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The Legacy of Former Senator Alicia ‘Chucky’ Hansen: A Celebrated USVI Political Stalwart Passes Away at 70

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The U.S. Virgin Islands witnessed a poignant moment on Monday evening with the departure of Alicia “Chucky” Hansen, a revered former senator, who succumbed to cancer at 70, marking the end of a notable political tenure in the territory.

A San Juan, Puerto Rico native, Hansen’s political journey commenced in 1986, a time when securing a senatorial position sans party endorsement posed a significant challenge. Nonetheless, Hansen surmounted this hurdle, subsequently serving 11 remarkable terms as a senator for the St. Croix District. Her electoral prowess is underscored by the enduring record of garnering the highest vote tally in a senatorial contest within the district.

Beyond her legislative endeavors, Hansen was a cherished name across USVI households, not merely for her senatorial representation, but also for her distinctive media presence. With a radio show titled “Keeping in Touch,” she tackled prevailing issues, fostering a blend of political dialogues and congenial counsel on family coherence.

Hansen’s robust supporter base endowed her with a pivotal role in gubernatorial elections, amplifying her influence in orchestrating agreements with gubernatorial aspirants. A testament to this clout was evident during the 2018 General Election, where her endorsement of Albert Bryan Jr. catalyzed his electoral triumph. Post-election, this association saw Elizabeth Watley, Hansen’s offspring, assuming the role of Assistant Commissioner at the V.I. Dept. of Tourism for St. Croix District.

A hallmark of Hansen’s electoral campaigns was their grandiose nature, often eclipsing her rivals through the enlistment of prominent musicians for her extensive rallies. The 2018 gubernatorial race witnessed an unprecedented event, as Hansen and running mate Adlah Donastorg orchestrated Soca icon Machel Montano’s appearance in the Virgin Islands, elevating the region’s political rally spectacle.

Yet, Hansen’s political voyage wasn’t devoid of tumult. A notable episode transpired during the 2014 electoral season, embroiling her in a legal dispute initiated by Adelbert Bryan, an erstwhile senator, over alleged moral turpitude stemming from prior tax discrepancies. This predicament, originating on May 28, 2009, with U.S. Attorney Paul A. Murphy’s disclosure of Hansen’s three-year prison sentence – later suspended by District Judge Frank Savage – undeniably cast a shadow over her 2014 reelection bid, despite a gubernatorial pardon.

The adversities notwithstanding, Hansen’s resolute spirit and substantial contributions to the political sphere of USVI remain indelible. Her legacy as a robust politician, cultural emblem, and a dynamic force in USVI’s political narrative will resonate through the annals of the Virgin Islands’ history.

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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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