Featured Image: Theron and Timothy Thomas pose with UVI students outside of the WUVI campus radio station. (Photo courtesy of Shahim Skeete)
Nathalie Trow-McDonald |
St. Thomas native born performing artists, R. City, participated in an interview yesterday at WUVI, the student-run radio station at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Brothers, Timothy and Theron, spent about half an hour being interviewed by Shahim “Jay” Skeete, WUVI Production Manager, and D’Ajahni Estrada-Petersen, WUVI Public Relations Manager.
R. City has a history of supporting the local student radio station. They have participated in live interviews before as well as their father and producer, Kiebo Thomas.
The artists are currently on break from touring with Maroon 5 and returned home to be the first to receive the keys to the territory from Governor Kenneth Mapp. Not only did they receive the keys, but September 27, 2016, was announced as official R. City Day to commemorate their many accomplishments in the music industry and for serving as both role models and goodwill ambassadors for the territory
During the live interview, several UVI students who were present to meet the local stars were sharing the interview through Facebook Live. The brothers addressed callers to the station and the Facebook viewership to answer questions such as: “When will you return to Dallas?” or “Would you rather have [student] housing be renamed after you or keep the key [to the territory]?” Continue reading R. City Visits WUVI, Campus Radio Station→
ST. THOMAS–The cafeteria is the center of entertainment and dining at most universities and colleges. The on-campus students at the University of the Virgin Islands are tired of complaining and giving suggestions to Student Housing and Student Government Association about their dissatisfaction with the food service.
Academics are the most important part of a student’s college career. On-campus students aren’t spending thousands of dollars to just hang out around campus. Students are spending this abundant amount of money so they can actually learn something.
St. Thomas students having dinner and the rice, beans and plantains that were on one of their plates. Antoinette Anderson
However, that doesn’t mean university administration should focus their attention solely on education and forget about the importance of providing students with quality food service. The dining hall has a great atmosphere and view but lacks cleanliness. Several students have gotten sick from eating the food and the lack of professionalism by the employees is a serious problem.
The impolite staff in the cafeteria has added to the bad reputation for on-campus dining. Several students have gotten into verbal confrontations with cafeteria staff. Many students and staff have witnessed the cafeteria staff use profane language and aggressive tones toward each other and students.
“One of the chefs was very disrespectful to me during the lunch hour for complaining about my food being cold and I was simply trying to inquire the type of chafing dish they use. The food service is beyond reprehensible and the employee needs to learn how to be professional in their place of work,” said Sharifah Matthew, biology major.
The dining hall meals are predictable every day. There isn’t any variety or options on a daily basis. They often serve the same baked chicken that they served for lunch at dinner. Most students take the food and throw it in the garbage or go to the grill section which is not healthy.
There aren’t many healthy choices for lunch or dinner. Some students may even have health concerns such as high blood pressure, but there aren’t any low sodium food options for them.
Baked chicken served in UVI St. Thomas cafeteria. Antoinette Anderson
“I was hospitalized during the spring semester of 2013 due to food poisoning from eating curry tofu from the dining hall and I received nothing but excuses from the dining hall manager. The on-campus nurse also dismissed my case when I requested to be removed from the meal plan,” stated Zubida O’Neal.
Students deserve and expect to eat from the cafeteria without having to worry about food making them sick.
It is imperative that the University of the Virgin Islands takes action to improve and start providing students with an inexpensive meal plan with good food. The university’s cafeteria food lacks variety and options for students on campus. And to top it off, they provide expensive, low quality food and keep bad hours.The university often speaks about creating a campus culture and promoting student involvement. However, the first step is being promptly responsive to all student ideas or complaints by taking affirmative action.
On Oct. 13, which would have been a typical Sunday night in the Delta M. Jackson Dorsch Complex on UVI St. Croix campus, the Resident Assistants had an open forum discussion about sex, drugs and alcohol. Following the discussion was an ice cream social and a piñata filled with adult surprises.
RA Sheena Tonge as she made the final preperations for the ice cream social
AJah Richard, Alternate RA, enjoyed his ice cream in the Residence Hall Conference Room.
Digging in! : Residents partake in filling their bowls with varying flavors of Icecream and Syrup.
NSE Student, Linda Forrester, Waiting for the best part; The Piñata.
A llama shaped piñata filled with adult treats as part of the Forum.
The wait is over and Linda is loving the spoils of her hit to Mr. Piñata. His leg is all hers while other residents grab the rest
No peaking! Residents were blindfolded tightly to make sure no one cheated in the game.
Ranique Webster is ready to strike. Tread softly when you carry a big stick
Residents prepare next challenger to hit the pinata, however there was a little bit too much spinning.
Contraceptives for everybody!! The Pinata was filled with adult goodies for the residents.
Even the piñata got a date for after the party. Let’s hope the goodies from him are put to good use.
UVI VOICE 