SAN JUAN — U.S. sanctions on Venezuela have led the New York Federal Reserve to crack down on Puerto Rico’s $50 billion offshore banking industry, according to four sources and a document seen by Reuters. The development will prevent the island’s offshore banks, several of which are owned by citizens

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) leaders signed an agreement this month to maximize inspection and detection capabilities in order to prevent illegal and harmful products entering the U.S. through the nation’s International Mail Facilities (IMFs) and Ports of

CHRISTIANSTED — Hurricanes Irma and Maria damaged much of the electricity transmission and distribution systems in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico in 2017. This resulted in the longest blackout in U.S. history—about 11 months in Puerto Rico. Federal agencies usually support local utilities in disaster responses. In Puerto

ST. CATHARINES — Students at the University of the West Indies could be about to get a range of new studying options after the college agreed to debate creating an Institute for Canada-Caribbean Studies. The university, which has 36,000 students, has signed an agreement with Brock University in Ontario, Canada to

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — An ongoing multi-billion dollar downtown St. Thomas waterfront project could pose “a serious safety hazard” if the construction site is not better secured prior to the opening of the Carnival Village, Senate President Kenneth Gittens said today. Much of the active construction is occurring immediately adjacent to

WASHINGTON — Governor Albert Bryan, Jr. addressed a host of issues related to the ongoing hurricane recovery efforts in the territory during a recent meeting with Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Ben Carson in the nation’s capitol. During the meeting with Secretary Carson, Bryan highlighted several key

CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said that potable water service to several areas on St. Croix will be turned off for at least six hours today. Water Distribution crews need to make repairs to a leaking 12-inch water main at D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace in Estate

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Top Honors for the 14th Annual Vento Shakespeare Festival were awarded to the students of the St. Croix Educational High School for Best Ensemble. Under the guidance of their teacher, Alicia Ramos, the St. Croix high school students won the most coveted prize. The winning students included

CHRISTIANSTED — Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation (DSPR) Commissioner nominee Calvert White announced today a partnership with the Virgin Islands Next Generation Network, Inc. (viNGN) to provide free WiFi access to St. Croix residents at Cramer’s Park beach. The partnership with viNGN will provide internet connectivity at Cramer’s Park

By GARY POKORNY The Virgin Islands is in critical condition! New leaders have been elected. They are searching for ideas and a plan to take the boat off the rocks. I have been outspoken for the need to balance the General Fund not next year, but now. If they can’t