The recent St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee (HPC) meeting underscored the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and legislative updates to effectively manage the territory’s historic districts.

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing signage regulations and various violations within the historic towns of the Virgin Islands. Territorial Historic Preservation Commission Chair Kurt Marsh emphasized the immense challenge of enforcement, which is currently managed by a volunteer board with only one paid employee.

“Our responsibilities extend beyond historic districts to all National Register sites,” Marsh stated. “This includes ruins, mills, and Buck Island. Due to limited capacity, we’ve focused mainly on historic districts for the past 20 years.”

Marsh suggested that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) recruit more enforcement officers to support historic district oversight.

St. Croix Administrator Sammuel Sanes voiced strong support for the HPC’s efforts. “Preserving our history and tradition is crucial,” he said, highlighting St. Croix’s rich historical heritage.

Shawna Richards, representing Senate President Novelle Francis, indicated the Legislature’s willingness to consider amendments to aid the HPC. “We are open to examining specific areas that need legislative updates,” she said, noting that many sections of the Virgin Islands Code are outdated.

Richards encouraged the HPC and DPNR to make a compelling case for increased funding to hire additional enforcement staff.

The HPC plans to enhance public engagement in the coming year to improve understanding of its responsibilities and limitations among residents and business owners in historic districts.

Marsh also pointed out the need for legislative education. He cited a recent bill from Senator Kenneth Gittens, which proposed allowing property owners more freedom with interior modifications—a jurisdiction the HPC does not have. “Drafting legislation that addresses powers we don’t possess is a misuse of resources,” Marsh said, calling for better collaboration between the Legislature and regulatory bodies.

Sanes expressed concern over the HPC’s lack of jurisdiction on interior modifications of historic buildings, emphasizing the historical significance of some interior structures.

Marsh acknowledged this issue but stressed the need for broader governmental support. “Developers prioritize their projects and profits,” he said. “Without genuine governmental commitment, significant changes are unlikely.”

Sanes committed to exploring potential amendments to grant the HPC jurisdiction over building interiors. Phil Condrington, the commission’s sole staffer, highlighted the daily challenges of enforcement and public inquiries, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his role.

Both Condrington and St. Croix HPC Chair Collette Burgess stressed that the HPC’s goal is compliance, not obstruction. Burgess noted that the Committee approved all 99 applications submitted in the last fiscal year, though some required minor adjustments. “Our intent is to bring people into compliance, not turn them away,” she affirmed.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) has issued a wanted notice for Tina Phillips, a Florida-born woman implicated in a first-degree assault case.

The VIPD has disseminated her photograph and detailed description, seeking public assistance in locating her.

Details of the Suspect:

• Name: Tina Phillips
• Race: Black
• Sex: Female
• Last known address: Simmonds Alley

Phillips is currently evading capture, and the community is urged to remain vigilant. The VIPD has provided a contact number for its Criminal Investigation Bureau at 774-2211 Ext 5577 for tips regarding her whereabouts. Authorities emphasize that harboring a fugitive is a criminal act.

Anyone who sees Tina Phillips or has pertinent information is urged to immediately call 911 or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at the provided extension. Prompt action and community cooperation are vital for her swift apprehension and to support the ongoing investigation.

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett held a poignant reception this week to honor National Police Week, paying tribute to two fallen heroes from the U.S. Virgin Islands—Detective Delbert Phipps Jr. and Patrolman Lionel E. Isaac. These officers of the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) lost their lives in the line of duty and will now be memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall.

“Their names will be forever engraved, and their integrity forever maintained,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Our men and women of the Virgin Islands Police Department give their full measure of devotion, their bravery, resilience, and dedication to perform their duties faithfully, and make the ultimate sacrifice.”

The event was attended by VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez, VIPD officers, and the family of Detective Phipps Jr. Reflecting on the occasion, Commissioner Martinez emphasized the importance of honoring the fallen officers and supporting their families.

“While today is a solemn time for us, today is a good time to see my officers smiling and celebrate the lives of Detective Phipps and Patrolman Isaac,” said Commissioner Martinez. “This provides us and the Phipps family the opportunity to know that we are not alone. As much as it pains us for our loss, they will not be forgotten. Standing as a police commissioner, I couldn’t be more proud to be here and pay homage to our brothers in arms.”

Denise Phipps, the mother of Detective Phipps Jr., shared her emotions during the reception, expressing both sorrow and gratitude for the recognition of her son’s sacrifice.

“I lost my son Detective Phipps on July 4, 2023. One of the worst days of my life,” said Denise Phipps. “I am honored, and it feels a bit bittersweet as they remember and honor my son. What a joy and sadness to see that his name is there.”

National Police Week serves as a time to honor law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and to recognize the service and sacrifice of all officers. The inclusion of Detective Phipps and Patrolman Isaac on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Wall ensures that their bravery and dedication will be remembered and honored for generations to come.