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Community Corner

Royal Caribbean Is Doubling Down On The USVI

Catch up on everything happening across the Territory with Patch's daily newsletter.

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Ashleigh Baldwin, Neighbor
Royal Caribbean is committing to invest in USVI cruise ports.
Royal Caribbean is committing to invest in USVI cruise ports. (Getty Images)

Hello, Friday! We're kicking off this Friday with a new kind of daily newsletter. Patch USVI is rounding up the top stories from across the Territory and delivering them to your inbox every morning. So you can stay up-to-date on the latest news, the best upcoming events, and even what folks are saying on social media. So let's get caught up on what's happening across the Territory, shall we?

First, today's weather:

A stray afternoon t-storm. High: 87 Low: 80. Saturday is going to be rainy, which is a great excuse to leave work early on Friday.

Check out these stories from across the Territory:

  1. The mega cruise company Royal Caribbean announced that it has signed an agreement to develop and enhance the cruise ports in St. Croix and St. Thomas. Their involvement will go towards improving St. Thomas' Austin 'Babe' Monsanto Marine Facility in Crown Bay as well as redeveloping St. Croix's port in the future. (Cruise Radio)
  2. Hannah Carty was named the Director Of Cannabis Regulation and she has already hinted that new policies may be in the pipeline. (US Virgin Islands Patch)
  3. $279,977 has been earmarked to help save and protect coral reefs in the Virgin Islands. The funding comes from the Insular Affairs Office. (Virgin Islands Daily News)
  4. President Joe Biden nominated Delia Smith, of St. John, to become the U.S. Attorney for the U.S. Virgin Islands. Smith is a graduate of UVI and she received her law degree from Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University. The nomination was applauded by V.I Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett. (St. John Source)

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An event worth watching:

  • STX Cross-Island Challenge (9:00 AM)

What else is happening on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix?

  • Reactions to DPNR Liftin the moratorium on commercial fishing licenses: Senator Janell Sarauw has already come out with a statement against it and others are chiming in. (Facebook
  • Friends of Virgin Islands National Park: "Ten pounds of trash picked up at Trunk today thanks to fourth graders from Ms Laura's class at GHS! The number one item cigarette butts!! This School Kids In The Park outing was hosted by Ranger Laurel and included a Turtle Talk by Turtl..." (Facebook)
  • The Car Ferries Between St. Thomas and St. John: Expect delays (Patch USVI)
  • Virgin Islands Department of Health: "As of 9/30/21, here is the latest VIDOH information on COVID-19 cases, demographics, and testing numbers. To report a suspected COVID-19 case, call (340) 712-6299 or (340) 776-1519. These phone numbers are not for general information. Fo..." (Facebook)
  • Virgin Islands National Guard: "VI National Guard works alongside VI Department of Health, helping distribute $250 vaccine gift cards to persons who meet the criteria at the Community Vaccination Center, St. Thomas, Sept. 28, 2021. The VING continues to support the VID..." (Facebook)
  • Virgin Islands Department of Education: "The Office of Disaster Recovery takes you inside the demolition of the Evelyn M. Williams Elementary School, which will be the new home of the Arthur A. Richards K-8 School. Learn more about the project from VIDE Architect Chaneel Callwo..." (Facebook)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another update. And if you're loving these newsletters, consider bringing some friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Ashleigh Baldwin

About me: Hi there! 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 or 215-534-1014.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming US Virgin Islands Daily? I'm all ears. You can email me at ashleigh.baldwin@patch.com.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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