The STYC Pickleball Open Returns to St. Thomas Nov. 21–22.
The 3rd Annual St. Thomas Yacht Club Pickleball Open returns to paradise Nov. 21 and 22 bringing excitement, energy, and elite competition. As the first USA Pickleball–sanctioned tournament in the Caribbean, the STYC Pickleball Open continues to set the bar for premier sports events in the region.
St. Thomas pickleball enthusiasts. (Submitted photo)
This year’s tournament will feature top-ranked players, including international champions Carlos Cruz and Pedro Maldonado, who captured Gold at the World Championships in Peru. Fans can expect thrilling matches, passionate crowds, and an unforgettable weekend of pickleball and island fun.
We’re proud to have sponsors such as Michelob Ultra, Electric Factory, Power Ade, Bio Harbor and Vosa supporting this year’s event, showcasing the incredible community spirit that makes St. Thomas so special. Throughout the weekend, spectators can enjoy live music with the Heat Seekers and Reggae Dynasty, exciting raffles, and lively after-parties, Thurs, Fri and Sat, making this more than just a tournament—it’s a full Caribbean experience.
The event draws a diverse mix of participants and spectators, from STT, STX and SJF players to visiting tourists from across the mainland and abroad. From California to New York, Texas to Minnesota, Puerto Rico and St. Maarten even from Toronto Canada. With the tournament’s growing reputation, this is a prime opportunity for companies to connect with an active, engaged audience and showcase their brands both locally and internationally.
Sweet pickleball action at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. (Submitted photo)
“Given our commitment to supporting the local community and promoting active lifestyles, this event continues to grow in both scale and impact,” said Michael Donohue, Tournament Director. “We’re proud to showcase St. Thomas as not only a stunning vacation destination, but also a vibrant hub for competitive and recreational pickleball.”
Sponsors and partners are invited to be part of this extraordinary weekend — a chance to gain exposure, engage with new audiences, and support a beloved island event that’s quickly becoming a St. Thomas tradition.
Come for the competition. Stay for the island magic.
The STYC Pickleball Open — where paradise meets pickleball!
Lorna Turnbull-Jackson
Transitioned: Nov. 11, 2025 in Decatur, GA
Lorna Turnbull-Jackson
Survived By:
Daughter: Charlene D. Jackson
Adopted Daughter: Sandra P. Freeman
Sons: Clayton, Cleve Courtney, & Craig Jackson
Daughters-in-law: Minnie-Lois, Patti & Karen Jackson
Sisters: Lucia Turnbull-Gaspard & Marilyn Turnbull-David
Brothers: Mario “Piggy” Turnbull & Angel “Juanie” Turnbull
Sisters-in-Law: Bernice Sarauw-Turnbull, Amelia Jackson, Doreen Van Putten, Susan Hewitt & Merilyn Jackson
Brothers-in-law: Jean Gaspard & Roy D. Jackson, Sr.
Grandchildren: 20
Great Grandchildren: 22
Along with a host of other friends and relatives.
Viewing: Thursday, Nov. 13 from 4 p.m.to 6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home
Viewing: Friday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m.. to 10 a.m.
Service: 10 a.m. at Christchurch Methodist Church, Market Square
Interment: Western Cemetery #2
Our precious mother, aunt, great aunt and friend to many, Ariel Marie Williams-Farrington went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025.Ariel M. Williams-Farrington
Ariel was a shining light in the lives of all that had the privilege of knowing her.Her journey on this earth was one marked by love for her family, kindness, grace, compassion and an unwavering devotion to her church and faith in God. We ask that you remember her for the way she lived, and the profound impact she had on the lives of those who knew her.
Ariel is survived by her loving children Michael A. Farrington, Lorelei M. Farrington, Esq., Mark A. Farrington, her adopted daughter, Eileen G. Williams and former husband, William A. Farrington. She is also survived by her Sisters in Law Rubina McCallister and Leona Gabriel.She also leaves behind to mourn her, her Nieces: Deverita Carty-Sturdivant, Sandra J. Carty, Karen Lendhart, Delta Openg-Anom, Agnes Sartoretti, Althea Liversay, Angela Jefferson, Janet Hughes-Lloyd, Ingrid Hughes-Lettsome, Daphne Hughes-Snipes, Alicia Boatwright, Maxine Williams, Laverne Farrington-Smithand Kimberly Sierra.
Survivors also include her Nephews and Special Great Nephews: Theodore Carty, Malcolm Carty, Brandon Carty, Richard Sturdivant, Thomas Boatwright, Kevin Carty, Alfred Hughes Jr., Vincent Hughes, Ashmore Edwards Jr., Anthony Edwards, Keith Daniels, Derek Gabriel, Alston “Josh “Gabriel, Kyle Gabriel, Anthony Gabriel, Kab Gabriel and Special Nephew in Law Al Lloyd .
Honored Lifelong Friends include: Sarah Connell and Daryl Evans and family.Special Friends include Amanda David, Norma Gottlieb and family, Pastor Charles Hurlston and his wife Vera, Livingstone Hart, Jennifer Lynch, Gregory Rhymer, Patrick Simeon-Sprauve, Florence Gosse, Carol Thomas, Blanche Yearwood and her Church Family at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral
Special Classmates-Class of 1949: Bernice Thomas, Albert George and Rubina Gomez.
Funeral for Ariel M. Williams-Farrington Nov. 25 at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Service starts at 8:30. Interment Western Cemetery #2
Professional Services are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home
Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has taken action on several measures approved by the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands during its Oct. 30, 2025, session, signing into law a range of bills addressing cultural recognition, government operations, tax relief, and community initiatives.
Government House (Source Photo by Linda Morland)
Governor Bryan approved Bill No. 36-0058, honoring and commending Virgin Islands soca artist Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr. for his contributions to the Territory’s culture and music industry. The act awards him the Official Key to the Territory and designates the main entrance of 6-Y Peters Rest Road, Christiansted, in his honor.
He also signed Bill No. 36-0061, which amends the Virgin Islands Code to allow retirees receiving a Government Employees’ Retirement System (GERS) annuity who return to work at the University of the Virgin Islands to continue receiving their annuity while earning a salary from the University, provided they enroll in a different retirement plan.
The Governor approved Bill No. 36-0083, establishing a 90-day tax amnesty period waiving penalties for overdue property, income, and gross receipts taxes to assist taxpayers and businesses still recovering from Hurricanes Irma and Maria and Tropical Storm Ernesto. He also signed Bill No. 36-0099, expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act. However, he cautioned that the bill’s provision requiring the Department of Justice to maintain a registry of older adult offenders presents financial and legal challenges, urging the Legislature to work with the Department to develop a feasible implementation plan and funding mechanism.
Governor Bryan approved Bill No. 36-0119, a comprehensive measure reprogramming funds for the completion of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack, providing appropriations for community and cultural projects, and amending several sections of the Virgin Islands Code. However, he exercised line-item vetoes on Sections 2 and 3, citing constitutional and drafting concerns.
Section 2, he explained, would have removed the six-month grace period for judges serving with expired terms—an essential safeguard that maintains checks and balances between the Executive and Legislative branches.
Section 3, he noted, inadvertently eliminated language allowing certain retirees, including teachers, nurses, and police officers, to return to work immediately after retirement. Governor Bryan recommended that the Legislature restore this provision to ensure continuity in critical services.
Governor Bryan also signed several other measures:
Bill No.36-0121, renaming the Peter Carl Limpricht Park on St. Croix as the Ten Sleepless Knights Park and appropriating $25,000 for new signage.
Bill No. 36-0123, lowering the blood alcohol threshold for operating a commercial motor vehicle to 0.04 percent.
Bill No. 36-0128, rezoning Parcel No. 68A Estate Lindberg Bay on St. Thomas from Public to Residential-Medium Density.
Bill No. 36-0136, mandating lethal weapon training for licensed security guards and investigators.
Bill No. 36-0140, clarifying the term of service for members of the Historic Preservation Commission.
Bill No. 36-0141, setting term limits for members of the Board of Physical Therapy.
Bill No. 36-0142, adjusting the maximum number of members per district on the Board for the Licensing of Barbering and Cosmetology.
Bill No. 36-0201, extending the deadlines and appropriating funds for the Sixth Constitutional Convention of the Virgin Islands.
Governor Bryan also acknowledged two resolutions passed by the Legislature:
Resolution No. 1920 (Bill No. 36-0107), honoring Dr. Alfred Lee Anduze for his contributions to medicine, science, and public service; and Resolution No. 1921 (Bill No. 36-0203), petitioning the U.S. Congress to include the Virgin Islands as full participants in the Affordable Care Act.
In closing, Governor Bryan thanked the Legislature for its favorable action on the nominations of Joan P. Foy to the Governing Board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and Mark M. Wiechnik to the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission.
“I thank the members of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature for their continued work on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said.
Two people were arrested Sunday night following a domestic dispute at a Frederiksted residence, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Patrol officers responded to the home around 8 p.m. on Sunday, where they met with Jahmali Johannes, who told police that Jazzmine Ferdinand came to his home, assaulted him, and began destroying property, according to the police report.
When officers later contacted Ferdinand, she said that while at Johannes’ residence, the two got into an argument that escalated when he assaulted her, leading her to damage several items in his home, the police report stated.
Police arrested Johannes, 32, and charged him with Simple Assault and Battery (Domestic Violence). Ferdinand, 21, was arrested for Destruction of Property (Domestic Violence), the report stated.
No bail was set for either under the Domestic Violence Law. Both were transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility, where they were remanded pending their advice of rights hearing, it stated.
A St. Thomas man was arrested Saturday after police recovered a stolen vehicle that had been taken from the Virgin Islands Rescue staging lot late last month, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Officers responded to Polyberg Hill around 8:36 p.m. on Nov. 8, following reports of a recovered gray Toyota that had been removed without permission from the Rescue staging lot on Oct. 29, according to the police report.
An investigation identified 36-year-old Janijah Benjamin as the person seen in possession of the vehicle. The victim told police that Benjamin did not have permission to use it, the police report stated.
Benjamin was arrested and transported to the Richard Callwood Command, where he was booked on a charge of Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle. His bail was set at $25,000. Unable to post bail, he was remanded to the Bureau of Corrections, the report stated.
The Virgin Islands government is preparing to release $10 million in tax refunds to Virgin Islanders who filed their income tax returns by March 2024, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. announced during a Government House press briefing Monday.
“I want to speak directly to the households that are feeling the strain of this federal shutdown,” Bryan said. “Many of you are stretching every dollar you have. You’re trying to keep up with the light bill, groceries, gas, and the start of the holiday season. Getting these refunds out the door now provides just a little help with the essentials for so many of our families. It gives them a little bit more breathing room for Thanksgiving and Christmas — which we are all looking forward to.”
Bryan said the refunds will cover 3,328 households and acknowledged that there’s more work to be done in making Virgin Islanders whole.
“We are not all the way yet, but we are moving to meet the commitment that we made in our first year,” he said. “This refund issuance is just another step forward. It reflects the steady work by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Department of Finance, and I want to thank those teams for being focused and staying diligent, because this has been … a challenging couple weeks.”
Federal food assistance for the roughly 42 million Americans — including tens of thousands of Virgin Islanders — was halted amid a shutdown of the federal government, which began last month. That shutdown appeared to be nearing its end Monday after a handful of U.S. Senate Democrats broke ranks Sunday night and voted in favor of a stopgap funding measure, which did not include an extension to Affordable Care Act subsidies. Locally, the government paid out $2.77 million to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program beneficiaries to cover the lapse in federal assistance.
During a press briefing last week, Bryan said the territory was one of only six jurisdictions to cover the shortfall using local funds. At least 25 other states sued the Trump administration over the funding freeze. A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the administration last week to fully release this month’s benefits. U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson stayed the order last Friday to give the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit time to consider the matter.
“Our fingers are definitely crossed about us getting something through the Senate and the House this week,” Bryan said Monday. “But if not, I’ll call a state of emergency and issue the SNAP payment — the second SNAP payment — by next week.”
Bryan said the 36th Legislature only authorized funds to cover the first half of households’ November benefits and that they might not meet in time to authorize a second payout. Beyond SNAP, Bryan said the shutdown has caused “all kinds of other havoc” for the territory as it seeks approvals for its myriad federally funded disaster recovery projects.
Monday’s briefing also included updates on the second phase of the Veterans Drive revitalization effort and the V.I. Port Authority’s second attempt at soliciting a contractor to dredge Charlotte Amalie Harbor. The first time around, Bryan said, “a lot of the bidders were confused about what they would do with the waste” and the dredging depth.
“But last week, the Legislature approved $2 million for the demolition of the old Addelita Cancryn school — which the PFA put up the money for, once again,” he said. “So what that does now is it creates a space for all the dredge spoilage. Hopefully, because we do have the waterfront project going on just about the same time, we could use some of that spoilage as well, in that project, but now we don’t have to figure out how to dump it out at sea, or we don’t have to truck it over to St. Croix.”
Nov. 10 | 9:13 p.m.
On Monday, the deceased gunshot victim was identified as 55-year-old Randy L. Williams, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Nov. 6 | 7:15 p.m.
The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning in Contant, the department announced.
At about 12:15 a.m. Thursday, the Shot Spotter Detection System alerted police to multiple gunshots in the area. Moments later, a concerned citizen called to report a man lying in the roadway bleeding from his upper body, according to the police report.
Patrol officers responding to the scene discovered an unresponsive male who had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency Medical Technicians on site determined that the victim showed no signs of life, the police report stated.
The man’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin, it stated.
This death marks the 12th homicide on St. Thomas and 24th in the territory for 2025, with 10 homicides on St. Croix and two on St. John, according to the Source Homicide List.*
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-774-2211, the Major Crimes Unit at 340-642-8449 via WhatsApp, Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 (TIPS), or call 911.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 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.
Culture, music, and island spirit will take center stage this holiday season as the Virgin Islands Tourism Department and the Division of Festivals announce the lineup and schedule for the 2025-2026 Crucian Christmas Festival.
The week-long celebration begins Dec. 27 and will highlight the island’s vibrant culture, bringing together locals, visitors, and the Virgin Islands diaspora to honor tradition while elevating the festival experience, Tourism announced in a press release.
At daybreak on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the streets of St. Croix will come alive for J’ouvert morning, culminating near the Buddhoe Park Bandstand, where a colorful Food Fair will showcase the island’s culinary heritage and authentic local flavors, according to the press release.
“The Crucian Christmas Festival continues to be one of our most cherished cultural celebrations,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, commissioner-nominee of Tourism. “This year’s lineup brings together the best of local talent, regional stars, and international performers, giving visitors and locals alike an unforgettable celebration of our culture, music, and community.”
The Festival Village, dedicated to St. Croix’s own Xpress Band, will feature performances from top regional and international artists, including Voice, Nadia Batson, Romain Virgo, Morgan Heritage, and D’Yani. Local artists such as Nikki Brooks, Adam O, and Pumpa —who have made their mark across the Caribbean music scene — will also take the stage, the press release stated.
A special tribute honoring the late Unkle Sasso, the legendary Virgin Islands Bass Rhythm and Melody artist, will be held during the annual Soca Monarch competition on Monday, Dec. 29. The tribute will celebrate his lasting influence on Virgin Islands music and culture, the release stated.
Following the Adults Parade on Saturday, Jan. 3, the Festival Village will close with a high-energy concert by international soca star Kes the Band, performing hits such as “Hello, Cocoa Tea, Wotless, and Savannah Grass,” the release stated.
“We are thrilled to offer an updated schedule that honors our traditions while ensuring the safety of all festivalgoers through coordination with our partners at the Virgin Islands Police Department,” said Alvin Burke Jr., assistant director of Festivals. “From sunrise J’ouvert to the closing concert with Kes the Band, every event is designed to showcase the vibrant energy and talent of St. Croix.”
The Tourism Department and the Division of Festivals invite residents and visitors to join the celebration and experience why the Crucian Christmas Festival remains a cornerstone of Virgin Islands heritage.
Kristen Carmichael-Bowers directs the All-Island Children’s Choir in the November 2024 concert. (Photo by William Stelzer)
The community is invited to enjoy a performance by 100 children from St. John when the All-Island Children’s Choir presents a concert at the Julius E. Sprauve School auditorium in Cruz Bay on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Each fall, the St. John All-Island Children’s Choir brings together the children in grades three through five from all three St. John elementary schools — the Julius E. Sprauve School, the Gifft Hill School, and the St. John Christian Academy. The All-Island Children’s Choir performs uplifting and inspiring songs in the languages of our community.
“This year, we have a very local and reggae theme,” said Kristen Carmichael-Bowers, the choir’s director. “We’re so excited to sing original songs by — and with — an ancestral St. Johnian musician, Warren ‘Addis’ Smith.” Smith has been placed on the 2025 Official Grammy Ballots for Grammy Considerations.
The fourth graders will sing his song “Paradise,” which is about growing up on St. John, and third graders will sing “Reggae Rock.”
Smith attended the Julius E. Sprauve School from “kindergarten on through” and said it was inspiring to be back in classrooms there.
Warren “Addis” Smith surprises the fourth graders at the St. John Christian Academy during rehearsal earlier this year. (Photo by William Stelzer)
Several years ago, Smith produced a video of “Reggae Rock” featuring many familiar faces from St. John. His videographer, also from St. John, was Edward Cazaubon of Ecaz Unlimited Media Productions.
Cazaubon is also a songwriter, and for the concert finale, the St. John All-Island Children’s Choir will perform his original song “Upliftment Build Strength.”
“It was an honor to have the children perform this song which was written as a reminder that even in challenging times, our spirit grows when we lift each other up,” said Cazaubon. “The voices of our young people carry power — they carry the future. When they sing about unity, resilience, and hope, it strengthens all of us as a community. Hearing these children sing together — with joy, courage, and pride — reminds us that St. John is strong, and our story continues forward through them.”
For those who can’t attend in person, the concert will be livestreamed on AllAhWe TV’s YouTube channel and can be viewed by following this link:
https://youtube.com/live/0ndmKMcoLN4?feature=share.
For further information, call 340-227-4920 or send an email to info@singstjohn.org.
The St. John All-Island Children’s Choir is one of four programs presented by Sing St. John, which is supported solely by community donations and grants.
Sing St. John is deep into its annual fall appeal to raise $240,000 to meet its operating expenses for community singing programs for all ages in 2025-26. They have been gifted a matching grant generously offered by Martha and Dana Robes, which will double the first $65K of donations received.
Donations can be made online with a credit or debit card, or through PayPal by clicking this link https://www.singstjohn.org/annual-fund.html.
Checks can be mailed to Sing St. John, Box 1173, St. John, VI 00831.
In addition to community and business donors, Sing St. John is jointly supported by a grant from VI Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC, a federal agency.
