🌱 Limetree Refinery Auction Today + The Judge Has Heartburn

Here's everything you need to know today in US Virgin Islands.But as advertised, we'll keep it brief! Let's get started.

First, today's weather:

A passing shower or two. High: 84 Low: 77.

Top stories from across the territory:

1. Ghislaine Maxwell's trial began on Tuesday, kicking off with jury selection. Maxwell's lawyers have raised a list of grievances, including requesting that the prosecutors refrain from referring to Maxwell's accusers as "victims." (New York Times) Meanwhile, the presiding judge, Judge Alison J. Nathan, has just been nominated for a seat on a federal appeals court. (New York Times)
2. Limetree Bay Refinery will go to auction today, Thursday, November 17. St. Croix Energy is the leading bidder but they've also set the bar low: $20 million for the refinery (with strings attached). One of the conditions of the buyout is a $1 million "break-up fee" if the deal doesn't go through. The presiding judge is not a fan. “It’s not really a breakup fee. It’s more like a commission. That really bothers me a lot,” said Judge David Jones. “A fee whether I close or not, that gives me heartburn.” (St. Thomas Source)
   One condition is a higher than usual break-up fee of $1 million should the deal not transpire.
3. Brian Workman, of Arkansas, was sentenced to 25 years for rape after fleeing to the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)
4. Curtis Callwood, a USVI native, launches his namesake brand, Callwood Couture. His career has been driven by his passion for fashion and design. His first line is called "Caribbean Blue." (Virgin Islands Daily News)

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Events you don't want to miss:

• Gifft Hill School Parent Association (8:30 a.m.)
• VIEDA Farmers and Fishermen Loan Program (5:00 p.m.)
• 2021 SEA Annual Meeting (5:30 p.m.)
• Kickboxing with Trey (6:00 p.m.)

Social chit-chat:

• "St. Croix Students: Enjoy a special Thanksgiving Lunch Feast on November 17!" (Facebook)
• "There was an injured sea turtle seen floating on the surface at the creek/ national park dock around 11am today (Tuesday Nov 16). Please keep an eye out if you are in the area and give this number a call if the turtle is spotted..." (Facebook)
• "VITRAN will discontinue its 9 and 11 a.m. Fixed Route service in St. Thomas on Thursday, November 17. The temporary suspension will allow employees to attend a funeral service following the sudden loss of a VITRAN team member." (Facebook)
• "In a remote part of St. John, a quiet bay has become the center of conflict between those who want to see it preserved as a marine sanctuary and those who wish to have it developed and managed for the recreational boating industry." (Twitter)

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That's all for today. I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow!

— 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.