Silvia Evelyn Pemberton
Arrived: November 12, 1930 – Departed: December 11, 2025
Silvia Evelyn Pemberton
Mrs. Silvia Evelyn Pemberton (nee Davoren), affectionately known to all as ‘Ms. Evvie’ or ‘Mrs. P’, peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at her home on Dec. 11, 2025, in Kennesaw, Georgia, at the age of 95.
Her Foundation of Talent and Education
Born in Tabernacle Village, St. Kitts, to Ellen Davoren and Maxwell Parris, Silvia was identified from birth as a unique and gifted child – her hands were never idle. She was raised by her beloved grandmother, “Ma” who instilled in her the core values of faith, love, compassion, the value of education, cooking, and the spirit of giving, which defined her 95 years.
A precocious student, her early education began at age 3, and her ability to excel was hard to go unnoticed. Upon completion of the 7th Standard, she was assigned to teach an elementary class. However, while she enjoyed that, her true calling was in the artistry of sewing: needle and thread. Having mastered sewing by making clothes for her dolls under the guidance of her Aunt Hannah, she grew into an exceptional ‘freehand’ and pattern seamstress and a popular couturier.
Her Faith
As a devout mother, she demonstrated her passion for the things of Almighty God, who was her foundation. Sunday School teacher, Class leader, Women’s league member, and the choir – she was always active.A Legacy of Love and Artistry
Mrs. Silvia shared 51 years of marriage with her late husband, Victor L. Pemberton, until his passing in 2005. That union produced eight children, but seven grew to adulthood. Silvia’s devotion to her family was visible to the entire community; she was famous for dressing her children in perfectly coordinated outfits: her sons in shirts that matched her daughters’ dresses, often accompanied by her own matching dress, hats, and bags.
Her career spanned decades, from St. Kitts to St. Thomas, U.S.V.I., and later to Kennessaw, Georgia. Whether she was sewing all night to meet a deadline for a wedding party, sewing school skirts, or providing formal attire for neighbors, even when payment was delayed, her kindness was her trademark. She wore an unassuming smile, which made it difficult to tell if she was mad.
Her Final Years
Relocation to Kennesaw with her daughter, Victoria, another skill developed.Silvia traded some of her sewing time for the soil, finding joy in gardening and growing the vegetables for the family table. She remained the cornerstone of her family, finding her greatest happiness in sewing, cruises, domestic and international travel, and celebrating the academic and life achievements of her children and grandchildren.
Survivors
Sons: T. Alva Pemberton (Aurelia), Ivor Pemberton, Winston Pemberton (Ideta).
Daughters: E. Victoria Pemberton, Erma L. Pemberton, Thelma R. Pemberton-Abbot (Elvin), Evelyn A. Pemberton
Preceded in death by:
Her husband: Victor L. Pemberton
Her son: Elroy Pemberton
Grandson: Jermaine “Ras Koniyah” Pemberton and
Sisters: Catherine Roberts, Sarah Rawlins, and Paulette Nibbs
Grandchildren & Great-Grandchildren: A vast legacy of grandchildren and great-grandchildren including Fiona, Antoinette + Bria & Brianna; Alecia +Jahmera; Avalyn, Alvalia, Keneva; Shermaine + Ajani & Asia, Dominique + Kyra and Sora; James; Vi’Kelia; Terencia +JeTaari; Telford + Kaiya; Shukura, Sharifa, Shyvonna; MeLaine; Petryce + Anthony; Shenifa + Rhia & Remi; Winston Jr., Sholana, Sheraud, Shomali, and Tisha.
Nieces and Nephews: Melinda Audain, Paulette Rawlins, Mary Rawlins, Raymond Roberts, Jerome Rawlins, Hester Nesbitt, Ronald Roberts Jr., Adonis Rawlins, and Steadroy Francis.
Extended Family: Numerous relatives and close friends – deeply loved in Kennessaw, St Thomas, and St Kitts.
Though Mrs. Silvia Evelyn Pemberton transitioned from the earthly life, her memory will live on in those who wore the clothes she made, ate a good meal, the jokes she shared, and the many lives she impacted throughout the journey.
Tributes can be sent to: silviapem95@gmail.com by Jan. 30.
Service Information:
Funeral Service: Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Location: Tabernacle Methodist Church, St. Kitts
Interment: Tabernacle Cemetery, St. Kitts
Arrangements by:
#1. Georgia: Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home and Memorial Park, Kennessaw, GA.
#2. St Kitts: Jenkins Funeral Home, Basseterre, St Kitts.
The family of Maria Delgado is heartbroken to announce her passing on Jan. 9, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Eugenia Reyes, and her father, Angel Ortega.
Maria Delgado
Maria leaves to cherish her memory of her loving husband, Patrick Delgado; her daughter, Karen Heywood; her sons, Marc Ortega, Michael Heywood, and David Heywood; her grandchildren, Paige Ortega, Shawn and Michelle Heywood, David, Tatiana, Eric, and Daniel Ascencio; and her great-grandchildren, Abijah Isaac, Alijah and Izayliah Ascencio, Janina Heywood, and Baby Heywood.
She is also survived by her sister, Angela Serrano; her aunts, Gloria Reyes, Francisca Reyes, Otelia Cruz Reyes, and Antonio Ortiz; her uncles, Roberto Ortiz, Gaspar Navarro, and Jesus Reyes; her nephews, Mario and Joel Castro; and her in-laws, Luis Serrano, Marie Delgado, and Joy Delgado.
Special thanks are extended to Vilma Lugo, Maria Rivera, Rosa Maria Elysis, Pastora Carmen Maldonado, and Pumi Lopez for their love and support.
Many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention also mourn her passing.
A friends and family viewing will be held on Friday, Feb. 6, at Divine Chapel from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Funeral services will take place on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Iglesia Camino A Damasco, 56 Marshill, St. Croix, with viewing at 9 a.m. and service at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
It is with profound sadness that the family of the late Eszart A. Wynter Sr. announces his peaceful passing on Jan. 3, 2026.
Eszart A. Wynter Sr.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Allyson V. Tanner and Wesley C. Wynter. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Celestina “Byril” Tanner.
He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his devoted spouse, Stacy Payne-Wynter, his loving daughters, Brittney S. Wynter; and sons, Eszart A. Wynter Jr., Brandon J. Wynter, Gabriel C. Wynter, and Elijah W. Wynter. He is also survived by his grandson, Kaleb M. McFarlande.
He is further survived by his sisters, Maureen Wynter-Moorehead, Pauline Wynter, and Dulcie Wynter-King and his brothers Wesley “Osmond” Wynter and Luther Wynter. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Courtenay Wynter and Noel A. Wynter.
Also left to mourn are his brothers-in-law, Dr. Roderick E. Moorehead Sr., Erwin Payne, Peter Payne, Robert Payne, and Barry Payne; and his sister-in-law, Kathy-Ann Payne.
He is lovingly remembered by his special niece, Dr. Kimberly S. Moorehead, and many others too numerous to mention; and special nephews, Roderick E. Moorehead Jr., Samadh Reyes, and many others too numerous to mention. He is also survived by other cherished relatives including Ivona Joseph and family; Charles and Edmund Anthony and family; and many other family members too numerous to mention.
He will also be deeply missed by his special friends: Honorable Governor Albert Bryan Jr.; Honorable Supreme Court Associate Justice Harold W.L. Willocks; Attorney Clive Rivers; Attorney Marshal Webster; Jacqueline Smith Turnbull-Wynter family; Arlene Lake and family; the Wynter families; the Payne families; Bradley Thomas and family; Allick, Byron and Sackey families; Professor Arthur Dennery and family; Mario Thomas and family; his legal colleagues; his office staff past and present; his golf buddies; and so many others too numerous to mention.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, Jan. 29, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Frederiksted, St. Croix.
Viewing: 9 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m.
Relay For Life of St. Thomas Sponsor and Donor Acknowledgment
Relay For Life of St. Thomas 2026. (Submitted photo)
At this time, we would like to take a moment to recognize and thank the incredible partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers who helped make the 2026 Relay For Life of St. Thomas possible.
Our Stage Sponsor, One Communications — thank you for supporting the heart of this event and helping us amplify the message of hope, strength, and community throughout the night.
Our KidZone Sponsor, the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum — thank you for creating a safe, joyful, and engaging space for our children and families.
Our Caregiver Sponsor, Merchants Commercial Bank — your commitment to honoring and supporting caregivers in our community truly reflects the compassion and spirit at the core of Relay For Life.
We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to The Source US Virgin Islands, whose dedication to sharing our story made a powerful impact. Through their support of our media outreach, press releases, and advertising, they helped ensure our message reached the wider community and inspired participation across the island.
Finally, we thank Marshall & Sterling for their generous sponsorship, which helped us secure essential items needed to bring this event to life. Their support played a vital role in ensuring a safe, successful, and meaningful Relay experience for all involved.
A special thank you to Donna Frett Gregory for sponsoring billboard advertising, and to our media partners who helped spread awareness throughout the Virgin Islands. We are grateful to the following radio stations for their media coverage and continued support:
• 90.9 Just Us
• WSTA Pass It On
• WGOD Aunty Patty Pat
• Da Vybe 107.9
• Ideas & Issues on WSTA 1340
We are also deeply grateful for our many in-kind donors and partners who contributed their time, talent, and services, including:
Emcees: Dionne Donadelle, Kyza Callwood, and Nicole Syms
Bishop Carl Richardson, JD., of Living Hope Cathedral, for opening the event with reflection and faith
Chef Jacinto Durant, serving as Executive Chef
Kevin Rodriguez, Maître d’ of the Survivor and Caregiver Reception
Shanika Charles
Office of the Governor
Team Plaskett
Lew Henley
Dixie Sound Production
IEKHS Staff — Ms. Petty, Coach Potter, Ms. Ritter, Ms. Dessout, and the Hospitality Students
Dynamite Rays
Virgin Islands National Guard
Bones Band Sound Production
DJ Patrick
DJ Rama
DJ JD
Jairay Petty Big Band
Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, Chief Instructor James Gittens, PIP Director Kamilah Joseph, and Rising Stars Coordinator Tanasha Pemberton
Pan Round the Neck
St. Thomas Reformed Church
Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Lando
Perfume World
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Adam Quandt
VIFEMS
St. Thomas East End Medical Center
VI WAPA — Hillary Jean-Baptiste
Allied Rentals
Conde Restaurant
JR’s
JPK Development
The Figueroa Family
We are extremely grateful to our parking attendants, Patrick Thomas, Patricia Thomas, and Sonia Herman, for their support and dedication throughout the event.
The Planning Committee at St. Thomas East End Medical Center, for their dedicated planning, guidance, and commitment to the success of Relay For Life of St. Thomas
We would also like to thank those who donated silent auction items and community services, including:
Tree Limin Extreme
Muse Events
Therapeutic Massage
Paradise Paws
Synergy Fitness and Wellness Center
And Team Plaskett for providing water for the Survivor Reception and STEEMCC.
We would also like to recognize and thank our dedicated Relay For Life team captains, whose leadership, fundraising efforts, and commitment were instrumental in making this event a success. Their tireless efforts helped unite teams, inspire participation, and move our mission forward.
While the Relay For Life 2026 event has concluded, the mission continues. Our community has until March 31 to help us reach our $100,000 fundraising goal, supporting the American Cancer Society’s mission to fund cancer research, provide patient support, and deliver support programs across the Virgin Islands.
Together, we are making a difference. Together, we are stronger than cancer.
Several local unions will picket outside the St. Thomas Legislature Building Monday amid Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory Address. (Source file photo)
When Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. delivers his eighth and final State of the Territory Address Monday at the Legislature on St. Thomas, local labor groups plan to be outside demanding fair contracts, wage increases and safer working conditions for their members.
The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers represents approximately 40 security guards at U.S. Virgin Islands health care facilities who have long worked without a collective bargaining agreement or wage increases, IAM said in a statement Friday. The union said that “prolonged injustice” stems from the Office of Collective Bargaining and the Public Employee Relations Board failing to meet their legal obligations to negotiate contracts and resolve grievances.
“The IAM Union is calling on the governor and the Virgin Islands Legislature to do the right thing — fix the OCB and PERB, honor the law, respect collective bargaining rights, and deliver fair contracts and raises to the essential workers who keep our island moving,” IAM Southern Territory Special Rep. John Vigueras said in a statement. “This public action gives government leadership a clear opportunity to stand with their constituents at a pivotal moment for the future of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Leontyne Jones, president of the American Federation of Teachers Local 1825, said her members will hold an “informational picket” to highlight health and safety issues at the territory’s aging public schools. Jones said members of the Educational Administrators Association and Seafarers International Union will be drawing attention to their own issues and that “they all have legitimate concerns.”
“We’ll have a whole lot of people out there who make a difference and show people that our unions are suffering,” she said. “The OCB needs to hire another lawyer. They have one lawyer dealing with … 30 contracts. So it’s ridiculous, and there’s no excuse.”
The territory’s chief negotiator, Joss Springette, has long advocated for an expansion or amendment to the Virgin Islands’ collective bargaining law, Act 4440, to allow the governor to authorize general wage increases while negotiations are pending. In a 2023 interview, she noted that the law was passed nearly half a century ago amid a very different union landscape.
The landscape changed again in June when the 36th Legislature unanimously approved raising the minimum salary for government employees to $35,000 per year amid a bitter, monthslong dispute over pay raises for top government officials. Bryan called the base pay increase an “unfunded mandate” which would impact salaries across the board — including for union employees.
In a September letter to Bryan, OCB and members of the governor’s financial team, the V.I. Police Benevolent Association said its officers were in a “chokehold” waiting for responses to contract terms covering salaries, overtime and raises while contending with unsafe working conditions and low morale.
“Once everyone who was making $27,000 is raised to $35,000,” Bryan told the Source at the time, “employees already at that level will expect to see an increase too, and supervisors above them will want their salaries adjusted as well. It doesn’t stop at the entry level — it ripples upward through the entire system.”
At the time, Bryan said his administration was still working to understand the full impact of the salary increase.
“Until we figure out how to absorb these costs — or the Legislature identifies funding to cover the rest of the employees — we can’t responsibly move forward,” he said
Hannibal “Mike” Ware, the new executive director of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA), met with about 60 St. Croix residents during a public town hall at Alfredo Andrews Elementary School. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Hannibal “Mike” Ware, the new executive director of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, met with about 60 St. Croix residents during a public town hall at Alfredo Andrews Elementary School to discuss sanitation challenges, illegal dumping, recycling, sewage infrastructure, and the future of residential garbage collection.
“This is one of my first opportunities to hear directly from the community about their concerns, and I’m committed to addressing them,” Ware told residents. “Education and enforcement must work together — penalties alone will not solve the problem of illegal dumping.”
Ware, addressing the agency’s current realignment under limited resources, said, “We are focused on stabilizing the authority and improving service. Our goal is to work with the community, not against it.”
He highlighted two major territory-wide concerns: improper disposal of used oil and abandoned tires. “These are serious public health and environmental hazards,” Ware said. “We need both enforcement and education to ensure residents and businesses comply.” Ware confirmed that there are approximately one million undisposed tires across the territory and emphasized that oil contamination and tire dumping create dangerous environmental and health risks. “We’re exploring ways to trace tires from businesses and improve disposal options, so these problems don’t continue,” he said.
To address these challenges, Ware announced plans to break ground on new convenience centers on St. Croix at Concordia, Mon Bijou, and Cotton Valley, designed to handle residential and commercial waste more efficiently. “We’re creating modern, safe, and properly managed sites,” he said. Groundbreaking at Concordia is scheduled for Jan. 30, with construction for each center expected to take four to five months.
Residents raised questions about enforcement patrols, noting that illegal dumping often occurs at night. Ware confirmed that patrols are already underway but acknowledged that staffing limits prevent around-the-clock coverage. The agency is actively hiring additional officers.
Community members participate in a public discussion on waste management, illegal dumping, and sanitation challenges during a town-hall meeting on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Concerns about reduced receptacles at the Peters Rest Convenience Center were addressed. Ware said operational changes led to fewer containers but confirmed new receptacles have been ordered and will be serviced more frequently.
Inconsistent household trash pickup was another topic of discussion. Residents cited missed and late collections. Ware acknowledged the issue, citing aging equipment, staffing shortages, and reliance on contractors. Job announcements have been posted for sanitation workers, technicians, and truck drivers to stabilize routes and improve service.
He reminded residents that household bins are only for bagged household waste, including food and paper products. Yard waste, such as branches, is not accepted due to fire risks at disposal facilities.
Much of the discussion centered on the potential introduction of residential garbage collection fees. Ware explained that VIWMA was originally designed to include such fees and noted that the Virgin Islands is one of the few U.S. jurisdictions that does not currently charge for residential collection. A professional fee study is underway to determine a potential structure, with affordability and community impact under careful review.
Residents emphasized the need for education alongside enforcement, especially regarding tires, appliances, electronics, and green waste. “Outreach must come before penalties whenever possible,” Ware agreed.
Residents asked questions and shared concerns during a public town hall hosted by the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Other concerns included illegal dumping of appliances and debris along roadways, recycling expansion, and aging sewage infrastructure. Ware said federal disaster recovery funding has been secured for a full wastewater system replacement, a major long-term project.
Despite frustrations, residents thanked the agency for engaging with the public. Ware said improving communication and transparency will remain a priority.
“We all want a cleaner Virgin Islands,” Ware said. “That will take the government and community working together.”
Jazz, soul, funk and blues music fans are expected to land on St. John on Tuesday, Jan. 27. (Image courtesy of Holland America Line)
Fans of jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues are expected to converge on Love City Tuesday when the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise drops anchor off the coast of St. John. With help from the Tourism Department, a local lawmaker has released the lineup for a day of performances at locations in and around Cruz Bay.
On that day, 2,666 passengers on board Holland America’s ship, the Nieuw Statendam, are expected to join shoreside events where musical acts booked on the ship will perform. Tourism’s Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull invites residents and visitors to come enjoy the music and welcome those traveling with the sold-out cruise.
He even gave them a name: the Blues Cruise Cruisers, and passengers are expected to cruise between performances at Franklin Powell Park, Mongoose Junction Shopping Center, and popular party spots. “And you can engage with them, especially if you are into jazz, blues or rhythm and blues. Come show our visitors some hospitality,” Turnbull said.
Scheduled performances start at midday with Mitch Woods and Guests at the Windmill Bar in Susannaberg. Woods’ performance at the 2019 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was nominated for the Best Live Blues Recording at that year’s Blues Blast Music Awards.
By 1 p.m., live music is expected to light up Cruz Bay with Zac Harmon & the Drive at Mongoose Junction and Kid Andersen’s Greaseland All Stars in Franklin Powell Park. Not too far away, at the Beach Bar, David Julia, Mike Ancona & the Crow’s Nest All Stars with Just Friends are expected to serve up renditions of blues and R&B tunes, seasoned with soul music.
Those who love reggae, gospel and blues-style rock tunes may find Zac Harmon and company their vibe of the day, while Kid Andersen’s All-Stars may stir up some dancing in the park with a funky mix of blues and soul tunes.
And to add some V.I. flavor, jazz vocalist Pam Love will join the day’s celebrations. Love was once a featured artist at Cruz Landing Restaurant in Powell Park and, of late, is making the scene at night spots in the Coral Bay Area. Backed up by guitarist Haile Israel, the pair promised to add their blues and soulful expressions to Tuesday’s artistry.
Visitors can also look forward to the appearance of dancing moko jumbies dressed in cultural costumes.
Turnbull credits Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques for putting Tuesday’s event together. The lawmaker is also the sponsor of Bill No. 36-0222, proclaiming Jan. 27 the Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise Day. “Angel Bolques came to us and wanted to partner with us. We are helping to facilitate a day for the passengers to experience St. John,” the Festivals director said.
In an announcement issued Friday, the bill’s sponsor invited everyone to “come out and celebrate our vibrant musical culture with artists from around the world, right here in the heart of the Virgin Islands.”
Other ships dropping off passengers on St. Thomas on Tuesday (many of whom make their way to St. John) include Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas, Carnival Dream and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Sea.
The Rotary Club of St. Thomas will debut its first Mardi Gras Ball on Feb. 7, benefiting graduating seniors at Charlotte Amalie High School. (Shutterstock image)
The Rotary Club of St. Thomas will debut its first-ever Mardi Gras Ball on Saturday, Feb. 7, transforming downtown St. Thomas into a New Orleans-inspired celebration that blends music, cuisine, and community giving.
The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. at Hotel 1829, a recently refurbished historic property located near the iconic 99 Steps. Proceeds will benefit graduating seniors at Charlotte Amalie High School, supporting scholarship opportunities as students pursue higher education and career pathways.
This inaugural Mardi Gras Ball marks a shift from Rotary’s traditional sit-down dinner gala to a more interactive and accessible community celebration designed to welcome broader participation while continuing to support the club’s charitable mission.
Hotel 1829 provides a fitting backdrop for the event. The historic building, dating back to 1829, was carefully restored by proprietors Mark and Jessica Geller to reflect its early French-influenced origins. Those roots align naturally with the traditions of Mardi Gras, which trace back to French culture and later flourished in New Orleans.
Guests can expect heavy, passed hors d’oeuvres inspired by New Orleans cuisine, including mini muffulettas, chicken and sausage jambalaya, and classic powdered-sugar beignets. Live New Orleans jazz will open the evening with the Jairay Petty Quartet, followed by DJ Tony T spinning Zydeco and dance music.
Formal attire is not required, though guests are encouraged to dress up and embrace the evening’s sparkle and flair.
“This is our first Mardi Gras event, and we wanted to create something that truly invites the community in,” said Teresa Ethen, president of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. “By shifting to a more open, celebratory format, we’re able to bring people together while still making a meaningful investment in the future of our graduating seniors.”
Tickets and sponsorship information are available through the Rotary Club of St. Thomas. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Dr. Kisha Hamilton at 417-619-1346.
Government Hill will be closed to parking during the event. A shuttle will run from the Fort Christian parking lot beginning at 6 p.m. and continuing for one hour before and after the event.
A St. Croix man was arrested Thursday in connection with a reported domestic violence incident involving strangulation, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Police said the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report at about 3:56 p.m. of a strangulation. Detectives responding to the call made contact with the victim, who reported that she and Elijah Drew were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated when Drew placed her in a chokehold, restricting her airway, police said. The victim sustained injuries as a result of the assault, according to the police report.
Drew was located Thursday at about 8:03 a.m., detained and transported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command police station, where he was advised of his Miranda rights, the police report stated.
He was arrested on charges of second-degree assault as an act of domestic violence, simple assault and battery, and disturbance of the peace. Drew was booked, and no bail was set pending his appearance before a judge, the report stated.
He was transported to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility pending an advice of rights hearing, police said.
