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Local News

Junian Branch Dies at 81

Junian Branch, aka “Bage”, of William’s Delight, passed away on May 13. He was 81 years old.

He is survived by his spouse, Yvonne Branch; daughters, Michelle R. Branch, Jasmine Providence, Farah Providence; sons, Junian Branch, Mark Branch, Rohan Providence, Adrian Providence; grandchildren, Nyla Branch, Jayla Branch, Romiah Branch, Demarcus Branch, Macarius Branch, Demozai Branch, Jahan Providence, Jahanika Providence, Jahqueeda Providence, Jahneesha Providence, Rohan Providence, Jaron Providence, Demetri Wilson; great-grandchildren, King George, Azaria George, Khalid George, Jahkiebo Joseph, Olivia Providence, Launa Providence; sisters, Wilma Branch, Marjorie Thompson; brother, Wilfred Branch; daughter-in-law, Rhonda Branch; extended family and countless cherished friends whose names are too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on June 9, at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 23C Estate Carlton Frederiksted. Viewing will begin at 9 am, and the service begins at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

May 31, 2025

Local News

Wilburn Elric Hendricks Dies at 80

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Wilburn Elric “Moose” Hendricks, who departed this life on May 4, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on December 8, 1944, Wilburn, affectionately known as “Moose” to friends and loved ones, was a man of strength, warmth, and enduring character. A native of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Moose was admired for his generous spirit, unwavering work ethic, and deep love for his family and community.

Throughout his life, Moose was known not just for his nickname but for the tremendous impact he had on those around him. Whether through his professional endeavors, community involvement, or simple everyday acts of kindness, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

He is survived by his children: Dexter (Donna), Kacy (Coleen) and Tisean Hendricks; grandchildren: D’Shai, Mekhi and Dhymond Revan Hendricks; great grand child, Legacy Hendricks, domestic partner, Prudencia Freeman; nephews: Virgil Shinnery, Sr., Angel, Albe, Anthony and Alex Barthlett, Elmo Hendricks Jr., Cletis Hendricks and Derek Hendricks, Ph.D., nieces: Cheryl Thomas, Alexis and Avril Barthlett, Allison Bussue, Arlene Lake, Sharon Prosper, Sharmaine Weekes and Kavena Coaxum; godchildren: Angel Barthlett, Stanley Trotman, Troy Neal, Kymone Hendricks, Kwesi Howard, Kevre’ Hendricks, Elvaugh Sebastian, Tahir Donadelle, Shiriane Stephen, Jamori Blash, and Te’Lia Julius; The Hermon Birch Family, and a host of extended family and cherished friends. Moose was preceded in death by his parents Jacob “Pepe” Hendricks and Aurelia Cassandra “Nana” Hermon and his siblings: Ulric Shinnery, Gloria Thomas, Ishmael Smith, Regina Smith, and Elmo Hendricks.

The funeral service honoring Moose’s life will be held on Saturday, June 7 at the Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School Auditorium, viewing at 9 a.m., and the service begins at 10 a.m. The first viewing be held on Friday, June 6 at Turnbull’s Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Family and friends are welcome to attend and celebrate the life of a man whose presence brought joy and strength to so many. Moose will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

May 31, 2025

Local News

Inez Lolita Maria Byron Williams Dies at 95

Inez Lolita Maria Byron Williams, 95 years old, also known as “Honey” of 15A Grove Place, passed away on May 15.

She was preceded in death by her husband Patrick N. Williams; mother, Minerva Francis Byron; father, George Byron.

She is survived by her daughters, Glenis Williams Thomas, Sharon Williams, Patrice Ann Williams, Denise Williams George, Debora Petersen, Aisha Williams, Aminta Flowers (adopted); sons, Lindel Williams, Wayne Williams, Patrick Williams, Raymond J. Williams, David Jackson (adopted); grandchildren, Dale Williams, Faith Williams Singleton, Leticia Williams Richards, Tarrique Williams, Areema Vanterpool, O’Keisha Huertas, O’Kerah Petersen, Craig George, Joshua George, Denee Rhymer, Shanice Williams, Wayne Williams Jr.; great-grandchildren, D’Lisa Williams, D’Shern Williams, Dale Williams II, Diarra Williams, Devonte Petersen, Le’ Necia Brewster, Ruynard Singleton Jr., Amiaha Huertas, Rolando Huertas Jr.; great-great-grandchildren, Ryan Caleb, Azalea Phillips, Alaysis Phillips, Azarii Phillips, Carter Brewster Howard Jr., Taheem Jacobs Jr.; sisters, Margaret Pedro (Deceased), Ecilma Christian, Zula Byron, Florabel Miller, Agneta Bailey, Arlene Hopkins; brothers, Christel Byron (Deceased), Delroy Byron Sr. (Deceased), Glen Byron; nieces, Joyce Caines, Carol Williams, Angela Christian, Rita Lawson, Bernice Wheatley, Diane Miller, Donna D’ Shern Sitting, Dorene Odom (Deceased), Denise Watts (Deceased), Natalie Bailey, Nissa Bailey, Desrie Byron, Velma Byron, Audrey Byron, Keisha Byron, Tanisha Hopkins, Tanya Hopkins, Ann-Margaret Blackett, Cheryl Byron, Claudia Byron, Angela Byron, Thrisha Byron, Daria Byron; nephews, John Christian, Glen Maurice Byron, Terrance Byron, Charles Christel Byron, Delroy Byron Jr., George Bailey Jr., Randall Pedro, Daryl Byron; great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention; cousins, Josephine Hector, Stacey (Vicky) Joseph, Linda Smith, Gregory Francis, Clinton Weeks, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Schuster, Mr. & Mrs. Carlton Williams, Marie Samuel & Francis Family, Family of the late Etla Parris Williams, Family of the late Severina Williams, Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Smith, Esta Smith, Diana (DeDe) Smith, Alfred Daley, Alvin Milligan, Melwood and Delita Civil, Rita Powell, Allison Halls, Betty Lynch & Family, Griffith & Andrews Family, Indolacia Byron & Family, Rita Dawson & Ferdinand Family, Dawn Bruce & Family, Edney & Henry Family, Vivian Mason & Family, Mr. & Mrs. Kingsley Farrel, Mr. & Mrs. Clayton Phipps, Clinton Phipps, Adrian Martin, Dwight Caines, Abraham Fredericks, Dr. Faith Andrews & Family; daughters-in-law, Lisa Brown Williams, Joyce Jackson, Deborah Williams; brother-in -law, Ashley Hopkins; sister- in-laws, Leona, Gwendolyn, Suzzane, Clarice; godchildren, LaVerne Robles, Melvina Jackson, Frank Abendigo, Linda Phillips Prentice, Richard Cornelius, others too numerous to mention; special friends, St. Joseph Catholic Church Family and Sacred Heart Society Family, Ministers of Communion, Fr. Andrea, Fr. Machee, Mr. & Mrs. Rudolfo Jacobs & Family, Hubert Acoy, Elwyn Brown, Theovald McIntosh, Edisha, Dennis Carter, Carolyn & James Hill, Debbie Chinnery; medical staff, Dr. Angel Lake, Dr. Rissa Nielsen, Dr. Carmen Cintron, Dr. Charles Perez, Dr. Alexander; continuum care, Nurse Maudie, Nurse Rickey, Carol, Joyce, Angela, Nissa, Shakiema Hutchinson Williams, Letia Williams, Vicky Joseph; care giver, Jeniqua Yarwood, Joyce Henry, Elsa Springer Clay, Kimberly Charoon, Kimberly Hansen, Andrea Doubois, Janine Sprauve; extended family and countless cherished friends whose names are too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on June 11 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9 am, and the service begins at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery

May 31, 2025

Local News

USVI Government Releases More Than 8,000 Retroactive Checks

The Department of Finance, in collaboration with the Division of Personnel, proudly announces the release of more than 8,000 retroactive checks to eligible recipients across the territory, beginning today.

This significant disbursement marks a continued commitment to honoring financial obligations to public servants and retirees. While retroactive payments are typically not processed during a standard payroll week, this special issuance aligns with the provisions of Act No. 8985, which required payments to be made by May 30, 2025.

“This is a meaningful step forward in ensuring that our employees and retirees receive what is rightfully owed to them. We are grateful for the patience of our community and proud to fulfill this responsibility, said officials from Department of Finance and Division of Personnel during the collaborative effort.

Both agencies asked for the public’s continued patience as checks will be submitted via direct deposit and by mail today. Survivor payments will continue to be processed as documents are verified and submitted. Visit www.dopusvi.org retro dashboard page for more information. You may also email retro@dop.vi.gov or call the dedicated hotline (340) 714-5010 with any additional questions.

May 31, 2025

Local News

Anthony C. Stridiron Dies at 72

It is with tremendous sadness that we the family of Anthony C. Stridiron aka “Tooney” or “Gala” passed away on Friday, May 6, 2025, in Houston, Texas after a three-year battle with cancer at the age of 72.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, Emile and Anna Stridiron, his daughter Jamela Oquendo, sisters, Jeanette “Mumcie” Stridiron, Vera S. Brady and his brother Leal A. Stridiron.

He is survived by his children, Averricia and Anthony Stridiron, Jr., Kyra Blyden and Lahkeal George. Grandchildren: Vakwasi Fleming, Nathaniel Everett, Emeal Joshua Stridiron, Romelo and Royal Oquendo, Jahkeal, Jahvante, Jahnye, and A’Jahnye George.

He is also survived by his sisters Jennifer S. Johnson, Miranda Jones and Mary Stridiron, Berecia Callwood-Francis. Brothers, Lloyd “Rasem or Rooster” Stridiron and Layton “Junie or Bun-Up” Stridiron,Sr. Aunt Muriel Jackson. Nieces: Lauriel Leonard, Angelique Joseph, Parmis Kean Johnson, Paula Farrington Crawford, Alma “AC” Johnson, Jolanda Stridiron, Rashemha Stridiron, Jennifer Stridiron, Anneka Stridiron, Latoya Stridiron, Maryisha Stridiron, and Kishma Stridiron, Nephews: Lionel Farrington, Sr., Aubrey Callwood, Jr., Robert “Mamba” Stridiron-Leonard, James “Jimmy” Pemberton, Jr., Clifton “Shotgun” Johnson, Rudolph “Poochie or Rudy” Wade, Wakemo “Kemo”Wade, Michael “Mickey” Wade, Jr., Shayne Brady, Quirt “Lil Pete” Stevens Jr., Chad Stridiron, Javon Stridiron, Kevin Stridiron and Layton “BJ” Stridiron, Jr. Raheem Stridiron Special great nieces Aniquewae Callwood and Lornnesha Henley. 22 great nephews and 16 great nieces. 23great great nieces and nephews.

Baseball Family of the Virgin Islands, The Astros and, the 40 plus, the 50 plus and 60 plus soft ball teams he played with in Arizona, USA. Extended families, Stridiron, Jones, Farrington, Blyden, Callwood, Jackson, Haynes, Roberts, Powell, Anderson, Ifill. Close friends Tito Allomal, Kevin McFarlane, the Ladies from Delly Deck and countless cherished family and friends whose names are too numerous to mention.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Funeral service that will be held on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Viewing and tributes will begin at 9:30a.m. with service at 10:30 a.m. Internment will follow at Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. For online directions or condolences, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

We welcome you to share a special memory for the booklet of Anthony at office@hurleyvi.com by June 11, with the subject line for Anthony Stridiron.

Anthony will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.

May 31, 2025

Local News

Illegal Taxi Operators and Cyberattack Fallout Dominate Senate Oversight Hearing

Lawmakers on the Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection Committee received sharp updates on the rise of illegal taxi operators and the ongoing fallout from a ransomware attack on the Virgin Islands Lottery during a hearing Thursday.
Melissa Smith, acting executive director of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, told senators that unlicensed taxi activity has become increasingly visible at airports, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers across the territory, posing safety risks for both residents and tourists. “Vehicles for hire without an authorized taxi license and badge violate local law,” Smith said, emphasizing that illegal operators often lack insurance, inspections, and background checks.
Legitimate taxi drivers, she added, are suffering financially because unregulated drivers are undercutting prices without bearing the same regulatory costs. This competition has already caused tension on the ground and could escalate. Smith called for increased enforcement, partnerships with law enforcement, and public education. “There must be formal agreements between agencies, stronger surveillance, and modernized systems,” she said.
According to Smith, 1,923 medallions have been issued territory-wide — 1,280 in St. Thomas, 565 in St. Croix, and 178 in St. John — yet only about 650 have renewed their business licenses. The agency remains understaffed, has issued only seven citations, and has held no hearings. Smith also recommended offering training for taxi operators through UVICELL and increasing the agency’s budgetary ceiling to expand oversight.
Also testifying was Virgin Islands Lottery Executive Director Raymond Williams, who described a widespread ransomware attack that shut down operations in March and demanded a $1 million ransom. The encrypted breach crippled systems territory-wide, forcing the Lottery to manually reenter data from more than a year’s worth of drawings and payments.
Williams said the agency is still recovering. “This isn’t just luck — it is about our legacy,” he said. “Every dollar spent supports local initiatives, creates jobs, funds education and youth programs, and helps drive economic growth.”
Staff are still working to rebuild and sanitize affected systems. Critical positions, including IT director, marketing director, and chief enforcement officer, remain vacant.
Sen. Avery Lewis, committee chair, called on residents to support the territory’s institutions. “The VI Lottery is ours — created by us, ran for us, and designed to give back to the very place we call home,” he said.
Senators present included Avery L. Lewis, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Ray Fonseca, Alma Francis Heyliger, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, and non-committee member Kurt Vialet.

May 30, 2025

Local News

Court Blocks Contentious Chess Moves

A Superior Court judge has temporarily stopped a breakaway group of chess players from calling themself the U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation, collecting membership dues under that name, or undermining business of the preexisting U.S. Virgin Islands Chess Federation, Inc. The order also froze the organization’s bank account.

The May 23 ruling by Judge Douglas A. Brady was the latest salvo in a decades-long feud that has ensnared passionate world chess enthusiasts from St. Croix to Switzerland.

The federation sued six other players in 2024 who had objected to the leadership of longtime President Margaret Murphy. Claiming Murphy was a bully who would never relinquish power over the territory’s official chess group, a splinter group held a special election in December 2023 and voted in new leadership.

Murphy dismissed allegations from the group and said she didn’t realize the impact of the off-brand election until she was informed by Bank of St. Croix that the names on the Chess Federation’s account — containing roughly $8,000 — had been changed.

Brady’s order said Murphy and the Chess Federation had a compelling case. Rather than declaring one group or the other the victor, however, Brady said the public interest was best served by pausing for a special election.

Brady gave the chess players 90 days to organize an election. Murphy was ordered to present defendants Gail Widmer, Anne Kershaw, Sinclair Wilkinson, Brandon Rhymer, Okemo Hodge, and William Van Renselaer with an election plan. They, then, had 10 days to file any concerns with the plan. Brady urged both parties to work together to present the court with their special election proposal.

May 30, 2025

Local News

Rising Stars: USVI Student Athletes Recognized for Excellence On and Off the Field

The Virgin Islands Education Department’s Division of Sports and Athletics honored dozens of deserving athletes and their coaches at the St. Thomas/St. John Sports and Athletics Awards Ceremony Tuesday afternoon at Charlotte Amalie High School.

Hosted by Territorial Director of Sports and Athletics Ophelia Williams-Jackson, the ceremony recognized athletes from elementary to high school across a range of disciplines, including track, basketball, volleyball, cheer, and more. In addition to being awarded for their athletic performance, students were also celebrated for their leadership and academic achievement.

Jackson praised the student-athletes for their grit and determination, especially as they balanced the demands of competitive sports with scholastic excellence. “It’s easy for people to discount sports at this stage as child’s play,” she said. “But for some of these athletes, it’s business, and we need to recognize that.”

The following schools were represented: Ulla F. Muller Elementary School, Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, Yvonne E. Milliner Bowskey Elementary School, Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, Julius E. Sprauve School, Lockhart School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, Charlotte Amalie High School, and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.

The young standouts beamed with pride as their names were called at the first-of-its-kind ceremony. Tall, golden trophies, customized to each honoree’s sport, glimmered under the stage lights of the Charlotte Amalie High School auditorium. Cheers erupted as each athlete crossed the stage.

Among the proudest in the room was Brian Bedminster, father of Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School cheer captain, Brianna Bedminster. “We pushed her hard,” he laughed, “and we’re going to keep pushing her.”

Bedminster has big aspirations of becoming a model and actress and credits cheer with helping her come out of her shell. “I’ve always been shy to do things like getting up on stage, but cheer is really helping me get over that fear,” she said. She also expressed deep gratitude to her parents, coach, and teammates for pushing her to shine beyond the sidelines.

Bedminster was not the only student-athlete envisioning the future that afternoon. Charlotte Amalie High School track star and triple-honoree Joeltica Rogers stole the show with her remarkable balance of athletic performance and academic excellence. She was awarded for her achievements in junior varsity cross-country and junior varsity track and field, as well as being named the Top Scholar for holding the highest academic average among high school athletes.

Rogers, a rising junior, hopes to run track at the University of Florida. “It took hard work, discipline, consistency, and determination to achieve this,” she said. Her face lit up as she recounted her parents’ unwavering support throughout the season. “I wouldn’t be here without them, and I accept this honor with the utmost humility.”

Before leaving the ceremony, she took a moment to inspire younger athletes. “If you know what you want, go after it with passion. Work hard for it and accept success with absolute humility.” She left the stage, taking her own advice: juggling trophies but laser-focused on her goal of becoming a Florida Gator.

The final award of the evening was presented to Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Tackle Football Head Coach, Elroy Donovan Jr., whose dedication to his players’ growth on and off the field earned him the distinguished title of Coach of the Year. Though he was unable to attend the ceremony in person, his words — read aloud just before the close of the ceremony – left a lasting impression on everyone present.

“I do not want to be a coach known for the number of championships I won but for the number of lives I changed,” Donovan said.

The auditorium fell silent.

Even in his absence, Donovan’s message struck a chord. It reminded everyone in attendance that sports are not just about scoring points or breaking records; they are about shaping character, instilling discipline, and planting seeds for lifelong success.

Once the final trophy was collected, it was abundantly clear: this ceremony held deeper significance than a pat on the back for what these young athletes had accomplished. It was a powerful affirmation of who they are becoming — a reminder that the U.S. Virgin Islands is raising more than competitors. It’s raising champions.

May 30, 2025

Local News

A Fond Farewell Planned for Pastor Jeff

After 19 years of ministry, the pastor of the St. Thomas Reformed Church says he’s ready to say goodbye. Pastor Jeff Neevel spent nearly two decades leading the congregation through the traditional transitions of life and also guiding them into the ties that bind island dwellers together as a community.

Those who have lived and worked alongside him are holding a benefit concert on June 1. The concert will serve as a musical send-off for a man who once performed in the play Jesus Christ Superstar at the old Pistarckle Theater.

Pastor Jeff took a moment to share some memories with the Source, along with some of the things he’s looking forward to as he makes his way back home to Michigan. “There’s so many things we love about living here, but the hardest thing is being far away from family,” he said. “I have a granddaughter now who’s nine months old and kind of missing her growing up and would like to spend more time with her; both our parents are aging, so we’d like to be closer to them.”

St. Thomas Reformed Church began its life in the Danish West Indies as the Dutch Reformed Church in 1660. It became part of the Reformed Church in America in 1827 and has performed continuous worship services for the community for 365 years.

As he arrived on St. Thomas, the original plan was to cover the ministry for three months, then work with videographer Todd Hecht. But when the Reformed church pastor returned from sabbatical, he decided to take a new direction, and Neevel decided to continue his duties.

The ministry itself provided an opportunity to know his congregation through weddings, funerals, baptisms and other rites of passage. While serving as a pastor, he said he found himself invited into some of the most intimate moments of people and families seeking guidance, consolation and sometimes inspiration.

The church has also hosted graduation ceremonies for My Brother’s Workshop, a program created to help young people turn their lives around. “I love covering that graduation. I get a lot of hope from seeing those folks stepping up. Yeah, it’s a great program, and they’re expanding and expanding,” he said.

Collaborations with the workshop also provided one of Neevel’s most memorable moments. In the days after 2017 hurricanes Irma and Maria, students, instructors, church members and supporters set up feeding stations for thousands of displaced residents and for those living without water and electricity.

Neevel said he’s also looking forward to his final church service, where he expects to share the duty with an old friend. “I ended up staying here after I came to fill in for Jeff Gargano, who was the pastor before me. And he’s coming down to preach my last service, which I think is very special because we’ve kind of remained good friends over the years,” he said.

Now, with a major transition approaching and a new pastor ready to step in, Pastor Jeff says a planned departure in summer will help ease the shift back to cold Michigan winters. But warm memories of all the friends made in the Virgin Islands will help, too.

“I’ve grown to love this congregation … and I was told early on by a seminary professor that being a pastor of a church is pretty simple. You just love the people and they love you back. That’s what I’ve been told,” he said.

Pastor Nate Deeward was identified through a pastoral search that began in November; he is expected to serve as the new head of one of St. Thomas’ oldest houses of worship in the heart of Charlotte Amalie.

May 30, 2025

Local News

CZM Says Summer’s End Marina Permit Has Expired

Once more, the controversial Summer’s End Marina planned for Coral Bay on St. John is facing a serious setback, according to David Silverman, president of Save Coral Bay.

On May 20, the Coastal Zone Management Commission informed Silverman that the CZM permit for the development (also known as the St. John Marina) is “null and void.” Silverman’s organization, Save Coral Bay, has led the fight against the project for nearly a decade.

The history of the permitting process for the marina is long and complex. (A brief summary with links is presented at the end of this article.) Essentially, based on a decision by the Board of Land Use Appeals in 2017, a permit consolidating two prior separate permits (for the land and water portions of the development) was signed into law by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Dec. 31, 2020.

“According to the express terms of the permit, which reflect the requirements of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Act and the CZM Rules and Regulations, construction activity under the approved permit was required to commence within 12 months of permit issuance,” said Silverman. “If it did not, then the permit would automatically expire and become null and void unless the applicant requested an extension ‘for good cause,’” he continued.

Summers End Group did not commence construction during 2021 or in the following years, and the developers never asked for an extension of the permit, Silverman said.

Jean-Pierre Oriol, commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, confirmed that Summers End Group did not apply for an extension. However, under the restrictions outlined by the Board of Land Use Appeals, the developers were not allowed to begin construction until all of the permits were in place, Oriol said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which must approve the project, has not yet issued a permit.

The law does allow Summers End Group to request that the permit be reinstated, Oriol said, provided that they can demonstrate that good cause exists for granting such extension. “SEG is in communication with the government of the Virgin Islands on progress they are making regarding their [Army] Corps permit,” he added.

Both Oriol and Silverman acknowledged that the St. John Committee of the Coastal Zone Management Board would have to approve this request to allow an extension of the permit.

The Summers End Group has made modifications to the marina plan in response to numerous environmental concerns raised by the Army Corps and other federal agencies.

But Silverman maintains that time has run out. “Permits are not good forever, and the permit ratified for the Summer’s End Marina in 2020 was based on environmental conditions, project plans, and mitigation proposals in effect at that time,” he said. “All of those factors have changed and it is entirely proper for DPNR and CZM to require a fresh review of the proposed project if, and only if, the applicant can demonstrate good cause for failure to request an extension over a period of four years.”

“If there is no ‘good cause’ for this failure, then an extension of a long expired permit should not be granted,” Silverman continued. “Summers End Group should present their current project plans, mitigation plans, economic models, and other associated information to the St John CZM Committee in a public hearing, and the project should be freshly reviewed, considering that the prior review was performed eleven years ago. This is what the law requires.”

The Source reached out for comments to Chaliese Summers, managing partner of the Summers End Group, but did not receive a response by press time.

In general, the community supports the idea of a marina in Coral Bay, but many have said they found Summers End’s size to be overwhelming.

Others have objected to the location of the marina on the lee shore of Coral Harbor, where it is likely to be affected by storms. Save Coral Bay recently published a photo showing how six boats broke loose from their moorings during Tropical Storm Ernesto in 2024 and were carried by wind and waves onto the lee shore of the harbor; if the marina had been built, the boats would have collided with the docks and caused damage.

Other opponents have said the island’s infrastructure is insufficient to support a marina of Summers End’s size in Coral Bay. Coral Bay does not have municipal facilities to generate electricity, manufacture potable water, or process sewage and solid waste. Fresh water, fuel, and supplies would need to be trucked in from Cruz Bay, eight miles away, while waste products would need to be carried out. Centerline Road, known for its curves and its potholes, could not safely support the additional traffic, they say.

Additional links:

The marina has faced opposition since it was first presented to the public in 2014. After multiple issues caused the V.I. Senate to reject legislation enacting the plan, the Legislature approved it in December 2020.

For an even deeper dive into the history of the Summer’s End controversy, click here for a detailed timeline produced by Save Coral Bay.

May 30, 2025

St. Croix, USVI