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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
AARP Virgin Islands, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 Elder Justice Summit Series, a coordinated three-part summer initiative designed to elevate elder justice as a policy, systems, and community priority across the Territory.The series will convene community members, caregivers, professionals, and policymakers to advance conversations on systems modernization, strengthen collaboration, and improve protections for vulnerable older adults. It reflects AARP VI’s ongoing commitment to addressing elder abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation through education, awareness, and action.
Session 1: Legal Planning — Your First Line of Defense
The series begins with Part I: Legal Tools for Protection, Planning & Prevention, a community education summit focused on empowering older adults and families with the tools they need to safeguard their future.
Event Details:
St. Croix: June 16, 2026
UVI Medical Simulation Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)St. Thomas: June 18, 2026
UVI LaVerne E. Ragster Conference Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)
Register today:
踲踰踳踱 Register for St. Croix Session
踳踰踱踲 Register for St. Thomas Session
This session is designed for older Virgin Islanders, caregivers, social workers,
healthcare professionals, and community advocates, and will provide practical guidance
on:
Understanding powers of attorney and advance directives
Exploring guardianship alternatives and legal safeguards
Reducing vulnerability to fraud, exploitation, and crisis situations
“This session is about giving people the confidence and knowledge to protect themselves before a crisis happens,” said Pamela Toussaint, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Virgin Islands. “When you understand the legal tools available to you, you’re better prepared to protect your assets, your wishes, and your future. That knowledge is one of the strongest forms of prevention we have.”
A Strategic, Three-Part Approach to Elder Justice
The 2026 Elder Justice Summit Series is intentionally structured as a three-part initiative, each installment engaging a different audience and addressing a key driver of elder justice:Part I — June 16 (St. Croix) & June 18 (St. Thomas)
Legal Tools for Protection, Planning & Prevention
A community education summit focused on legal preparedness and preventionPart II — July 23 (St. Croix) & July 24 (St. Thomas)
Probate Reform & Housing Stability Institute
A policy and professional convening examining probate systems, housing stability, heirs’ property, and generational wealth preservationPart III — August 20 (St. Thomas) & August 21 (St. Croix)
Elder Financial Exploitation & Fraud Prevention Forum
A professional forum focused on strengthening enforcement coordination, reporting systems, and institutional responses to fraud and exploitation
Together, these sessions are designed to build momentum around policy solutions, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and create a long-term framework for elder justice collaboration in the Virgin Islands.
Powered by Strong Territorial Partnerships
The Elder Justice Summit Series reflects a powerful collaboration between AARP Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services, and the Virgin Islands Department of Justice.
By bringing together expertise across advocacy, social services, and enforcement, this partnership aims to:
Increase awareness of elder abuse and financial exploitation
Strengthen prevention and reporting systems
Enhance coordination among agencies and community partners
Protect older adults and vulnerable populations across the Territory
Join the Effort
The Elder Justice Summit Series is more than a set of events—it is a Territory-wide effort to protect older adults, strengthen communities, and ensure that every Virgin Islander can age with dignity, safety, and respect.
Community members, caregivers, and professionals are encouraged to attend and be part of this important initiative.
Register now for Session 1:
The Department of Public Works advises the public of road repairs throughout downtown Frederiksted on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Pavement Rehabilitation and Drainage Improvements for Frederiksted Roads. (Submitted photo)
This week, DPW contractor – Marco St. Croix, Inc. – mobilized operations in downtown Frederiksted, marking the start of a comprehensive roadway improvement project in the area. The project, funded through the 2015 GARVEE Issuance, includes the milling, paving, and striping of Strand Street, King Street, Queen Street, and Fisher Street. Additional improvements will include the cleaning and clearing of drainage structures, trench drain repairs, manhole and valve adjustments, utility cover replacements, and the installation of new roadway signage. As part of the project, the Pond Bridge on King Street will be replaced with a new steel bridge designed to accommodate two vehicular travel lanes and an eight-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalk.
Motorists should anticipate temporary lane restrictions, intermittent road closures, and traffic delays throughout the duration of the project. The public is encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible and to exercise caution when traveling through active work zones.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience and cooperation as efforts continue to improve roadway conditions throughout the territory.
The United States Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is pleased to announce that Katie Quinlan has been appointed head coach of the Senior Women’s National Team, expanding her current responsibilities as head coach of the U-17 Women’s National Team.
Katie Quinlan is the new National Women’s Team Head Coach. (Submitted photo)
Coach Quinlan joined the federation in 2025, bringing with her an impressive background in youth and women’s football, as well as a strong reputation for player development and technical leadership. Since her appointment as head coach of the U-17 Women’s National Team, she has demonstrated exceptional professionalism, commitment, and leadership while helping to strengthen the Federation’s women’s national team pathway.
Most recently, Coach Quinlan led the U-17 Women’s National Team through the 2026 Concacaf Women’s U-17 Qualifiers, providing valuable international experience for the squad and continuing the development of a promising generation of players. Her work with the program has reinforced the Federation’s confidence in her ability to guide players through the national team pathway and contribute to the long-term growth of women’s football within the Virgin Islands.
The federation believes that expanding Coach Quinlan’s responsibilities to include leadership of both the Senior Women’s National Team and the U-17 Women’s National Team represents an important step in strengthening the connection between the youth and senior national team environments. By overseeing both programs, Coach Quinlan will help create greater continuity in player development, talent identification, and technical direction while ensuring that young players are better prepared to transition into the senior national team environment.
USVISF President Yohannes Worede stated:
“Since joining the federation, Katie has consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and a genuine commitment to the development of our players. She has earned the trust and confidence of the federation through her work with our U-17 Women’s National Team, and we believe this expanded role is a natural progression. We are excited to continue building our women’s program under her leadership and believe this structure will strengthen the connection between our youth and senior national teams for years to come.”
The federation would also like to express its sincere appreciation to Stephan De Four and his staff for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication throughout the previous FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifying cycle. Their efforts helped advance the women’s program, provided valuable international opportunities for our players, and contributed to the continued growth of women’s football within the Virgin Islands. USVISF thanks Stephan and his staff for their service and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.
Coach Quinlan’s appointment is effective immediately. She will continue to oversee the U-17 Women’s National Team while leading preparations for upcoming Senior Women’s National Team activities and competitions.
Former Sen. Ronald E. Russell, a respected attorney, legislator, Olympian and musician whose contributions helped shape the Virgin Islands for decades, lay in state Tuesday at the Legislature Building on St. Croix as family, friends, lawmakers and members of the public gathered to pay their final respects.
A portrait of former Sen. Ronald E. Russell stands outside the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Chambers as family, friends, lawmakers and community members gather to honor his life and legacy during Tuesday’s lying-in-state ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
A ceremony was held in Russell’s honor, with members of the 36th Legislature joining residents to reflect on his life of service and the lasting impact he had throughout the territory.
Born June 10, 1954, Russell was raised by his maternal grandmother, the renowned educator and cultural advocate Eulalie Rivera. Throughout his life, he distinguished himself as an attorney, senator and president of the 29th Legislature. He also represented the Virgin Islands as a sprinter in the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, played a role in the creation of the Virgin Islands Supreme Court, and remained a lifelong musician, performing with the Soul Busters and later the Ronnie Russell Band.
Speaking during Tuesday’s observance, Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. said Russell’s passing is being felt deeply throughout the community, but noted that residents also have much to be grateful for when reflecting on his life and service.
“We’re here today with a heavy heart, but I think we also have a grateful heart,” Francis said. “Ronnie Russell really paid his dues to this community. He served in so many capacities and truly loved St. Croix.”
A memorial wreath hangs outside the Legislature Building on St. Croix on Tuesday as former Sen. Ronald E. Russell lies in state. Family, friends, lawmakers and members of the public gathered to pay their respects to the former senator, attorney, Olympian and musician. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Francis said he attended the lying-in-state not only as a former legislative colleague but also to express appreciation to Russell’s family for sharing him with the community.
“He served as a senator, Senate president, teacher, attorney, athlete and musician,” Francis said. “A true Renaissance man, in my opinion. I’m honored to be here and reflect on his contributions.”
Francis added that Russell’s life serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring those who dedicate themselves to public service.
“None of us are here forever, and it’s important that we’re able to memorialize those individuals who made their contribution to the Virgin Islands community,” he said. “Ronnie Russell certainly did that.”
Sen. Franklin D. Johnson reflected on Russell’s lifelong connection to Frederiksted and recalled the joy he displayed while performing music.
“I’ve known Sen. Russell all my life,” Johnson said. “When he played with the Soul Busters and later with other bands, the biggest smile you would always see on his face was when he was playing music.”
Johnson said Russell’s influence reached far beyond the music stage.
“Today we mourn the loss of a giant,” Johnson said. “He served his people by representing us in the Olympics, serving in the Senate and practicing law throughout his life. He represented us well and he’s going to be missed.”
The hearse carrying former Sen. Ronald E. Russell is parked outside the Legislature Building on St. Croix during Tuesday’s lying-in-state observance. Russell, a former Senate president, attorney, Olympian and musician, died May 6 at age 71. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Calling Russell a humble public servant, Johnson said his passing is being felt throughout the Virgin Islands.
“The people of Frederiksted, St. Croix and the entire Virgin Islands have lost a very humble servant,” he said. “I extend my condolences to his family and loved ones. This is a sad moment, but after a long fight, he’s in a better place.”
Senate President Milton E. Potter described Russell as the embodiment of public service and a leader whose contributions extended across numerous fields.
“I think he was the epitome of what a public servant should be. He gave so much of himself to the people of the Virgin Islands,” Potter said.
Potter noted that Russell served in several leadership roles throughout his career and helped shape the territory’s future through his civic involvement.
“He was a man of many talents,” Potter said.
“His loss will definitely be felt throughout this territory,” Potter said. “On behalf of my colleagues in the 36th Legislature, I extend our condolences to his family and pray they find comfort in knowing that he gave so much to the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
In recognition of Russell’s service and legacy, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. ordered that the Virgin Islands flag be flown at half-staff at Government House and on all public buildings across the territory from sunrise to sunset Wednesday, the day of his funeral.
Legislature flag at half-staff outside the Legislature Building on St. Croix as the Virgin Islands honors former Sen. Ronald E. Russell during Tuesday’s lying-in-state observance and ahead of funeral services. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“Former Senator Ronald E. Russell was part of the public life of this Territory for many years, and his service helped shape important conversations about law, government and the future of the Virgin Islands,” Bryan said in a statement.
A Celebration of Life service for Russell will be held Wednesday, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Frederiksted. Viewing begins at 10 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11 a.m.
Mourners pay their respects to former Sen. Ronald E. Russell during Tuesday’s lying-in-state ceremony at the Legislature Building on St. Croix. The observance drew lawmakers, community leaders, family members and residents honoring Russell’s decades of service to the Virgin Islands. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The family will also host a “Walk and Dip” on Thursday, beginning at Claude O. Markoe Elementary School and ending at Dorsch Beach, honoring one of Russell’s favorite running routes and celebrating the life of a man remembered as a dedicated public servant, accomplished athlete, talented musician and proud son of the Virgin Islands.
The series will convene community members, caregivers, professionals, and policymakers to advance conversations on systems modernization, strengthen collaboration, and improve protections for vulnerable older adults. It reflects AARP VI’s ongoing commitment to addressing elder abuse, fraud, and financial exploitation through education, awareness, and action.
Session 1: Legal Planning — Your First Line of Defense
The series begins with Part I: Legal Tools for Protection, Planning & Prevention, a community education summit focused on empowering older adults and families with the tools they need to safeguard their future.
Event Details:
St. Croix: June 16, 2026
UVI Medical Simulation Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)
St. Thomas: June 18, 2026
UVI LaVerne E. Ragster Conference Center | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Lunch provided)
Register today:
