All Saints Cathedral School to Honor Gabrielle Querrard and Lillian Garfield at 2026 Gala

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Before the bylines, the podcast downloads, and a growing digital audience, Gabrielle Querrard was a student in plaid at All Saints.

Gabrielle Querrard will be honored Saturday with the Viking Award, (Submitted photo)

From 1999 to 2011, much of her life unfolded inside the classrooms of All Saints Cathedral School and the sanctuary of All Saints Cathedral Church. She was baptized there and confirmed there, then served as an acolyte during Sunday services and funerals. She attended the church’s summer programs and, through the All Saints Boy Scout Chapter, became the first Venture Scout to earn the program’s highest distinction — the Silver Award.

Simply put, she grew up there.

“Much of my childhood was spent within the walls of the school and the church,” Querrard said. “The adults around me poured into me endlessly.”

On Saturday, at 6 p.m., that foundation will be formally recognized when All Saints hosts its 2026 Annual Gala, “Viking Vanguards: Honoring Our Legacy, Charting the Future — Commemorating 98 Years of Faith, Scholarship, and Leadership,” at My Brother’s Workshop Event Hall.

Querrard will receive the Viking Legacy Award.

Among other things, she serves as a correspondent with the Virgin Islands Source, covering government, culture, and community issues across the territory. Since launching her digital platform in 2021, she has built a combined audience of more than 60,000 followers through content centered on Caribbean culture, history and current events. She also produces and co-hosts the Caribbean Mystics Podcast, which has surpassed 80,000 downloads and secured a partnership with Spectre Vision Radio.

She has worked in creative direction with Mango Media Marketing, contributed to a Roc Nation artist shoot, and co-hosted Season 3 of Tempo Networks’ “Hot Ones Caribbean.” Still, she credits All Saints with laying the groundwork long before any of those opportunities emerged.

“The teachers at All Saints knew how to pull greatness out of me, even when I was content with playing small,” she said.

Lillian Garfield, recipient of the Steward of Service Award, will be honored at All Saints Cathedral School’s 2026 Annual Gala for her decades of public service, church leadership and community advocacy in the Virgin Islands (Source file photo)

Also honored that evening will be Lillian Garfield, recipient of the Steward of Service Award.

A lifelong Virgin Islander, Garfield spent 35 years with the government of the Virgin Islands in the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s Division of Banking and Insurance. She also served as a Shop Steward for Local 8249 of the United Steelworkers, advocating for fairness and accountability in the workplace.

Her community involvement spans decades. She has served as president of the Charlotte Amalie Band Boosters, volunteered with United Way as co-chair of the Allocation Committee and as a Campaign Committee member, and currently serves as Treasurer of the Long Path/Garden Street Association. A devoted member of All Saints Cathedral Church, she has held numerous leadership roles, including service on the Vestry and Altar Guild, and previously served on the Board of All Saints Cathedral School.

Known for her vibrant spirit and deep cultural pride, Garfield remains active in Carnival and continues to support initiatives that uplift the Virgin Islands community.

Head of School Carla Sarauw said the gala reflects nearly a century of impact.

“For nearly a century, All Saints Cathedral School has shaped leaders who serve with faith, integrity, and excellence,” Sarauw said. “When our community invests in our students, we ensure our legacy not only endures, but thrives.”

The Annual Gala is one of the school’s most significant fundraising efforts, directly supporting academic programming, scholarships, campus enhancements and capital development initiatives. As a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization, the school relies on community partnerships to bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the full cost of delivering a faith-centered education.

The evening will include dinner and program, recognition of honorees, live and silent auctions, and fellowship among alumni, parents, faculty and community partners.

Board Chair Jimez Ashby Jr. underscored the broader purpose.

“Strong schools build strong communities,” Ashby said. “Every contribution to the annual Gala affirms our shared belief that the future of the Virgin Islands depends on the quality of education we provide today.”

Tickets are currently available at the school office, Sole to Soul, VI Bridal & Tuxedo, and online via Eventbrite.

Court Eyes March Sentencing in First Woodpile Case, Charlemagnes Get Trial Date

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Darin Richardson and Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne were arrested in June 2024 and charged with counts related to an alleged multimillion-dollar disaster recovery. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Former V.I. Housing Finance Authority Executive Darin Richardson will likely be sentenced in late March on St. Thomas, more than a year after he was convicted of his part in an alleged scheme involving mismanaged lumber meant for disaster recovery projects.

Richardson’s attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, asked for a continuance during a telephonic status conference Tuesday morning to allow Richardson’s son, who lives on the mainland, time to arrange travel to the territory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro opposed the motion and noted that Richardson’s sentencing had already been delayed multiple times.

A jury found Richardson guilty of making material false statements to a federal agent, criminal conflict of interest, bank fraud, money laundering and making false statements on a loan application on March 5. His sentencing was pushed back from its original date in July because John-Baptiste had to represent Benjamin Hendricks, the business owner and contractor who was convicted alongside former Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White last summer. In January, Hendricks was sentenced to serve five years and eight months in prison.

Richardson’s sentencing was moved again in September because, according to an emergency motion filed at the time, John-Baptiste’s office and living space were destroyed in a fire. On Tuesday, Kearney gave Richardson until the end of the week to file a memo explaining why the court shouldn’t move forward with sentencing in March.

Several other high-profile public corruption cases have been filed and gone to trial since Richardson was arrested in June 2024 alongside Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne, the subcontractors who were responsible for stewarding a vast store of disaster recovery lumber under a federally-funded contract administered by VIHFA. The case against the Charlemagnes has languished because Morris Anselmi, a key witness who was himself indicted for Paycheck Protection Program-related fraud, has been receiving medical care on the mainland.

Attorneys for the Charlemagnes, Anselmi and the government have sparred over the admissibility of Anselmi’s testimony. A deposition he gave last year came to an abrupt halt after he acknowledged that he was cooperating with prosecutors in the woodpile case in hopes of receiving immunity. In subsequent court appearances, attorneys for the government, Anselmi and his co-defendant, Kimberly McCollum, have repeatedly stated that they are close to reaching a plea agreement in the PPP case. During a status conference Tuesday morning, Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise George said the government hoped to resolve the plea issue before resuming the deposition.

“In addition to that … one outstanding issue is a new immunity agreement that … it’s separate, but that needs to be done as well with respect to Anselmi prior to resuming with the deposition,” she said. “And that should be completed shortly as well.”

The Charlemagnes’ trial was set for July 13 on St. Croix.

Gamers Haven Hosts Free Pokemon 30th Anniversary Learn-To-Play Event

Players will learn the basics of the Pokémon Trading Card Game during a hands-on, screen-free session at Gamers Haven on St. Thomas. (Shutterstock image)
Gamers Haven will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Pokémon Trading Card Game on Friday with a five-hour, screen-free “Learn-to-Play” event designed to introduce new players and reconnect longtime fans with the tabletop classic. The event runs from 3 to 8 p.m. at the St. Thomas store, where owner Daniel Perez and the Gamers Haven team are inviting the community to focus on cards and strategy rather than video game competition. According to Perez, marking three decades of Pokémon with a face-to-face card game event was an intentional choice. “Thirty years is huge! That’s three decades of memories, friendships, and battles. For us, the best way to celebrate that legacy wasn’t behind a screen, it was across a table. The heart of the Pokémon trading card game is that person-to-person connection, and we wanted to bring people face-to-face and remind everyone that Pokémon started as a shared experience. This event is about learning and having fun, not high scores.” The event is designed to be unintimidating for anyone who has never touched a Pokémon card before. “This event is going to be one big birthday party for Pokémon. We want to create a fun, upbeat atmosphere where anyone, on any level, can have a good time. Whether someone is an experienced player or starting out for the first time, we want them to have a place to come and party with us and meet new people with similar interests. This is not a tournament,” Perez said. To facilitate this event, Gamers Haven will have dedicated learn-to-play stations, starter decks ready to go, and friendly mentors walking new players through their first turns. Perez emphasized the unique value of bringing people together for a hands-on, face-to-face card game in an era where so much entertainment is digital. “While our world is centered around technology, and we have so much to benefit from it, there is so much value in being able to find something you love that takes us away from our screens,” says Perez. The event is structured to cater to the multigenerational range of the Pokémon fandom, from kids just discovering it to adults who grew up with it. The five-hour window is intended to allow anyone to stop by, whether they have hours to spend or just half an hour. The plan is to kick off the event with a welcome and ‘Happy Birthday’ celebration for Pokémon, followed by quick how-to breakdowns and hands-on play. Throughout the event, there will be rolling learn-to-play sessions, open matches, and casual battles with opportunities to trade and meet new people. Ultimately, the team at Gamers Haven hopes the event serves as a launchpad for a regular community game night. While the store already hosts a community game night every Sunday, the plan is to extend this to weekly events centered around Pokémon. “We currently have a community game night every Sunday, but we plan to extend this to weekly events centered around Pokémon. While we always have our doors open during store hours to provide a space for anyone to sit down and play Pokémon, Settlers of Catan, Root, Azul, Magic, Yu-Gi-Oh, Dragon Ball Z, or any other trading card game and or board game. We plan to create a space for families, friends, and anyone who may be interested to come on by and make memories with us,” Perez said.

My Brother’s Workshop Raises $61,284 at Mystery Under the Sea Fundraiser

We are grateful for the incredible support we received for My Brother’s Workshop Annual Fundraiser, Mystery Under the Sea. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to the event’s success—whether through donations, sponsorship, volunteering, or attendance.
Best Dressed Female – Lucy (Submitted photo)
We’re excited to share that the event raised $61,284, which will go a long way in furthering our mission. Thanks to your generosity, we will continue to provide hope, healing, and purpose to young men and women in the USVI, empowering them through mentorship, education, mental health counseling, on-the-job training, and job placement. Congratulations to all of our winners: Guessing Whodunnit – Kirk and Deniqua Best Dressed Female – Lucy Best Dressed Male – Kirk Best Dressed Duo – Kirk and Tracy Winning Raffle Numbers: 6411665, 6411649, 6411699, 6411670, 6411697, 6411617, 6411700, 6411661
Best Dressed Duo – Kirk and Tracy (Submitted photo)
All silent auction items and raffle items are available for pickup by their winner at the MBW Campus. Thank you again for helping us to create lasting change in our community. To relive the moments from the event, please click HERE to view photos from the night.

Peter Roka Dies

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Peter Roka, of Christiansted, St. Croix U. S. Virgin Islands, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026.  
Peter Roka
He is survived by his wife, Tanisha Bailey-Roka, Esq.; daughter, Sara Roka; sons, Steven Roka, and Andor Soter; grandchildren, Jenna Teece-Soter, William Teece-Soter, Eva Teece-Soter, Sianna Roka, and Makai Roka; daughters-in-law, Sonya Teece, Mary Roka; Sisters-in-law, Tresa Bailey-Nolan, Laura Murray, Pirri Roka; brothers-in-law, Gil Edwin, Lloyd Murray, Sean Nolan; nieces, Zsuzsanna Gorog, Arielle Depass, Michelle Edwin, Swanna Yearwood; nephew, Sean Nolan II; great niece, Iyla Yearwood; great nephew, Gabor Gorog; cousins and other relatives, Otilla Orelj, Urban Horvat. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 at the Vincent F. Mason Sr. Coral Resort located in Frederiksted, St. Croix. Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Schuster’s Crematorium, LLC

Banister Lorenzo Shallow Dies at 79

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The family of the late Banister Lorenzo Shallow sadly announces his passing on Jan. 5, 2026. He was born on Sept. 24, 1946, and will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, strength, and the lasting impact he made on the lives of all who knew and loved him.
Banister Lorenzo Shallow
Banister was preceded in death by his mother, his father, and his sisters, who welcomed him into eternal rest.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories his loving daughters, Janice, LaRhona, and Shani; and his devoted sons, Kenston, Garfield, and Sheldon. He was a proud grandfather to Davi, Davica, Shamelia, Mellisa, Nakeda, Preston, Sharnelynn, Kalyani, Jelani, Aiden, Sydney, Kamani, D’andre, Izaiah, and Ivarie, all of whom brought him immense joy and pride.
He is also survived by his brother, Leonard; nieces Gracey, Raquel B., Vesly, and Brenda Innis; nephews Carl, Phillip, Berthrum, and Pat Innis; his in-laws Khoy Evans and Shelly Andrews; along with his special friends and many other relatives and loved ones in St. Vincent, Trinidad, Tortola BVI, and St. Croix, too numerous to mention but deeply cherished.
A close family viewing will be held on Feb. 26, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Divine Chapel, #129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820.
A Funeral Service celebrating his life will take place on Feb. 27, at 2 p.m., also at Divine Chapel, #129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, St. Croix, VI 00820.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown during this time of bereavement.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Rosa Maria Mendez Dies at 55

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The family of Rosa Maria Mendez sadly announces her passing on Feb. 9, 2026. Rosa was born on April 23, 1970, and throughout her life she was known for her loving heart, strength, and devotion to her family and friends. She touched many lives with her kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for those closest to her.
Rosa Maria Mendez
She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters: Xenia Mendez, Chrystal Charles, Christine Charles, Rosa Charles, Adelisha Charles, and Jahtoya Means; and her sons: Luis Mendez and Jacob Charles. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jesus Charles. Rosa was also preceded in death by her parents, Milda L. Mendez and Angel M. Mendez Sr., as well as her cherished grandparents Maria D. Torres, Juan S. Vasquez, Domingo Mendez, and Rosa M. Marin. She leaves behind her treasured grandchildren: Camoi, Cemoi, Faith, Serenity, Reynald Jr., Juan, Jayden, Jahmary, Jadaliz, Aaliyah, Jaheem, Amaya, Ashtin, and A’Lynnia, and was preceded in death by her grandson Demarcus. She is lovingly remembered by her brothers: Roberto Mendez, Angel Mendez Jr., and Julio Mendez Sr., and was preceded in death by her brother Domingo Mendez. She also leaves to mourn her sisters: Rosaidalia Mendez and Janet Mendez. Rosa’s memory will continue to live on through her devoted aunts Noemi Santana and Brunilda Santana, her uncles Edgardo Santana, Josues Santana, Manuel Santana, and Reuben Santana, her nieces Brenda Mendez, Glenda Mendez, Ashley Mendez, and Xiomara Mendez, and her nephews Julio Mendez Jr., Angel Mendez III, Isaac Mendez, and Natanael Mendez. She will also be fondly remembered by her cousins Enid, Juanita, Kimberlyn, Monica, Evette, and Lydia; her in-laws Tanya Mendez and Julia Mendez; and her special friends Maria Johnson, Ruth Torres, Nilda Dujon, Aida Boulogne, Kathiria Rivera, and the caring staff of the Caribbean Kidney Center, whose compassion meant so much to her and her family. A Memorial Service celebrating the life of Rosa Maria Mendez will be held on Friday, March 6, at 10 a.m. at Refuge Tabernacle Church, 295 Estate Grove Place, Frederiksted, VI 00841. Rosa Maria Mendez will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her love, resilience, and the joy she brought into the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and family unity will continue through generations. May she rest in eternal peace.

VI Folklife Festival Returns for Celebration of Living Traditions and Cultural Legacy

The Virgin Islands Folklife Festival returns this spring for its fourth annual celebration, uniting tradition bearers, musicians, artisans, and community members for a vibrant public showcase of the cultural identity that defines the territory.
The VI Folklife Festival kicks off March 6. (Submitted photo)
Presented by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights—the legendary, internationally recognized Quelbe ensemble led for more than five decades by master flautist Stanley Jacobs—the festival continues the group’s mission of preserving, promoting, and advancing the official music of the U.S. Virgin Islands. From their home island of St. Croix, the Ten Sleepless Knights have carried Quelbe across the Caribbean and around the world with discipline, reverence, and pride. The festival is made possible through the generous support of community partners including the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts. Festival Kickoff The 2026 festival begins on Friday, March 6 at 9 a.m. with a cultural workshop for students at Estate Whim Museum in Frederiksted. This interactive program will introduce young people to traditional music, storytelling, and craftsmanship through direct engagement with local culture bearers. A Territory-Wide Celebration of Heritage Throughout the month, musicians, dancers, storytellers, farmers, culinary artists, and tradition bearers from St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John will come together to honor the living traditions of the Virgin Islands. This year’s program places special emphasis on intergenerational exchange, creating opportunities for elders to pass down knowledge while empowering younger Virgin Islanders to carry those traditions into the future. Festival can expect:
  • Live Quelbe performances
  • Traditional Quadrille dance demonstrations
  • Storytelling sessions
  • Artisan and craft displays
  • Local cuisine
  • Hands-on cultural learning experiences for families
A Living Archive “The Folklife Festival is about honoring the people who have kept our traditions alive—often without recognition,” said Kendall Henry, coordinator of the Virgin Islands Folklife Festival. “We are creating a space where culture is not simply performed, but understood. When a young person watches a master woodworker, a baker, or a Quelbe musician share their craft, that is continuity.” Henry described the festival as both a celebration and a living archive—“a space where stories, skills, and cultural memory are preserved in real time.” “Our culture has never been static,” he added. “It evolves. But it evolves best when we understand where it comes from.” Festival Access The Virgin Islands Folklife Festival is free and open to the public. The full schedule of events is available at: facebook.com/tensleepless.knights and in St. Croix This Week magazine. Families, students, community members, and visitors are encouraged to attend and experience the rich cultural expressions that continue to shape and define the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Paradise Jam Secures Four-Year Deal to Remain on St. Thomas Through 2029

Opening tip of the UMass versus Oregon State game on Day 4 of the 2025 Paradise Jam Men’s Tournament. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)
Basketball Travelers Inc. has signed a four-year sponsorship agreement with the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department to keep the U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam on St. Thomas through 2029. The agreement ensures the early-season NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament will remain in the territory from November 2026 through November 2029. Paradise Jam is entering its 27th year, the department announced in a press release. “Paradise Jam has become a staple event in the U.S. Virgin Islands and a key driver of the territory’s growing sports tourism industry,” said Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King of Tourism. “We are excited to continue strengthening our partnership with the Paradise Jam organization and to welcome the many student-athletes, fans, and families who experience the destination each year.” The tournament features Division I programs from across the country and is carried on national television broadcasts. Organizers said the event draws traveling fan bases while promoting the territory as a host for major sporting events, according to the press release. “Paradise Jam puts the Virgin Islands on a national stage and brings real dollars into our economy. Every year it fills hotel rooms, supports local businesses and showcases St. Thomas at its best. This agreement through 2029 is about steady opportunity for our people and continued growth in sports tourism for the Territory,” Matarangas-King said. Nels Hawkinson, founder of Paradise Jam and executive director of Basketball Travelers Inc., said the agreement provides continuity for the event and the territory, the press release stated. “This four-year commitment represents stability, growth, and belief in what Paradise Jam brings to the Territory,” Hawkinson said. “We are deeply grateful to the Department of Tourism for their partnership and vision. Together, we are building something that elevates college basketball while driving meaningful tourism and economic impact for the territory.” Each year, Paradise Jam brings thousands of visitors to St. Thomas, increasing hotel occupancy and visitor spending during the late fall tourism season. Teams, families, alumni and fans patronize restaurants, ground transportation providers, attractions and retail businesses, the release stated. Kreston Welch, president and managing partner of Basketball Travelers Inc., said the partnership extends beyond the games themselves, it stated. “Paradise Jam has always been about more than basketball,” Welch said. “It’s about relationships, community, and showcasing the Virgin Islands on a national stage. This partnership ensures that St. Thomas remains one of the most unique and sought after destinations in college basketball.”

Paul King Cyr Dies at 85

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The family and friends of Paul King Cyr lovingly remember his life and legacy. Paul King Cyr was born on Aug. 4, 1940, in Maine to the late Leo Cyr and Valida King Cyr. He peacefully departed this life on Feb. 7, 2026.

Paul King Cyr

Paul will be remembered as a man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep love for snorkeling and embraced every opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Whether exploring nature or engaging in a challenging game of chess, Paul appreciated moments that stimulated both his spirit and his mind. His quiet strength, thoughtful nature, and genuine companionship left a lasting impression on those who knew him.

He leaves to cherish his memory his special friends, Sheryl, Liz Aubert, Alexis Brodhurst, and the members of Sun Self Storage in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, whose lives were enriched by his friendship and presence.

A memorial service honoring Paul’s life will be held on Feb. 27, at 10 a.m. at Divine Chapel, #129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, VI 00820.

Though he has departed from this earthly life, Paul’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.