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.
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, 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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Parjet Dennyson Thomas was born on April 20, 1957, and peacefully departed this life on Feb. 13, 2026. He will be lovingly remembered for his kindness, strength, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. Parjet lived a life rooted in family, friendship, and community, leaving behind cherished memories that will continue to live on in the hearts of his loved ones.
Parjet Dennyson Thomas
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving daughters, Kemetris Deonarine-Thomas, Kemesha Rico, and Kerdesha Thomas; and his devoted son, Kesharer Thomas. He was a proud grandfather to Daunte Thomas, Dominic Rico, Sebastian Rico, and Re’amenset, who brought him great joy and happiness.
He is also survived by his sisters, Laurel Huggins and Thelma Bradley; his aunt, Judith Hill; and his uncle, Doval Parris. He leaves behind his beloved nieces, Clovis Rogers, Kimmi Huggins, and Mavissa Wilson; nephews and cousins too numerous to mention; and his in-laws, Marika Brown, Nadia Deonarine-Thomas, and Alejandro Rico.
Parjet will be fondly remembered by his special friends Annette Francis, Sharmine Williams, and many other dear friends whose lives he touched throughout the years.
A Family Viewing will be held on Monday, Feb. 23, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
A Funeral Service celebrating the life of Parjet Dennyson Thomas will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Faith Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Though he has departed from this earthly life, Parjet Dennyson Thomas leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured moments that will forever remain in the hearts of his family and friends.
The Northside Sportfishing Club is pleased to announce that the 2026 Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament – the largest inshore small boat tournament in the U.S. Virgin Islands – will take place on Sunday, July 12, at The Shack at The Hideaway, in Hull Bay, St. Thomas.
Gilbert Laban with his 26.9-pound Largest Kingfish in 2024. (Photo by Sarah Cooper)
“We’re proud to host this much-loved tournament again and continue a true family tradition,” says Catherine Bryan, one of the tournament co-directors. “Over the years, we’ve seen grandparents, parents, and children all take part, which is incredibly special. Everyone is invited! Anglers who’ve fished with us for decades and first-timers, residents and visitors alike, are welcome to fish or enjoy the festivities at The Shack at The Hideaway. There will be live music, food, and drink, and activities for the kids.”
First organized by the Club in 1988, the last tournament held in 2024 attracted 177 anglers, including 37 junior anglers, on 40 boats. Gilbert Laban of St. Thomas reeled in the largest kingfish, a 26.9-pounder, from aboard the Double Header 6. More prize categories include Best Boat, Best Captain, Best Angler, Best Junior Angler, and other fish species such as bonito and mackerel.
As well as being a day of fishing and fun for the whole family, the NSC’s Annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament has donated over $230,000 to community organizations such as the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School, Nana Baby Children’s Home, and St. Thomas Rescue, since the event’s inception.
The Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament has also received global accolades. In 2019, National Geographic magazine named the Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament as one of the world’s ‘9 Bastille Day bashes that celebrate French Culture!’ In 2012, online travel advisor Hotwire.com named St. Thomas one of the Top 10 destinations in the world to celebrate Bastille Day thanks to the tournament.
For more information, call (340) 998-0854 or Email: nssfcvi@gmail.com. Or, check us out on Facebook and Instagram @ Northside Sportfishing Club.
