Local News
Alliance Calls for United Front Against Gun Violence in Virgin Islands
Members of the Alliance in the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands have issued a collective call for national unity and reflection amid a troubling rise in gun violence across the Territory, stressing that the situation must not be allowed to become the norm.
“The challenges we now confront are not normal, and we must never allow them to become the norm in our beloved Territory,” the Alliance said in a statement. “No family, no child, no community walks away untouched by the fear and psychological impact of such violence.”
The Alliance emphasised that the crisis is not defined by a single incident but reflects a growing pattern of firearm use that threatens to destabilise society. They warned that this violence is eroding the foundations of law and order, creating an environment where families live in constant fear.
“This is not normal, and it is not acceptable,” the statement continued, calling for a united national response. “Now, more than ever, we must come together in a national chorus of peace and unity.”
To address the escalating violence, the Alliance has renewed its call for a comprehensive National Crime Reduction Strategy, which they said must involve coordinated efforts by the Government and various stakeholders. The strategy, they argued, should balance strict law enforcement with robust social support, economic opportunities, and sustainable, community-based interventions aimed at reducing the root causes of crime.
The Alliance also called for immediate legislative amendments to close what they described as a critical gap in the Territory’s legal framework. They pointed out that while the possession of a firearm currently carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment, possession of ammunition or explosives is subject to a much lighter penalty—a $500 fine or six months’ imprisonment.
“It is not logical to assume that an individual in possession of ammunition or explosives has no access to a firearm,” the Alliance said, calling for the penalties to be brought in line with those for firearm possession, including a mandatory minimum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
They also stressed the importance of proactive community support, including youth outreach, trauma support for survivors, and significant investment in crime-fighting resources.
“We refuse to accept a future where parents are afraid to let their children play outside or where families live in fear of preventable acts of violence,” the statement said.
The Alliance ended their message with a call for unity, encouraging residents to come forward with any information that could assist law enforcement in addressing the recent surge in violence.
“The fight against gun violence goes beyond legislation; it is about saving lives, restoring peace, and securing the future of the Virgin Islands for generations to come,” they said.
K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.
Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.
Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.
The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through November 30. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) indicate an above-average season, with heightened activity anticipated across the Caribbean region.
NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). CSU’s forecast aligns closely, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
Several climatic factors contribute to the anticipated increase in storm activity. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea remain warmer than average, providing additional energy to fuel storm development. Additionally, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions is likely to reduce wind shear in the tropics, further facilitating storm formation and intensification.
For the Caribbean, the implications are significant. CSU estimates a 66% probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the region this season, compared to the historical average of 47%.
In response to the heightened activity forecast, NOAA has implemented several enhancements to its forecasting and communication strategies. The National Hurricane Center will now issue forecasts and storm tracks up to 48 hours before a storm’s potential formation, allowing for earlier warnings. Updated storm cones will include inland warnings and nationwide inundation mapping to better visualize flood risks. New rip current risk maps will also be provided when tropical systems are present.
As the season begins, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to prepare accordingly. This includes assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and staying informed through official channels. While forecasts provide an overview of expected activity, the specific paths and impacts of individual storms can vary, underscoring the importance of readiness and vigilance throughout the season.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, individuals are encouraged to monitor information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.
Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.
The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.
Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.
During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.
Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.
“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”
Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.
The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.
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