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Shining Hope: St. Croix’s Rotary Clubs Unite Globally on Oct 24 to Wipe Out Polio

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Marking World Polio Day on October 24, the Rotary Clubs of St. Croix are setting the stage for an event dedicated to moving closer towards eliminating the crippling ailment. This move aligns with myriad events orchestrated by Rotary Clubs worldwide, spotlighting the ongoing crusade against polio.

United in purpose, St. Croix’s four Rotary Clubs are joining forces with the VI Fire Service and EMS, laying down a spectrum of activities for the day to fuel both financial and awareness campaigns. The centerpiece of their endeavor is the lighting up of Fort Christiansvaern in the symbolic “End Polio Now” red hue and casting the logo upon its tower. The visual feast, scheduled between 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., will be broadcast live on the Rotary Club of St. Croix Harborside’s Facebook page as per a recently circulated release. The vibrancy of the showcase is set to deepen as dusk descends.

Augmenting the fundraising drive, the VI Fire Service and EMS will conduct a Boot Drive amidst the illumination affair.

The trajectory in combating polio has ascended significantly since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, helmed by Rotary alongside its allies. Originating in a scenario with a daunting 350,000 annual polio incidences across 125 nations, their relentless efforts have propelled a dramatic reduction in polio cases by 99.9%. Yet, the wild poliovirus continues to resurface in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

The torch of Rotary’s resolve in obliterating polio burns bright. Their objective remains clear: immunizing every child against this avoidable malady. However, without substantial financial and political backing, the specter of polio’s return to now-free nations looms large. Rotary commits annually to mobilizing $50 million to support the global eradication journey. This dedication receives a 2-to-1 matching boost from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, elevating the annual fund to $150 million.

Supporters eager to join this noble cause can extend their donations to Rotary International’s PolioPlus fund. Every contribution is set to receive a double match by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation up to $50 million. Direct donations are welcomed at www.endpolio.org.

Moreover, the pledge from Rotary and its GPEI associates, even post-eradication, is the annual allocation of $450 million to keep vaccines in supply, thwarting any potential re-emergence of polio.

Tracing back, Rotary Clubs’ engagement in polio eradication has roots in the 1960s with initiatives in the Philippines. The formal eradication program, PolioPlus, was inaugurated in the early 1980s. Despite hurdles, like falling short of Dr. Jonas Salk’s challenge to eradicate polio by Rotary’s centennial, the dedication has remained unbroken. Since 1985, Rotary’s investment exceeding $2.1 billion has played a pivotal role, facilitating the immunization of over 3 billion children.

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USVI Community Pulse

New Parking Fee at Fort Christianvaern Starting Dec. 11

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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.

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USVI Community Pulse

St. Croix Prepares for Dazzling Christmas Boat Parade with Parking and Traffic Regulations

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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.

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USVI Community Pulse

Ford Initiates Major Recall of Over 45,000 Vehicles Due to Door Latch Concerns

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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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