Suspect Charged in Coast Guard Vest Theft

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(Shutterstock image)
U.S. Virgin Islands, USVI, St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, U.S. Coast Guard Station burglarized on St. Thomas, Joseph Gordon charged with burglary, grand larceny and trespass. (Shutterstock image)

A suspect was accused of stealing a military-issued bulletproof vest from the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. Court records filed by police at the time of arrest said authorities encountered the accused shortly after receiving reports of a break-in, and also recovered what appeared to be the missing vest.

But at the time of that encounter on the evening of Nov. 11, 2025, the suspect — identified as Joseph Gordon — was being pulled from the waters of Charlotte Amalie Harbor by first responders. At that time, authorities said the primary concern was transporting the rescue victim for medical treatment. Investigators seeking details about the burglary reported earlier that day would later find out that the shirtless suspect seen slipping through the Coast Guard security gate and the man pulled from the harbor were one and the same.

“The suspect was found in the water and identified as Mr. Joseph Manuel Gordon, was pulled out by responding officers, and was transported via ambulance to the Schneider Regional Medical Center due to his condition,” said a statement prepared by Detective Brian Bedminster. After viewing surveillance recordings, detectives realized that Gordon matched the description of the burglary suspect. Reports described a bald man between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall, weighing about 230 pounds, with a possible tattoo on his arm.

But by the time investigators reached that conclusion, Gordon could not be found. The surveillance cameras also captured the suspect — on the grounds of the Coast Guard station — trying to open doors around the building, and finding one unlocked, entered and removed an armored ballistic vest.

Authorities finally caught up with the suspect after Gordon was arrested Jan. 9 in connection with a theft at the Foot Locker retail store at Lockhart Gardens Shopping Center. When confronted about the Veterans Day burglary on Veterans Drive, documents said the suspect admitted it was him.

Gordon made his initial appearance in Superior Court’s Magistrate Division Jan. 15 before Hon. Julie Smith Todman, where charges of burglary, grand larceny, trespassing and possession of stolen property were upheld.

Arraignment is set for Jan. 30.

Homicides 2026

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The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2026 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported. STX – 3 Territory – 3 Date of death – Jan. 19 The Virgin Islands Police Department has identified the three men found shot to death Sunday morning near the Concordia Dumpsite on St. Croix, according to the department. STT – 1 Territory – 4 Date of death – Feb. 12 A man was found shot to death Thursday morning in the Scott Free area of St. Thomas. STT – 2 Territory – 5 Date of death – March 5 A defendant in a St. Thomas kidnapping and torture trial was reported killed Thursday morning as the case moved toward jury deliberations in Superior Court. STT – 3 Territory – 6 Date of death – March 21 A robbery suspect met his demise Saturday at the hands of his intended victim, following an attempted robbery, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. STX – 4 Territory – 7 Date of death – March 30 A man died Monday night after a shooting near a gas station in the Sunny Isles area on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported. STX – 5 Territory – 8 Date of death – April 13 A man was killed and another injured in a shooting reported Monday morning near the Good Hope Townhouses on St. Croix, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department. STX – 6 Territory – 9 Date of death – May 2 A man was found dead early Saturday morning in Christiansted, St. Croix, after authorities responded to a report of an unresponsive individual at the Christian “Shan” Hendricks Farmer’s Market. The victim was later identified as Daniel Simpkins, 30, originally from Virginia. STX – 7 Territory – 10 Date of death – May 12
Police responding to several 911 calls and a Shotspotter notification indicating numerous rounds fired around 8:17 a.m. Tuesday found a man suffering from several gunshot wounds. He was transported by ambulance to the hospital, where he died of his injuries, according to the report. Next of kind identified the victim as Kaleem Iles, 47. STT – 4 Territory – 11 Date of death – May 13

VIPD officers were dispatched to the area of Haabets Gade in the vicinity of Simmonds Alley at approximately 12:38 a.m. Wednesday on St. Thomas regarding a gunshot victim. The man was transported to Schneider Regional Medical Center via ambulance with multiple gunshot wounds but died of his injuries just after 4 a.m., police reported. Next of kin identified the victim as Aubrey L. Frett, 66.

STT – 5 Territory – 12 Date of death – May 16

VIPD officers dispatched to Yellow Cedar Avenue in Estate Tutu, Saturday May 16, discovered an unresponsive male who sustained what appeared to be multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians responded to the scene and concluded the male did not have any vital signs. The victim’s next of kin identified him as 54-year-old Luciano A. Warrell Jr., the police report stated.

STT – 7 Territory – 14 Date of death – May 30 Two men were killed and a third man was wounded Saturday night in a shooting at Lindbergh Bay on St. Thomas, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.

Eileen Leona Henry Huggins Dies at 90

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Eileen Huggins, loving mother of Monique and Orlando, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida. Her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fully describe, but her love, faith, and example remain deeply rooted in the hearts of all who knew her.
Eileen Leona Henry Huggins
Eileen was born in Christiansted, St. Croix, in 1935, the second child of Ingerborg Cartier-Henry and Irvin Henry, Sr. She grew up in Gallows Bay, where she developed the strong values and deep faith that guided her throughout her life. She attended the St. Croix Seventh-day Adventist School and later traveled to Trinidad to complete her high school education. She eventually married Vernon E. Huggins, and together they welcomed their two cherished children, Monique and Orlando. Eileen devoted many years of her professional life to public service, working for the Virgin Islands Government in the Department of Health and Human Services. She retired in 1990 after serving as Director of Personnel, a role she carried out with dedication, fairness, and care for others. Life after retirement allowed Eileen to fully enjoy the things she loved most. She was an avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler who appreciated the beauty of the world. She also had a deep love for working with her hands. Whether she was planting fruit trees, tending her ferns and orchids, creating ceramics, weaving baskets, macramé, crocheting, decorating cakes, or sharing cultural demonstrations of the Crucian Market Basket at Whim Great House, the Agricultural Fair, and St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park Service sites, Eileen found joy in creating and teaching. Her nieces and nephews, inspired by her basketry skills and commitment to culture, honored her legacy through the formation of Crucian Bayside Creations. Eileen’s faith was the foundation of her life. She was a devoted and active member of the Christiansted Seventh-day Adventist Church, where she taught adult Sabbath School, sang in the choir, and lovingly guided young people as a Pathfinder Club director and counselor. She believed in living her faith, not just speaking it. Family, friends, food, and laughter were important to her, but serving God and serving others came first. She regularly shared meals and cupcakes with the homeless and those in need at the Christiansted Market, quietly showing God’s love through her actions. Eileen lived by the Word, and the scriptures that guided her life reflect the way she treated others—with humility, kindness, and peace. Her favorite Bible verses were: Micah 6:8 – “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God.” Romans 12:18 – “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” Funeral Services for Eileen Huggins will be held on Feb. 1, at the Christiansted Seventh-day Adventist Temple.  Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Christiansted Seventh-day Adventist Temple, designated for the Southgate Development Fund, in honor of Eileen’s memory.  

Photo Focus: Relay For Life Returns to St. Thomas, Survivors Lead the Way

The 2026 Relay for Life got off on a good foot Saturday at the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School track. The 24-hour fundraiser in motion kicked off shortly after dinner, with a group of survivors taking the first of many laps.

Cancer survivors hold the banner as they take the opening lap Saturday night at the 2026 Relay for Life at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Several years had passed since the once-popular cancer walk — sponsored by the American Cancer Society — made its reappearance on St. Thomas; the first event took place in 2025. But now, under the auspices of the St. Thomas East End Medical Center, Relay drew the kind of support and encouragement seen years ago.

“Unfortunately for my staff I always believe in saying Yes and figuring it out, and when we heard there was a need and an interest in having Relay come back to St. Thomas, I was like, “Yep — absolutely; we’ll do it,” said East End Medical Center Chief Executive Tess Richards.

The weekend walks and fundraiser also came within days of a major national report from the Cancer Society saying 70% of persons diagnosed with cancer have greater chances of living five years past their diagnosis date.

Kean High School students greeted organizers, survivors, and supporters of the cancer walk with members of the JROTC color guard opening the official ceremony, followed by the Devil Rays Marching Band taking a musical lap to start the nightlong walk around the track.

Members of the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School JROTC color guard lead the opening ceremony Saturday evening as the 2026 Relay for Life begins at the Kean High School track on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Richards said it took a tremendous effort to stage this year’s cancer walk, but she expressed satisfaction to see that effort become a reality. Schneider Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Tina Comissiong also addressed the crowd, saying the need for public support is sorely needed in the fight against cancer in the Virgin Islands.

Luminary bags honoring loved ones lost to cancer line the track Saturday night during the 2026 Relay for Life at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Comissiong also spoke about the steps now underway to prepare for the reopening of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute. The center provided cancer diagnostic and treatment for Virgin Islanders and patients from the Eastern Caribbean from 2006 until 2017, when major storms disabled the building.

“ … the radiation oncologist has been hired, the dosimetry team has been engaged; the radiation therapists have been recruited, and the radiation nurses are already signed up … We’re gearing up, and we’re ready to go,” the medical center chief said.

Chef Jucinto Durant and his team prepared the survivors’ dinners, served by students from the Kean High School hospitality class. “I’m the maitre d’ today,” said St. Thomas Administrator Kevin Rodriguez, “We are happy to be here.”

Chef Gabriel Christian prepares dinner for cancer survivors Saturday evening during the 2026 Relay for Life at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The culinary team of Chef Durant and Gabriel Christian, Nick Browne, and Mohammed of his culinary team confer while preparing the survivors’ dinner Saturday during the 2026 Relay for Life at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

Once the meal was served, survivors took to their feet and made their way along the track, followed by dignitaries, organizers, and those who donned their sneakers for the long walk into Sunday.

Sponsors for the 2026 Relay for Life cancer walk included One Communications, Merchants Commercial Bank, the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services and the Virgin Islands Source.

Sunset Soca Wine Festival Returns to St. Croix With Music, Flavor and Island Elegance

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Attendees enjoy wine tastings and Caribbean cuisine during the Sunset Soca Wine Festival on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The Sunset Soca Wine Festival made its vibrant return to St. Croix Sunday, transforming Loops Beach in Estate La Grange into an evening of wine, Caribbean cuisine and Soca rhythms during the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Now in its second year on St. Croix and following its third staging in St. Thomas, organizers describe the festival as a sunset-focused experience blending curated wine tastings with local flavors and high-energy Caribbean music. Guests arrived dressed in island elegant attire, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated both style and culture as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Guests arrived in island elegant attire for the Sunset Soca Wine Festival held Sunday at Loops Beach in Estate La Grange. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Music for the 2026 edition was provided by DJs Chubby, Pops and Kimo Dan, delivering a continuous soundtrack of Soca and regional rhythms that kept the atmosphere lively throughout the event. Rather than separating food, music and wine into individual sections, the festival layout was intentionally designed as an immersive experience, allowing guests to move seamlessly through each element.
DJs Chubby, Pops and Kimo Dan provided nonstop Soca and regional rhythms throughout the evening. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Organizers described the Sunset Soca Wine Festival as more than just an event, calling it a journey that brings together the rhythms of the Caribbean with the world of fine wines. Whether attendees were wine enthusiasts, lovers of Caribbean culture or simply seeking a memorable night out, the festival offered dancing, laughter and lasting memories.
Organizers say the event is designed to create an immersive experience blending music, food and wine. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Euriell BJ Joseph, operational manager for the festival, said the decision to bring the event back to St. Croix was driven by the overwhelming response from its inaugural year. “The energy and support from St. Croix have been incredible,” Joseph said. “We are excited to welcome everyone back this weekend and continue celebrating the island’s culture, hospitality and love for great wine and music.” Organizers also emphasized the festival’s commitment to supporting local vendors, artists and culinary partners, helping to boost cultural tourism during one of the territory’s busiest holiday weekends. “It is all about the experience and it is centered around the wines,” Joseph added. In addition to featuring local and international selections, the festival also showcased its own brand, Sunset Soca Wine, further highlighting the event’s growing presence in the region.
In addition to featuring local and international selections, the festival also showcased its own brand, Sunset Soca Wine, further highlighting the event’s growing presence in the region. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
CEO Cicero Miller said the festival’s broader mission extends beyond entertainment. “Our main goal is to promote people coming to the Virgin Islands, bringing their wines here and pushing it out to the world,” Miller said. “Everything that we do stays here in the Virgin Islands.” During the event, organizers confirmed to the Source that the next Sunset Soca Wine Festival is scheduled for April 28 on St. Thomas. For more updates, follow their website or Facebook.

DPNR’s Territorial Parks Division Hosts Community Presentation on Inclusive Conservation

Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas staff enjoy kayaking in the mangroves. (Photo courtesy Kitty Edwards)
The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, through its Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas, invites the community to an interactive evening focused on the future of Virgin Islands parks. The event, “Building a Connection to Our Parks and Protected Areas,” is scheduled for Tuesday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library Auditorium. Featuring renowned speaker and facilitator Parker McMullen Bushman, the session will spark conversations on park development, stewardship, and creating inclusive, meaningful connections to natural spaces. “ I am ecstatic for the community to meet Parker and participate. Their insights have deeply influenced how I navigate conservation spaces, and I hope this presentation opens the door for future collaboration. With this new year, we’re committed to offering more opportunities like this to the Virgin Islands,” Kristina “Kitty” Edwards, director of TPPA, said. The forum represents a core philosophy for TPPA: building a park system for Virgin Islanders by listening to Virgin Islanders. “Fostering public connection is a strategic pillar for environmental planning and resilience. We are building V.I. Parks for V.I. people, so the community must be a part of the process,” said Kayla Budd, Research and Restoration coordinator for TPPA. Edwards emphasized the cultural foundation of this work. “We want the community to love the places we are protecting and remember we are protecting them for us. Working in the historical and cultural context is deeply important. By bringing people together, we build trust and work to build something impactful for our people,” Edwards said. A key discussion topic, “system diversification,” encompasses the types of protected areas, the activities they support, and the audiences they serve. “Conservation looks different to everyone. While the park system was created with conservation in mind, we want our spaces to be used by everyone. Kayla and I have pulled over to the same overlook to cry. Sometimes you just need a good overlook for that. Someone else may want to snorkel or wade in shallow water. The range of activities and accessibility is vital,” Edwards explained. The event emerged from an opportunity to extend a private workshop with McMullen Bushman into a public gathering. “This event offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with the community and get guidance on how we can engage with each other more effectively, from both the TPPA side and the community side,” Budd said. Looking ahead, TPPA plans to expand these conversations to a territorywide level. Funding will support biannual workshops, with this year’s on St. Thomas and the next planned for St. Croix in January 2027, plus cross-territorial opportunities throughout 2026. For those interested in attending Tuesday’s workshop, registration can be completed here, and any questions can be directed to Edwards at kristina.edwards@dpnr.gov.

STJ Pop-Up Art Show on Thursday Features New and Rediscovered Artists

Aubrey Artworks is once again partnering with Wharfside Village to present their third annual pop-up art show on Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. I’m really excited about this show,” said Aubrey “AC” Burgess, owner of Aubrey Artworks. “I’m showing the work of Shokie Bragg, drawings and paintings from a never-before-seen collection in the islands.” Bragg creates incredibly detailed drawings, including some using scratchboard art, a technique where an artist applies a layer of dark ink to a surface and then uses sharp tools to scrape off the ink, creating a high contrast image. Bragg had a long career as an illustrator working along the Eastern Seaboard before moving to St. John 10 years ago. He now works as a construction supervisor, and until recently, he maintained a very low profile locally as an artist.
Thursday’s show will premiere works by Skokie Bragg. (Submitted photo)
    Burgess said he is also thrilled to help the public rediscover the paintings by Ernestine “Ernie” Faucette Bertrand, a longtime art teacher at Charlotte Amalie High School who is now in her 90s. Bertrand, always colorful in her dress and energetic in manner, has created a large body of tropical-toned expressionist paintings that are as vibrant as her presence.
Ernie Bertrand’s work can be seen on her Instagram account. (Photo from Instagram)
“She’s of real historical significance,” said Burgess. “She was the first in the territory to share her art by teaching on a cruise line in the 1970s. She’s very well known for teaching and bringing her art to market.” Bertrand’s work can be seen on Instagram @ernieartstudio.
Ernie Bertrand’s vibrant painting will be on display at the pop-up show on Thursday at Wharfside Village. (Submitted photo)
Thursday’s show also has an “international element,” featuring artist Katia Moltisanti. originally from Italy but now a resident of St. John, and Doba Afolabi, an award-winning contemporary artist originally from Nigeria, now based in Brooklyn. With a career timeline spanning over 30 years, Afolabi’s paintings have been shown internationally. Most recently, his work has been selected to open the new Museum of Pan African Heritage in Ghana in 2026.
Gail Karlsson’s bird photographs will be featured at the Aubrey Artworks show on Thursday. (Photo by Gail Karlsson)
The Wharfside show includes the work of more than 20 other artists “who are either indigenous to St. John, the USVI, or have made this gem their home and raised their families,” Burgess said. They include Tony Romano, Theodora Moorehead and Gail Karlsson.

‘Broadway Comes to St. John’ Once Again on Jan. 31

Tickets are still available for “Broadway Comes to St. John — The Angel Show,” the annual fundraiser for the St. John School of the Arts that brings together all fourth graders attending school on St. John for a festive evening of song and dance.
Fourth graders reach for the sky during the 2025 production of Broadway Comes to St. John. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
This year’s event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 31 and includes a postshow dinner at La Tapa Plage, one of St. John’s most celebrated restaurants. Tickets are $300 and are available on the St. John School of the Arts website or by calling the school at 340-779-4322. Each winter for more than a decade, a team of Broadway professionals has arrived on St. John to provide three weeks of intensive training in the rudiments of singing, dancing, acting, and stage presence. They work with homeschoolers and the students in the three St. John elementary schools – the Julius E. Sprauve School, the Gifft Hill School, and the St. John Christian Academy. This year’s original script — “Dreaming by the Sea” — was written by Andrew J. Hanley and Suzanne Dupree, who are now on the island directing the production. “We’re one week into rehearsals, and the production is coming together well,” said Hanley, a New York City-based composer, music director, teaching artist, and music therapist.
Suzanne Dupree and Andrew J. Hanley, directors of Broadway Comes to St. John, stop for lunch before beach time on their day off. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
“We’ve got some very good singers this year,” added Dupree, who began her career touring nationally and internationally with “A Chorus Line” and now teaches dance and judges competitions. In addition to providing the children with valuable experience in the performing arts, the program also teaches youngsters the importance of listening, following directions and teamwork. “’Broadway’ is a truly transformative program for students,” said Jeune´ Provost, executive director of the SJSA. “We’re excited to see how the students blossom throughout their experience and share this splendor with the community.” The School of the Arts is also selling raffle tickets to win four house seats to a Broadway show or production of choice in any U.S. city, subject to availability. Raffle tickets are $1,000 and are available here.

Donna Andrews Appointed Interim Co-Athletic Director at UVI

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The University of the Virgin Islands has named veteran administrator and alumna Donna Andrews as interim co-athletic director. With a distinguished career spanning 28 years at UVI, Andrews brings a wealth of experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven record of student-centered leadership to the role.
Donna Andrews
Andrews has served UVI Athletics in several capacities, most notably as senior woman administrator the highest-ranking female leadership position in NAIA athletics. In this role, she has been a steadfast advocate for meaningful representation, equity, and the effective management of collegiate sports programs. Reflecting on her nearly three decades of service, Andrews shared, “I am truly humbled to be named Interim Co-Athletic Director. This journey has been one of commitment, growth, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the mission of the department and the people who make this place extraordinary.” Having worked alongside five permanently appointed athletic directors and four interim leaders, she noted that those experiences have prepared her well for this opportunity. “The journey has fortified me for the road ahead. I remain committed to leading with integrity, collaborating with our campus and community partners, and maintaining a whole-student-centered vision for our student-athletes and athletic program.” Her appointment follows her recent induction into the Paradise Jam Hall of Fame, where she was honored for 24 years of dedicated service to the internationally recognized tournament. Often described as the “glue” of UVI Athletics, Andrews’ impact extends beyond administration. In 2008, she founded the UVI Buccaneer Treasures Dance Team, a program that continues to be a vibrant pillar of student engagement, school spirit, and campus pride. A proud UVI alumna, Donna Andrews earned an Associate of Arts in Management, a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands. She is also an active member of the St. Thomas Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

UVI Names Shaquille Richardson Co-Interim Director of Athletics

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The University of the Virgin Islands has named Shaquille Richardson co-interim director of athletics. 
Shaquille Richardson
His tenure will begin on Jan. 16 with the departure of former UVI Director of Athletics Karen Carty, who was responsible for hiring Richardson. The St. Thomas native joined the UVI Athletics staff in October 2023 as the sports information director. In that role, he managed athletic communications efforts, providing comprehensive coverage for all Buccaneer athletic teams at the university, including media relations, pre- and postgame write-ups, statistics, social media and website management, and nominating and voting for conference postseason and national awards. Richardson’s tenure as sports information director at UVI is highlighted by his selection to the NAIA Governance and Leadership Academy, which is geared towards the rise of administrators into leadership positions, and a Top 10 finish in the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association Publications and Media National Contest. Richardson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Science and Fitness Management from North Carolina A&T State University and a Master of Business Administration degree in Sports Management from Saint Leo University. “I am truly humbled to be appointed. It’s an honor to have been named co-interim director of athletics at UVI,” stated Richardson. “This role carries significant responsibility, and I am committed to serving the UVI community, student-athletes, athletics department, and staff with dedication and Buccaneer pride. Together, we will continue to represent the university with distinction on local, regional, and national stages.” Richardson, a former dual-sport collegiate athlete, emphasizes the importance of this experience. “The combination of my background as a student-athlete, along with my administrative expertise, provides valuable insight into the needs of student-athletes, coaches, and support staff for achieving success both on and off the field. As our program continues to grow, we are committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience at the university.” Richardson’s appointment at UVI was a significant move, leveraging his sports knowledge and media skills to boost the university’s athletic profile.