The Department of Public Works (DPW) has officially announced the name of the new ferry that will service the St. Thomas to St. John route. Following a highly engaging public vote, the ferry has been named “Spirit of 1733,” a nod to the historical significance of the year 1733 when enslaved Africans led a major revolt on St. John, marking an important event in the history of the Virgin Islands.

Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel expressed his gratitude and excitement over the public’s participation in the naming process. “We were overwhelmed by the public participation and support we received in selecting a name for the new ferry,” he said. The initiative was designed to foster community involvement and pride, with the chosen name reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the islands.

The ferry naming contest, which concluded on March 22, saw a flood of suggestions from residents. The goal was to find a name that embodied the spirit, history, and culture of the Virgin Islands. The final selection, “Spirit of 1733,” was made to honor the legacy of resilience and freedom associated with the historic uprising.

The new ferry, a 100-foot vessel with a capacity of 300 passengers, is part of a broader effort to enhance transportation between St. Thomas and St. John. Funded by federal grants, including $5.1 million from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and additional support from the American Rescue Plan and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this ferry is expected to significantly improve the reliability and efficiency of the island’s transportation network​​.

Commissioner Gabriel emphasized that the ferry is more than just a means of transportation. It serves as a daily commuter route, a school bus for children, and a critical link for residents and tourists alike. By involving the community in the naming process, DPW aims to strengthen the connection between the ferry service and the people it serves.

The addition of “Spirit of 1733” to the fleet underscores ongoing efforts to modernize and expand the ferry service, ensuring consistent and reliable transportation options for the residents of the Virgin Islands. The new ferry is set to enhance the commuting experience, reduce congestion, and support the economic vitality of the region by improving accessibility between the islands.

As the “Spirit of 1733” prepares to set sail, the community looks forward to a new chapter in the storied history of the Virgin Islands’ maritime tradition, celebrating both its past and its progress towards a brighter future.

With a busy hurricane season underway and frequent WAPA power outages, residents across the Virgin Islands are reminded of the importance of safely operating generators during electrical failures.

Generators are invaluable during power outages, but improper use can pose significant dangers, including the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Carbon monoxide, or CO, is known as the ‘invisible killer’ because it’s a colorless, odorless, poisonous gas,” according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). “More than 200 people in the United States die annually from accidental non-fire-related CO poisoning associated with consumer products, with nearly 100 of those deaths linked to portable generators,” the CPSC reports.

Portable generators operating on fuels like gasoline, propane, or diesel emit high levels of toxic CO fumes. The CPSC highlights that a single portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars.

To ensure safe generator use and avoid carbon monoxide exposure, the CPSC advises:

• Never use portable generators inside homes or garages, even if doors and windows are open. Use generators outside only, at least 20 feet away from homes, with exhaust facing away.
• Install battery-operated CO alarms or CO alarms with battery backup on every level of the home and outside sleeping areas. Interconnected CO alarms are best; when one sounds, they all sound.
• Recognize symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and confusion. If CO poisoning is suspected, get outside to fresh air immediately and call 911.

Generators powered by solar energy do not emit poisonous gases and are a viable option for residents to consider.

Operating a generator safely can help reduce risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, or electrocution. (Photo courtesy FEMA)

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) warns that using a generator can pose additional hazards, including electrocution and fire risks. FEMA provides these safety guidelines:

• Always use heavy-duty extension cords to connect the generator to appliances.
• Do not connect the generator directly to your home’s power supply, as it can increase voltage or cause a surge in outside power lines, potentially injuring utility workers and bypassing household circuit protection devices.
• Hire a qualified electrician to install the appropriate equipment per local electrical codes, or request your utility company to install a proper power transfer switch.

Operating a generator in a dry area is crucial to avoid electrocution risks. FEMA also advises:

• Keep your generator and fuel outside.
• Store fuel in properly labeled, non-glass safety containers outside living areas.
• Do not store fuel near fuel-burning appliances to prevent ignition from vapors.
• Turn off and cool the generator before refueling to prevent ignition from spilled fuel or vapors.

Generator safety tips from the National Weather Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Photo courtesy NWS)

Generator Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures a generator’s reliability and safety. Consumer Reports recommends testing the machine at least twice a year and emptying the fuel tank when not in use. Regularly replacing and cleaning generator components is also advised. Check the engine oil level and maintain it at the “full” mark on the dipstick. If issues arise, contact the manufacturer if under warranty or reach out to a repair shop.

Charlotte Wardell from Import Supply V.I., a generator sales and service business in St. Thomas, advises that all generators meet Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources qualifications. Oil changes should occur at least once a year or every 250 hours of use. During extended outages, keeping oil filters on hand is recommended.

Generators should only be used in dry areas, away from water or wet conditions, and never during a storm to reduce the risk of electrocution.

USVI Weather Information

With an active 2024 Atlantic hurricane season anticipated, increasing the risk of weather-related power failures, V.I. residents should stay updated with the latest forecasts. Weather information is available from the National Weather Service, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, and the Source Weather Page, which offers daily forecasts and disaster preparedness videos. Residents can also sign up for power outage alerts from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.

In small communities, politics often intertwines with personal relationships and familiar faces, making the landscape ripe for fiction to flourish over fact. The potency of fiction in such settings stems from several key factors: the close-knit nature of relationships, the impact of narratives on identity, and the rapid spread of information through informal networks.

In these communities, everyone knows everyone else, or at least knows someone who knows someone else. This interconnectedness means that personal relationships heavily influence political opinions and decisions. A compelling story, even if not entirely true, can resonate deeply because it often involves people within the community. The emotional weight of a narrative involving a neighbor or local figure can overshadow cold, hard facts. Fiction, by appealing to emotions, can quickly gain traction and influence opinions more effectively than dry statistics or factual reports.

Collective identity and belonging are paramount in small communities. Stories and narratives that align with the community’s sense of self can be incredibly persuasive. Fictional accounts that reinforce shared values, fears, or hopes can become powerful tools for shaping public opinion. These stories often become part of the community’s lore, repeated and embellished over time, further entrenching their influence. When a narrative resonates with the community’s identity, it becomes more believable and impactful, even if it diverges from the truth.

Information in small communities spreads quickly through informal networks. Gossip, word of mouth, and social gatherings are primary channels of communication. In these settings, sensational stories, even if fictional, are more likely to be shared and remembered than mundane facts. The more dramatic or emotionally charged a story, the faster it travels. This rapid dissemination can amplify the influence of fiction, making it a powerful force in shaping public perception and political discourse.

People naturally seek out information that confirms their preexisting beliefs, a phenomenon known as confirmation bias. In small communities, where people often share similar backgrounds and viewpoints, this bias can be particularly strong. Fictional stories that align with the community’s collective beliefs and experiences are readily accepted and propagated. Facts that contradict these narratives are often dismissed or ignored, allowing fiction to maintain its hold on the community’s political landscape.

Fiction often simplifies complex issues, making them more accessible and emotionally engaging. In contrast, factual information can be complicated and nuanced, requiring more cognitive effort to understand. In a busy community where people have limited time and resources to delve into detailed analyses, a straightforward, emotionally charged story is more likely to capture attention and influence opinions. The simplicity of fiction allows it to be easily remembered and repeated, reinforcing its impact over time.

In small communities, the power of fiction in politics cannot be underestimated. The close-knit nature of relationships, the importance of identity, the rapid spread of information through informal networks, confirmation bias, and the emotional appeal of simplicity all contribute to the potency of fictional narratives. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for navigating and engaging with the political landscape in small communities, where the line between fact and fiction often blurs, and stories shape the reality of political life.