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Local News

Calling All Dads, Father Figures, and Role Models: Back-to-School Fun Day and School Supply Giveaway

In honor of National Dads Take Your Child to School Day, we warmly invite you and your children to join us for a day of fun, family, and support as we kick off the new school year!

Enjoy engaging activities, refreshments, and a free school supply giveaway — all designed to help you and your child(ren) start the school year strong.

This special event is hosted by the U.S. Virgin Islands Access and Visitation Program, Department of Justice, Paternity and Child Support Division, in partnership with the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation.

Fathers currently enrolled in the Paternity and Child Support or Access and Visitation programs are encouraged to register early – supplies are limited!

Registration opens to all fathers starting July 14.

To register, call 340-775-3070 or 340-778-5958.

Bring your Child(ren), connect with other families, and make lasting memories while getting ready for a great school year!

July 17, 2025

Local News

VIPA Advises Travelers and CEKA Tenants on Repairs to the Air Conditioning System

Repairs to the air conditioning system at Cyril E. King Airport Terminal are expected to begin soon, announced Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe. VIPA has received numerous complaints from travelers and tenants at the airport regarding the uncomfortable temperatures in the CEKA terminal, which are attributed to a malfunctioning air conditioning system exacerbated by the territory’s exceptionally warm summer.

Dowe said that VIPA has ordered replacement parts for the terminal’s cooling system, which had to be shipped from the mainland since the parts could not be sourced locally in the Virgin Islands. The parts have now arrived on the island and will be installed by certified technicians. VIPA apologizes for any inconvenience and appreciates the public’s patience as it works to restore cooler temperatures to the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal as soon as possible.

July 17, 2025

Local News

Eddison S. Constable Dies at 78

Eddison S. Constable, Beloved Husband, Father and Grandfather.

Edison Constable, 78, of Pillsbury Heights, St. Thomas passed away peacefully on June 14, 2025 at Jackson Memorial Hospital. He was born November 12, 1947 in Micoud, St.Lucia to Edward Constable and Rose Alexander Constable. Edison was a man of strength, pride and determination.

He moved to St. Croix at a young age, he was already an established truck driver and would later take up welding. His favorite pastimes were cock fighting, playing dominos and listening to his Country music at a latest night spot amongst family and close friends. Big Sam would later serve his community through road work and assisting anyone he could help across the islands.

Many knew him as a man built firmly on respect and discipline. He believed in everyone who believed in themselves. He admired those who worked hard alike. Big Sam was easy going and easy to talk to. In his later years he would spend time with his dearest love Mary Poleon, feeding chickens, playing dominoes with friends and family, planting and watching country western movies. He will be remembered as a man of strength, love and honor.

He is survived by his life partner Mary Poleon, his children Matherson Constable, Edison Constable, Jacqueline Karim and Marie Constable-Cage. His step children Jackson Poleon and Jeff Poleon. His grandchildren Haile Poleon, Empress Poleon, Israel Poleon, Simyra Poleon, Matherson E. Constable, Mia Constable, Mercedes Constable, Jonah Constable, Maria Constable, Jayda Constable, Tyler Constable, Emery Poleon, Sierra Poleon. His great grandchildren Jayce, Journey, Sienna and. His daughter in laws Monique Poleon, Ishbel Poleon and Patricia Constable. His son in law Johnny Cage and Karim. He is also survived by his sisters Angela Constable and Helen Constable and their families. His cousins Beulah Lewis Alexander and Arnold Lemuel Lewis and family. He was preceded in death by his mother, father Edward and Rose Alexander Constable, six siblings and two children Pearly and Ricky Constable and grandson Travis Constable .

Eddison “Big Sam” Constable will be laid to rest on July 22, 2025, 10 a.m. at Turnbull Funeral Home. The service will continue to the Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery.

Rest in heavenly peace…

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

July 17, 2025

Local News

Carmen Theresa Morales Dies at 71

Carmen Theresa Morales a.k.a. “Teresa” of Concordia West transitioned into eternal life on June 27, 2025. She was 71 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Inés Ayala Lopez and Guillermo Morales Román; Sister, Anna Maria Melecio; Brother, Jose Melecio.

She is survived by her daughters, Yolandita Lake, Raquel Ines O’Bryan; Son, Ricaldo Ayala; Grandchildren, Ashley Marie Ayala, George Lake III, Ricaldo Ayala Jr., Emmanuel Ayala, D’Andre Ayala, Naiyara Jaylie Dixon, Lailah Amarie Dixon, Skylie India Dixon, Niam Gonzalez, Kalisti Elana O’Bryan, Sherisse Lake, Christopher Jaylen Lake, Ja’nea Simon; Great Grandchildren, Lamar Isaiah Petersen, Damain Antonio Ross, Donte Antonio Ross, DeMari Antonio Ross, Mateo Isaiah Ayala, Xiomara Teodosa Ayala, Shelese Cupid; Sisters, Petra Morales Arroyo, Rosa Morales, Serena Anduze; Brothers, William Morales, Pedro Morales, Guillermo Morales Vargas; Nieces, Betsy Vásquez, Lourdes Vásquez, Claudia Melecio, Patricia Melecio, Marilyn Arroyo, Maria C. Aloyo, Rosalyn Morales, Rosalind Estrill, Rosalinda Browne, Kama “Kema” Luis, Rosa Shari Morales, Victoria Anduze, Gilannys M. Morales; Nephews, Hector J. Vasquez, Hector M. Arroyo, Khaleaph Luis, Max Anduze, Eugene Anduze, Guillermo A. Morales; Daughter-In-Law, Dawn Graham; Sons-In-Law, George Lake Jr., Chuave Mandela O’Bryan, Brother-In-Law, Hector M. Arroyo Barreto; Sisters-In-Law, Mariela Melecio, Melanie Encarnacion; Special Friends, Chemon and Melodi Acevedo, Jose Luis and Nydia Otaño, Lake Family, O’Bryan Family; Cousin & Other relatives, Cheyanna Milena Aloyo, Gianna Micaela, Milagros Rodriquez, López Family, Alberto “Beltin” Vasquez Morales. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

July 17, 2025

Local News

Antonio Joseph Petersen Dies

Antonio Joseph Petersen a.k.a. “Pete” or “Sonny”, of Estate St. John, transitioned into eternal life on June 28, 2025.

He is survived by his daughters, Melanie Petersen-Tatum, Melissa Walker, Melinda Petersen, Shinelle Petersen; Sons, Christopher Petersen, Frank Petersen, Brian Petersen, Andrew Petersen, Tyrone Petersen, Jabal Petersen; Grandchildren, Makayra Walker, Jamil Lestrade, Miyah Petersen, Amir Rivera, Andrew Petersen Jr., Benjamin Tatum, Malik Williams, Liam Tatum, Micah O’Reily; Sisters, Geraldine Benjamin, Cecelia Knowles, Eleanor Berg, Deborah Oversen, Jean Charles; Nieces, Kisha Williams, Deborah Benjamin, Linda Webbe, Laverne Anderson, Arlene Matthews, Stephanie Jackson, Marlene Dennery, Esi Jackson, Juliet Berg, Charlene Berg, Laura Taylor, Julie Berg, Tess Berg, Magdalina Winston; Nephews, Dale Benjamin, Michael Benjamin, Elroy Smith, Alphonse Jackson, Alric Jackson, Jerome Jackson Jr., Steve Jackson, Calvin Jackson, Dale Jackson, Louis Jackson, Andre Jackson, Jesse Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Alvin Berg, Trent Berg, Jesse Oversen; Great Niece, Sanna Burke; Great Nephews, Jordan Williams, Mekhi Williams; Daughter-In-Law, Brooke Petersen; Sons-In-Law, Frederick Tatum, Jeremiah Walker; Cousin & Other Relatives, Maria McFarlane, Leona Petersen, Sandra McFarlane. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 24 at City of Refuge Worship Center, Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

July 17, 2025

Local News

Bridget E. Maduro Dies at 61

Bridget E. Maduro

Sunrise: March 31, 1964

Sunset: July 06, 2025

Bridget departed this life on July 6, 2025. She leaves behind to mourn her passing, her parents (Conrad Maduro and Evaline Maduro), Brother (Dudley Maduro), Sisters (Ruth Maduro, Andrea Maduro), Two Nieces (Krystal England, Kamryn Maduro), one Nephew, Sister-in-Law (Leslie Maduro), Aunts (Jane Frett, Thelma Penn, Sonia Dasent, Genevra Maduro), Uncles (Edmund Maduro, Edward Fahie, Reynold “Moco” Fahie). Bridget is preceded in death by her brother, Dexter Maduro.

Special mention (Ms. Jasmine Grey, the pastors, and the entire church family of Maranatha Seventh Day Adventist Church – Lindberg Bay, St. Thomas USVI).

Bridget also leaves to mourn, several relatives and friends in the US and British Virgin Islands, too numerous to mention.

First Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 07, 2025 9:00 to 10:00 AM followed by 10:00 AM service at City Seventh Day Adventist Church, 55 Dronningens Gade, St Thomas, VI 00802.

Second Services will also be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Road Town Methodist Church viewing from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM; Service at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Johnson’s Ghut Cemetery, Tortola, British Virgin Islands

Please send all tributes to BRIDGETHOMEGOING@GMAIL.COM no later than Tuesday, July 29.

Our beloved daughter, sister, niece, and friend!!!

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

July 17, 2025

Local News

In the Matter of the Estate of Samuel George Bruce, Jr., Deceased

IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF:
SAMUEL GEORGE BRUCE JR.,
a/k/a SAMUEL GEORGE BRUCE a/k/a
SAMUEL BRUCE,

Deceased.
SX-2024-PB-118
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Petition for Settlement of Estate Without Administration has been filed by the Estate of SAMUEL GEORGE BRUCE JR. a/k/a SAMUEL GEORGE BRUCE a/k/a SAMUEL BRUCE, with the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for the settlement of the above Estate. All persons having claims against the Estate is required to present them duly verified, and all persons indebted to the Estate to make payments within thirty (30) days to the undersigned.
Dated: July 16, 2025

Martial A. Webster, Sr., Esq.
116 Queen Cross St.
Frederiksted, VI 00840
P.O. Box 1568
Kingshill, VI 00851
Tel.: (340) 772-3555
Email: attywebster@hotmail.com

July 17, 2025

Local News

Sixth Constitutional Convention Committee Examines Voting Systems

Debate over voting protocols dominated Wednesday’s session of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. The Human Rights Committee spent two hours reviewing three sections in Article IV covering suffrage and elections.
As has been the practice in previous sessions, committee members offered their version of changes to the language set out in the Fifth Constitutional Convention. Wednesday’s agenda was supposed to begin working on Article I – the Bill of Rights, but David Silverman, the author of proposed revisions to that section, was absent from the meeting.
The vice chair then introduced a set of proposals covering voting rights, campaign finance regulations, and electoral procedures. Rudel A. Hodge. Jr said the changes were intended to modernize the way election systems function, based on language “in alignment with international best practices.”
After some debate, a number of proposals were tabled for further discussion. One proposal was deleted on a voice vote by six committee members. One proposal was upheld when a motion was rejected to remove it.
Topics covered included eligible voting age, residency requirements for voter participation, and eligibility for felons who have paid their debt to society. There was also debate over voters who, due to their international status, can vote in both the V.I. and abroad.
Human Rights Committee Chair Stedmann Hodge Jr. signaled his sentiment for Wednesday’s proposals. “I am definitely satisfied with these articles,” he said.
But in other parts of the discussion, the Hodge questioned whether changes should be made in the draft constitution or if they would best be handled through legislation.
Delegates also took a look at campaign finance regulations, accessibility for disabled voters and voter tracking methods for those using electronic ballots. Convention President Usie Richards pointed out that there were five or six delegates taking part in Wednesday meetings who were former members of the Board of Elections.
And as it was when an earlier convention committee meeting examined the structure and function of the Legislative Branch, delegates who formerly held Senate seats offered insights on what language should be included or excluded.
Further review is expected to take place Saturday when the Human Rights Committee reconvenes via Zoom, starting at 10 a.m. In addition to reviewing proposed language for the Bill of Rights, the committee will examine language addressing voting and the territory’s youth, and Initiatives, Referendums and Recalls.
The public is invited to attend. Click here to join the meeting.

July 17, 2025

Local News

Encore Screening of ‘Sugar Pathways To Blend Film, Food, and Culture on St. Croix

Following a sold-out event earlier this year, Virgin Islands filmmaker Johanna Bermúdez-Ruiz and her sister, Chef Wanda Bermúdez-Belardo, will host an encore presentation of Sugar Pathways’ Dinner & Movie on Sunday, Aug. 3, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at 102 Richmond, Christiansted, next to Olympic Car Rental, Cane Bay Films announced in a press release.
The outdoor event will feature a screening of Bermúdez-Ruiz’s award-winning documentary “Sugar Pathways” and a three-course cocktail dinner prepared by Bermúdez-Belardo, offering guests an intimate evening under the stars that celebrates culture, cuisine, and community, according to the press release.

“Sugar Pathways,” directed by Bermúdez-Ruiz and narrated by actress Luna Lauren Vélez (Dexter, Across the Spider-Verse), explores nearly a century of Puerto Rican and Virgin Islands families uniting through shared heritage and migration. The 50-minute documentary, nominated for a U.S. Congressional award, is described by past guests as both emotional and educational, the press release stated.

“If you’re interested in migration, identity, or Caribbean history, this film is a must-watch,” said Ebony Jones. Another guest, Yvette Ali, added, “Her vision for bringing a film economy here … our whole community and our elected officials need to support her. She is just brilliant.”
The dinner will be held at Mini Mimosas, an extension of J&W Bodega, and will feature Crucian-Rican dishes inspired by stories from the film. “I am looking forward to sharing our lovely Crucian-Rican cuisine,” said Bermúdez-Belardo. “We are working diligently to ensure everyone has a wonderful Sugar Pathways’ Dinner & Movie experience.”

“Our goal for our signature event is for guests to have a great time,” said Bermúdez-Ruiz. “Together we dine and talk about the beauty of our culture, history, and our love for films — while building awareness about Cane Bay Films’ Workforce Training and Economic Development Film Industry Program, a 17-week apprenticeship producing our feature film, ‘Silent Drift.’”

The event is presented in partnership with Bread & Butter Wines and CC1. “Their selected red and white wines go perfectly with the evening’s cuisine and film for a profound and lovely, memorable experience,” said Bermúdez-Ruiz. The sisters say the collaboration honors the legacy of their great-uncle, former Senator Candido R. Guadalupe, whose life’s work was rooted in family, entrepreneurship, community, and philanthropy.
Mini Mimosas is located one block from Senator Guadalupe’s former business. Seating is limited. Tickets are $160 and available at www.canebayfilms.com/events or on PromoTix.

July 16, 2025

Local News

Deaf Led Tour Company in the Virgin Islands Champions Accessibility and Cultural Inclusion

When Shanelle Lawrence launched Deaf Voyage VI in February 2023, she made history as the first deaf person to own and operate a tour company in the U.S. Virgin Islands and opened the door to a more inclusive travel experience for deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors.
A native Virgin Islander, Lawrence returned home after studying hospitality and culinary arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a mission to share her culture through a Deaf cultural lens — one grounded in visual communication, accessibility, and genuine connection.
Drawing on her family’s long-standing involvement in local ferry services, taxi operations, and guided tours, Lawrence combined generational knowledge with her own lived experience to build something uniquely community-driven. Her company, Deaf Voyage VI, offers a range of immersive tours on St. Thomas and St. John, all conducted in American Sign Language. From historical and cultural walks in downtown Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay to scenic nature trails, beach excursions, and food-centered market visits, the tours are designed not only to inform but to empower guests through barrier-free experiences.
While Deaf Voyage VI centers on deaf travelers, its tours are open to everyone. Many hearing participants, including family members, CODAs (Children of Deaf Adults), ASL students, and curious travelers, join the experience. Communication is handled visually and directly without interpreters. Lawrence leads each tour using ASL, supported by maps, photos, gestures, and written materials when needed. The result is an environment where deaf guests feel fully seen while hearing participants gain insight into Deaf culture and communication.
The impact of Deaf Voyage VI has reached beyond its guests. Lawrence has sparked conversations within the local business community about what true accessibility looks like. This includes not just ramps or captions but environments where communication differences are respected and welcomed. She has seen local vendors and tourism professionals begin to learn basic ASL, incorporate more visual tools, and express an openness to engaging with the Deaf community in meaningful ways. Her work has also inspired young Deaf Virgin Islanders by showing that entrepreneurship and leadership are possible, even in spaces where Deaf representation has historically been lacking.
Launching a business in a hearing-dominant environment has not come without challenges. From the absence of interpreters at official meetings to the need to constantly educate others about Deaf culture and communication norms, Lawrence navigates an often-inaccessible system with determination. Still, she credits the support of the local Deaf community, visiting allies, and her growing network of supporters as the fuel that keeps her mission alive.
Deaf Voyage VI has received recognition from local tourism agencies and continues to build partnerships aimed at making the Virgin Islands a more welcoming destination for deaf travelers. Looking ahead, Lawrence hopes to expand the business to include other islands such as St. Croix and to introduce ASL immersion retreats, cultural exchanges, and training programs for future deaf guides.
Lawrence encourages local businesses and residents to be part of the shift toward inclusion. Learning a few basic ASL signs, using visual tools like written notes and clear signage, and simply being open and patient can go a long way in making deaf visitors feel welcome. She also invites local partners to collaborate on accessible excursions or spread the word about Deaf Voyage VI as a unique and meaningful tourism experience. For those ready to engage more deeply, even small steps can help build a more inclusive Virgin Islands.
For Lawrence, the work is deeply personal. Every tour she leads affirms that representation matters and that inclusion, when rooted in respect and intention, can transform not just a single experience but an entire industry. With Deaf Voyage VI, she is not just offering tours. She is building a movement toward greater visibility, equity, and belonging.
To learn more about Deaf Voyage VI or to book a tour, visit https://sites.google.com/view/deaf-voyage-vi/home or email directly at DeafVoyageVI23@gmail.com

July 16, 2025