In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. ordered the Territory to return to “Stay at Home” status which means the closure of non-essential businesses, restaurants limited to take-out, delivery or drive-through service and prohibiting hotels, villas, Airbnbs, temporary vacation housing, and charter vessels and similar businesses from accepting leisure travel reservations. The prohibition of new leisure travel reservations is effective immediately. On Wednesday, August 19, hotels are prohibited from admitting any new check-ins or registering any new guests for 30 days unless the order is lifted sooner. The new restriction does not apply to business travelers, emergency personnel, flight crews, or government guests with written authorization from the government agency they visit.
“The recent infiltration of the virus into our residential institutions that house vulnerable members of our population creates an alarming level of risk,” the Governor said beginning Monday, August 17, all non-essential businesses and churches are ordered to cease operations, and the public is ordered to stay at home. Several businesses are exempt from closure but must still operate with the recommended social distancing requirement of 6 feet or more between individuals. Also beginning Monday, August 17, and lasting until August 31, all restaurants in the Territory can operate only take out, delivery, or drive-through service. All bars, nightclubs, and cabarets are to remain closed. Additionally, all taxis and safaris are limited to half capacity.
Anne Violet Golden was sentenced to two years in federal prison. Ms. Golden and Stephanie Barnes, the latter a contract worker at the C.C.C., made their initial appearance in July of 2019 before to face charges. In Ms. Golden’s case, she faced 28 counts of fraud and related charges and violated federal and local laws, along with three forfeiture allegations. Ms. Barnes was charged with four counts of fraud and related charges, violation of local and federal laws, and two forfeiture allegations.
Ms. Golden pleaded guilty to theft of government funds and failing to file an income tax return. According to the plea agreement filed in the case, Ms. Golden admitted to diverting nearly $300,000 in Commission funds for her own personal benefit and others' benefit through bank wires, writing Commission checks, and using Commission credit cards. In addition, Ms. Golden failed to file an income tax return, despite earning an annual salary of $105,000.
Golden has already spent seven months at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Puerto Rico; this means she will serve another year and a half in prison before being released. Ms. Barnes's trial will begin on September 28. She has pleaded not guilty.
