The Lieutenant Governor’s Office has released the schedule for the upcoming real property tax auction sales. These auctions are set to take place in the District of St. Thomas & St. John on Monday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 4, 2024, and in the District of St. Croix on Tuesday, June 11, and Wednesday, June 12, 2024.

Interested parties can find the Final Auction Lists published in local newspapers and on the Citizen Access Portal at propertytax.vi.gov, available 30 days prior to each auction.

Registration Details

To participate, bidders must be present in person and register by the close of business the day before the auction. A non-refundable registration fee of $50 is required. All necessary registration documents will also be available online 30 days before the auction.

Exclusions for Payment Plans

Properties currently under a payment plan for delinquent taxes will not be included in the auction. Property owners can initiate or maintain payment plans through the online portal at propertytax.vi.gov.

About the Final Auction List

Once properties are listed on the Final Auction List for a district, no new payment plans will be accepted for those properties. To withdraw a property from the auction, full payment of all due taxes, interest, penalties, and fees must be made by 3:00 PM on the business day preceding the auction.

Additional Contact Information

For further details, contact the Tax Collector’s Office:

• St. Thomas/St. John Office: (340) 774-2991
• St. Croix Office: (340) 773-6449

This auction provides a critical opportunity for the government to address tax delinquencies while offering investors a chance to acquire properties at potentially reduced rates.

The University of the Virgin Islands is proud to unveil a new initiative aimed at equipping high school seniors with critical job skills as they prepare to enter the workforce. This Job Readiness Summer Program, a part of the University’s University Bound initiative, is set to launch through a partnership with the Cruzan Rum Distillery and the V.I. Department of Labor.

Scheduled to begin with a rigorous one-week boot camp from June 17 to June 23, 2024, the program will cover essential topics such as job readiness, employability, and the development of soft skills. Moreover, participants will gain valuable insights into economic literacy, an important tool for understanding today’s complex job market.

The boot camp is just the beginning, as students will then move on to a paid work experience phase, where they will apply their new skills in a variety of professional settings. This hands-on approach not only reinforces the learning from the initial week but also opens doors for future career opportunities.

Rosalia Rhymer Rohan, the director of the University Bound Program, emphasized the value of the initiative. “This program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a stepping stone to a successful career. Thanks to the collaboration with Cruzan Rum Distillery and the V.I. Department of Labor, we are able to offer this fantastic opportunity. We are eager to watch our students grow and excel, contributing positively to our community,” she stated.

Spaces for the program are limited, urging prospective participants to apply before the deadline on May 17, 2024. Applications can be submitted through Rosalia Rhymer Rohan at (340) 693-1133 on St. Thomas or Michelle Albany-Crispin at (340) 692-4182 on St. Croix. Interested students can also find more information and apply online at the provided link.

The Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) has launched an intensified enforcement of loitering laws aimed at bolstering public safety, particularly around establishments such as gas stations, convenience stores, nightclubs, and alcohol-selling venues. This move is designed to ensure adherence to the existing laws, as stated by the VIPD.

Strategic Enforcement in High-Risk Zones

VIPD Commissioner Ray Martinez emphasized the critical nature of this campaign. “We must apply strict enforcement measures to maintain public safety, mitigate risks, and ensure legislative compliance. This initiative is key to preserving order in our community,” he commented. The focus of this enforcement effort is to enhance public safety and awareness among both residents and visitors of the territory, with a particular emphasis on areas known for frequent loitering that poses security risks.

Crime Prevention Strategies for Businesses

To assist in preventing crimes related to loitering, the VIPD has offered several recommendations for property and business owners:

• Ensure areas such as exteriors and hallways are well-lit during the night.
• Avoid direct confrontations with suspicious individuals; report any unusual activities to the police.
• Use signage effectively, displaying notices like “No Trespassing” or “Business Hours” to discourage loitering.
• In case of an incident, attempt to note and describe any suspects, including their appearance and the direction they head if they escape.

Understanding the Loitering Law

The loitering law in the Virgin Islands defines loitering as any act of delaying, lingering, or idly wandering in public places while engaging in prohibited activities such as gambling, prowling near schools, soliciting for prostitution, using or possessing drugs, illegal alcohol consumption, and other disorderly conduct.

Key indicators for police when assessing loitering include suspicious behavior upon noticing law enforcement, attempts to conceal identity, or fleeing the scene.

Legal Considerations and Consequences

Law enforcement officers are instructed to give suspected loiterers the chance to identify themselves and justify their presence before proceeding with an arrest. A viable defense against a loitering charge includes situations where an officer did not offer this opportunity, or if the explanation provided during trial convincingly addresses any concerns initially raised.

Loitering offenses are misdemeanors, with penalties including fines up to $5,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both.

For additional details, the VIPD encourages individuals to visit their website or reach out to their offices located at the AAF Justice Complex in St. Thomas or the Administrative Services Building in Frederiksted, St. Croix.