Shawn E. Leass was born on Feb. 19, 1964, in Findlay, Ohio, to Janice E. Leass and Ralph F. Leass. He was the youngest of his family. He loved deeply and was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him and being in his presence. Shawn and his sister spent their childhood summers at Findlay’s Riverside park and pool, as they always had season tickets to spend the summers there. Shawn was an excellent swimmer and developed quite a love for aqua activities then.
Shawn Leass
He received his education through Elida High School, in Lima, OH, and graduated from their automotive-mechanic program, in 1982. Upon graduation, Shawn enjoyed repairing race cars and racing them on speedway tracks. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling abroad. Along with some of his friends, Shawn discovered much adventure and opportunity in the Caribbean. He decided to move to St. Thomas, USVI, in the ‘90’s. It was there that he found self-employment as a scuba diver — maintaining boats and yachts, with much enthusiasm and provision for his livelihood. His favorite hobbies were to attend Rock and Roll concerts in the states, and perform as a bass guitar player for various pubs at ‘open mic nights.’ He had quite a collection of guitar picks from numerous concerts he had attended.
The St. Thomas community continues to mourn the loss of their beloved island musician, Shawn, as he was such a good friend to countless people. They have expressed both their surprise and sorrow at his untimely passing, resulting from an unexpected, tragic boating accident on the last night of St. Thomas’ annual ‘carnival,’ on Saturday evening, May 2, 2026.
He leaves behind a lifetime of memories to his mother, Jan E. Wooldridge, sister, Tracy M. Carr, brother-in–law, Cliff W. Carr and niece, Caralyn I. Dolney, and a host of loving uncles, aunts, cousins, and good friends.
A ‘Celebration of Life’ service is being planned to be held on Shawn’s birthday, Friday, Feb. 19, 2027, at Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers, (340) 774-1464, at a time yet to be determined.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, That whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”John 3:16. (NIV)
In Economic Well-Being, the unemployment rate dropped from 6% to 4%, although average hourly wages remained 24% lower than the national U.S. average.
Public school graduation rates have increased significantly, from 70.9% to 81%, and there was an encouraging increase in student ELA scores, resulting in the highest percentage of proficient students for tested grade levels since SY 2020-21. In math, however, the overall scores and percentage of students proficient were lower than in SY 2020-21.
546 students have dropped out of the public school system between the 2020-21 school year and the 2023-24 school year, resulting in dropout rates between 2.2 and 4 percent per year for those school years.
In Health, the Virgin Islands Department of Health (VIDOH) reported that, in 2023, the fertility rate had decreased, and the overall number of live births continued to decrease along with the overall USVI population. Also in 2023, the VIDOH reported the percentage of babies born at low birthweight to be 5.3%.
In Family and Community, the number of households with children living in public housing increased, despite the overall decline in the number of children, signaling a higher percentage of children in economically disadvantaged housing.
In its 37th year of publication, the KIDS COUNT Data Book provides reliable statewide numbers to help leaders see where progress is being made, where greater support is needed, and which strategies are making a difference.
“Behind every number in this report is a child who is either hungry or fed, housed or homeless, progressing academically or falling behind. No state is consistently getting this right,” said Lisa M. Lawson, President and CEO of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. “The Data Book challenges us to follow the evidence and do what delivers results.” By offering a local road map, the Data Book equips policymakers, advocates, and communities with the information they need to make decisions that help children and young people thrive.
The 2026 national KIDS COUNT® Data Book can be accessed at www.aecf.org/databook. Virgin Islands KIDS COUNT publications and the Data Dashboard can be found by visiting St. Croix Foundation’s website at www.stxfoundation.org/kids-count-usvi/.
For more information about KIDS COUNT USVI, contact St. Croix Foundation at 340-773-9898 or kidscountusvi@stxfoundation.org.
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA)Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 2026-RFP-012-STXUSVI Housing Demand Study
The Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (“Authority” or “VIHFA”) is seeking professional consulting services to conduct a Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to assess current and future housing needs throughout the Territory.
VIHFA is seeking to conduct a comprehensive Housing Demand Study and Resilience Plan to better understand the Territory’s current and future housing needs. The study will provide a data-driven assessment of housing demand, community needs, and existing housing gaps to support informed decision-making and long-term planning. In addition, the project will evaluate resilience and sustainability strategies to strengthen housing recovery and preparedness efforts.
This Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued on June 3, 2026. All proposals, questions, communications, and addenda related to this solicitation shall be submitted and accessed exclusively through VIHFA’s e-Procurement system at:
https://vihfabids.ionwave.net
All proposals must be submitted electronically no later than:
Friday, July 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
A Pre-Proposal Conference Via Teams is scheduled for:
June 12, 2026 at 11:30 AM AST.
All questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing through the IonWave system no later than: June 18, 2026 at 11:59 PM AST.
All updates, clarifications, and addenda will be issued through the IonWave portal. It is the responsibility of all prospective respondents to monitor the system for any updates prior to submission.
This solicitation is issued as a Request for Proposals (RFP) and will be awarded based on a Best Value determination, taking into consideration factors such as experience, technical approach, product quality, project schedule, and cost. Price will be considered but will not be the sole determining factor.
IN THE SUPERIOR COURT OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS
DIVISION OF ST. CROIX
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF
SUSAN KEENE GARRISON a/k/a,
SUSAN K. GARRISON,
Deceased.
CASE NO. SX-2026-PB-00050
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND DEBTORS
NOTICE IS HEREBYGIVEN that a Petition for Ancillary Administration has been filed on behalf of the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, deceased. All persons having claims against the Estate are required to present them, verified by affidavit, to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Croix, or to Charlotte Sheldon, Esq., Attorney for the Estate of Susan Keene Garrison, a/k/a Susan K. Garrison, McChain Hamm & Associates, LLC, with an address of 5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13 Christiansted, VI 00820, within 30 days from the date hereof. All persons indebted to the Estate shall make payment to the undersigned or to the Ancillary Executor, Lionel C. Garrison, a/k/a Chris Garrison.
This 9th day of June 2026.
/s/ Charlotte S. Sheldon
Charlotte S. Sheldon, Esq.
VI Bar No. R2070
5030 Anchor Way, Suite 13
Christiansted, VI 00820-4692
Phone: 340-773-6955
Email: csheldon@usvi.law
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. reminds all registered profit and non-profit corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies of the upcoming June 30, 2026 deadline to comply with the annual report filing requirement. Franchise taxes and filing fees with the corresponding reports are due to the Division of Corporations and Trademarks as a statutory requirement for entities to remain in “Good Standing” to conduct business in the territory.Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach Esq. is also the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Insurance and the Office of the Tax Collector. (Source file photo)
The Division of Corporations and Trademarks will have extended office hours on June 30, up to 6 pm at the Nisky Center, St. Thomas, and the Old Caribe Building at Castle Coakley, St. Croix, to afford all filers the opportunity to comply with the due date.
If entities wish to be dissolved on or before June 30, 2026, they must be in good standing and submit the dissolution request no later than June 30, 2026. If entities wish to be dissolved as of July 1 and thereafter, they must be in good standing and have an approved annual filing for the due date of June 30, to submit the dissolution filing for processing.
Entities not in compliance with this requirement will be assessed penalties and interest for late filing beginning on July 1, 2026. Additionally, the entity’s status will be changed from “Good Standing” to “Registered” on July 1st, if an approved annual filing is not on file with the Division, and it will be unable to obtain a certificate of good standing to conduct business, submit amendments, and voluntary dissolutions. If the entity’s annual filings and taxes remain outstanding, the entity will be subject to the administrative dissolution process and the inability to use its name.
Payments and filings shall be made in the division’s online Catalyst system at www.corporationsandtrademarks.vi.gov. The Catalyst system is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Filers shall have a user account in the system, authorization over the registered business, and complete the Update Profile Service to submit filings. Instructions are available at https://ltg.gov.vi/departments/corporations-trademarks/. Also, registered corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies shall comply with the Beneficial Ownership
Information Reporting Requirement at www.FinCEN.gov/boi.
For more information relative to the annual filing requirements and gaining access to file reports, please contact the Division of Corporations and Trademarks at (340)774-2991 on St. Thomas/St. John and (340)773-6449 on St. Croix or visit the Office of the Lieutenant Governor’s website at: https://ltg.gov.vi.
CMCArts is thrilled to present Our Soil, Beyond Materiality, a multisensory group exhibition organized by Puerto Rico’s Arte-Suelo-Ser collective of biologists, artists and curators and the Museo de Suelos del Caribe. Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27 | 5–8 PM
Join us for live music, complimentary bites, a cash bar, and conversations with visiting curators and artists. Tickets: $20 ($10 for members, available at the door or cmcarts.org/events)
The Exhibition: Our Soil, Beyond Materiality | June 27 – Nov. 7
This isn’t a typical art show. Our Soil, Beyond Materiality merges scientific research with creative expression to reveal how soil health connects to human health, community resilience, and Caribbean identity. St. Croix’s Victory Soil will be featured. Through hands-on workshops, film screenings, guided artist tours, and field trips, visitors of all ages will discover why soil matters—and why artists and scientists must work together.
Participating Artists:
Nora Álvarez Berríos
Carola Cintrón Moscoso
Jaime Suárez
Heidi Anne Vera
Yamileth Flores Reyes
Farmers from St. Croix and Puerto Rico
Soil research displays by Arte-Suelo-Ser
Films by:
Carola Cintrón Moscoso and Eric
Appeldoorn Sanders
Alana Toro-Ramos and Omar Iloy
Margaret Mair
Rina Otero
Supporting Programming for All Ages:
Interactive soil art workshops
Artist-led exhibition tours
Film screenings and special programming
A VI/PR Friendship celebration featuring live connections between artists and artworks on both islands
Youth & Teen summer camp and school field trips – contact kaden@cmcarts.org
Adult private tours of the exhibition are available; contact lisa@cmcarts.org
About Arte-Suelo-Ser and Museo de Suelos del Caribe
Since 2020, this Puerto Rican collective has championed soil literacy as essential to environmental and human health. They’ve spent the past three years researching soil health on St. Croix, building partnerships with local farmers, UVI’s Agricultural Department, and community food security organizations. Their Virtual Soil Museum of the Caribbean invites visitors to explore regional soils through art, science, and culture. Their work is supported by the USDA and the Caribbean Culture Fund.
Follow CMCArts on social media and visit cmcarts.org for exhibition and programming updates that will continue to evolve throughout the exhibition.
Liberty VI announced today an unprecedented rate plan offer for the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) market, with 1Gig of internet speed for $50 per month for 24 months. This limited-time promotion includes free installation and is backed by Liberty’s 30-day money-back guarantee.
The offer is the direct result of Liberty’s fiber construction project which is already bringing True Fiber internet connectivity to consumers throughout the USVI. With over 21,000 serviceable locations, many communities in St. Thomas and St. Croix are ready to enjoy the service.
“With hurricane season already upon us and the power outages we are experiencing, it is important for consumers to have a reliable and affordable internet connection,” said Catherine Kling, general manager of Liberty VI. “We want all Virgin Islanders to have a reliable connection with real fiber, which does not go down when power goes out. A true optical fiber network does not rely on electricity. We are beyond excited to be able to offer this world-class service at such an amazing price.”
Kling highlighted that Liberty’s True Fiber offers symmetrical speeds for upload and download and can provide up to 50 times more upload speed than its nearest competitor.
“This is a limited-time offer — available only through June 30— and it’s built around three things no other provider in the USVI is putting on the table together: a symmetrical 1Gig connection with upload speeds up to 50 times faster than the nearest competitor at $50 per month, locked for 24 months. That is less nearly a third of the cost of comparable plans in the territory,” Kling commented. “That means uploading a 4K video in seconds, running a home business without bottlenecks, supporting multiple simultaneous video calls without lag, and obtaining significant savings of the price over the competition. Once the promotional window closes, this rate is gone.”
Covering more of the VI with True Fiber
Providing an update on Liberty’s Connect USVI project, Kling stated that the initiative is well on its way with 30 community and business areas in St. Thomas already connected with True Fiber and 22 in St, Croix, with four about to be added to the list soon. Upcoming new builds include Bakkero in St. Thomas, plus Mon Bijou North & South, Anna’s Hope, Sion Hill (Cane Bay) and Peter’s Rest in St. Croix.
As it acquires the necessary permits, Liberty will continue moving forward with the construction work, which will provide access to high-speed, True Fiber internet connectivity to 100% of homes and businesses in the territory within the next couple of years.
Liberty’s True Fiber connection will enable USVI citizens to work, study and complete daily tasks much more efficiently. The build-out of this ultra-fast fiber network throughout the entire territory will ensure that communities that are underserved or unserved will have the opportunity to have access to a reliable internet connection. From a business perspective, it can transform the territory into a Caribbean technology hub, which could in turn create jobs, improve education, expand tourism opportunities, and connect USVI with other markets around the world.
Liberty VI will be providing updates on its website https://www.libertyvi.com/news on when and where the company will be working on the build-out across the territory.
Family, friends, shipmates, and dignitaries gathered June 5 to honor Commander Karima A. Hantal, United States Coast Guard, at a formal retirement ceremony recognizing more than 21 years of exemplary service to the Nation. The ceremony celebrated Commander Hantal’s groundbreaking career as a Coast Guard officer and proud native of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.
Commander Karima A. Hantal, U.S. Coast Guard (Photo courtesy of Hantal Family)
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Dr. Araceli “Chelly” Bachner, followed by the arrival of the official party, the National Anthem, and a blessing delivered by Deacon Orien Donovan. Captain Carrie A. Wolfe, United States Coast Guard, offered presiding official remarks and led the presentation of awards and certificates, highlighting Commander Hantal’s leadership and impact across the Service.
A central moment of the ceremony was the reading of “The Watch,” the traditional poem marking the end of a service member’s watch and the passing of duties to the next generation of Coast Guard men and women. Commander Stephanie Washington delivered the reading, honoring Commander Hantal’s more than two decades of standing the watch so that others could “sleep soundly in safety.” Commander Hantal then provided her own remarks, reflecting on her career, her family, and the shipmates and mentors who shaped her journey. The program also featured an interpretive dance by Ms. Desiya Samuel and Ms. Demiya Henley, followed by the Coast Guard’s service song, “Semper Paratus,” the departure of the official party, and a reception in honor of Commander Hantal and her family.
Commander Hantal currently serves as Senior Advisor to the Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where she advises on national policy and work-life programs that support more than 80,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary personnel and their families. Over her career, she has specialized in prevention operations ashore, serving as a Marine Inspector at Sector New Orleans, Inspections Division Chief at Sector Lake Michigan in Milwaukee, and Prevention Department Head and later Executive Officer at Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur, Texas.
Her staff assignments have included Program Manager in the Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Flag State Control Administrator in the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance, and Ethnic Policy Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture at Coast Guard Headquarters. She previously served in Naval Engineering roles as a Damage Control Assistant aboard USCGC DAUNTLESS (WMEC‑624) and as a Type Desk Manager and Program Depot Manager at Maintenance and Logistics Command Atlantic and the Surface Forces Logistics Center in Norfolk, Virginia.
Commander Hantal holds a Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
Her personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, and multiple unit and team awards. In a citation accompanying the award of a Gold Star in lieu of a second Meritorious Service Medal, Commander Hantal was recognized for her leadership as Senior Advisor to the Deputy Assistant Commandant for Workforce and Family Services and as Policy Advisor in the Office of Employee Engagement and Culture from June 2024 to September 2026. She was commended for single‑handedly executing a multi‑year, Congressionally mandated, holistic study on sexual assault and sexual harassment in the Service, coordinating over 120 expert interviews, compiling extensive policy documentation, and gathering a decade of accountability data to support an independent evaluation of Coast Guard climate and prevention programs. She also initiated a policy change that added more than 85 grooming products across Coast Guard Exchanges to better serve a diverse workforce, particularly at high‑density training and accession centers.
In a message from Government House, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. congratulated Commander Hantal on behalf of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands, recognizing her as the first female Virgin Islander to graduate from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and the first Virgin Islands woman to attain the rank of Commander. He noted that a Virgin Islands flag was flown at Government House in her honor, citing her as a source of pride and inspiration who has “broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of Virgin Islanders.”
A native of St. Thomas and a graduate of Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, Commander Hantal is married to tech entrepreneur Ali C. Hantal of Istanbul, Türkiye; together, they enjoy traveling, skiing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. As she transitions from active duty service, Commander Hantal and Ali will relocate to the Virgin Islands in a few weeks and leave a legacy of operational excellence, policy leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the Coast Guard’s core values of honor, respect, and devotion to duty.
As Wartsila #3 continues to undergo unscheduled repairs, please see the current rotational outage schedule in effect. Customers on the schedule below will only be affected as load demands. Plant personnel will do their best to maintain as many customers as possible:
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Feeder 7B
Feeder 7E
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Feeder 10B
Feeder 8A
10:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Feeder 7C
Feeder 8B
12:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Feeder 9C
Feeder 6A
Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., chair of the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, presides over a hearing as lawmakers receive testimony from the government’s financial team on the fiscal year 2027 executive budget. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
Financial officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands are proposing a $958.2 million General Fund budget for fiscal year 2027 while reporting tight short‑term liquidity, tens of millions of dollars in unpaid bills and continued reliance on federal disaster recovery funding.
Appearing Monday before the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee, administration officials said the proposed General Fund plan for FY 2027 is up from about $848.8 million projected for FY 2026.
Office of Management and Budget Director Julio A. Rhymer Sr. said the proposal prioritizes investments in infrastructure, recreation and housing and is focused on “building stronger, more resilient communities.” Asked by Chairman Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. to sum up the budget in one word, Rhymer replied: “Sustainable.”
Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy told senators the government faces significant liquidity pressure, with $40 million to $45 million in accounts payable. Asked how much cash the government currently holds, he replied, “Thirteen days, $53 million”
The administration also acknowledged it has been paying down large volumes of past‑due obligations. Rhymer said more than $100 million has already been spent this fiscal year covering prior‑year bills that had not been properly recorded or submitted.
To manage the cash strain, Rhymer said the administration has reduced current‑year allotments, cutting larger agencies by roughly 12% to 15% and smaller departments by about 6% to 7%.
“The central government as a whole … will be perfectly fine, but because we have instrumentalities that cannot support themselves, it’s creating a little bit of havoc on the central government’s front, because we can’t pay our bills,” he said.
On overall revenue performance, Bureau of Internal Revenue Director Joel Lee said collections through May totaled about $610 million, roughly $14 million higher than the same period last year.
Lee also warned of pressure on the tax base from the departure of two high-income residents. “Two major taxpayers have left the territory to move to the states,” he said. “Both of them combined, probably about 30 to 35 to 40 million” in individual income tax.
Property tax collections raised concern among senators. Rhymer said the government budgeted about $62 million in property tax revenue for FY 2026 but expects a shortfall of roughly $5 million, calling for reassessments and more aggressive collection efforts.
Tax Assessor Ludence Romney said the total assessed value of real property in the territory rose from about $15.3 billion to $16.3 billion in the past year after staff discovered homes built on parcels previously listed as vacant land. He also said delinquent property taxes total about $110 million and are expected to increase as additional bills become overdue.
Tax amnesty programs also drew criticism. Rhymer said they reduce long-term revenue by eliminating penalties and interest, while Lee said a recent amnesty generated about $6 million in payments but required the government to waive roughly $11 million in penalties and interest.
Despite those pressures, officials said the territory’s economy is being buoyed by large-scale federal disaster recovery spending. Rhymer testified that total federal grants projected to be available to the territory amount to about $20.65 billion in fiscal 2026 and $20.59 billion in FY 2027. He told senators those levels are expected to decline over time, saying that by around 2033 to 2035, federal grants should return to a “normalized” range of $600 million to $700 million a year.
For FY 2027 alone, the Office of Disaster Recovery anticipates about $733.9 million in disaster recovery spending, which Rhymer said is expected to generate roughly $36.7 million in local revenue tied to gross receipts and related taxes. ODR Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien reported that more than $302 million had already been spent through May on recovery projects in the current year.
Chief Negotiator Joss Springette said about 21 union contracts have expired. He testified that talks were “temporarily paused” during implementation of a new $35,000 minimum salary but have since resumed. Officials from the Division of Personnel said those salary adjustments are nearly complete, with only 10 employees still being processed.
Lawmakers plan to continue budget hearings with individual departments and agencies in the coming weeks before drafting final appropriations legislation for consideration by the full Legislature later this year.
CMCArts is thrilled to present Our Soil, Beyond Materiality, a multisensory group exhibition organized by Puerto Rico’s Arte-Suelo-Ser collective of biologists, artists and curators and the Museo de Suelos del Caribe. Opening Reception: Saturday, June 27 | 5–8 PM
Join us for live music, complimentary bites, a cash bar, and conversations with visiting curators and artists. Tickets: $20 ($10 for members, available at the door or cmcarts.org/events)
The Exhibition: Our Soil, Beyond Materiality | June 27 – Nov. 7
This isn’t a typical art show. Our Soil, Beyond Materiality merges scientific research with creative expression to reveal how soil health connects to human health, community resilience, and Caribbean identity. St. Croix’s Victory Soil will be featured. Through hands-on workshops, film screenings, guided artist tours, and field trips, visitors of all ages will discover why soil matters—and why artists and scientists must work together.
Participating Artists:
Nora Álvarez Berríos
Carola Cintrón Moscoso
Jaime Suárez
Heidi Anne Vera
Yamileth Flores Reyes
Farmers from St. Croix and Puerto Rico
Soil research displays by Arte-Suelo-Ser
Films by:
Carola Cintrón Moscoso and Eric
Appeldoorn Sanders
Alana Toro-Ramos and Omar Iloy
Margaret Mair
Rina Otero
Supporting Programming for All Ages:
