USVI Community Pulse
USVI Gigabit Internet Rollout Faces Delays Due to Permit Issues, Liberty States

The Senate Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications convened on Tuesday, where various service providers updated lawmakers on the industry’s current status.
A major point of discussion was the challenges encountered while coordinating with the Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to utilize its poles for telecom equipment installation.
Ricardo Portela, Liberty USVI’s Vice President of Technical Operations, highlighted the setbacks in advancing their Connect USVI initiative, aimed at delivering fixed broadband with minimum speeds of one gigabit per second to all locations within the territory. This project, partially funded by the Federal Communications Commission, allocates six years for Liberty to fulfill the outlined network expansion, upgrade, and disaster resilience activities. However, Portela expressed concerns over slipping milestones due to permitting holdups. He pointed out that 57 permit packages are currently pending approval with the Department of Public Works (DPW), affecting over 15,000 households.
Portela mentioned ongoing dialogues with DPW to expedite the permit approval process, noting that some permits have been in the queue for several months without feedback.
He also voiced frustration over DPW’s added criteria outside the established permitting framework, causing disruptions in logistics and work planning.
Additionally, Portela shed light on the slow progress with WAPA concerning pole attachment agreements, crucial for the Connect USVI initiative. Despite over a year of negotiations, a solid agreement with WAPA remains elusive, posing risks to meeting federally mandated project milestones.
WAPA’s CEO and Executive Director, Andrew Smith, acknowledged communication gaps with Liberty. During the session, Smith emphasized the importance of safety in accessing utility poles for equipment installation. He outlined the need for telecom and broadband providers to conduct thorough engineering analysis ensuring safe equipment installation, in compliance with the recent amendments to the National Electrical Safety Code and other safety standards. This includes adhering to new guidelines for devices emitting radio frequencies, ensuring technician and linemen safety during pole work.
Smith reiterated WAPA’s support for crucial telecom infrastructure installation in the USVI, while also emphasizing the protection of utility assets. The evident communication disconnect between the entities, as noted by Senator DeGraff, reflects a larger issue affecting the timely rollout of enhanced broadband services, ultimately impacting the residents awaiting improved internet connectivity.
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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