The University of the Virgin Islands competed in its inaugural swim meet of the 2009 season on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Alberque Olympico Natatorium in Salinas, Puerto Rico. Head Coach Kevin Tyrrell said the highlight of the meet was UVI competing in its first-ever relay. “We have worked for two years to field a relay team at a LAI league competition and the wait was worth it,” said Tyrrell. Team members, shown at the meet, are, from left, back row: Kamal Russell, Joey Barnwell and Marcus Sydney, and front row: Sanlin Robinson and Barrett Goff.

Wellness Center Groundbreaking Held on St. Thomas Campus

UVI broke ground for a new $2.1 million Wellness Center on its St. Thomas campus on Thursday, Jan. 29. The 6,200-square-foot building will feature exercise facilities, a dance floor, aerobics area, weight room and changing rooms. It will be located to the southwest of the Sports and Fitness Center. On hand for the ceremonies were, from left, Trustee Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen, President Dr. LaVerne E. Ragster, Acting St. Thomas Campus Executive Administrator LilyMae Durante, Trustee Roy D. Jackson, Board of Trustees Vice Chair Henry C. Smock and Athletic Director Peter Sauer. The U.S. Department of the Interior awarded UVI about $1 million to help fund the construction.

UVI Carnival Mass Camp Dates Set

Members of the UVI Carnival Committee met to plan the University’s “Going Green” floupe entry in the 2009 V.I. Carnival Adults Parade. Carnival Mass Camp will be housed in the Recreation Center on the Melvin Evans golf course the first Friday of each month – February 6, March 6 and April 3. Floupe registration and deposits will be accepted beginning February 6. It’s not too late to sign up for one of several sub-committees including planning, marketing, fundraising, costume design/construction and music/food/transportation. For more information please contact Junie Violenes at 693-1111 on St. Thomas or Hedda Finch-Simpson at 692-4228 on St. Croix.

UVI Plants ‘Tree of Hope’

UVI President LaVerne E. Ragster plants the “Tree of Hope” on the St. Thomas campus on the occasion of the inauguration of 44th U.S. President Barack H. Obama on Jan. 20, 2009.

Drill Tests St. Croix Campus Readiness

The tranquility of the St. Croix campus was shattered on the morning of Friday, Jan. 16, when word of an emergency drill reached students, faculty and staff. The scenario, involving an “explosion and fire on campus with injuries,” was designed to test the effectiveness of the St. Croix campus emergency response procedures. By the time St. Croix Rescue, EMS, the V.I. Fire Service and other first responders arrived on the scene, “injured” student actors were stumbling from the Student Center, gasping for air. Acting Campus Executive Administrator Nereida Washington took charge inside the designated Incident Command Center, assisted by Security Chief Ralph Cook and a host of administrators who were designated to evacuate residence halls and classroom buildings. Once the drill was completed, HOVENSA Fire Chief Bob Miller said the drill had served its purpose. “It is a constant learning environment and we’re in the best place to learn at – a college.”

Dozens Gather at UVI Campuses for Inauguration Watches

UVI students, faculty and staff gather at the St. Thomas campus Dining Pavilion on Jan. 20 to view the inauguration of President Barack Obama. There were three inauguration watch areas on the St. Thomas campus and one on the St. Croix campus. All areas were filled with spectators. Some spectators recorded the historic event.

Playing Ring Set Jan. 31 at Reichhold Center

Playing Ring, an original Reichhold Center production, is a favorite with Virgin Islands audiences. Through recreations of the old Virgin Islands "yard," the evening pays homage to the artists and performers whose creativity helped fuel the passions of Quelbe music. The musical extravaganza features performances from Milo and the Kings, Stanley and the 10 Sleepless Knights, and the Lashing Dogs of Tortola. For details or to order tickets, visit the Reichhold Center home page.

Deadline for ‘The Caribbean Writer’ Submissions Extended to January 30, 2009

The Caribbean Writer has extended the submissions deadline for its 23rd edition. The deadline for submissions is now Jan. 30, 2009. The Caribbean Writer is an annual anthology produced by the University of the Virgin Islands. As usual, the Caribbean should be central to any submitted work or the work should reflect a Caribbean heritage, experience or perspective.

Mail submissions to The Caribbean Writer, University of the Virgin Islands, RR 1, Box 10,000, Kingshill, St. Croix, VI 00850-9781 or submit electronically to submit@thecaribbeanwriter.org.

More information is available in a news release on the UVI web site – http://www.uvi.edu/. Details are also available from http://www.thecaribbeanwriter.org/ or call (340) 692-4152.

Les Nubians Coming to the Reichhold Center

Les Nubians perform at UVI's Reichhold Center for the Arts on Jan. 17, 2009. Visit the Reichhold Center web site to order tickets.

UVI Launches License Plate Initiative

Students, faculty, staff and alumni of the University of the Virgin Islands have an opportunity to express their loyalty to the University with the introduction of the UVI Buccaneer License Plate Program. The program is an initiative that allows Virgin Islands vehicle owners to display customized UVI license plates. Funds raised by the program will support the UVI Athletic Scholarship Fund. For details, check this news release on the UVI web site.