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Local News

Woman Arrested After Knife Threat in Ebenezer Gardens, Police Say

A woman was arrested Monday evening after police said she punched a man in the face and chased him with a knife at Ebenezer Gardens on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Officers responded at about 5:31 p.m. and spoke with the victim, who told police he was caring for a family member when Valerie Jafferali demanded the family member’s food stamps and bank cards. He told officers that when he refused, “she punched him in his face,” then pulled a knife and chased him down the hall, according to the police report.

Police said they located Jafferali, 47, and arrested her on simple assault DV and assault third degree DV. She was taken to the Richard Callwood Command to be booked and processed, then turned over to the Bureau of Corrections. No bail was set under the domestic violence law, the police report stated.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Man Killed in Hospital Ground Shooting, Police Say

A man died Sunday night after police found him with multiple gunshot wounds in the Hospital Ground area of St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

The Major Crimes Unit has opened a homicide investigation.

Police said the Shot Spotter Detection System recorded gunfire at about 10:47 p.m. Patrol officers responded and found a Black male lying in the roadway. He was taken by ambulance to Schneider Regional Medical Center, where he died from his injuries, according to the police report.

The man’s identity is being withheld until his family is notified, the police report stated.

His death marks the territory’s 27th homicide of the year, and the 14th for St. Thomas, according to the Source Homicide List.*

The VIPD is asking anyone with information to contact the department at 340-774-2211, the Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or 911.

* The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Cardow Collective Debuts With St. Croix’s IB Designs

The Cardow Collective is marking its debut with IB Designs, the St. Croix jewelry studio known for its symbolic, handcrafted work. Together, they introduce a refreshed direction for Cardow that centers Caribbean artistry and meaningful connection.

Cardow has stood in downtown Charlotte Amalie for more than 60 years, a landmark woven into the height of St. Thomas’ jewelry era when the island was known as a duty-free destination in the 1980s and 1990s. As the market shifted and consumer interests evolved, Cardow began a transformation that honors its legacy while adapting to shoppers who value authenticity, craftsmanship and locally made products. The Cardow Collective reflects this shift by highlighting Caribbean jewelers within one of the island’s most recognized retail spaces.
The first artisan to participate in this new initiative is IB Designs, founded by jeweler Whaelan Massicott, who has been creating jewelry for 29 years. He and his wife, Kris Massicott, have operated the studio for 26 years, describing their work as feel-good jewelry inspired by nature, cultural influences, and the desire to bring joy through intentional design. The company uses recycled and responsibly sourced metals and produces pieces that emphasize themes such as unity, gratitude, strength, connection and balance. These motifs appear in collections like infinity, lotus, strength, gratitude, pamoja, lavi and karma, which have contributed to the brand’s recognition across the region.

For many years, St. Thomas customers who follow the brand have primarily relied on online orders or mail delivery. Joining the Cardow Collective gives IB Designs a physical presence on the island and a way for clients to see and handle the jewelry in person.
“This opportunity that arose for us to come to Cardow, the only answer that could have been given was yes. Because when moving in a space of gratitude and you are given an opportunity, yes is like honoring the possibilities,” Kris said.
“Being here we feel very grateful for the welcoming and the outpouring of support. We mail jewelry to STT all the time, but now we have a home here that the residents can support locally,” she continued.

“We say we make feel-good jewelers make feel-good jewelry for feel-good people. So we feel like the time is now for us to be on STT,” she added.

Inside Cardow, the IB Designs display features their signature collections along with descriptions of each piece’s intended meaning. The motifs represent values that have long shaped the studio’s work, reflecting influences from nature, cultural symbolism and broader emotional themes within their design philosophy. The materials, finishes and structural details used in their pieces align with the studio’s practice of creating jewelry rooted in intention and crafted by hand.

Through this partnership, IB Designs strengthens its connection with customers across the territory and provides easier access for residents who have supported the brand for years. The collaboration introduces a new experience for shoppers and contributes to the evolving direction of the Cardow Collective.

December 9, 2025

Local News

St. John Choirs Invite Community to Holiday Celebration in the Park on Dec. 20

Sing St. John will hold its eighth annual Community Holiday Celebration in Cruz Bay’s Frank Powell Park on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6 to 9:30 p.m. The concert is free, and the audience is encouraged to join in during caroling and the rousing finale featuring Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

Quelbe Resurrection will accompany the Recovery Choir on several fun holiday favorites and then launch into their own repertoire of very danceable music. Drummer and culture bearer Delroy “Ital” Anthony will also perform.

“This holiday celebration is sure to bring Love City together in hope and unity,” said Kristen Carmichael-Bowers, director of Sing St. John. “It’s always a thrill to perform with Quelbe Resurrection, and this holiday season they’ll finish with a dance set to help us to greet the holidays on a wave of joyful community spirit.”

Participating choirs include the St. John Recovery Choir, Ocama Youth Choir, The Senior Singalong, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church Choir, and the Bethany and Emmaus Moravian Churches Choir.

The program includes songs for Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, and the New Year sung in English, Spanish, and Swahili. As a special treat, the V.I. for Life Quadrille Dancers will perform.

There will be food for sale by Roti King and Chef Maxine and Roy “Ras Feba” Reed. And because everybody loves a cool treat, Our Market Smoothies will be selling fracos and a wide selection of drinks.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their own chairs to be comfortable throughout the entire evening. A limited number of chairs for senior citizens will be available,

This year, Sing St. John, like many nonprofits, is experiencing funding cuts. To help keep their programs going in 2026, they need to raise $30,000 by December 31. Donation boxes will be available for cash and pledges, and audience members are encouraged to participate in the 50/50 raffle. The raffle winner will be announced at the end of the event.

Sing St. John’s programming is free for all, thanks to community donors.

Sing St. John is jointly supported by a grant from VI Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC, a federal agency.

For further information, visit http://singstjohn.org.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Nine Rescued After Dinghy Mishap

An eagle-eyed Port Authority employee rescued nine people from an overturned dinghy between Water Island and Crown Bay Sunday night, officials said Tuesday.

When eight Water Island visitors missed the last boat back to St. Thomas, a helpful dinghy driver offered to ferry the crew to Crown Bay. It didn’t go well, Coast Guard officials said.

Around 7:30 p.m., Port Authority Harbor Pilot Marcus Compton was navigating a cargo ship near Mosquito Point in Crown Bay Harbor when he spotted the overturned boat. Compton quickly called the VIPA pilot boat Edmund Steele, operated by Coxswain Angelo Freeman and Crewman Al Roberts Jr., to aid the capsized vessel.

Freeman and Roberts successfully rescued the former dinghy riders from the water. No one was injured.

In the meantime, the U.S. Coast Guard scrambled emergency aircraft in San Juan and marine units on St. Thomas, Coast Guard officials said. The aircraft was canceled once they learned that the Port Authority had completed the rescue.

The soggy passengers were taken to the excursion dock at the Austin “Babe” Monsanto Marine Terminal in Crown Bay and handed over to the Coast Guard for further assistance, said Port Authority officials. Port Authority initially said it was eight people rescued, not nine. It was not clear who was correct, the Coast Guard or Port Authority.

A good Samaritan recovered the dinghy and tied it up at Water Island ferry dock, Coast Guard officials said.

December 9, 2025

Local News

FIFA Commends USVI Soccer Federation for Strong Financial Governance and Continued Progress

The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is pleased to announce that it has received an official letter of commendation from FIFA, recognizing the Federation’s significant progress and exemplary standards in financial governance.

In the letter addressed to the USVISF General Secretary, FIFA’s Financial Governance Programme Manager, Dagiorto Carrera Lanfranchi, praised the Federation for its continued dedication and strong administrative performance. The letter reads:

“Following our last meeting, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to you and your team for the outstanding work being carried out at USVI SF. The results of the latest review clearly reflect the significant progress achieved over the past years and the dedication demonstrated at the management level. This represents an excellent example of strong Financial Governance practices within the region.

We are confident that these efforts will continue to resonate across all levels and contribute positively to the ongoing development of football.

Please do not hesitate to reach out should you require any support moving forward.

Yours sincerely,
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)
Dagiorto Carrera Lanfranchi
Financial Governance Programme Manager – MA Division”

The USVISF Board and leadership team express their appreciation to FIFA for this acknowledgment. This commendation reflects the Federation’s strategic work over recent years to strengthen operational standards, enhance compliance, and ensure responsible stewardship of football development resources.

“This recognition from FIFA is a proud moment for the entire USVISF community,” said Firas Idheileh, General Secretary of the USVI Soccer Federation. “It reaffirms our commitment to transparency, accountability, and the long-term development of football in the Virgin Islands. We will continue working relentlessly to uplift the sport across all levels.”

The USVISF remains committed to upholding global best practices and advancing opportunities for players, coaches, officials, and clubs throughout the territory.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Issaacha Makonnen Smith Dies

Issaacha Makonnen Smith, also known as Icy, has died.

He will be deeply missed by his son, family, and friends. He was a true example of a father and a God fearing man.

Wife: Danielle Warner-Smith

Sons: Yashashakar W. Smith, (preceded in death) Yakal M. Smith

Stepson: Stephan I. Warner

Mother: Coral A. Felix-Faulkner

Father: Stephan C. Smith

Stepfather: Marcheneal Faulkner

Siblings: David E. Smith, Corinne R. Smith, Coralee R. Smith, Dalila L. Smith, Kalifa T.M. Smith

Nephew: Romaine E. Gordon, David E. Smith, Mekael E. Smith

Nieces: Jada Smith, Xiomarys E. Smith, Ellyana S. Smith

Grandmothers: (preceded in death) Mary A. Testamark, (preceded in death) Lillian Ann Tyson-Lanclos

Grandfathers: (preceded in death) Charles Felix, (preceded in death) David Smith

Aunts: Juliette Simmons, Olive “Debbie” Henry, Delta Bryan, Faye Felix, Eva Felix, Sylvia Felix, Despi Felix, Debbie Felix, Delories Felix, Jasmine Francis, Yvonne Barbosa,

Great Aunts: Bernadine J. Ford, Rehenia Ricketts

Uncles: Dewight Simmons, (preceded in death) Dana Bryan, David Felix, Darion Felix, Dariel Felix, Warrington O. Tyson, Sr., Fitzroy “Kala” Crooke, Clement “Aba” David

Great uncle: Truman Testamark, Warren A. Frett Sr.

First viewing will be held at Turnbull’s Funeral Home on Dec. 30 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Service will be held at Blyden Memorial Chapel on Jan. 5, 2026

Viewing 9 a.m.-10 a.m.

Service at 10 a.m.

Burial at Eastern Cemetery

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Maurice Ali Richardson Dies

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved, Maurice Ali Richardson, better known as “Moe.” Maurice, who was passionately loved, passed away on Nov. 30, 2025. He was a native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael A. Richardson, his grandparents, Shirley and Henry Richardson and Vernon C. Walwyn.

Maurice is mourned and survived by his loving mother, Gigi Richardson, and his son, Maurice A. Richardson Jr. He is also survived by his brothers, Michael A. Richardson II and Marlon Richardson; grandmother, Demaris Walwyn; aunts, Denetrice Walwyn- Adams , Kim Crag- Chaderton, Michelle Charles (Joe), and Mauvene Galiber-Borton; and uncle, Vernon Walwyn II; great aunts, Marsha Christian, Sharon Turnbull (Louis), Antoinette Dyer (Fernando), Susan Gereau, Abigail Booker, Sylvia James (Avil), Carol Brazier (Anthony); great uncles, Mark Christian (Joann) and Earl Walwyn (Janice); nieces, Mekaela and Michiah Richardson; nephew, D’Mauri Richardson; special cousins, Demaris Carr-Harris (Chris), Andre Acosta (Kim) and Keith Roper (Natalie) and a host of special relatives and friends.

Viewing will be at Blyden Memorial Chapel from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec 18. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory, Friday, Dec. 19 at 10 a.m.

Guests are kindly asked to wear shades of green or cream in honor of Moe at the service on Friday.

December 9, 2025

Local News

Randy Williams Dies at 55

Randy Williams

December 16, 1969 – November 6, 2025

Mother: Eugenie Williams

Father: Hesketh Williams (deceased)

Siblings: Lester shield, Charmaine Javed, Marella and Valerie Williams and Maureen Alvarez

Uncles: Courtney, Eustace, and Conrad Banks, Kenneth, Larson, Alex, and Dwight Ferguson

Aunts: Rita Banks Francis and Pearlin Banks, Julie, Muriel, Louise, Agnes and Chasity

Five nephews

Coworkers at Pueblo Subbase and McDonald’s in Frenchtown

Funeral services will be held on Saturday Dec. 13 at Turnbull’s Funeral Home. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with the service immediately following at 10 am.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home.

December 9, 2025

Local News

In the Matter of the Estate of Gary Anderson, Deceased

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF

GARY ANDERSON a/k/a GARY SEARS

ANDERSON a/k/a GARY S. ANDERSON,

Deceased.
PROBATE NO. ST-25-PB-100
ACTION FOR RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN WILL
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
It is hereby brought to public notice that a Petition for Recognition of Foreign Will has been filed in the estate of Gary Anderson a/k/a Gary Sears Anderson a/k/a Gary S. Anderson, Deceased. All persons having any claims against the Estate are requested to immediately file and serve their claim, verified by affidavit and with proper vouchers, within thirty (30) days from the date of the notice, and all persons indebted to the Estate are required to promptly pay said indebtedness to, the undersigned Counsel for the Estate or with the Clerk of the Court.
Attorney for the Estate,

Dated: December 8, 2025

/s/ Marjorie Whalen
MARJORIE WHALEN, ESQ.
V.I. Bar No. R2019
Kellerhals Ferguson Kroblin PLLC
Royal Palms Professional Building
9053 Estate Thomas, Suite 101
St. Thomas, V.I. 00802
Tel: (340) 779-2564
Fax: (888) 316-9269
Email: mwhalen@kellfer.com

December 9, 2025