USVI Community Pulse
Nine Virgin Islands Students Triumph in Contest Spotlighting Substance Abuse and Violence Awareness

In a remarkable showcase of artistic expression and social consciousness, nine students from the Virgin Islands have triumphed in the Public Service Announcement Contest organized by the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.
The contest, announced by United States Attorney Delia L. Smith and HIDTA Deputy Director James N. Doby, highlighted the creative talents of students from Alfredo Andrews Elementary School in St. Croix and Julius Sprauve School in St. John.
Held between September 11 and October 16, 2023, the competition engaged students in grades 6 through 8. They were challenged to craft and produce public service announcement videos addressing critical issues such as substance abuse, violence, and peer pressure. This initiative saw enthusiastic participation from the students, and a panel of judges selected two outstanding videos from the numerous submissions.
U.S. Attorney Smith commended the project, stating, “The HIDTA public service announcement competition offered a platform for our students to voice their concerns about gun violence and substance abuse in our community. Their imaginative and insightful contributions have been a source of inspiration for all of us.”
The Virgin Islands HIDTA Prevention Initiative, collaborating with various local and federal entities including the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the VI Department of Education, and law enforcement agencies, demonstrates the significance of united efforts in nurturing community growth. Drug Intelligence Officer Rodney F. Querrard highlighted the necessity of such collaboration, saying, “Joint efforts across all levels of government, both local and federal, are crucial to steer the Virgin Islands towards a brighter future. By working together, we can effect real change.”
The student winners were celebrated in ceremonies on November 8 and 9 at their schools, with classmates, teachers, and officials in attendance. Rewards for the winners included gift cards worth $100 to $500, achievement certificates, gift bags from Liberty VI and VIYA, and Red Ribbon Week merchandise.
Since its launch in 2022, the VI HIDTA Prevention Initiative has guided over 6,000 students in the territory, focusing on preventing drug use, crime, and peer pressure, and is dedicated to fostering a crime-free community.
For further details on the HIDTA program and its initiatives, visit https://prvihidta.org/ and https://www.dea.gov/redribbon.
USVI Community Pulse
New Parking Fee at Fort Christianvaern Starting Dec. 11

Beginning December 11, visitors to Fort Christiansvaern in Christiansted, St. Croix, will need to pay a $10 daily parking fee, as announced by the National Park Service (NPS). This new automated payment system, located at the parking lot’s entrance, will facilitate payments exclusively via debit and credit cards, as cash transactions will not be available.
The NPS has implemented this fee to generate additional revenue, aimed at enhancing the overall experience for visitors. The funds collected will be strategically invested in improving the park’s facilities and infrastructure, contributing to a more enjoyable and well-maintained environment for all guests.
Parking will be available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily. To ensure the safety and proper use of the parking lot, vehicles left after 5:00 p.m. may be towed at the owner’s expense, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the stipulated hours.
The NPS encourages the continued use of the parking lot at the Christiansted Historical site, highlighting its safety and convenience for both town and park visitors. They anticipate positive public cooperation with these changes.
For further inquiries or to address any concerns, individuals can contact Chief Ranger Gabriel Laurencin at [email protected] or call 340-773-1460 for assistance.
USVI Community Pulse
St. Croix Prepares for Dazzling Christmas Boat Parade with Parking and Traffic Regulations

The picturesque island of St. Croix is abuzz with excitement as it gears up for the much-anticipated annual Christmas Boat Parade on Saturday, December 9. This festive highlight draws crowds to Christiansted’s scenic boardwalk, prompting the V.I. Police Department to enforce specific parking restrictions and road closures for a seamless event experience.
Key measures implemented by the VIPD in preparation for the parade, a cornerstone of St. Croix’s holiday celebrations, include:
- A parking ban on Queen Cross Street, from Riddims to the Caravelle Casino, effective 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This measure is essential for vendor setup and smooth parade preparations.
- King Street will also be subject to a no-parking policy from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight). This restriction encompasses the stretch from Florence Williams Library to Government House and includes the vicinity from Strand Lane (Purple Papaya) to King Street.
To ensure public safety and efficient traffic management, roadblocks will be in place at the intersection of King Street and King Cross Street (near the Library), commencing at 11:00 a.m. and lasting until midnight. Access during this time will be limited to vendors and officials associated with the Boat Parade Committee.
The Christmas Boat Parade is an iconic tradition in St. Croix, attracting thousands to the Christiansted boardwalk for a magical evening. The event is renowned for its display of intricately decorated boats, illuminating the night with festive lights, culminating in a stunning fireworks show.
The VIPD extends its gratitude to the community for cooperating with these traffic and parking arrangements, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a safe, enjoyable holiday experience for all attendees.
USVI Community Pulse
Ford Initiates Major Recall of Over 45,000 Vehicles Due to Door Latch Concerns

Ford Motor Company has begun issuing notices to owners of select models, specifically the 2015 Fiesta, 2016 Fusion, and the 2016 Lincoln MKZ, regarding a critical safety issue identified in these vehicles.
The company disclosed in mid-November the discovery of a defect in the door latches of certain vehicles. The defect involves a latch component that may break, potentially making the door difficult to secure or, in some cases, allowing it to open unexpectedly during travel.
Notably, some of these vehicles are known to have been sold and registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
In response, Ford dealerships are conducting thorough inspections of the door latches on affected vehicles, with a directive to replace all four side door latches at no cost to the vehicle owner if they find any issues.
Vehicle owners who prefer immediate action rather than waiting for postal notifications can access further information by reaching out to Ford’s customer service at 1-866-436-7332 or contacting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
-
Education4 months ago
CTE Board Enthusiastic About New Curriculum Standards, Yet Anxious Over Apprenticeship Support
-
Crime2 months ago
St. John’s Westin Resort Scene of Armed Robbery, Prompting Heightened Police Vigilance
-
Crime4 months ago
Registered Sex Offender Detained for Illegal Firearm Possession During Annual Surveillance Drive
-
Crime4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands Alert: Megan Smith Goes Missing; Authorities Request Community Aid
-
Crime4 months ago
Unraveling the Home Invasion in St. John: Suspect Held on $100,000 Bail
-
Health4 months ago
Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital Announces Temporary Visitation Restriction for August 20, 2023
-
Accidents4 months ago
Tragic Collision on Queen Mary Highway: VIPD Reveals Victim’s Identity
-
Sports4 months ago
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Delegation Confirmed for World Athletics Championships in Budapest