🌱 Pushback On Bryan's Maritime Ambitions + Weekend Events

Establishing the USVI as an open ship registry won't be smooth sailing, as Governor Bryan is already finding out. And heads up to Liberty Mobile customers who have a phone, smartwatch, or any other device that relies on 3g network. After Feb. 22 it will no longer work.

Those stories and more are below. And don't miss the weekend event calendar!

• Governor Bryan is criticized by major maritime labor groups for trying to make the USVI an international open ship registry in the United States. Why? In the words of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots: “Open registries exist so that shipowners can increase their profits by avoiding the same rules, regulations, tax obligations, and manning requirements that attach to a national flag fleet. This latest effort is nothing more than an exercise in labor arbitrage designed to generate registry fees and to enrich foreign shipowners at the expense of American workers and America’s national interests.” Full story in the VI Consortium.
• Liberty Mobile is shifting to a 5G network on February 22, meaning older 3g mobile phones - and tablets, medical equipment, smartwatches and home security systems - will cease working. Read more in The Source.
• The Federal government pledged to spend $12 billion on modernizing Puerto Rico's power grid, via the VI Consortium.
• Check out this weekend's upcoming events calendar in USVI Patch.

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Today's weather: Rain at times. High: 80 Low: 72.

Today's Events:

• Soul Taxi Live in Havensight at Leatherback Brewing (6:00 p.m.)
• Farmer's Market (4:30 a.m.)

Social Buzz:

• VI Department of Health: "Tomorrow is National Wear Red Day. Wear red to bring awareness to heart disease. It is the leading cause of death in the U.S. Know your risk and protect your heart. Visit Hearttruth.gov" (Facebook)
• USVI Department of Public Works: "Tune in at 8 a.m. today to "Analyze This" on 93.1 FM/WTJX with Neville James as DPW provides updates on the department's ongoing initiatives and projects. DPW Commissioner Derek Gabriel Highway Program Manager Jomo McClean Join the conve..." (Facebook)
• Save the date for the 5th Daddy's Day Out on March 12. There will be an obstacle course, sack races, tug-of-war, quiz contests, and kickball. See the flyer for details.
• Have you read Tiphanie Yanique's novels? Now's your chance to meet her! DPNR is hosting two book readings with the Virgin Islands author: Friday, Feb. 11 in St. Thomas and Saturday, Feb. 12 in St. Croix. Check out the flyer for times and locations.
• Leatherback Brewing St. Thomas announced a BEER RELEASE happening on Friday. "A new hatchling is coming on tap tomorrow 2/4. An ode to our boating community, we welcome Dinghy Daze to our tap wall. Choose #2! You won’t regret it. Live music tomorrow 6-9pm with @soultaxifl.

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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.