During Monday’s weekly Government House press briefing, officials shared information about Thursday’s UberSoca J’ouvert celebration on St. Croix. Officials also provided numerous community updates, including information about the USVI Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program and a tropical weather update.
Director of Communications Richard Motta Jr. began Monday’s briefing by offering condolences on behalf of the Bryan/Roach administration regarding gun violence across the territory last weekend. He appealed to the public to share any possible information about the crimes as the Virgin Islands Police Department conducts investigations.
“As we mourn the tragic loss of two lives on separate shootings in St. Croix and in St. Thomas, we do so with heavy hearts,” Motta stated. “These senseless acts of violence leave families shattered and our community in grief,” Motta continued.
“Gun violence must end,” Motta declared. “We cannot let fear define our lives. The governor urges anyone with information about these incidents and others to come forward to the VIPD, [and] your courage can help bring justice and healing,” Motta said.
Anyone with information can anonymously contact the VIPD through Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-TIPS.
St. Croix UberSoca Cruise and J’ouvert Information
Ian Turnbull, Director of the USVI Division of Festivals, joined the press briefing virtually to share information about the UberSoca Cruise arrival and celebrations at Frederiksted Pier on St. Croix on Thursday.
“I am glad to announce [that] UberSoca [Cruise] is coming to St. Croix on Oct. 24, [and the ship will be docked] at Frederiksted pier at 7 a.m.,” Turnbull said. “We are going to be hosting two events on that day in conjunction with UberSoca, a [zombie-themed] J’ouvert, and a beach cool-off after party following the J’ouvert,” Turnbull explained.
According to information provided in a previous Source article, “The Norwegian Jade [the cruise ship that will host the event] will dock at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility (Frederiksted Pier) on St. Croix with more than 2,500 revelers as part of the momentous 10th voyage for UberSoca Cruise to partake in a one-of-a-kind J’ouvert celebration.”
Turnbull noted that the J’ouvert celebration will occur between 9 a.m. and approximately noon [through possibly] 1 p.m., and a celebration route will occur on a two-mile loop beginning and ending in Frederiksted. Turnbull explained that the beach after party will take place on Frederiksted beach between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. The event will feature entertainment, including performances and disc jockeys.
The schedule for Thursday’s festivities can be found here, and more information is available on the V.I. Division of Festivals Facebook Page.
Sgt. Arthur Joseph, traffic commander with the VIPD, provided details on upcoming road closures throughout the UberSoca Cruise arrival and J’ouvert events in Frederiksted on Thursday.
“In and around the town of Frederiksted, the roads will be closed [for the event route], which includes King Street, Strand Street, a portion of Fisher Street, and Veterans Shore Drive,” Joseph explained.
Joseph said attendees can park in the area typically designated for taxi drivers. However, parking will not be allowed on King Street or Strand Street. Parking restrictions will be in effect and enforced beginning at 6 a.m. on Thursday until the conclusion of the event later in the day. Officers will patrol the area around Frederiksted.
Joseph repeatedly stressed the importance of hydrating with water throughout the festivities to ensure that individuals remain healthy. Joseph provided his personal contact information for anyone with questions or concerns. He can be reached at 340-227-0184 or via email at Arthur.Joseph@vipd.vi.gov.
Weather Update
Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, provided a tropical weather update and noted that there are no tropical systems that currently threaten the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, Jaschen said that the National Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Oscar, which formed last Saturday. The system will impact Cuba and portions of the Bahamas this week.
Jaschen explained that several other weather events will affect the territory over the next few days, including an elevated risk of excessive heat and strong rip currents.
Jaschen advised individuals across the region to stay hydrated and cool to help avoid heat-related illnesses. He also shared tips regarding rip current safety, explaining that swimmers caught in a rip current should remember to swim parallel to the coastline to escape the pull of a strong current.
Finally, Jaschen congratulated individuals who participated in a successful Great USVI ShakeOut 2024 last Thursday, Oct. 17, focused on educating the public about how to stay safe during an earthquake.
“This year’s event had unprecedented participation, [with] 23,443 registered participants in the U.S. Virgin Islands alone, [who took] part in a national earthquake drill, surpassing our ambitious goals and demonstrating the territory’s commitment to emergency preparedness,” Jaschen proclaimed.
Residents can sign up for emergency alerts from VITEMA, and information about building an emergency preparedness kit is available on the agency’s website here.
The Source Weather Page also publishes a daily weather forecast and offers readers the opportunity to view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.
USVI Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program
Motta shared information about the USVI Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
“I am pleased to announce that the SFMNP is now open for applications,” Motta said. “This important initiative is one of many ways that Gov. Bryan and the Bryan/Roach administration are working to ensure the needs of our senior community are met,” Motta added.
“With inflation impacting households across our territory, this program provides much-needed support by offering free, fresh, locally grown produce to low-income seniors, helping them to stretch their budgets while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Motta continued.
Individuals who would like to apply for this program can do so until Oct. 31, 2024, through the V.I. Agriculture Department’s website. The direct link to the SFMNP application document can be accessed here.
Upcoming Press Briefings
Finally, Motta noted that in addition to next week’s scheduled Government House weekly press briefing, Gov. Bryan will hold a press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 10 a.m. at Government House on St. Croix. Motta explained that an economic announcement will be made about a new maritime transportation network that will “enhance trade and connectivity throughout the Caribbean.”
Motta added that on Thursday, Oct. 24, at 10:40 a.m., Bryan will hold a press conference at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Conference Room regarding a South Shore Investor Round Table with Wayne L. Biggs, chief executive officer of the V.I. Economic Development Authority to discuss opportunities around the “South Shore Trade Zone Program.”
Upcoming press conferences will be broadcast on the GVI Facebook Page and on television at The Government Access Network.
