The Virgin Islands Police Department is investigating a burglary and an attempted burglary at two jewelry stores on St. Thomas that occurred over the weekend, according to the department.
Police said detectives with the Criminal Investigation Bureau responded to a report of a burglary at Optimistic Jewelry Design & Repair on Main Street after suspects broke into the business around 5 a.m. Saturday. According to the VIPD police report, the suspects entered the store, stole jewelry and fled the area in an SUV.
The following morning, officers responded to an attempted burglary at Valentines Jewelers on Raadets Gade at about 2 a.m. Sunday. Police said two individuals attempted to gain entry by cutting the business’s lock, but fled after the alarm system was activated, the police report stated.
Investigators are asking anyone who witnessed suspicious activity near Optimistic Jewelry Design & Repair or who has information related to either incident to contact 911 or the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211.
Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crimestoppers.org.
Gold belongs to the Virgin Islands as Michelle Smith celebrates her victory in the women’s 400-meter hurdles during the inaugural Senior PANAM Championships in Medellín, Colombia. Smith’s championship record performance qualified her for the 2027 PANAM Games. (Photo courtesy VITFF)
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith won the gold medal in the women’s 400-meter hurdles Sunday at the inaugural Senior PANAM Championships, finishing in a championship record time of 54.93 seconds and qualifying for the 2027 PANAM Games in Lima, Peru, a press release announced.
Smith became the Virgin Islands’ first gold medalist of the championships with a wire-to-wire performance in one of track and field’s premier events. Her time of 54.93 seconds established a new championship record, according to the press release.
The victory automatically secured Smith a berth in the 2027 PANAM Games, where she will represent the Virgin Islands in Lima, the press release stated.
Michelle Smith clears a hurdle on her way to a championship record of 54.93 seconds in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the inaugural Senior PANAM Championships in Medellín, Colombia. The victory earned the Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador a gold medal and an automatic berth in the 2027 PANAM Games in Lima, Peru. (Photo courtesy VITFF)
The gold medal adds another international accomplishment to Smith’s career and continues her success on the regional stage. As the Virgin Islands’ Sports Ambassador, Smith has represented the territory in major international competitions while serving as a role model for young athletes, the release stated.
Smith’s performance in Medellín also marked a milestone for the Virgin Islands delegation at the championships, delivering the territory’s first gold medal of the meet, it stated.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. officially proclaimed National Heritage Area Day and Founders Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands Friday evening, launching what organizers said will become an annual celebration recognizing St. Croix’s designation as a National Heritage Area while highlighting the island’s contributions to American history ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The Pre-America250 Program featured presentations on Alexander Hamilton’s ties to St. Croix, the economic potential of heritage tourism, and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s proclamation establishing National Heritage Area Day and Founders Day as an annual observance in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The observance will be held annually during the fourth week of June, coinciding with National Caribbean American Heritage Month.
A photo stands where a future exhibit will be on display in honor of Alexander Hamilton. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The event celebrated St. Croix’s distinction as the first National Heritage Area in a U.S. territory and the only one predominantly representing Caribbean American history and culture. The designation was signed into law in January 2023 by former President Joe Biden and recognizes the island’s biodiversity, historic architecture and contributions to American history.
Greeters dressed in madras greet guests during a Pre-America250 Program at the Florence A. Williams Public Library. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Greeter dressed as Alexander Hamilton greets guests as they enter the Florence A. Williams Public Library. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Anthony Weeks, chair and CEO of SEDI-CASE and the governor’s Special Economic Envoy to Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, called the designation “our superpower.”
“There are more than 300 cities in America, but only 62 National Heritage Areas,” Weeks said. “We are the only Caribbean American National Heritage Area.”
Anthony Weeks, chair and CEO of SEDI-CASE and the governor’s Special Economic Envoy to Taiwan and the Asia-Pacific region, helped to organize the ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Weeks said the designation creates opportunities to grow heritage tourism, attract investment and preserve the island’s historic resources while strengthening the local economy.
He pointed to studies showing cultural heritage tourism accounts for roughly 40% of global tourism activity and said visitors seeking historical experiences typically stay longer and spend more than traditional leisure travelers.
Weeks also outlined plans to establish Christiansted as a “living walking museum” while promoting restoration projects that celebrate Alexander Hamilton’s connection to St. Croix and the island’s broader historical significance.
DLAM Territorial Director Amy Parker DeSorbo welcomed residents and community leaders, saying the library is more than a place for books.
“This is your community anchor,” she said. “We’re built for things like this.”
She said the partnership reflects DLAM’s commitment to promoting literacy, history and civic engagement while helping educate residents about St. Croix’s role in America’s story.
A historical presentation transported attendees back to 1766, describing Alexander Hamilton’s arrival as a young clerk in Christiansted, where he learned bookkeeping, international commerce and finance while witnessing the realities of a slave-based economy.
“As you pass 7-8 King Street in your daily life, I ask you to think of all that went into this property in the seven years when Alexander Hamilton absorbed life in Christiansted,” said the presenter.
Club Comanche General Manager Jamey Vanderwege also shared plans to restore the historic waterfront hotel, originally built in 1756, into what she described as a destination celebrating St. Croix’s history.
Club Comanche General Manager Jamey Vanderwege shares plans to restore the historic waterfront hotel, originally built in 1756, into what she described as a destination celebrating St. Croix’s history. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“This isn’t a hotel renovation,” Vanderwege said. “This is the revitalization of the beating heart of Christiansted.”
Bryan praised Weeks’ vision throughout his keynote address, describing him as someone willing to think beyond conventional ideas.
“When Anthony brings ideas to me, I’m the kind of person who says, ‘Let’s try it,” said Bryan.
Rising Stars Youth Steele Orchestra perform for the block party after the ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The governor said St. Croix’s history is an economic asset capable of strengthening tourism, education and investment while preserving the territory’s cultural identity.
“Our story cannot be fully told without the story of the Virgin Islands, and particularly without the story of St. Croix,” Bryan said. “Preserving our past is essential to building our future.”
Chef Jamal of WOKAME Island Sushi Bar and Restaurant provides a food demonstration. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Bryan noted that as the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary on July Fourth, the Virgin Islands has its own unique history, becoming part of the United States in 1917 after nearly 250 years under Danish rule.
He also highlighted recent investments in the Virgin Islands Territorial Park System and efforts to preserve historic sites while expanding educational opportunities for local students.
Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies perform during a block party after the ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“We have to tell our stories,” Bryan said. “Our children and grandchildren cannot appreciate where we’re going if they don’t know where we’ve been.”
The evening concluded with a food demonstration by Chef Jamal of WOKAME Island Sushi Bar and Restaurant, historical exhibits, live entertainment and a block party outside the library.
Organizers said the initiative will expand beyond the annual celebration to include literacy campaigns, financial literacy workshops, heritage preservation activities and educational programming designed to connect Virgin Islanders with their history while promoting sustainable cultural and economic development.
Ninety-seven future taxi and tour operators fill the lecture hall at the University of the Virgin Islands as Dr. Tamara Lang walks them through what it truly means to serve with excellence. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
From the shores of St. Croix to the winding hills of St. Thomas and the lush trails of St. John, newly certified taxi and tour operators are buckled in and ready to drive the territory’s tourism forward.
Students across the territory earned certificates Thursday night through the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program, a joint effort by the V.I. Taxicab Commission, the V.I. Tourism Deparment and the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning. Completion of the program is now required for anyone seeking a taxi operator’s license in the territory.
St. Thomas turned out the largest class, with 97 graduates. St. Croix added 31, and St. John contributed 22, showing that the drive to professionalize the industry is alive across all three islands.
The curriculum covers far more ground than most people might expect. Students study hospitality and customer service, V.I. history and culture, personal and destination branding, road safety, emergency preparedness, ADA compliance and digital payment systems. The goal is to send graduates out with the skills to do more than transport passengers from one point to another.
To earn a certificate, students must deliver a capstone presentation and pass a comprehensive final exam. The presentation gives students a chance to put their knowledge to practical use, whether that means walking through local history, handling a customer interaction or explaining what sets the Virgin Islands apart as a destination. The final exam covers all subject areas taught throughout the course, and students must meet the program’s requirements to receive their certification.
The smiles say it all. A new class of taxi and tour operators celebrated completing the Virgin Islands Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program, joining a growing community of certified professionals dedicated to showcasing the best of island life. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
V.I. Taxicab Commission Executive Director Melissa Smith said the program reflects what the territory expects from its taxi and tour operators.
“Today’s graduation represents an important investment in the future of the Virgin Islands tourism industry,” Smith said. “Our taxi drivers are often the first and last people visitors interact with during their stay, so ensuring they are professionally trained and certified strengthens the overall visitor experience.”
Smith said certified drivers do more than move people around. They share history, culture and local knowledge, and their professionalism shapes whether a visitor leaves with a good impression of the territory.
“Every interaction creates an opportunity to leave a positive impression of the islands,” she said. “These drivers help shape how visitors perceive the Virgin Islands and often influence whether they choose to return.”
Smith encouraged anyone thinking about enrolling to take the opportunity seriously. “This is about becoming a professional representative of the Virgin Islands,” she said.
St. John’s 22 newly certified taxi and tour operators let loose after earning their place in the territory’s second cohort of the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program. (Photo by Celia Kalousek)
Michele L. Weichman, the program’s territorial coordinator, said the training is designed to do more than check a box.
“This program is about preparing taxi and tour operators to be knowledgeable ambassadors for the Virgin Islands,” Weichman said. “Every interaction they have with a visitor helps shape that person’s impression of the islands, and this training gives them the tools to provide safe, professional and memorable experiences.”
UVI CELL Director Dr. Suzanne Darrow Magras said the university is proud to count the graduates among its alumni.
“We welcome the Taxi and Tour Operator certificate graduates to the UVI family,” Darrow Magras said. “They have demonstrated proven skills in hospitality, tourism and passenger safety, and UVI CELL will continue to support them as entrepreneurs and in whatever educational pursuits come next.”
Three of the driving forces behind the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program gather at Thursday’s ceremony. From left, V.I. Taxicab Commission Executive Director Melissa Smith, Program Coordinator Michele L. Weichman and UVI CELL Director Dr. Suzanne Darrows Magras. (Photo by Mohammad Mohammad)
For many students, the program offered more than a license. It gave them a clearer sense of what the job really means.
Graduate Mohammad Mohammad said he signed up to better understand the industry and the responsibilities that come with it. “Now that I have completed the program, my goal is to provide reliable service, continue learning and help represent the Virgin Islands in a positive way for both residents and visitors,” he said.
Mohammad Mohammad celebrates his certification at Thursday’s graduation ceremony with the most important cheerleader in the room, his son, who made sure everyone knew his dad had earned it. (Photo by Mohammed B. Mohammad)
Graduate Jeree Estrill said a love of people and place brought her to the program. “I enrolled because I wanted to showcase the beauty, culture and history of St. Thomas,” Estrill said. “My goal now is to help visitors create lasting memories here and to proudly share the culture and hospitality of the Virgin Islands with every guest.”
Jeree Estrill beams as she receives her certificate at Thursday’s USVI Taxi and Tour Operator Course graduation ceremony, surrounded by program officials and supporters who cheered her across the finish line. (Photo by Mohammad Mohammad)
Smith said she expects the program to keep growing, and she has no doubt about what these graduates will do with what they have learned.
“On behalf of the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, I congratulate all of the graduates,” Smith said. “We look forward to seeing them serve with professionalism, integrity and pride as they help showcase the very best of the Virgin Islands to the world.”
For more information about the Taxi and Tour Operator Certification Program, contact the V.I. Taxicab Commission.
Four teams from the United States Virgin Islands have entered the fourth wave of the 2026 Amateur Athletic Union National Volleyball Champions, held in Orlando, Florida, June 28 – July 1.
Island Heat, based in St. Croix, has registered its 15U and 16U girls in the 15U Select and 16U Select Divisions, respectively. The AAU National Tournament age categories range from 10 and under to 18 and under. Each category is further broken into nine levels. Select is the fourth highest level. IM 15U matches will all take place on Court 164 in the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center.
The road to nationals continues for Island Heat 15U, which will compete against teams from across the country in the 15U Select Division at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships. (Submitted photo)Island Heat 16U heads to the national stage as the St. Croix club opens play Sunday in the 16U Select Division at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships in Orlando. (Submitted photo)
Here is Island Heat 15-1 schedule:
4 p.m. – Ozark Junior 15 National vs. Island Heat 15-1
5 p.m. – Miami Hype 15U vs Island Heat 15-1
7 p.m. – Island Heat vs Boston United 15 National
IH 16U is also competing in the Select Division. They will play in the North Concourse of the OCCC on Court 24.
The IH 16U schedule is as follows:
4 p.m. – GSA 16 National vs Island Heat 16-1
5 p.m. – MVA 16 Stephania vs Island Heat 16-1
7 p.m. – Island Heat 16-1 vs Mizuno MI 163
Island Heat
15U
16U
Elisa Languedoc
Head Coach
Jason Peifer
Head Coach
Jenna Castro
Assistant Coach
Arline Peifer
Assistant Coach
Arline Peifer
Team Representative
Arline Peifer
Team Representative
Aah’Men Belardo
Player
Rzyra Dembow
Player
Ahreyann Belardo
Player
Anna-Maria Figueroa
Player
Kaylie Berkitt
Player
D’Neia Herman
Player
Fiona Gilbert
Player
Marinalist Ilarraza
Player
Anastacia Guadalupe
Player
Macy Kirschaweng
Player
Nielalist Ilarraza
Player
Dielia Maynard
Player
J’Malia James
Player
Seanna Santos
Player
Makayia Malcolm
Player
Aryanna Tutein
Player
Neveah Motta
Player
Tsumia Tutein
Player
J’Nique Richardson
Player
Ava Whitworth
Player
Keleah Sheppard
Player
Island Mixx, hailing from St. Thomas, entered their 15U and 16U girls teams in the event. IM 15-1 is one of 162 teams registered in the 15U Classic Division. They will play all three of their matches on Court 90 of the South Concourse of the OCCC.
Representing St. Thomas on the national stage, Island Mixx 15U is one of four U.S. Virgin Islands teams competing this week at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships in Orlando. (Submitted photo)Island Mixx 16U enters its fifth national tournament of the 2025-26 club season as the St. Thomas squad prepares to compete at the 2026 AAU National Volleyball Championships in Orlando. (Submitted photo)
Here is the Island Mixx 15-1 schedule:
9 a.m. – Top Flight 15 Omega vs Island Mixx 15-1
10 a.m. – TVC 15 AP vs Island Mixx 15-1
Noon – Island Mixx 15-1 vs Gulfside 15U Elite
IM 16-1 Elite will be playing in their fifth national tournament of the 2025-2026 club season. They hold a 10-10 overall record, ranking them 2487th place out of 6073 other 16U teams in the country according to the SportsEngine AES Power Rankings. In USAV tournaments, IM 16-1 ranks 2101st out of 4608 teams. Court 44 of the North Concourse at the OCCC is where all three of IM 16-1 matches will take place on Sunday, June 28, 2026.
This is the IM 16-1 Elite schedule:
2:30 p.m. – Black Bear 16-1 vs Island Mixx 16-1
5:30 p.m. – Club Apex 16 Grey vs Island Mixx 16-1
6:30 p.m. – Island Mixx 16-1 vs Sideout 15/16 Navy
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith delivered a stunning performance at the first-ever Senior PANAM Championships, capturing gold in the 400m hurdles with a commanding run of 54.93 seconds, which is a Championship Record.
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith. (Submitted photo)
Smith’s victory not only secured the Virgin Islands’ first gold medal of the championships but also showcased her dominance in one of track and field’s most demanding events. Her smooth stride and powerful finish set her apart from the competition, earning her a place at the top of the podium.
With this gold medal, Smith has automatically qualified for the 2027 PANAM Games in Lima, Peru, ensuring that the Virgin Islands will be represented by one of its brightest stars on another major international stage.
Smith’s triumph is a historic milestone for Virgin Islands athletics, reflecting years of dedication, training, and resilience. As Sports Ambassador, her success inspires young athletes across the territory and strengthens the Virgin Islands’ presence in global competition.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 28, through Saturday, July 4.
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The stage is set for the 2026 St. John Celebration Village, named in honor of hometown songbird Tischelle Knight, where local and visiting musicians will take the stage throughout the week of festivities. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Opening night of St. John Celebration 2026 promises a musical kickoff like no other. The ceremony honoring St. John’s own songbird — Tischelle Knight — is set to begin Sunday at 6 p.m.
For many years, Knight was the voice in front of the island’s hometown band — Cool Session Brass — and sang some of her most memorable songs that resonated with listeners throughout the Eastern Caribbean. In recent times, she joined forces with Klimaxx Band, considered one of the leading Soca bands among V.I. music fans.
Klimaxx Band is featured among the musical lineup on opening night along with Pumpa, Xtreme Band and Big Shaw.
From Sunday through Saturday, July Fourth, the stage at Knightsville presents fan favorites including a Reggae Night with headliners Tarrus Riley and St. Thomas vocalist Pressure Busspipe.
Organizers working with the Tourism Department Division of Festivals say music fans are making plans for St. John Celebration Village based on the stars shining on stage on any particular night. That includes Tarrus Riley — a New York City-born singer and performer best known for the song “She’s Royal” and his adherence to the Rastafari faith and lifestyle.
Other popular bands from the EC Diaspora include Small Axe Band from St. Kitts-Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago’s KES the Band, and the Virgin Islands’ own Awesome Jam Band.
St. John’s own Cool Session Brass and Quelbay Resurrection will liven up the nights in Knightsville; Cool Session dominated the island’s music scene from the early 1990s while Quelbay Resurrection grew in popularity over the past six years.
Also on the St. John Celebration lineup is Spectrum Band, the 11-time St. Thomas Carnival Road March winner, scheduled to appear Wednesday, July 1.
Sgt. Juan Becerril of the Virgin Islands National Guard graduated as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Advanced Leadership Course after finishing first in his class, according to a press release from the Virgin Islands National
Sgt. Juan Becerril, center, is recognized by Maj. Jerry Smith, commander of the Virgin Islands National Guard’s 23rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, after graduating as the Distinguished Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Advanced Leadership Course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Becerril finished first in a class of 22 soldiers. (Photo courtesy VING)
Guard.
Becerril completed all three phases of the course at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, from April through June 4. He earned Commandant’s List honors and ranked first among 22 soldiers in Class 007-26, the press release stated.
A 74D chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear specialist, Becerril also holds military occupational specialties as a horizontal construction engineer and wheeled vehicle mechanic, according to the release.
During his 18 years of military service, Becerril has served with the 661st Military Police Company, 651st Maintenance Company, 662nd Engineer Company and Joint Force Headquarters. He currently serves with the 23rd Weapons of Mass Destruction Civil Support Team, which responds to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards in support of civil authorities, the release stated.
The Virgin Islands National Guard said Becerril’s military service has been recognized with numerous awards and credited his family as a source of support throughout his career.
“His family, he says, has been the foundation of his motivation and success throughout his career,” the release stated.
Fresh produce harvested from local farms reflects the growing emphasis on strengthening food security and supporting sustainable agriculture throughout the Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy Virgin Islands Good Food)
Two U.S. Virgin Islands agricultural leaders were featured Friday in a regional discussion on food security, climate resilience and sustainable innovation during the Caribbean POSHgirl Power Brunch in the British Virgin Islands, a press release announced.
Shelli Brin, a Caribbean farming entrepreneur and advocate for sustainable agriculture, and Sommer Sibilly Brown, founder of the Virgin Islands Good Food Coalition, participated as panelists during the event, which was held at Ocean 7 on Peter Island as part of Caribbean POSH Weekend, according to the press release.
The panel, titled “The Future of the Caribbean: Food Security, Climate Resilience & Sustainable Innovation,” brought together agricultural and sustainability leaders from across the region to discuss strengthening local food systems, improving climate resilience and developing innovative solutions for Caribbean communities, the press release stated.
According to the press release, the participation of Brin and Sibilly Brown reflects increased recognition of U.S. Virgin Islands agricultural professionals in regional discussions focused on food production, sustainability and public policy.
“The U.S. Virgin Islands has a unique and valuable perspective to offer the region,” Brin said. “As we continue building stronger local food systems, it’s important that our experiences, challenges, and successes are represented in conversations taking place across the Caribbean.”
The event was hosted by Caribbean POSH Magazine, which organizes Caribbean POSH Weekend and programs highlighting Caribbean entrepreneurs, business leaders and changemakers, the release stated.
Regional discussions on food security have grown in importance as Caribbean islands continue addressing climate-related challenges and supply chain disruptions. Organizers said the event provided an opportunity for collaboration and knowledge sharing among leaders working to strengthen sustainable agriculture throughout the region, it stated.
