Eight My Brother’s Workshop students received their high school diplomas, and 18 others received recognitions and certifications for their achievements at the 2026 MBW Graduation Ceremony held at the MBW Main Campus Stephenson Family Welcome Center on Saturday.
(Left to right) Jerome Osborne, Kerwin Solomon, Walidson Petit-Louis, Janickka Ramos, Joseph Wilson, and Soquoi Dawson. (Submitted photo)
The Eljhaie Brathwaite Project played the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance.” Kate Barrows, MBW Education and Communication Specialist, served as MC. Chef Ashley Allen welcomed the crowd, recognizing Governor Albert Bryan, Jr., and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett for their letters of support and encouragement in the graduation program, as well as their ongoing support of MBW. Nellie Varlack from The Office of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett was in attendance. Ty Troutman of The St. Thomas Reformed Church (STRC) and MBW board member delivered the Invocation, followed by the national anthems, played by The Eljhaie Brathwaite Project.
Keynote Speaker, DJ Cypha, is an entrepreneur, entertainer, and creative professional whose journey has been shaped by service, leadership, and a passion for creating memorable experiences. His path reflects the power of leaning, adapting, and building opportunities through discipline, vision, and hard work. From hospitality to entertainment and business, he has continued to grow by turning experience into purpose and purpose into impact. Today, he represents what it means to create your own lane while inspiring others to move with confidence, resilience, and ambition. DJ Cypha addressed MBW graduates, saying, “Constantly innovate, and never stop learning.”
MBW High School Graduate Joseph gave remarks to her fellow graduates and attendees, stating, “I want to wish my fellow graduates great success in whatever they want to accomplish in their lives.”
(left to right) Joseph Wilson, Kerwin Solomon, Janickka Ramos, Walidson Petit-Louis, Jerome Osborne, Soquoi Dawson. (Submitted photo)
MBW Executive Director, Jenny Hawkes, presented the “Outstanding Academic Award” to Joseph Wilson for obtaining the highest GPA of 3.82, the “Achievement Award” to Jerome Osborne in recognition of growth through hard work and determination. Hawkes welcomed STRC Consistery Member, Ty Troutman, to the podium to present the STRC “Love Thy Neighbor Award” to Kumane Williams for outstanding character and exemplary community service.
Following the presentation of certificates, MBW Alumni Romell Phillips offered his congratulations to the MBW class of 2026. Barrows delivered closing remarks, congratulating the graduates and inviting everyone in attendance to stay for cake and refreshments from MBW Café and Bakery following the service.
MBW graduates and honorees received the following diplomas and certifications:
High School Graduates
Soquoi Dawson – Penn Foster High School, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Shawn’Ae Callwood – Penn Foster High School
Wakeem Guishard – Penn Foster High School – Honors, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Walidson Petit-Louis – Penn Foster High School – Honors, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 1 MBW Culinary and Hospitality
Jerome Osborne – Penn Foster High School – Honors, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Jannicka Ramos – Penn Foster High School, ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Kerwin Solomon – Penn Foster High School, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 5 MBW Carpentry
Joseph Wilson – Penn Foster High School – Honors, OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Honorees
Kaylem Abbott – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 Culinary Arts and Hospitality
A’Sai Brathwaite – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 2 MBW Carpentry
Biblical Brathwaite – Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Dkhory Burke – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Bernard Canonier – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification
John Castillo – Level 1 MBW Carpentry
Djenica Edouard – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Ja’Meesha Gumbs – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 1 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Zhyaire Penn – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
DeJahnai Phillip – ServSafe Food Handlers, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Ramon Ramirez – ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid
Daijah Remy – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid, Level 2 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Brayan Rodriguez – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, Level 1 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Jaelan Sibily – OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training, OSHA Forklift Certification, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Shauri Soto – ServSafe Allergens
O’Can Thomas – OSHA 10-Hour Construction training, OSHA Forklift Certification, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Carpentry
Pepsynique Wilkins – Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Kumane Williams – ServSafe Food Handlers, ServSafe Allergens, CPR + First Aid, Level 3 MBW Culinary & Hospitality
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 21, through Saturday, June 27.
Please stay safe and follow the Source for more weather updates!
Lt. Col. Jamie I. Cornelius, director of military support for the Virgin Islands National Guard, has graduated from the U.S. Air War College, earning a Master of Strategic Studies and completing one of the military’s highest levels of professional education, according to a VING press release.
Lt. Col. Jamie I. Cornelius receives his graduation certificate during the U.S. Air War College commencement ceremony in Montgomery, Alabama. (Photo courtesy VING)
The graduation ceremony was held in Montgomery, Alabama. Cornelius’ completion of Senior Service College places him among military leaders trained to advise senior military and civilian officials and manage complex operations, the press release stated.
“Graduating from the Air War College is not just a personal achievement,” Cornelius said. “It represents the collective effort of everyone who has mentored, supported, and served alongside me. I am honored to continue serving the Virgin Islands and the United States with the knowledge and strategic perspective this program has provided.”
Born in Antigua and raised on St. Thomas after immigrating in 1981, Cornelius enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1988 after graduating from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School. His military service includes a combat deployment during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and assignments with several Virgin Islands National Guard units over nearly four decades, the release stated.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 2005, Cornelius has served in a variety of leadership positions, including company commander, battalion executive officer, state training officer, chief of military plans and strategy, and director of military support, the release stated.
In addition to his latest degree, Cornelius holds degrees in business administration and public administration and has completed numerous military leadership courses, the release stated.
“Lt. Col. Cornelius’ graduation from the U.S. Air War College is a tremendous achievement and reflects his lifelong commitment to service, leadership, and excellence,” Maj. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker, the adjutant general, said in the release. “We congratulate him on this milestone and thank him for his continued dedication to the Virgin Islands National Guard and our nation.”
Throughout his military career, Cornelius has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal and the Humanitarian Service Medal, according to the release. He credited his family, fellow soldiers and military leaders for supporting his success.
St. Croix music fans have had several opportunities this week to catch Lourdes & The Switch, the popular St. Thomas-based band whose stripped-down touring duo has been performing a series of early summer shows across the island.
The version of the band visiting St. Croix is not the full four-piece ensemble but a pared-down duo consisting of Lourdes Aquila on guitar and vocals and Nathan McGlone on bass. The pair has been making appearances at several popular island venues, including Blues Backyard Barbecue on Wednesday, Brew St. Croix on Thursday, Ruff Start Bar on Friday, Leatherback Brewing Co. on Saturday and Cheeseburgers in Paradise on Sunday.
The duo performed Friday night in the courtyard at Ruff Start in Frederiksted, where they embroidered the soft, balmy June air with their infectious blend of soulful pop and indie rock delivered with a distinctly feel-good island vibe. From their perch on a low terrace in front of a weathered brick wall festooned with wayward ferns, the duo churned through a robust first-set selection of popular covers as the evening darkened and a sizable crowd gradually coalesced in the courtyard to sway and sing along.
Friday at Ruff Start in Frederiksted, the duo embroidered the soft, balmy June air with their infectious blend of soulful pop & indie rock, which they delivered with a distinctly “feel-good” island vibe. (Source photo by Joshua G Canning)
What immediately strikes even the casual listener is the audacious range and sheer eclecticism of the duo’s musical choices and the facility they show on their instruments as they navigate from a Fats Waller jazz standard written a century ago to an Alanis Morissette pop tune from the 1990s, all within the space of five minutes. If Waller and Morissette embody the proverbial bookends of their genre-defying, boundary-crossing and conspicuously eclectic repertoire, their kaleidoscopic catalog also includes nearly everything in between.
Punctuated briefly by the charismatic duo’s lively inter-song banter and easy rapport with the crowd, the evening included several sets of foot-tapping covers by artists such as Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Ani DiFranco, Gillian Welch, Ella Fitzgerald, Debbie Harry of Blondie, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks and The Cranberries. As a duo, the pair seems to have the ability to filter the compositions of other artists through their own unique sensibilities so that the songs feel like interpretations of, or even collaborations with, the originals.
The evening included several sets of foot-tapping covers of artists like Norah Jones, Jason Mraz, Ani DiFranco, Gillian Welch, Ella Fitzgerald, Debbie “Blondie” Harry, Billie Eilish, Stevie Nicks and the Cranberries. (Source photo by Joshua G Canning)
Behind her signature olive-green Fender Acoustasonic Jazzmaster guitar, Lourdes is perpetually in motion and beaming broadly, broadcasting an irrepressible enthusiasm for the music. Born and raised in the Philippines in a musical family in which everyone played at least one instrument, Lourdes took up the guitar at age 8. Today, her complex polyrhythms and sophisticated fingerpicking patterns suggest both a natural gift for the instrument and reflect her many years of experience performing on it. Between songs, she frequently shuttles her capo up and down the neck of her guitar in response to the persistently shifting key centers of their wide-ranging catalog.
Behind her signature olive green Fender Acoustasonic Jazzmaster guitar, Lourdes is perpetually in motion, beaming broadly and broadcasting an irrepressible enthusiasm for the music. (Source photo by Joshua G Canning)
Perhaps even more impressive than her natural prowess on the guitar, Lourdes’ lilting, conversational singing voice and considerable vocal range seem perfectly suited to the breadth of the duo’s catalog. Meanwhile, Nathan, whose Irish origins surface only subtly in an attenuated accent when he addresses the crowd between songs, seems to take equal pleasure in wielding a five-string bass that provides the gravity and counterpoint to anchor everything Lourdes does in the higher registers.
Nathan’s fluidity and inventiveness on the instrument, combined with the seamless interplay between his bass work and Lourdes’ vocals and guitar, give the duo the feel of a well-rounded and integrated collaboration. The two seem to know their material well enough and be comfortable enough with it that they are free to take chances, improvise and chase those singular moments of magic that are particular to live music.
The 2026 Amateur Athletic Union National Volleyball Championship has concluded for Island Mixx 13U and Island Mixx 12U, while competition begins Saturday for Island Heat 14U and Elite 340 14U at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
Island Mixx 13U and Island Mixx 12U took the court Friday in single-elimination bracket play.
Island Mixx 13U opened the day against York Replay and came out strong, capturing the first set 27-25. York Replay responded by winning the next two sets 25-17 and 15-9 to eliminate Island Mixx from the tournament. The team finished with a 2-8 record and placed 101st out of 163 teams in the 13U Classic Division.
The final score is in the books, but the bonds built along the way will last long after the final whistle for Island Mixx 13U at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championship.
Island Mixx 12U also battled in a three-set match during Friday’s elimination round. After dropping the opening set 25-18, the team rallied to take the second set 25-19 and force a deciding third set. Island Mixx fell behind 8-2 in the final frame, mounted a comeback, but came up short in a 15-13 loss. The team completed the tournament with a 3-7 record and finished 110th out of 131 teams in the 12U Classic Division.
Island Mixx 12U celebrates its season together after competing at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championship in Orlando, Florida. The team represented the U.S. Virgin Islands in the 12U Classic Division against teams from across the country. (Submitted photo)
The AAU National Volleyball Championship is divided into multiple competition segments known as waves. Island Mixx competed in Wave 1, while Wave 2 begins Saturday with two U.S. Virgin Islands teams entering play.
Island Heat, based on St. Croix, will compete in the Girls 14U Classic Division Saturday. The team opens its tournament at 4 p.m. against 305 Volleyball Club 14R of Miami. Island Heat will then face Legacy 14 Elite of Wixom, Michigan, at 6 p.m., before closing the day against A5 14U of Roswell, Georgia. All three matches are scheduled for Court 24 in the North Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center.
Island Heat 14U celebrates a successful tune-up tournament before taking the court at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championship in Orlando, Florida. The St. Croix-based squad enters the Girls 14U Classic Division looking to carry its winning momentum onto the national stage. (Submitted photo)
Elite 340 Volleyball Club, also from St. Croix, will compete in the 14U Club Division Saturday. The team begins play at 9 a.m. against Chapel Hill Area Volleyball Club 14 Purple of Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Elite 340 will then take on Volleytech Academy 14U of Satellite Beach, Florida, at 11 a.m., followed by a 1 p.m. match against Sharks Volleyball Club of Niceville, Florida. All matches will be played on Court 79 in the North Concourse.
One airport, one team and one national stage ahead as Elite 340 Volleyball Club departs St. Croix for the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championship in Orlando, Florida. (Submitted photo)
Team rosters for Island Heat 14U and Elite 340 14U are listed below.
Date: Monday, June 22 to Friday, June 26
SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works advises the public of upcoming road repairs along Hill Street and Store Kongens Gade in St. John.
DW contractor Island Roads Corp. is scheduled to begin roadwork on Monday, June 22, and continue through Friday, June 26, during the following hours:
Store Kongens Gade: Daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hill Street: To minimize disruptions for motorists and residents, construction activities will take place overnight from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day. (Night work)
Motorists should expect delays, exercise caution, obey all traffic control devices, and follow directions from flaggers and construction personnel. Residents and commuters are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time.
DW appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as it continues working to improve road conditions throughout the territory.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Edris V. Elliott on May 16, 2026 at the age of 81.Edris V. Elliott
Edris V. Elliott is survived by:
Spouse: Vernon E. Elliott
Children: Marcella Thompson and spouse, Allen Thompson, Emile Elliott and spouse, Clarina Modeste Elliott, Esdric McCall and spouse, Kim Wilson McCall
Grandchildren: Addis Elliott and spouse, Ashley Elliott, Breanna Freeman and spouse, Kashaun Freema, Kennedy Thompson, Eyesha McCall, Anesha McCall, Em’mesha Elliott, Kimra McCall, Ebony McCall, Dishan McCall, Kewandra McCall
Great-Grandchildren: Addis Elliott Jr., Z’Nae Joseph, Jenessa Williams
Siblings: Sita Walwyn, Kathleen Walwyn, Ita Walwyn, Sandra Walwyn, Auralie Walwyn, Albert Walwyn, Ivan McCall
Niece: Glenda Walwyn
Nephew: Glenville Walwyn
Special nephew: Michael and spouse, Helen
Special niece: Sharon Tobias and family, Reana Tobias Ryan
Preceded in Death by: Mother: Camilita Walwyn Sibling: Cynthia Walwyn Son:Dennis McCall, Grandchild: Esdrica McCall
Other Family and Friends too numerous to mention
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral service that will be held on Friday, June 26, at Trinity Methodist Church; service begins at 10:00am. Interment Eastern Cemetery
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleyfuneralhome.com
Agatha George, also known as Joycelyn, of Estate Whim, passed away on June 11. She was 81 years old.
Agatha George
She was preceded by grandchildren, Jaheem, Raymond Mc. Neal III; brother, Anthony Raymond; brother-in-law, Pan Gracious George; sisters in law, Catherine Jacob, Delice Dornelly, Nicholina Julien.
She is survived by spouse, Henry M George; mother, Victoria J Rameau; father, Joseph Finistere; daughters, Patricia George, Jasmin George, Sandra Baptiste; step daughter, Anicia George; sons, Francisco Rameau, John Rameau, Chris George, Christo George, Christopher George; step son, Alvin George; grandchildren, Latavius, Christopher, Chris Anthony, Jah’keem, Christa, Michael, Jahkobe, Jahneil, Ziree, George, Jahmokei, Azaliah Baptiste, Jah-Reema, Jah-nobia Pryce, Jamesson Lythus, Gregory Mc-Neal, Kierra Thomas, Jamie, Jeavon Rameau, Tacara Nokes, Shiheem Sholto, Sarah Dea Dean; 22 great grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Ashley, Helen Rameau; brothers, Joseph Rameau, Lucius Raymond; 11 nieces including Samantha Charles; 18 nephews including Chris Rameau; daughters in law, Delia George; step daughter in law, Joan George; son in law, Randy Baptiste; brothers in law, Cyril, Peter, Ignatius, Andrew George; sisters in law, Josephine Phillip, Mary Joseph, Calixta Loctor; caregivers, Jacinta, Maureen, Agatha, Delia; special friends, Virginia, Vernatia Peter, Margret Southwell, Bro & Sis. Rene, Andrew Dovar, Maria Baptiste, Pastor Jackie & Members of the Frederiksted Nazarene Church, Members of the Frederiksted Baptist Church, Mc-Farland Family, Griffith Family, Solomon Family of Bexon, St.Lucia, Member of Hope S.D.A Church, Tenae, Meshach; precious friends, cousins and other relatives too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on June 29, at Central Seventh Day Adventist Church. Viewing begins at 9 am, with service at 10 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Eugene O’ Daniel Henley Sr. passed away on June 2. He was 74 years old.
Eugene O’ Daniel Henley Sr.
He was preceded by wife, Elfreda Bulter; mother, Leona Ballantine; father, Benjamin O’ Daniel Henley; sisters, Lena Williams, Marlene Henley; brothers, Orville Henley, Warren Williams.
He is survived by daughters, Sunzette Loving-Henley, Zalika, Walidah, Isha Henley; sons, Kevin, Asim, Daud, Saeed, Akintunde, Obasi, Eugene Jr. Henley; daughters in law, Carolina Von Schilling, Jessica Patterson, Mozelle Henley; grandchildren, Asasha, Nehemiah, Mosadi, Akanni, Abeni, Nikeyah Henley, Benisha Von Schilling, Durante, Carltonae, Jules Loving, Ayinde Barnes, Kairo Bell; sisters, Asta Williams, Demaris Seales, Corlis Bell; brothers, Leroy Henley, Douglas Barker; nieces, Rosalyn Williams, Paulette Phillip, Shermaine and Kara Seales, Mizelle Calixte, Melissa Barker, Shelva Smith, Tanisha Phillip, Unika Pennyfeather-Ross, Tabia Pennyfeather-Williams, Mirisa Williams and Nigeria Barker; nephews, Elston and Craig Williams, St.Clair Williams,De’Ray, Toliano, Theobald and Akeal Seales; family and friends, Ballantine Family, Marcia Williams and Family, Denise Mason and Family, Williams Families from Grove Place, Martinez Family, Christian-Briscoe Family, Brow Family, Simmonds Family, Francis Family, Luz James II, Magdalene Hobson and Family, Smith Family, Watts Family, Milligan Family, Eddie Russell, Leila Benjamin, Liss Phillip, Warren Smith and Ray Isles, other family and friends too numerous tomention.
Funeral service will be held on June 26, at Refuge Tabernacle Church. Viewing begins at 10 am, with service at 11 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Sheryl Maria Rodgers Soto, of Frederiksted, St. Croix, passed away on June 4. She was 78 years old.
Sheryl Maria Rodgers Soto
She was preceded by father, Alphonso Rodgers; mother, Edna Adella Henry; brother-in-law, Lennie Reed; sister, Ingrid Gardine.
She is survived by daughters, Victoria Soto, Michelle Williams-Ballantine; grandchildren, Orlando Carino, ZoeBallantine and Noah Ballantine; sisters, Coreen Rodgers-Reed, Dr. Kathleen Rodgers, Felice Morrow; brothers, Alphonso( Alito) Rodgers Jr., Gregory Christian; nieces, Amber Francis, Kerstia Thompson, Sertia ( Ashley) Rodgers, Jinel Watts; nephews, Kyle Monsanto, Akeel Francis, Adrian ( Mikey) Francia, Jhaleek Christian, Vaughn Morrow; great nieces, Jinik and Jilik Rohlsen, Kayla Smith, Asia and Anyce Francis, JeNao Francis, Kyla Monsanto; great nephews, Malik Rohlsen, Aiden Francis, Zarrin Walters II; son in law, Luis Ballantine; brother in law, Christopher Morrow; sisters in law, Carmen Gomez-Christian, Carmen Fleta; godchildren, Lushane Phillips, Kerisha(Risa) Gill, Kai James and numerous others; special friends, Amelia Joseph, Eloise Benjamin, Maria ”Joy’’ Thomas, Janet, Teddy Brow, Doreen Christian, Esther Urgent, Yvette Thomas-Henry, Magnolis Williams, Theresa Thomas, Suzette James, Joyce Abramson, Annette Carrington, Alfred Williams, Alma Christian and numerousothers, cousins and other relatives, Dawn Rodgers, Ramona Rodgers O’Reilly, Ilma Francis, Myrtle Farrelly, Denise Farrelly, Brenda Moving, Beryl Warner, Lynette (Bakeeta) Rodgers, Anthony Farrelly, Darril ( Bucky) Rodgers Sr., Errol ( Skeebo) Rodgers, James ( Monday) Dowling Jr., Rodgers Family, Glen Dratte and Family, Thomas Family, Williams Family, Claire Roker and Family, Peterson Family, Edwards Family, and numerous cherished friends and other relatives too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on June 30, at St. Patrick Church. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Frederiksted Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works advises the public of upcoming road repairs along Hill Street and Store Kongens Gade in St. John.
DW contractor Island Roads Corp. is scheduled to begin roadwork on Monday, June 22, and continue through Friday, June 26, during the following hours:
