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Local News

Salaries Raise Eyebrows at School Construction and Maintenance Bureau’s First Budget Hearing

Leadership from the School Construction and Maintenance Bureau endured their first budget hearing before the Senate Finance Committee Tuesday, 10 months after taking over the responsibility of building and maintaining the territory’s public schools from the V.I. Education Department.
Lawmakers spent much of the hearing grilling testifiers over the high salaries attached to management positions and relatively low number of “boots on the ground” employees after Sen. Novelle Francis Jr., who chairs the committee, noted that the bureau appeared “top-heavy.”
“You are top-heavy,” Sen. Carla Joseph agreed. “You are top-heavy and you need to reconsider how you’re spending the government money and the taxpayers’ money.”
Joseph listed a series of high-paying but apparently vacant positions at the bureau before concluding with a listing for a chief engineer budgeted at $13,180. She asked if that number was correct. The bureau’s chief financial officer, Charmaine Mayers, said the list Joseph referenced was out-of-date and may have been presented to the V.I. Management and Budget Office when the bureau first came online.
“This is the information that was provided to our post auditor,” Joseph said. “I’m only reading from what our post auditor received from the executive branch, so if you want us to have discussions, let us have discussions on real and pertinent information that is validated.”
Mayers stressed that the information Joseph referenced didn’t come from her or BSCM.
“This list has been exhausted, because we don’t have any vacant positions outside of the procurement officer,” she said. “All of the positions currently filled.”
The chief engineer position Joseph referenced earlier, Mayers said, went to a former Education Department employee whose salary increased from $96,000 to $112,000. Under Act 8717, which established the bureau, maintenance and construction personnel previously employed by VIDE were transferred to BSCM. Joseph questioned why the employee needed a $16,000 raise to do the same job.
“I’m just trying to understand the justification for this extra pay,” she said. “You’re going into a bureau, you were doing this work before — why is it?”
Mayers said the position required more work, “so, more work, more pay.” Joseph seemed dissatisfied with the answer.
Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet said later that when it comes to school maintenance, “you need workers on the ground.”
“You don’t need a bunch of management positions. You need people in the school that are working on a regular day basis,” he said, declaring that he was dizzy from looking at the numbers. “You got six individuals making over a hundred thousand dollars and 25 making less than [$35,000]. And some of them, some of those individuals got raises — to transfer over from the one to the next, they got a raise. This whole thing is confusion, colleagues.”
In the relatively short time since its inception, the bureau has already weathered criticism from lawmakers and the public over school conditions — particularly in the run up to the 2025-2026 school year. Mayers said during her prepared testimony Tuesday that establishing a brand-new department while also working to fulfill its mandate “has presented both great challenges and important opportunities.”
Mayers led testimony in defense of a $4.76 million allotment from the government’s general fund to support operations in the coming fiscal year. Act 8717 also mandates annual $5 million appropriations from the government’s School Construction Capital Fund. This year, Mayers said the bureau is requesting closer to $5.75 million to cover routine maintenance at schools and other facilities in both districts.

August 19, 2025

Local News

USVI Girls Have Great Showing at CFU 14U Challenge Series

The United States Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is competing in the 2025 Caribbean Football Union U14 Girls Challenge Series in Port of Spain, Trinidad, from Aug. 15–25, 2025. The annual tournament showcases the Caribbean’s top under-14 soccer players, with boys’ and girls’ teams alternating each year in this international high-level competition.

This year’s event attracted 23 teams from throughout the Caribbean.

Tier I

Group A – Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Martinique, and Puerto Rico
Group B – Aruba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Trinidad and Tobago High Performance (replaced Haiti)

Tier II

Group A – Bonaire, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and United States Virgin Islands
Group B – Barbados, British Virgin Islands, French Guiana, Grenada, and Suriname
Group C – Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, and Turks & Caicos Islands

The USVI girls got off to a fantastic start as they steamrolled St. Lucia 7 – 1 in the Ato Boldon Stadium. Kyla Groetzinger led the way with five goals. Olivia Ardion and Tyrah Perez also scored one goal each for the Virgin Islands.

St. Kitts & Nevis was the second team to yield to the USVI offensive machine. This time it was Ardion who pasted the Virgin Islands offense with three goals. Juvanita Hursts added the final goal in the USVI’s 4 – 1 win.

USVI received a much-needed day off, but the break seemed to have an adverse effect on USVI girls as they were only able to score one point in their 1 – 1 draw against Bonaire. This set up a must-win game against undefeated Dominica. The game started well with Groetzinger scoring her seventh goal of the tournament, giving the VI a 1 – 0 lead. However, Dominica came back and scored four unanswered points on their way to a 4 – 1 victory. The win secured a spot in the knockout stage for Dominica.

The USVI placed second in their pool and must now wait to see if they rank as the top second-place team. The highest-ranked second-place finisher will also advance to the final stage of the tournament.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Rotary District Governor to Visit St. Croix, Promote Service Theme

Rotary District 7020 Governor William “Bill” Aiken will visit St. Croix from Aug. 24–29 to meet with local Rotary leaders, tour service projects, and engage government and community partners in discussions on strengthening collaboration and expanding impact, a press release announced.

Rotary International, a global humanitarian service organization with more than 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs worldwide, brings people together to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. District 7020 covers 10 island nations and territories across the northern Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Martin, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the press release.

This year’s Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo of Italy, has set the theme “Unite for Good,” encouraging Rotarians to collaborate with like-minded organizations to create sustainable, transformative solutions. In alignment, Aiken has introduced District 7020’s theme, “Recognize Needs, Transform Lives.” Clubs are being asked to identify at least five critical community needs and address them through bold initiatives, using support from The Rotary Foundation to maximize their efforts, the press release stated.

“When we open our eyes and our hearts to the needs around us, and when we act boldly in partnership, we can truly transform lives,” Aiken said in the release.

Assistant Gov. Cheru Ross of USVI South added, “Governor Aiken’s visit is a great opportunity for us to renew our commitment to service and to strengthen Rotary’s impact in St. Croix. It is also a chance to unite our clubs in identifying and meeting the most urgent needs in our community.”

Aiken, a Rotarian for more than 20 years and a member of the Rotary Club of New Kingston, Jamaica, has held numerous leadership roles guiding projects in literacy, health, and disaster relief. During his visit, he will meet with the Rotary Clubs of St. Croix, West, Harborside, and Mid-Isle, along with civic leaders and the broader community, the release stated.

August 19, 2025

Local News

St. Croix Man Arrested in Domestic Violence Case

A 36-year-old man was arrested Monday after police said he assaulted a woman during a domestic violence incident on St. Croix.

According to the Virgin Islands Police Department, detectives were called to the Ancilmo Marshall Command around 3 p.m., where an adult female reported that her boyfriend, Nelson Garcia Jr., had punched her and struck her in the head with a cell phone, causing visible injuries.

Garcia surrendered to police at the Wilbur H. Francis Command and was taken into custody. He is charged with second-degree assault and simple assault and battery. Under domestic violence law, no bail was set, according to the police report.

He was booked, transported to the John Bell Golden Grove Adult Correctional Facility, and remanded pending an advice of rights hearing, the police report stated.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Bryan’s Finance Team Closes Out Summer of Budget Hearings

The central government’s finance team appeared before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee Tuesday to present their final testimony on the territory’s $1.76 billion proposed budget.
The wrap-up meeting came after months of budget hearings during which individual department heads defended their budget requests for the upcoming fiscal year — or explained why their recommended allotments were insufficient — and several developments have reshaped the territory’s financial outlook since Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s financial team first presented the 2026 executive budget to the Legislature in June.
One seismic shift came in June when the Government Employees’ Retirement System moved forward with a planned 3% increase to employer contributions, effective Oct. 1. The GERS’ board approved the increase in September 2024 but later delayed implementation for nine months because the government’s precarious fiscal state at the time would have left it unable to meet its obligation to the system. That hasn’t changed, Management and Budget Director Julio Rhymer Sr. told lawmakers Tuesday.
When asked by Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. if the government could absorb the cost of the increase, Rhymer simply answered, “No.”
Francis asked if anyone from the executive branch had communicated that to GERS.
“The governor was expected to reach out to GERS and have the discussion,” Rhymer said.
“We’ll be doing the same as well,” Francis said.
Appearing before the Senate Finance Committee last week, GERS Administrator Angel Dawson said the increase was necessary even with the long-sought permanent extension to the rum cover-over rate — from $10.50 to $13.25 per proof gallon — which the territory secured in July after years of lobbying the federal government. The system relies on cover-over revenues via a funding note, and Dawson said there’s still a risk that payouts will be lower than anticipated because of lower demand for rum. He presented lawmakers with two scenarios last week: either employer contributions stay where they are and the system becomes insolvent from 2033-2039 — at which point it would need $290 million in government funds to pay benefits — or the increase is implemented, and the system would only be insolvent from 2036-2038. In the latter scenario, GERS would still need $89 million from the central government to pay benefits.
Dawson put the annual cost to the government at $13 million, but on Tuesday Rhymer said the estimated cost was “$4-5 million.”
Lawmakers and testifiers spent little time discussing the legislative mandate to increase salaries for the government’s lowest-paid employees to $35,000 per year. Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet introduced the bill in June amid an acrimonious back-and-forth between the Legislature and executive branch earlier this year over the implementation of raises for top government officials. Bryan decried the move, stating that it “will place a massive burden on our finances, and — perhaps most concerning — will undoubtedly add to the inflation woes Virgin Islanders are already facing, potentially negating the very increase it intends to provide.” Lawmakers later overrode his veto of the measure.
Vialet asked V.I. Personnel Division Director Cindy Richardson Tuesday if her department is ready to apply the raises.
“We’ll do what we have to do,” Richardson said. “I mean, once the agency puts them in, we’ll do what we have to do.”
Another of the summer’s more tense legislative sessions came in early August when lawmakers unanimously rejected a bill establishing a special committee to issue a request for proposal for self-funded health and dental insurance plans. The measure appeared to sidestep the Government Employees Services Commission Board, whose chair, Beverly Joseph, said the self-funded model offers more flexibility and cost control but exposes the government to risks in the absence of reserve funds, experienced third-party administrators and a reliable payment structure for high-cost claims.
Rhymer said during prepared testimony that the GESC Board will meet Thursday to make its final decision and that the board’s proposed option “would cost the government $10.4 million and introduce critical changes.” According to Rhymer, an employee’s premium for single coverage would increase by $12.13 and a family’s by $21.25.
“However, with this plan structure change, employees will see high deductibles with increases from $500 to $2,500 for individuals and from $1,000 to $5,000 for families,” he said. Rhymer said Health Reimbursement Accounts will also be introduced, and co-payments will increase. “Please note that members will only be able to access care within the Cigna Open Access Plus network and will no longer have the option to see out-of-network doctors.”
The hearing came one day after leadership from the West Indian Company vexed lawmakers by failing to disclose the financial data they needed for this year’s budget markup, leading Francis to call that hearing an “exercise in futility” before telling the agency to come back with the required information.
On Tuesday, Sen. Hubert Frederick noted to Nathan Simmonds, the V.I. Public Finance Authority’s director of finance administration, that WICO owes the government approximately $10 million in Payments in Lieu of Taxes.
“Is WICO a public corporation owned by the government of the Virgin Islands,” he asked, “or are they a private company?”
Simmonds said the PFA “believes that WICO is a public organization” and acknowledged that the authority owns a hundred percent of WICO’s shares.
“‘Nuff said,” Frederick replied. “We need to collect our PILOT from WICO, then. That’s it. If we own it, we need to collect every dime, and that money needs to go to the general treasury so we can pay our bills.”

August 19, 2025

Local News

Fly the Whale Adds Daily St. Croix–San Juan Flights Beginning Sept. 15

Fly the Whale will launch three new daily round-trip flights between Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and San Juan International Airport starting Sept. 15, the airline announced in a recent press release.
The service expands travel options for business, medical, and leisure passengers, with flights arriving and departing from the Jet Aviation FBO on the east side of San Juan International — about a seven-minute ride from the main terminal. A shuttle will be provided for passengers connecting at the terminal. Guests traveling from the terminal to Jet Aviation will need to arrange a taxi or Uber, according to the press release.
Seats are now available at www.flythewhale.com or by calling 800-468-8639.
Fly the Whale President Shane Reynolds called the new service “a great opportunity for our valued guests to travel to San Juan for onward connections, business, medical care, and those seeking a getaway to the beautiful islands of Puerto Rico and St. Croix.”
The expansion builds on the airline’s growth in the region. Since launching service between St. Croix and St. Thomas in April 2023, Fly the Whale has carried tens of thousands of passengers. The new route extends the carrier’s customer-focused operations beyond the U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, the press release stated.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Tourism Department Seeks $39M Budget Amid Vendor Payment Delays, Rising Travel Demand

The Tourism Department asked senators Tuesday to approve a $39 million budget for fiscal year 2026, the same amount as last year, while facing questions about more than $1.3 million in unpaid vendor bills.
Commissioner nominee Jennifer Mather Angus King testified that as of July 18, the department had received $32.4 million in allotments for the current fiscal year but still owes about $1.3 million to local vendors. She said the outstanding payments cover sponsorships and festival-related services, some dating back to December 2024.
Assistant Commissioner Alan Henneman described the bills as a mix of community sponsorships and direct vendor payments. “All of the payments are local payments, senator. It’s just a variety of sponsorships. I would say maybe 10 to 50, maybe Festival-related, direct vendor payments,” Henneman explained further by saying. “The 1.3 is a combination of some outstanding festival payments that were miscellaneous payments, but also some sponsorships that have to go through the property and procurement process.”
King told lawmakers the delays were caused by procurement hurdles and staff shortages, but said the department has recently begun working more closely with the Office of Management and Budget and the Finance Department to address those issues. “We have begun working very recently, meeting with the leadership for OMB and Finance, and it was an opportunity for them to tell some of their pain points in terms of what we need to do,” King said.
Senators pressed officials to act quickly to restore trust. “Department of Tourism has a bad reputation when it comes to paying people. We don’t want to tarnish it. It’s a bad reputation, so let’s fix it,” said Sen. Dwayne DeGraff.
Sen. Carla J. Joseph underscored the impact of delayed payments by sharing the story of one local vendor. “The vendor provided food, and they’re owed over $13,000,” Joseph said. “That’s a local person who went out on a limb, not once, but twice, for our Festival, and they have not received their payment. That’s tax monies you’re spending that is used by us to pay the outside vendors first, and we aren’t taking care of our people first. Charity begins at home. Make it a priority to take care of our people first, because it’s their tax money.”
Department leaders detailed how money was spent in fiscal year 2025. Personnel costs totaled nearly $3 million, with $1.26 million spent by July. Fringe benefits accounted for $573,121, while supplies and utilities cost $116,936 and $77,292, respectively. By far the largest category was “other services,” which consumed more than $32 million — a line item lawmakers questioned for its size and lack of clarity.
Officials said the broad category covers a wide range of initiatives, including advertising, festivals, strategic partnerships, public relations, and sales. “The recommendations of the budget will cover all operational costs for the department, salaries and fringe benefits, contracts, office expenses, offshore sales, film visitor experience and the Division of Festivals, sponsorships, collateral, social media, advertising and marketing,” said King.
The future of parade broadcasts by WTJX, the Virgin Islands’ public television station, is in question as lawmakers and Tourism officials grapple with funding shortfalls following the loss of federal support, as well as WTJX not being able to stream the St. John Parade, as reported on during their July 15 hearing.
For decades, WTJX has aired local parades at no cost to the Tourism Department or the Division of Festivals, providing a vital service to the community — especially elders who rely on television rather than online streaming. “Since forever, parades have been broadcasted by WTJX,” said Ian Turnbull, director for the Division of Festivals. “We have supported WTJX, I think, to the tune of about $71,000 over a couple years.”
This year, WTJX has requested additional support to continue its coverage, citing financial strain after federal funding cuts. “WTJX is even under more dire circumstances because of the federal government and the cuts,” said the commissioner. “Livestreaming is fine, but a lot of elders, especially, they’re not going to be streaming, they’re going to be watching it on TV, and they’ve been relying on that. So that’s something that we need to take a look at moving forward.”
Lawmakers echoed the need for action, with Sen. Kurt Vialet urging, “I just think we need to include this in the budget. We need to make it a line item and just move forward from there.” The committee Chair, Sen. Novelle Francis, added, “We just can’t lock out WTJX, who have traditionally done this. A lot of people are looking forward to being able to view the parades via WTJX, and were really denied that opportunity.”
Alongside questions about spending, staffing challenges remain a pressing issue. The department currently employs 29 people but has 11 vacancies and 10 new positions approved in the upcoming budget. Director of Administration and Management Jamila Miller said the agency has struggled to recruit for critical roles, such as the assistant director of Festivals, which has been vacant for more than a year. “We have received resumes for those positions, and the intent is to start scheduling interviews,” Miller told lawmakers.
Despite these challenges, Tourism indicators continue to climb. The Virgin Islands is on pace to surpass its 2024 record of nearly 1 million overnight guests. Seat capacity is projected to reach 706,689 in 2026, a 5% increase over 2024. The average daily hotel rate is $664, with more than 620 new hotel rooms added in St. Thomas and St. John.
“The United States Virgin Islands continues to solidify its place as a preeminent travel destination within the Caribbean and worldwide, supported by consistent arrival numbers and industry-leading marketing initiatives,” said King.
Marketing campaigns have also expanded the territory’s reach. The “A Vibe Like No Other” promotion brought 1,500 visitors to St. Croix, distributing $375,000 to local hotel partners. The number of businesses listed on VisitUSVI.com has grown to 700 from 200 last year, and a monthly newsletter now reaches more than 300,000 readers worldwide.
“The most recent Business Research and Economic Advisors study ranked St. Thomas second in average passenger spending among all Caribbean destinations. This continued growth reflects intentional strategy and consistent execution through a coordinated blend of public relations, advertising and digital engagement, the Department of Tourism strengthens the territories profile and sets the U.S. Virgin Islands apart from regional competitors,” said King

August 19, 2025

Local News

Emma Trude Smith Dies at 97

Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Emma Trude Smith, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and cousin, from this earthly world.

“Ms. Emma”, as she was respectfully called by so many, died peacefully at home at the young age of 97; she was 16 days away from her 98th birthday. Ms. Emma, was born on August 26, 1927 in the British Virgin Islands to Amelia Victoria “Miss Vicky” Abbott and Ludwig “Captain Jack” Smith. Her siblings are Roosevelt Smith Sr, James Anthony Smith (deceased), Wally Ogard Smith (deceased), Ellen Smith Farara (deceased), Ivy Smith O’Neal (deceased), and Iver Smith Ocana Vessup (deceased). She was a Jehovah Witness. For multiple years, bible study meetings were held in her home on Monday evenings. She attended Wednesday meetings and Sunday service at Kingdom Hall and joyously did field service.

Emma was kind, gentle, mild, sweet, & loving. However, she was, also, courageous. This gentle woman at the age of 20 left her native island of Tortola, BVI to journey to St. Thomas and St. Croix in the USVI for employment. In those times, islanders traveled to whatever island on which they could find work. Emma was employed as a waitress at the Oasis Restaurant in St. Thomas in the 1960’s. This restaurant was owned by members of the Barbel family and was a classy favorite for so many. In the 1970’s, she worked as a favorite waitress at the Crazy Cow restaurant, a landmark in V. I. culinary & restaurant history for so many Virgin Islanders as they fondly look back. In the late 1980’s, she retired to spend time taking care of her grandchildren.

Emma loved to sew, crochet, garden, and take care of her family. She loved to play Chinese checkers with her grandchildren, cook each grandchild’s special dish, do sewing craft projects with her granddaughters, and sew school skirts for them. She had a green thumb that could grow mango, soursop, sugar apple, guava, coconut trees and just about any other tree or flower she wanted to grow. She loved animals and fed multiple cats every day. For about 10 years, she fed a land turtle who visited her home every day until hurricanes Irma and Maria occurred.

Emma is survived by 5 children, Milagros Saldana, Felicita Saldana Richards, Germaine Saldana Vanterpool, Enrique Saldana, Miguel Saldana. One child, Ligia Torres is deceased. There are 9 grandchildren Ramon and Nicole Saldana, Vince and Genia Vanterpool, Jerome and Serene Saldana, John “Allie” and Albert Richards II, and Amber Richards Lake, 7 great grandchildren, Alyna, Albert, and Alden Richards, Aria Wynter Saldana, Isabella, Timothy III, and Nathan Lake, brother Roosevelt Smith Sr and sister-in-law Durene Smith, son-in-law, Albert Richards Sr. and Vincent Vanterpool, daughter-in-law, Susie Wong Saldana; nieces Nidia Ocana Frett, Faye Smith Penn, Diana Ocana McKay, Mary Ocana, Joan Delores Smith Sebastien, Recia Smith Robin, Kim Doanne, Mirta Farara Williams, Heather Farara; nephews Jose and Freddie Ocana, Ogard Jr, Phillip, Mitchell, Ronald, Roosevelt Jr, Ian Seymour, Patrick, and Nicholas Smith, Arthur Titley, Ronald Jr “Tootie” and Mikey Farara Jr., numerous cousins, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 22, 4-6pm at Kingdom Hall on St, Thomas and on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Turnbull Funeral Home with viewing at 9 a.m. and funeral service at 10 a.m. We will forever miss this kind, gentle, loving soul. However, we glory in the fact that she is with the Lord. May she rest peacefully in the arms of God, the Father.

Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Anthony Mathurin Dies

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Anthony Mathurin who passed away on Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Family members and friends:

Mother: Mary Magdalen Paul (Deceased)

Father: George Mathurin (Deceased)

Wife: Cecilia Mathurin

Siblings: Catherine Mathurin, Henrietta Mathurin, Cancius Mathurin

Children: Rene Mathurin, Allison Mathurin-Clair, James Mathurin, Natasha Mathurin, Kalisha Mathurin, Adelta Mathurin

Bonus Son: Oswald Sealy

Grandchildren: Blessing Mathurin, Noah Anthony Clair, Cameron Mathurin, Kylie Fessale, Rhylee-Marie Richard, Kaylee Fessale

Son-in-Laws: Clevon Clair, Shawn Fessale;

Godchildren: Monique Edward, Kim Francis, Khadijah Edward, Devon Marsh, Keithlyn Edward

In-Laws: Marie Mathurin, Madline Marsh, Albertha Edward, Deborah Maximin, Josephine Edward, Camilia JnBaptiste, Leonna JnBaptiste, Angie Edward, Roselyn Edward, Gregory Edward, Delbert JnBaptiste, Preston Edward, Leo Maximin, Ralph Small (Deceased), Julian Eward (Deceased), Patrick Edward (Deceased), Calvert Marsh (Deceased), Martin JnBaptiste (Deceased)

Nieces and Nephews: Camila Philip, Tasha Paul, Sheldon Paul, Eta Mathurin, Severus Abraham, Sted Atanase, Delvin Mathurin, Garrick Mathurin, Gasha Mathurin, Deidre Mathurin, Andrew Mathurin, Ron Mathurin, Alicia Martinez, Nya Marsh, Dahlia Edward, Kalisha Maximin, Latifah Edward, Michaela Edward, Kuame JnBaptiste, Tyrone Edward, Patrick Edward Jr., Keithlyn Edward, David Marsh, Billy Edward, Felix Edward, Ester Felix, Mary JnBaptist, Roselyn Grant

Special Friends: Keetch Williams, Joseph Jackson, Joseph St. Prix, Charlo Leon, Patrick Philip, Garnet Alexander, Juliet Alexander, Angie Landy, Gertrud Griffith, Gertrud Verdant, Chalery Family, Taxi Drivers from the St. Thomas/St. John Taxi Association; Other families and friends are too numerous.

Funeral service first viewing will be held on Friday, Aug. 29 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.at Turnbull’s Funeral Home.

The second viewing will be held Saturday, Aug. 30 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel St. John.

Interment at Coral Bay, St. John, USVI.

Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Edith Gertrude Frett Dies

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Edith Gertrude Frett on Aug. 12, 2025.

She is survived by her Husband Elwin Franklin Frett, Daughter Elvena Frett, Son Eli Frett
Daughter-in-law Cjambrica S. Frett
Grandchildren Princess Tyanna Imani-Selah Frett, Sir Christian Carlos Adoraa Frett
Bishop Marquis Syncere-Duvall Frett, Lady Makayla Elsa-Rose Frett and family and friends too numerous to mention.
A home-going celebration of life will be held on Sept. 12 at The Oasis Church of God of Prophecy, C-5 Estate Hoffman. Viewing 9 a.m.-10 a.m. with a service at 10 a.m.
Interment at Eastern Cemetery. Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home.

August 19, 2025