The Virgin Islands Police Department is pleased to welcome the UberSoca Cruise to St. Thomas on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The UberSoca cruise is one of five ships scheduled to call in St. Thomas Wednesday.Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line)
As thousands of revelers arrive on island, we encourage our community to join us in showing our visitors the warm hospitality and vibrant spirit the Virgin Islands are known for.
A parade/tramp is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., departing from the WICO dock and traveling westbound along Edward Blyden Road onto the promenade. Participants will turn around near the police station and return to the WICO dock using the westbound lane. The event will conclude with a food-fair-style celebration.
Motorists are strongly advised to use alternate routes when traveling westward during these hours due to anticipated traffic delays.
Community & Visitor Safety Reminders
The VIPD urges everyone, residents and visitors alike to enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly:
• Stay hydrated, especially while walking or dancing in the sun.
• Drink alcohol responsibly and know your limits.
• Do not drink and drive; designate a sober driver or utilize taxi services.
• Follow all traffic and crowd-control instructions issued by police and event personnel.
• Keep personal belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
• Respect fellow revelers so the event remains enjoyable for everyone.
The Virgin Islands Police Department will have increased patrols along the route and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and orderly event.
There has been a bomb threat at Lockhart K-8 School.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is currently on the scene.
All students are safe, and parents do not need to pick them up at this time. Students are being kept in a secure location as authorities work to ensure the area is safe and provide an all clear. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the correct date of the exhibit opening. It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22.
Mango Tango Art Gallery proudly opens its soulful commemorative exhibition, “Gone but Not Forgotten,” on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will celebrate three beloved artists—Kathy Carlson, Max Johnson, and Smokey Pratt—whose lives and works shaped the creative spirit of the Virgin Islands.
“Refreshments” by Max Johnson (Submitted photo)
Guests will enjoy an inspired night of art, appetizers and spirits under the Caribbean sky, and live music by Neko Crush in the gallery’s spacious parking area.
Though each artist brought a distinct voice to the Caribbean art scene, Carlson and Johnson explored strikingly similar themes. Their lush floral paintings captured the vibrancy of tropical blooms, while their travels throughout the Caribbean inspired portraits of islanders drawn from life and memory. Both artists hailed originally from the East Coast and sketched daily, transforming visual notes into studio masterpieces. Johnson also painted cherished New England vacation landscapes from Vermont and Maine.
Kathy Carlson, a deeply respected educator, devoted much of her life to teaching, including five influential years teaching math at Antilles High School in St. Thomas. Max Johnson enjoyed a celebrated career in advertising with J. Walter Thompson, refining a visual storytelling style that remained evident throughout his paintings.
Both artists studied at the historic Art Students League of New York and maintained lifelong artistic practices. Johnson passed away in 1999, and Carlson in late 2013, leaving behind rich creative legacies.
Smokey Pratt arrived in St. Thomas in 1980, first captivating island audiences as a chef in several acclaimed restaurants before joining his wife in operating Mango Tango Art Gallery, mastering picture framing in service to the business. Pratt was also a beloved local musician, performing flute and harmonica with John Brittain in the well-known blues duo 2 Blue Shoes, which held a memorable decade-long Friday night gig at Betsy’s in Frenchtown.
When not framing or performing, Pratt immortalized daily life and observations through humorous, tender cartoons. Encouraged by artist Don Dahlke, he grew into a gallery favorite, showing work in group exhibitions for many years. Pratt passed away in 2013, yet his whimsical reflections and soulful presence continue to inspire.
“Gone but Not Forgotten” will remain on view for one month at Mango Tango Art Gallery.
For more information, visit mangotangoart.com or call 340-777-3060.
The University of the Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball team fell 65-50 at Philander Smith University at the Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday Afternoon.Diara Parsons dribbles at midcourt. (Submitted photo)
The Lady Buccaneers faced an early setback, trailing 12-4 in the first quarter. However, a 7-0 run brought them back into contention, narrowing the gap to just one point. The Lady Panthers managed to score the final basket of the period, securing a 14-12 lead.
Despite gaining momentum heading into the second quarter, the Lady Buccaneers struggled to contain their opponents’ offensive efforts, allowing Philander Smith University to extend their lead to nine points by halftime, with a score of 34-25.
The deficit widened in the second half due to a sluggish third quarter for the Lady Buccaneers, putting the game out of reach. Although they outscored their opponents in the fourth and final period, the lead was too large to overcome.
Senior Kashay Bass recorded her second straight double, finishing the game with 16 points and 17 rebounds.
Bass has now scored in double digits in five consecutive contests. The six-foot rim protector would also tally three blocks in the matchup Junior guard Khaleii Robertson-Mack added 12 points to the Lady Buccaneers’ offense, while junior guard Atalia Thomas excelled defensively with four steals.
The Lady Buccaneers will return to action on Dec. 1 as they travel to Brunswick, Georgia, to face the College of Coastal Georgia. The following day, the team will compete against Brewton-Parker Christian College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, to conclude their road trip before returning to the Virgin Islands.
The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers fell short in their matchup against Philander Smith University, losing 80-71 at the Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday afternoon.
The UVI Buccaneers fell short in their matchup against Philander Smith University. (Submitted photo)
UVI started strong, setting the pace from the tip-off. The Buccaneers surged to a 20-12 lead midway through the first half, asserting their dominance early. They shot 47.2% from the field and 30% from three-point range in the first half. Senior guard Khari Person led the team with 11 points in the first half, helping the Buccaneers secure a 39-31 lead at halftime.
The Buccaneers maintained their momentum early in the second half, with junior Chad Molloy hitting a threepointer to extend their lead to 49-35, the largest of the game. However, a defensive lapse allowed the Panthers to go on an 11-0 run, narrowing the gap. Philander Smith University took its first lead at 56-55, and although the Buccaneers briefly regained the advantage, they struggled to distance themselves from the home team. The Panthers reclaimed the lead at 70-69 with just over two minutes remaining and successfully held off the Buccaneers’ final efforts to secure victory.
“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but this game serves as a valuable benchmark for our team,” said head coach Kevin Sheppard. “We controlled the game until the final four minutes of the second half. Our performance was strong across all statistical categories. The key difference was the turnovers, particularly late in the game, which gave them extra opportunities. Overall, I am proud of our performance. We have areas to improve, but this game against a championship-caliber team demonstrates that our Buccaneers also possess that championship potential.”
Person was the Buccaneers’ leading scorer, finishing the game with 14 points. Juniors Sebastian Dokum, Devin Binyard, and senior Eliyah Stevens were the three other buccaneers scoring in double figures with 13, 12, and 10 points, respectively.
The Buccaneers will now turn their attention to their upcoming opponent, as they conclude their two-game road trip against Champion Christian College. This matchup will take place at the Champion Community Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Monday.
USVI Women’s Team Picture, Champions of the 2025 Caribbean Women’s Championships. (Submitted photo)
The United States Virgin Islands Senior Women’s Basketball Team ended the International Basketball Federation 2025 Caribbean Women’s Championship with their best offensive output of the tournament, earning them a hard-fought 105 – 81 victory over the Bahamas.
The USVI women used their suffocating defense to win their first three games of this event. On Sunday, they truly showed their superior talent by finding their offensive touch when needed. The Bahamas had a full day of rest coming into this final game, whereas the USVI women had played for four straight days.
USVI Women huddle up for a golden picture. (Submitted photo)
The USVI Imani Tate set the tone by making two early three-point shots in the first minute of the game. The Bahamas Lashanna Higgs responded with a two-point and a three-point field goal. The Bahamas tied the score at 16, but the USVI ended the quarter on a 13–3 run. Anisha George took over the game in the second quarter, scoring 12 of her 26 points in that frame. The USVI had a 56 – 44 halftime lead.
The Bahamas made runs in the second half, but the Virgin Islands ladies always had an answer. J’Naya Ephraim, Victoria Hamilton, Natalie Kleeman-Day, Lanese Bough, Tate, and George all came up with timely buckets when needed in the second half.
J-Naya Ephraim of the USVI takes a shot in her game against the Bahamas. (Submitted photo)
George scored 26 points and collected 21 rebounds for the gold medal team. Teammate Tate ended with 22 points. The Bahamas, Latisha Higgs, and Valerie Nesbitt were impressive on offense, scoring 37 and 32 points, respectively.
The USVI women demonstrated they were the superior team in this competition. They relied on their depth, as Coach Tajama Ngongba rotated players freely while maintaining a high level of efficiency. This will prove valuable as they advance to the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship Tournament. Guyana and the Bahamas will also participate in next year’s event.
USVI Anisha George accepts MVP Trophy. (Submitted photo)
Anisha George was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 19 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. The other players selected for the all-tournament team were:
Valerie Nesbitt – Bahamas
Tiffany Reynolds – Jamaica
Amisha Ramlall – Guyana
Joy Brown – Guyana
The Holiday of Lights at St. George Village Botanical Garden will run from Dec. 5 through Jan. 4. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)
Special holiday events are coming to the St. George Village Botanical Garden from Dec. 5 through Jan. 4, as the Garden of Holiday Lights makes its debut. It will be a vital fundraiser for general operating expenses along with Mango Melee.
Colorful, twinkling lights will deck the garden along with artwork from local schools for the enjoyment of all ages as they stroll along the paths.
Hanging lights from a lift, Santa’s elves place beautiful lights high on a tree. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)
Opening night is Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cocktail Walk will feature holiday cocktails, local cuisine, steel pan music, and the We Dey Yah Quadrille dancers. The silent auction will feature two traditionally decorated Christmas trees, along with other great items. The auction has received donated items from more than 30 local entities. Enjoy bidding for jewelry, hotel stays, food, spirits, adventures, and much more. Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite.
Santa’s secret helpers work to create a beautiful Christmas tree. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)
Children’s Night will be Friday, Dec. 12. Santa will be available for photos with children and families. Also featured will be stories read by the Children’s Museum, local choirs performing holiday carols on the historic Manager’s House deck, a cash bar, and lite bites.
The SGVBG gift shop holds locally created wonders for holiday shopping. (Source photo by Linda Morland)
The Garden of Holiday Lights can be enjoyed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning Dec. 5 until Jan. 4. Admission for all nights, except Dec. 5, is $10 for Adults, $5 for children, and those under 5 are free. The gift shop will be open with an array of locally made items perfect for holiday shopping. Parking inside the garden gate will be free.
The French Academy of Performing Arts has made history once again, this time on a national stage in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona. Under the leadership of Director Miss Lea Scott, the academy’s talented young dancers represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the prestigious Kids Artistic Revue Dance Convention and Competition in November, bringing home top awards and national recognition, the academy announced in a press release.
FAPA USVI dancers Liliana Bryan-Malkani, Azalea Pearsall, and Nubia Richards celebrate their award-winning performances at the 2025 KAR Dance Convention in Arizona, proudly representing the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy FAPA)
FAPA USVI, which operates under The French Ballet Theatre Inc., a nonprofit organization serving Virgin Islands youth for over 30 years, provides training in dance, gymnastics, and the performing arts. The academy’s mission is to expand artistic opportunities for local students and help them compete and perform on global stages, according to the press release.
At this year’s KAR event — one of the nation’s most competitive and prestigious dance conventions — FAPA USVI’s team of six participants, including three students ages 8 to 10, made a powerful impression. Their performances earned multiple national honors, including four Elite Top First Place trophies, two High Point Champion Medals, and two major titles: Miss Dance America and Miss Photogenic, the press release stated.
Ten-year-old Azalea Pearsall captured the Miss Dance America title for her solo “Liquid Gold,” while nine-year-old Nubia Richards won Miss Photogenic and earned both the Broadway Scholarship and Full Tuition KAR Scholarship. Eight-year-old Liliana Bryan-Malkani was recognized with an Elite Top First Place award and a High Point Champion Medal for her solo “Tropic Rouge.” The dancers also received the Hollywood Scholarship, securing their opportunity to attend national dance experiences in New York and California in 2026, the release stated.
Miss Lea Scott, who organized the first U.S. Virgin Islands Dance Travel Tour through KAR, said the experience was about more than competition. “Our mission has always been to give Virgin Islands youth access to world-class instruction and opportunities,” she said. “These students have shown that excellence from our small islands can shine on any national stage.”
Due to their success, FAPA USVI has been invited to one of six KAR Nationals in summer 2026 and will continue to represent the territory at other regional events across the country. The academy is now opening auditions for new students ages 4 to 17 for the upcoming competition season, the release stated.
The French Academy of Performing Arts and The French Ballet Theatre Inc. are also seeking community and corporate support to help fund travel, costumes, and competition expenses. Donations and sponsorship inquiries can be made through FAPAUSVI.com or by contacting the studio at 340-626-1545 or FAPAUSVI@hotmail.com.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Nov. 16, through Saturday, Nov. 22. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
USVI Women’s team picture at the 2025 Women’s Caribbean Basketball Championships. (Submitted photo)
The United States Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball Team took on Jamaica on day four of the International Basketball Federations 2025 Caribbean Basketball Championships, held in Georgetown, Guyana, needing a win to qualify for the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship. The top three teams of the tournament will move on to the Centrobasket Championships scheduled to be held in 2026.
The USVI women dominated this game, winning by a score of 93-43.
Defense wins championships, is a cliché often heard in sports circles when teams are vying to win a championship. The USVI women have given this saying life as they once again held their opponent to their lowest output of the tournament. USVI held Jamaica to 8 points in the first, 4 in the second, and 6 in the final frame. Jamaica only scored in double-digits in one of the four quarters played. Tiffany Reynolds scored 17 points for Jamaica.
J-Naya Ephraim, USVI, claps as she gets ready to play defense. (Submitted photo)
The USVI jumped out to a 20-0 lead to start the game. J-Naya Ephrain scored 13 of those points, including three 3-point shots. Ephrain finished with a game-high 20 points. Teammates Anisha George and Imani Tate both contributed 16 points each. The win ensures that the USVI women will be one of the three teams advancing to the next round.
Imani Tate, USVI, during her game against Jamaica at the 2025 Women’s Caribbean Basketball Championships. (Submitted photo)
In the final game of the day, Guyana regained their shooting touch and defeated Suriname 106-42. Amisha Ramlall was the game’s top scorer with 25 points for the home team. Teammate Anaya McDavid contributed 24 points and snatched 12 rebounds. Chiniqua Pengel was Suriname’s top offensive player with 10 points.
Sunday, Nov. 16, is the last day of this round-robin tournament. The USVI will take on the Bahamas at 4:30 p.m., and Jamaica will face off against the host, Guyana. USVI is the only team that has secured a spot in the 2026 Women’s Centrobasket Basketball Tournament. Guyana, Bahamas, and Jamaica all still have a chance to earn one of the two remaining bids.
Here are the tournament standings going into the final day.
