USVI Community Pulse
Puerto Rico’s National Guard Lends a Helping Helicopter for Bovoni Landfill Fire Crisis in the U.S. Virgin Islands

In a critical partnership, the Puerto Rico National Guard is aiding U.S. Virgin Islands emergency teams with a specialized firefighting helicopter to tackle the persistent fire at the Bovoni Landfill. The announcement came from Daryl Jaschen, the Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA), during an emergency media briefing on Wednesday afternoon.
Jaschen outlined that the helicopter is equipped with a sizable water bucket, capable of carrying more than 650 gallons. The aircraft will commence operations over the landfill and nearby vicinities starting Wednesday afternoon. He further elaborated that the helicopter will make multiple trips, shuttling seawater from the ocean to help extinguish the fire.
Residents were warned by Jaschen about the potential side effects of these firefighting measures. “Expect an increase in smoke as we deploy water on the blaze,” he cautioned, advising those living nearby to remain indoors and to keep windows and doors securely closed.
Authorities have opted to keep Bovoni Landfill closed on Wednesday, August 20th. A multi-agency effort is in place across the U.S. Virgin Islands to combat the fire, which erupted almost a week ago. As the helicopter collects water, ground forces will focus on managing the green waste that has accumulated at the site since Hurricane Maria. Jaschen urged the public to steer clear of the area and to comply with instructions from the Virgin Islands Police Department, who are tasked with maintaining safety and public order.
In light of the fire’s stubborn nature and the failure of initial suppression strategies, Governor Albert Bryan declared a state of emergency on Monday. Jaschen reported that a unified command has been established in response to the emergency declaration, involving key agencies such as the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Department of Health, Department of Education, Virgin Islands Police Department, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, National Guard, and VITEMA. Crews have reportedly been working shifts that extend up to 20 hours a day to mitigate the emergency.
The community’s health remains a high priority. Residents experiencing health issues due to the fire are advised to immediately contact emergency services. Deputy Commissioner Rueben Molloy of the Virgin Islands Department of Health stressed the importance of community safety. “Potential water contamination could result from our firefighting activities,” warned Molloy, strongly urging residents to refrain from coming into contact with any water that could have been impacted by the firefighting efforts.
This inter-territorial cooperation between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is a prime example of how shared resources can benefit communities in times of crisis. The involvement of multiple agencies and the unified command structure further demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are addressing this environmental and public health emergency.
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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