USVI Local Clips - March 13, 2026

M.A. Dworkin

• DPNR Buys 140 Acres Above Perseverance Bay STT

• DPNR has purchased 140 acres above Perseverance Bay - often the first thing Virgin Islanders see when flying into the STT airport. - formally incorporating the property into the Territorial Parks System as a significant cultural and ecological landscape. DPNR's Division of Territorial Parks & Protected Areas (TPPA) views the acquisition as a major step in its mission to steward the Territory's protected areas while keeping them open to all Virgin Islanders. "Perseverance Bay offers a remarkable natural setting for hikers, explorers, students, and researchers alike," said Kristina "Kitty" Edwards, Director of TPPA. "It stands as both an outdoor classroom and a vital environmental resource."

• UVI Celebrates 64 Years of Excellence

• The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will host a series of events throughout March to commemorate 64 years of service and excellence in higher education in the Virgin Islands. Charter Month celebrates the University's founding on March 16, 1962 and highlights its continued commitment to academic excellence, cultural enrichment and community engagement. This year's theme. "In Pursuit of Dreams: Celebrating Leadership and Virgin Island Excellence" reflects UVI's enduring mission to empower students and strengthen the region. "Charter Month is a celebration of our history, our impact and our future," said UVI President Dr. Safiya George. "For 64 years, UVI has helped generations of Virgin Islanders pursue their dreams through education, leadership and service. As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to excellence and to expanding opportunity for our students and our community."

• For a full schedule of Charter Month activities and additional info visit uvi.edu/Charter-1 Month.

• St. Thomas & St. Barts Sign Twinning Agreeme

• On March 10, 2026, Governor Albert Bryan Jr from St. Thomas (STT), and President Xavier Ledee of St. Barts (SBH) signed a twinning agreement at Government House STT to formalize, promote, and strengthen their deep, longstanding cultural, educational, economic and touristic ties. The partnership highlights the shared history specifically between the "Frenchies" of St. Thomas and the "local French people" of St. Barts. The agreement celebrates the shared ancestry between French settlers in St. Barts and the French community in St. Thomas - specifically in Frenchtown and the Northside. The partnership aims to foster collaboration in the tourism sector, potentially linking St. Barts' ultra-premium market with St. Thomas's larger, family oriented market. A direct flight route between STT and SBH which was launched in October 2025 helps support the initiative.

• GVI Employees of the Year 2026

• Office of the Governor

• On behalf of Governor Albert Bryan Jr. it is with great pride and appreciation that the Government of the Virgin Islands announces the GVI Employee of the Year Awards:

• Ms. Naydyeyah Acoy-Thomas - Administrative Coordinator, St. Croix

• Mr. Leonard Rabsatt - Dignitary Security Officer, ESU, St. Thomas

• This recognition reflects their exceptional dedication, outstanding performance, and unwavering commitment to the Office of the Governor. Throughout the year, Naydyeyah and Leonard have consistently gone above and beyond demonstrating teamwork, innovation, professionalism, and a positive attitude. GVI is truly grateful for their contributions and for the example they set every day. Congratulations to Naydyeyah and Leonard on this well-deserved honor.

• WAPA Sends Crew to Help Jamaica's Recovery Efforts

• WAPA has dispatched a 10-man crew, consisting of line workers and supervisory officers from all three USVI islands, to Jamaica to help in restoring electrical service to the island nation in the aftermath of devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The WAPA crew is there to support restoration efforts by JPS (Jamaica Public Service Co.) and pick up tips on how to strengthen preparedness, along with storm response and grid resilience in the USVI ahead of the upcoming 2026 Hurricane season.

• DPNR Issues Monthly Sargassum Update

• Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), on behalf of the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), is advising the public to prepare for another year of record Sargassum influx, as concentrations continue to travel across the Caribbean, consistent with early 2026 forecasts. "Sargassum amounts in most regions is set to increase in the coming month...Levels in the Caribbean and Western Atlantic regions recorded record-high Sargassum levels in January, exceeding 75% of historical measurements," officials reported. Sargassum is a brown, free-floating macroalgae. When beached, decomposing Sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide, producing a strong "rotten egg" odor and causing irritation to the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory system. effects that are more severe for individuals with asthma. Note: Further reference St. Croix Times article in the Farming, Plants & Marine News section.

• USVI Touts Airlift at Routes 2026

• The USVI Department of Tourism (DOT) continued to advance airlift service development to the Virgin Islands at Routes Americas 2026 annual meeting held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The delegation met with key airline and airport partners to reinforce collaboration, strengthen long-term relationships, and support continued connectivity growth for the Territory. During the 3-day forum, DOT Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King and her team met with Southwest, United, Delta, JetBlue, and airport officials from Denver and Copenhagen. "Routes Americas gives us a focused opportunity to sit down with the teams shaping airline network decisions and talk through what travelers are looking for, what markets are performing, and where the next opportunities are for the USVI," said the Commissioner. "We are continuing to work closely with airline partners that currently operate flights to St. Thomas while exploring opportunities to expand service to St. Croix, where strong demand and yield signal clear potential for additional airlift." Routes Americas is recognized as a leading platform for air service development in the Caribbean region.

• USVI 2050 Transportation Master Plan

• DPW held three public meetings by the 2050 Transportation Master Plan Project team as part of getting the community involved with what is on the future horizon for long-term transportation investments thru 2050 in the Territory, addressing roads, public transit, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and overall mobility throughout the USVI. "This project reflects our commitment to a safe. resilient,. and accessible transportation system for future generations," said Derek Gabriel, DPW Commissioner. "Public input remains critical to ensuring our investments align with the needs of the community." Residents who were unable to attend the meetings may still participate by visiting dpw.vi.gov to review the meeting presentation, detailed project lists, and complete the online survey. Submit feedback by 3/13/26 by 9pm.

• Fed Data Shows USVI Added 1,284 Jobs in 2nd Q 2025

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics that issues quarterly jobs numbers, reports that in the USVI private-sector establishments added 3,514 jobs and lost 2,230 jobs between March and June 2025, equaling a net gain of 1,284 jobs for the Territory. The previous quarter showed a net loss of 496 jobs. Job gains include increases at existing businesses as well as newly opened establishments. Newly opened accounted for 1,759 jobs, while businesses that closed down equaled 1,201 jobs.

• Anguilla Landfill Fire Chokes West Side

• VIWMA is warning residents and commercial haulers of a fire that has broken out at the Anguilla Landfill (Garbage dump)and is affecting all areas west from the airport to the far West Side with heavy and trailing smoke. VIWMA officials say the early Friday afternoon blaze, parts of which have been extinguished, is still burning on the west side of the landfill. No cause for the fire has been determined. Residents are urged to take cautionary actions,

• Audit Shows VI Taxicabs Admin Failures

• An audit by the V.I. Inspector General from FY 2018-2022, shows a number of glaring administrative problems within the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, and that the Commission failed to consistently follow established laws, policies and procedures governing medallion management, licensing requirements, inspections, enforcement and revenue collections. Glaring deficiencies included: There has not been a mandatory inspection of V.I. taxicabs in over ten years; there are hundreds of thousands of dollars in missing taxi medallions; and licenses have been issued to applicants that never took the required exams. The Inspector General issued 19 recommendations aimed at addressing the deficiencies, indicating that unresolved issues will be referred to its investigative unit.

• South Tender Pier Reopens At F'sted Cruise Port

• The rebuilt South Tender Pier at Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility in F'sted, which was destroyed by Hurricane Maria in 2017 has reopened restoring full tender operations at the cruise port. It is designed to accommodate various maritime activities including tour boats, diving & snorkeling operators, excursion vessels and cruise tenders. Both north and south tender landing piers are operational. Standard docking fees for non-commercial small craft will be in place. Contact 340-778-3131 for access.

• Gov. Bryan Submits 2 Judicial Nominations

• Nominations transmitted to 36th Legislature: Judge Denise M. Francois to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands; and Renee M. Andre to serve as a Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands in the STT-STJ District. "Judge Francois has served our community with integrity, intellect, and a deep respect for the law," Gov. Bryan said. "Attorney Andre brings strong legal experience, which was honed in the USVI since her graduation from law school," the Governor added.

VIPD Ends Home Inspections on Licensed Firearms

• In coming into compliance with federal standards and Second Amendment issues, VIPD Commissioner Mario Brooks confirmed that the Department has put an end to their long-standing practice of conducting home inspections for licensed firearm holders. Nevertheless, the VIPD will continue to prosecute individuals who possess unlicensed firearms. "There are more unlicensed than licensed firearms," said Gov. Bryan. "But the Commissioner is working to make it a lot less difficult in order for you to license a firearm."

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• Sen, Blyden Asks USVI Gas Stations

  Sen. Marvin Blyden issued a polite warning to USVI gas station owners to not use the current war in the Mideast to raise gas prices. But the Senator admitted that there is little to be done in the way of enforcement due to the fact DLCA (the licensing authority of the gas stations) is not able to effect price controls unless the Territory is under a state of emergency.

• Carambola Resort to Close for Redevelopment

• Carambola Beach Resort will close this summer for redevelopment by an investor who plans to put $50 million investment into the glorious aging STX North Shore property while Senators work on tax incentives for hotels on STX.

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• WAPA Metering Roll-Out

• WAPA Board gives go-ahead to an increase of $2.8M on the existing $23M contract which will accelerate advanced metering installation by 6 months. Crews will now operate on STT & STX simultaneously to roll-out the new metering system project. Meter deployment is set to start in September 2026.

• VIPD in Compliance

• VIPD has established compliance with the federal consent decree that has governed core policing reforms since the US DOJ filed suit in 2008. The court supervised agreement required VIPD to strengthen the foundation of constitutional policing, with sustained standards for use of force, supervision, investigations, public complaint intake and resolution, risk management, and accountability. Compliance reflects verified performance in these areas over time and confirms that policies are being implemented through daily operations, documentation, supervisory review, and internal accountability. "This is a monumental achievement and the people of the Virgin Islands should understand what it represents," stated Gov. Bryan. "We stayed the course to make sure VIPD's systems are strengthened and sustained, so our community can have confidence in the work of the men and women in blue."

• Homegrown Bar & Grill

• District Court of the Virgin Islands Chief Judge Robert Molloy issued a Temporary Restraining Order granting emergency relief to Homegrown Bar & Grill LLC of STT, blocking the USVI Government from enforcing a provision of Act No. 9072 that requires licensed hemp retailers to surrender their inventory without compensation. Chief Judge Molloy found that Homegrown satisfied four elements required for temporary injunctive relief. Attorney Robert A. Leycock, counsel for Homegrown, said, "This is a significant victory , not just for our client, but for every licensed business in the Virgin Islands that has invested in compliance with Territorial law....The Government cannot seize a business's lawful inventory without paying for it. The Constitution is clear: the government must pay for what it takes." Homegrown's lawsuit stated the government seized $18,000 of their inventory.

• EPA Oversight on HazMat at Refinery

• In the final phase of a 2024 legal agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the agency has completed oversight of hazardous material removal operations at the Port Hamilton refinery on STX. Port Hamilton removed 16,493 gallons of liquified petroleum gas from two refinery units, destroyed residual vapors using a thermal oxidizer, and transferred hazardous material to ISO containers for shipment off STX by late February 2026.

  
  

• PENFED Opens on STT

  The Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PENFED) opened its first location in the USVI at TuTu Park Mall on STT marking a major milestone for the Territory's service members, Veterans and military families. The new location represents progress in financial readiness, convenience, and overall support for those who have served our nation. Efforts will now focus on encouraging additional access points across the Territory. For additional info contact the VI Office of Veterans Affairs STX 340-773-8387.

  
  

• STT-STX Ferry

• Gov. Bryan announced design work on the long-anticipated STX-STT passenger & vehicle ferry is now 30% complete following technical site evaluations by international ferry design firm Incat Crowther.

  
  

• Ex-Sen. Payne Sentenced in FL

  Former USVI Sen. Steven Payne Sr. was sentenced to 25 yrs in a Florida prison for sexual battery of a Florida minor in which he was acting as the victim’s guardian. Payne was expelled from the USVI Legislature in 2022 after several women accused him of sexual STJ Senator.

  
  

• Homegrown Bar & Grill

  Homegrown Bar and Grill, an STT business that sold hemp products, filed a lawsuit against law enforcement and regulatory agencies accusing them of violating USVI and Federal laws when they seized over $18,000 of his hemp inventory in an April 2025 illegal raid.   

  
  

• Micro-Breweries on Farmland Bill Shelved

  After a heated debate on both sides of the issue, Senators voted to shelve a bill that would allow small scale distilleries/micro-breweries to be zoned on agricultural land. Despite presenting a case for the economic benefits of such a new approach to using farmland, Senators found that environmental and land-use concerns seemed to dominate the issue causing it to not advance. Senators voted 7-0 to hold Bill No. 36-0211 in committee. 

  
  

• Ray Martinez Going to Jail

  U.S. District Judge Mark Kearney denied former VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez bid to postpone being taken to prison. Convicted in a wide-ranging public corruption scheme along with OMB former Director Jenifer O’Neal, Martinez was ordered to surrender his freedom by Feb 20, 2026.

  
  

• Flags at Half-Mast for Jesse Jackson

  Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach has directed all flags to fly half-mast across USVI in memory of the life of civil rights icon and Presidential candidate Jesse Jackson Sr. Reverend Jackson died on February 17, 2026.

  
  

• GVI Owes WAPA $10M

  GVI owes WAPA $10 million for streetlights. “The check is in the mail.” No payments since 2024. 

  
  

• Bryan in Washington

• Gov. Bryan is in Washington to advance Medicaid equity, H-2B construction visas, de minimis exemption on small packages, and marine industry concerns involving excessive BVI charter yacht rate hikes.