Caribbean Youth: Two U.S. Virgin Islands teens made the 10-person finalist list for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant: Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix. The Dec. 30 contest in St. Kitts will celebrate the region’s heritage and talent. Island Roots: Model Hannah Jeter’s St. Thomas upbringing included competitive tennis before she was discovered at 14 and began an international modeling career. Political Status: The U.S. called for the U.N. Decolonization Committee to be disbanded; the Virgin Islands remains one of 17 territories the U.N. lists as non-self-governing. Caribbean Cuisine: The U.S. Virgin Islands is among 15 destinations set to compete at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19. Epstein Case: A report highlighted former USVI Attorney General Denise George’s 2021 lawsuit naming Epstein’s lawyer and accountant; the case against Epstein’s estate settled for more than $105 million, with no admission of wrongdoing.
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Island Roots: St. Thomas-raised Hannah Jeter grew up playing competitive tennis and was discovered as a model at 14, long before her career took her to international runways. Youth & Culture: Two Virgin Islanders are among 10 finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant: Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix. They’ll showcase Caribbean heritage at the Dec. 30 competition in St. Kitts under the theme “Radiant Treasures of the Caribbean.” Caribbean Cuisine: U.S. Virgin Islands culinary and mixology teams are set to compete at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19, alongside 14 other destinations. Self-Determination: The U.S. has called for the end of the U.N. Decolonization Committee, which includes the Virgin Islands among 17 non-self-governing territories.
Caribbean Youth: Two U.S. Virgin Islands teens are among 10 finalists for the Dec. 30 Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in St. Kitts: Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix. Contestants will celebrate their homelands under the theme “Radiant Treasures of the Caribbean.” Self-Determination: The U.S. called for the end of the U.N. Decolonization Committee, which recognizes the Virgin Islands as one of 17 non-self-governing territories. The debate comes as Guam seeks a vote on self-determination. Island Foodways: A Charleston restaurant opening in December will revive Kendrick’s, the family name behind a St. Croix restaurant that operated from 1985 until Hurricane Hugo and later reopened. The owners say the menu will blend Caribbean flavors with French technique. Regional Flavor: The U.S. Virgin Islands will compete at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19, alongside 14 other destinations, in culinary and mixology contests. Epstein Case: A report revisiting the former U.S. Virgin Islands attorney general’s lawsuit notes Denise George sued Epstein’s lawyer and accountant in 2021; the case led to a settlement of more than $105 million, without admissions of wrongdoing.
Youth & Culture: Two U.S. Virgin Islands teens — Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix — are among 10 finalists for the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant. The Dec. 30 event in St. Kitts will celebrate regional heritage and talent. Territorial Affairs: The U.S. is calling for the end of the U.N. Decolonization Committee, which recognizes the Virgin Islands among 17 non-self-governing territories. Island Foodways: A family restaurant with roots in St. Croix is getting a new chapter in Charleston. Kendrick’s, founded there in 1985, is set to reopen under the founders’ son and daughter-in-law, with Caribbean flavors on the menu. Justice & Accountability: A report notes that former USVI Attorney General Denise George’s 2021 suit named Epstein associates Darren Indyke and Richard Kahn before a new New Mexico case did. The USVI case settled for more than $105 million without admissions of wrongdoing. Youth Sports: The USVI opened its campaign against Jamaica at the FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan, a tournament that guarantees every team games through the final day.
Caribbean Talent: Two U.S. Virgin Islands teens, Amaya Marks of St. Thomas and La’Shonté Joseph of St. Croix, are finalists in the 44th Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, set for Dec. 30 in St. Kitts and Nevis. This year’s theme celebrates the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Island History: A report on the latest Epstein lawsuits overlooks a key U.S. Virgin Islands chapter: former AG Denise George sued Epstein’s estate in 2021, naming his lawyer and accountant and securing a settlement worth more than $105 million. Food & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands will compete with 14 Caribbean destinations at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19, with new contests in beef, seafood and vodka. Youth Sports: The U.S. Virgin Islands open play today against Jamaica at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan. Education: Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands plan to sign a November agreement to recruit teachers and nurses, raising questions about opportunity and the potential loss of skilled workers.
Epstein Case: A report says New Mexico’s attorney general overlooked a U.S. Virgin Islands lawsuit when calling his case against Jeffrey Epstein’s lawyer and accountant the first law-enforcement action against them. Former USVI Attorney General Denise George sued the men in 2021, helping secure a settlement of more than $105 million for survivors; she was later removed from office after suing JPMorgan over its Epstein ties. Caribbean Talent: St. Thomas’s Amaya Marks and St. Croix’s La’Shonté Joseph are finalists in the 44th Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant, set for Dec. 30 in St. Kitts. This year’s theme celebrates the region’s heritage and natural beauty. Island Flavors: The U.S. Virgin Islands will compete with 14 Caribbean destinations at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19, where new beef, seafood and vodka contests join the lineup. Youth Soccer: The USVI opens against Jamaica on Oct. 24 at the inaugural FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan. Education and Health: Ghana and the USVI are expected to sign a November agreement to recruit teachers and nurses, raising questions about opportunity and potential workforce losses.
Caribbean Food & Culture: The U.S. Virgin Islands will compete alongside 14 other destinations at Taste of the Caribbean in Barbados, Nov. 16–19. New contests in beef, seafood and vodka join the culinary and mixology lineup. Youth Sports: The USVI under-15 team opens against Jamaica on Oct. 24 at the FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan. The event includes cultural activities and guarantees every team games through the final day. Education & Health: Ghana and the USVI are preparing a November agreement to recruit Ghanaian teachers and nurses. Key details—including pay, contracts and recruitment numbers—have yet to be announced. Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership will pursue renewable energy, climate resilience, infrastructure and workforce training projects across the USVI, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean.
Youth Football: The U.S. Virgin Islands open their FIFA U-15 World Cup Festival campaign against Jamaica on Oct. 24 in Azerbaijan. The event guarantees every team games through the final day. Education & Health: Ghana and the USVI are preparing an agreement to recruit Ghanaian teachers and nurses for the territory. Details on numbers, pay, eligibility and contracts are expected after a memorandum is signed in November. Tourism Careers: The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s scholarship foundation is seeking 30 scholarships and grants for regional students in 2027; seven governments have already pledged support. Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership will pursue renewable energy, climate resilience, infrastructure and workforce training projects across the USVI, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Caribbean Travel: Cunard’s 2028–29 season includes Caribbean sailings, with overnight calls planned in Bridgetown and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
Youth Soccer: Three Jamaica College players are joining Jamaica’s under-15 squad for the FIFA festival in Azerbaijan, where the team opens against the U.S. Virgin Islands on Oct. 24. The festival also includes cultural exchange and community activities. Tourism Scholarships: The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s scholarship foundation is seeking 30 scholarships and grants for 2027, with seven governments already pledging support for future tourism leaders. Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership covering the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean will target renewable energy, community resilience and workforce training. Education and Health: Ghana and the territory plan to sign a recruitment agreement in November to bring teachers and nurses to the USVI; hiring numbers, pay and contract terms have yet to be announced. Paradise Jam: Penn State’s women’s basketball team is scheduled to visit the U.S. Virgin Islands for the tournament before returning home for a Dec. 2 game.
Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership will target renewable energy, climate resilience, safer buildings and workforce training across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Tourism Scholarships: The Caribbean Tourism Organization’s scholarship foundation is seeking 30 awards for its 30th anniversary in 2027; seven governments have already pledged support to develop the region’s next generation of tourism leaders. Teachers and Nurses: Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands plan to formalize a recruitment agreement in November to help fill staffing gaps in schools and health care. The number of recruits and job conditions have not yet been announced. Local Heritage: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new American World War II Heritage Cities designated by the National Park Service, recognizing the territory’s place in the wartime story.
Clean Energy: A new three-year partnership will explore renewable energy, climate resilience, safer buildings and workforce training across the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. Education and Health: Ghana and the USVI plan to formalize a framework for recruiting teachers and nurses to help fill critical vacancies; numbers, pay and contract terms have not yet been announced. Farm Community Wellbeing: A survey that included educators in the USVI found many can spot signs of stress and suicide risk among farming families, and want more mental health training. Local Heritage: Charlotte Amalie has been named an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing the territory’s role in the war and efforts to preserve its history. Youth Sailing: Virgin Islands Optimist sailors posted strong results at St. Thomas Yacht Club’s Fall Regatta, including a third-place finish for Sean Stacey in the Green Fleet.
Health & Education: The USVI and Ghana are preparing a November agreement to recruit Ghanaian nurses and teachers for hard-to-fill local jobs. Numbers, qualifications and employment terms have not been announced. Heritage: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 places newly named World War II Heritage Cities by the National Park Service, recognizing the territory’s wartime history. Island Life: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space. Youth Sailing: Young sailors from the British Virgin Islands raced in St. Thomas’ Fall Regatta, with Sean Stacey taking third overall in the beginner fleet and Jervis Tucker-Davis finishing fifth.
School Wellness: A multistate survey that included U.S. Virgin Islands educators found many agricultural teachers recognize suicide warning signs among farming families and want more mental-health training. Health and Education: The USVI and Ghana plan to formalize a recruitment agreement in November to bring Ghanaian nurses and teachers to the territory. Hiring numbers, qualifications and employment terms have not been announced. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas opens Oct. 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release—the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by the exhibitor. Local History: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new American World War II Heritage Cities designated by the National Park Service, recognizing the territory’s wartime history. Island Leisure: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space.
Workforce & Education: The USVI and Ghana plan to sign a November agreement to recruit Ghanaian nurses and teachers for hard-to-fill jobs. Numbers, salaries and contract terms have not yet been announced. Island Heritage: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 places newly named World War II Heritage Cities, recognizing its wartime history and preservation efforts. Caribbean Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open in St. Thomas and St. Croix on Oct. 29 as part of a seven-territory release—the first Jamaican film distributed regionally by the cinema chain. Leisure: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space. Youth Sailing: Virgin Islands sailors earned strong results at the St. Thomas Fall Regatta, with Sean Stacey taking third overall in the beginner fleet and Jervis Tucker-Davis fifth.
Island Cinema: Jamaican psychological thriller Stew Peas opens Oct. 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release, marking the first time a regional exhibitor has distributed a Jamaican film across the islands. Education & Health: The USVI and Ghana plan to sign a November agreement to recruit Ghanaian teachers and nurses for the territory. Numbers, hiring requirements and employment terms have not yet been announced. Heritage: Charlotte Amalie is among the latest places named an American World War II Heritage City by the National Park Service, recognizing the territory’s wartime history. St. Thomas Leisure: Yacht Haven Grande has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space. Youth Sailing: Virgin Islands sailors earned strong results at the St. Thomas Fall Regatta, including Sean Stacey’s third-place finish in the Green Fleet.
Health & Education: The USVI and Ghana have agreed to formalize a recruitment partnership for Ghanaian nurses and teachers, with an MoU expected in November. Numbers, pay and contract terms have not been announced. Heritage: Charlotte Amalie has been named an American World War II Heritage City, recognizing the territory’s place in the wartime story. Citizenship: A House bill would restrict birthright citizenship for some children born in U.S. territories from 2027; its sponsor says he cannot confirm whether it has stalled, and no hearing is scheduled. Island Culture: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set to open October 29 in St. Thomas and St. Croix as part of a seven-territory Caribbean release. St. Thomas Lifestyle: Yacht Haven Grande has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space.
Education & Health: Ghana and the U.S. Virgin Islands plan to sign an agreement in November to recruit Ghanaian teachers and nurses for hard-to-fill jobs. Staffing numbers and employment terms have not yet been announced. Virgin Islands Heritage: Charlotte Amalie has been named one of 10 new World War II Heritage Cities, recognizing the territory’s place in the nation’s history. St. Thomas Lifestyle: Yacht Haven Grande has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space. Island Film: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for a regional cinema release on Oct. 29, including screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Youth Sailing: Young sailors from the British Virgin Islands competed at St. Thomas Yacht Club’s Fall Regatta; Sean Stacey placed third in the Green Fleet and won a race.
Island Heritage: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new World War II Heritage Cities named by the National Park Service, recognizing the capital’s place in the wartime story. Citizenship: A congressional bill would end birthright citizenship for some children born in U.S. territories from 2027. Its sponsor says he cannot confirm whether it has stalled and has not read a Senate version. St. Thomas Recreation: Yacht Haven Grande has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and an expanded event space. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for a regional release Oct. 29, including screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Youth Sailing: Virgin Islands Optimist sailors competed in St. Thomas’ Fall Regatta; Sean Stacey placed third in the Green Fleet, while Jervis Tucker-Davis finished fifth.
Birthright Citizenship: A bill that would end automatic citizenship for some children born in the U.S. Virgin Islands after Jan. 1, 2027, remains in limbo. Sponsor Rep. Morgan Griffith says he cannot confirm its status and has not read a similar Senate proposal. Island History: Charlotte Amalie is among 10 new National Park Service-designated World War II Heritage Cities, recognized for its ties to the nation’s wartime story. St. Thomas Leisure: Yacht Haven Grande has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and expanded event space. Caribbean Cinema: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for a regional release on Oct. 29, including screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix. Youth Sailing: Virgin Islands sailors made their mark at St. Thomas Yacht Club’s Fall Regatta: Sean Stacey finished third in the Green Fleet, while Jervis Tucker-Davis placed fifth.
Territorial Identity: A proposed federal bill would end automatic U.S. citizenship for some children born in the Virgin Islands and other territories after 2027. Sponsor Rep. Morgan Griffith says he can’t confirm whether his House bill has stalled, and says he hasn’t read a related Senate measure. Island Life: Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas has opened Coral Cove Racquet and Pool Club, with tennis, pickleball and padel courts, a pool and an expanded event space for gatherings. Caribbean Screen: Jamaican thriller Stew Peas is set for a regional cinema release on Oct. 29, including screenings in St. Thomas and St. Croix—the first Jamaican film distributed by the regional exhibitor. Youth Sailing: BVI sailors competed in St. Thomas’s Fall Regatta, with Sean Stacey taking third overall in the Green Fleet and Jervis Tucker-Davis finishing fifth.
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