🌱 Essential Workers Can Still Apply For Bonus Pay + More

Good morning and let's start with some good news:

The deadline for essential workers to get bonus pay has been extended to March 21. Actually, the first passed but a vocal group of advocates pushed for a new deadline, claiming that most eligible Virgin Islanders weren't aware that they could receive funds - or how to go about applying. According to full story in The Source, employees in healthcare, sanitation, grocery stores, restaurants, food production and food delivery, pharmacies, dental care, home care aids, child care, mortuary, laundry services and more were all eligible. Here's a link to the Office of Management and Budget website about the program and here is a direct link to the application.

Here are a few other stories I'm following:

VIPD announced that they have arrested a fourth suspect in the Dec. 4, 2021 robbery at Glitter's jewelry store. Police arrested Junior Marcelo Garcia, age 18, and charged him. Read more about Garcia's alleged role in the deadly robbery in the VI Consortium.

The U.S. Attorney's Office accused former Senator Wayne James of hiding assets, including antique furniture, in a storage unit on St. Croix. The office is asking a judge to seize the property to help repay the $100,000 judgement against James after he was convicted of stealing public funds while pretending to research Fireburn. Full story in The Daily News.

There are currently 372 people diagnosed with HIV living in the USVI and the Department of Health announced a new goal to help them and newly diagnosed individuals: 90-90-90. That means 90 percent of Virgin Islanders with HIV will know their HIV status, 90 percent of people who know their HIV-positive status will have access to treatment, and 90 percent of people on treatment will have reduced viral loads. Read more in the VI Consortium.

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Today's weather: Mostly sunny and pleasant. High: 82 Low: 75.

Today's Events:

• Mark Wallace and Eva Chinn at Lovango Rum Bar in St. John. (5:00 p.m.)
• Don't miss Art Thursday in Christiansted, when artist and studios open their doors to the public for a few hours (5:00 p.m.)
• St. Patrick's Day at The Pelican Shop in St. Thomas (6:00 p.m.)

Social Buzz:

• Curious about your fellow Virgin Islanders? This post has inspired some interesting comments and stories. Check it out! "What generation Virgin Islander are you? Spurred by a conversation with Ronnie Lockhart ,would be interesting to hear your family story in the Virgin Islands and how far back you can trace your lineage in the VI. I can start. (Will be in comments)" (What's Going on St. Thomas?)
• Special guests @willowhillmusic this Friday in the Tasting Room 6-9pm. Welcoming back this talented duo. Get ‘em in while you can during their VI tour. (Leatherback Brewing - St. Thomas)
• DPNR provides details on commercial use of VI Madras: https://dpnr.vi.gov/.../Commercial-use-of-VIMadras... "Only the retailers of the fabric material will be required to obtain a license from VICA" (Department of Planning and Natural Resources)
• Missing Person: St.Thomas, The individual was last seen on March 14, 2022 area of 404-107 Annas Retreat. If seen, and notify 911, Major Crime Units of the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 774-2211 Ext 5553 or 5556.

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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.