2023

2023

January 2023

Academic Publications

Balkaran, Kavita, Danielle Romais, and James K. Wetterer. 2023. “Decline in Fire Ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Solenopsis Spp.) Along an Important Sea Turtle Nesting Beach at Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge, St Croix, US Virgin Islands.” Transactions of the American Entomological Society 149 (1): 105–8. doi:10.3157/061.149.0105.

• Two species of fire ants are destructive to sea turtles- they attack the nest and the hatchlings. Study follows the decline of the fire ants over five surveys from 2006-2022, for which the reasons are unclear. This decline in fire ants is a net positive for the sea turtles.

CÉSPEDES, GERALDINA. 2023. “Narratives of the Racialisation of Women: A Look at Latin America and the Caribbean.” Concilium (00105236), no. 1 (January): 55–63. https://search-ebscohost-com.ccl.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=aph&AN=161735088&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

• Examination of the intersecting discriminations women face, on lines of gender and race. Uses women’s narratives of racialization to expose how these systems and behaviors function, in order to hopefully eliminate them.

Dikou, Angela. 2023. “Weight–length Relationship in Fish Populations Reflects Environmental Regulation on Growth.” Hydrobiologia 850 (2): 335–46. doi:10.1007/s10750-022-05072-8.

• Studies the mathematical model used to determine the relationship between fish weight (a) and length (b). Studies 116 species over 36 years in the USVI and finds that the standard model doesn’t hold, especially when starvation factors into it.

Esnard, Talia. 2023. “Public Policy, Collaborative Governance, and Female Entrepreneurship in the Caribbean: A Critical Assessment.” Journal of Dialogue Studies 11 (January): 185–206. https://search-ebscohost-com.ccl.idm.oclc.org/login.aspx?direct=true&AuthType=sso&db=aph&AN=165097625&site=ehost-live&scope=site.

• Examines the limits of public policy intervention to promote entrepreneurship among women from a post-structural lens in order to analyze the “degree of consultation within the public policy process, the extent to which this identifies and addresses the concerns of women in the sector, and the implications for reframing public policy as a collaborative governance process.”

Freeman, Shona S. 2023. “African-Caribbean Women Ageing without Children: Does African-Caribbean Culture and Religious Identity Shape Their Experiences?” Journal of Women & Aging 35 (1): 49–64. doi:10.1080/08952841.2022.2071104.

• Examines the cultural and religious socialization of women in the Caribbean, and how that has impacted their perspectives on childlessness. Though these early beliefs do have an impact on many women, many other factors impact women’s decisions on having children. Ten women were interviewed.

Johnson, Myers, Tracy‐Ann. 2023. “Violence against Women in Politics: Female Politicians’ Experience with Political Violence in Jamaica.” Bulletin of Latin American Research 42 (1): 115–30. doi:10.1111/blar.13314.

• Examines how women active in politics in Jamaica have experienced political violence, at all stages of campaigning and then later when serving in office. The violence often takes a gendered form.

Menjívar, Jennifer Carolina Gómez, and Héctor Nicolás Ramos Flores, eds. Hemispheric Blackness and the Exigencies of Accountability. University of Pittsburgh Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv35bfdxw.

• Examines how Black communities throughout North, South, and Central America use land, law, and their own bodies to “assert their historical, ontological, and physical presence.” Offers hemispheric Blackness as a concept and as a lens through which to view history and the present, through twelve regionally varied studies.

Mukherjee, Sonaljit, D C Wilson, P D Jobsis, and Sennai Habtes. 2023. “Numerical Modeling of Internal Tides and Submesoscale Turbulence in the US Caribbean Regional Ocean.” Scientific Reports 13 (1).https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-27944-2.

• Studies the circulation of water throughout the Caribbean. Oceanic flow is determined by both ocean water and water systems on Caribbean islands. Very technical account of many types of variation in water, currents, and temperatures.

Ramos Scharrón, Carlos E., Efraín E. Alicea, Yasiel Figueroa Sánchez, Matthew C. LaFevor, Preston McLaughlin, Lee H. MacDonald, Kynoch Reale-Munroe, Edivaldo L. Thomaz, and Roberto Viqueira Ríos. 2023. “Three Decades of Road and Trail Runoff and Erosion Work in the Northeastern Caribbean – a Research Program Perspective.” Journal of the ASABE66 (1): 35–45. doi:10.13031/ja.15078.

• Reviews 30 years of research on erosion in the northeast Caribbean, and proposes new avenues of study. Unpaved roads and trails are of high importance, as they contribute greatly to sediment runoff. Erosion happens much more quickly on unpaved roads/trails than undisturbed land or on paved roads.

Scott, John, and Zoe Staines. Island Criminology. 1st ed. Bristol University Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv35n89qt.

• Address not rates of crime between islands and other forms of inhabited land, but instead examines how crime is defined, created and addressed in island settings. How are ideas of place and particular social networks influential to criminology?

Voth-Gaeddert, Lee, Douglas Momberg, Kela Brathwaite, Andrew Schranck, Mandy Lemley, and Stephen Libbey. 2023. “Evaluating the Effectiveness of Point-Of-Entry Uv Treatment for Cistern Water among Households in the Us Virgin Islands.” Acs Es&t Water 3 (2): 608–15. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsestwater.2c00595.

• Details a pilot study performed by an NGO- Love City Strong- on the effectiveness of UV water treatment systems in private homes. Show effectiveness against E. Coli, but need to be accompanied by education on operation and maintenance to be effective.

Voumik, Liton Chandra, Shohel Md. Nafi, Shapan Chandra Majumder, and Md. Azharul Islam. 2023. “The Impact of Tourism on the Women Employment in South American and Caribbean Countries.” International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management 35 (9). https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-04-2022-0449.

• Studies the impacts of tourism on women’s employment and economic participation across 32 South American and Caribbean countries, from 1996 to 2020. Finds that expansion of tourism increases women’s economic engagement overall, particularly in the service sector, but decreases economic opportunity in agriculture and industry.

Mass Media

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery’s new owners must remain defendants in Justice Department complaint.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. January 13, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinerys-new-owners-must-remain-defendants-in-justice-department-complaint/article_80f34b1d-581c-5d02-b564-54e6a9561770.html.

• Details a court filing that states that the new refinery owners- West Indies Petroleum and Port Hamilton Refining- will remain as named defendants in a complaint that was originally filed against the previous owners. According to Judge Emile Henderson, “It follows that, in order to become parties to and bound by the Joint Stipulation, WIPL and PHRT had to become parties to this case. The Bankruptcy Court documents contain no caveat that premised their becoming parties to the Joint Stipulation on the amount of liability they assumed.”

February 2023

Academic Publications

 

Eastwood, Sophie V., Alun D. Hughes, Laurie Tomlinson, Rohini Mathur, Liam Smeeth, Krishnan Bhaskaran, and Nishi Chaturvedi. 2023. “Ethnic Differences in Hypertension Management, Medication Use and Blood Pressure Control in UK Primary Care, 2006–2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study.” The Lancet Regional Health – Europe 25 (February): 100557.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2022.100557.

• Compares hypertension rates and management practices across multiple ethnicities: European, South Asian and African/African Caribbean. Initial “antihypertensive initiation” does not vary across the groups, but commitment to maintenance is lower among the African/African Caribbean cohort, indicating lower levels of treatment.

Levitan, Don R, Rachael M Best, and Peter J Edmunds. “Sea Urchin Mass Mortalities 40 Y Apart Further Threaten Caribbean Coral Reefs.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 120, no. 10 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2218901120.

• Two different large die-offs of coral reefs in the Caribbean occurred 40 years apart- in 1983 and in 2022. Algae blooms resulted in huge population percentage losses in 1983, and again in 2022. 2021 was already neat the lowest level of coral cover in the Caribbean, and the second algal related die-off”[increases] the risk that these reefs will further transition into coral-free communities.”

Noboa-Ramos, Carlamarie, Yadira Almodóvar-Díaz, Emma Fernández-Repollet, and Kaumudi Joshipura. 2023. “Healthcare and Social Organizations’ Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Experience: Lessons Learned from Hurricanes Irma and Maria.” Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness 17 (17).https://doi.org/10.1017/dmp.2022.272.

• Study looking at the prevalence of preparedness plans and emergency response plans among healthcare and social organizations (HSOs). Particularly interested in HSO experiences around hurricanes. Concludes that, “Lessons learned after hurricanes allowed HSOs to identify gaps and opportunities to become more resilient.”

Pereira, Ana, Marta C. Soares, Teresa Santos, Ana Poças, Marcos Pérez-Losada, Amy Apprill, Paul C. Sikkel, and Raquel Xavier. 2023. “Reef Location and Client Diversity Influence the Skin Microbiome of the Caribbean Cleaner Goby Elacatinus Evelynae.” Microbial Ecology 85 (2): 372–82. doi:10.1007/s00248-022-01984-z.

• Different organisms interacting in marine environments transfer microbes between themselves. Study details the “the skin bacteria of the Caribbean cleaner sharknose goby, Elacatinus evelynae” in four coral reefs across the USVI. These creatures interact with many others, and the microbes found on their skin can help understand interactions and microbial transfers in these locations.

Mass Media

Probasco, Mat. “Bryan Says EPA ‘Maliciously’ And ‘Illegally’ Shut Down Refinery.” The St. Croix Source. February 9, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/02/09/bryan-says-epa-maliciously-and-illegally-shutdown-refinery/.

• Details remarks made by Governor Bryan, accusing the EPA of acting improperly in shutting down and requiring additional permitting for the oil refinery. Bryan believes that a push towards green energy, while good, must coexist with the need for fossil fuels. Bryan stated that, “the EPA knows that all they have to do is bleed the investors long enough and the refinery won’t be able to function.”

Staff Consortium. “Plans to Remove Dangerous Chemicals From Refinery on St. Croix to Commence in March Following EPA Approval.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. February 9, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-plans-to-remove-dangerous-chemicals-from-refinery-on-st-croix-to-commence-in-march-following-epa-approval-.

• EPA approves PHRT’s plans to remove dangerous chemicals and repair the systems needed to safely remove the chemicals. Article details the technical process of anhydrous ammonia removal, which will be overseen by the EPA.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA approves plans to remove chemicals from St. Croix refinery.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. February 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-approves-plans-to-remove-chemicals-from-st-croix-refinery/article_723ac53b-294b-5e1c-850d-76d6a8a89eaa.html.

• Further details on the EPA’s conditional approval on the chemical removal plan. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia states: “This is a critical step forward in safely removing harmful chemicals from the facility and away from the community and workers…EPA will be there every step of the way, providing oversight of the safe removal to ensure people’s protection. We will provide the public with updates and make real-time air monitoring data available to the community.”

Daily News Staff. “Bryan testifies before Energy committee; seeks help with energy, health care concerns.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. February 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/bryan-testifies-before-energy-committee-seeks-help-with-energy-health-care-concerns/article_f932c7ef-4fbe-526a-83e5-27da11f9a731.html.

• Governor Bryan attended and spoke at a meeting of the National Governors Association, as well as speaking in front of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Relevant here is his remarks on energy and what he characterizes as resistance from the EPA, felt by him and other territorial leaders.

Simon, Janeka. “Bryan Calls EPA’s Shut Down of St. Croix Refinery ‘Illegal,’ ‘Bogus,’ ‘Malicious.’ ‘They Don’t Give a Damn.’.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. February 10, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-governor-bryan-calls-epas-shut-down-of-st-croix-refinery-illegal-bogus-malicious-they-dont-give-a-damn-.

• While still in Washington, Governor Bryan spoke to journalists and had harsh words for the EPA. On the physical refinery itself, “That thing could be rusting away there for 20 years before anything ever happens. Think about it rusting away, and then us having to have another storm and all that debris flying around. So, you know, I tell the EPA all the time, yeah, you are pushing for a cleaner environment, but you’re gonna end up having a worse one if that thing is just rotting away untended.”

Probasco, Mat. “Mid-March Removal of St. Croix Refinery Chemicals Planned.” The St. Croix Source. February 13, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/02/13/mid-march-removal-of-refinery-chemicals-planned/.

• If permitting and logistics go as planned, the removal of the chemicals from the refinery is set to begin in mid March. Article details how the anhydrous ammonia and liquified petroleum gas is to be removed, transported, and disposed of safely.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Government House: Bryan has ‘frustration’ over EPA’s refinery enforcement.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. February 14, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/government-house-bryan-has-frustration-over-epas-refinery-enforcement/article_9451d450-0139-5e77-8a3d-062099bf1790.html.

•  Government House Communications Director Richard Motta was asked at a press briefing to clarify Governor Bryan’s frustrated remarks directed towards the EPA. Cited as reasons are the EPA not understanding the economic importance of oil refining and using little-enforced regulatory measures, while Motta downplays the environmental and health-related concerns related to the refinery. When asked if a firefighter’s recent injury was a public health concern, Motta responded, “In your opinion.”

George, Elesha. “Plans to Remove Dangerous Chemicals From St. Croix Refinery Gain Momentum.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. February 14, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-plans-to-remove-dangerous-chemicals-from-st-croix-refinery-gains-momentum.

• Details the logistical and operational machinations in place in order to begin removing the chemicals from the refinery. Efforts require much inter-group cooperation, and will include real-time EPA monitoring available for public viewing online.

Probasco, Mat. “10 Takeaways From Refinery Chemical-Removal Meeting.” The St. Croix Source. February 16, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/02/16/10-takeaways-from-refinery-chemical-removal-meeting/.

• Takeaways from highly attended virtual meeting related to chemical removal: 1. St. Croix is concerned, 2. The EPA is taking a superfund-style approach, 3. Toxins at the plant were not a surprise, 4. Scientists will monitor four levels of air-quality reports, 5. There are plans in place if things go wrong, 6. Texas contractors will remove the chemicals — there is a lot of it — and ship it off island, 8. There’s currently no known leak but there has been, 9. A simulated chemical removal is already underway, and 10. Offers means of staying informed.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA details refinery clean-up plans.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. February 17, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-details-refinery-clean-up-plans/article_fa5b4cf2-b4e6-54d6-be58-df8e0421bcff.html.

• Further details of both the virtual meeting, the EPA’s perspective on Governor Bryan’s remarks, and the planned process for chemical removal, now occurring in early April. Per the EPA, “The governor has a different point of view. Clearly, the company also disagrees with the action that we took, and that’s the litigation challenge in court that the company has filed.”

“Gov. Bryan versus the EPA: The arrogance of power.” The St. Croix Source. February 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/opinion/gov-bryan-versus-the-epa-the-arrogance-of-power/article_20dfe2aa-235c-5bb2-8f16-b791743b75ad.html.

• Op Ed criticizing Governor Bryan’s statements regarding the EPA. From the author, “There is no question that Bryan has been given the power of the Office of Governor by the voting public of the Virgin Islands. But when he publicly accuses the EPA of acting maliciously against the people of the USVI, and when he accuses the EPA of bogus and illegal acts, his power is speaking as arrogance and such arrogance is sounding like the omnipotence of a self-proclaimed dictator.”

“Donald Conrad Francois.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. February 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/obituaries/donald-conrad-francois/article_f8d92ec9-e2bb-56f4-9112-410a9f3b6bfb.html.

• Obituary for Donald Conrad Francois, who worked in an environmental regulatory capacity for the Virgin Islands, as well as for many years for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.

Simon, Janeka. “2021 Flare That Led to Closure of Refinery Did Not Contain Hazardous Components, Ocean Point Says as it Heads Off Civil Suits Seeking Water Distribution Continuation.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. February 27, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-business/virgin-islands-2021-flare-that-led-to-closure-of-refinery-did-not-contain-hazardous-components-ocean-point-says-as-it-heads-off-civil-suits-seeking-water-distribution-continuation.

• Related to ongoing legal actions stemming from flares in 2021 at the refinery. Defendants attempting to claim that different entities are being intentionally conflated. Also discusses an abandoned mediation attempt between parties.

 

March 2023

Academic Publications

Araujo Dawson, Beverly, Laura Quiros, and Shavone Hamilton. 2023. “Gendered and Racialized Experiences of Caribbean Latinx Women.” Journal of Ethnic & Cultural Diversity in Social Work, March, 1–12.https://doi.org/10.1080/15313204.2023.2173696.

• Qualitative study, which interviewed eight “self-identified Caribbean Latinas” on their experiences of racism at all levels- including colorism within their own community. Finds that race is a complex category for these women.

Begho, Abi, and Fanta Waterman. 2023. “A Significant Burden: A Qualitative Exploration of the Experience of Women Living with Fibroids in St. Kitts and Nevis.” Journal of Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Disorders 15 (1): 18–26. doi:10.1177/22840265231158416.

• Study of 11 women in St Kitts and Nevis who have experienced fibroids. Interviews were one on one, lasted one hour, and asked how living with fibroids had affected these women’s experiences. Results described were mostly negative, and indicate the need for a “a strategy that includes regular monitoring of patients, good communication between doctor and patient and clear guidance on management for patients.”

Brugulat-Panés, Anna, Lee Randall, Thiago Herick de, Megha Anil, Haowen Kwan, Lambed Tatah, James Woodcock, et al. 2023. “The Potential for Healthy, Sustainable, and Equitable Transport Systems in Africa and the Caribbean: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review and Meta-Study.” Sustainability 15 (6): 5303–3. https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065303.

• Meta-study of “travel behavior” in Africa and the Caribbean, by reviewing databases and literature published between 2008 and 2019. Finds that “in marginalised groups, including the poor, people living rurally or peripheral to cities, women and girls, and the elderly, transport was poorly accessible, travel was characterised by high levels of walking and paratransit (informal public transport) use, and low private vehicle use.” This is associated with “poorly controlled urban growth.” Advocate for policy-makers to consider the importance of transportation to marginalized groups in planning.

Dueck, Colin. “Why the Monroe Doctrine Still Matters.” American Enterprise Institute, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep48720.

• Policy paper from the American Enterprise Institute, advocating for continued “influence” of the US in Latin America, to counterbalance growing Chinese influence. States that, “The Biden administration’s Latin America policy is informed by liberal guilt over Cold War legacies rather than by any clear strategy to counteract Chinese influence in the region.” Hostile to any left-leaning government in Latin America.

Happ, Lea. 2023. “Twenty-First-Century Feminismos: Women’s Movements in Latin America and the Caribbean.” International Affairs 99 (2): 895–96. doi:10.1093/ia/iiad007.

• Interdisciplinary book consisting of ten chapters analyzing different aspects of feminism throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Three main categories of analysis include:  “struggles for autonomy…alliances and tensions between institutional and autonomous approaches to social change; and the production of knowledge grounded in the lived experiences of the movements.”

Johnson-Arbor, Kelly K. 2023. “Chronic Ciguatera Poisoning: A Case Report.” Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 34 (2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wem.2023.01.002.

• Analysis of one case of ciguatera poisoning, found in a 40 year old man. Ciguatera is a fish-borne disease, which occurred here when a man vacationing in the USVI consumed affected fish. Most do not develop chronic symptoms, but this man did. Recommends treatment and symptom mitigation based on his experiences.

Joseph-Gabriel, Annette K. 2023. “Unfinished Business: In Search of Other Women, Other Worlds.” Small Axe: A Caribbean Journal of Criticism 27 (1): 162–73. doi:10.1215/07990537-10461958.

• Essay response to the book Reimagining Liberation: How Black Women Transformed Citizenship in the French Empire. Engages in speculative reading and imagination.

Kyriakakis, Stavroula, Jenna Henning, and Sadie Goddard-Durant. 2023. “The Intimate Relationship Experiences of Women Engaged in Transactional Sex Work in Barbados.” Violence Against Women 29 (3/4): 580–601. doi:10.1177/10778012211058227.

• Study of 30 women interviewed about their experiences with sex work and relationships formed through sex work in Barbados. Discussed are themes of intimate partner violence, mental health, physical health, and empowerment.

Liverpool, Shaun, Yasmin Draoui, Judea Tucker, Brent Pereira, Jamal Prescod, Michael Owen, and Catherine Trotman. 2023. “Factors Associated with Children and Young People’s Mental Health in the English-Speaking Caribbean Region: Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.” Edited by A. K. M. Alamgir. PLOS ONE 18 (3): e0282666.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282666.

• Review of literature and databases on the mental health of children and young people in English-speaking Caribbean countries of variable incomes. Concludes that, “Individual, relationship, community and societal factors may influence CYP’s mental health outcomes in the English-speaking Caribbean,” and advocates for more research.

Obrist-Farner, Jonathan, Byron A Steinman, Nathan D Stansell, and J Maurer. 2023. “Incoherency in Central American Hydroclimate Proxy Records Spanning the Last Millennium.” Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology 38 (3).https://doi.org/10.1029/2022pa004445.

• Climate change has generally lessened rainfall across Central America in the past four decades. However, if one looks closely at different regions, the precipitation changes are much more varied than initially thought. Study compares this to historic patterns: has regional precipitation always varied at similar levels or differed locationally? Finds that “hat precipitation has been highly variable across space and time.”

Ross, Desiree Terese, Haley L Cash, John Orr, and Mark Fenton. “Program Infrastructure the Key to Success: A Pilot Crosswalk Installation to Promote Walkability, Pedestrian Safety, and Physical Activity in the U.s. Virgin Islands.” Health Promotion Practice 24 (2023): 10. https://doi.org/10.1177/15248399231159419.

• Studies the effects of walkability in the built environment on health and safety outcomes, through a pilot program in St Croix. Pedestrian safety is collated to higher walkability and better outcomes, and should be a focus of policy makers.

Mass Media

Buchanan, Don. “Divi Wants to Repurpose Limetree Trailers.” The St. Croix Source. March 16, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/03/16/divi-wants-to-repurpose-limetree-trailers/.

• Divi Bay Casino on St Croix proposed that they would repurpose three trailers meant to house workers at Limetree Bay to house their own employees. This would create affordable housing for employees. The casino is located away from major population centers, making it unattractive to many potential employees who find the transportation onerous.

Stokes, Fiona. “USVI mourns Alexander Moorhead, a giant of a man.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. March 27, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/usvi-mourns-alexander-moorhead-a-giant-of-a-man/article_ae8f6d2d-3e4d-531a-ae27-9b3dee34bfbf.html.

• Obituary for former senator, Alexander Moorhead. Moorhead was a three term senator, serving throughout the 1970s. He went on to serve as the vice president of Government Affairs, Community Relations for the HOVENSA refinery.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA holding online meeting about refinery today.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. March 28, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-holding-online-meeting-about-refinery-today/article_5368a673-73fa-517d-ae9b-e270f2096f29.html.

• Notice for Zoom meeting being held on March 28 in regards to chemical cleanup at the refinery.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA: Chemical removal at STX refinery delayed.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. March 29, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-chemical-removal-at-stx-refinery-delayed/article_508d3a59-f65f-5bcd-88f4-38f7475cfe4a.html.

• Chemical removal from the refinery was set to start in April, but due to resources and contractors being redirected to the train derailment in Ohio, which occurred in February. Work is now set to start in May and continue through the summer.

Probasco, Mat. “Refinery Cleanup Delayed By Ohio Train Derailment.” The St. Croix Source. March 29, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/03/29/refinery-cleanup-delayed-by-ohio-train-derailment/.

• More context on the redirected resources for the cleanup. Article explains that the shipping containers which will be used to transport the hazardous material are in place, equipment and people were in Ohio. The ammonia system on site had been repaired, with work completed on March 20th. Continuous air quality monitoring is still being performed.

April 2023

Academic Publications

Joseph, Debra D., and Adele D Jones. 2023. “Understanding Violence Against Women in the Caribbean Through an Exploration of Men’s Perspectives.” Violence Against Women 29 (5): 1005–23. doi:10.1177/10778012221104845.

• Study documenting male perspectives on domestic violence, through interviews with 60 men of varied ages in the Caribbean. A data analysis performed by software pulled out the following themes: “(1) meanings of violence; (2) patrinormative culture; (3) normalization of violence; (4) male victimization; and (5) blame attribution and empathy.” Patriarchy and early exposure to violence were found to reduce empathy and increase instances (and acceptance of) domestic violence.

Karyadi, Elvina, J. C. Reddy, Kirk A. Dearden, Tutut Purwanti, Mardewi, Eriana Asri, Loreto B. Roquero, et al. 2023. “Antenatal Care Is Associated with Adherence to Iron Supplementation among Pregnant Women in Selected Low-Middle-Income-Countries of Asia, Africa, and Latin America & the Caribbean Regions: Insights from Demographic and Health Surveys.” Maternal & Child Nutrition 19 (2): 1–16. doi:10.1111/mcn.13477.

• Studies effects of anemia in prenatal women across low and middle income countries. Finds that the frequency of doctor appointments while pregnant is collated with the taking of iron supplements- used to prevent anemia, which causes many problems for both the person pregnant and the child.

Schields, Chelsea. Offshore Attachments: Oil and Intimacy in the Caribbean. 1st ed. University of California Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.1895850.

• Book examining racialized sex and gender related to labor at two of the largest oil refineries in the world, on Aruba and Curaçao. Examines what the author refers to as “offshore intimacy,” and how laws were both followed and circumvented by people in the Caribbean, in order to challenge and reshape people and labor within empire.

Mass Media

 

Carlson, Suzanne. “Lawsuit claims Port Hamilton still owes millions for shared services at refinery.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. April 4, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/lawsuit-claims-port-hamilton-still-owes-millions-for-shared-services-at-refinery/article_19bd3026-7d2c-5f27-8a92-6cac3ca3e3e7.html.

• Details of a lawsuit between multiple parties (and multiple iterations of the same parties) over money owed in a shared services agreement at the oil refinery. Ocean Point Terminals (formerly Limetree Bay Terminals) claims that the new owners, Port Hamilton, still owes millions under the terms of their agreement.

Simon, Janeka. “Limetree Bay Files Amended Complaint Against Port Hamilton, Says Company Still Owes Huge Sums for Shared Services.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. April 4, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-business/virgin-islands-limetree-bay-files-amended-complaint-against-port-hamilton-says-company-still-owes-huge-sums-for-shared-services.

• Further details on the lawsuit. Explains that the suit actually began a year prior, and this new suit is an amendment to the original. The original suit claimed Port Hamilton had breached their shared services agreement. The amended complaint claims that Port Hamilton owes Ocean Point nine million dollars in unpaid invoices.

Probasco, Mat. “EPA Outreach on Refinery Continues Through Friday on St. Croix.” The St. Croix Source. April 18, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/04/18/epa-outreach-on-st-croix-all-next-week/.

• Shares the times and dates of many community outreach and educational events hosted by the EPA in order to share details of the chemical cleanup. Also gives details on the air quality monitoring stations and websites- with information available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA doing outreach about St. Croix refinery.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. April 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-doing-outreach-about-st-croix-refinery/article_b4bb069f-243b-5910-9a36-598aa97f4951.html.

• Further details about the EPA’s community events and air monitoring website.

Ellis, Susan. “Removal of Hazardous Chemicals from STX Refinery to Start Tuesday.” The St. Croix Source. April 25, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/04/25/removal-of-hazardous-chemicals-from-stx-refinery-to-start-tuesday/.

• In a media briefing, Daryl Jaschen, executive director of the VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency, described the plan for safely removing the chemicals from the refinery, which was slated to begin within the week. Jaschen stated, “Transportation of the hazardous chemicals by truck to the container port will be through an interconnecting fence gate and not involve any movement on public highways.” Work was expected to be completed by June or July. A website was set up for around the clock monitoring of the project.

Simon, Janeka. “Hazardous Chemical Removal at St. Croix Refinery Begins Today.” The Virgin Islands Consortium.April 25, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-hazardous-chemical-removal-at-st-croix-refinery-begins-today.

• First day of chemical removal from the refinery. Chemicals include “253,000 gallons of rich amine solution, 8,500 gallons of anhydrous ammonia, and 10,500 gallons of liquefied petroleum.” Can be monitored at https://phrt-epa.hub.arcgis.com.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Judge rules police unlawfully seized backpack, guns.”  The Virgin Islands Daily News. April 27, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/judge-rules-police-unlawfully-seized-backpack-guns/article_9391cb24-691c-5b68-b723-def485b62d7c.html.

• Article regarding a seizure of a backpack from a Limetree Bay employee. That backpack included two unlicensed guns. The supreme court ruled that the seizure was not consented to and thus unwarranted and unlawful.

Cobb, Sian. “Refinery Tells Court it May Abandon Restart Over EPA Requirements.” The St. Croix Source. April 28, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/04/28/refinery-tells-court-it-may-abandon-restart-over-epa-requirements/.

• In a briefing to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Port Hamilton stated that “EPA’s conclusion that the St. Croix Refinery must go through a PSD permit process before it can resume operations has immediate, concrete, and costly consequences for Port Hamilton,” and therefore the refinery may not reopen. Stated reasons were the cost of the new permits, costs to make the refinery operational, and the timeline of all of the above.

Simon, Janeka. “Port Hamilton Accuses EPA of Overreach in Ongoing Refinery Permit Showdown.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. April 29, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-business/virgin-islands-port-hamilton-accuses-epa-of-overreach-in-ongoing-refinery-permit-showdown.

• Port Hamilton, in a legal briefing, accused the EPA of regulatory overreach in their requirement of new permitting. Also claims that, though the refinery had been not operational for a decade, that it was “the refinery was never permanently shut down” because Limetree Bay claimed to intend to one day reopen the facility.

 

May 2023

Academic Publications

Baek, Hyunin, Sungil Han, and Randy Seepersad. 2023. “Low Self-Control and Delinquent Behavior among Caribbean Youths: The Moderating Role of Parental Supervision.” International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology, May, 0306624X2311701–1. https://doi.org/10.1177/0306624×231170134.

• Study examining factors involved in delinquent behavior. Factors most important in this study are parental involvement and self-control. Study examines 1,140 youths from Guyana, St. Kitts, Nevis and St. Lucia. Finds that, across genders, parental involvement can make up for low levels of self-control.

Berg, Ryan C. “Insulate, Curtail, Compete: Sketching a U.S. Grand Strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep49338.

• Policy paper calling for a “grand strategy” of US involvement in Latin America and the Caribbean, to counterbalance Chinese involvement, in the name of national interest.

Fernando Salimon Ribeiro, Lucia Crivelli, and Anja Leist. 2023. “Gender Inequalities as Contributors to Dementia in Latin America and the Caribbean: What Factors Are Missing from Research?” The Lancet Healthy Longevity 4 (6): e284–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2666-7568(23)00052-1.

• Dementia has traditionally been studied in high income countries, this study tries to examine the risk factors in low income countries, where gender and class stressors are likely to be even greater. In Latin America and the Caribbean, dementia symptoms tend to appear earlier and are more prevalent in women, even when life expectancy has been adjusted for. This study examines the impacts of gender roles on dementia.

Gordon, Nickesia. 2023. “Woman’s Tongue: The Poetics, Politics, and Production of Feminist Rhetorical Practices in Reggae Music.” Women & Language 46 (1): 85–115. doi:10.34036/WL.2023.004.

• Argues that women use reggae as a kind of “rhetorical resistance” in which they challenge norms of communication. Author refers to this as “‘woman’s tongue’ and define[s] it as a dialectical tool used by Caribbean women to assert and contest established norms of communication while negotiating the politics of gender and class.”

 Hey-Colón, Rebeca L. Channeling Knowledges: Water and Afro-Diasporic Spirits in Latinx and Caribbean Worlds. University of Texas Press, 2023. https://doi.org/10.7560/327241.

• Interdisciplinary study that examines water, not as a border, but as a connection. How does water play into Afro-diasporic religions and culture?

Adem Ali, D. C. Flanagan, M. E. Brandt, J. D. Ortiz, and T. B. Smith. “Semi-Analytical Inversion Modelling of Chlorophyll a Variability in the U.s. Virgin Islands” 4 (2023). https://doi.org/10.3389/frsen.2023.1172819.

• Study examining the health of water ecosystems by chlorophyll levels and color. Less costly than other forms of water quality assessment. Uses coral reefs in the USVI as study site.

NIES, BETSY, and MELISSA GARCÍA VEGA, eds. Caribbean Children’s Literature, Volume 1: History, Pedagogy, and Publishing. University Press of Mississippi, 2023. https://doi.org/10.2307/jj.2990353.

• Covers the history of children and young adult literature in the Caribbean from the 1950s onward. Examines colonial legacies and the rich storytelling of differing Caribbean contexts, and how they play out in children’s literature.

Torres, Joshua, Casper Jacobsen Toftgaard, Thomas Delbey, David Brewer, John Farchette, Guillermo de La Fuente, and Kaare Lund Rasmussen. 2023. “Thermoluminescence and Radiocarbon Dating of Pre-Colonial Ceramics and Organic Midden Material from the Us Virgin Islands: Outline for a Revised Chronology.” Heritage Science 11 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-023-00936-1.

• Finds that pre-colonial pottery shards from the USVI are good candidates for thermoluminescence dating (TL). Along with more traditional radiocarbon dating, “Using the TL-technique for dating of pottery assemblages allows for a nuanced chronology and better understanding of settlement timing, socio-cultural interaction, and information transmission.”

Mass Media

Cobb, Sian, “Judge: Limetree Bay Terminals Must Buy Water for Residents Impacted by Refinery Flares.” The St. Croix Source. May 1, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/05/01/judge-limetree-bay-terminals-must-buy-water-for-residents-impacted-by-refinery-flares/.

• As per a new court ruling, Limetree Bay aka Ocean Point Terminals must purchase water for residents whose cisterns and land were contaminated by 2021 toxic flares. A forthcoming ruling will determine who is eligible. Judge Wilma Lewis stated in her ruling, “The Court also finds that preliminary injunctive relief for a water provision program is warranted, while such relief for the remediation of Plaintiffs’ cisterns and property is not.”

Gilbert, Ernice. “Court Holds Limetree Bay Accountable for Providing Clean Water to Residents Affected by Water Contamination Incidents.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. May 1, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-court-holds-limetree-bay-accountable-for-providing-clean-water-to-residents-affected-by-water-contamination-incidents.

• Further details on Judge Wilma Lewis’ ruling. “The judge also rejected Limetree Bay’s argument that only 14 named plaintiffs were affected by the discharge, and that the oil contamination was minimal and had since dissipated. Expert testimony and evidence from affected residents contradicted these claims, indicating that contamination persisted, particularly in porous concrete cisterns.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Judge orders Limetree Bay Terminals to provide clean water to some St. Croix residents.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. May 3, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/judge-orders-limetree-bay-terminals-to-provide-clean-water-to-some-st-croix-residents/article_13e5f4fa-818a-5658-a962-28db8dff49ac.html.

• More reporting on Judge Lewis’ ruling, here related to the post-2021 financial issues and changes in ownership at the refinery, and how these delayed the claims of the plaintiffs from being litigated. Also includes many direct quotes from the testimony of the plaintiffs, and how their water supplies were affected- and how many had no choice but to keep using the contaminated water.

Source Staff. “Authorities Work Together to Clean Up Oil Spill.” The St. Croix Source. May 9, 2023. ​​https://stcroixsource.com/2023/05/09/authorities-work-together-to-clean-up-oil-spill/.

• Unrelated to the oil refinery, there was an oil spill “in the vicinity of Long Bay and Sugar Estate.” Stemmed from an oil tank which spilled at a supermarket. Spill was contained quickly.

Staff Consortium. “Virgin Islands Agencies Swiftly Contain Oil Spill Near Long Bay.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. May 10, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-virgin-islands-agencies-swiftly-contain-oil-spill-near-long-bay.

• Oil spill first reported at 1:13 PM on May 9th. The Police, the Parks and Natural Resources Department, the DPW, and a private contractor all responded to the event. By 4 pm, the spill was under control.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Ocean Point Terminals seeking permit for power generators.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. May 16, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/ocean-point-terminals-seeking-permit-for-power-generators/article_6278605e-8cf9-5bd9-af72-7985f94d20eb.html.

• Ocean Point Terminals, fka Limetree Bay Terminals, applied for permission to run 11 generators. This would not power the refinery, but a fuel storage operation on the same site as the refinery, as Ocean Point no longer owns the refinery. The fuel storage facility has continued to operate, while the refinery has not.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Officials investigating odor complaints at St. Croix Container Port.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. May 17, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/officials-investigating-odor-complaints-at-st-croix-container-port/article_1d9198da-aec4-5d38-ba5a-c37dae057871.html.

• After several reports of foul smells coming from near the oil refinery, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources responded, saying that they had received these reports but that, “ this area is where gas is transferred from ships to the terminal and vice versa and may have an odor during normal transfer process…this odor is not associated with the transfer of the 3 chemicals from Port Hamilton Refinery.”

Probasco, Mat. “Chemical Smells Unrelated To Hazardous Material At Refinery, EPA Says.” The St. Croix Source. May 18, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/05/18/chemical-smells-unrelated-to-hazardous-material-at-refinery-epa-says/.

• Based on the EPA monitoring of air quality in the area, the probability of the odors originating at or being related to the refinery were very low. “EPA officials could only speculate, they said, given that they didn’t know exactly what the chemicals were, their quantity, nor the duration of exposure. That said, he speculated that, in general, any reaction associated with direct exposure would dissipate soon after moving away from the chemical.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA provides update on chemical removal at refinery, odor complaints at terminal.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. May 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-provides-update-on-chemical-removal-at-refinery-odor-complaints-at-terminal/article_b07871b8-53fb-5c16-b83f-29ccd977f034.html.

• Further EPA investigations into the foul odors and assurances that they are unrelated to the removal of toxic chemicals. Though EPA Deputy Regional Administrator Walter Mugdan stated that, “there is at least some reason to believe the odors are associated with the transfer of petroleum products, gasoline, and other associated products at the terminal,” and that these smells and procedures are routine.

Gilbert, Ernice. “USVI GDP Sees 2.8 Percent Growth in 2021 Powered by Increase in Exports of Crude Oil and Petroleum Products.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. May 23, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-business/virgin-islands-usvi-gdp-sees-2-8-percent-growth-in-2021-powered-by-increase-in-exports-of-crude-oil-and-petroleum-products.

•  Though still seeing impacts of Covid-19 on the economy, a 2020 1.9 percent GDP decrease, was by 2021 a 2.8 increase. Though the reasons are varied, crude oil exports are part of the overall increase.

Probasco, Mat. “Refinery, EPA Clash In Court Over Permits.” The St. Croix Source. May 24, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/05/24/refinery-epa-clash-in-court-over-permits/.

• The EPA and the owners of the oil refinery continue to fight in court over permitting issues, related to the possibility of reopening the refinery. Attorneys for the refinery claim that Prevention of Significant Deterioration Permits (PSD) as ordered by the EPA was not required, because they were restarting a plant that had been permitted previously, not building a new one. The EPA claimed that all of the work entailed in the long shuttered facility was akin to building a new facility, and the 2018 permits should not be considered binding.

 

June 2023

Academic Publications

Bissessar, Charmaine, ed. Female Academics’ Resilience during the Covid-19 Pandemic : Intercultural Perspectives. Cham: Springer, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-34140-3.

• Edited collection of works by female academics on how they coped with Covid-19. Several chapters relate to the Caribbean, particularly Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and the USVI.

Gopalani, Sameer V, Ashwini Soman, Jean A Shapiro, Jacqueline W Miller, Karen J Ortiz-Ortiz, Maira A Castañeda-Avila, Lee E Buenconsejo-Lum, Lyña E Fredericks, Guillermo Tortolero-Luna, and Mona Saraiya. “Breast, Cervical, and Colorectal Cancer Screening Test Use in the Us Territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Us Virgin Islands.” Cancer Epidemiology 84 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.canep.2023.102371. (JUNE)

• Though breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings are recommended to adults above a certain age, screening data and information from US territories is limited. Analyzed recent data from the States, DC, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Concludes that lower income and uninsured groups are less likely to be screened.

Gopaul, Chavin D, Apoorv Singh, Andrew Williams, Dale Ventour, and Davlin Thomas. 2023. “Cancer Morbidity and Mortality Trends in Trinidad and Tobago (2008–2018).” Journal of Health Population and Nutrition 42 (1).https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-023-00395-1.

• Studies cancer incidence and mortality rates of cancer in Trinidad and Tobago. Cancer, as one of the leading causes of death in the Caribbean, is studied across different demographics. Finds that the “highest cancer incidence and mortality occur among Afro-Trinidadians,” while the “stage at diagnosis” varies.

Mohan, Preeya S. 2023. “Disasters, Disaster Preparedness and Post Disaster Recovery: Evidence from Caribbean Firms.” International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 92 (June): 103731. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2023.103731.

• Study of disaster preparedness and post disaster recovery of private-sector companies throughout the Caribbean. Findings vary, and calls for more research.

Mass Media

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery at center of ongoing court cases, latest hearing set for today.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. June 6, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinery-at-center-of-ongoing-court-cases-latest-hearing-set-for-today/article_33b87b16-7427-5b20-b51e-3f9bcf112dd8.html.

• Covers the continuing legal issues relating to Judge Lewis’ ruling that affected residents deserve compensation for having to purchase water after toxic releases. Moving into a second stage of hearings that involve testimony from the lawyers for the plaintiffs as well as the refinery. Also covers the further legal back in forth related to EPA regulations.

Cobb, Sian. “Limetree Case Set for Trial Under V.I. Law Expediting Claims of Plaintiffs 70 and Older.” The St. Croix Source. June 14, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/06/14/limetree-case-set-for-trial-under-v-i-law-expediting-claims-of-plaintiffs-70-and-older/.

• At the time of this article’s writing, affected residents had been waiting two years for the legal resolution of their claims of affected water supply against Lime Tree Bay. A new ruling allowed plaintiffs 70 and older to have their cases expedited. According to Judge Jomo Meadem, “The Virgin Islands Legislature recognizes that advancing age brings increasing physical difficulties and health challenges which may adversely affect the ability of older persons to pursue and protect their interest in litigation that may be protracted over an extended period of time.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery litigation stalls, DOJ cites new owners ‘lack of responsiveness’.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. June 19, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinery-litigation-stalls-doj-cites-new-owners-lack-of-responsiveness/article_783e839e-89b8-59a0-b033-4ed59189bea5.html.

• Details some of the legal back and forth between the EPA and the former Lime Tree Bay, including what is framed as some intentional delay on the part of Lime Tree Bay. Litigation had been ongoing for two years at the time of article’s publication.

Ellis, Susan. “Landmarks Society Members Want Information on Whim Museum But Leaders Unresponsive.” The Saint Thomas Source. June 19, 2023. https://stthomassource.com/content/2023/06/19/landmarks-society-members-want-information-on-whim-museum-but-leaders-unresponsive/

• In 2017, the Whim Museum was damaged by hurricanes. As of publication, “not much, if anything, seems to have changed since then.” According to the group Save Whim Museum, “the St. Croix Landmarks Society administrator and trustees remain silent and unresponsive to its members,” regarding this issue. Article obtained much financial information and spoke to at least a dozen sources for this report.

Staff Consortium. “Potential Environmental Hazards as Oil Containers Dumped Near Creque Dam.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. June 22, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-community_center/virgin-islands-potential-environmental-hazards-as-oil-containers-dumped-near-creque-dam.

• While unrelated to the refinery, describes an incident of dumping oil drums in a dry creek bed. Eight oil containers were dumped, near Creque Dam. Because the bed is currently dry, additional environmental damage was prevented in the short term, but the approaching hurricane season increases the threat risk, if not adequately cleaned up.

Probasco, Mat. “Refinery Ammonia Removed.” The St. Croix Source. June 23, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/06/23/refinery-ammonia-removed/.

• As of publication, all of the anhydrous ammonia had been removed from the refinery site. Still to be removed are amines and liquified petroleum gas. The ammonia was removed on shipping containers. The EPA planned to shut down ammonia monitoring of the air on June 29, but would continue monitoring for other possible hazards.

July 2023

Academic Publications

Alexander, Kamila A, Phyllis Sharps, Helena Addison, Desiree Bertrand, Aletha Bauman, Marilyn Braithwaite-Hall, Hossein N Yarandi, Gloria Callwood, Loretta S Jemmott, and Jacquelyn C Campbell. 2023. “Development of an Hiv/Sti and Partner Violence Health Promotion Intervention for Abused Us Virgin Islands Women.” Health Promotion International 38 (4). https://doi.org/10.1093/heapro/daad072.

• Women living in the USVI experience two interrelated phenomena: intimate partner violence and HIV infection at higher levels than women on the US mainland. Study seeks to create a culturally appropriate “integrated health promotion approach” to deal with this, and finds the following procedure helpful: “(i) identifying and integrating evidence-based health promotion interventions, (ii) conducting formative research using focus groups, (iii) synthesizing focus group data to inform intervention development and (iv) developing a culturally and linguistically appropriate intervention specific to the needs and concerns of USVI women.”

Arias, Karla, David López, Segundo Camino-Mogro, Mariana Weiss, Dylan J Walsh, Luiz Fernando Gomes, and Michelle Hallack. 2023. “Green Transition and Gender Bias: An Analysis of Renewable Energy Generation Companies in Latin America.” Energy Research and Social Science 101 (101): 103151–51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.erss.2023.103151.

• Studies how a transition to green energy across Latin America and the Caribbean will affect gendered rates of employment in energy fields. “This study confirms that a change in technology alone does not generate qualitative changes in the labor market from a gender perspective.”

Mujica, Oscar J., Antonio Sanhueza, Liliana Carvajal-Velez, Luis Paulo Vidaletti, Janaína C. Costa, Aluísio J. D. Barros, and Cesar G. Victora. 2023. “Recent Trends in Maternal and Child Health Inequalities in Latin America and the Caribbean: Analysis of Repeated National Surveys.” International Journal for Equity in Health 22 (1): 1–12. doi:10.1186/s12939-023-01932-4.

• Assesses the last decade of progress (or regression) in maternal and children’s health across Latin America and the Caribbean. Uses data from eight countries, including information on  221,989 women and 152,983 children. Wide ranging study covering many different health indicators and impacts, finds results mixed, with growing inequalities in some locations.

Oladele, Carol R, Neha Khandpur, Deron Galusha, Saria Hassan, Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, Mary Miller, Oswald P Adams, et al. 2023. “Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and T2D Diabetes in the Eastern Caribbean.” Public Health Nutrition 26 (7): 1403–13. doi:10.1017/S1368980023000381.

• Analyzes data from the Eastern Caribbean Health Outcomes Research Network Cohort Study relating to sugar sweetened beverages and diabetes. Interestingly, states “in multivariate analysis, total added sugar from beverages was not significantly associated with diabetes status,” but concludes that “findings indicate the need for continued implementation and evaluation of policies and interventions to reduce SSB consumption in the Caribbean.”

Stipriaan, Alex van, Luc Alofs, and Francio Guadeloupe, eds. Caribbean Cultural Heritage and the Nation: Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao in a Regional Context. Leiden University Press, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/jj.4470335.

• Examines the cultural heritage across Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao, shared and disparate, based on the “creolised cultures” that exist in these spaces. Volume of essays covering diaspora, cultural production, nation building, and tourism among many other topics.

Turnham, Kira E., Matthew D. Aschaffenburg, D. Tye Pettay, David A. Paz-García, Héctor Reyes-Bonilla, Jorge Pinzón, Ellie Timmins, et al. “High Physiological Function for Corals with Thermally Tolerant, Host-Adapted Symbionts.” Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences 290, no. 2003 (July 26, 2023): 1–11. doi:10.1098/rspb.2023.1021.

• Coral animals and dinoflagellate micro-algae are “one of the most functionally integrated and widespread mutualisms between two eukaryotic partners.” This relationship is beneficial to the coral, contributing to increased resiliency. Lessons from these beneficial relationships can be applied to other coral reefs globally.

Mass Media

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery at center of consent decree dispute.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinery-at-center-of-consent-decree-dispute/article_69c84013-0cc0-5beb-9a47-d2b2a7e5eadd.html.

• Covers ongoing legal back and forth relating to the refinery, particularly documenting how Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation “has not yet agreed to become a party to the case,” because they were not the owners at the time of the toxic emissions.

Macavoy, Kit. “Whim Museum languishes in disrepair nearly six years after hurricane damage.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/whim-museum-languishes-in-disrepair-nearly-six-years-after-hurricane-damage/article_a0180032-9e26-5ad2-beff-27953aa4e421.html

• Details the frustration residents and interest parties have with the restoration (or seeming lack thereof) of the Whim Museum, particularly regarding the lack of responsiveness from the St. Croix Landmarks Society and from government officials. Article goes in depth about the workings of the SCLS.

Carlson, Suzanne. “WAPA official to plead guilty to kickback scheme.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 11, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-official-to-plead-guilty-to-kickback-scheme/article_88572fd9-3289-5472-a462-7559dd2348e1.html

• Niel Vanterpool, WAPA official, intended at time of publication to plead guilty to felony charges related to kickbacks. These corruption charges relate to steering contracts to particular vendors, and receiving monetary reward.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Virtual public meeting on refinery tonight.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 12, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/virtual-public-meeting-on-refinery-tonight/article_fdb53773-cd7a-5c35-881d-11c493d28625.html.

• Advertises a zoom meeting that evening for an update on the chemical removal process.

Ellis, Susan. “EPA Updates Community on Chemical Removal at St. Croix Refinery.” The St. Croix Source. July 12, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/07/12/epa-updates-community-on-chemical-removal-at-st-croix-refinery/.

• Summary of a public zoom meeting held so the EPA could update the public on chemical removal at the refinery. EPA states that most of the chemicals had been removed, with the remainder to be removed in the next month and a half. Includes 8,400 pounds of ammonia, 328,000 gallons of liquid and vapor amines, and about half of the liquified petroleum gas, with the rest to be removed in the coming weeks. Air monitoring will continue.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA provides updates on chemical removal at St. Croix refinery.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 13, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-provides-updates-on-chemical-removal-at-st-croix-refinery/article_b6c14971-6eb7-55b1-b670-87f774b410ac.html.

• Further details on the EPA meeting to update on chemical removal, more details about the difficulty of ongoing litigation, and how that impedes on the ability to protect citizens from further harm from the refinery.

Rivera, Brittany. “Health to host first cancer summit on St. Croix.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 14, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/health-to-host-first-cancer-summit-on-st-croix/article_877c6993-acb3-5775-b272-4c2c380a40c8.html

• Describes the VI Health Department’s hosting of the “first ever Cancer Summit” to take place on July 18th and 19th. According to Director of the Chronic Disease Division, Lyna Fredericks, “we will identify service gaps, barriers to health equity, and address cancer prevention and control in our community.” Conference to emphasize the importance of preemptive screenings to reduce mortality.

Source Staff. “V.I. Department of Health to Host First-Ever Cancer Summit on St. Croix.  The St. Croix Source. July 14, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/07/14/v-i-department-of-health-to-host-first-ever-cancer-summit-on-st-croix/

• Details a planned two day summit dedicated to cancer on St. Croix. Many different organizations from the community, healthcare industry, and the government indicated they would be in attendance. According to Justa Encarnacion, Health Commissioner, “The summit is a crucial step in the Department of Health’s initiative to increase prevention through early detection, to expand healthcare access to disadvantaged communities and to better support those diagnosed with cancer and their caregivers.”

Probasco, Mat. “Judge Details Limetree Water Distribution Order.” The St. Croix Source. July 24, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/07/24/judge-details-limetree-water-distribution-order/.

• Details on logistics of Judge Wilma Lewis’ earlier ruling that Lime Tree Bay “must pay for and distribute water to people whose cisterns were fouled by the refinery’s emissions.” Residents must: “have lived in one of the affected areas, rely on cistern water, and attest that buying water would be a hardship.” Requires that Limetree facilitate this process by hiring an administrator and setting up a website where claims can be made (though claims can also be made via mail, email, or in person.)

Simon, Janeka. “Court Rules EPA Overstepped Authority Regarding Port Hamilton Refinery Restart.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. July 25, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-court-rules-epa-overstepped-authority-regarding-port-hamilton-refinery-restart.

• An appeals court ruled that the EPA had overstepped its authority in requiring a new Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit prior to Port Hamilton restarting refinery activities. At issue was the wording of “construction”, interpreted by the EPA to mean significant work, and by the defendants as meaning whole new construction.

Source Staff. “EPA Can’t Force St. Croix Refinery to Obtain New Pollution Permit, Court Rules.” The St. Croix Source. July 26, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/07/26/epa-cant-force-st-croix-refinery-to-obtain-new-pollution-permit-court-rules/.

• Further details on the appeals court overruling of the EPA, including this statement from Governor Bryan: “The court’s decision today is a significant milestone in the refinery restart and for the St. Croix manufacturing economy. It affirms my longstanding position that the Environmental Protection Agency was less than judicious in requiring this permit.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Court rules against EPA in refinery’s permit appeal.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 26, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/court-rules-against-epa-in-refinerys-permit-appeal/article_db795fc9-e690-512d-a2ed-f5edf65ccdd1.html.

• More coverage on the appeals court ruling. Includes more statements from many of the involved parties, including from the EPA: “EPA is reviewing the court’s decision and determining next steps. EPA remains committed to ensuring that the refinery complies with environmental laws that protect public health. EPA will continue its efforts to prevent environmental harms in this community and disproportionate burdens to its residents.”

“Kenneth Charles Haines.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 26, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/obituaries/kenneth-charles-haines/article_c3b7910b-55ba-5626-bfdc-af1ae3610714.html.

• Obituary for Kenneth Charles Haines, PhD in marine biology. Relevant as he was an employee of Hess Oil Refinery as the environmental manager.

Simon, Janeka. “Port Hamilton Says Court Ruling Gives ‘Clear Path’ to Refinery Restart; EPA Vows to Maintain Scrutiny.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. July 26, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-port-hamilton-says-court-ruling-gives-clear-path-to-refinery-restart-epa-vows-to-maintain-scrutiny.

• Summary of responses from involved parties on the oil refinery ruling. Port Hamilton Vice President and Refinery Manager Fermin Rodriguez stated that there is now “a clear path to resuming operations at the refinery in a manner that is in full compliance with all EPA, OSHA and Virgin Islands Department of Permitting and Natural Resources requirements.”

Daily News Staff. “EPA fines Ritz-Carlton for Clean Water Act violations.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. July 27, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-fines-ritz-carlton-for-clean-water-act-violations/article_c8edb29f-83db-523b-b502-2e3f96ddb453.html

• Following a review of available data, the EPA settled a case against the The Ritz-Carlton Resort on St. Thomas, resulting in about $50,000 in fines. In violation of the Clean Water Act, according to the EPA, “The Ritz-Carlton was late with its monitoring requirements over a period that spanned nearly five years,” and be responsible for maintaining reporting and monitoring systems in the future.

Staff Consortium. “Water Production on St. Croix Continues to Hold Steady, Government Says.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. July 28, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-water-production-on-st-croix-continues-to-hold-steady-government-says-#:~:text=The%20USVI%20Joint%20Information%20Center,at%20normal%20levels%20on%20Wednesday.

• Details the joint efforts of FEMA and the VI government at preventing sargassum from disrupting and impacting water production and distribution. Sargassum, when it breaks down, releases hydrogen sulfide. Hydrogen sulfide, in addition to smelling like rotten eggs, can cause numerous health problems.

August 2023

Academic Publications

Alicea, Glorimarie Peña, and R. Sánchez-Rivera. “Internalized Eugenics and Hygienic Codes in Puerto Rican Trap and Reggaetón.” Caribbean Studies 51, no. 1 (2023): 77-111. doi:10.1353/crb.2023.a905515.

• Article about the internalization of eugenic beliefs within the Puerto Rican population, as expressed through opinions regarding popular culture forms: here particularly in trap and reggaeton. Authors explore how these beliefs manifest in gendered, racialized, and discriminatory ways through lyrics in these genres.

Celeste-Villalvir, Alane, Denise D Payan, Gabriela Armenta, Kartika Palar, Amarilis Then-Paulino, Ramón Acevedo, Maria Altagracia Fulcar, and Kathryn Pitkin Derose. 2023. “Exploring Gender Differences in HIV-Related Stigma and Social Support in a Low-Resource Setting: A Qualitative Study in the Dominican Republic.” PLoS ONE 18 (8): e0290228–28. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290228.

• Study using 32 interviews at HIV clinics in the Dominican Republic, exploring gendered experiences of stigma and social support. Finds that, though stigma is common throughout, it is more overt and outwardly violent towards women than to men. Shame and guilt are common across genders, and men and women utilize different coping mechanisms,

Cropper, Maureen, Nicholas Z Muller, Yongjoon Park, and Victoria Perez-Zetune. 2023. “The Impact of the Clean Air Act on Particulate Matter in the 1970s.” Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, August, 102867–67. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeem.2023.102867.

• Analysis of the effects of the 1970 Clean Air Act, particularly whether “counties designated as out of attainment with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) under the 1970 Clean Air Act (CAA) experienced larger reductions in Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) during the 1970s than attainment counties.”

Gemmill, Alison, Sarah E. K. Bradley, Blair O. Berger, and Suzanne O. Bell. “The Relationship Between Contraceptive Method Use and Return of Fecundity Among Women Attempting Pregnancy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.” Demography 60, no. 4 (2023): 1163–79. https://www.jstor.org/stable/48737347.

• Studies the belief that current hormonal contraceptive usage affects future fertility rates in low and middle income countries. Finds that in the short term, discontinuing birth control does have a slight lagging effect when it comes to the return of fertility.

Hoeksema, Bert W, Kaveh Samimi-Namin, Catherine S McFadden, Rosana Moreira, L.P. van Ofwegen, Auke-Florian Hiemstra, and Mark. 2023. “Non-Native Coral Species Dominate the Fouling Community on a Semi-Submersible Platform in the Southern Caribbean.” Marine Pollution Bulletin 194 (September): 115354–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115354.

• Examines the impacts of non-native coral communities on semi-submersible crafts in Curacao. Finds that, unsurprisingly, the introduction of non-native species can negatively impact native ones, and that the flora and fauna attached to semi-submersibles should be monitored accordingly.

Kilcher, Levi, Gabriel García-Medina, and Zhaoqing Yang. 2023. “A Scalable Wave Resource Assessment Methodology: Application to U.S. Waters.” Renewable Energy, August, 119094–94. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.renene.2023.119094.

• Assessment of potential energy generated from coastal waves across many sites in the US, including in the USVI. Finds a great deal of variability and uncertainty in calculating theoretical wave energy.

Metcalfe, C D, and Erin R Bennett. 2023. Building Resilience to Climate Change in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean. Springer Nature.

• Book that summarizes the approaches taken by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean that “integrate the environmental, economic, and physical domains with the values, and needs of the population [that] are necessary to develop sustainable strategies that will enhance the resilience of small islands, within the context[s] of … geology, ecology, societal attitudes, governance, and human and economic resources.”

Nuñez, Marilaura, Carlos Delfino, Claudia Asenjo-Lobos, Andrea Schilling, Pablo M Lavados, Craig S Anderson, and Paula Muñoz Venturelli. 2023. “Disparities in Stroke Incidence over Time by Sex and Age in Latin America and the Caribbean Region 1997 to 2021: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis.” Journal of the American Heart Association12 (17). https://doi.org/10.1161/jaha.123.029800.

• Study of stroke incidence (SI), particularly in younger populations, but using performing an overview of existing literature in Latin America and the Caribbean. Finds an increase in SI in particularly young women across the data, advocates for further research and community education.

Roberts, Sherma, F DeShong, Wendy C Grenade, and Dwayne Devonish. 2023. Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Covid-19 and the Caribbean, Volume 1. Springer Nature. https://link-springer-com.ccl.idm.oclc.org/book/10.1007/978-3-031-30889-5.

• Assessment of differing responses across the Caribbean to Covid-19, from a variety of disciplinary perspectives. These include, but are not limited to, gender, tourism, language, risk assessment, business, and more.

Qvist, Staffan, Mohamed Al Hammadi, and David G. Victor. “Meeting the Challenge of Reliability on Today’s Electric Grids: The Critical Role of Inertia.” Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep53042.

• Policy paper discussing the state of the electric grid. “The rapidly increasing share of power supply from sources such as wind and solar plants, and the build-out of interconnections between different grid regions, countries, or even continents using high voltage direct current (HVDC) cables introduce new reliability considerations related to weather conditions and faults in control software that need our careful attention.” Not particular regionally, but an overview, focusing on grid inertia.

Zrinski, Urska, and Johann Seiwald. 2023. “Financing for Gender Equality in Latin America and the Caribbean (English).” Policy Commons. https://policycommons-net.ccl.idm.oclc.org/artifacts/4809952/financing-for-gender-equality-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean-english/5646393/.

• Policy paper on the state of government usage of public financial management (PFM) to fund gender equity, since the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action. Overview across Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Mass Media

McKay, Elisa. “Come Home to St. Croix 2023 Opens at Whim Museum.” The Saint Thomas Source. August 1, 2023. https://stthomassource.com/content/2023/08/01/come-home-to-st-croix-2023-opens-at-whim-museum-wednesday/

• Article regarding the opening events and daily agenda of “Come Home to St. Croix,” a multi-day long celebration of history. Prominently includes materials related to the histories of slavery and emancipation on the island. Put on at the Whim Museum by the Landmarks Society of St. Croix.

Staff Consortium. “Ocean Point Terminals Donates $140K in Continued Support to UVI Process Technology Program.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. August 2, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-business/virgin-islands-ocean-point-terminals-donates-140k-in-continued-support-to-uvi-process-technology-program.

• Ocean Point Terminals, formerly Lime Tree Bay, donated $140,000 to the University of the Virgin Islands, as part of an annual giving plan. The donation contributes to UVI’s process technology program. UVI Provost Dr Camille McKayle stated that this donation supports eleven courses in the program.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Sargassum impacting St. Croix water supply.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 7, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/sargassum-impacting-st-croix-water-supply/article_650f143f-1bb4-5682-8620-d868b99d09d8.html

• Due to rotting sargassum impacting reverse osmosis intakes in the water, residents were reporting foul smelling and discolored water in their homes. According to WAPA, “sargassum is generally not a threat when floating out at sea, however when it reaches land and begins to decay, it is more than an inconvenience for water production. On Tuesday, St. Croix began experiencing an influx of sargassum on the northcentral shoreline where the Richmond Power Plant is located along with Seven Seas.”

Rivera, Brittany. “Ocean Point Terminals awards $140K to UVI for process technology program.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 7, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/business/ocean-point-terminals-awards-140k-to-uvi-for-process-technology-program/article_b8ef8153-d7a3-5da1-9945-8f7c3381fb59.html.

• Further coverage of Ocean Point Terminal’s donation. “Ocean Point Terminals, the fifth largest active marine oil and products terminal in the world, is a world-class energy logistics hub centrally located on St. Croix. The company facilitates the storage, segregation, blending and global movement of crude oils, fuel oils, LNG, bunker, gasolines, diesel, jet fuel and liquid petroleum gases, according to the news release.”

Probasco, Mat. “Plaskett: Refinery Open To Mixing In Greens.” The St. Croix Source. August 11, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/11/plaskett-refinery-open-to-mixing-in-greens/.

• Delegate to Congress, Stacey Plaskett, says that in recent discussions with Port Hamilton and Governor Bryan, there is the possibility of integrating green energy into the refinery restart. Delegate Plaskett had also spoken with members of the Biden administration, to discuss how funding from the Inflation Reduction Act could be applied to green energy initiatives. According to Plaskett, “I have requested and gotten an agreement from the White House. They are going to create a working group and a task force to try to support the refinery, who said they are all in with eventually doing much more innovative things on that site, whether it’s bio-gasses and biofuels, whether it’s wind and solar energy and other forms of energy.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Company challenges court order to provide water in refinery case.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 14, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/company-challenges-court-order-to-provide-water-in-refinery-case/article_2d5d15b2-b1f1-5ff4-babe-ee6a7f88d07a.html.

• Ocean Point Terminals, formerly Lime Tree Bay, filed a stay of the order by Judge Wilma Lewis, wherein she had ordered them to pay for water for residents whose water was contaminated in 2021. According to their lawyers, “Plaintiffs’ claims of widespread contamination are misleading and risk causing massive panic. If the Water Distribution Program is put into place it can further add to this fear that there is a human health crisis on St. Croix as a result of the releases, when this has not been proven.”

St. Croix Foundation. “St. Croix Foundation Is Making Connections Between Data and Child Well-being in the USVI.” The Saint Thomas Source. August 14, 2023. https://stthomassource.com/content/2023/08/14/st-croix-foundation-is-making-connections-between-data-and-child-well-being-in-the-usvi/

• Details a survey on child mental health. Features alarming and disturbing data on the mental health of children, obtained through the USVI’s “Youth Risk Behavior Survey” and compiled into St. Croix Foundation’s (SCF) 2021 KIDS COUNT USVI Data Book.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Judge again orders defendants in refinery case to provide free water.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 16, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/judge-again-orders-defendants-in-refinery-case-to-provide-free-water/article_b4ba0c7d-69c1-5de3-9a77-91b105583e80.html.

• Judge Lewis denies the motion by Ocean Point Terminals’ lawyers, and upholds her original ruling that they must pay for water for affected citizens. According to Judge Lewis, “a connection between Terminals and the alleged water contamination is already a matter of public record in that Terminals, themselves, as well as government agencies and media networks have already published notices that connect Terminals to the alleged contamination,” and that this ruling does no further damage to their reputation.

Probasco, Mat. “Judge Drains Limetree Water Denial Bid.” The St. Croix Source. August 17, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/17/judge-drains-limetree-water-denial-bid/.

• Further information on the request to stay the motion and Judge Lewis’ denial, including many quotes from both sides of the legal argument.

Simon, Janeka. “Port Hamilton Successfully Removes Hazardous Chemicals from St. Croix Refinery.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. August 19, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-port-hamilton-successfully-removes-hazardous-chemicals-from-st-croix-refinery.

• Port Hamilton announces that the removal of chemicals has been completed. According to Fermin Rodriguez, VP, “with the collaboration of PHRT staff, contractors and participating agencies, the development, design, and execution of this chemical removal project over the past six months was not only safe and successful but on schedule.” With the end of removal, also ends the EPA air monitoring of the site, though Port Hamilton has its own monitoring stations.

Cobb,Sian. “EPA Signals it Will Petition Appeals Court for Rehearing on STX Refinery Permit.” The St. Croix Source.August 21, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/21/epa-signals-it-will-petition-appeals-court-for-rehearing-on-stx-refinery-permit/.

• The EPA filed a motion to extend the time allotted to appeal the July 25th ruling against them- saying that they had overstepped their boundaries and that the refinery could operate without new permitting. The original deadline is September 8, and the EPA is seeking to extend this to September 29.

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA hosting online meeting to provide update on chemical removal at refinery.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 21, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-hosting-online-meeting-to-provide-update-on-chemical-removal-at-refinery/article_696e4a02-451a-5d91-a089-4e4ca037f235.html.

• Details of an upcoming EPA meeting to discuss Port Hamilton’s completion of chemical removal, as well as further steps in their quest to delay or prevent the refinery from reopening under unsafe conditions.

“How are our children doing?” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 22, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/how-are-our-children-doing/article_625acc5a-60af-5624-830c-30fb7e1ea7b9.html

• Letter to the editor referencing USVI’s Youth Risk Behavior Survey, which contained some troubling results about the mental health of children.

Ellis, Susan. “EPA: Monitors Removed After Refinery Cleanup Complete.” The St. Croix Source. August 23, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/23/epa-monitors-removed-after-refinery-cleanup-complete/.

• Update on the post-chemical-removal EPA meeting. Includes details on what and the quantities of the chemicals that were removed, as well as the winding down of air-quality monitoring. Also contains details on the future of the refinery.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery restart plans remain unclear.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. August 24, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinery-restart-plans-remain-unclear/article_f062f9a3-9812-594f-86ed-516af7fbd4a5.html.

• After the ruling in their favor against the EPA, Port Hamilton has not signaled when or how it plans to reopen the refinery. EPA Regional Counsel Paul Simon stated that, “since the decision of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals, they have not gotten in touch with us to say they do indeed intend to restart the refinery.”

Cobb, Sian. “Law Firm Sues Limetree Bay Ventures for Millions in Unpaid Fees.” The St. Croix Source. August 29, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/29/law-firm-sues-limetree-bay-ventures-for-millions-in-unpaid-fees/.

• California law firm Gibson Dunn, Lime Tree Bay (now Ocean Point Terminals) owes 2.8 million from an arbitration in 2020, after they hired the firm for “equity and debt counseling.” According to the firm, “The evidence showed that there was no basis for Respondent’s failure to pay the invoices. Legal services were requested and provided at Respondent’s direction and with its full knowledge. Invoices were submitted, and no issues of any kind were raised.”

Ellis, Susan. “West Indies Petroleum Presents Bunkering Plan to EDC.” The St. Croix Source. August 29, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/08/29/west-indies-petroleum-presents-bunkering-plan-to-edc/.

• West Indies Petroleum announces intention to begin refueling cruise ships with oil from St Croix refineries. These ships dock in St Thomas, where the oil would be transported to.

September 2023

Academic Publications

Carter, Andrew. 2023. “Sowing Seeds of Sovereignty: A Qualitative Exploration of Chapter Leader Experiences Who Belong to an African, Caribbean, and Black Women’s Agriculture Advocacy Collective.” Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, September. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-023-01777-1.

• Examines “an international, Black women-led agriculture education collective headquartered in the South-Central region of the United States.” This organization has chapters within the United States, as well in the US Virgin Islands and Africa. Interviews 22 women participants on issues related to food security and mobilizing.

European Investment Bank. “Climate Risks in Latin America and the Caribbean: A Growing Challenge.” Climate Risks for Latin America and the Caribbean: Are Banks Ready for the Green Transition? European Investment Bank, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep53029.4.

• Report from the European Investment Bank regarding climate change, not focused just on acute events, but also gradual chronic exposures. Approaches from a financial perspective, and wonders how financial institutions can help prepare.

González-Ruiz, Juan David, Juan Camilo Mejía-Escobar, Javier Rojo-Suárez, and Ana-Belén Alonso-Conde. “Green Bonds for Renewable Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Energy Journal 44, no. 5 (September 2023): 45–65. doi:10.5547/01956574.44.4.jgon.

• Analysis of the market for green bonds in Latin America and the Caribbean. Finds that many of the issuers are not financial corporations, also finds many locally imposed barriers to investing.

Hoody, Patrick, Andrew Chiasson, and Robert J. Brecha. 2023. “The Transition to a Renewable Energy Electric Grid in the Caribbean Island Nation of Antigua and Barbuda” Energies 16, no. 17: 6206. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16176206

• Many places in the Caribbean rely heavily on petroleum based solutions for their energy grids. Article examines the optimal mix of renewable solar, wind, battery, and hydrogen energy storage for Barbados and Antigua, based on cost. Argues not one pathway forward, but a mix of options.

Mercadel, Alyssa J., Alex P. Sanchez-Covarrubias, Heidy N. Medina, Paulo S. Pinheiro, Andre Pinto, Sophia H.L. George, and Matthew P. Schlumbrecht. 2023. “Intra-Racial Disaggregation Reveals Associations between Nativity and Overall Survival in Women with Endometrial Cancer.” Gynecologic Oncology 176 (September): 98–105. doi:10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.07.008.

• Studies whether country of birth determines survival rate of endometrial cancer among black women. Looks at US born, Jamaican born, and Haitian born black women. Finds that country of birth does affect outcomes, with Haitian born women suffering the worst ones.

Michelle, Anna, Alex Wheatley, and José A Pagán. 2023. “A Call to Increase Health Data Availability in US Territories—Not Too Small to Count.” JAMA Health Forum 4 (9): e233088–88. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamahealthforum.2023.3088.

• Five US territories-  Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands- are often missing from US health data collection and analysis. Article argues that being missing from this data renders these residents “invisible” and advocates for their inclusion.

Ramadhar Singh, Randy, Ricardo M. Clarke, and Xsitaaz T. Chadee. 2023. “A Just Energy Transition for a Hydrocarbon Rich SIDS.” Energy 279 (September): N.PAG. doi:10.1016/j.energy.2023.128069.

• Reviews the energy transition in Trinidad and Tobago from a perspective of energy justice. Trinidad and Tobago switched from oil to natural gas in the 1980s, and is now “entering its second energy transition to include renewables in its power generation sector.” Proposes framework for other SIDS (small island developing states).

Rodriguez, Anny, Emir Veledar, Patria Rojas, Richard Tardanico, Vukosava Pekovic, and Nasar Uddin Ahmed. 2023. “Identification of the Cervical Cancer Screening Patterns among Black Caribbean Women Using Dendrogram and Decision Tree.” Open Journal of Social Sciences 11 (09): 301–16. https://doi.org/10.4236/jss.2023.119021. (SEPTEMBER)

• Studies the prevalence of cervical cancer among Black Caribbean women. Seeks to develop increased screening among this population. “The study emphasizes the need for culturally tailored screening programs and awareness campaigns to address knowledge gaps and cultural beliefs affecting screening behaviors.”

Vaughn, Kelsey M, Demian A Willette, Allie Durdall, Sophie Costa, Marilyn E Brandt, and Kristin Wilson-Grimes. 2023. “Sediment Carbon Storage in Subtidal Beds of the Invasive Seagrass Halophila Stipulacea along an Extreme Water Depth Gradient, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands,” January. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4573099.

• Study of seagrass environment on the coastlines of the USVI. This invasive species has become dominant, but it is understudied in terms of carbon capturing. “This study provides the first assessment of the biological characteristics … and carbon storage ability of H. stipulacea across a depth gradient … in St. Thomas, USVI.”

Zodgekar, Ketaki, Avery Raines, Fayola Jacobs, and Patrick Bigger. 2023. “A Dangerous Debt-Climate Nexus: In a Warming World, Technocratic Fixes Are Inadequate Responses to Vulnerability. Achieving Climate and Economic Justice in the Caribbean Calls for Reparative Solutions.” NACLA Report on the Americas 55 (3): 319–26. doi:10.1080/10714839.2023.2247773.

• Argues that technological solutions will not be adequate to achieve climate justice, and that a reparative approach is necessary. Historically, Western nations have created their wealth through “extracting resources and emitting the pollution that causes climate change impacts in the Global South.” Thus, a technological solution will never be enough to achieve true justice.

Mass Media

Carlson, Suzanne. “CEO says source of water discoloration is 60-year-old iron pipes still in use by WAPA.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.  September 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/ceo-says-source-of-water-discoloration-is-60-year-old-iron-pipes-still-in-use/article_367b632e-df86-514a-aa5f-bd3bacf6362f.html

• “The V.I. Water and Power Authority is working to clear discolored, odorous water from St. Croix pipes, but WAPA CEO Andrew Smith explained to governing board members Thursday that it is a slow, complex process.” Smith goes on to assert the discoloration is from old iron pipes. Details the functioning of the water system on island, as well as partner organizations involved in remediating the discoloration.

Daily News Staff. “Bryan issues proclamations for September.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.  September 8, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/ap/bryan-issues-proclamations-for-september/article_db02b529-176a-5c96-9d07-8b7c2876584e.html

• “In recognition of September as Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, Bryan calls on the V.I. residents to learn about their risk of developing ovarian and prostate cancer and to speak to health care providers about screening, according to the release.” Governor Bryan also declared or acknowledged September to be National Preparedness Month,  Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, and Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

Macavoy, Kit. “WAPA gives lawmakers update on St. Croix water issues.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.  September 8, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-gives-lawmakers-update-on-st-croix-water-issues/article_53464d51-c1dd-53e9-9b30-a38d98499e5f.html

• Further details from WAPA on the ongoing brown and discolored water situation. Blamed on aging pipes, low water inventory due to drought, and lingering smells from earlier sargassum. Lawmakers pushed back against this, like Senator Franklin Johnson who said, “If you don’t have the pool, stop collecting the money from the people. Stop…because people are getting more frustrated every day. Because they paid you and you can’t deliver, because you don’t have the merchandise to deliver to them.”

Macavoy, Kit. “Government House: Bryan in D.C. to discuss policy goals.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. September 19, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/government-house-bryan-in-d-c-to-discuss-policy-goals/article_a51ead28-6f7c-5cb5-b7a0-e95fe2778ffe.html

• Governor Albert Bryan Jr returns to Washington, to discuss a number of things with Congress and members of the Biden administration. Many topics included infrastructure and the power and water grids, as well as disaster preparedness. Relevant here because the topic of refinery reopening was expected to be discussed.

Daily News Staff. “Local Briefs.”  The Virgin Islands Daily News. September 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/local-briefs/article_92222fbb-01d4-5911-8381-28612ec73396.html

• Listing of many stories of local interest, including the visit of Governor Bryan to DC, where the topic of the refinery was expected to be discussed.

Stokes, Fiona. “Motorcade fundraiser to be held ahead of Relay for Life later this month.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.  September 21, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/motorcade-fundraiser-to-be-held-ahead-of-relay-for-life-later-this-month/article_450fe1a8-4821-5849-aa80-8a2665775dfb.html

• Details of a planned fundraising motorcade in support of Relay for Life.

Davis, Olasee. “Letter to the editor: Residents should take the V.I. government to court over Whistling Cay land swap.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. September 29, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/opinion/residents-should-take-the-v-i-government-to-court-over-whistling-cay-land-swap/article_94b324e7-93a0-5468-ac57-50ad7814a16f.html

• Letter to the editor from an ecologist, Olasee Davis. Regarding a land swap deal between the government and the Virgin Islands National Park Service. Davis spoke in front of the legislators to oppose this deal. Here articulates position, and brings in historical context, including the original land deal that allowed for the opening of Hess Oil Refinery.

October 2023

Academic Publications

Acheampong, Alex O., Xuan-Hoa Nghiem, Janet Dzator, and Gulasekaran Rajaguru. 2023. “Promoting Energy Inclusiveness: Is Rural Energy Poverty a Political Failure?” Utilities Policy 84 (October): N.PAG. doi:10.1016/j.jup.2023.101639.

• Argues and hypothesizes that better governance leads to better energy outcomes, particularly “rural electrification and rural access to clean fuels and technologies for cooking.” Uses data from 34 Latin American countries to support this conclusion.

Baptiste, April Karen, and Stacy‐ann Robinson. 2023. “The Contours of Environmental Justice in the Caribbean.” Geographical Journal, October, 1. doi:10.1111/geoj.12545.

• Argues that the Caribbean should be more at the center of discourses surrounding environmental justice, because of its particular histories of slavery, colonialism and exploitative practices.

Caroline de Oliveira, Viviane, Érica Dumont Pena, Gisele Nepomuceno de Andrade, and Mariana Santos Felisbino-Mendes . 2023. “Menstrual Hygiene Access and Practices in Latin America: Scoping Review.” Revista Latino-Americana de Enfermagem 31 (October). https://doi.org/10.1590/1518-8345.6736.4029.

• Seeks to synthesize data and research on access to mental hygiene products and facilities appropriate for their use across Latin America, but mostly uses data from young people in Brazil. Findings include: “(1) Lack of access to hygiene products, toilets and water for personal hygiene. (2) Invisibility of the problem of period poverty in Latin America. (3) Lack of physical structure in schools aggravates and leads to school absenteeism. (4) Menstrual health literacy was insufficient for the demands of adolescents. (5) Primary studies on menstrual hygiene in Latin America are scarce.”

Dunn, Leith. 2023. «Gender Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management: Lessons from the English-Speaking Caribbean». Estudios Del Desarrollo Social: Cuba Y América Latina 11 (Número Especial 3):101-11. https://revistas.uh.cu/revflacso/article/view/7815.

• Personal (auto-ethnographic) recounting of experiences of “mainstreaming gender in climate change and disaster risk management in the Caribbean.” Based on a keynote address given by the author.

Gordon, Nickesia S. 2023. “The Unrealised Potential of Women’s Political Leadership in the Caribbean: A Co-Constitutive Approach.” Identities, October, 1–20. doi:10.1080/1070289x.2023.2264644.

• Argues that the continuing effects of a patriarchal and classist society impede women’s political leadership in the Caribbean. Takes the approach that the “Capabilities Approach,” combined with more established strategies, can help repair this gendered imbalance.

Jackson, Jeremy B. C., and Aaron O’Dea. 2023. “Evolution and Environment of Caribbean Coastal Ecosystems.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 120 (42): 1–12. doi:10.1073/pnas.2307520120.

• “Isolation of the Caribbean Sea from the tropical Eastern Pacific by uplift of the Isthmus of Panama in the late Pliocene was associated with major, taxonomically variable, shifts in Caribbean biotic composition, and extinction, but inferred causes of these biological changes have remained elusive. We addressed this through falsifiable hypotheses about how independently determined historical changes in oceanographic conditions may have been responsible.”

Jennings, Eric, and Clara Palmiste. 2023. “Vichy’s Mass Firing of Women Teachers of Colour in the French Caribbean and Its Consequences1.” Gender & History 35 (3): 1012–31. doi:10.1111/1468-0424.12628.

• Vichy France applied new patriarchal laws regarding employment more heavily on Martinique and Guadeloupe than in France. Examines a particular law, relating to the employment and firing of female teachers dated October 11, 1940, and its effects in France and in the Caribbean.

Lancellotti, Brittany V, David A Hensley, and Race Stryker. 2023. “Detection of Heavy Metals and VOCs in Streambed Sediment Indicates Anthropogenic Impact on Intermittent Streams of the U.S. Virgin Islands.” Scientific Reports 13 (1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-44455-2.

• Examines industrial contamination, which “threatens ecological and human health due to groundwater leaching and downstream contaminant mobilization,” in the wider Caribbean. Particularly, is looking at heavy metals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in sediment along streams in St Croix.

Maissa, Chafai, Chaouche Saloua-Nassima, and Raphael J. Heffron. 2023. “Employment Risk for the Global Oil and Gas Sector in Light of Just Transition Policies.” SSRN. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4606995.

• Analyzes the possibilities of regional job loss in the transition to low-carbon energy. Argues that Latin America and the Caribbean are at higher risk for job losses.

Marinkovic, Catalina. 2023. “Is Energy Planning Consistent with Climate Goals? Assessing Future Emissions from Power Plants in Latin America and the Caribbean. 2023. ⟨Halshs-04253392⟩.” Edited by Adrien Vogt-Schilb. HAL Open Science. https://shs.hal.science/halshs-04253392/.

• Compares 2019 planning levels for generated emissions with 2023 realities, to assess the progress of achieving carbon neutrality across Latin America and the Caribbean. “Results suggest that while progress is being made, energy planning in the region is not yet consistent with global climate goals.”

Matus, Silvia Saravia, Diego Fernández, Alfredo Montañez, Marina Gil, Elisa Blanco, Alba Llavona, Lisbeth Naranjo, and Natalia Sarmanto. 2023. “From Wastewater to Renewable Energy Production: Opportunities and Challenges in Mid‐sized Cities in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Natural Resources Forum, October, 1. doi:10.1111/1477-8947.12351.

• In many “mega-cities” across the Caribbean and Latin America, circular economy principles of methane recovery have been implemented in wastewater treatment. Paper investigates the potential effects of implementing these plans in mid-sized cities throughout the region, focusing on Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, and Peru.

Mosquera, Isabel, Clara B. Barajas, Li Zhang, Eric Lucas, Majano, Sara Benitez, Mauricio Maza, Silvana Luciani, Partha Basu, and Andre L. Carvalho. 2023. “Assessment of Organization of Cervical and Breast Cancer Screening Programmes in the Latin American and the Caribbean States: The CanScreen5 Framework.” Cancer Medicine 12 (19): 19935–48. doi:10.1002/cam4.6492.

• Across the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) breast and cervical cancer are the third leading cause of death among women. Examines screening procedures and data across 27 countries who participated in a “Train The Trainers” program. Finds large gaps in these systems, and advocates for more consistency, monitoring and funding.

Pousadela, Inés M, and Simone R Bohn. 2023. Women’s Rights in Movement: Dynamics of Feminist Change in Latin America and the Caribbean. Springer Nature.

• Comparative study of women’s rights movements across Latin America and the Caribbean, using case studies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru, to understand why there have been such strong and sustained movements throughout the region.

Voth-Gaeddert, Lee, Douglas Momberg, Kela Brathwaite, Andrew Schranck, Stephen Libbey, and Mandy Lemley. 2023. “Point-of-Entry Ultraviolet Water Treatment Program in the US Virgin Islands: Final Program Results.” Journal of Environmental Engineering 149 (10): 1–4. doi:10.1061/JOEEDU.EEENG-7372.

• Details a pilot program of UV water treatment in the USVI. As many in the area rely on rainwater as a water source, which can easily be contaminated, this study sought to see if this system could be effective. The data gathered “provides further evidence of the success of this water management pilot program and, along with previously published program component data, can be used to craft an island- or territory-wide water treatment and management program to support household access to potable water.”

Mass Media

Probasco, Mat. “Wrecked Cargo Ship Not Leaking Oil, Emergency Responders Say.” The Saint Croix Source. October 5, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/05/wrecked-cargo-ship-not-leaking-oil-emergency-responders-say/

• According to the Coast Guard, grounded cargo ship, the Bonnie G, was not leaking oil. This ship was carrying 3,000 gallons of fuel and 250 gallons of lube oil, in addition to some cargo. None of the crew was injured.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Crew safe after cargo vessel runs aground off St. Thomas.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 5, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/crew-safe-after-cargo-vessel-runs-aground-off-st-thomas/article_964f5ee8-2bfb-547c-a7f2-4b4652c7bf53.html

• 12 crew members were aboard the Bonnie G when it ran aground, all 12 of them were rescued without injury by the Coast Guard.

Cobb, Sian. “West Indies Petroleum a Party to Refinery Consent Decree, Judge Rules.”  The Saint Croix Source. October 6, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/06/west-indies-petroleum-a-party-to-refinery-consent-decree-judge-rules/

• Despite purchasing the former Limetree Bay Refinery property at a bankruptcy auction in 2021, West Indies Petroleum Limited has been claiming since 2022 that they have no ownership of the refinery. Article details the confusing back and forth, as well as a new ruling from Judge Emile Henderson III stating that the corporation must be included as a defendant in the consent decree affecting the property.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Coast Guard coordinating response to grounded cargo ship.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 6, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/coast-guard-coordinating-response-to-grounded-cargo-ship/article_219b6f63-4f5a-5b91-8a12-1faf0b8cdb8f.html

• Details the coordination between the Coast Guard and other agencies in both examining the causes of the cargo ship incident and the response to it. According to Captain José Díaz, Incident Commander, “Conducting a safe operation and protecting the marine environment are the main priorities for this response…our goal is to remove this threat from the local waterway as safely and as soon as possible, and in the process keep our local partners, government officials and the public informed of ongoing efforts and progress throughout the response.”

Pancham, Ananta. “Department of Health, DSPR Bring Out Hundreds for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.”  The St. Croix Source. October 6, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/06/department-of-health-dspr-bring-out-hundreds-for-breast-cancer-awareness-month/

• On October 6th, the third annual walk for Breast Cancer Awareness was held at the St. Thomas waterfront. The event was put on by the Department of Health’s Maternity and Child Health Division and Sports, Parks, and Recreation.

Macavoy, Kit. “St. Thomas mariners asked to avoid Bonnie G ‘safety zone’.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/st-thomas-mariners-asked-to-avoid-bonnie-g-safety-zone/article_5d8d9e9c-40a7-54f1-b41a-096be5b459f3.html

• In order to safely monitor the area, the US Coast Guard requested all marine traffic to avoid the area near St Thomas where the Bonnie G ran aground.

Daily News Staff. “Sorority’s annual march helps raise funds for breast cancer education.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.  October 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/sorority-s-annual-march-helps-raise-funds-for-breast-cancer-education/article_bb9ab898-4c43-59f2-820e-76bd7484915f.html

• For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Nu Chi Zeta chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc joined with others in having a ceremony and different events in order to raise money and awareness.

Carlson, Suzanne. “WAPA working to address brown water on St. Croix.”

Macavoy, Kit. “St. Thomas mariners asked to avoid Bonnie G ‘safety zone’.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 11, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-working-to-address-brown-water-on-st-croix/article_b7bb164d-39c8-58f0-aa7a-154361c3bc3e.html

• Details the initial water sampling by the VI Water and Power Authority, in response to reports of brown, murky water flowing through the pipes. At this stage, WAPA claims this was due to old, rusty pipes, and high volumes of a certain type of seaweed.

Daley, Jesse. “Cancer Support V.I. Joins the Territory in Celebrating, Honoring, and Bringing Awareness to Warriors with Cancer.” The St. Croix Source. October 14, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/14/cancer-support-v-i-joins-the-territory-in-celebrating-honoring-and-bringing-awareness-to-warriors-with-cancer/

• “Nonprofit organization Cancer Support of the Virgin Islands (CSVI) Celebrates October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The organization honors victims of all cancers and works to educate the VI community about the many ways it can support and raise awareness during the month, which CSVI calls “Pinktober.”” Details fundraising and awareness spreading events and activities.

Macavoy, Kit. “EPA tests reveal large amounts of lead, copper in WAPA water on STX.”  The Virgin Islands Daily News.October 17, 2023.

https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-tests-reveal-large-amounts-of-lead-copper-in-wapa-water-on-stx/article_fe11f75d-5fc9-553e-8abd-254eba63f901.html

• Several regions of St Croix, as of publication, were being directed not to drink or cook with their water, as many of the samples contained high levels of lead and/or copper. Contains guidelines for residents on what is and is not safe to do with this water.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Coast Guard continues response to Bonnie G grounding off St. Thomas.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 18, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/coast-guard-continues-response-to-bonnie-g-grounding-off-st-thomas/article_2d07674c-5c6e-5101-92c4-af59caa289b2.html

• Article describes the cleanup effort on the grounded Bonnie G, relating to oil removal, debris cleanup, and if the ship was expected to harm a nearby coral reef. According to a newsbrief, no oil sheen was visible, 2,500 pounds of debris had been recovered from the area, and no damage to the reef was expected from the cleanup effort.

Macavoy, Kit. “High levels of lead, copper found in STX water attributed to stagnation.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.October 18, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/high-levels-of-lead-copper-found-in-stx-water-attributed-to-stagnation/article_f1b404a1-53a9-59a2-b20a-cd471aed0e2e.html

• Further details on the contaminated water flowing from WAPA’s pipes, though no causes besides stagnation are revealed. Lead levels were recorded as high as 20,100 micrograms per liter. While there is no safe level of lead exposure, testing and alerts are required if levels are higher than 15 microgram per liter.

Stokes, Fiona. “Weather concerns force postponement of Relay for Life fundraiser.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.October 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/weather-concerns-force-postponement-of-relayfor-life-fundraiser/article_2b8816db-91a9-5f7d-bc51-f21de700524c.html

• Relay for Life events delayed because of Tropical Storm Tammy, rescheduled for the following week.

Macavoy, Kit. “Water testing ongoing to determine extent of lead, copper contamination on St. Croix.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/water-testing-ongoing-to-determine-extent-of-lead-copper-contamination-on-st-croix/article_400327eb-d435-5c1b-89e7-c1b43a234f3d.html

• Discusses both some initial findings from water testing, and some proposed legislative short term remedies- including declaring a state of emergency, anti-price gouging legislation, and money for the purchase of water bottles, none of which had been implemented at the time of publication ahead of the legislative session.

Capeheart, Senator Diane. “Legislature Corner: Sen. Capehart Calls on EPA to Discuss Under investment in Water Infrastructure and Contamination.” The Saint Croix Source. October 24, 2023.https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/24/legislature-corner-sen-capehart-calls-on-epa-to-discuss-under-investment-in-water-infrastructure-and-contamination/

• Senator Diane Capeheart scheduled a virtual meeting between relevant organizations and the public to discuss the water contamination. Article proposes using money from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to assist in fixing the problem and providing clean water to the residents.

Macavoy, Kit. “V.I. government awaits St. Croix water system test results.”  The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 24, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/v-i-government-awaits-st-croix-water-system-test-results/article_c9f05cd5-3fca-5246-b16d-558f810b2ace.html

• Outline of contaminated water to the date of publication, summary of details released to this point. “The V.I. government announced late Monday afternoon that early assessments of St. Croix’s potable water distribution system indicated that the source of lead and copper contamination came from the system itself.”

Macavoy, Kit. “VITEMA, WAPA heads detail St. Croix water resampling efforts.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.October 25, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/vitema-wapa-heads-detail-st-croix-water-resampling-efforts/article_396259a2-ce71-5f82-b685-aa9cb0310e90.html

• Details the specifics of the water testing program, including locations and numbers of samples taken, as well as sampling methods.

Source Staff. “EPA Discusses Brown Water Issue By Way of Community Dialogue on St. Croix.” The Saint Croix Source.October 25, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/25/epa-discusses-brown-water-issue-by-way-of-community-dialogue-on-st-croix/

• A town hall meeting was held by the EPA to discuss the water contamination issues, “the dialogue gave the public the opportunity to understand the recent water sampling process and view a presentation about the samples taken.” Additionally, “Approximately $1 billion is being invested toward improving St. Croix’s water infrastructure — a project that will span more than168 miles and could take 20–30 years to complete, officials have said.”

Staff Consortium. “Bryan Signs Executive Order Declaring USVI Ecosystems as Critical Natural Infrastructure.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. October 25, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-bryan-signs-executive-order-declaring-usvi-ecosystems-as-critical-natural-infrastructure-

• Governor Bryan signed an Executive Order, which marks the ecosystems of the VI as infrastructure, in order to describe their importance and provide for their conservation.

Macavoy, Kit. “Housing Authority board receives update on water quality, occupancy.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 26, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/housing-authority-board-receives-update-on-water-quality-occupancy/article_616ee6aa-ac2a-502f-bcb6-38224b95e059.html

• “Virgin Islands government agencies received the first round of test results from samples collected at “high risk” areas of the St. Croix potable water distribution system. The test sites included three schools and one V.I. Housing Authority site,” but as of publication these results had not yet been made public. Further testing and analysis was planned ahead of any further recommendations or results.

Gilbert, Ernice. “VI Government Seeks National Emergency Declaration From President Biden in Light of St. Croix’s Water Crisis.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. October 26, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-health/virgin-islands-vi-government-seeks-national-emergency-declaration-from-president-biden-in-light-of-st-croixs-water-crisis

• The VI government, by October 26, was actively seeking and collaborating with the federal government in Washington to establish a state of emergency declaration to deal with contaminated water infrastructure. “Such a declaration has the potential to enable expanded testing, afford technical assistance, and facilitate immediate relief to the island’s residents, with a particular focus on the most vulnerable sections of the community.”

Source Staff. “WAPA Spill Forces Switch to Diesel for Past Three Days, Cleanup Ongoing.” The Saint Croix Source.October 30, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/30/wapa-spill-forces-switch-to-diesel-for-past-three-days-cleanup-ongoing/

• Refers to diesel spill on St Thomas, caused by the overflowing of a storage tank, which happened when additional fuel was being unloaded. A technical malfunction caused the spill. Cleanup was underway at time of publishing.

Cobb, Sian. “Bryan Declares STX Water Crisis a Local State of Emergency, Setting Stage for National Designation.” The Saint Croix Source. October 30, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/30/bryan-declares-stx-water-crisis-a-local-state-of-emergency-setting-stage-for-national-designation/

• Governor Bryan declared a territorial state emergency, as a required precedent to a federal one. A local declaration opens up funding for recovery and the ability to freeze bottled water prices.

Source Staff. “WAPA Board Increases CEO’s Financial Authority to Deal with STX Water Crisis.” The Saint Croix Source. October 30, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/10/30/wapa-board-increases-ceos-financial-authority-to-deal-with-stx-water-crisis/

• In preparation for water crisis mitigation, the WAPA board expanded the spending power limit for its CEO from under one million to five million dollars. “In the most immediate term, as WAPA is still testing, the added authorization won’t be used right away, Smith said in an interview with the Source after the meeting. What it will help with, most likely in the next 60-90 days, is getting a couple of solutions off the ground, including replacing materials, like meters, or adding additional treatment capacity, he said.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Coast Guard probes diesel spill at WAPA plant on STT.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 30, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/coast-guard-probes-diesel-spill-at-wapa-plant-on-stt/article_773c86f7-d09b-5de2-961b-1039c50e14b1.html

• Details about the St Thomas diesel spill. Estimates claim that between 5,000 and 7,000 gallons could have “left secondary containment,” but this figure could change.

Carlson, Suzanne. “More WAPA outages in STT-STJ district; board meeting set for today.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. October 30, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/more-wapa-outages-in-stt-stj-district-board-meeting-set-for-today/article_b5884fc8-5bdc-5c45-8e81-dee1f3a464ac.html

• Begins with describing power outages throughout St Thomas and St John, then moves to describe many of the legal issues that WAPA is currently embroiled in.

Staff Consortium. “DLCA Enforces Price Freeze on Water-Related Products in St. Croix District Following State of Emergency Declaration.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. October 31, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-dlca-enforces-price-freeze-on-water-related-products-in-st-croix-district-following-state-of-emergency-declaration

• Following the local declaration of emergency, The V.I. Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs announced a new directive that froze prices on bottled water and all water related things- like transportation costs and filtration products “regardless of whether they are locally produced or imported, are now prohibited from being exported or sold outside of the St. Croix District.”

November 2023

Academic Publications

Arima Tiscoski, Katsuki, Juliana Giacomazzi, Matheus Soares Rocha, Gustavo Gössling, and Gustavo Werutsky. 2023. “Real-World Data on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean.” Ecancer, November. https://ecancer.org/en/journal/article/1635-real-world-data-on-triple-negative-breast-cancer-in-latin-america-and-the-caribbean.

• Compiled data on the prevalence of breast cancer through Latin America and the Caribbean- the most common cancer among women in the region. Delays in diagnosis mean worse (and more expensive) outcomes. “Generating [real world data] and cost-effectiveness studies on LAC is critical for deciding the incorporation of new technologies considering the country’s limited resources.”

Bowe, Anica G. 2023. “Examining Student Gendered Experiences with Parent Involvement in the Bahamas.” International Journal of Bahamian Studies 29 (2): 33–45. https://doi.org/10.15362/ijbs.v29i2.523.

• In the English speaking Caribbean, boys consistently perform worse academically than girls. Studies from a gender and family focused perspective. “Findings are discussed in terms of societal perceptions about whose education is valued, mandates for gender parity, the impact global trends have on local trends, and moving towards empirical-based theories for gendered achievement patterns within Caribbean societies.”

Buteau, Anne Christine, Alicia Castelo-Loureiro, Regina Barragán-Carrillo, Suyapa Bejarano, Alba Kihn-Alarcón, and Enrique Soto‐Pérez‐de‐Celis. 2024. “Disparities in Cancer Control in Central America and the Caribbean.” Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America 38 (1): 35–53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hoc.2023.07.007.

• Do not have full access to this article, can only view part of the “Key Points” which include “Central America and the Caribbean is a highly heterogeneous region with an increasing burden of cancer facing many challenges for providing equitable access to high-quality cancer care…Barriers for obtaining cancer care across the region include socioeconomic barriers, health-care system fragmentation, immigration, rural–urban disparities, and low availability of human and technological resources…Although recent initiatives have improved access and outcomes for patients with cancer in Central…”

Panwar, Vikrant, Ilan Noy, Emily Wilkinson, and Jack Corbett. “Climate Change-Attributed Loss and Damage in SIDS.” The Costs of Inaction: Calculating Climate Change-Related Loss and Damage from Extreme Weather in Small Island Developing States. ODI, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep55166.8.

• Working paper on deaths, economic losses, and damages related to climate change on so-called Small Island Developing States.

Mass Media

“US Virgin Islands declares state of emergency after lead and copper found in tap water in St. Croix.” AP News. November 1, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/st-croix-state-emergency-water-contaminated-lead-28a8e67a0069b08f6f7782bea6c77863

• Details of what declaring a state of emergency entails- including freeing resources, the streamlining and coordination of responses, and federal assistance. Bottled water prices were also frozen.

Source Staff. “Coast Guard Continues Oversight of Diesel Oil Spill at WAPA on STT.”  The St Croix Source. November 1, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/01/uscg-continues-oversight-of-diesel-oil-spill/

• Following an oil spill at the WAPA Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas, the Coast Guard began monitoring efforts. The spill occurred when a tank overflowed as diesel was being unloaded. “The oil recovery crews have collected 18,000 gallons of diesel and water from the discharge tank’s secondary containment and an additional 8,000 gallons of diesel and water have been collected from the affected land outside the secondary containment, the press release stated.”

Macavoy, Kit. “EPA announces penalties for violations at Virgin Islands facilities.”  The Virgin Islands Daily News.November 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-announces-penalties-for-violations-at-virgin-islands-facilities/article_b2dfd959-8089-5667-a5ef-0f1b372ce1e4.html

• AT&T Transoceanic Communications has numerous underground storage tanks in the Virgin Islands that store “petroleum or other hazardous substances”, and according to an enforcement agreement brought forth by the EPA, were in noncompliance with standard- which can lead to leaks. The company was fined $40,000.

Pancham, Ananta. “Updated: CSVI Invites Community to this Saturday ‘Faith Walk’ for Cancer Awareness.” The St Croix Source. November 2, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/02/csvi-invites-community-to-saturday-faith-walk-for-cancer-awareness/

• Details of the previously rain delayed cancer walk fundraiser hosted by Cancer Support V.I..

Cobb, Sian. “St. Croix Water Crisis a Confluence of Unfortunate Events, Officials Say.” The St Croix Source. November 2, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/02/st-croix-water-crisis-a-confluence-of-unfortunate-events-officials-say/

• According to representatives of WAPA and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the crisis of the water system was caused by “an influx of sargassum this summer that impaired water production at the reverse osmosis plant, and some 67 percent of customers who rarely if ever use their V.I. Water and Power Authority water, combined to create low water levels and stagnant water in ductile iron pipes that are more than 70 years old.”

Macavoy, Kit. “DPNR, WAPA leadership provide updates on St. Croix water system.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.November 3, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/dpnr-wapa-leadership-provide-updates-on-st-croix-water-system/article_5d2a3c91-6537-576f-aa60-467b5d0b8da0.html

• Broad updates water quality, relating to potential sources of contamination and planned further testing.

Buchanan, Don. “St. Croix Residents Urge Action for Clean Water.” The St Croix Source. November 3, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/03/residents-urge-action-for-clean-water/

• Details of a water quality hearing, recounting testimony of residents urging action and expressing their dismay, as well as from WAPA officials. CEO Andrew Smith’s “report was seen as dry by some people and prompted one commenter on social media to call it a chemistry report. It didn’t appear to satisfy many people like [Maria] Friday, who, in her testimony, said, “Residents are ensnared in a web of anxiety.”

Joseph, Senator Carla. “Legislature Corner: More Needs to Be Done About Lead and Copper in St. Croix’s Potable Water.” The St Croix Source. November 5, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/05/legislature-corner-more-needs-to-be-done-about-lead-and-copper-in-st-croixs-potable-water/

• Statement from Senator Carla Joseph, includes the following: ““WAPA’s response to the situation is not sufficient. It is good that the Bryan Roach Administration has activated an emergency response by the Department of Health to conduct testing of residents in the area; however, this requirement should be extended to all residents of St. Croix as well as individuals who may have visited the islands and stayed in the affected areas to determine any impacts on their health…This situation is a potential health crisis and possibly legal ramifications, and the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Department of Health and the U.S. EPA need to do more for the residents of St. Croix.”

Daley, Jesse. “Government House Shares Updates on Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Center Rebuild; New Director of V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Appointed.” The St Croix Source. November 6, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/06/government-house-shares-updates-including-charlotte-kimelman-cancer-center-rebuild-new-director-of-v-i-fire-and-emergency-services-appointed/

• Briefing on multiple issues: relevant here, the reopening of a cancer center, closed in 2017 from hurricane damage. “Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute… is scheduled to be up and running by the end of 2025.”

Macavoy, Kit. “Legislature receives update on St. Croix water system.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 6, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/legislature-receives-update-on-st-croix-water-system/article_c7c0fdaa-adc4-54e3-9acb-8795c15368e4.html

• “Acting Health Commissioner Nicole Craigwell-Syms announced Friday that results for lead exposure were negative for all students tested. The round of testing was the pilot phase of the Health Department’s “Safe Haven” program, which will offer free blood testing for children ages 0-6 on St. Croix. Sixty-four Alfredo Andrews Elementary School students were tested.”

Staff Consortium. “USVI Breaks Ground on Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute Reconstruction.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. November 7, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-health/virgin-islands-usvi-breaks-ground-on-charlotte-kimelman-cancer-institute-reconstruction

• Further details on the rebuilding of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer institute, which broke ground on November 4th. The project, according to Darryl A. Smalls, the executive director of the Territorial Redevelopment Team, is “a significant milestone in our mission to enhance healthcare in the Virgin Islands.”

Cobb, Sian. “Coast Guard Investigating Oil Spill on Eastern Shore of Lindbergh Bay.” The St Croix Source. November 7, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/07/coast-guard-investigating-oil-spill-on-eastern-shore-of-lindbergh-bay/

• Details of an oil spill off the coast of St Thomas. According to a WAPA spokesperson, “The engine oil spill is being investigated by the Coast Guard, but all evidence has shown that it is unrelated to the oil spill reported a couple weeks ago. The press release issued by the Coast Guard fails to mention that WAPA is in no way responsible for the oil spill and that we were simply being stewards of protecting our natural resources by assisting with cleanup efforts.”

Probasco, Mat. “Bills Funding St. Croix Water, St. Thomas Dredging Advanced.” The St Croix Source. November 7, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/07/bills-funding-st-croix-water-st-thomas-dredging-advanced/

• Reporting of a senate hearing, where one of the focuses was a debate on the funding and logistics of providing bottled water to residents instructed not to use or drink their tap water.

Davis, Olasee. “Open Forum: Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan Needed Now Before More Opportunities are Missed.” The St Croix Source. November 7, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/07/open-forum-comprehensive-land-and-water-use-plan-needed-now-before-more-opportunities-are-missed/

• Editorial on the need for a comprehensive water plan. According to Professor Davis, “If we had developed a Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan more than 75 years ago, the Virgin Islands wouldn’t be in a predicament like today. Where we build roads, houses, shopping centers, hotels, gas stations, etc., and a laundry list of issues that we face could have been averted if we had a plan as the Virgin Islands continued to grow and develop into the future.”

Macavoy, Kit. “Finance Committee approves measure to provide bottled water on St. Croix.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 8, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/finance-committee-approves-measure-to-provide-bottled-water-on-st-croix/article_562e1c78-f81b-5ebb-b40a-ca2cd18172ac.html

• “Lawmakers on the Finance Committee approved a $350,000 General Fund appropriation to provide bottled drinking water to approximately 8,000 St. Croix residents living in areas most impacted by elevated lead and copper levels in parts of the island’s potable water system.” Debate remained on distribution: whether via a voucher system, debit/gift cards, or actually distributing water.

Source Staff. “WAPA Completes Extended Water Sampling for Downtown Christiansted.” The St Croix Source.November 8, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/08/wapa-completes-extended-water-sampling-for-downtown-christiansted/

• ‘The V.I. Water and Power Authority has completed extended water sampling in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources in downtown Christiansted, an additional step in ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of the authority’s potable water supply, the agency announced Wednesday.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Coast Guard, WAPA crews contain oil spill in Lindbergh Bay.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.November 8, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/coast-guard-wapa-crews-contain-oil-spill-in-lindbergh-bay/article_c99bfc7f-7072-55dc-9f79-a01d4a7fbb0b.html

• The oil spill off of St Thomas had, as of publication, been contained- though clean up and investigative efforts were still underway.

Macavoy, Kit. “WAPA, DPNR expand scope of water system testing.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 9, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-dpnr-expand-scope-of-water-system-testing/article_b8b9af52-d006-5794-9ad7-ffa9bf47cb55.html

• Extension and continuation of water testing.

Macavoy, Kit. “U.S. EPA announces upcoming workshops.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 9, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/u-s-epa-announces-upcoming-workshops/article_7daaf958-71c5-5f24-9482-a0fcbefcdcae.html

• The EPA “announced a series of upcoming public and private workshops for Virgin Islands government agencies, stakeholders and residents. The two public workshops will address cistern safety and management and will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the Emerald Beach Resort on St. Thomas and 6-7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix.”

Source Staff. “Health Department to Provide Pediatric Lead Testing at Lew Muckle Elementary School.” The St Croix Source. November 9, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/09/health-department-to-provide-pediatric-lead-testing-at-lew-muckle-elementary-school/

• Announcement of free lead level blood testing for children, administered at Lew Muckle Elementary School. “A blood lead test is the best way to find out if a child has lead poisoning, the department said. A child with lead poisoning may not have visible signs or symptoms, and many children who have lead poisoning look and act healthy. Children under the age of six are still developing rapidly, and lead exposure can adversely affect their brain, nervous system, growth, development, and overall behavior, it said.”

Probasco, Mat. “WAPA Counters Toxic Water Misinformation.” The St Croix Source. November 10, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/10/wapa-counters-toxic-water-misinformation/

• WAPA urges residents to follow their guidance on water quality issues, and not sources via social media.

Macavoy, Kit. “Bryan signs request for Presidential Disaster Declaration.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 10, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/bryan-signs-request-for-presidential-disaster-declaration/article_b98e2562-8dfd-507a-8a4e-ff83337d5cab.html

• Governor Bryan appealed to the federal government through a request for a disaster declaration, stating that “I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities of Territorial resources, and that supplemental federal assistance is necessary to save lives, protect property, public health and safety, and to lessen or avert the threat of a major disaster.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “DPNR working to address water crisis.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 13, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/dpnr-working-to-address-water-crisis/article_764ab124-1e4f-53a7-acf1-5b718fa55908.html

• Roll of the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (as well as other governmental and nongovernmental partners) in the water crisis outlined.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Plans underway for water voucher distribution on St. Croix.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.November 13, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/plans-underway-for-water-voucher-distribution-on-st-croix/article_6415be80-61eb-5c8b-8ef0-5ee9bd9cd1bd.html

• Details of outreach efforts on water quality, as well as ongoing discussions on how best to distribute vouchers for drinking water.

Buchanan, Don. “Frederiksted May Get Bottled Water, Water Bill Discounts, and, Finally, a Baseball Stadium.” The St Croix Source. November 14, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/14/frederiksted-may-get-bottled-water-water-bill-discounts-and-finally-a-baseball-stadium/

• Reporting on two senate bills that were passed regarding water- one on money for distribution, and the other on discounted water bills.

Probasco, Mat. “Government House Seeks to Soothe St. Croix Water Fears.” The St Croix Source. November 14, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/14/gov-house-seeks-to-soothe-st-croix-water-fears/

• From a PR broadcast meant to allay fears. Topics covered are: Water vouchers are on the way, Discolored water and lead levels are sort of related, WAPA and other agencies took action, Children and pregnant women are being tested, WAPA’s identified likely cause of lead, The St. Croix lead problem is different from Flint, Michigan, Running water continues to help.

Macavoy, Kit. “U.S. Virgin Islands submits emergency declaration request.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 14, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/u-s-virgin-islands-submits-emergency-declaration-request/article_8378d2b3-ba45-57fe-8e12-8e4c13f54689.html

• Emergency declaration request officially signed and submitted to the federal government.

Macavoy, Kit. “Senators get update on St. Croix water crisis, approve relief for WAPA customers.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 15, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/senators-get-update-on-st-croix-water-crisis-approve-relief-for-wapa-customers/article_284993cd-fe74-54b5-88c2-905b2c7a3a48.html

• Details of Bill No. 35-0200, which if signed, “will require the V.I. Water and Power Authority to issue a monthly water bill abatement for six months to any residential customer who receives potable water service in an area identified as having levels of lead and copper above the federal action level.” $350,000 in funding for bottled water was passed in an earlier bill.

Source Staff. “WAPA: Voucher Distribution Starts Saturday for STX Residents Hit by Water Crisis.” The St Croix Source.November 16, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/16/wapa-voucher-distribution-starts-saturday-for-stx-residents-hit-by-water-crisis/

• Covers the logistics of water voucher distribution, to occur over a number of days to 3,431 households.

Daily News Staff. “WAPA begins voucher distribution for St. Croix water customers.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.November 16, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-begins-voucher-distribution-for-st-croix-water-customers/article_4ba1c735-e820-5b0c-9e44-731f4b33dc3e.html

• More coverage of water voucher distribution, to take place Saturday-Monday, 11/18 – 11/20, 9am to 5pm.

Source Staff. “EPA Discovers Liquified Petroleum Not Previously Reported by STX Refinery.” The St Croix Source.November 18, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/18/epa-discovers-liquified-petroleum-that-was-not-previously-report-by-the-refinery/

• EPA reporting that there was further, unreported, liquified natural gas left behind by Port Hamilton. From the meeting where this was revealed, “Jennifer Valiulis from the St. Croix Environmental Association asked, ‘in light of the finding of the new LPG is it possible that there are other things that we do not know about? Is there more that we are missing that will pop up later?’ Kodama responded, ‘We have the same concern. It is concerning to find that there was material we should have been aware of a year ago that we recently became aware of it. That is one reason we are being careful about how we finalize this report. We want it to be a complete effort that we don’t find out anything additional at the refinery.’”

Staff Consortium. “EPA Discovers Additional Liquid Petroleum Gas at St. Croix Refinery, Further Investigations Underway.” The Virgin Islands Consortium.  November 19, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-environment/virgin-islands-epa-discovers-additional-liquid-petroleum-gas-at-st-croix-refinery,-further-investigations-underway

• Further coverage of the unreported LPG discovered at the refinery. “The EPA’s ongoing efforts to monitor and inspect the St. Croix refinery led to the realization that more LPG remains on-site than previously understood. The agency is currently finalizing its inspection report to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation. This will aid in determining the necessary steps to address the presence of this material.”

Pancham, Ananta. “India Association Celebrates Diwali with $25K to Cancer Support V.I..” The St Croix Source.November 19, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/19/india-association-celebrates-diwali-with-25k-check-to-cancer-support-vi/

• The India Association of St. Thomas donated $25,000 to Cancer Support V.I a Diwali celebration.

Probasco, Mat. “Biden Declares Federal State of Emergency Over St. Croix Water.” The St Croix Source. November 19, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/19/biden-declares-state-of-emergency-over-st-croix-water/

• Biden officially approves the declaration of emergency. From FEMA, “FEMA is authorized to identify, mobilize and provide, at its discretion, equipment and resources necessary to alleviate the impacts of the emergency…The president’s action authorizes FEMA to coordinate all disaster relief efforts which have the purpose of alleviating the hardship and suffering caused by the emergency on the local population and to provide appropriate assistance for required emergency measures..”

Source Staff. “Coast Guard Ties Lindbergh Bay Oil Spill to WAPA Tank; Cleanup Continues.” The St Croix Source.November 19, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/19/clean-up-efforts-continue-for-wapas-tank-11-oil-spill/

• “U.S. Coast Guard personnel overseeing the cleanup of a diesel discharge from a holding tank at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas have formally extended their efforts to include the waterside oil spill on the eastern shore of Lindbergh Bay, the agency announced Friday.”

Macavoy, Kit. “EPA refinery walkthrough finds additional liquid petroleum gas.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-refinery-walkthrough-finds-additional-liquid-petroleum-gas/article_0fb3fe6d-08d5-5ae4-985a-6e6a2a633009.html

• Further reporting on the unaccounted for LPG- here stated at 32,500 gallons.

Macavoy, Kit. “President Biden approves emergency declaration for St. Croix water contamination.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/president-biden-approves-emergency-declaration-for-st-croix-water-contamination/article_0fb55cee-b5ca-58ea-a456-5145a931365c.html

• Reporting on what is included in the federal emergency declaration.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Coast Guard confirms Lindbergh Bay diesel spill came from WAPA plant.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 20, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/coast-guard-confirms-lindbergh-bay-diesel-spill-came-from-wapa-plant/article_203abb3e-5e68-58d5-9bf7-8aebd401a48d.html

• Confirmation that the oil spill off of St Thomas came from a WAPA storage tank.

Macavoy, Kit. “Officials detail federal assistance for St. Croix water system.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 21, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/officials-detail-federal-assistance-for-st-croix-water-system/article_4dd94387-8014-513c-85dd-0f30c352e74d.html

• Briefing from Daryl Jaschen, V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Director. “Unlike other requests for emergency declarations for the U.S. Virgin Islands — such as pre-storm assistance — this request for drinking water compromised due to the lead and copper, required a thorough evaluation and justification by Gov. Bryan and the support staff.”

Source Staff. “No Brushing Teeth with Impacted St. Croix Water, Officials Say.” The St Croix Source. November 22, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/22/no-brushing-teeth-with-impacted-st-croix-water-officials-say/

• Bathing and showering with the affected water remain “okay”, but new guidance suggests customers not to use it to brush their teeth.

Phillis, Michael. “Biden declares emergency over lead in water in US Virgin Islands.” AP News. November 22, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/water-quality-lead-contamination-poisoning-virgin-islands-st-croix-592f53e4d5aa76c7689e743b9736ffd5

• Summary of water crisis to date, including a discussion of how communities of color can be subjected to misinformation.

Macavoy, Kit. “In reversal, authorities tell St. Croix residents to avoid brushing teeth with WAPA water.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 23, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/in-reversal-authorities-tell-st-croix-residents-to-avoid-brushing-teeth-with-wapa-water/article_017235cc-a4c9-53ee-bbe8-8b23b0106809.html

• From a statement from Virgin Islands Unified Command, “Initially, it was indicated that brushing with potable water is permissible. However, following further investigation, the V.I. Department of Health now urges the public not to use potable water for this purpose until further notice.”

Source Staff. “WAPA Waiting for Guidance from EPA on Next Steps for STX Potable Water Solutions.” The St Croix Source. November 26, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/26/wapa-waiting-for-guidance-from-epa-on-next-steps-for-stx-potable-water-solutions/

• “Before making a definitive next step toward solving St. Croix’s potable water issues, V.I. Water and Power Authority officials said Sunday they are awaiting guidance from the federal Environmental Protection Agency on how to decipher sampling results that revealed elevated copper and lead levels but weren’t garnered through the proper sampling protocols.”

IRS. “IRS Offers Tax Relief for Taxpayers Impacted by Elevated Levels of Lead and Copper in Water.” The St Croix Source. November 26, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/26/irs-offers-tax-relief-for-taxpayers-impacted-by-elevated-levels-of-lead-and-copper-in-water/

• From the IRS, “The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced tax relief for individuals and businesses affected by elevated levels of lead and copper in the water supply on St. Croix. These taxpayers now have until Feb. 29, 2024, to file various individual and business tax returns and make tax payments.”

VI WAPA. “WAPA Thanks All Partners Who Made Its St. Croix Water Voucher Distribution Successful.” The St Croix Source. November 26, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/26/wapa-thanks-all-partners-who-made-its-st-croix-water-voucher-distribution-successful/

• WAPA issues a statement thanking their myriad partners in water distribution to date.

Daley, Jesse. “Government House Questions Water Testing Results, But No Confirmation Yet From EPA.” The St Croix Source. November 27, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/27/government-house-questions-water-testing-results-but-no-confirmation-yet-from-epa/

• Initial water test results may have shown inaccurate- or at least inconsistent- levels of lead and other contaminants. Also contains updates on testing children for lead exposure.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Top court prepares to consider WAPA board law.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 27, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/top-court-prepares-to-consider-wapa-board-law/article_fb48b085-2929-5e26-91d6-d886b744f90a.html

• The VI governor is limited by law on the number of appointees they have on the WAPA board. Governor Bryan is trying to challenge this law.

Macavoy, Kit. “Latest sampling of St. Croix taps shows lower lead, copper levels.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 27, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/latest-sampling-of-st-croix-taps-shows-lower-lead-copper-levels/article_88ade9e5-2073-55e1-94fe-19cff36b3aad.html

• New rounds of testing show lower levels of contaminants than the initial tests revealed. Initial sampling happened at the meter, while new testing is done in a sequential sampling method, which may more accurately show levels.

Cobb, Sian. “Class-Action Suit Alleges WAPA, Seven Seas Failed to Keep STX Water Safe.” The St Croix Source.November 28, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/28/class-action-suit-alleges-wapa-seven-seas-failed-to-keep-stx-water-safe/

• “More than a dozen St. Croix residents have filed a class action lawsuit against the V.I. Water and Power Authority and Seven Seas Water Corporation over lead and copper contamination in the island’s water supply. The 47-page suit, filed in V.I. Superior Court, alleges WAPA and Seven Seas Water provided residents of St. Croix with unsafe water, failed to properly monitor the water the utility was providing and failed to timely warn of the unsafe condition of the water, which resulted in damage to the people of the island.”

Macavoy, Kit. “Class action lawsuit filed against WAPA, Seven Seas.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 28, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-wapa-seven-seas/article_adc6f8f7-8988-5b56-af24-8ac5fa9d1f23.html

• Further details on the class action suit related to water quality, brought against WAPA and Seven Seas Water Solutions USA LLC.

Macavoy, Kit. “Govt House blames levels of lead, copper contamination on testing protocol.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 28, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/govt-house-blames-levels-of-lead-copper-contamination-on-testing-protocol/article_1f2b0312-e15b-59ca-a7db-07860f80951e.html

• According to Communications Director Richard Motta Jr, concerns of water quality may be “unfounded.” At a briefing, Motta stated that, “initial sampling protocol which focused on sampling at the meter rather than the tap to evaluate and assess the red and brown water potentially introduced other contaminants into the sampled water.”

Gilbert, Ernice. “Major Class Action Lawsuit Filed Against WAPA Over Contaminated Water.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. November 28, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-health/virgin-islands-major-class-action-lawsuit-filed-against-wapa-over-contaminated-water

• Provides a timeline of events preceding the lawsuit, as well as more details about the suit itself, the attorneys, and the plaintiffs.

Smith, Andy. “Op-Ed: CEO Smith Responds to Lawsuit with Commitment to Solutions for St. Croix Water Customers.” The St Croix Source. November 29, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/29/op-ed-ceo-smith-responds-to-lawsuit-with-commitment-to-solutions-for-st-croix-water-customers/

• Response to the lawsuit from WAPA Chief Executive Officer Andy Smith, stating ““We, at the Authority, are disappointed that amidst these challenging circumstances, there are those who seek monetary gain by exploiting the evolving situation impacting the people of St. Croix. WAPA, however, remains focused on change and improving the quality of water for our customers on St. Croix. In response to the recently filed lawsuit, the Authority would like to reiterate that every moment spent away from implementing solutions is a moment lost at the expense of our residents.”

Coto, Danica. “Residents in St. Croix sue government over water contaminated with lead and copper.” AP News. November 29, 2023. https://apnews.com/article/st-croix-water-lead-copper-usvi-lawsuit-50bf83154b04c3d48e2e41b4bdb3c046

• Coverage of the class action suit and WAPA’s response to it.

Macavoy, Kit. “EPA set to release final report on St. Croix water woes shortly.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 29, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-set-to-release-final-report-on-st-croix-water-woes-shortly/article_0d9dedcd-4265-5bf2-b15f-226422e36353.html

• Reporting summary in advance of an anticipated EPA report on water quality.

Source Staff. “Coast Guard Approves WAPA’s Oil Recovery Plan.” The St Croix Source. November 30, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/30/coast-guard-approves-wapas-oil-recovery-plan/

• Cleanup efforts on the oil spill off of St Thomas continue, includes details of gallons of oil, soil and oil-y water collected.

Buchanan, Don. “WAPA Board Updated on Pole Project, Water Situation.” The St Croix Source. November 30, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/11/30/wapa-board-updated-on-pole-project-water-situation/

• Mostly regarding improvements to the electrical grid, but also contains some updates from WAPA on water quality. According to WAPA CEO Andrew Smith, “the Environmental Protection Agency had taken 123 samples recently, and only three showed elevated levels of lead or copper.”

Macavoy, Kit. “WAPA CEO ‘disappointed’ by lawsuit over water woes.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. November 30, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-ceo-disappointed-by-lawsuit-over-water-woes/article_c9851122-e8c0-5d42-a6e9-2a7edfc8f467.html

•  Further coverage of CEO Smith’s response to the class action lawsuit. “Smith’s statement did not address all of the allegations listed in the complaint, which alleged that the Authority’s decision to switch to water supplied through reverse osmosis, rather than evaporation, delivered high-salinity water that drove further corrosion of the island’s aging water infrastructure.”

Nora. 2023. “Household Led by Women: Understanding Access to Housing Credit in Latin America and the Caribbean.” IDB, November. https://doi.org/10.18235/0005295.

• Female headed households are increasing throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, this study seems to examine how this factor impacts access to housing. “This study shows how FHHs face greater housing deficits. Our findings indicate that gender gaps in other areas, most importantly in labor markets, are conditioning income and therefore access to financial services.”

Scott-Williams, Jamie, Amalia Hosein, Patrick Eberechi Akpaka, and Chalapathi Rao. 2023. “Epidemiology of Cervical Cancer in the Caribbean.” Cureus, November. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.48198.

• Despite being generally curable, cervical cancer is the number four cause of death of women in the Caribbean. Study extensively reviews the available literature on PubMed, to understand the problem and to make recommendations for further work.

December 2023

Academic Publications

Chalazas, Theodoros, Gerald Bové, Dimitrios Chatzistratis, Isavela Monioudi, and Adonis Velegrakis. 2023. “A System for the Management of Sandy Shorelines under Climate Change: United States Virgin Islands (USVI).” AMBIO: A Journal of the Human Environment, November. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-023-01946-w.

• “A methodological framework is presented for the assessment of beach vulnerability to climate variability and change on small touristic islands. Based on the development of a coastal vulnerability index (CVI) fueled by open-source Earth Observations and social media information, it includes both physical and socio-economic characteristics of the shoreline. In a pilot study in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVIs), most beaches were found to be vulnerable to erosion.”

Charchalac-Zapeta, Celeste M, Edna Acosta‐Pérez, Sandra I García-Camacho, Mirza Rivera, and A Martinez. 2023. “The Role of Social Network and Provider Support on Access to Care in Puerto Rican and US Virgin Islands Gynecologic Cancer Patients Post-Hurricanes Maria and Irma.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 32 (12_Supplement): A107–7. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-a107.

• Study assesses how gynecological cancer patients, doctors, and networks respond to the destruction wrought by hurricanes. Finds that social support is key to good outcomes.

Hmida, Houssem Eddine, and Serge Rey. “Energy Transition, Human Development and Energy Justice in the Southern Countries.” Journal of Economic Integration 38, no. 4 (2023): 602–27. https://www.jstor.org/stable/27266555.

• Study on the impacts of energy poverty and how it “deteriorates the human capital and the growth potential,” across 44 countries, from 1990-2018.

Houpert, Rémi , Thierry Almont, Rostom Belahreche, Mamadi Faro, Jennie Okouango, Mylène Vestris, Jonathan Macni, et al. 2023. “A Population-Based Analysis of Hematological Malignancies from a French-West-Indies Cancer Registry’s Data (2009–2018).” BMC Cancer 23 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-023-11666-9.

• Hematological malignancies (HM) “are neoplasia developed at the expense of hematopoietic tissue and lymph nodes,” and have seen an increase worldwide. Compares rates in Martinique to that of France (higher in Martinique), and finds similar rates in Black American populations.

Hunt‐Kennedy, Stefanie. 2023. “‘Had It Not Been for Her’: Gender, Care Labour and Disability in the British Caribbean, 1788–1834.” Gender & History, December. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-0424.12761.

• “This article explores the intersections between gender, disability and care labour in the slaveholding societies of the British Caribbean from 1788 to 1834.” Particularly focuses on how disability and old age functioned in enslaved populations.

Ferly, Odile, and Tegan Zimmerman. 2024. Chronotropics: Caribbean Women Writing Spacetime. Springer Nature.

• From description of the book, “Elaborates the theoretical framework of chronotropics to explore spacetime in Caribbean women’s writing. Examines women’s literature that actively deconstructs the androcentric, modern western. Focuses on twenty-first-century women writers and is pan-Caribbean in scope.” Ebook free as part of open access.

Modeste-James, Akeem , Camille Huggins, Stacey Freedenthal, and James A Bellamy. 2023. “Suicidal Ideation and Its Correlates among Adolescents in Trinidad and Tobago.” Child and Adolescent Social Work Journal, December. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-023-00953-w.

• Studying the prevalence of suicidal ideation in Trinidad and Tobago among young people. Finds that rates are extremely high, and provides recommendations on how to lessen.

Mowla, Wazim, and Diego Area. “The Future of Clean Energy in the Americas.” Atlantic Council, 2023. http://www.jstor.org/stable/resrep55440.

• Policy paper from the Atlantic Council’s Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center, sponsored by the US State Department. Short summary and analysis on the Summit Commitment on the Future of Clean Energy in the Americas.

Sealy, Diadrey‐Anne, Kamilah B Thomas-Purcell, Althea Bailey, Gaole Song, and Kimlin Tam Ashing. 2023. “Abstract C142: Cancer Stigma and Its Effect on Cervical Cancer Screening and Care Seeking in the Caribbean.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 32 (12_Supplement): C142–42. https://doi.org/10.1158/1538-7755.disp23-c142.

• Stigma surrounding cancer prevents early interventions that can lessen effects or prevent it entirely. Study assesses stigma prevalence in non-cancer affected populations in Jamaica, Grenada, and Trinidad and Tobago. Results, “indicate that cancer is stigmatized in the Caribbean, and it influences screening and care seeking.”

Viollaz, Mariana, Mauricio Salazar-Saenz, Luca Flabbi, Monserrat Bustelo, and Mariano Bosch. 2023. “The COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin American and Caribbean Countries: Gender Differentials in Labor Market Dynamics.” IZA Journal of Development and Migration 14 (1). https://doi.org/10.2478/izajodm-2023-0006.

• Studies how gender affects labor patterns during the Covid pandemic through Latin America and the Caribbean. Finds that, “the pandemic has negatively affected employment and labor market participation of both men and women, but that the effect is significantly stronger for women, magnifying the already large gender gaps observed in LAC countries.” The strongest cause for this is the need for childcare.

Mass Media

Macavoy, Kit. “WAPA board approves extensions for series of energy infrastructure projects.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-board-approves-extensions-for-series-of-energy-infrastructure-projects/article_376887c3-85b7-5573-a78c-80dc0ce7c98a.html

• Reporting on several power grid infrastructure modernization projects by the WAPA Board, particularly on St Thomas, though St Croix residents should also see improvements.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Legislature set to defend law reorganizing WAPA.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/legislature-set-to-defend-law-reorganizing-wapa/article_747bd2ad-f6b2-50c8-97d6-bc955724e857.html

• Delays in court proceedings to determine authority on WAPA’s governing board. Scheduled hearings pushed back in order to give the VI legislature time to file an amicus brief.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Fuel spill cleanup continues at WAPA plant on St. Thomas.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.December 1, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/fuel-spill-cleanup-continues-at-wapa-plant-on-st-thomas/article_6dfa8cd6-4e66-57ef-992c-92bd6b866871.html

• While cleanup efforts continue, WAPA partially claims partial responsibility for the oil spill off the coast of St Thomas, while deflecting full responsibility to other, previous spills.

Staff Consortium. “Water Crisis-Related State of Emergency on St. Croix Extended Amid Ongoing Response.” The Virgin Islands Consortium. December 2, 2023. https://viconsortium.com/vi-government/virgin-islands-water-crisis-related-state-of-emergency-on-st–croix-extended-amid-ongoing-response

• State of emergency related to the water crisis extended to December 29.

Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. “WAPA Extends Business Hours to Pick Up Water Vouchers From Dec. 4-7.” The St Croix Source. December 2, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/02/wapa-extends-business-hours-to-pick-up-water-vouchers-from-dec-4-7/

• Extension of time for affected residents to pick up their water vouchers, valued at $100. Article also reviews criteria for determining eligibility.

Macavoy, Kit. “State of emergency declared for water woes is extended.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 4, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/state-of-emergency-declared-for-water-woes-is-extended/article_10a345fa-ab0f-5862-a8a5-e50cd323d3f1.html

• Information related to the extension of the state of emergency. “The federal emergency declaration authorized by President Biden covers a 90-day period from the date it was approved. The V.I. Code, in contrast, says that no state of emergency can be in effect for more than 30 days unless renewed by the governor.”

Macavoy, Kit. “Gov’t officials shed light on St. Croix water testing.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 5, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/gov-t-officials-shed-light-on-st-croix-water-testing/article_ac3f84d3-b23f-51d3-9e67-33cb5d3e1b8e.html

• Brief update on water testing, as well as expunging cannabis related convictions.

Daily News Staff. “WAPA announces resignation of CFO Jacob Lewis.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 5, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/wapa-announces-resignation-of-cfo-jacob-lewis/article_6d75f951-bea1-578c-affa-4f35d3466bd6.html

• WAPA CFO Jacob Lewis will step down at the end of 2023 to “pursue a new professional opportunity.” In the interim, Director of Accounting/Comptroller Lorraine Kelly will serve as CFO.

Source Staff. “EPA Issues Preliminary Recommendations to Address Lead in STX Water.” The St Croix Source.December 7, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/07/epa-issues-preliminary-recommendations-to-address-lead-in-stx-water/

• EPA releases report on water testing. EPA Regional Administrator Lisa F. Garcia states, “What we initially saw from samples collected in September showed very high levels of lead. While those samples were not from a part of the water system that is normally sampled, EPA and the Virgin Islands government had a responsibility to take decisive action and investigate the situation further…The levels of lead we have been seeing in subsequent sampling, including our detailed sequential sampling study, are much lower than those initial samples. But they do show some lead. This confirms the need to ensure that proper steps are being taken by the water provider and by consumers to protect people and reduce the potential exposure to lead.”

Daily News Staff. “EPA issues recommendations after St. Croix water study.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 8, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-issues-recommendations-after-st-croix-water-study/article_3ff8e7a6-82d3-54fc-847b-2de4e7bbb94b.html

• Findings of EPA reports, “In a press release Thursday, the EPA stated that of the 119 samples collected across 11 homes, three locations returned a result showing levels above the EPA’s 15 parts per billion — or ppb — action level. Two of those samples were from the first draw, which indicates that the lead is ‘likely stemming from the local plumbing within the faucet or the aerator,’ according to the release. The third result was closer to the water distribution meter, indicating that the lead likely originated from lead plumbing components in or around the meter. That home also had a stagnation time of four days, according to the release, compared with the six-hour stagnation time at other homes.”

Source Staff. “Lower Levels of Lead Found in STX Water; Tax Amnesty and Wage Compensation Programs Announced.” The St Croix Source. December 11, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/11/lower-levels-of-lead-found-in-stx-water-tax-amnesty-and-wage-compensation-programs-announced/

• Results from EPA testing: “The EPA noted that in its follow-up sequential tests of 119 water testing sites, three were identified where lead was present and exceeded safe levels. However, the source of the lead at the three locations is currently not believed to be a system-wide problem. Two of the three locations have been attributed to plumbing issues at individual residences. The third location was determined to have contained water that had been sitting stagnant for an extended time.”

Macavoy, Kit. “’No drinking’ advisory could be lifted pending next round of water system testing on St. Croix.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 12, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/no-drinking-advisory-could-be-lifted-pending-next-round-of-water-system-testing-on-st/article_95dd8478-88b5-5367-89c9-ca4675e96785.html

• Because of the results of EPA testing which indicate much lower lead levels than previously believed, the no drinking advisory could be lifted shortly, pending confirmation of these results.

Source Staff. “Digital Lending Innovation Donates $35,000 to UVI CELL to Support Women’s Health.” The St Croix Source. December 12, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/12/digital-lending-innovation-donates-35000-to-uvi-cell-to-support-womens-health/

• “The University of Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL) has received a $35,000 gift from Digital Lending Innovation (DLI), an Economic Development Commission beneficiary company based on St. Thomas that will help enhance women’s healthcare initiatives across the U.S. Virgin Islands.”

Penn, Adisha. “Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett Is ‘Happy’ About Progress With EPA on STX’s Lead Water Issue.” The St Croix Source. December 13, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/13/congresswoman-stacey-plaskett-is-happy-about-progress-with-epa-on-stxs-lead-water-issue/

• Updates from Virgin Islands Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett from a virtual town hall. According to Plaskett, “We are really happy that the EPA has done a great job of meeting with us and sharing with us the information that they have in regards to this.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “EPA seeks to terminate WAPA consent decree for STX plant.” The Virgin Islands Daily News.December 13, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-seeks-to-terminate-wapa-consent-decree-for-stx-plant/article_2568d9ad-ca1e-583c-9409-64190a50bb41.html

• “Lawyers for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency say the V.I. Water and Power Authority is ready to be released from a consent decree, which was entered in 2014 to resolve violations of the Clean Air Act at the Estate Richmond Power Plant on St. Croix. WAPA submitted a request to terminate the consent decree on July 1, 2022, and the EPA inspected the plant and reviewed documents related to the request. The EPA found that WAPA has maintained compliance with applicable permits for three years, paid a $700,000 civil penalty, and completed the consent decree’s requirements. As a result, WAPA is ready to be released from monitoring requirements that have been in place for nearly a decade, according to a motion filed Monday by Myles Flint II, senior counsel for the U.S. Justice Department’s Environmental Enforcement Section.”

Macavoy, Kit. “EPA, V.I. agencies update community on STX water system.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 14, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/epa-v-i-agencies-update-community-on-stx-water-system/article_7f46b825-ae52-5885-9c99-9c197345f5b0.html

• Further information on the state of water quality testing, and the testing of children for lead exposure. Lead levels continue to be far lower than originally appeared. 1179 children had been tested so far. 55 showed signs of exposure and were tested further- three of which so far had shown elevated lead or copper levels.

Daley, Jesse. “Volunteers Needed for Final Round of STX Water Testing; VIPD Prepares for Crucian Christmas Festival. The St Croix Source. December 18, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/18/volunteers-needed-for-final-round-of-stx-water-testing-vipd-prepares-for-crucian-christmas-festival/

• Call for further households to participate in water quality testing, as emergency declaration nears its December 29th expiration.

Source Staff. “Potable Water Subsidy Available to St. Croix Customers Impacted by Copper, Lead.” The St Croix Source.December 19, 2023. https://stcroixsource.com/2023/12/19/potable-water-subsidy-available-to-st-croix-customers-impacted-by-copper-lead/

• 2400 effected customers will receive a $75 dollar water bill subsidy, roughly equal to three months payment. Article also contains further details on distribution of water filters and filter pitchers.

Macavoy, Kit. “Bryan addresses St. Croix water, territory’s cash.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 19, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/bryan-addresses-st-croix-water-territorys-cash/article_0e42d8aa-db64-57ab-80bc-ec4f61c59be1.html

• Update from Governor’s address in advance of the holidays. Touches many topics, including the final round of water quality testing.

Carlson, Suzanne. “Businesses get updates on St. Croix water issues.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 21, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/businesses-get-updates-on-st-croix-water-issues/article_55c90560-10bd-58c6-8fed-743c846042b6.html

• Details of a town hall meeting, meant to update business owners on the state of the water crisis and testing efforts. “Several business owners expressed skepticism about the sampling information, and concern that the government should have been doing more to ensure the community’s access to clean drinking water.”

“Change WAPA’s Course – now.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 22, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/opinion/change-wapa-s-course-now/article_ab7d71fb-c15e-5806-9f9f-8c7e8963099f.html

• Editorial expressing frustration at WAPA. “Now is the time for Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. to demonstrate his leadership skills. WAPA is the territory’s No. 1 problem and it’s been so for years because previous administrations could not or would not face it. To be fair to him, Bryan inherited the mess, but to be fair to all Virgin Islanders, as Governor he now has the power and responsibility to fix it.”

Carlson, Suzanne. “Refinery, terminal remain at odds over shared services.” The Virgin Islands Daily News. December 29, 2023. https://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/news/refinery-terminal-remain-at-odds-over-shared-services/article_57d2a372-d86b-5560-942c-43f6942c6a74.html

• Continued turmoil in the ownership of the former Lime Tree Bay Refinery. “Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation has filed a new complaint against Ocean Point Terminals, claiming the company is threatening to block access to the refinery.”