USVI Community Pulse
Nu Chi Zeta Sorority Leads 13th Annual ‘Stride in Pink’ March for Breast Cancer Awareness in St. Croix

ST. CROIX — This Monday marked a significant moment as the Nu Chi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., orchestrated their 13th annual “Stride in Pink” march aimed at amplifying breast cancer awareness. Kicking off at 8am from the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School in Frederiksted, enthusiastic participants marched and celebrated along Strand Street, reaching up to the historic Eliza McBean clock tower.
The gathering at the clock tower unfolded into an emotive program, paying homage to cancer survivors, extending support to those battling the disease, and memorializing the lives lost to it.
Monday’s assembly was further enlivened by an artistic display of awareness, showcased through a t-shirt and shoe contest. The day’s events reached a touching climax in a ceremony where attendees shared prayers and hopes for recovery. A symbolic gesture of solidarity and remembrance was made as they placed eco-friendly pink flowers along the coastline.
Consistent with the past 12 marches, this year’s initiative will channel its proceeds to the Yvonne A. Galiber (YAG) Foundation Inc. and Ribbons for a Cure Inc. These local entities tirelessly champion cancer awareness and provide crucial support to individuals navigating through the challenges posed by the disease.
The Nu Chi Zeta chapter reiterates its devotion to this annual march as a core element of the Z-HOPE (Zetas Helping Other People Excel) National Program. The program, by fostering collaborations with local and national collectives, aspires to holistically nurture the mind, body, and spirit. It holds a distinctive importance for women, youth, men, and international women of color, aiming to bring forth a substantial positive impact.
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.
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