CHARLOTTE AMALIE — Hundreds of stakeholders across the United States Virgin Islands participated in customer service training sessions held by the Department of Tourism earlier this month. Sandra Husbands, CEO of Caribbean company Business Development Services, and Lisa Wynne Magnuson, Founder and President of The Virgin Islands Etiquette & Leadership Institute,

CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A 33-year-old St. Thomas man was arrested Wednesday night on domestic violence-related charges, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD). Ricardo Rhymer, 33 of Agnes Fancy, was arrested about 8 p.m. on Wednesday and charged with third-degree assault-domestic violence, the VIPD said. Rhymer was arrested after

CHRISTIANSTED — No new cases of Zika were confirmed this week, as reported in today’s Zika surveillance report, according to the V.I. Department of Health. The total confirmed Zika cases remain at 12 cases, 11 of which are on St. Croix and one on St. Thomas, the Health Department said

By SIMONE FRANCIS/SPECIAL TO THE V.I. FREE PRESS On March 23, 2016, the U.S. Virgin Islands joined the growing list of states, municipalities, and territories that have adjusted their minimum wage above the federal minimum wage, which has been set at $7.25 per hour since 2009. Employee welfare should be

Every Easter, the Caribbean — like many other West Indian and largely Catholic territories — enjoys a revered tradition of eating hot cross buns. The popular treat is a sticky sweet bun made with raisins and topped with a cross made of icing. Munching into them on Good Friday, when

CHARLOTTE AMALIE – Cruise ship passengers are purchasing liquor and cigarettes in foreign ports in excess of what is allowed by law leading to a significant loss of both local and federal revenue, Gov. Kenneth Mapp said Wednesday. The Mapp Administration said that it has been investigating complaints from Virgin

CHRISTIANSTED — The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, chaired by Violet Anne Golden, held a public hearing today to take testimony from local and national experts about the problems associated with gambling addictions. This is a very complex issue which can leave the average person very conflicted on the subject

REMEMBERED: Kowsilla NEW YORK — As March commemorates Women’s History Month, Jahajee Sisters celebrate the legacy of our ancestors on March 31, a legacy built upon resistance and resilience. They also commemorate the Indo-Caribbean women of our time, including activists, organizers, and changemakers who continue to contribute to our legacy;

CHARLOTTE AMALIE – A 77-foot mega yacht reportedly worth $2.4 million went up in flames while it was docked in St. Thomas. Virgin Islands Fire Services firefighters and police were called to the luxury vessel Positive Energy after locals spotted it ablaze while moored in the Charlotte Amalie harbor on

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (Democrat-V.I.) MIAMI — In the run-up to Tuesday’s Florida Democratic presidential primary, the Hillary Clinton campaign announced its “Hillary for Florida” Caribbean Leadership Council – a diverse group of grassroots and community leaders in the Caribbean-American community committed to electing Hillary Clinton as president of the United