companies and senior executives – to establish, in perpetuity, on-the-ground initiatives focused on encouraging young entrepreneurs in Puerto Rico. Initial support will be dedicated to the Rising Entrepreneurs program. The Bravo Family Foundation has offices in San Francisco and Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico’s residents are plagued by narrow financial support and insufficient resources to create and sustain new business ventures, resulting in limited economic mobility and reinforcing a cycle of poverty, which was exacerbated by the devastating effects of Hurricane Maria. Bravo knows from personal experience that local entrepreneurial talent is being forced to find opportunities off the island.

The poverty rate in Puerto Rico is 44 percent, compared to the national U.S. average of 14 percent. Puerto Rico ranks fifth among 187 countries in terms of income inequality, according to a 2016 study conducted by the United Nations.

“We want to foster entrepreneurship in individuals, particularly on the western coast of Puerto Rico where I grew up. I see the innate talent, skills and vitality of so many young people who thirst for opportunity but are held back by poverty and debilitating macroeconomic forces,” Orlando Bravo said. “Our objective is to fuse the talent and potential that abound in Puerto Rico with opportunity and hope. By identifying, funding and mentoring entrepreneurs, we will help lay the foundation for long-term economic success on the island.”

Bravo’s gift is dedicated to creating a more just society in Puerto Rico, in which youths of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to personal growth and economic development opportunities.

“Our tactical, on-the-ground approach provides action-oriented entrepreneurs with genuine opportunities to help them attain their business goals, strengthen local communities and access a lifelong network of corporate mentors,” he said. “Puerto Rico has a tremendous talent base and we are going to provide the funding, structure and support from Thoma Bravo volunteers and others in the business community. It will be a powerful combination.”

The Rising Entrepreneurs Program, launching in summer 2019, will support early to mid-stage tech entrepreneurs with the knowledge, access, and capital to create a more inclusive and sustainable ecosystem for tech companies in Puerto Rico. To promote business creation among recent graduates and young professionals of Puerto Rican heritage, living in or willing to move to Puerto Rico, the program will focus on tech service or product development and the fundamentals of how to run an effective business.

The Foundation will invite annual applications in which those selected will receive a one-time seed grant, access to mentors and Bravo’s Mayagüez-based office hub throughout the 12-week curriculum and beyond, to get their business successfully launched.

“The devastating effects of Hurricane Maria are still being felt on the island a year and a half later. The median annual household income is $19,500, compared to a median income of $59,000 for the rest of the United States. And the extraordinarily high poverty rate is simply heartbreaking,” Guiomar García Guerra, Executive Director of the Bravo Family Foundation, said. “There is a significant need for capital and mentorship. Orlando’s gift and personal involvement will create opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and committed youth to achieve their full potential and help Puerto Rico rebound and thrive. This is a journey and we are in it for the long haul.”

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria, The Bravo Family Foundation, using a $10 million gift from Bravo, provided critical aid to isolated areas along Puerto Rico’s west coast, ultimately developing a supply chain model that ensured equipment and supplies were delivered directly to residents who were most in need. Bravo and his team deployed air and sea cargo operations to transport supplies to Puerto Rico.

About Orlando Bravo
Orlando Bravo is co-founder and managing partner of Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm. A pioneer in software investing, Bravo has spearheaded the firm’s strategy within the enterprise technology industry. He has led more than 200 acquisitions for the firm, representing more than $60 billion in enterprise value.

He is the founder of the Bravo Family Foundation and remains an active philanthropist and advisor dedicated to empowering the next generation. His $25 million gift to Brown University in April 2019 will establish two professorships and a center dedicated to economics research. Bravo serves on Brown University’s President’s Leadership Council and the UCSF Board of Overseers. He is a board member and founder of the Border Youth Tennis Exchange, a charitable organization created to enhance the lives of children and young adults on the U.S. – Mexico border.

Bravo was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. He earned his JD from Stanford Law School, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a BA in Economics and Political Science from Brown University.

About the Bravo Family Foundation

Guided by the belief that youths of all socioeconomic backgrounds have access to personal growth and economic development opportunities, the Bravo Family Foundation’s mission is to foster basic principles of social justice in Puerto Rico. Founded by Orlando Bravo, a native of Puerto Rico, and his wife Katy, the Foundation’s philanthropic efforts focus on individuals and groups who demonstrate strong leadership and a willingness to engage and grow along with the Foundation to achieve a shared set of goals.

For more information visit www.bravofamilyfoundation.org

https://www.elnuevodia.com/negocios/economia/nota/orlandobravoysuplanparacrearunsiliconvalleyeneloestedepuertorico-2494487/

https://www.philanthropy.com/article/Orlando-Bravo-Gives-100/246315

https://www.cnn.com/videos/us/2019/05/16/puerto-rico-million-dollar-donation-orlando-bravo-intv-ath-vpx.cnn

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — At least 170 people filled Victor’s New Hideout on Saturday morning for Senator Marvin Blyden’s 5^th Annual V.I. Women United to Empower Scholarship Breakfast.

The Senator explained that this year’s honorees, Sara W. Connell, Ramona A. Patino Diaz, Senator Judy M. Gomez and Rosalia Rhymer-Rohan, were selected because of their selfless dedication and commitment to their community. The first female senator-at-large, Cleone H. Creque, was also selected as the honorary woman of distinction. 

“These women are all phenomenal,” Senator Blyden said. “Everyday, they positively impact our community and I am humbled that they accepted my invitation to not only be recognized as an honoree, but assist my team and I raise funds for our students.”

Since the creation of this scholarship, Senator Blyden has raised over $35,000 for the territory’s youth.

Proceeds from this year’s fundraiser will be used to fund ten $1,000 scholarships for high school seniors in the St. Thomas/St. John District who will attend a college, university, or vocational school in Fall 2019. All contributions will be managed and disbursed through the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands. 

“With the assistance and guidance of the community that raised me, I am proud of all that I have accomplished in shaping the lives of graduates as they are poised to make significant contributions to our territory and the world,” Blyden said. “I aspire to create even more opportunities for our students in the future.”

Sponsors of the event included IMPACT Cares (gold sponsor), AT&T (silver sponsor), the Virgin Islands Board of Education (bronze sponsor), among many other individuals, businesses and organizations. 

Click here to view the commemorative booklet, and visit Senator Blyden’s Facebook page for more photos from today’s event. 

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Thomas construction worker was shot to death at a busy seaport near Veterans Drive on Saturday morning, authorities said.

Curtis Q. Fredericks, 29, of Charlotte Amalie, was gunned down before 11:25 p.m. Saturday near the Edward Wilmoth Blyden IV Marine Terminal, the Virgin Islands Police Department said. 

“The Major Crimes Unit responded and found an unresponsive black male lying on the ground next to a U.S. Customs vehicle,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said.

Fredericks’ body was positively identified by next of kin, according to Dratte.

A concerned citizen called the 911 Emergency Call Center about 11:25 p.m. Saturday to report shots fired near the Blyden Marine Facility, police said.

On Facebook, Fredericks said he worked for Contractors Access Equipment and studied carpentry at the Miami Job Corps Center (MJCC).                      

This case is currently under active investigation by the Major Crimes Unit.

An earlier version of this article reported that the incident took place before 11:25 a.m. on Saturday.

The police issued a correction about 2:45 p.m. on Sunday saying that the incident took place before 11:25 p.m. on Saturday.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5569 or 340-714-9830. 911, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477. 

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Two masked men with guns robbed a popular bar and restaurant in the Havensight Shopping Mall on St. Thomas hours after closing this morning. No injuries were reported.

Police dispatchers received a call about 4:43 a.m. today that an armed robbery had occurred at The Tap & Still on First Avenue near the West Indian Company Dock, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

Patrol officers and detectives from the Criminal Investigation Bureau converged on the bar and restaurant and were told by the victims that they were talking outside after closing when they decided to re-enter The Tap & Still.

As they were entering, two masked with guns came from nearby The Rum Hut on Frenchman Bay Road and forced the victims back into The Tap & Still.

“After entering Tap & Still the one victim was forced to the cash registers where the one suspect took approximately $1,000.00 dollars from both the cash drawers,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said. “The victim further stated prior to entering the business the one suspect took approximately $500.00 from him.”

A preliminary police investigation revealed that the suspects ran to a waiting vehicle on the street outside The Tap & Still. The suspects fled in the vehicle.

“I remember late 80s early 90s. Very serious crime daily, nightly. Back then it was gang initiation,” former St. Thomas resident Kathleen Brennan wrote on Facebook. “This is nothing new to old timers. Never forget the Victims!!!! Of criminal violence. USVI.”

This case is currently under active investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. 

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact 911, Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211 ext. 5608 or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Croix native became the fourth person arrested in connection with the non-fatal assault rifle shooting of local marshal 12 days ago.

Kadeem Baptiste, 23, of St. Croix was arrested about 3 p.m. on Saturday and charged with misprision of a felony, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

The charge against Baptiste means that he allegedly knew who committed the shooting act against Superior Court Marshal Junior Clarke on May 7, but failed to divulge the information to authorities.

Shamari Elmes, 22, was arrested on May 8 and charged with first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, third-degree assault and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with the incident.

On May 9, Lessroy Gumbs, 27, was charged with attempted first-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault, third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of an unlicensed firearm during the commission of a violent crime, brandishing or exhibiting a firearm, using or carrying a dangerous weapon and unauthorized possession of a firearm within 1,000 feet of a public housing community, according to Superior Court documents.

James “Gogettah” Nathaniel, 22, was arrested on May 16 and charged with first-degree assault, third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, possession of an unlicensed firearm during the commission of a crime and brandishing-exhibiting a firearm, the VIPD said.

On May 7, 2019 at about 12:42 a.m., 911 Emergency Communication Center received a call that multiple shots were being fired in the area of 1st Stop Gas Station in Estate Thomas.

Several moments later, 911 Emergency Communication Center received another call that two people were shot and was taken to the Schneider Regional Medical Center, at which time it was discovered that a Superior Court Marshal was one of the victims.

The defendant, 23 years old Kadeem Baptiste, was present at First Stop Gas Station on May 7, 2019 when a Superior Court Marshal was shot. 

Baptiste is seen on surveillance communicating with another individual involved in the gun battle.

Throughout the gun battle, Mr. Baptiste is seen leaning out of his vehicle with a firearm in his hand. 

After the gun battle, Baptiste returned to the scene of the crime and willfully concealed another individual involvement in the shooting by giving the Virgin Islands Police Department false information in his statement

On Saturday, May 18, 2019 at approximately 3:00p.m., the suspect Kadeem Baptiste was arrested and charged with Misprision of a Felony. 

Kadeem Baptiste bail was set at $10,000.00, however he was unable to post bail.

He said on social media that he attended St. Croix Central High School in Kingshill.

CRUZ BAY – With the help of local businesses, volunteers and St. John Administrator Shikima Jones, non-profit group Island Green Living Association shipped at least 400,000 crushed cans off-island for recycling on Saturday.

At least 40 volunteers and 350 volunteer hours went towards the effort, including can collection, crushing at Island Green’s ReSource Depot, baling and loading.

Businesses such as Stevenson Formel Freight Services, which donated use of the M/V Norma H II cargo ship to transport the pallets to a recycling plant on its return trip to Puerto Rico have been instrumental to the success of this endeavor.

Local Michael Marsh came ready with his truck and crane and Steve DeBlasio, on the island as part of Bloomberg’s community support efforts, was onsite with his forklift lending a hand with loading. Each man volunteered his equipment and manpower.

Recycling aluminum does not reduce the quality of the metal, so it can be recycled indefinitely. Not only has Island Green kept nearly 15,000 pounds of valuable aluminum from wasting away unused in our overflowing landfills, but it will also bring approximately $7,000 to the organization’s coffers to support additional recycling and sustainable programming – offering a win-win for all. The M/V Norma owners allowed the shipment to hitch a ride on its return trip to Puerto Rico, keeping the carbon footprint to a minimum.

“We are pleased to assist this worthy cause by donating carriage from St. John to Puerto Rico for this shipment of recyclables,” said M/V Norma H II owner Christina Stevenson. “We are proud to be a part of the Virgin Islands community and we feel fortunate to be able to give back by supporting the well-being of the Islands and our environment.”

“On behalf of Island Green’s board, I want to express our gratitude to Operations Manager Anthony Novelli and Executive Director Kelly Lawson – as well as all of our dedicated volunteers and business sponsors,” said President Harith Wickrema. “It was a true team effort and we could not have accomplished this milestone without all of you.”

Island Green has a 15-year history of sustainable programming and conservation on St. John. All told, the organization’s ReSource Depot has kept nearly 300,000 pounds of building and other materials out of landfills. Their Sustainable Living Center, currently under construction, will mark a new era of innovative green living on St. John.

The nonprofit has worked closely with the legislature on banning plastic bags, source separation and bottle deposit legislation and on efforts to ban plastic straws and now – sunscreen containing harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone. Island Green has been instrumental in building public awareness of green issues and worked with the DOE and private schools to support sustainable education.

Island Green Living Association said it hopes to make many more shipments of recyclable materials in the future.

It is a registered 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization on St. John “dedicated to sustainability throughout the USVI.”

For more information: www.islandgreenliving.org

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said today that her office will be hosting a multi-district training this week, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of transnational organized drug trafficking crime as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) program.

“The principal mission of OCDETF is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply”, Shappert said. “We welcome the opportunity to meet and discuss new strategies and techniques to apprehend and prosecute the large-scale drug organizations that create misery and violence in our communities.”

This week’s training at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Thomas will include a presentation by the Director of OCDETF, Adam W. Cohen. Cohen, who has extensive experience prosecuting narcotics and violent crime, will provide an update on recent trends and best practices.

Federal prosecutors and agents from Florida, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands will also discuss law enforcement issues unique to the Caribbean region. OCDETF was established in 1982 to mount a comprehensive attack and reduce the supply of illegal drugs in the United States and to diminish the violence and other criminal activity associated with the drug trade.

Since OCDETF’s inception, tens of thousands of arrests have been made, and hundreds of tons of narcotics and billions in currency, real property, and conveyances have been seized.

“The OCDETF program has been described as the Swiss army knife of narcotics interdiction. OCDETF agents and prosecutors are uniquely trained and qualified to use modern technology, federal databases, human intelligence, and old-fashioned police work, in order to get the job done,” Shappert said. “We are proud to host this important training in the USVI.”

CORAL BAY — Daryl A. George, Director of the Virgin Islands Fire Service, said he was pleased to announce the “soft opening” of the Coral Bay Fire Station in St. John on Thursday.

The reopening of the station comes more than a year since it closed due to damages sustained from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. While it was closed, personnel assigned to the station, who respond to medical emergencies as well as fires and other hazards in the Coral Bay area, worked from the Calabash Boom Community Center.

George said he is looking forward to the firefighters’ return to the Coral Bay Fire Station and is grateful to the public and private partners that made it possible.

“On behalf of the Virgin Islands Fire Service, I extend sincere thanks to the Love for Love City Foundation, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), and Witt O’Brien’s for their assistance,” he said.

With the assistance of the Love for Love City Foundation and federal disaster recovery funding, the Virgin Islands Fire Service has completed temporary repairs at the station, and personnel will once again respond to emergency calls from the facility.

“This would not have been possible without them.” George said.

The director also expressed gratitude to Royal American Management, owners of the Calabash Boom Community.

“I would be remiss if I did not also thank Royal American Management for allowing the Virgin Islands Fire Service to use the Calabash Boom Community Center as a temporary location for the Coral Bay Fire Station,” he said.

FREDERIKSTED — A 26-year-old St. Croix man has been charged after he allegedly broke into his girlfriend’s home early Sunday morning and assaulted her.

Ray O. Harris, Jr. of Campo Rico, was arrested about 5:30 a.m. Sunday and charged with first-degree burglary-domestic violence, the Virgin Islands Police Department said.

“She stated that he assaulted her causing visible injuries to her body,” VIPD spokesman Glen Dratte said. “He damaged her front door, window and cellular phone. A friend of hers who was present stopped her from being further assaulted.”

Police met with Harris at about 10:15 a.m. Sunday at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station in Frederiksted.

After Harris was advised of his Miranda Rights and he allegedly admitted to entering the woman’s residence, damaging her property and assaulting her, according to Dratte.

No bail was set per the domestic violence law.

Harris was booked and remanded to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections at the Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility where he awaits an advice-of-rights hearing in court.

A Ray Harris, Jr. was sentenced to two years in prison on a federal cocaine smuggling conviction on April 5, 2018.

https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi/pr/st-croix-man-sentenced-prison-his-role-conspiracy-possess-cocaine-intent-distribute

https://www.justice.gov/usao-vi/pr/st-croix-man-pleads-guilty-conspiracy-possess-controlled-substance-intent-distribute

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — As a part of the VIPD’S Initiative in “Meeting the People” Deputy Police Commissioner Celvin G. Walwyn visits a local church every other Sunday.  The idea is that many people do not attend town hall meetings, but they will attend church on Sunday,

Walwyn, an evangelical Christian minister, is very much at home during his parochial visits. On Sunday, he attended the St. Ursula’s Episcopalian Church in Cruz Bay, St. John where he was welcomed by Reverend Canon Rhymer.

“Spiritual figures can serve as a powerful calming influence, defusing potentially volatile situations and even garnering a public show of support for the police,” Walwyn said. At the same time, they can be some of law enforcement’s most trenchant critics. Such is the power of the church pulpit.

“As one of the leaders in the police department we can build safer communities by taking steps to reinforce this connection,” Walwyn said.

The former Royal St. Christopher and Nevis police commissioner said that he will continue to visit local churches throughout the territory.

Walwyn was appointed the VIPD’s deputy commissioner of operations on March 18.

He was born in St. Kitts and moved to St. Croix at an early age. He resides in St. Croix and has territorial oversight of over VIPD operations.

Under his stewardship, major crime was reduced 29 percent in St. Kitts and Nevis.

If you would like to contact Deputy Commissioner Walwyn, please call him on St. Croix at 340-778- 2211 and on St.Thomas/St. John at 340-774-2211. 

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Three South Americans and one Central American were charged with smuggling 3,384 pounds of cocaine into the region, authorities said.

Freddy Montano Paz, 29, Calixto Tumbaco, 41, Mariano Abregon, 42, and Hector Hernandez, 48, were each charged with conspiracy to possess and possession of a controlled substance on board a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.

The complaint alleges that Montano Paz, Tumbaco, Abregon and Hernandez were all on board a go-fast style vessel that was intercepted by a United States Coast Guard (USCG) cutter while on routine patrol.

The USCG first sighted the go-fast vessel on May 10 about 250 nautical miles northwest of Esmeraldas, Ecuador.

The vessel did not have any display indicating its nationality. After being detected, the occupants, which consisted of two Columbian nationals, one Ecuadorian national, and one Mexican national, began tossing the bales of suspected narcotics overboard their vessel.

The USCG disabled the go-fast vessel, and upon boarding the vessel, successfully seized 40 bales of suspected narcotics, including the bales that were tossed overboard.

The 40 recovered bales contained approximately 1,535 kilograms (3,384.096 pounds) of a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine, according to Shappert.

This case is being investigated by the USCG and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia Smith.

Shappert said that an indictment is merely a formal charging document and is not in and of itself evidence of guilt.

“Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty,” she said.

MIAMI — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. will lead the territory’s delegation at the annual Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS) in Florida this week.

Governor Bryan will hold high-level discussions with leaders from the travel and tourism sector and the international investment community at the Miami summit from today to Thursday.

He will also highlight the territory’s assets at a plenary discussion featuring heads of government from the British Virgin Islands and French St. Martin, which will be moderated by Frank Comito, CEO and Director General of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA).

“This is a particularly important venue for destinations like the U.S. Virgin Islands because of the need to refresh and revitalize our tourism product, which is the economic bedrock of our islands,” said Governor Bryan, whose administration is gaining notice for its business-friendly and community-focused approach to development.

“Our tourism product is well-known, but we need continuing investment to ensure we stay among the leaders of the industry in the Caribbean so we can continue to generate benefits for our investors as well as for the people of the Virgin Islands,” asserted Governor Bryan.

Commissioner designee in the Department of Tourism, Joseph Boschulte, added there was a need for capital to speed the development of new projects, including accommodations and attractions, across the Territory. “With the reopening of major resorts over the next several months, we will unveil some of the most modern lodging options available in the region. The addition of new projects will further enhance our cachet among today’s discerning travelers,” he said.

Financiers and investment executives will network with hotel owners, builders, hotel chain managers, government officials and media, generating productive exchanges and partnerships at the summit.

“As a true testament to USVI’s focus and dedication to attracting overall tourism investment and hotel development to the islands, we are delighted to have the Territory’s esteemed leadership team involved in the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit in Miami,” said Jeff Higley, President of The BHN Group, organizers of the parley. “The potential opportunities for collaboration between USVI officials and CHRIS delegates are precisely why the event exists, and we welcome each of them with open arms.”

More than 30 percent of attendees at CHRIS are chief executives, presidents, or owners of companies, making it one of the most keenly attended conferences focused on the Caribbean.

Governor Bryan said it was important for his administration to show its support for tourism and to outline the new direction of the USVI’s hospitality sector. “Under the guidance of our experienced team at the Economic Development Authority and the Department of Tourism, we will build upon our foundation, while implementing newly defined targets as well as the ways and means to achieve our goals.”

Kamal Latham, CEO of the Economic Development Authority, will address delegates on opportunities available across the Virgin Islands during a special plenary session; while Commissioner designee Boschulte will speak on a panel entitled “The Cultural and Experiential Value Proposition for Hotels/Resorts.”

https://www.travelagentcentral.com/destinations/u-s-virgin-islands-celebrates-travel-and-tourism-month

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Staged readings will take place by island resident actors in St. Thomas on Saturday.

The readings have been gleaned from plays that were submitted for this year’s New Playwrights Festival at the Pistarckle Theater.

The event takes place Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Pistarckle Theater at Tillett Gardens in St. Thomas.

“It’s a great way to taste a slice of new plays, crafted by Virgin Islander playwrights,” organizers said.

For the past several years, a play from each of this readings was then produced in full, on-stage during Pistarckle’s regular season.

This year’s chosen plays are “Sorrow of the Sea Maidens” by Fengar Gael, and “Made In Heaven” by Steven Bogart.

Tickets are $15 per person for adults and $8 per child. They are available at the Pistarckle Theater or by calling (340) 775-7877.

CHRISTIANSTED – Students at Lew Muckle Elementary School in Sion Farm were sent home early when administrators discovered “non-structural spalling of concrete in Building J.”

The Office of the Insular Superintendent issued a statement on Facebook at 9:30 a.m. on Monday saying parents should come to pick up their children early.

“Buses will return to the school at 1 p.m. to transport students to their regular drop-off locations, but parents may pick up their children at this time,” the V.I. Department of Education said.

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the police department, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), Virgin Islands Fire Services, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and an engineering team from the Department of Public Works are at the campus conducting walkthroughs and assessments of all buildings of the same design.

No injuries were reported.

Once the structural assessment report is complete, the district and school administrators will schedule meetings will faculty, staff, parents, and appropriate unions to share the findings.

The school was scheduled to re-open for instruction today.

Spalling occurs when water enters concrete and pushes out, causing cracks, usually around reinforced steel (rebar) put into concrete to reduce cracking.

CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. signed a proclamation recently recognizing African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day, which takes place on May 25th annually.

About 200 million people in the Americas identify as being of African descent and millions more live in other parts of the world outside of the African continent.

This year, the observance of Virgin Islands African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day arrives in harmony with the fifth year of the International Decade for People of African Descent (IDPAD). IDPAD —also known as the International Decade— was ratified by the General Assembly of the United Nations and officially began in the year 2015 and ends in December of 2024.

“So much of what we know and often take for granted today was made possible by our African ancestors,” said Governor Bryan. “This week presents an opportunity to raise awareness and enlighten others, and we welcome all to join our community in observing, memorializing and celebrating the contributions of our African ancestors to the cultural and social fabric of our community.”

The theme of the International Decade is “People of African descent: recognition, justice, and development.” All around the world, the African diaspora is making innovative breakthroughs in industries like agricultural productivity and championing research in sustainability initiatives.

Earlier this month, the territory’s lieutenant governor attended a seminar which touched on the status of the U.S. Virgin Islands, other U.S. territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, and other territories which are still considered by the United Nations to be non self-governing.

On May 2nd, Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach attended the United Nations Caribbean Regional Seminar: “Implementation of the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism: Accelerating Decolonization through Renewed Commitment and Pragmatic Measures” in Grenada.

“The issue of status continues to be a critical issue for Virgin Islanders, and so I could not miss the opportunity to take our concerns and issues to the world stage, using the essential forum that the United Nations offers,” Lieutenant Governor Roach said. “As we also celebrate African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day, we ought to recognize the greatness of our African past, the struggles of our ancestors, and our still resilient connections to the native continent. Mindful of this we should pledge to continue to work against any of the remaining vestiges of colonization.”

As the territory assumes a more progressive role in American politics, Governor Bryan said he is calling on residents to carefully observe African Heritage Week and African Liberation Day as the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories contemplate the status of at least four million American citizens in those jurisdictions.

Learn more about the International Decade for People of African Descent here.

CHRISTIANSTED — The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) said it is inviting the public to participate in a free safe boating exposition this weekend.

DPNR’s Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) will be hosting a Safe Boating Expo at the Gallows Bay fisherman’s boat ramp on St. Croix from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, DPNR Commissioner designee Jean-Pierre Oriol said.

This event will allow the St. Croix community the opportunity to engage with DPNR environmental enforcement officers, who have sworn to serve and protect our Virgin Islands on both land and sea, according to Oriol.

The Division of Environmental Enforcement, Virgin Islands Police Department, and the U.S. Coast Guard will all have their vessels on showcase to the public; there will be live demonstrations from the Virgin Islands Fire Service and St. Croix Rescue. The boating community can also sign up for free vessel safety checks, and more. 

There will be plenty of fun for the whole family, with interactive exhibits, boat rides and fishing clinics throughout the day for kids and adults who want to learn to boat and fish safely. 

Music will be provided by DJ Cuchi.

For more information on this upcoming event, contact Juan M. Cruz, Territorial Boating Safety Education Coordinator, at (340) 773-5774 on St. Croix, and for updates on this event you can find them on the Virgin Islands Division of Environmental Enforcement -DPNR Facebook page.

CHRISTIANSTED — Traditional water usage patterns imply 90 percent of households in the USVI collect and store water in cisterns.

Unfortunately, there is little available information on the quality of this water.

There is no evidence-based guidance available for the use and/or management of household cistern water.

Recent surveys suggest the following about the use of cistern water: less than 17 percent of households reported drinking untreated cistern water, 15 percent of the people surveyed reported having diarrhea in the past two to four weeks, and less than 10 percent of households have multi-stage water treatment.

The V.I. Department of Health, in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are working with local citizens to develop guidance for USVI residents on cistern use and management.

As part of the anticipated accomplishments from this work the VIDOH is will attempting to answer the following questions; 1) what is the chance a cistern is contaminated with germs?, 2) what are things households can do to reduce the chance their cistern will become contaminated with germs?, and 3) what are options households have for producing or accessing clean water?

In February, the VIDOH and CDC conducted a preliminary data collection campaign of 25 households across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John in preparation for a large data collection campaign this summer. While only a small campaign, the data suggested the majority of households had germ contamination in their cistern.

In July and August 2019 the VIDOH and CDC plan to conduct a larger data collection campaign of 400 to 500 households across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

The campaign seeks to answer the three questions listed above and provide USVI residents with better information on how to have safe household water.

There will be two Disaster Preparedness Expos in June on emergency preparedness.

The first will be on June 22nd in St. Croix and the second will be on June 29th in St. Thomas.

“This will be a great chance to come out and make sure you are prepared for emergencies, not only about water, but all household preparation,” the V.I. Department of Health said.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in St. Thomas said today that Raphi Joseph has been arrested on a complaint charging him with transportation of stolen goods, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.

According to court documents unsealed today, the United States Postal Inspection Service was previously alerted that an unknown person had logged into a victim’s cellular phone account without the victim’s permission.

The perpetrator then ordered an iPhone to be mailed to the Virgin Islands. Raphi Joseph is alleged to have inquired about the package at the post office in St. Thomas.

Further investigation identified more than 20 additional fraudulently-obtained cell phones being sent to Joseph in the U.S. Virgin Islands in various packages.

On Facebook, Joseph said he works as a barber in Charlotte Amalie.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nathan Brooks.

Shappert said that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not in and of itself evidence of guilt.

“Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” she said.

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A St. Croix man has been charged with trying to export 18 bricks of cocaine weighing about 42 pounds on a commercial airline flight leaving St. Thomas.

Mikhail “NastyMik” Munoz, 31, of Campo Rico, was charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert said.

Munoz made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on Tuesday and; after a detention hearing today, Judge Miller ordered Munoz detained pending trial.

The federal complaint alleges that on May 20, Munoz checked himself and a suitcase in for a flight bound from St. Thomas to Miami.

When Munoz’s checked luggage passed through inspection with the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), it set off an alarm, leading to the discovery of 18 “brick like” items, each of which was wrapped in aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and vacuum-sealed.

Each of the brick-like bundles contained a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine.

Collectively, the bricks weighed about 19 kilograms (41.8878 pounds).

If convicted, Munoz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, with a maximum of life.

On Facebook, Munoz said that he attended the St. Croix Educational Complex High School in Frederiksted.

His profile saying on Facebook is: “Loyalty Is Everything.”

This case is being investigated by U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with assistance from the U.S Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith J. Edwards.

Shappert said that a criminal complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not in and of itself evidence of guilt.

“Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found guilty,” she said.

CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. issued the following statement today on the proposed use of a one-time $39 million Medicaid reimbursement to the government of the U.S. Virgin Islands:
“The Bryan-Roach Administration has made its priorities clear to the public and will continue its work toward those priorities.”

“Since taking office in January, the Bryan-Roach Administration has focused on making strides toward stabilizing the government and restoring trust through transparency and accountability,” Governor Bryan said. “The established priorities were not established in a vacuum but determined through input from Virgin Islanders over the last several years.  We have also worked tirelessly to ensure a speedy and efficient recovery and have promoted economic development initiatives to ensure a strong economy that can last beyond the recovery.”

“Over the past several months, the administration considered the leadership of the Thirty-third Legislature led by then-Senate President Kenneth Gittens and Vice President Donna Frett-Gregory with a coalition of the majority of members as partners in that effort. Together, we have had numerous discussions and have conferred on plans to work together to not only reduce the overall debt of our hospitals and other agencies but also to address an issue which not only affects our government’s instrumentalities but every resident in the territory. Simply put, we must pay down the outstanding obligation of the hospitals to stabilize the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. The Roy Lester Schneider Hospital and the Juan F. Luis Hospital have current debt obligations to the utility in the tens-of-millions.

“Through the cooperation of the then Finance chair Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, then-Senate President Kenneth Gittens, The Virgin Islands Water, and Power Authority, and the hospitals, we distributed the $39 million in   Medicaid funds owed to the Government of the Virgin Islands in the most responsible way to address these outstanding obligations. 

“This decision was key in ensuring that we don’t see a tremendous spike in electrical rates at WAPA, which could rise as high as 54 cents kW/hr negatively impacting the budgets of both residential and commercial customers. The government’s use of these funds to pay what is years-long overdue for the use of electricity helps to “sustain the operations of the hospital and VIWAPA and keeps everyone’s rates from rising higher than what is already proposed. 

“The recent moves of the new majority in promising raises to employers by directing a one-time cash infusion to a recurring annual expenditure is a flashback to exactly the kind of political pandering that has created our abysmal financial situation. Raises must be sustained every two weeks; they are a recurring cost. A one-time infusion of Medicaid reimbursement funds will not address this problem. As stated in my State of the Territory Address months ago, JFL Hospital alone has outstanding debts of $54 million to vendors, $13 million of which is payable to WAPA.

“We clearly understand that employees want their raises and they deserve them, but we must change course and unlike the past take care of our existing debts before we start creating new ones. The public voted for new, innovative and transparent leadership and a new approach in the legislature. This is exhibited in the voting numbers, where the newer senators eclipsed the incumbents. Voters have proclaimed that business, as usual, is not acceptable.

“It is unfortunate but true–the public is seeing more of the same pandering for votes instead of a legislature that is dedicated to solving the tough issues. We must work together as there is much to do. I urge the legislature to move on with the bright ideas that they put forth in the election and work with our administration, on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands to address the GERS, WAPA, and other problems that are crippling our greater progress. Work harder on your stated commitments to Virgin Islanders to identify new revenue generating streams and appropriate those funds toward our many outstanding obligations.”