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Governor Declares State of Energy Emergency in the US Virgin Islands

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Photo: St. Thomas Source

In response to escalating energy challenges, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the United States Virgin Islands has issued Executive Order No. 537-2024, declaring a State of Energy Emergency.

The proclamation comes amidst mounting concerns over the stability of the territory’s power supply, exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions and local financial strains.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the price of oil has been in a constant state of flux, impacting vital resources like diesel fuel and liquid propane. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East further compounds uncertainties surrounding crude oil prices. These fluctuations have placed immense strain on the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), hindering its ability to meet financial obligations to critical vendors.

As a consequence of payment delays, critical vendors have begun withholding services, precipitating rotating power outages across the territory. These outages not only threaten the health, safety, and economic stability of Virgin Islanders but also jeopardize the operation of essential services, including medical facilities and social service providers.

In response to the crisis, Governor Bryan has invoked his authority under Title 23, Section 1005 of the Virgin Islands Code to declare a State of Energy Emergency, effective immediately. The declaration empowers the Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to activate the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on St. Croix.

Furthermore, Governor Bryan has designated Daryl D. Jaschen as the Territorial Coordinating Officer (TCO) and Jenifer O’Neal as the Incident Commander to oversee the territorial response. Their directives include safeguarding public health, safety, and economic stability, as well as activating disaster preparation, response, and recovery plans.

To expedite the procurement of essential resources, Governor Bryan has suspended the provisions of Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code pertaining to formal advertising of competitive bids. This measure aims to streamline the acquisition of goods and services crucial to energy production.

Governor Bryan calls upon all agencies under his direction to collaborate fully with the Incident Commander and TCO, emphasising the importance of a unified response to the energy crisis.

Crime/Police

BVI Belonger Arrested After High-Speed Chase in USVI Human Trafficking Operation

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– Linked to 28-Person Trafficking Case in BVI

A citizen of the Dominican Republic, who holds Belonger Status in the British Virgin Islands, was arrested in the U.S. Virgin Islands on Wednesday night, September 25, after being caught trafficking two individuals into the territory.

Danny Dennevil, already facing charges in the BVI for human trafficking, was apprehended following a tense pursuit involving U.S. law enforcement. According to the Virgin Islands Consortium, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had been monitoring a 12-foot dinghy operated by Dennevil as it left Little Thatch Cay and Frenchman Cay in Tortola on the night of September 25, 2024.

The boat, powered by a single 25-horsepower Yamaha engine, crossed into U.S. waters and was tracked into Leinster Bay on St. John. Law enforcement agents, observing the vessel’s movements, pursued the boat into Annaberg, where two individuals disembarked. These individuals, later identified as nationals of the Dominican Republic, were taken into custody for entering the USVI without legal documentation.

As agents attempted to stop Dennevil from fleeing back to Tortola, he allegedly ignored their commands, prompting officers to disable his boat’s engine, forcing him to stop.

While court documents do not specify Dennevil’s nationality, reports indicate he informed U.S. agents that he was already facing trial in the British Virgin Islands for a separate human trafficking case. Dennevil had previously been arrested in November 2021 for allegedly facilitating the illegal entry of 28 individuals, including Haitians and South Americans, who were discovered in a Baughers Bay apartment on Tortola. He had spent a year in remand before being released pending trial.

During that 2021 incident, Dennevil reportedly admitted to assisting the group, claiming that one of the individuals was his girlfriend, “Blondie,” whom he had met at a strip club. According to his statements, he expected to be compensated with sexual favors. Blondie, however, told investigators she had offered Dennevil $1,000 for his help, while her male cousin, another passenger, claimed he paid $5,150 to be smuggled from the Dominican Republic to St. Thomas via Tortola.

Dennevil is now facing new charges in the U.S. Virgin Islands, adding to the legal troubles he already faces in the British Virgin Islands. The case underscores the region’s ongoing challenges with human trafficking, as local and U.S. authorities work to clamp down on smuggling operations that exploit vulnerable individuals.

 

 

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Entertainment

Stephany Andujar Crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024

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Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18,  at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center,  standing out among five talented contestants. 

Representing St. Joseph & Rosendahl, Stephany not only took home the crown but also earned awards for Best Evening Wear and Best in Interview.

Britanny Robinson, representing Crown Mountain, was named the 1st Runner Up. Britanny’s performance also earned her awards for Best On Stage Q&A, Best National Costume.

Camille Paul, representing Strawberry Hill, secured the 2nd Runner Up position.

The Miss Community title went to Meagan Bryan of Agnes Fancy, in recognition of her dedication to community service.

Aminisha Bailey, representing Charlotte Amalie, also made a strong impression, winning Best in Swimwear.

As the newly crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands, Stephany Andujar will now take on the responsibility of representing the islands on the global Miss Universe stage.

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Entertainment

Toast Gala Honors Virgin Islands Creatives, Adam O Steals the Show

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The Virgin Islands witnessed an evening of inspiration and cultural pride at the inaugural Toast Gala, hosted by the creative platform Kickin It.

The event, which brought together the islands’ most celebrated artists and innovators, showcased the thriving creative community within the territory.

The highlight of the night was a heartfelt and candid speech delivered by Trailblazer honoree Adam O, a prominent figure in the Virgin Islands music scene.

Adam O, renowned for his electrifying fusion of soca, kompa, zouk, and R&B, has captivated audiences worldwide. As he accepted his award, he spoke passionately about the challenges faced by Virgin Islands creatives, touching on the often-overlooked need for support. “Being from the Virgin Islands, being a creative from the Virgin Islands, being anything—whether it’s music, art, or anything else—we don’t really get the support like a doctor, a lawyer, or a basketball player. That’s just real,” Adam O remarked. “People don’t always understand what we do, and it really boils down to one word: support. That’s all we really need.”

With a touch of humor, Adam O reminisced about his roots, telling the audience, “You know, I grew up in Virgin Gorda. I am an O’Neal boy. So this ain’t just a Crucian coming over here to get an award. I have my belonger’s card.” His words resonated deeply with the crowd, who shared in his pride and connection to the islands.

Expressing his profound gratitude to Kickin It and its founder, Kyra, Adam O revealed that this award was particularly meaningful to him. “This is the first award I’ve received as an artist, and it means more than any other recognition I’ve ever been given. You don’t know how much this means to me. I don’t think you know what it is you did tonight,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

The Toast Gala is a reflection of Kickin It’s mission to elevate and empower Virgin Islands creatives. In addition to Adam O, the evening honored other notable talents, including visual artist Jannet Prosper and creative director and stylist Travie Rozae. By shining a spotlight on these homegrown artists, Kickin It aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of Virgin Islands talent, ensuring that their contributions to culture and community continue to thrive.

As the night came to a close, the inaugural Toast Gala was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of the vibrant spirit and undeniable talent that defines the Virgin Islands. The event marked the beginning of what promises to be a lasting legacy of support and recognition for the territory’s creative community.

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