🌱Breaking Down The State Of The Territory Address + Opinions

Hi Folks, let's get started with the headlines and then move on to events. Here are the top stories I'm following:

• Governor Bryan had a very cheery outlook during his State of the Territory Address on Monday night. It was his last State of the Territory before is up for re-election, via the VI Consortium. There were two major announcements:

1. A plan to pay the government's outstanding debt in retroactive wages to former and present employees dating back to 1990.

2. A plan to install solar panels in homes, with the goal of helping households become energy-independent and less reliant on WAPA. The program aims to provide solar panels to 1,000 WAPA customers per year.

• And, of course, there are the reactions to Governor Bryan's address:

The Senators had their opinions, via the Virgin Islands Daily News.

And so did the public, via the Virgin Islands Daily News.

• The USVI Head Start Program will return to in-person classes on Thursday, January 27, via the Department of Human Services.

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Today's weather: Mostly sunny with a shower. High: 83 Low: 74.

Today's Events:

• Beer School: a craft beer and tasting experience in St. Thomas (4:00 p.m.)
• Wednesdays with Wayne at Lovongo Rum Bar in St. John (5:00 p.m.)
• Soul Taxi Live at Iggies Beach Bar & Grill in Bolongo Bay (6:00 p.m.)
• Kickboxing with Trey at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas (6:00 p.m.)
• Sky stargazing program at the beach at Cinnamon Bay (8:15 p.m.)

Social Highlights:

• Colombo's Smoothies in St. John is hiring! "Front counter and cook positions are available. We're looking for team members with a great attitude who enjoy making customers happy! Work in a fun atmosphere with incredible views and daytime hours so you have your evenings free. Competitive base pay plus tips! To apply, email your resume to ramsey_ms@msn.com." (Facebook)
• Leatherback Brewing in St. Thomas will host a day of games at the brewery this coming Sunday. Games provided for ages 10 and up by St. Thomas Tabletop Gaming. (Facebook)
• Astronomy in the Park, the weekly stargazing program hosted by the National Park, is moving to the beach at Cinnamon Bay starting this Wednesday, January 26th. The program begins at 8:15 and lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours. (Facebook)
• Have you been to de Frenchtown Bar lately? I had dinner there a few weeks ago and had the best fried chicken I've ever eaten. This week their stuffed salmon looks pretty darn good...(Facebook)

  

• The VI Dept. of Education added three new testing dates for ST. JOHN students: Jan 25, 26 & 28. See details..." (Facebook)
• The VI Dept. of Education addressed Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 student testing and the return to in-person learning... (Facebook)
• "The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works is hiring!" (Facebook)

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— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: I'm the Patch Community News Editor for the U.S. Virgin Islands. I'm here to provide news you can use. Do you have a news tip, question or feedback? Please contact me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.