USVI News
Governor Declares State of Energy Emergency in the US Virgin Islands
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.
Premier Wheatley expressed deep concern over the rise in crime and violence in the Territory, particularly the recent armed robbery of renowned artist Pressure by a group of young individuals.
Popular U.S. Virgin Islands artist, Pressure, was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning, March 16, after performing at the Black on Black concert, an event headlined by dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel. The incident occurred as Pressure and his entourage walked to their vehicle parked across from First Bank.
Surveillance footage obtained by JTV confirms the robbery, which took place around 3:26 am. The video, now in circulation, captures the moment two armed men exited a white SUV parked in front of the gated parking lot opposite First Bank. The assailants confronted Pressure and his entourage, causing most of the group to flee. One of the attackers then proceeded to rob Pressure, appearing to take what looked like his jewelry, before escaping the scene.
The entire incident lasted about two minutes, after which the video ends with Pressure standing alone by the vehicle he was originally entering, appearing shaken but unharmed as the assailants made their getaway.
“It is unacceptable and highly regrettable that he and others went through this,” the Premier stated. “Crime and violence are not what we want as a society and certainly not the image we want to project to the world.”
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the past weekend was particularly active in terms of criminal activity.
Premier Wheatley reiterated the government’s commitment to working with law enforcement and the wider community to curb criminal activities. A Crime Summit is currently being planned to develop a coordinated response.
“For those individuals who insist on terrorising our community, the police will continue to pursue you vigorously,” he warned. “I also urge members of the public to assist law enforcement by sharing any information that may aid investigations.”
A man wanted in connection with an October 2024 homicide in St. Thomas has been extradited from the British Virgin Islands following a coordinated effort between the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD), the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Authorities confirmed that 32-year-old Demare A. Encarnacion was returned to St. Thomas on March 18, 2025, to face charges related to the fatal shooting of Cecil R. Scatliffe, 59.
The case dates back to October 13, 2024, when the 911 Emergency Call Center received an alert from the ShotSpotter Detection System at approximately 3:03 a.m., indicating multiple gunshots on Kronprindsens Gade. Responding officers discovered an unresponsive male with multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians pronounced the victim deceased at the scene, later identifying him as Scatliffe.
An arrest warrant was issued for Encarnacion on October 17, 2024, charging him with first-degree murder. Authorities pursued the suspect for months until he voluntarily surrendered to law enforcement in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Following his surrender, the RVIPF coordinated with VIPD and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force to facilitate his transfer. On March 18, members of the VIPD’s Marine Unit traveled to Tortola, took Encarnacion into custody, and transported him back to St. Thomas. He was formally arrested and charged with murder in the first degree, with bail set at $1,000,000.
Officials have not disclosed further details regarding a potential motive or additional suspects. Encarnacion is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
Travelers heading to and from the British Virgin Islands are facing delays today as Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas remains temporarily closed following an emergency landing by a private aircraft.
The closure, which began last night, has disrupted regional travel, with airlines forced to reschedule or cancel flights. The Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is working to clear the disabled aircraft from the runway, with reopening expected by 2:00 p.m.
Passengers relying on St. Thomas as a transit point are urged to check with their airlines for updates as authorities work to restore normal operations.
Source: VI Consortium
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