Police said a St. Croix woman was intoxicated when she crashed into a car at the courthouse while on her way to a probation hearing for a previous drunk driving-related conviction. (Shutterstock)
An allegedly inebriated St. Croix woman speeding to a probation meeting for a negligent driving conviction earlier this month was arrested Friday after crashing into a parked car in the courthouse parking lot, according to court records posted Monday.
Police found Megan Nicole Smith sitting under a tree at the courthouse. Allegedly staggering and slurring her words, Smith told police she hadn’t realized she’d crashed her Ford Escape into a parked Dodge Caravan in the Superior Court parking lot because she had music playing too loudly. A deputy marshal who witnessed the crash said Smith had also nearly hit a Chrysler. The marshal had shouted for Smith to slow down and also to stop before hitting the other car while attempting to park at roughly 4 p.m. Friday, according to court records
Police asked if she’d been drinking that morning and Smith allegedly said she’d had a rum cocktail with brunch hours earlier. Police conducted three field sobriety tests and Smith allegedly failed them all. The probation officer noticed Smith was also in possession of a small Hennessy bottle and a plastic bottle containing colored liquid, which Smith allegedly confirmed was alcohol.
Smith, who initially denied hitting the other car, was rushing to the courthouse to make a scheduled probation hearing for her June 3 conviction of negligent driving, according to police. She had failed three field sobriety tests at 5:45 a.m. in September 2025 after swerving into an oncoming car. Driving under the influence charges had been dropped but Smith was required to remain alcohol free for six months and complete an alcohol education and safe driving course.
A records check Friday found Smith had a valid driver’s license but the car she was driving was uninsured and unregistered, according to court records.
Smith was charged with driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor, negligent driving, operating an unregistered vehicle, and operating an uninsured vehicle. She was released on $1,505 bail.
Smith faced similar charges in September 2022 after allegedly drunkenly crashing into several vehicles outside St. Croix’s Circle One Bar. People inside the bar said they initially mistook the “boom-boom-boom” and “bam, bam bam” noises for thunder. In January 2024, Smith pleaded guilty to intoxicated driving. Negligent driving charges were dropped.
There’s nothing quite like a lively conversation over a game of dominoes about our homeland, the U.S. Virgin Islands. During a recent gathering with friends and family who consider the U.S. Virgin Islands their home, the discussion began, as usual, with updates on recent events, including who has passed away, who is unwell, and who is going through a divorce. It’s the typical mix of gossip that often comes up first. One person who had recently visited chimed in with a critical review: “We’re going backward. Carnival and the festivals are not the same anymore. They don’t feel joyful like they used to. People are afraid of getting shot!”
Carmelo Rivera (Submitted photo)
The conversation quickly shifted to a familiar cycle of lamenting our community’s ongoing issues. We covered the usual list: rampant shootings that leave people afraid to gather, a hospital system in crisis, constant outages from WAPA, shuttered businesses, the eyesore of dilapidated buildings in our towns, a troubled school system, the stalled ballpark and racetrack, and a generation of young people facing a lack of good-paying jobs. The list kept growing, as it always does.
As a Virgin Islander, engaging in these conversations can often feel overwhelming. They can be emotionally draining, leaving you feeling sad, helpless, and distraught, often accompanied by guilt for living on the mainland instead of back home, where you might make a difference. It’s the type of guilt that survivors of a crash or fire often experience; you start to question whether you could have done more to help others. Why me? Did I sell out? It’s disheartening to see that conditions in our community don’t seem to be improving; if anything, they appear to be getting worse, regardless of which party or individual is leading the executive branch.
During our get-together, someone posed a challenging question: Who among us would be willing to return home? The conversation quickly became awkward. “That’s a hard question,” one person mumbled, while the unanimous response was, “Not me!” Another person added, “I love home; it’s where my people are, and I have family there.” However, going back and staying home is incredibly difficult. I often feel like a stranger there, and finding work is a challenge. You need a lot of money just to afford rent, buy a house, or even survive, let alone make frequent trips for healthcare.
Trina Soto Clarke (Submitted photo)
Later, we had a tough discussion about the challenges facing our community, and someone brought up the gubernatorial elections. “So, who is going to be the next governor?” they asked. This sparked another round of animated discussion about potential candidates, leading to the question of who is truly qualified or brave enough to take on the immense responsibility of bringing about change. Unfortunately, most of the names that surfaced were familiar ones: well-intentioned, perhaps, but shaped entirely by the system they would be asked to change. None of them has had to compete, build, or lead outside the comfort of government. That is a problem.
Do our people realize how complicated the job of governor really is? It is indeed a complex role. Unlike governors in other states, the governor in our territory, in addition to their traditional responsibilities, must perform the duties of the school board president, the city mayor, and the county executive. It’s a unique combination of state and local roles. And people think it’s a highly paid job, and it is not! It is a sacrifice for any highly qualified person who can earn twice as much or more in the private sector.
Anyone chosen to be the governor of our precious territory must be innovative and creative, possessing the courage and resourcefulness needed to address long-standing, challenging issues. They need to be visionaries with fresh ideas. It is essential that they think strategically and can engage with corporate leaders while effectively interacting with federal officials in Washington, DC. This role is not suited for a typical bureaucrat!
We need to explore successful models from other jurisdictions to identify strategies that may work for us. For example, Barbados has effectively attracted remote workers and successfully repositioned its economy. Similarly, Puerto Rico has used federal tax incentives to encourage private investment. We could enhance our Economic Development Corporation (EDC) program by examining various models and case studies. While these examples may not provide perfect solutions or be directly applicable to our situation, they underline the importance of considering options beyond our own borders and election cycles. This is the standard we should strive for when selecting our next governor.
Change will not occur if we simply keep doing the same things or rely solely on hope and prayer. It will happen when we, both at home and those gathered around domino tables on the mainland, hold candidates to a higher standard and refuse to settle for what is safe and familiar. Our islands deserve better than that. Deep down, every Virgin Islander at that table understands this truth.
—Carmelo Rivera is a management, public affairs and human resources consultant with decades of experience in the public and private sectors. A graduate of the University of the Virgin Islands and the State University of New York at Albany, he has served as a University of the Virgin Islands business instructor, Virgin Islands labor commissioner and planning and natural resources commissioner, as well as president of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation.—Trina Soto-Clarke is a Virgin Islands native and communications and events executive with more than 20 years of experience across government, tourism, and public affairs. A former member of the USVI Department of Tourism and Department of Human Services teams, she lives on the mainland and remains deeply connected to her homeland.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND NATURAL RESOURCESPUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENTSTO THE VIRGIN ISLANDS OFFICIAL DISTRICT MAPS
FOR ST. CROIX, U. S. VIRGIN ISLANDS
Virtual Public Hearing via Microsoft Teams
Thursday, July 23, 2026
10 am
Application
CCZP0055-26: Virgin Islands Department of Education requesting a rezoning from A-1 (Agricultural Zone) to P (Public) for Parcel Nos. 5A and 5C VI Corp Land (Estate Castle Burke) Prince Quarter, St. Croix. The purpose of the request is to bring the Educational Complex High School and Career and Technical Education Center (SCEC-CTEC) into zoning conformity.
Virtual public hearing log-in information will be provided upon registering, by sending an email to leia.laplace@dpnr.vi.gov with the subject line “CCZP0055-26 virtual hearing registration.” File also available electronically by sending request to leia.laplace@dpnr.vi.gov, with subject line “CCZP0055-26 electronic file request.”
6/24-7/23/2026
Jettice Viola Petula Benjamin, affectionately known as “Cess” or “Mother,” of Estate Mount Pleasant died on June 15 in Delray Beach, Florida. She was 85 years old.
Jettice Viola Petula Benjamin
She is preceded in death by her mother, Eulalie Jackson; father, Haldaine Horford; sons, Dion and St. Clair Benjamin; siblings, Herky & Melrose Horsford, Vanessa Samuel, Christelyn & Joseph Simon; nephew, Joseph “Gin Gin” Simon Jr.
She is survived by her husband, Morris Benjamin; children, Evannie Jeremiah, Sharon & Jeffrey Benjamin; grandchildren, Shevonne & Shenique Jeremiah; Jahmar, Lakishma, Jahkiim, Sheniqua & Zuri Benjamin and Terrell Bryan siblings, Octavia Ryan & Alphonso Simon; nieces, Marie Horsford, Jacklyn Goodwin, Hyacinth Samuel, Hyacinth & Janice Benjamin; Lornette Isles, Eunette Anthony, Cordella & Condaisy Cochrane, Debbie Benjamin, Shawnette Francis, Tatyana, Shezaire, Lorraine, Colleen, Latania, Latoya, Ikeca & Isheba Simon; nephews, Theodore Horsford, Robert, Vanroy & Doyle Samuel, Earl Benjamin, Vere Cochrane, Dale Francis and Kimm, Ahimsha, Nigel & Aliff Simon; son in law, Deroy Jeremiah; sisters in law, Lornette & Jacinta Simon; special cousins, Cynthia Philo, Dana Stevens & Family and Trevor Simon; other relatives:, Collette White & Family, Goldine Shaw & Family; Ralston, Julian, Cornelia, Desserie Nicholas & Family; Geneva, Freeston, Jovanie, Sylvanie, Aldric, Nadine, Annette & Gregson Jackson; Vida, Yolanda, Ermin & Campbelle Constant; Ambersine Benjamin, Argentine, Mackie, Denley, Wilmoth, Blondel, Loretta & Avonell Ralph; Sharon Brown and Family; Avery, Marita, Dalston, Euen & Melvina Jackson; Nellarine Simon and Family; special friends, Phalcona Joseph & Family; Faustina Thomas & Family; Rev Dr Eulencine Christopher & Family; Kevin Jackson & Family; Esther Williams & Family; Maralyn Stanley & Family; Valerie Laurent & Family; Janice Isaac & Family; Charles Nicholas & Family; Rev Dr. Conrad Spencer & Family; Rev Dr Jeremy Francis & Family; Mr. & Mrs. Stafford Crossman & Family; Vanessa Chumney & Family; Alvin Milligan; Linroy Adams & Family; Rosalind Brown & Family; Dr. Jennifer James; Hazel Jones, Denise Joseph; Maxine Scott; Maria Lopez; Michelle Albany-Crispin; other family and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on July 10, at Friedensberg Moravian Church. Viewing begins at 9 am, with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Caneel Bay as seen from the Northshore Rd on St. John. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
If you assumed the National Park Service was moving forward with its 2023 plan to rebuild Caneel Bay Resort on St. John, you may be in for a shock.
The 2023 plan has been replaced, and the new plan lifts numerous constraints on prospective developers and removes all requirements for public access mandated under the former plan.
The new guidelines for Caneel’s development are specified in a document called Request for Proposals to Lease Property at Caneel Bay, published by the National Park Service on May 7.
Though it is technically not “a plan,” the May 7 Request For Proposals spells out the guidelines for development and the process by which “individuals, organizations, or teams” may “submit proposals to the NPS to enter into a lease” for up to 60 years.
The Source published a comprehensive summary of this 36-page document in a recent article.
The article you’re reading now focuses on the differences between the 2023 plan and the 2026 plan, which will affect residents and visitors to St. John for generations to come.
Overall Acreage Available for Development
Under the 2023 plan, the NPS set aside 74 acres within the 150-acre property for construction of a resort; additional property was subject to negotiation.
Under the 2026 plan, the resort developer has permission to build within the entire 150-acre property.
Under the 2023 plan, a developer could use half of Caneel’s 150 acres for a resort, and the rest of the property would be open to the public for recreation, conservation, and NPS historic interpretation. Under the 2026 plan, the entire property is available for resort development with no provision for public access. (Image from a NPS Environmental Assessment Report 2024)Number of Overnight Units
The 2023 plan called for the construction of an environmentally sustainable resort with up to 166 overnight units, the same number that was available at the Caneel Bay Resort before it closed because of hurricane damage in 2017.
The 2026 plan sets no limits on the number of units that can be constructed and makes no mention of height restrictions. A developer would be allowed to elevate buildings in areas prone to flooding.
The overnight units at Caneel Bay were one or two stories in height. There are no height restrictions under the 2026 plan. (Photo from an NPS 2023 Environmental Assessment Report)Public Access to Beaches
Under the 2023 agreement, five acres were designated for public day use and recreation, including the main beach at Caneel Bay and Honeymoon Bay. Amenities would include public bathrooms/shower facilities, picnic areas/tables, food services by concessioner, nonmotorized equipment rentals, and water activities.
Under the 2026 RFP, there is no mention of any property reserved for day use for the public.
The new document allows the developer to restrict public access on the property’s seven beaches to the “wet sand” areas – essentially the mean tide mark, following territorial law.
The main beach at Caneel Bay is currently open to the public. Under the 2023 plan, it is part of an area open to the public for day use and recreation. Under the 2026 plan, the public could be allowed access only from the sea and prohibited from using the beach except for the “wet sand.” (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
The language in the RFP states, “At a minimum, the public may use navigable waters of the area, including the wet sand beach (foreshore) of Honeymoon Beach, Little Caneel Beach, Caneel Beach, Scott Beach, Paradise Beach, Turtle Bay Beach, and Hawksnest Beach (North). Offerors should identify in their proposals the degree to which public access beyond this requirement will be allowed.”
In other words, prospective developers may choose to provide more public access, but they are under no obligation.
Additional Public Access
Under the 2023 plan, the Virgin Islands National Park would maintain control of 11 acres to use as an interpretation area where visitors could learn about the site’s archaic, colonial, and post-emancipation era features. (The sugar mill ruins are located in this section.)
Under the 2023 plan, Caneel Bay’s sugar mill ruins would be part of an area managed by the NPS and open to the public. Under the 2026 plan, there is no provision for park management or public access. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Under the 2026 plan, there is no provision for the park to create an interpretation zone that’s open to the public.
In 2023, the Park Service stated it was open to creating community partnerships to establish a museum, heritage center, farmers market, garden, or amphitheater in the public access areas.
In the 2026 plan, there is no mention of community partnerships.
Under the 2023 plan, a conservation area of 78 acres – including Caneel Hawksnest and Turtle Point – would be set aside to preserve natural resources and archaeological features. The public would have access to these areas by trails.
Under the 2023 plan, Hawksnest Bay and Turtle Point would be part of a conservation area open to the public and accessible by trails. There is no provision for a conservation area or public access under the 2026 plan. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
Under the 2026 plan, there is no provision to establish a conservation area that’s open to the public.
The 2026 RFP states, “There are several trails in and around the Leasehold Premises that are accessed from the Leasehold Premises. These trails include, but are not limited to, the Water Catchment Trail, Caneel Hill Trail, and Lind Point Trail. The NPS intends for the public to continue to have access to these trails under any proposed redevelopment.”
The new plan makes no mention of public access to the trails at Turtle Point and Caneel Hawksnest.
Economic Opportunities for Virgin Islanders
The 2023 development document also called for “commitment to fair wages and employment for the residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands; partnerships with local organizations, such as the University of the Virgin Islands for candidates in the hospitality and tourism management degree program; and opportunities for local artists and vendors to sell local goods at the site.”
None of these opportunities is mentioned in the 2026 RFP.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaseholder of Caneel Bay allowed the July Fourth Festival Committee to hold a concert on the beach where community members could maintain safe social distancing. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)NPS Has Not Provided a Reason for Changing the Selection ProcessThe Park Service did not respond to questions submitted by the Source seeking reasons for halting the previous selection process when the new 2026 Request For Proposals was published in May.
The 2023 plan was developed over a two-year planning period, which included multiple public meetings. NPS officials took into account more than a thousand written comments submitted by residents and visitors.
The 2023 plan was a compromise between those who wanted to see the resort rebuilt and those who wanted the property to remain in a more natural state. “We think we’ll be able to provide a good balance between more or less development,” said Nigel Fields, the superintendent of the Virgin Islands National Park during the planning process.
Nigel Fields, the superintendent of the VINP in 2023 when the former plan for Caneel Bay’s development was finalized, hosts an online meeting to seek community engagement. (Screenshot from NPS online meeting)
In October 2024, the NPS invited prospective developers to tour the premises and submit documentation (through a Request for Qualifications) to prove they had the technical and financial resources to rebuild the hotel. Proposals were due by March 2025.
Although nearly 21 different entities expressed interest in Caneel Bay, the NPS did not disclose how many applicants actually submitted their qualifications. According to the process laid out in the Request for Qualifications, the NPS was expected to take several months to review the applications and invite the top four or five to submit proposals during the summer of 2025.
But at that point, the National Park Service “went dark.” No further information was available about the selection process. Instead of answering questions directly, Virgin Islands National Park officials began referring all media inquiries to offices in the regional headquarters. Questions submitted by the Source to stateside NPS officials in May remain unanswered.
Lindsey Allen of Island Mixx 16-1 serves in her win against Sideout 15/16 Navy at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships Sunday in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark J. Daniel)
Island Mixx teams ended Day 1 of the fourth Wave at the 2026 Amateur Athletic Union National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida Sunday with wins, while Island Heat had a tougher day on the court, still in search of their first victory.
Island Mixx 16-1 instilled the fear of God in the Black Bears 16-1 to open play on court 44 in the 16U Classic Division. The Bears, who are one of the top-ranked teams in the 16-and-under category, were expected to coast through their first-round matches. But Island Mixx had different plans as they flexed their muscles, winning the first set 25-14. The Bears came back to claim the second set 25-22. In the third, Island Mixx jumped out to a 6-2 lead but lost focus down the stretch. The Bears escaped with a 15-13 victory.
The Mixx dug a deep hole for themselves by falling behind 9-0 to start the first set in their match against Club Alex 16 Grey. They ultimately lost that set 25-14. Island Mixx woke up midway through the second set, taking it 25-20 and the third 15-8 to secure the first win of the tournament. Island Mixx kept the momentum, prevailing against Sideout 15/16 Navy in straight sets, 25-15; 25-9. Island Mixx’s Kiera McNally served nine consecutive points to end the match against Sideout. Kinsley Taylor provided the offensive spark with 32 kills in three matches for Island Mixx 16-1.
Island Mixx 15-1 is competing in the 15 Classic Division at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. Top Flight 15 Omega defeated Island Mixx 25-21; 25-15. Island Mixx suffered a second straight-set loss, 25-19; 25-14, to TVC 15U. However, the girls from St. Thomas pulled themselves together to claim a hard-fought victory over Gulfside 15U Elite 25-20; 25-19.
The Island Mixx teams will be on the court Monday. All their matches will be played at the Orange County Community Center. Here is their schedule:
Voltage VB 15U Black vs. Island Mixx 15-1 — 8:30 a.m. — Court 54 — North Concourse
Tsunami S151EAAU Trina vs. Island Mixx 15-1 — 9:30 a.m. — Court 54 — North Concourse
15 Elite RAFA Red NVA vs. Island Mixx 15-1 — 11:30 a.m. — Court 54 — North Concourse
BRUSA 16-3 Camille vs. Island Mixx 16-1 — 2:30 p.m. — Court 42 — North Concourse
SWVBL G16 Blue vs Island Mixx 16-1 — 5:30 p.m. — Court 42 — North Concourse
IM 16-1 vs Hartford VBC 16-1 — 6:30 p.m. — Court 42 — North Concourse
Island Heat 16-1, #2 Aryana Tutein, #5 Anna-Marie Figueroa, and #6 Ava Whitworth prepare to receive the serve in their match against GSA 16 National at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships on Sunday in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark J. Daniel)
Island Heat teams had a rough day at the office, dropping all six of their matches. They are competing in a much tougher division than the Island Mixx teams. However, the girls from St. Croix are playing hard and learning from the experience.
Here are the results from Sunday.
Island Heat 15-1
Ozark Juniors 15 National defeated Island Heat 15-1 — 25-10; 25-14
Miami Hype 15U Prime 2 defeated Island Heat 15-1 — 25-21; 25-14
Boston United 15 National defeated Island Heat 15-1 — 25-10; 25-20
Island Heat 16-1
GSA 16 National defeated Island Heat 16-1 — 25-21; 18-25; 15-9
MVA 16 Stephania defeated Island Heat 16-1 — 25-11; 25-12
Mizuno MI 163 defeated Island Heat 16-1 — 25-11; 25-17
Here is their schedule for Monday:
Island Heat 15-1 vs EU U15 Silver — Court 112 — South Concourse
Island Heat 15-1 vs MGA 15 South — Court 112 — South Concourse
Island Heat 15-1 vs NMBVB 15U Chala — Court 112 — South Concourse
Island Heat 16-1 vs ELLEVATE Academy 16U – 3 p.m. — Court 24 — North Concourse
Island Heat 16- 1 vs Top Flight 16 Theta – 5 p.m. — Court 24 — North Concourse
Island Heat 16-1 vs Adversity W1 16-2 — Court 24 — North Concourse
#13 Kiera McNally of Island Mixx 16-1 serves one of her nine straight points to seal the victory over Sideout 15/16 Navy on Sunday at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mark J. Daniel)
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is pleased to officially announce Calistra Gregoire as the new National Team General Manager.
In this key leadership role, Gregoire will oversee the operational and logistical functions of all USVISF National Team programs, ensuring that every aspect of team preparation and participation is executed with professionalism and efficiency.
Gregoire will be responsible for coordinating travel arrangements, accommodations, ground transportation, team itineraries, and overall operational planning for all national team camps, matches, and international competitions. Her role is critical in providing the organizational support necessary for players and technical staff to perform at the highest level while representing the U.S. Virgin Islands on the regional and international stage.
In addition to managing national team logistics, Gregoire will oversee and provide guidance to all National Team Managers, establishing consistent operational standards and strengthening communication across the Federation’s national team structure.
To ensure the successful delivery of national team activities, Gregoire will work closely with every department within the federation. Depending on the requirements of upcoming training camps and competitions, she may collaborate with staff across competition administration, facilities, finance, communications, procurement, and technical operations to coordinate the resources necessary for each event.
The appointment reflects the federation’s continued commitment to strengthening its organizational structure and enhancing the professional environment surrounding its national team programs. By centralizing operational oversight under dedicated leadership, the USVISF aims to improve efficiency, streamline planning, and provide greater support to its players, coaches, and staff.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation welcomes Calistra Gregoire to her new role and looks forward to the leadership, professionalism, and dedication she will bring to the continued growth and success of the National Team programs.
St. John Celebration 2026 honoree Tischelle Knight is surprised with a gift from her family, during the opening of Celebration Village on Saturday night. The emotional tribute highlighted a lifetime of music, family and community as the beloved soca singer was recognized for her contributions to St. John and the Virgin Islands. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The opening of the Village for St. John Celebration 2026 began with a celebration of music, song and family tradition. On stage in what is normally the Cruz Bay Parking Lot, government officials, community leaders and royalty gathered to honor St. John Soca singer Tischelle Knight.
Through her dynamic singing voice, Knight, 51, brought energy and spirit to crowds as the lead vocalist for Cool Session and, later, Klimaxx Band, for more than 25 years. She dabbed away tears as speaker after speaker called her a friend and an inspiration.
First came Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King; the Division of Festivals oversees St. Thomas Carnival and St. Croix Festival and operates under her direction. She embraced the honoree and kept Knight company onstage in the seat beside her. “I’ve known Tischelle for such a long time. We have so much love and respect for one another,” Matarangas-King said.
Addressing the crowd, the commissioner praised the St. John Celebration as a time to remember the history, culture and people of the territory.
Mistress of Ceremonies Alecia Wells then handed the mic to Sonia Sprauve, the honorees’ mother. In the generation before Tischelle, it was her mother and father who sang with the popular bands of the time. “Tischelle, Mommy is so proud of you,” Sonia said.
Tijmah Knight — the honoree’s daughter added her praise. “Mommy, I am very proud of you,” she said. The honoree dabbed at her eyes again.
Senate President Milton Potter — part of a family of music promoters — said of Knight, “ … her voice has lifted us in festivals and fetes.”
To the crowd, Potter extended best wishes. “May the music be sweet; may the vibes be high,” he said.
Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett offered congratulations; Senator-At-Large Angel Bolques hinted at the performance to come with Knight and Klimaxx Band on stage. “Alle is my favorite song, and I hope to hear it soon,” Bolques said.
“Alle”, sung in English and Patois, is one of Knight’s most popular songs and is widely known and loved.
And Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach joined Plaskett and Matarangas-King in reflecting on the dual holidays of V.I. Emancipation Day and U.S. Independence Day. “ … and I want to thank (St. John Celebration Queen Elizabeth Farrell) and the two other contestants,” for weaving historical references into their competition performances, Roach said.
He offered congratulations to the honoree, saying, “We are indebted to you, Tischelle, because you pour your talent into us all the time,” he said.
And last but not least, Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. spoke of his love for a good time with music and dance. He turned to Knight, thanking her for her many years of performance and the years of enjoyment she gave to those who came to enjoy her gifts.
In this key leadership role, Gregoire will oversee the operational and logistical functions of all USVISF National Team programs, ensuring that every aspect of team preparation and participation is executed with professionalism and efficiency.
Gregoire will be responsible for coordinating travel arrangements, accommodations, ground transportation, team itineraries, and overall operational planning for all national team camps, matches, and international competitions. Her role is critical in providing the organizational support necessary for players and technical staff to perform at the highest level while representing the U.S. Virgin Islands on the regional and international stage.
In addition to managing national team logistics, Gregoire will oversee and provide guidance to all National Team Managers, establishing consistent operational standards and strengthening communication across the Federation’s national team structure.
To ensure the successful delivery of national team activities, Gregoire will work closely with every department within the federation. Depending on the requirements of upcoming training camps and competitions, she may collaborate with staff across competition administration, facilities, finance, communications, procurement, and technical operations to coordinate the resources necessary for each event.
The appointment reflects the federation’s continued commitment to strengthening its organizational structure and enhancing the professional environment surrounding its national team programs. By centralizing operational oversight under dedicated leadership, the USVISF aims to improve efficiency, streamline planning, and provide greater support to its players, coaches, and staff.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation welcomes Calistra Gregoire to her new role and looks forward to the leadership, professionalism, and dedication she will bring to the continued growth and success of the National Team programs. 
