The USS Gerald R. Ford sits anchored off St. Thomas on Monday during its first port visit under U.S. Southern Command. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford arrived on St. Thomas Monday. The arrival marked the Ford’s first port visit since entering waters overseen by the U.S. Southern Command as part of the Trump administration’s military action against alleged drug traffickers, dubbed Operation Southern Spear.
The visit comes as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under increasing scrutiny following a report by the Washington Post that he gave a spoken command to kill two surviving crew members after an initial missile attack on their boat Sept. 2 in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. government alleges they were smuggling drugs.
Hegseth has denied any wrongdoing, but lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have voiced concerns in recent days. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said during a television interview that such an act would violate the Defense Department’s own policies and international laws.
“And so this rises to the level of a war crime if it’s true,” he said.
Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, said on the same program that such an order would be “very serious.”
“There are very serious concerns in Congress about the attacks on the so-called drug boats down in the Caribbean and the Pacific, and the legal justification has been provided,” he told CBS News reporter Margaret Brennan on Face the Nation Sunday. “But this is, is completely outside of anything that has been discussed with Congress, and there is an ongoing investigation.”
The Trump administration has justified its ongoing campaign in the region, which has resulted in at least 83 deaths since the effort began in September, by arguing that the U.S. “is in a non-international armed conflict” with “designated terrorist organizations” to fight maritime drug trafficking from Latin America to the U.S.
The USS Iwo Jima docked in Frederiksted in early November during its second port visit to the territory as part of Operation Southern Spear. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Government House spokesperson Richard Motta Jr. told the Source Monday that the Virgin Islands government isn’t privy to the military’s operational details.
“We get the notice that they’ll be in port — and how many people are going to be in port — and we just coordinate the logistics around making sure that they have transport and that there’s increased security as needed when they’re in port,” he said. “But outside of that, we don’t have any other information about what they’re doing in the Caribbean.”
“We read it in the press, just like everyone else,” he added.
During a Government House press briefing Monday, V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency Director Daryl Jaschen said the port visits to the territory were reminiscent of a time decades ago, when sailors and Marines enjoyed “R and R” in the U.S. Virgin Islands. During the recent visits, Jaschen said, the Navy is working alongside the V.I. Police Department to patrol the areas visited by visiting service members.
“As a result, additional government agencies have been brought to bear to support these operations and work closely with the ship agents to meet new requirements,” he said, adding that local agencies are “having to go back and sort of relearn how we treat and bring our visitors, as well as the ships, to our shores.”
Rear Adm. Paul Lanzilotta, commander of Carrier Strike Group Twelve, said in a statement released by the Navy that the port visit to St. Thomas “gives us the rest and recuperation we need to continue the mission of upholding law and order across the Western Hemisphere in support of the president’s priorities.”
The commander originally in charge of U.S. forces in the Caribbean, Adm. Alvin Holsey, announced his resignation last month.
GivingTuesday, held each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, seeks to transform the world through “radical generosity.” (Image courtesy GivingTuesday.org)
GivingTuesday is a global radical generosity movement that, since its inception in 2012, takes place on the first Tuesday after the American holiday of Thanksgiving, which this year is Dec. 2. GivingTuesday sprang from the basic idea of having a day that encourages people to do good in their communities.
“This idea has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity,” according to the movement’s website. Plenty of local organizations could use help on this global day of giving, including those listed below. To add an organization, send us an email at visource@gmail.com with GivingTuesday in the subject line.
For The Virgin Islands Source, this day highlights the importance of independent local journalism. As the territory’s longest-running community-supported online newsroom, we remain committed to reporting that informs, connects, and strengthens the Virgin Islands — but we can only do that with you. If you’d like to support our mission this GivingTuesday, you can make a contribution here.
The American Red Cross of the U.S. Virgin Islands serves St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island, bringing comfort, relief and hope to neighbors facing their most difficult moments. To learn more and donate your time or money, visit their website.
The Animal Care Center of St. John is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the well-being and care of homeless, abandoned and abused animals on St. John. Visit their website to learn more, email info@stjacc.org or call 340-774-1625.
GivingTuesday gifts made to Antilles School support educational access, along with student experiences, programs, and faculty development. Donations can be made here. Atelier St Thomas Arts Foundation / 81C Arts is a multidisciplinary arts and education organization based in Charlotte Amalie. In addition to a contemporary art gallery space, 81C Arts operates across multiple locations, including an education center focused on youth enrichment in the Camille Pissarro House. Initiatives like Expression Through the Arts, the Art Exhibition Program, and the Artist Dialogues Series provide meaningful access to art experiences while fostering conceptual thinking, creativity, and critical decision-making through engagement with emerging and professional artists, and the community. For more information and to donate, visit linktr.ee/81cvi, 81CVI.ORG and 81CVI.COM.
The Boys and Girls Club of St. Thomas/St. John helps youths ages seven to 17 to reach their full potential, working with young people from disadvantaged economic, social and family circumstances to offer educational and community support that is vital to their success. Visit their website to learn more and to donate.
Cancer Support V.I. raises funds and awareness for all those fighting cancer, providing financial assistance, holistic support, and community advocacy. With its 100% Model, every dollar donated directly supports cancer patients. To donate, visit the website.
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts, or CMCArts, on St. Croix, serves and promotes the rich cultural and artistic traditions of Caribbean art. The museum encourages artistic expression and learning for all ages. To learn more and to donate, visit the website.
Caribbean Volunteer Services, Inc. helps Virgin Islanders in crisis, with a focus on mental health, housing and elder care. To learn more, visit their website.
Among its many services, Catholic Charities of the Virgin Islands offers emergency shelters on St. Thomas and St. Croix, and soup kitchens on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, where daily meals are offered to anyone in need. Additionally, shelter staff facilitate referrals to mainstream and other services. To donate, visit the website, call 340-777-8518 or email info@catholiccharitiesvi.org.
The Children’s Museum of St. Croix, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides a multifaceted, interactive, creative space for children and families to discover a variety of learning opportunities inherent in play. To learn more and to donate, visit the website.
Collective Collaboration Inc. on St. Croix is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization for adults suffering from mental health issues and those who are unhoused. To learn more, visit the Facebook page, email kdickenson@collectivecollaborationvi.com, or call 340-718-8224.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands has matched donors with community causes for more than 30 years, striving to ensure the highest quality of life for both present and future generations of Virgin Islanders. CFVI was established to bring together the financial resources of individuals, businesses and families to support important causes and provide localized solutions for individuals and organizations in the U.S. Virgin Islands. To learn more and to donate, visit their website.
This week of Giving Tuesday, Coral Bay Community Council is throwing the first ever Coral Bay Music Fest over three days. While all events are free, CBCC is accepting donations for the CBCC curated music experiences that are taking place on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. Funds raised support CBCC’s work in watershed protection, which includes stormwater management, mangrove restoration, coastal water quality monitoring, drinking water and wastewater infrastructure assistance, neighborhood organization for stormwater structure maintenance, and so much more! Information about the event and donations can be found here.
The Family Resource Center on St. Thomas offers 24-hour crisis response and support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and other violent crimes, including emergency shelter, referrals, legal advocacy, intervention programs and community education. Visit the website to learn more.
Friends of Virgin Islands National Park will give thanks to all its supporters by offering a 25% discount on all park store and online purchases (Code: THANKYOU) from Thanksgiving through Giving Tuesday. Proceeds from the store support protection and preservation in the park. Visit the Friends website for more information or to donate.
Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park Sea Turtle Program aims to protect sea turtle nests, facilitate research projects, and spread awareness of sea turtle conservation in Virgin Islands National Park and its surrounding waters, including the Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument. The program is funded and managed by Friends of Virgin Islands National Park with the invaluable support of 80 volunteers. To learn more and to donate, visit their website.
The Foundation for Development Planning asks the community to support its initiative to increase access to information for learning, individual growth, and community development that is critical for decision-making in all facets of development, especially in small island states with limited capacity and high levels of vulnerability. Donations can be made here.
The Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital Foundation’s mission is to “Enhance Healthcare Delivery in St. Croix with long-term sustainability for our community.” Through its board of directors, SCCHF, supported by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, seeks to increase community awareness, raise funds for programs and services, and provide stewardship of the funds, to advance local health care and improve quality patient care for the residents of our community. Visit the website to learn more.
Giving Tuesday donations to the Humane Society of St. Thomas will help support the efforts of its staff in continuing to help care for the shelter pets in need while they await their forever homes. Give at www.humanesocietystthomas.org.Lion Haven on St. Croix provides a safe place after school for local youth to learn, grow and thrive through activities such as sports, gardening/farming, arts, classwork assistance, and other engaging activities. To learn more, visit lionhaven.org, email donations@lionhaven.org, or visit their Facebook page.
Lutheran Social Services of the V.I. is a multi-service nonprofit organization headquartered in Frederiksted, St. Croix, that has been in operation since 1904. The largest private child and family service agency in the U.S. Virgin Islands, it offers programs for abused, abandoned and neglected children, pregnant women and families, low-income seniors and adults with disabilities. To learn more and to donate, visit the website.
My Brother’s Workshop provides faith, hope, and purpose through mentoring, mental health counseling, education, paid job training, and job placement to youth of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This year, thanks to the community’s support, MBW has surpassed its GivingTuesday match goals from 340 Worldwide, Island Booksellers, Keswick Insurance, and Ned White, raising $68,655. Inspired by the community’s response, an anonymous Angel Donor — who has supported MBW for over 10 years — has stepped up with a $100,000 matching donation. This match will run through Dec. 31, doubling every gift made between now and the end of the year. To donate, visit the website.
Nana Baby Children’s Home has been a fixture in the St. Thomas community for more than 30 years, offering a 24/7, 365-day-a-year emergency placement group home for children in crisis. It’s small team works to create and maintain a warm, safe, loving and happy environment for the children who need them. To learn more, visit their website, email nanababyhome@gmail.com or call 340-775-0044.
Our Town Frederiksted, Inc., established in 1988 on St. Croix, has been a steadfast advocate for community empowerment and historic preservation, proactively addressing the needs and aspirations of Frederiksted’s Historic District. Its primary objective is to foster sustainable growth and invigorate the local economy through strategic leadership, aiming for a revitalized and thriving Frederiksted. Visit the website to learn more.
Project Promise on St. Croix is dedicated to giving at-risk youth the tools and support they need to live healthier lives. From life coaching and personal wellness to academic tutoring, community service, cultural programs, family services, and more, Project Promise offers an opportunity for positive change in a safe, secure, and nurturing environment by introducing children to our natural resources, history and culture, and the most valuable resource, themselves. Visit the website to learn more.
The Ruby Rutnik Scholarship Fund was created 29 years ago to honor the memory of Ruby Rutnik, who was a senior at American University when she died in a car accident in 1996. Since its inception, the fund has awarded more than $200,000 to more than three dozen recipients. The scholarship is open to any young woman who has resided on St. John for at least five years and is pursuing a degree in higher education. To contribute to the scholarship fund, make a check payable to Gifft Hill School, noting RRSF on the bottom of the check, and mail it to GHS, 5000 Estate Enighed #356, St. John, VI 00830.
Ruff Start Rescue STX is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, and its mission is to proactively search out the dogs who can’t search for help themselves. In addition, they offer educational youth programs to encourage animal compassion and advocacy in their everyday lives. To donate, visit https://ruffstartstx.org/donate/.
The St. Croix Animal Welfare Center provides and promotes the humane treatment of animals through education, animal protection, and community service, including a low-cost community veterinary clinic. Its duty is to the orphaned, abused, neglected, and unwanted animals of St. Croix as the only open-admissions shelter, never turning away an animal in need. Visit their website to learn more.
The St. Croix Environmental Association promotes the conservation of environmental resources, provides education and advocates for environmentally responsible actions that benefit St. Croix. Visit the website to learn more and to donate.
The St. Croix Landmarks Society exists to cultivate appreciation of St. Croix’s rich history and enduring legacy through an array of museums and programming. Visit their website to learn more.
The St. George Village Botanical Garden on St. Croix, featuring 16 acres planted with more than 1,000 Caribbean and pantropical plants growing against a backdrop of ruins and repurposed buildings of an 18th-century Danish colonial sugar plantation, is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of both the historical and living collections on its grounds. To learn more, visit the website.
The nonprofit St. John Historical Society’s mission is to document, preserve and share with the public the history of St. John. This is achieved with the help of numerous professional historians, craftspeople, artisans, musicians, and educators who have brought this island’s rich history to life. Through its collections, publications, media, educational programs, field trips, special events and more, the Historical Society continues to be a leading resource for discovering the island. Visit their Facebook page to learn more.
The nonprofit St. John Rescue is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving lives, providing community education and building a better way of life for the people of St. John. To learn more and to donate, visit their Facebook page and stjrescue.networkforgood.com.
St. John School of the Arts works to empower the island’s youth and their families through its passion for music, dance, theater and visual arts. Its programs seek to instill creativity and a greater sense of collaboration throughout the diverse community of St. John, helping to transform lives and inspire greatness by instilling poise, confidence and character. Visit the website to learn more and to donate.
As they continue to preserve and protect our traditions and heritage, the St. Thomas Historical Trust, a 501 (c) (3) organization, welcomes community support. This could be in the form of a monetary donation or serving as a volunteer. In 2026, they will continue their exciting, and informative, cultural programming and encourages the community to engage with them. Visit the museum on Raadets Gade, and the website at www.stthomashistoricaltrust.org.
Deck the halls with gifts that last. From home-cooked dinners to a good night’s sleep, your donation to The Salvation Army can help your neighbors in need all year round. Visit give.salvationarmyusa.org.
The goal of the Schneider Regional Medical Center Foundation is to meet the current and future needs of the community through a strategic plan to fund capital projects through partnerships with individuals, corporations and other entities. These projects include renovating and upgrading facilities, purchasing medical equipment and investing in information systems infrastructure. Visit the website to learn more.
Sing St. John’s mission it to provide universally accessible singing for all ages on St. John, fostering cultural awareness, a meaningful sense of community, and resilience. Its endeavors include the St. John All-Island Children’s Choir, Ocama Youth Choir, St. John Recovery Choir, and the Senior Singalong. It envisions a world that is inclusive, in which every voice counts and believes that healthy diversity brings strength, and that joy heals. To learn more and to donate, visit their website.
The V.I. Children’s Museum’s mission is to bring children and families together in an interactive educational space where dynamic play inspires a love of learning. It is financially sustained through grants, contributions, donations, museum memberships, museum admissions, event space rental, and sales from the gift shop. Visit the museum’s website to learn more and to donate.
The Virgin Islands Justice Initiative is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization focused on creating opportunities for the poor to succeed through economic justice and poverty law. It provides free legal representation, education, and resources for economic and social mobility and provides essential legal services, programs, and initiatives to the community. To learn more and to donate, visit the website.
The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix offers advocacy, programs and services for the safety and health of the territory’s people, families, and community, with a mission to support and empower people impacted by violence. Donations may be made on their secure page.
A St. Thomas man was arrested late Saturday after police said he struck a coworker on the head with a level, causing a large laceration, the V.I. Police Department reported.
Officers were dispatched to Estate Tutu around 11:07 p.m., where the victim identified Max Cadet, 45, as the person who assaulted him at their workplace, the police report stated.
Cadet was arrested for assault in the third degree, taken to the Richard N. Callwood Police Central Command, and processed. His bail was set at $26,500 by order of the court. He was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
A 2016 campaign photo for Steven Payne Sr., expelled by the Senate in 2023 and found guilty Oct. 22 of sexual battery of a girl between 12 and 18. (Source file photo)
Former Virgin Islands lawmaker Steven Payne Sr. could be sentenced to life in prison Dec. 10 for his Florida sexual battery conviction, according to court records.
A jury found the former senator at large from St. John guilty Oct. 22 of attacking a girl between the ages of 12 and 18. Payne was initially scheduled for sentencing Nov. 5, which was then moved to Nov. 13 when Payne, 59, filed a motion for a new trial. The date was pushed back again after the motion was amended and eventually denied.
The Orlando Police Department arrested Payne — a former chair of the USVI Senate’s Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety Committee — in September 2023 on a Duval County warrant as he arrived on a flight from St. Thomas. The warrant was for assaulting a girl between the ages of 12 and 18 sometime between Aug. 1, 2018, and Feb. 27, 2019, while Payne was “in a position of familial or custodial authority” of the child, according to publicly available documents on the Duval County Circuit Court docket. Previous reports revealed that he had become the girl’s guardian after a living situation with previous caregivers deteriorated.
The victim told officials of two other incidents involving Payne. One was in the U.S. Virgin Islands, when he called her into a bedroom where he was lying naked on a bed. The child said she left the room and closed the door, according to court documents.
In the fall of 2017 in Florida, where the girl had relocated after Hurricane Irma, Payne reportedly took her to a theme park in Osceola County, where they stayed in a hotel room together. Once in the room, he complained of leg cramps, undressed and asked for a massage, then forced the girl into the bathroom, made her take her clothes off, pulled her into the shower, bathed her and forced her to bathe him, according to the document.
Payne is a former Virgin Islands police officer, music teacher at Joseph A. Gomez Elementary School on St. Thomas, and School Resource Officer for the Virgin Islands Police Department.
The 2023 arrest followed Payne’s expulsion from the V.I. Legislature in July 2022 after his fellow senators voted to eject him for multiple violations of the Legislature’s rules. He faced serious accusations of sexual misconduct by three different women — including a staff member. Payne denied the accusations. He filed a civil suit in V.I. Superior Court in response, which was subsequently transferred to the V.I. Supreme Court and ultimately dismissed with prejudice.
The prosecution also introduced evidence of two other incidents, including the legislative staff member’s allegations that Payne behaved inappropriately while on Senate business on St. Croix in 2022, and another by a woman who said Payne tried to force her to touch him and ripped off her underwear before she could escape a St. John beach in 2005. Payne was there to supposedly help her train for the police academy.
Payne trained as a police officer in Tampa Bay, Florida, gaining a Law Enforcement Certificate in 1998.
As a write-in candidate in 2016, Payne said he loved working with young, vulnerable people.
“As a police officer with the Virgin Islands Police Department, Steve Payne founded the Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Program; where he could have more access to the youths regardless of their age or grade level,” he wrote. “His campaign for change and empowerment of the youths started at Gomez Elementary School, where he served as the Music Teacher. However, Payne realized that there was a special need for reaching and impacting the lives of the male students; therefore, he opened his band room to them outside of his normal classroom hours. This created a safe and positive outlet for them.”
Payne also credited himself with founding the Gomez Golden Stars, the Addelita Cancryn Marching Iguanas, the JDPP Marching Kings, the JDPP Jammerz, the Marching Cougars, and the Marching Gulls and the VI Avengerz.
A St. Thomas man was arrested Saturday night after police said he broke the back window of a woman’s vehicle at Coki Point on St. Thomas, the V.I. Police Department reported.
Officers responded to the area around 8:50 p.m. Saturday and met with the complainant, who identified 35-year-old Kadeem Roumo as the person who damaged her vehicle, the police report stated.
Roumo was arrested for destruction of property, taken to the Richard N. Callwood Police Central Command and processed, according to police. No bail was set under the domestic violence statute. He was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending an advice of rights hearing.
Deputy Chief Naomi Joseph, left, and St. Croix Chief of Police Uston Cornelius, right, address community concerns during a town-hall meeting on Nov. 7 at the Dorsch Cultural Center in Frederiksted. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The V.I. Police Department asked community members for help during a Government House briefing Monday after multiple shootings on St. Croix.
St. Croix Chief of Police Uston Cornelius said law enforcement is seeking information about the killing of Malik Anthony Francis, 33, who was found dead in Castle Burke two weeks ago. Cornelius said that the shooting occurred around midday and urged those with information to come forward or contact Crime Stoppers USVI anonymously by calling 800-222-8477.
“When you utilize that number … the call is not taken here,” he stressed. “It’s taken off island. The information is vetted, sent back to us, and then we pass it to the necessary investigator. So again, we continue to ask you to work with us.”
According to statements from VIPD, a concerned citizen called 911 on Nov. 17 to report an unresponsive man, later identified as Francis, in Castle Burke. Emergency medical technicians arrived and pronounced him dead. Police said he was shot multiple times. Francis’s killing marked the 25th homicide this year, according to the Source’s homicide list.
The more recent shooting occurred shortly before midnight Thursday near the Pueblo Supermarket in Golden Rock. Police have said two men were injured and that officers found them in a vehicle at approximately 11:40 p.m. Both were taken by ambulance to Luis Hospital. According to police last week, one of the men had a non-life-threatening injury and the other was in critical, but stable, condition.
During Monday’s briefing, Cornelius also acknowledged that VIPD has identified a person of interest in its investigation into a spate of hit-and-run incidents and assaults on St. Croix. Police said last week that the car involved, a white Mercedes-Benz sedan, was located outside that person’s residence and impounded.
“Right now, we’re waiting for the final paperwork as it relates to getting the female that’s involved in this incident,” he said. “And once that is completed, we will then make contact with the community and everyone that had an incident relating to this white vehicle. One by one, we’ll be calling you so that we can get your side and make sure that everything matches up, and then everything will be linked to the case.”
Local woodworkers Edmond Fieulleteau, Terry Daley-Stanley, Janice Penn, William “Bill” Johnson, and Joseph Degazon showcase examples of the handcrafted pieces that will be featured at the 2025 Virgin Islands Woodworkers Expo. (Submitted flyer)
The 2025 Virgin Islands Woodworkers Expo will be held Dec. 19 and 20 at E’s Garden Tea House on Garden Street from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., showcasing handmade woodwork, demonstrations, and cultural presentations, a press release announced.
Local artisans from St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John — including newly added representative Kurt Marsh — will display and sell their work throughout both days. Woodworkers will also give brief presentations about their work at 1 p.m. each day, according to the press release.
A Learning Expo for middle and high school students will take place Friday, Dec. 19, from 9 a.m. to noon, where students will discuss artwork, learn about wood types and tools, and observe demonstrations of relief carving, chip carving, whittling, carving, and woodturning, the press release stated.
The expo will include two special recognitions. On Friday, at 4 p.m., organizers will highlight the origins of the event, including honoring expo visionary Carol Spanner posthumously. A tribute to the family of Avelino Samuel is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30 p.m., the press release stated.
Woodworkers in this year’s lineup include William “Bill” Johnson, Afreekan Southwell, Janice Penn, Joseph Degazon, and Harold Shomo of St. Thomas; Andre McBean, Terry Daley-Stanley, and Edmund Fieulleteau of St. Croix; and Kurt Marsh representing St. John, the release stated.
Organizers said the expo supports the continuation of woodworking as an essential part of Virgin Islands culture by encouraging youth engagement and community involvement. The event is sponsored by MSI, E’s Teahouse and Things, WSTA 1340 AM, and Conch Shell Media LLC.
More information will be shared on the “Strength-to-Strength” radio program on WSTA 1340 AM on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. For details, call 340-244-3898.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. is inviting families across the territory to welcome the Christmas season at this year’s Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties, which will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
During this afternoon’s Government House weekly press briefing, Communications Director Richard Motta announced the dates and locations for the 2025 celebrations. He was joined by Virgin Islands Police Department St. Croix District Chief of Police Uston Cornelius and Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) Director Daryl Jaschen, who provided updates on public safety and recent United States military visits to the territory.
This cherished annual tradition brings Virgin Islands families together for evenings of Christmas cheer, music and community spirit. The events are free and open to the public, and all children and families are encouraged to attend.
The 2025 Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on the following dates:
St. Thomas – Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Havensight Mall
St. John – Thursday, Dec. 11, at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
St. Croix – Monday, Dec. 15, at Government House in Christiansted
Children ages newborn to 12 can enjoy toys, treats, music and holiday-themed activities, with agencies from the Government of the Virgin Islands on hand to share information and engage with families. Santa Claus will greet children at each event.
All giveaways will be distributed on a first come, first served basis while supplies last, and eligible children must be present to receive a gift.
“Christmas is a magical time for our young people, and these celebrations give families a chance to share in the joy and excitement of the holidays together,” Motta said on behalf of Governor Bryan. “The governor looks forward to welcoming children and parents on all three islands as we light up our streets, our neighborhoods and the hearts of our community.”
Motta said Governor Bryan is encouraging residents to bring their children early, enjoy the full program, and take advantage of the opportunity to connect with neighbors, local performers and government agencies in a safe, festive environment.
During the briefing, Motta noted that creating safe spaces for children and families during the holiday season requires strong partnerships with law enforcement and emergency management. He then invited Chief Cornelius to provide an update on several ongoing investigations in the St. Croix District.
Chief Cornelius outlined recent progress in key cases, thanked the community for information already shared and urged residents to continue cooperating with investigators so that those responsible can be brought to justice. He emphasized that VIPD is increasing its visible presence in high-traffic areas during the holiday period and that officers remain focused on protecting schools, business districts and residential neighborhoods.
He reminded the public to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 911 or Crime Stoppers and stressed that community tips remain essential to solving cases and preventing future incidents.
Motta next welcomed VITEMA Director Jaschen, who briefed the public on recent and upcoming visits by United States military assets to the Virgin Islands. Jaschen explained that these visits support joint training, disaster response planning and infrastructure assessments, and reflect a longstanding partnership between the territory and the armed forces.
He noted that residents may see military vessels, aircraft and personnel operating in and around the islands during scheduled exercises, and he reassured the community that these activities are coordinated with local and federal partners and present no cause for alarm. He also highlighted the value of these engagements in strengthening the territory’s readiness for hurricanes, other natural hazards and complex emergencies.
Motta, speaking on behalf of Governor Bryan, thanked VIPD, VITEMA and the territory’s federal and military partners for their continued work to keep Virgin Islanders safe, especially as families gather for Christmas events and year-end activities. He said the governor is encouraging residents to enjoy the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties and the many community celebrations taking place across the islands, while remaining vigilant and supportive of local first responders.
The Office of the Governor invites all residents to join Governor Albert Bryan Jr. at the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix as the holiday spirit comes alive across the territory.
DECEMBER 02, 2025Newly sworn in members of the 36th Legislature (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the 36th Legislature)Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
9:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Tuesday, December 02, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide testimony on the following bills:
BLOCK I 9:00 A.M. – 10:30 A.M.
The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Office of Veterans Affairs including but not limited to an overview of the agency’s current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges, and any other updates pertinent to the discussion.
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Patrick Farrell, Director, Virgin Islands Office of Veterans Affairs
BLOCK II 10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
The Committee will receive testimony on the operations of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority including but not limited to an overview of the agency’s current challenges, a plan of action to resolve challenges, and a comprehensive update on the agency.
Invited Testifier:
Mr. Hannibal “Mike” Ware, Director, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
LUNCH 12:00 P.M. – 12:30 P.M.
BLOCK III 12:30 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0208 A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Kevin Callwood, President, Callwood and Associates
Ms. Teri Helenese, Director, State-Federal Relations and Washington Representative for The Governor of the VirginIslands
Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator/Chief Executive Officer, Government Employees Retirement System
BLOCK IV 2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0190 An act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 section 254 providing for sign language interpreters at all Government of the Virgin Islands broadcasts and official functions.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Angus Drigo, Executive Director, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands (DRCVI)
Ms. Monique Bute, Executive Director, Virgin Islands Association for Independent Living (VIAIL)
Ms. Shamika Thomas, Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD)
Mr. Julio Rhymer Sr., Director, Office of Management & Budget (OMB)
Mr. Daryl Jaschen, Director, Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA)
Mr. Julian Henley, ADA Coordinator, Office of the Governor – ADA Office
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2025Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The 36th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety will meet on Thursday, December 04, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room on St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands toconsider the following official agenda:
BLOCK I
Bill No. 36-0139 An act amending title 31 Virgin Islands Code to assess civil liability for destruction or damage to government property through willful or negligent acts.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner VI Police Department
Honorable Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, VI Department of Property and Procurement
Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General of the Virgin Islands
Bill No. 36-0105 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III to prohibit the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, VI Police Department
Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General of the Virgin Islands
Honorable Justa “Tita” Encarnacion, Commissioner, VI Department of Health
Honorable H. Nathalie Hodge, Commissioner, VI Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs
Ms. Riise Richards, Chair, VI Industrial Hemp Commission, Deputy Commissioner, VI Department of Agriculture
Ms. Joanne Moorehead, Executive Director, VI Office of Cannabis Regulation
Ms. Lindsey Rithamel, Owner, The Remedy
Mr. William Waldo, Owner, Virgin Abis
BLOCK II
Bill No. 36-0144 An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, require safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibit large-capacity magazines and prevent the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, VI Police Department
Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General of the Virgin Islands
Mr. Luis Valdes, Florida State Director, Southeast Regional Director, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands Director of
Outreach, Co-Chair, Fuerza 2A, National Spokesman, Gun Owners of America
Mr. Kosei Ohno, Founder, VI Safe Gun Owners
Mr. Ehren Henderson, Former Gun Shop Owner, St. Thomas
Mr. John Canegata, Owner, D&J’s Shooting Gallery, LLC, St. Croix
Bill No. 36-0151 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code regarding the illegal possession of machine guns and machine gun conversion devices.
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, VI Police Department
Honorable Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General of the Virgin Islands
Mr. Moleto Smith, Director, VI Law Enforcement Planning Commission
Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, VI Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Mr. Luis Valdes, Florida State Director, Southeast Regional Director, Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands Director of
Outreach, Co-Chair, Fuerza 2A, National Spokesman, Gun Owners of America
BLOCK III
The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety receive an update on the operations of theBureau of Corrections, including but not limited to:
• Status of the federal consent decree, to include the joint motion filed to terminate court-ordered monitoring ofmedical services at the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility.
• Status on payments to all vendors, to include the independent monitoring team.
• Status on staffing, staff safety, healthcare, sanitation and fire safety at all Bureau of Corrections facilities and atfacilities where inmates are housed.
• Status of all capital projects and capital improvement projects.
• Status of the Bureau of Corrections long term plans for staffing recruitment and retention, improvement offacilities, and strategic initiative, to include those aimed at rehabilitation of inmates and reducing recidivism.
Invited Testifier:
Ms. Wynnie Testamark, Director, V.I. Bureau of Corrections
The Virgin Islands Department of Education St. Thomas-St. John District Office of the Insular Superintendent is pleased to announce the 2025-2026 St. Thomas/St. John District Teacher of the Year, Ms. Jessica Sibilly. Ms. Sibilly is an exceptional 5th Grade Math and Science Teacher at the Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School!
Ms. Jessica Sibilly is the St. Thomas/St. John District Teacher of the Year.
Ms. Sibilly’s passion for education, unwavering commitment to student success, and ability to inspire young minds through curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking have distinguished her as a true educational leader. She creates a classroom culture where students feel valued, challenged, supported, and celebrated and her innovative teaching practices continue to drive academic excellence and student growth.
Throughout her tenure with the VIDE, Ms. Sibilly has remained a shining example of what it means to be an educator with purpose. She goes beyond the call of duty each day, serving not only as a teacher, but as a mentor, role model, and champion for her students, and her school community.
We extend heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Sibilly, her students, colleagues, and the entire Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School family for this well-deserved achievement. Her dedication and influence exemplify the very best of the St. Thomas/St. John District and the Virgin Islands public school system.
