🌱 Traffic Cameras, The Glitter's Robbery + New Cannabis Rules

We may soon see hundreds of traffic cameras across the territory, but they are not just for speed traps. And find out what really happened during the deadly Glitter's Jewelry store robbery. Those stories and more are below.

• A bill is in the works to set up a territory-wide system that uses hundreds of cameras to monitor the roadways and track license plates. Called an automatic license plate reader system, the data will be used by the Virgin Islands Police Department to enforce motor laws, assist in criminal investigations, and asses traffic. Read more in The Source.
• Akenda Weeks and Jahmar Lewis, both 17-years-old, face 28 charges each and the possibility of life in prison for the fatal robbery at Glitter's jewelry store. Although technically minors, both suspects are being tried as adults. Initially charged with armed robbery, the suspect's charges were ramped up to include first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and kidnapping for the purposes of robbery after 56-year-old Gregorianna Julien died from her injuries. The VI Consortium has the full story and a timeline of what happened that day.
• Proposed rules and regulations for medicinal marijuana use in the USVI are now available to review. Residents are invited to submit comments on the regulations and have until March 30 to do so. The rules will then go before the V.I. Department of Justice for approval. "Upon receipt of approval from the Department of Justice for sufficiency... the [Cannabis Advisory Board] will meet to approve proposed rules and regulations and then a press release will be issued to the public,” said Hannah Carty, Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulations. View the entire document here and read the full article in the VI Consortium.

• St. Thomas native Aliyah Boston was awarded multiple honors on Tuesday, including being named the Southeastern Conference’s Player of the Year. Boston, a junior at South Carolina, was also named Defensive Player of the Year, picked for the SEC All-Defensive Team, and picked for the All-SEC teams. She is a powerhouse! Read more in the Daily News.

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Today's Weather: Some sun with a shower; humid. High: 82 Low: 74.

Today's Events:

• Morning Yoga with Kim on the lawn in Yacht Haven Grande (6:30 a.m.)
• Mark Wallace and Eva Chinn at Lovongo Rum Bar in Cruz Bay (5:00 p.m.)
• Yin Yoga with Jane on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande (5:00 p.m.)
• And a crowd favorite: Open Mic Night at Miss Lucy's in Coral Bay (5:30 p.m.)
• Catch Steve Katz playing tonight at Six Nine Restaurant & Bar in Frederiksted (6:00 p.m.)
• Dance with Alezi on the lawn at Yacht Haven Grande (6:30 p.m.)

Social Buzz:

• Turtle season is wrapping up: the final nest being monitored this season hatched with a 98% success rate! Total Nest Count for STJ is 33 hawksbill nests and Lovango 2 nests. (Friends of Virgin Islands National Park)
• A portion of the parking lot at the Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay, St. John will be temporarily closed for installation of underground utility lines. The lot will be partially closed for the remainder of the week. VIPA apologizes for any inconvenience caused. (Virgin Islands Port Authority Twitter)
• CFVI Announces Availability of Two $25,000 Humanities Grants. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Monday, March 21, 2022...(Facebook)
• FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands: There is still time to apply for our 2022 Youth Preparedness Council! Interested young leaders in the U.S. Virgin Islands in grades 8-11 must apply by Monday, March 6 to be considered. (Facebook)
• King of the Courts on St. Croix is back: For ages 10-18 on March 18th! Registration is required. Download the registration form at www.dspr.vi.gov or register at any DSPR center or Monbjou center! (Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation)

— 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.