🌱 Epstein Estate Lists USVI Islands + The Best Air Is Right Here

Here in the USVI, may have our share of criminals and car chases, but we also have the cleanest air in the world. And for a few hours on Tuesday, we also hosted the world's largest cruise ship.

But speaking of criminals, Jeffrey Epstein's estate is selling Little St. James and Great St. James for $125 million.

Now take a deep, clean, breath and let's get into the headlines:

• If you want the world's cleanest air, live here. According to new data analyzing air pollution, the U.S. Virgin Islands boast some of the cleanest air in the world. The study measured fine particles (measuring 2.5 microns or smaller in diameter) at its air monitoring stations in 6,475 cities. Charlotte Amalie ranked among the top cities with the cleanest air and the U.S. Virgin Islands are one of the top five territories/countries for clean air. Get the full story on CNBC.
• Little St. James and Great St. James are being listed for $125 million by Jeffrey Epstein's estate. Epstein, the disgraced financier, owned both islands and spent the majority of his time in the USVI on Little St. James, which he purchased in 1998. In 2016 he bought Great St. James for close to $20 million. Little St. James is over 70 acres and includes a helipad, a private dock, a gas station, two pools, a main residential compound, four guest villas, three private beaches, a gym and a tiki hut, according to the listing agents. Greater St. James is more than 160 acres and has only a few structures but includes Christmas Cove. Daniel Weiner, an attorney for the Epstein estate, told the Wall Street Journal that proceeds from the sale will go towards outstanding lawsuits and the costs of the estate’s operations. Get the full story in the Wall Street Journal.

• A 9-unit apartment building in St. John caught fire on Sunday, March 20. Firefighters from Cruz Bay Fire Station initially responded to the report, which came in at 9.48 p.m. They were later joined by firefighters from Coral Bay. It took more than 14 hours and over 60,000 gallons of water to put out the flames. The building was significantly damaged but none of the residents reported injuries. Several firefighters were treated for minor injuries on-site. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Arson Investigation and Prevention Unit. Get the full story in The Source.
• Three members of the Paul Girard gang, a violent criminal enterprise based in the USVI, were convicted on Tuesday by a federal jury for RICO conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, robbery, and drug dealing. The announcement came from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Virgin Islands, which has pursued the case. “These defendants terrorized the U.S. Virgin Islands through violence and theft,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. Read more in the VI Consortium.

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Today's weather: Mostly sunny, breezy and nice. High: 83 Low: 75.

Today's Events:

• Morning Worship Yoga Flow on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas (7:00 a.m.)
• Cooking with Barb - Friends in the Courtyard at CMCArts, Inc., St. Criox (10:00 a.m.)
• Sunset Guided Tour & Happy Hour at Coral World Ocean Park, St. Thomas (4:30 p.m.)
• Mom Fitness on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas (5:00 p.m.)
• Wednesdays with Wayne at Lovango Rum Bar, St. John (5:00 p.m.)
• Kickboxing with Trey on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande, St. Thomas (6:00 p.m.)

Social Buzz:

• PSA St. Croix: Easter Camping is allowed at Cramer’s Park from Thursday, April 14, to Tuesday, April 19, 2022. Due to construction taking place at the site, camping is ONLY allowed during said dates. There are 25 spaces available to rent. Payment must be made at our St. Croix office located at Industrial Park to rent a spot. Spots are $25.00 per day. Contact the St. Croix office at 340-773-0160 or email Valencia.william@hpr.vi.gov to secure your spot. (Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation)
• It's Hoops Season! The Barracudas and the Caribs faced off on Saturday, March 19. Final Score: SCEC - 60; CHS - 58 (Virgin Islands Department of Education)
• Traveling from STT-MIA soon? Sign up to escort a furry friend with Pets with Wings Humane Society of St. Thomas at NO cost to you! Please contact Tammy with your flight info if you can help! (Humane Society of St Thomas)
• Introducing our 1st Dolphins National Team swimmer who will be representing the US Virgin Islands and competing at the 2022 CARIFTA Aquatics Championships from April 16-19 in Barbados, Kalonji Von Schilling-Royer. Kalonji specializes in freestyle and backstroke and will be competing in 5 individual events in the boys 13-14 age group during the course of the 4 day championship. These events include 50 meter backstroke, 100 meter backstroke, 200 meter backstroke, 50 meter freestyle, and 200 meter freestyle. This will be Kalonji’s 2nd competition as a USVI National Team swimmer. Congratulations Kalonji! Swim fast (St. Croix Dolphins)
• On Monday, March 21, 2022, at 4:40p.m., 44-year-old Solomon Degallerie, was placed under arrest for Assault in the Third Degree (DV), Destruction of Property (DV), and Disturbance of the Peace (DV).The suspect assaulted the victim, a (female acquaintance) several times by striking her about her body and pulling her hair from her scalp which resulted in injuries to her face, neck, and head. (Virgin Islands Police Department)

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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.