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Local News

Defense Hints at Flawed Discovery in Upcoming Federal Bribery Case

During a Monday hearing in a pending federal bribery case, a lawyer representing former director of the Office of Management and Budget Jenifer O’Neal said he might ask the court to separate his client from her codefendant, former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez.
With four months to go to the start of a scheduled trial, a U.S. Magistrate Judge Alan Teague called on the prosecutor and defense attorneys to report Monday on their pretrial preparations.
O’Neal, along with Martinez, is accused of accepting unauthorized payments from a vendor providing cybersecurity services to government agencies, including the Virgin Islands Police Department. Jury selection for a trial where they are expected to appear as co-defendants is scheduled to begin Dec. 3.
Parties in the case appeared by way of livestream video in an open courtroom at the Ron deLugo Federal Building. Teague said he expected the trial to take about two-and-a-half weeks and that it was important for the legal teams to complete the discovery process on time. During discovery, the defense and the prosecution exchange evidence produced over the course of building their respective cases.
Attorney Dale Lionel Smith raised the prospect of filing a motion for severance as Monday’s hearing was drawing to an end. O’Neal’s lawyer raised concerns about information in the prosecutor’s possession that may prove favorable for Martinez. Specifically, Smith suggested the former police commissioner may have given a proffer statement to officials at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A proffer statement is one in which a defendant demonstrates knowledge about an alleged criminal activity; in some cases such a statement may help the individual gain a more favorable legal stance. It could also help the government challenge or refute statements made by other witnesses at trial.
Federal trial attorney Alexandre Dempsey did not dispute Smith’s claim about a proffer interview involving Martinez, and said the government had turned over all the required material. But he refuted a suggestion that prosecutors were withholding material that should have been turned over.
“The court does not require that handwritten notes are subject to discovery,” Dempsey said, adding that no such notes existed.
The magistrate commended the legal teams for working together cooperatively. At the same time, Teague raised concerns over how long it was taking to produce exchangeable documents containing statements by Martinez from a computer hard drive where they are stored.
“Why is it that it took a month for your office to get the documents into a readily accessible format?” Teague asked.
Martinez’s lawyer assured the court that he would return to the office within the next few days and personally supervise the production of documents.
Lawyers for both O’Neal and Martinez said they were doing their best to review large amounts of evidence as part of their trial preparations. “We are on our way to being prepared, judge. We have no choice but to be prepared for December 3,” Smith said.
Teague concluded the hearing by saying he did not expect lawyers to be ready by August for a December trial, but it was his duty to check on their progress.
If needed, he said, he would schedule another status hearing on Aug. 29. If not needed, he said, the next pretrial hearing would take place in October.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Agencies Detail Frustrations and Shortfalls as Senate Reviews $17M in Budget Requests

Broken sewage lines, sargassum piling on shoreline, a taxi industry running without enforcement officers and a cruise company struggling to keep pace with larger ships and rival ports: those were the realities laid out before senators Monday as the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee weighed fiscal year 2026 budget requests from four key agencies.

From the Inspector General’s Office to the Magens Bay Authority, the Taxicab Commission, and West Indian Company Limited, the stories differed but the takeaway was the same: each faces a fight to keep essential pieces of the territory running.

Inspector General’s Office

Inspector General Delia Thomas asked lawmakers to maintain her office’s $2.9 million budget — unchanged from last year — to support 20 filled positions and two vacancies. Most of the request, $2.38 million, is tied up in salaries and benefits, underscoring that the office is driven almost entirely by its people rather than large capital needs.
Thomas stressed that, despite its size, the office has delivered results. In the past year, it released an audit of the Education Initiative Fund that led to a revision of the governing law, ensuring schools receive fairer distribution of resources. It also completed an inspection of the Agriculture Revolving Fund that revealed more than $4 million in missed opportunities for the Department of Agriculture, a finding that spurred further scrutiny of funding practices. In addition, the office provided investigative support that resulted in the successful prosecution of a government employee. Eleven more assignments are in progress, ranging from audits of the Taxicab Commission to a slate of reviews into the Water and Power Authority’s billing, collections, contracting, and employee loan payments.
But Thomas did not downplay the strain on her staff. “We had hoped to complete more assignments, but we were unable to do so,” she told senators, explaining that many delays come from agencies withholding or slow-walking records, forcing auditors to juggle multiple projects at once. The pressure is compounded by unexpected costs: last October, a broken sewage line and failed air-conditioning unit at the St. Thomas office set the agency back $71,600 — nearly its entire $80,000 maintenance budget in the first month of the fiscal year.
Even with ongoing training — auditors attended national fraud conferences and performance audit workshops to stay current — the workload is relentless. Asked what keeps her up at night, Thomas was candid: it is “frustrating when we could not get information, as well as people not understanding what our office does.”
Magens Bay Authority

For Magens Bay Authority General Manager Monique Simon, the request was $3.65 million — funding needed to operate not only Magens Bay Beach, but also Smith Bay Park and Drake’s Seat. The authority employs 53 staff members, 16 full-time and 37 part-time, but eight critical positions remain vacant, including three lifeguards and two security guards. Simon stressed that those front line roles are essential to keeping the parks safe and welcoming for the thousands of visitors they receive each week.
She described the mission of the authority as one rooted in preservation and access. Since its establishment in 1946 through a donation from philanthropist Arthur Fairchild, the parks have been held in trust for public use. That legacy, she said, drives efforts not only to maintain facilities but also to educate residents and visitors about the island’s natural resources.
The challenges, however, are daunting. “Nature itself is a constant adversary,” Simon explained, listing invasive plants, flooding, hurricanes, and especially the sargassum that regularly piles along the shoreline. Human behavior compounds the strain, with abandoned pets, loud music, glass bottles, and illegal vending all testing the authority’s small team. Facility concerns — from long entrance lines to aging restrooms — add another layer of pressure. Asked what keeps her up at night, Simon didn’t hesitate: “the sargassum.”
Despite those obstacles, Simon pointed to progress. ADA-accessible ramps have been installed at multiple bathhouses, additional picnic benches procured, and new water wheelchairs added for visitors with mobility needs. Lifeguard training has expanded, with Red Cross certification programs supplemented by responder safety courses. Events like the annual “King of the Wing” competition drew thousands to the park, raising money for local nonprofits while showcasing Magens Bay as a gathering place for the wider community.
Looking to the year ahead, the authority’s capital projects include a full reconstruction of Bath House #1 — still bearing damage from the 2017 hurricanes — as well as renovations of Shed #1 and the pedestrian bridge, and a septic system upgrade at Bath House #2. Simon said those improvements go hand in hand with long-term preservation goals: restoring the arboretum, refurbishing trails, and expanding school partnerships for tours and environmental education. “Our efforts are focused on providing exceptional recreational experiences, while preserving our natural assets,” she told senators.
Taxicab Commission

If Magens Bay is fighting nature, the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission is fighting for survival. Acting Executive Director Melissa Smith told senators the agency is running on fumes, with just two employees left to serve the entire territory. “Our regulatory arm of enforcement is nonexistent,” she admitted, explaining that all enforcement officers have either retired or resigned.
The commission’s current appropriation stands at $556,043 — $395,603 from the Taxi Revolving Fund and $160,440 from the Tourism Revolving Fund. But Smith said that figure is far from sufficient. “The resource minimum projection is set at 1.5 million dollars,” she testified, pointing out that proper staffing, enforcement visibility on ship days, and a functioning administrative backbone cannot be maintained on the present budget.
Technology is another sticking point. The agency continues to rely on manual, paper-based systems that delay licensing, records processing, and revenue collection. “Computer systems and equipment are outdated,” Smith said, adding that a digital overhaul — including the ability to share real-time data with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Police Department — would cost between $200,000 and $400,000. Without it, she warned, illegal taxi operators will continue to proliferate, undermining legitimate businesses and putting public safety at risk.
Even with its skeletal staff, the commission has managed to process 2,739 transactions this year, including licenses, medallion transfers, lease agreements, and operator badges. Smith praised her two remaining staff members, saying they had kept the agency running against the odds. The commission has also launched a training program in partnership with UVI CELL, with 84 participants in the first cohort and a second group scheduled for later this year.
Smith framed the commission’s needs as a matter of economic and public safety. “With this funding, we will strengthen regulatory oversight, improve service standards, and ensure that our taxi industry continues to serve both residents and visitors with integrity and efficiency,” she said.
West Indian Company Limited

Interim CEO Charlene Turnbull outlined both the promise and the pressure facing the West Indian Company Limited. For FY 2026, the company is requesting $10.3 million in appropriations, anchored by projected revenues of $9.7 million from cruise passenger wharfage fees and land rentals. WICO currently employs 33 staff with four vacancies yet to be filled, she said, while carrying the weight of long-term debt service and insurance costs.
On the surface, the outlook appears strong. Turnbull told lawmakers that cruise traffic is rebounding, with passenger arrivals expected to grow by 20 percent — between 1.1 and 1.2 million visitors — and ship calls rising from 281 to 362, a 29% jump. That growth is projected to bring an additional $1.6 million in passenger revenues, lifting total passenger-based income to roughly $9.6 million compared with this year.
But behind those figures lies a tightening squeeze. Personnel expenses remain WICO’s largest cost, while property insurance — accounting for nearly 80% of the company’s total insurance outlays — continues to climb. Debt service alone stands at $3.3 million annually, eating into the flexibility needed for capital projects. Turnbull pointed to the long-discussed Water Pipeline Project, designed to allow ships to receive water along the full dock, as a top infrastructure priority. She also emphasized the need to position WICO competitively by pursuing foreign and boutique cruise markets that can fill berths during off-peak days.
Her warning was clear: success is not guaranteed. “With these emerging threats on the horizon, we must pivot and pivot fast,” Turnbull said. Senators, including Chair Novelle E. Francis Jr., pressed back, expressing frustration over the lack of current-year detail and sharper forward projections.
Committee members present included Francis, along with Sens. Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Carla J. Joseph, and Kurt A. Vialet.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Molloy Rules: Dangleben Will Not Face the Death Penalty at Trial

Chief District Judge Robert Molloy has ruled that the death penalty is off the table in the murder case of Richardson Dangleben Jr.

The order issued Monday ends months of wrangling over whether the Justice Department, which filed notice in February 2024 that it would not seek capital punishment, could suddenly reverse that decision more than a year later, after proceedings were well underway.

Molloy foreshadowed his decision in a May opinion denying the DOJ’s motion for a 120-day stay in the case after U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a Feb. 5 memorandum reviving the death penalty and lifting the moratorium on federal executions. That followed a Jan. 20 executive order by President Donald Trump to review all decisions to not seek such punishment in eligible cases charged during the Biden Administration.

The judge said then that not only had the deadline long passed for the government to declare it would seek the death penalty, but doing so now would clearly disadvantage Dangleben, who faces first-degree murder, assault and gun charges in the July 4, 2023, shooting death of V.I. Police Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. on St. Thomas.

Dangleben has pleaded not guilty and is set to go to trial Oct. 6, likely on St. Croix after both the defense and prosecution indicated in a stipulation filed July 31 that they are in agreement on Public Defender Matthew Campbell’s request for a change of venue due to publicity surrounding the case.

Campbell has strongly opposed the DOJ’s efforts to pursue the death penalty, writing in a brief in March that reversing course more than a year into proceedings had effectively pulled the rug out from under his client “based on a whim.”

Moreover, had he known the government would do so, Dangleben would never have requested a continuance when he was set to go to trial last October and the matter would now be moot, Campbell said.

Molloy also noted in his May opinion that because Dangleben had been proceeding according to the “no-seek” decision, he had been without a learned counsel — an attorney expert in death penalty cases — for more than a year, complicating his trial preparation and his preparation for re-review by the Capital Review Committee.

In June, Campbell filed a motion to strike the government’s notice of intent to seek the death penalty, followed by another in August asking Molloy to decide the matter without oral argument and based on the briefs already filed in the case, given the looming trial date.

Molloy granted the motion Monday in his two-page order, writing in a footnote that “the Court will issue a memorandum opinion outlining its reasons at a later date.”

The judge ordered the government’s notice of intent stricken from the record and said its February 2024 notice that it would “proceed with either a non-capital trial or plea agreement in this matter” would be the controlling document in the case.

“Thus, this case will proceed as a non-death penalty case,” Molloy wrote.

August 19, 2025

Local News

V.I. Democratic Party Calls for Election Law Action After 2024 Ruling

One year and seven months after a federal judge declared that multiple provisions of U.S. Virgin Islands elections law were unconstitutional, the local Democratic Party is calling on lawmakers to codify changes guaranteeing autonomy for territorial political parties to elect their own officers and vet their own candidates.
V.I. Democratic Party Chair Carol Burke told the Source Monday that Virgin Islanders will always prefer to have a primary election.
“We like the objectivity of having the government run the election,” she said, but the party regularly fields questions from voters about candidates running under their banner, and there was absolutely nothing we could do. Our hands were tied.”
At issue is a January 2024 ruling which found multiple provisions of local elections law to be unconstitutional. The judgment came after the Republican National Committee and the territory’s Republican Party sued the V.I. Elections Board and the Elections System’s Supervisor, Caroline Fawkes, in 2022. The plaintiffs in that case argued that political organization is guaranteed by the First Amendment and that the internal workings of political parties should be free from government oversight like any other private organization.
Chief Judge Robert Molloy of the U.S. District Court of the Virgin Islands ultimately voided 10 local provisions and found that two others were preempted by existing federal laws. Molloy’s order prohibited Elections officials from enforcing the voided laws.
In a statement sent to local media outlets this week, Burke called the ruling “a turning point for democracy in the Virgin Islands.”
“The people choose the party, and the party chooses its candidates. Anything less undermines the First Amendment and will of party members,” she said. Speaking to the Source Monday, Burke said lawmakers now needed to put infrastructure in place to make elections more transparent and in line with the ruling.
“Meaning that it was codified so that this party has access to the ballot,” she said. “The process would include the party, to define to the supervisor of elections that ‘these 10 people that you have already deemed eligible because they meet all requirements set forth by the government,’ that based on our own standards — and we will have, for instance, their dues, are they in good standing, that kind of thing … there are quite a number of things that we plan to implement — that they’ve met these requirements and as such, they’re certified to run in the primary election as a Democrat.”
Burke testified before the Senate Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection Committee Aug. 8 after Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger introduced legislation codifying processes for political parties to choose their candidates for public office. Highlighting a voided provision stating that the Elections Board “will be responsible for certifying the process to be used by any political party to select party officers and candidates for public office,” Francis Heyliger said she saw where the law needed to be fixed ahead of the next election cycle. During her own prepared testimony, Burke called the committee meeting “the perfect opportunity to begin to reset and clarify the standards governing the role of political parties in primary elections.”
“This is a pivotal moment — one that allows us to reaffirm our commitment to constitutional principles and electoral integrity,” she said before acknowledging her counterparts in the Republican Party for filing the legal challenge, which she said “opened the door for all parties — Democratic, Republican and others — to reassert their autonomy and responsibility in the electoral process.”
Burke recommended several amendments to the bill, which later failed to advance out of committee for lack of a second. Speaking to the Source, Burke acknowledged the difficulty of convincing elected officials to change the same election laws that put them in office.
“It’s a very, very tall order, but it’s a judge’s order — I mean, pun intended,” she said. “It’s still a judge’s order. They have to fix it. If we have to go to court and get over this, we will.”
Burke again credited the Republican Party for their legal challenge, which she said showed that the territory was operating under unconstitutional laws.
“The way we felt — we felt real uncomfortable. The party should feel comfortable with its candidates,” she said. “I can tell you, we were not always comfortable, and we had members, voters, coming to us and questioning the process. And we kept saying, ‘there’s nothing we could do because that’s how the law is written.’”

August 19, 2025

Local News

Two Disturbances Being Watched in the Atlantic as Erin Moves Northwest

As Hurricane Erin moves away from the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring two additional tropical waves crossing the Atlantic. One of the waves has a moderate chance of development and could strengthen as it approaches the Leeward Islands later this week.

As of the 8 p.m. Monday update from the NHC, Hurricane Erin was located about 695 miles southwest of Bermuda, moving northwest with maximum sustained winds of 130 mph, currently a Category 3 cyclone. The storm’s core is forecast to remain over water, but weather alerts have been issued for the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, and parts of the U.S. East Coast due to potential impacts.

Closer to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring Disturbance #1, a tropical wave in the central Atlantic with a moderate chance of development in the coming days. Another system, Disturbance #2, is also being watched, though it has a low chance of development. Residents and visitors are urged to remain prepared and monitor official updates.

As of 8 p.m. Monday, the NHC provided the following update regarding Disturbance #1:

“A tropical wave located over the central tropical Atlantic is producing some disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form toward the end of the week. This system should move westward to west-northwestward at about 20 mph across the central tropical Atlantic and approach the vicinity of the Leeward Islands on Friday,” the NHC said.

The NHC also shared information about Disturbance #2:

“A tropical wave located just off the coast of Africa is producing a persistent cluster of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Some slight development of this system is possible over the next day or two as it moves westward at around 15 mph. On Thursday, this system should reach a less favorable environment, which should reduce its chances for development.”

On Monday afternoon, the Source reached out to Alex DaSilva, lead hurricane expert at AccuWeather, for more details on what could potentially occur regarding Disturbance #1, which may affect the USVI and Puerto Rico later this week.

“The next tropical wave will probably approach the Lesser Antilles around Thursday or Friday, possibly into Saturday morning,” DaSilva said. “I think it has a pretty good opportunity to develop, as it has a good moisture envelope and relatively low wind shear. I think it has a shot of becoming a tropical storm or a low-end hurricane by the time it’s approaching the islands. Of course, we still have to watch it closely, but it’s going to be in a fairly favorable environment for development,” DaSilva predicted.

“The big question is, how close will it follow in Erin’s wake? If this tropical wave follows very close to Erin’s path, it will probably have a little bit of trouble developing,” DaSilva said. “If it travels further south, toward Barbados, I think it would have a better shot at development because it wouldn’t be in the wake of Erin.”

DaSilva went on to explain that if the path of Disturbance #1 follows that of Erin, its development could be limited because of a phenomenon known as upwelling. Upwelling occurs when a storm like Erin churns the ocean and pulls cooler water from below up to the surface. Since hurricanes draw energy from warm water, the cooler surface temperatures can cut off the fuel needed for further intensification of Disturbance #1.

Upwelling of Ocean Water

“When a storm goes through an area, the winds are so strong that it creates large waves that mix up the ocean water,” DaSilva said. “The water is warmest at the surface, and then it’s cooler as you go farther beneath the sea surface. The cool water comes up to the surface and replaces that warm water, and the stronger the storm is, the bigger the waves, which results in more upwelling,” he explained.

“Cooler water temperatures at the ocean surface caused by upwelling can last a couple of weeks. With Erin, it will probably last a week or two, because we’re still fairly early in the hurricane season, and the waters will rebound.”

“Forecasters are still trying to determine which side of the islands it will come up on. Either way, impacts to some of the islands across the Lesser Antilles would be around the end of the week with some rain and some wind at the very least, even if it doesn’t develop into a cyclone. We will be monitoring closely,” DaSilva confirmed.

If Disturbance #1 intensifies into a tropical storm, with maximum sustained winds of at least 39 mph, it will be designated Fernand, the sixth named cyclone of this year’s hurricane season.

Hurricane Preparedness

Preparedness remains one of the most important tools for saving lives during hurricane season. Even with advances in forecasting, storms can still intensify quickly and catch communities off guard.

As was reported in a previous Source article about the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 2025 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, hurricane preparedness was a major topic of discussion. Ken Graham, director of the NWS, urged the public not to focus solely on a hurricane’s category but on the potential impacts. He noted that every Category 5 hurricane that struck the United States in recorded history was classified as a tropical storm or even less intense just three days before landfall as a major hurricane.

“Every Category 5 storm to ever hit this country was a tropical storm or less three days prior,” Graham stressed. “The big ones that hit this country are fast,” he warned.

In another previous Source article, Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the NHC, provided information regarding preparedness tips for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Beyond the helpful hurricane preparedness tips available from the NHC, Rhome emphasized the importance of preparing for the possibility of extended electrical outages, which can typically occur during a storm and could last for extended periods.

“Power outages are becoming an increasing challenge during and after hurricanes,” Rhome said. “Losing power in the Caribbean during a passing hurricane is certainly not news, but what we’re seeing are more situations happening because of the power outages and dealing with oppressive heat in the days after a hurricane has passed and without air conditioning or fans that rely on power,” Rhome stated.

“We’re seeing more people succumb to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke,” he acknowledged. “We’re also seeing situations where people are lacking easy access to health care, or the loss of power is making it harder for them to take care of themselves, or they may be utilizing a respirator, or a diabetic individual may need to keep their insulin cool,” he said. “There is a myriad of cascading issues that come from the absence of power, and the NHC encourages individuals to think about what they would do to take care of themselves and their families for not just one day without power, but possibly for a week or even two weeks from a major hurricane.”

Rhome said that one of the most important steps to take to prepare for hurricane season is to assemble an emergency supply kit and take additional preparedness steps, including making a plan for communication with family and friends, particularly if communications are unavailable after a storm.

Hurricane Erin: A Clear Reminder to Be Ready

With Hurricane Erin’s recent rapid intensification, residents are reminded of how essential it is to be prepared when a storm threatens.

The Source reached out to Rafe Boulon, a weather observer who lives on St. John, for a local perspective on hurricane preparedness.

“Ever since Hurricanes David and Frederic in 1979, when I was in Puerto Rico working on obtaining my master’s degree, I have been a strong believer in preparing if there is the slightest chance of a wobble bringing the storm very near or over us,” Boulon said.

“As that was the case with Erin, I took it seriously and put up shutters on about 90% of my openings, leaving just those that provided some light and air flow and would be easy to close up if necessary. And, as Erin is early in the season, I will likely leave up some of the more difficult shutters to put on,” Boulon explained.

Boulon offered the following words of wisdom for individuals across the USVI as we approach the climatological peak of hurricane season.

“I always recommend to people that they stay vigilant, recognize that storm tracks and intensity can vary drastically sometimes, and always prepare for the worst,” Boulon advised. “More often than not, you will spend a lot of time making unnecessary preparations, but you will never regret having done so if a storm suddenly wobbles into us or goes from a Category 2 to a Category 4 in 12 hours, for example,” Boulon added.

Local Weather Information and Staying Informed

On Monday, the NWS in San Juan reminded individuals about other weather-related threats that will affect the USVI and Puerto Rico over the coming days, including a chance of showers, very warm temperatures with the potential for heat alerts, and an elevated risk of rip currents.

Additionally, a plume of Saharan dust is forecast to arrive Tuesday, and will last through Thursday, deteriorating air quality and causing hazy conditions.

It is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.

The local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. A weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source is also published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates.

Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

August 19, 2025

Local News

James Joseph Heying Dies

James Joseph Heying, formerly of Estate Shoys, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, passed away peacefully surrounded by family this morning, August 15, 2025. Jim was a quiet man with a very loud presence, deeply committed to building a legacy through his children.

Born in Cresco, Iowa, where his family owned and operated a farm, Jim joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Following his service, he attended the University of Iowa, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting before becoming a CPA with Deloitte. He later joined the executive team at the Virgin Islands Telephone Company (VITELCO), where he became a pivotal figure in the company’s leadership.

Jim was deeply engaged in the Virgin Islands community, serving on the Board of Trustees for the Good Hope School and on the Board of the Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS). He was a member of St. Ann’s Church in Barrenspot, St. Croix, and later St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Coralville, Iowa.

Jim is married to Junia “June” Bideau, and together they raised four very accomplished and self-motivated children: Matthew Heying (Arizona), Nikki Quinn Johnson aka Lexi Jaydon (Texas & Iowa) former Miss Hal Jackson Talented Teen VI 1995 and Miss St.Croix 1996, Christine Heying (Iowa) and Marques Nicholas Brathwaite (U.S. Virgin Islands).

Jim was a devoted grandfather and was actively involved in the lives of his grandchildren—driving them to school, attending countless basketball games, and supporting their academic and personal achievements, including a grandson’s participation in the Disney College Program.

He is preceded in death by his parents Helen and Greg Heying; father-in-law Bruce Williams, affectionately known as “Daddy Bruce,” a prominent political figure in Saint Lucia, particularly in the Vieux Fort region, who served as a Member of Parliament for Vieux Fort South and North and as Minister of Health; uncle, Boswell Williams former Governor-General of Saint Lucia; brother-in-law Cohen Williams; and sister-in-law Carmen Heying, stepfather Zeno Kappes and adoptive parents Ed & Irene Vobr.

Jim’s passing will be felt not only in the U.S. Virgin Islands and the United States, but across Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and South Africa, where his extended family, friends, and professional connections reside.

He is survived by his loving wife, Junia “June” Bideau; his children; his sons-in-law Jerry Johnson and JT Anderson; daughter-in-law Emma Swanson; brothers Louis Heying, Joe (Tara) Heying (Minnesota) and Dean (Joy)Heying; sisters Gail Heying, Colleen Michels, Karen Cook (Colorado), and Elaine (Roland) Fay; stepmother Helen Kappes; Dorothy (Roger) Christensen (Iowa), Duane (Michelle) Kappes (Minnesota) Don (Jodi) Kappes (Iowa) Sharon (Tim) Ryan (Iowa), Steven (Brenda) Kappes (Iowa), Shirley Olson (Minnesota), Suzy (Elvis) Cole (Minnesota), mother-in-law Dorothy “Anza” Bideau; brothers-in-law Peter Bideau, Tenesky Monbelly, Chris Monbelly (Ariela Hayes) Pammar Bideau, Dean Baptiste of Xpress Band, Attorney Michael Joseph, Lincoln Williams; sisters-in-law Kathleen Bideau, Vanda Alezy Baptiste, Carlyn Bideau, Tia Joseph, Ana Monbelly, Wanda Scatliffe, Toye Williams, and Velicia Williams; countless cousins nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and extended family.

Special recognition is given to close family, friends and colleagues- Former Governor of the Virgin Islands Kenneth Mapp, Rudy Abramson, Raymond Abramson, Sylvie Augustin, Yvonne Ramcharitar and family, Marie Samuel and family, Lucia Fredrick and family, Harold Brathwaite and the entire VITELCO family, Marie Bideau and family (New York), Porcia and Sasha Bideau, Kate, Melton, and Richard Adams and family (Virginia), long-time friends Bill and Tuddy Bohlke of Bohlke International Aviation, Earl Morris Sr. (US Virgin Islands), Jathan Desir (Texas), Ty Larson (Arizona), Robby Thorson & Janet Koch( Iowa), John Raynor (Nebraska) and many others who touched Jim’s life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the team of amazing doctors at the University of Iowa Cancer Center and the hospice nurses who cared for Jim through the end.

An immediate service and celebration of life will take place in Iowa on Monday August 25, 2025 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, Coralville, IA at 1:00pm, followed by a gathering at Kent Park in Tiffin, IA. His remains will then be transported to the U.S. Virgin Islands for a final resting place in St.Croix at a later date.

A private memorial and military funeral will be held for friends and family. Memories and condolences may be shared by emailing Nikki Quinn Johnson at nicolejohnson1106@gmail.com

August 19, 2025

Local News

Triple Bypass Road Race Sunday

The Virgin Islands Cycling Federation will host the Triple Bypass Road Race this Sunday, Aug. 24 at 7 a.m., starting near the former Milgie’s Convenience store in Sally’s Fancy, on St Croix’s south side.

The race course will include a 15-mile lap, including a climb over the Christiansted Bypass, and will offer three distances: Elite – 45 miles, Expert – 30 miles and Sport/Masters/Women/Juniors – 15 miles.

Race-day registration will be open from 6am to 6:45am. Entry fee: $10 for VICF members, $15 for General. For more information, please contact 340-643-5050.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Courtney Woods Sr. Dies

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Courtney Woods Sr., of St. Croix, who died on Aug. 3, 2025. Funeral will be on Friday, Aug. 22 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church with viewing at 9 a.m. Service to follow at 10 a.m.

August 19, 2025

Local News

USVI Department of Tourism Seeks Local Talent to Welcome the World

The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism is launching a recruitment drive for local hospitality greeters and entertainers who will welcome visitors at the territory’s airports and cruise ports. The initiative seeks energetic, personable Virgin Islanders who can share the islands’ culture, provide helpful information, and ensure every guest receives a warm introduction to the territory.

Department of Tourism Commissioner Nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King highlighted the importance of these roles in delivering an exceptional visitor experience. “Our people are the heart of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and this is an opportunity to showcase that warmth, pride, and hospitality to every guest who steps onto our shores,” she said. “From the very first smile to the moment they begin exploring, these ambassadors will help shape memories that last a lifetime.”

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have knowledge of the territory, and a passion for hospitality. A flexible schedule, valid business license, and proof of full vaccination are required. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.

Where to Apply:

Applications are available at the following Department of Tourism offices:

St. Croix: 321 King Street, Frederiksted
St. John: 6A Cruz Bay
St. Thomas: 2318 Kronprindsens Gade

For additional information, contact Director of Administration and Management Jamila Miller Christopher at 340-774-8784 or jmiller@usvitourism.vi.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

August 19, 2025

Local News

Simeon Thomas Dies at 62

Friends and relatives are advised of the passing of Simeon “Sancoch” Thomas, 62, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025.

Sisters Juliana “Julie” Baron (Sister) Severina “Pitty” Thomas (Sister) Delphina “Miss Thomas” Thomas (Sister) Virgin “Babygirl” Thomas-Blanc (Sister) Brothers Matthew “Blackpatch” Thomas (Brother) Jerrild “Jahboy” Thomas (Brother) Nieces Kelsha Baron Tasha Baron-Smith Donna Xavier Lisa Benika Katriana Nickez Nephews Barrington Baron Jelani Thomas Jevon Thomas Jahriel Thomas Joniah Henson Erie Jonah Andy Alain Sammy Nickel Nicky Grand Neice and Nephews Too many to mention (20+)

The funeral will be held Friday, Aug. 22. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. Service starts at 10 a.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home.

Internment: Private.

Professional service entrusted by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

August 19, 2025