Livestream Presentation Heralds St. John Celebration 2026

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Livestream Presentation Heralds St. John Celebration 2026
Costumed masqueraders in vibrant feathers and animal print dazzle the crowd during the 2024 St. John Celebration Adults’ Parade. (Photo by Trini Jungle)

Social media fans got a preview of the highlights to come from the 2026 St. John Celebration on Wednesday. Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull and St. John Administrator Shikima Jones-Sprauve hosted a livestream presentation around noon, hoping to entice residents and visitors to join the fete.

Shortly after the hosts wrapped up the hourlong announcement, bucket trucks appeared near Franklin Powell Sr. Park, stringing pennants overhead ahead of the first event — Pan-O-Rama. Turnbull called the livestream presentation a first for the Division of Festivals as it finds new ways to engage the public.

“It’s a labor of love,” the director said. “St. John is the culmination of all three (major USVI festivals), and it’s a representation of our Emancipation Day.”

Like its counterpart events — springtime on St. Thomas and Christmas season on St. Croix — St. John combines culture, music, food, and pageantry over several days leading up to V.I. Emancipation Day and U.S. Independence Day. This year’s theme is “History and Collaboration with a Musical Mix.”

The mix starts stirring on Sunday when seven steel pan bands are set to perform along the roadway bordering Powell Park. “We’re back in our original spot,” said Division of Festivals Assistant Director Leona Smith. Scheduled performers include Yard Vybes, Gen Fusion, Ulla Muller Elementary School Panatics, St. Thomas All Stars, Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, Love City Pan Dragons, and Pan in Motion.

One week after the kickoff, the celebration turns to pageantry with the Royalty Show; three contestants — Liandra Dagou, Alauna Petersen, and Elizabeth Ferrell — compete for the title of Miss St. John on stage in the Cruz Bay Parking Lot, starting at 6 p.m.

Winners of the night’s competitions will be crowned days later at one of Celebration’s most popular events — the Food Fair on June 21. This year’s honoree, Jennifer Williams, will share the spotlight that day. Williams is best known for her homemade pastries and her work as a volunteer supporting Celebration events. “Pastries are her main focus. She works on the committee as well, making johnny cakes,” Smith said.

The next honoree for 2026 will be honored as Celebration Village opens June 28. St. John songbird Tishelle Knight, whose voice has enchanted fans in live performances and recordings as part of Cool Sessions Brass, is expected to snip the ribbon, officially setting off a week of live music.

And former St. John educator Lisa Penn has been named Grand Marshal to lead the festive finale of the fete — the St. John July Fourth Parade.

DPNR Seeks Public Input on Future of Fort Christian Exhibits

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DPNR Seeks Public Input on Future of Fort Christian Exhibits
An inside view of Fort Christian. (Source file photo)

On Tuesday evening, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources’ Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums hosted a Microsoft Teams virtual town hall to gather community input on the design for the future of exhibits and visitor experiences at Fort Christian Museum on St. Thomas, marking an early step in a larger effort to reimagine the historic site. About 15 people were present.

Officials emphasized that the project is still in its conceptual phase and no date is set for the redesign. The department is hoping to gather feedback that upholds the perspectives and experiences of the people of the territory, dating back, of course, to colonial times.

Sean L. Krigger, director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, said “that orientation is going to be critical,” highlighting the trans-Atlantic Slave Trade. “So we have a story to tell in terms of that history and those connections.”

“As you know, Fort Christian’s a historic treasure. It’s the oldest standing structure in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and it’s an icon that draws many people every year,” said main presenter, Monica Marin, Libraries, Archives and Museums chief curator.

The clock tower, chapel, and rooftop remain some of its unique architectural features. However, officials want solutions to challenges with the current design.

“The fort is mostly unconditioned in a salt sprayed, hot, and humid environment. Not all areas of the fort are accessible to those with mobility challenges. It’s also subject to storms. All these factors need to be considered when thinking about the visitor experience,” added Marin.

DPNR secured $500,000 in federal funding for the current planning phase, with additional grants needed to support future exhibit fabrication and installation. The funding is from the United States Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, under the Public Works & Economic Development Act of 1965 Award No. F2163. The funding will be shared with Fort Frederik. The department also contracted museum design firm Howard + Revis to assist with exhibit planning and development. Community feedback collected during the evening’s meeting and in surveys will help guide the ideas for seeking additional funding for the design and implementation. The survey will be open until Monday, July 6, for community input and feedback, but organizers are pushing to get responses by Wednesday, June 17.

Throughout the town hall, participants were introduced to a series of proposed exhibit themes that reflect the rich and complex history of the Virgin Islands. These topics include indigenous histories, migration and movement throughout the Caribbean, colonialism, resistance, emancipation, labor struggles, cultural creativity, environmental stewardship, and the transfer of the Virgin Islands from Danish to American control.

“Our three core groups of people are educational purposes, so students, visitors, and local residents,” said Marin.

Project planners also stressed the importance of centering local voices and perspectives. They questioned participants for their feedback on implementing 3D site models, mahogany furniture and artifact displays, tactile and touchstone props, special art shows or changing exhibits, and reinstating gift shops.

“Many areas of the fort will not be accessible by wheelchair users or those with physical limitations,” said Marin, so improvements in this area are welcomed, with suggestions for a phone or tablet-based digital tour. Audio stations, rotating exhibitions, and immersive projections were among the ideas discussed, as was an interest in commissioning local artists to create original, live-action works that help interpret Virgin Islands history and culture.

One participant, Edney Freeman, asked if and how St. John’s influence will be included and also questioned the “maroon community’s” inclusion. Marin responded that the 1733 uprising and the battery at Fortsberg will be highlighted at Fort Christian, along with the territorial marooning experiences.

“We want to emphasize that this is not by any means a final plan, but rather a starting place to better understand what you like, what you don’t like, and what you hope to see at the forts and as part of the larger interpretive narrative,” added Marin.

The meeting also explored a variety of potential exhibit strategies designed to create a more immersive and accessible visitor experience. Proposed features include augmented-reality tours, virtual access to areas inaccessible to visitors with mobility challenges, interactive touch exhibits, digital archives, oral-history recording stations, and immersive projections that bring historical events to life.

Throughout the discussion, DPNR leaders emphasized that community involvement is essential to the project’s success. Feedback gathered from residents, historians, educators, cultural bearers, and stakeholders will help determine which stories are prioritized and how they are presented.

A document of the virtual presentation can be found here.

Tessa Fedel Richards Dies at 60

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Tessa Fedel Richards Dies at 60
Tessa Fedel Richards, of Frederiksted St. Croix, passed on April 15. She was 60 years old.
Tessa Fedel Richards
She was preceded by her stepfather, Charles Gomez; grandmother, Inez Krause; aunt, Miriam Krause; uncles, Michael Warner, and John Richards. She is survived by mother, Claire Richards; sister, Felisha Krause; aunts, Alfreda Warner, Lorraine Richards, Palmyra Benjamin, Gerda Bayter, Genevieve Richards Wright, Beatrice Harris, Sandra Howell, Denise Smittl, Greta Richards, Fran Gomez; uncles, Jurone Krause, Irving Warner, Pentheny Warner, Stephen Richards, Roy Richards; cousins, Raymond, Alonzo, Jason, Erika, Yasmeen, Jordan, Payton, Kendell, Kaden, Kiara, Brandon, Danielle, Madison, Riley, Samiyah, Byrson, Alexandra, Christian, Katherine, Steven, Lois, Bridgette, Daien, Kristal, Stacy, Anthony, Jason R, Paul, Alexandria, Devere, Dioris, Rukiya, Steven, Jarrod, Rashaad, Ryan, Liam, Camille, Madison, Anthony R Jr, Zion, Angela, Justin, Jhace, Jae, Ivan, Ja’nohn, Saniya, Paige, Reiqn, Casen, Zander, Lola, Benjamin, Dante and Rhylee. Funeral service will be held on June 18 at James Memorial Chapel. Service begins at 10 am. Interment will be held at Schusters Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.  

Steve M. Parris Dies at 62

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Steve M. Parris Dies at 62
Steve M. Parris, affectionately known as Piggy, passed away on May 28, 2026 at the age of 62. 
Steve M. Parris
He is survived by his wife, Joan Parris; children, Michael, Vanessa, Keithroy, Illyssa, and Jaliik Parris; grandchildren, Michael Parris, Jr., Iyana Hodge, Gerard “Lil G” Barno, Jr., Sanai, Saniece, Devante, Gavin, and Ochean Parris; mother, Laurene Dore; stepfather, Winston Dore; brothers, Vernon Parris, Terry Iles, Brian Dore, Terry Harris and Jerry Harris; sisters, Denise Parris; Catherine, Shanie and Denesha Dore; Magdelen “Amythist” Sargeant; Bernadette Jeffers; Jessica Matthew; Marsha Frith Ali; Vera Lawrence-Brandy; and Nestrelda “Jessica” Nisbett; aunts, Cynthia Bartlette; Oretha “Rita” Deshalto; Violet Doute’; and Cavelle Sealey; cousins, Brenda Simmonds; Sherylyn “Shay” Bartlette; Bernard “Bully” Bartlette; Orville “Kembo” Bartlette; and Alphonso “Tazzie” Bartlette (Nevis); Aaron and Melvin Deshalto; Aimee Doute’; Aaron, Leroy, Joseph, and Varnell “Pablo” Merchant; Sister-in-law, Cheryl Parris; Andrea George; Voice-eve Williams; and Avon Henry; Brother-in-law, Joseph Nisbett and Alphonso Henry All other family members are too numerous to mention. A viewing will take place on Thursday, June 18 between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. at Postell’s Mortuary, located at 811 North Powers Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. The funeral service will be held at Northwest Church Orlando, 5495 Clarcona Ocoee Rd on Friday, June 19, viewing will begin at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m. In honor of Steve’s vibrant spirit and joyful personality, family and friends are encouraged to wear festive colors as we celebrate his life and honor his memory.

Colorado State University Adjusts 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast

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Colorado State University Adjusts 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season Forecast
Colorado State University has lowered its forecast numbers for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season, now calling for slightly fewer named storms and hurricanes, as confidence grows that a potentially strong El Niño could help suppress activity across the Atlantic basin. CSU’s June Update In its latest extended-range forecast issued Wednesday, the Tropical Cyclones, Radar, Atmospheric Modeling, and Software Team at CSU predicted 11 named storms, including five hurricanes and two major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher.
Colorado State University’s updated 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, released on Wednesday, shows a reduction in several forecast categories from April to June. (Photo courtesy CSU)
That is lower than the university’s initial tropical forecast released in April, which called for 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes. As the Source previously reported, CSU’s first outlook of the year already pointed toward a somewhat below-average season, with El Niño expected to play a major role in limiting Atlantic tropical activity. In its June update, CSU explained the reduction in anticipated tropical cyclones. “We have reduced our 2026 Atlantic basin hurricane season forecast and anticipate a below-normal season,” CSU said. “Warm neutral-ENSO conditions are likely to transition to El Niño shortly, with a high potential for a moderate to strong El Niño for the peak of hurricane season.” “We anticipate El Niño being the dominant factor for the upcoming hurricane season, driving increased levels of tropical Atlantic vertical wind shear. We are forecasting a below-average probability for major hurricane landfalls along the continental United States coastline and in the Caribbean,” CSU stated. CSU also said that the updated forecast is below the 1991-2020 seasonal average of 14.4 named storms, 7.2 hurricanes and 3.2 major hurricanes. The group also reduced its forecast for Accumulated Cyclone Energy, from 90 in April to 70 in the June update. ACE is a metric used to measure the overall energy produced by tropical storms and hurricanes during a season. Factors Contributing to the Reduced Forecast CSU’s report explained that the reduction in cyclone numbers is largely tied to increasing confidence that a moderate to strong El Niño will develop during the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. “All signs point towards a robust El Niño,” CSU stated in its report.
CSU’s hurricane probability chart compares the 2026 forecast with historical hurricane activity from 1950 to 2020. (Photo courtesy CSU)
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, “Scientists call the two opposing climate patterns of El Niño and La Niña the ‛El Niño-Southern Oscillation’ cycle. El Niño and La Niña can both have global impacts on weather, wildfires, ecosystems, and economies.” An ENSO-neutral phase typically occurs between phases of La Niña and El Niño events. El Niño, which involves a warming of the equatorial Pacific Ocean, usually helps to increase wind shear – a change in wind direction and velocity with height in the atmosphere. In the Atlantic Ocean, the increase in wind shear from El Niño helps to rip apart storms and prevent hurricane formation and intensification. This is the opposite of a La Niña cycle, when the ocean waters across the equatorial Pacific cool significantly. During La Niña, wind shear typically decreases in the Atlantic, and a reduction in wind shear can favor cyclone development. Wind shear is only one factor that contributes to cyclonic development, and CSU noted that sea surface temperatures will also play a role in how active the tropics become.
CSU’s forecast map shows higher-than-normal wind shear expected across portions of the tropical Atlantic during September 2026. (Photo courtesy CSU)
“Sea surface temperatures in the western tropical Atlantic are near average but are cooler than normal in the eastern and central tropical Atlantic,” CSU explained. Indeed, the latest update from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center continues to support the idea that El Niño will play a significant role during the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. In its May 14 ENSO Diagnostic Discussion, CPC maintained an El Niño Watch and stated, “El Niño is likely to emerge soon, with an 82% chance in May-July 2026, and continue through Northern Hemisphere winter 2026-27, with a 96% chance in December 2026-February 2027.” While NOAA noted that “ENSO-neutral conditions continued,” the agency also said that confidence in El Niño has increased since last month, although there remains “substantial uncertainty in the peak strength of El Niño.” What This Means for the Caribbean While CSU’s updated forecast suggests a quieter overall season, forecasters continue to stress that seasonal numbers do not determine whether any one island or coastline will be affected.
CSU’s September 2026 sea surface temperature forecast shows warmer-than-normal waters across the equatorial Pacific, consistent with El Niño development. (Photo courtesy CSU)
In the June update, CSU placed the probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the Caribbean region at 26%, below the long-period average of 47%. That is also lower than the 35% probability included in CSU’s April forecast. For the entire continental U.S. coastline, CSU placed the probability of at least one major hurricane landfall at 24%, compared with the long-period average of 43%. The U.S. East Coast, including the Florida Peninsula, was given an 11% probability, while the Gulf Coast was given a 14% probability. NOAA Also Calls for a Below-Normal Season The updated CSU outlook is generally in line with NOAA’s official 2026 Atlantic hurricane season forecast, which was released in May. As the Source previously reported, NOAA’s hurricane season outlook calls for eight to 14 named storms, including three to six hurricanes and one to three major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or higher. NOAA said there is a 55% chance of a below-normal season, a 35% chance of a near-normal season and a 10% chance of an above-normal season. NOAA also noted that El Niño is expected to develop and intensify during the hurricane season, although forecasters emphasized that there is still uncertainty in exactly how the season will unfold. Additionally, the Source reported that AccuWeather predicted 11 to 16 named storms, including four to seven hurricanes and two to four major hurricanes, also below the climatological average. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through Nov. 30, and the historical peak of the season typically occurs from mid-August through October. There are currently no tropical cyclone threats to the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, as of the National Hurricane Center’s 1 p.m. AST Wednesday Tropical Weather Outlook, the agency was monitoring the Bay of Campeche, where an area of low pressure could form late this week. However, significant development was not expected, and the system is forecast to move inland over eastern Mexico late this weekend. The NHC placed formation chances at near zero through 48 hours and 10% over the next seven days. Even with the lower forecast, CSU reminded residents that a single hurricane can make a season dangerous for those in the path of a storm, and that preparations should be made every season regardless of the predicted level of activity. Following the Weather CSU plans to release additional tropical forecasts over the coming months, and the next update from the university is scheduled for publication on July 8. Residents can follow CSU’s updates on the organization’s official website and visit NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center for ENSO updates Additionally, the local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page, and the Source will also release periodic Tropical Outlooks throughout hurricane season. Individuals can also find helpful weather information, emergency preparedness details and alerts from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.  

Decision Meeting for Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0022-25- Alexander Theater and Safe Room.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that pursuant to Virgin Islands Rules and Regulations, Title 12, Chapter 21, Section 904-9 meetings of the St. Croix Committee of the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission have been scheduled to begin on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:30p.m. This meeting will be held via the video conferencing platform Microsoft Teams. Decision Meeting for Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0022-25- Alexander Theater and Safe Room. The project proposes for the existing historic Alexander Theater to be restored and hardened to meet the standards for use as a FEMA Safe Room. The new construction of a 2-story L-shaped addition will house a new lobby, classrooms, offices, 2 restaurants, generator and pump room and storages spaces. A third-floor utility penthouse will house all AC equipment in a reinforced structure to protect equipment. A large cistern will also be built at the site. The project is located on plots 22 & 23 Market Street, 23 King Street, 36 Company Street, 37 Company Street, 38A Company Street, and 38B Company Street in the town of Christiansted. The following information should be used to participate in the meeting:  

King of Wing Set for 3 Days, With Free Shuttles to Main Event Saturday

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King of Wing Set for 3 Days, With Free Shuttles to Main Event Saturday
The 2025 crew from St. John’s Speakeasy Restaurant celebrates as King of Wing winners. This year’s main event is on Saturday at Magens Bay on St. Thomas. (Submitted photo)

The King of the Wing Festival is celebrating a major milestone as it returns for its 15th anniversary weekend, bringing together the best in food, culture, music, arts, and entertainment to Magens Bay and downtown St. Thomas Friday through Sunday.

This year’s theme, “Come for the Wings, Stay for the Culture,” promises a weekend showcasing the vibrant spirit of the Virgin Islands while supporting a great cause, the Coral Reef Academy, according to a press release announcing the weekend’s lineup. The Coral Reef Academy provides educational opportunities for children with autism and other developmental challenges.

Opening Reception Kicks Off the Celebration

The festivities begin on Friday from 5 to 9 p.m. with the King of the Wing Opening Reception at Palm Passage in downtown Charlotte Amalie. Sponsored by Crystal Blue Operations, the reception will provide guests with an opportunity to meet competitors, sponsors, judges, and festival supporters while enjoying food, drinks, and entertainment in a relaxed atmosphere.

Tickets are available now at https://shorturl.at/KkP4a.

The annual King of the Wing Festival will be held on June 8 at Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy King of the Wing Festival)
The annual King of the Wing Festival will be held on June 6 at Magens Bay Beach on St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy King of the Wing Festival)

The Main Event: 15th Annual King of the Wing Festival

The excitement continues at Magens Bay on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the 15th annual King of the Wing Contest, where teams from across the Virgin Islands will compete for wing supremacy and festival bragging rights.

Festival attendees can enjoy:

  • Wing tastings from competing teams
  • Live local music and entertainment
  • Arts and crafts vendors
  • Family-friendly games and activities
  • Cultural demonstrations and performances
  • Food vendors and local businesses
  • VIP experiences and exclusive festival perks

VIP Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1988790642348?aff=oddtdtcreator

Free Shuttle Service Available

To make transportation easier, organizers are encouraging attendees to take advantage of the free shuttle service from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., sponsored by Drive Green VI and Keswick Insurance.

Shuttles will operate from:

  • Tutu Park Mall
  • Fort Christian Parking Lot

Because parking at the festival venue is limited and closes after 9:30 a.m., attendees are strongly encouraged to use the complimentary shuttle service.

Weekend Finale: Shama Challenge Live

The celebration concludes on Sunday from 7 to 10 p.m. with an evening of live performances and competitions presented by the team behind the Shama Challenge App in partnership with ElevateWi.

Hosted at the ElevateWi Studios in Charlotte Amalie West, artists will compete head-to-head in a live creative showcase, with audience members determining the winners. The event highlights the growing influence of the Shama Challenge platform, which gives artists opportunities to compete, collaborate, and challenge one another through music and creative expression, according to the release.

Tickets are available at: https://shamachallenge.eventbrite.com

Attendees are also encouraged to download the Shama Challenge App to join the movement and connect with artists from around the world.

Celebrating 15 Years

For 15 years, the King of the Wing Festival has grown into one of the Virgin Islands’ premier community events, attracting thousands of residents and visitors while showcasing local businesses, culinary talent, and cultural traditions, the press release stated.

“The 15th anniversary celebration promises to be the biggest and most exciting festival yet, featuring more local music, more local arts and crafts, more cultural activities, and more opportunities for the community to come together,” it said.

For information email kingofthewingvi@gmail.com, visit www.kowvi.com and follow them on Facebook, TikTok & Instagram (@kowvi).

St. John Woman Appears to Have Drowned, Police Say

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St. John Woman Appears to Have Drowned, Police Say
The woman found in Salt Pond Bay Thursday morning likely drowned, police said Wednesday, contrary to nearly a week of widespread public speculation about the nature of her death. The cause-of-death evaluation was preliminary, however, pending a full autopsy and toxicology report, the Virgin Islands Police Department said. Speculation about the cause of death — from boat strike to shark attack — was likely due to the condition of the woman’s body, which appeared to have been bitten by a large marine animal after she was dead, police said. Julia Reynolds, 43, was remembered by friends as an outgoing, cheerful, athletic person who loved to swim. Although living on St. John less than a year, she quickly became a favorite in the close-knit Coral Bay community, they said. “She was the kind of person, I don’t know, you just wanted to hug her,” a friend said. One of those friends hiked the Ram Head Trail with Reynolds that June 4. She and Reynolds put their feet in the sea and then parted ways at about 8:30 a.m., she said Tuesday night. An hour later, a couple visiting from Austin, Texas, parked their car at Salt Pond Beach for a morning snorkel. Roughly 1200 feet out in the middle of the bay, near a rocky outcropping, one of them came across Reynold’s body. Swimming to shore, he saw emergency responders waving in alarm from the trail above. He called 911 at 10:43, according to his phone records. The first 911 call had come in at 9:54, police said. Deeply shaken by what he’d seen, the man told investigators from the Virgin Islands National Park of the body’s severe condition. “Thank God my kids didn’t see,” he said Wednesday by telephone. Like many, the tourists had been checking Virgin Islands news and social media for information on the death but found nothing until Tuesday night, when, after days of requests, the National Park released a statement acknowledging there was an incident in the bay but nothing more.

USVI Filmmaker Jordan K. Paul Premiered Sci-Fi Thriller “Peace By Piece” in Miami

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USVI Filmmaker Jordan K. Paul Premiered Sci-Fi Thriller “Peace By Piece” in Miami
Virgin Islands filmmaker Jordan K. Paul celebrated the world premiere of his technically ambitious short film, Peace by Piece, at the landmark 30th Anniversary of the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), held from May 27–31.
(Submitted photo)
Selected for the prestigious, invitation-only Voices of Culture showcase, a section reserved for outstanding global works reflecting the breadth of the Black diaspora, the sci-fi thriller represents a major technical feat, captured entirely in a single, continuous “one-take” shot with zero cuts. Returning to the festival over a decade after first attending as an aspiring film school graduate, the St. Croix native debuted his project on the silver screen alongside some of the industry’s biggest names. “Piece by Piece being at ABFF is complete full circle moment because I was here in 2013,” said Jordan K. Paul. “I graduated film school, my mom bought me a ticket to the festival, and I watched the films here and thought, ‘I need to get to this level.’ Now, 13 years later, my own film is playing on that same screen. I’m so excited because I’ve made it to the point where people will be in the audience watching my work, just like I was watching others back then. Hopefully, it inspires them, and their films get into the festival next.” Peace by Piece is a sociopolitical science-fiction thriller that challenges the modern landscape of performative activism. The narrative features Jeremy (played by Paul) and Martin (played by fellow Crucian actor Dante Rossi) in a tense examination of personal accountability, confronting those who stand on the sidelines of major global crises until the weight of inaction becomes too heavy to bear.  “I wanted to show how Jeremy is part of the mass of all of us who just think, ‘Oh, it’ll get better, some other person will take care of it,’ while things just get worse and worse. I actually had to rewrite his speech a bunch of times because the news would update. I would write something, the news would update, and what I wrote had already come true—so I’d realize, ‘Well, that’s not the future anymore.’ I ended up rewriting that speech 70-plus times.” Following the screening, viewers noted that the concept had the depth of a larger story, sparking discussions and interest in expanding the short film into a feature-length project—a path Paul is currently open to exploring. Premiering almost exactly one year to the day from when production first began, the project represents a rare artistic trifecta for Paul, who served simultaneously as the film’s writer, director, and lead actor, while also taking on the mantle of producer. Supported by the Panavision New Filmmaker Grant, the narrative relies on an extraordinary technical execution to lock the audience into the story’s real-time tension. Captured in an intense race against the clock at sunset, the crew had a window of only five takes to shoot the 11-minute film before losing the natural light. “We had so much rehearsal; we practiced over and over for a couple of weeks, including three major run-throughs of the entire film that we recorded using a DJI Osmo with my Director of Photography, John Connor,” Paul explained. “I knew I wanted to be more technical this time around. I wanted a continuous one-take, I wanted to execute depth-of-field changes, and I wanted to adjust the aspect ratio in real time. I also wanted to experiment with layers in the sound design that I’d never done before. But it’s not just a technical experiment—the story was there, and Peace by Piece was the right story to bring all of those elements together.” The technical ambition and cultural resonance of Peace by Piece build upon the momentum of Paul’s critically acclaimed 2023 directorial debut, ANIMALS. That film tackled systemic bias and moral conflict through a tense police encounter, securing more than ten international accolades and official selections at major cultural institutions, including the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF), the Montreal International Black Film Festival, and the Micheaux Film Festival. Paul’s growing industry roots also include extensive production work on major commercial, television, and feature projects, most recently serving on the St. Croix production crew for Oscar-nominated filmmaker David Massey’s feature project in April 2026. The 30th Anniversary edition of ABFF, themed “Homecoming,” brought together thousands of filmmakers, artists, and executives, featuring high-profile panels and talent including 2026 Festival Ambassador Regina King, Chloe Bailey, Lynn Whitfield, Malcolm D. Lee, Taye Diggs, and Debbie Allen. Legendary actress and director Angela Gibbs also traveled cross-country to support Paul’s world premiere. 
Jordan K Paul at World Premiere Screening of Peace by Piece. (Submitted photo)
For Paul, a major highlight of the milestone event was cultivating meaningful relationships with his peers in the festival’s third screening block.  “I needed more people like Block 3 in my life, and I’m so happy I met every single one of them,” Paul reflected on the lasting bonds formed in Miami. “Our connections will last forever, built on an authentic respect for the craft.” To premiere a film is one thing, but to do it surrounded by family, loved ones, and people who look, sound, and think just like me is priceless. I don’t know if I could think of a better place to start this festival run.” By embedding distinct Caribbean perspectives within cutting-edge cinematic frameworks, Paul continues to expand regional visibility and elevate the USVI’s growing creative economy. Following its world premiere in Miami, Peace by Piece is currently seeking strategic partnerships as it begins an international film festival circuit run throughout 2026 and 2027. About Jordan K. Paul Jordan K. Paul is an Afro-Caribbean writer, director, and actor from Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. A graduate of DeSales University’s TV/Film Production program, his filmmaking focuses on character-driven, visually innovative stories exploring moral resilience, memory, and structural identity.

Artists Lead Conversation on Preserving Caribbean Heritage and Identity

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Artists Lead Conversation on Preserving Caribbean Heritage and Identity
At the recent launch of Artefacts of Jamaica, facilitated by the Caribbean Culture Fund, cultural practitioners from Jamaica, the US Virgin Islands, Saba, and Dominica reflected on a challenge facing communities across the Caribbean: how to preserve cultural heritage as historic sites, stories, and traditions come under increasing pressure from development, climate change, and neglect.
Caribbean Culture Fund
Artefacts of Jamaica is the brainchild of Jamaican visual artist Idris Veitch. The digital heritage preservation project creates an open-access archive that expands public access to Jamaica’s architectural history while documenting buildings that face ongoing deterioration and neglect. Veitch noted that some of the sites he documented have already been lost or continue to deteriorate. He recalled learning that Waterloo House had been flattened by Hurricane Melissa in late 2026. One of the project’s goals, he explained, is to make heritage more accessible and encourage public engagement with sites that are often overlooked. “People walk past them as if they’re in the background,” he said. “When there’s so much history behind them.” The discussion highlighted that these challenges are not unique to any one island. US Virgin Islands photographer and cultural archivist Stephanie Chalana Brown shared insights from Claiming Spaces: The African Story of the Sugar Mill, a project that uses photography, oral histories, genealogy, and community engagement to explore the African diaspora histories connected to St. Croix’s sugar mills and challenge colonial narratives that have long shaped their interpretation. “The tangible and material evidence provides a framework for us to say that we built this,” Brown said. “Because they (our ancestors) were able to endure, we still exist.” Sharifa Balfour discussed The Resilient Houses Project, which examines the shared histories and climate resilience of traditional wooden architecture in Saba and Dominica. Through research exchanges, exhibitions, restoration work, and digital storytelling, the project explores how traditional building knowledge can inform contemporary conversations about resilience, identity, and sustainable development. “It’s not just safeguarding our history and culture,” Balfour said. “It’s really saving our identity.” Despite their different approaches, all three projects connect communities with the histories, places, and knowledge systems that have shaped Caribbean societies. The discussion also underscored the challenges of sustaining this work, as long-term research, documentation, community collaboration, and public programming often struggle to attract adequate support. What emerged clearly from the conversation was that artists are doing far more than documenting the past. They are helping communities understand their heritage, claim ownership of their histories, and carry them forward. As Veitch observed, artists often serve as translators, making culture and history more accessible and ensuring that the stories, places, and traditions that shape Caribbean identity remain visible for future generations. Cultural preservation will continue to be a core priority in CCF’s work. For more information on other CCF-funded projects in this area, visit our website at caribbeanculturefund.org. About the Caribbean Culture Fund The Caribbean Culture Fund (CCF) is a regional fund dedicated to connecting Caribbean creatives and cultural organizations to funding. Through grants and capacity-building opportunities, CCF supports projects that promote collaboration, preserve heritage, and expand access to arts and culture. Since its launch, CCF has supported more than 80 projects across the region, investing over US$1.2 million in initiatives that demonstrate the value of arts and culture in Caribbean development. For more information, visit caribbeanculturefund.org.
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