WTJX NEWSFEED

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Experts say the track at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School is unsafe for athletes, but officials are at odds over whether to move forward with repairs to the track now or fold the project into the larger FEMA-funded school rebuild. Keith Smith, president of the Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation and father of track star Michelle Smith, warns that waiting years will sideline a generation of athletes, but Craig Benjamin, the executive director for the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance, is concerned about funding a brand new track that he says may be ripped up in coming years. The Virgin Islands Port Authority board announced that Ava Penn will soon take over as interim director, following the news of Carlton Dowe’s sudden retirement amidst federal bank fraud charges. And lawmakers got another sobering update this week on the state of the territory’s hospitals, while also hearing testimony on the recent integration of the territory’s two hospitals. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: The track at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. Photo Credit: WTJX/Jordan Petty

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: We speak with our chief reporter Tom Eader who was in the courtroom as Darin Richardson, former COO for the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority was sentenced to three years in prison following his conviction last year of fraud and money laundering. The parents of a student who was placed in a chokehold by a school monitor at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School are looking to press charges, meanwhile Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington says the monitor has been placed on leave as they investigate the incident. And WAPA says residents in the St. Thomas/St. John district who were expecting an end to rotational power yesterday will have to wait a little longer, with full restoration now expected this evening. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Darin Richardson, the former Chief Operating Officer for the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, enters District Court on St. Thomas alongside supporters for his sentencing. Photo Credit: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Residents protested and questioned Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority CEO Karl Knight over repeated outages and years of unreliable service during a town hall meeting on St. John last night. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security say last week’s immigration enforcement operation on St. Croix was part of a “scheduled consensual encounter,” but the videos circulating online tell a very different story. And a man has been extradited to St. Thomas to face fraud charges after he allegedly impersonated a contractor hired by the Department of Health and stole more than $400,000. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: A protester stands outside the Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John, where the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority held a Town Hall on St. John last night. Photo Credit: WTJX/Dante Morón

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: We speak with WNBA star and St. Thomas native Aliyah Boston, who returned home over the weekend to host her 2026 Girls Basketball Clinic. The long-promised rebuild and modernization of public schools across the territory is now moving from planning to “visible progress,” says Government House, with construction starting at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School this week and the groundbreaking for the Charlotte Amalie High School and the St. Croix Central High School set for April. And women veterans in the territory were honored during a ceremony at Government House on St. Thomas. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: WNBA star Aliyah Boston coaches two young athletes during her 2026 Girls Basketball Clinic on St. Thomas. Photo credit: Rudy LaPlace for the Aliyah Boston Foundation

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: VIPD issued a series of updates on recent crimes in the territory, including an attempted robbery on St. Thomas that left the suspect dead and a string of burglaries at St. Croix businesses. We speak with the owner of Aquaholic Beach Bar and Grill, one of the businesses targeted on March 19. Carlton Dowe, the soon to be former Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director, will be contesting the allegations against him, according to a notice filed by his attorney. And WAPA CEO Karl Knight says the rotational power outages in the St. Thomas/St. John District are expected to continue until Wednesday, after a key generating unit failed last Thursday leaving the system unable to meet demand. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Aquaholic Beach Bar and Grill, one of the businesses targeted in a string of burglaries on St. Croix last week. Photo Credit: WTJX/Ato Hodge

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe has been indicted on federal fraud charges as he simultaneously announces plans to retire from his position. WNBA star Aliyah Boston is hosting a girls basketball clinic on St. Thomas this weekend, focusing on skill development, mentorship and giving back to the community. A portion of Midland Road on St. Croix will be closed Saturday morning to allow residents to safely carry out a community cleanup effort. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe walks outside the Ron De Lugo Federal Building United States Courthouse today after being indicted on bank fraud. Photo Credit: WTJX/Roshan Sookram

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School was closed today after an electrical issue disrupted power to the campus. Despite earlier opposition from DPNR, senators approved a scaled-back rezoning plan for Beeston Hill, allowing housing development while eliminating the commercial use that raised concerns. DLCA has introduced stricter documentation requirements for fuel price increases to ensure transparency and prevent unjustified hikes. Lawmakers have moved to subpoena officials and contractors tied to the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project ahead of a rescheduled April 20 oversight hearing. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: The Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School Photo Credit: WTJX/Jamar Hewlett

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: DLCA issued a reminder to fuel retailers across the territory that they must get government approval before raising fuel prices by submitting a formal request including the proposed increase, the date of fuel delivery, and supporting documentation such as invoices showing higher costs. Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens plans to introduce legislation next month that would require property owners to maintain trees and brush along the roads adjacent to their land. And we speak with Dior Parsons, the President of Society 340, who coordinated an effort that provided some St. John residents with grocery store gift cards to assist with food replacement after the island was without power for over 48 hours. Listen to these stories and more. Photo credit: WTJX/Jose Bultes

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: The Department of Planning and Natural Resources opposes a request to rezone nearly 16 acres in Beeston Hill for a 24-unit housing development during a Legislature Committee of the Whole hearing, noting it conflicts with the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and urges the usage of existing residential development tools instead. Power was restored to St. John around midnight following a weekend outage that WAPA says was caused by deliberate vandalism to critical infrastructure. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered fuel conservation measures across government agencies in anticipation of potential economic impacts tied to global energy instability stemming from the war in Iran. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Territorial Planner Leia LaPlace-Matthew Photo Credit: Legislature of the Virgin Islands Facebook Page

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Lime Out St. Thomas in Lindbergh Bay has been named one of TIME Magazine’s top travel destinations, bringing international attention to the Virgin Islands’ popular floating taco and cocktail spot. WAPA officials point to suspected deliberate damage to a transmission line as the reason for a power outage that left St. John without electricity over the weekend. Federal prosecutors have filed additional sentencing arguments against former VIHFA executive Darin Richardson ahead of his March 26 sentencing. Police on St. Croix are asking for the public’s help locating 13-year-old Sophia Guandolo aka Bamboo, who was last seen March 12 in Estate Mountain. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Lime Out St. Thomas in Lindbergh Bay Photo Credit: Bryson Gamble

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: We speak with our contributing reporter Isabelle Teare, who was in the courtroom for today’s hearing where Magistrate Judge Julie Smith-Todman tightened pretrial release restrictions on St. Thomas restaurateur Brett “Mac” McClafferty by barring him and his businesses from posting about the facts of his criminal case on social media, while still allowing him to declare his innocence and campaign for Senate. Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach is reminding Virgin Islands homeowners that the deadline to apply for or renew Homestead property tax credits for the 2026 tax year is March 25. The University of the Virgin Islands is inviting the community to its 34th Annual Afternoon on the Green on St. Thomas. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Brett “Mac” McClafferty raises his hand while exiting Magistrate Court on St. Thomas after Judge Julie Smith-Todman tightened his pretrial release restrictions related to posting on social media. Photo Credit: WTJX/Isabelle Teare

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: CAHS senior and Girl Scout Ka’Nylah Scatliffe served as honorary Governor for the Day at Government House, joining Governor Albert Bryan Jr. for activities highlighting youth leadership during Girl Scout Week and Women’s History Month. Senators held legislation that would grant greater autonomy to the Virgin Islands Lottery. Prosecutors are asking the Superior Court to order St. Thomas restaurant owner Brett “Mac” McClafferty to show cause why he should not face sanctions for allegedly violating pretrial release conditions by posting about his criminal case on social media. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Ka’Nylah Scatliffe served as Honorary Governor for the Day at Government House Photo Credit: Government House of the USVI

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: DPNR is asking for the public’s help in locating a handcrafted statue honoring one of the Virgin Islands’ historic Fireburn Queens that was stolen from the Fort Frederik Museum. Sexual assault charges against St. Thomas entertainer Jefferson “Big Daddy Jeff” or “BDJ” Faustin have been dismissed once again, this time days before the case was set to go to trial. The Election System of the Virgin Islands is hosting training sessions for individuals considering a run for office, explaining the nomination process and requirements ahead of the 2026 election cycle. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Two of the three handcrafted mahogany Fire Burn Queen statues commissioned for Fort Frederik in honor of the 150th Anniversary of Emancipation. Photo Credit: Department of Planning and Natural Resources

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: VIWMA implemented new hours at the Mon Bijou bin site on St. Croix from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the gate locked after hours to prevent illegal dumping. VIHFA is inviting residents to register for a March 18 webinar explaining how first-time homebuyers can access funding for mortgage assistance through the agency’s homeownership programs. St. Thomas businessman Brett “Mac” McClafferty filed a civil lawsuit against Banco Popular, alleging the bank’s actions led to his arrest in a fraud investigation involving nearly nine hundred thousand dollars in disputed banking transactions. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: The Mon Bijou bin site on St. Croix will now operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Photo Credit: WTJX/Jamar Hewlett

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Lawmakers respond to an Inspector General audit of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission which uncovered missing medallions, licensing failures, and weak oversight. We speak with Senator Avery Lewis about a potential committee hearing and Senator Angel Bolques about his proposal to modernize the agency’s administrative systems. The Anguilla Landfill on St. Croix reopened after emergency crews spent the weekend battling a fire that forced the temporary closure of the facility. WAPA sent a second crew of line workers to Jamaica to assist with post Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Senators Avery Lewis and Angel Bolques during a town hall meeting concerning the operation of taxi services on the island of St. John on October 14, 2025. Photo Credit: Legislature of the Virgin Islands Facebook Page

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Students at Lew Muckle Elementary School received new library books today after the Altona Lagoon Book Club donated about $1,700 worth of reading materials to support literacy. Superior Court Judge Denise M. Francois ordered a mistrial in the kidnapping and torture trial against Troy Harrigan following the shooting death of his co-defendant Desie Henry Jr. on St. Thomas. DPNR says Bluebeard's Beach and Sapphire Beach on St. Thomas are currently unsafe for swimming or fishing due to elevated bacteria levels. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. says federal officials are proposing a Washington, D.C. summit to address the dispute between the U.S. and British Virgin Islands over new charter yacht fees and licensing rules. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured left to right in back: Altona Lagoon Book Club members Leonor Gillette, Rashida Rawlins (Lew Muckle School Librarian), Susan Ross, Margaret Simpson, Janine Crump (School Counselor), Laura Candit, Raelyn Cambell pose with Lew Muckle Elementary School students. Photo Credit: WTJX/Glenroy Roberts Sr.

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A homicide investigation is underway on St. Thomas after 32-year-old Desie Henry Jr., who was on trial in a kidnapping and torture case, was shot and killed this morning in the Paul M. Pearson Gardens housing community. Visiting District Judge Mark Kearney set a trial date in the federal fraud case against Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne. The Virgin Islands Folklife Festival is returning this week with a series of events celebrating the territory’s music, storytelling, crafts, and cultural traditions during Virgin Islands History Month. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Desie Henry Jr. Photo Credit: Carl R. Williams

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Florine Audain-Hassell of St. Croix resigned from the Virgin Islands Board of Elections effective March 5. DPNR is launching a month-long Virgin Islands History Month speaker series highlighting cultural figures who helped shape the territory’s heritage. Visiting District Judge Mark Kearney set March 26 for the sentencing of former VIHFA COO Darin Richardson while also addressing motions and scheduling issues in the related federal fraud case involving Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne. Listen to these stories and more. Pictured: Florine Audain-Hassell participates in an October 14, 2025 meeting at the Election System office on St. Thomas. Photo Credit: WTJX/Jose Bultes

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: Former Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White began serving his five-year federal prison sentence at the Federal Correctional Institution of Miami after being convicted of bribery and honest services wire fraud. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is asking Virgin Islanders to provide receipts and documentation to help the territory secure a federal waiver from new postal fees that have increased shipping costs resulting from the suspension of the de minimis exemption. We speak with Senator Marvin Blyden who is urging local gas retailers not to use global tensions as justification for keeping fuel prices high, urging regulators to monitor potential price gouging and ensure consumers are not unfairly burdened despite shifts in global oil markets. Listen to these stories and more. ----more---- Pictured: Federal Correctional Institution of Miami Photo Credit: Federal Bureau of Prisons website

On today’s WTJX Radio NewsFeed: A new class of firefighter-EMTs officially joined the ranks of Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, graduating with a 100% national EMT certification pass rate. The Department of Human Services issued a Safe Haven public notice regarding a newborn baby girl lawfully relinquished on St. Croix, directing any unknown biological father to assert parental rights within 20 days. The Waste Management Authority is implementing new daily operating hours and locking the Mon Bijou bin site gate after 7:00 p.m. beginning March 9 to curb illegal dumping. Listen to these stories and more.