The Virgin Islands Deaf & Hard of Hearing Advocates invite the community to Celebrating Deaf Awareness, an afternoon honoring Deaf culture on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the University of the Virgin Islands 13D Research and Innovation Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
The event will feature presentations, American Sign Language lessons, tributes and a performance by a Deaf choir. Organizers say the celebration highlights the culture and contributions of deaf and hard-of-hearing residents across the territory.
ASL interpreters will be on site. For additional accommodations, contact Shammi Carr at 340-776-4303 or scarr@drcvi.org.
The Virgin Islands Deaf and Hard of Hearing Advocates is a community group dedicated to expanding access, education, and opportunity for deaf and hard-of-hearing people across the territory.
Eirene E. Canegata a.k.a “Rene” of Estate Cotton Valley transitioned into eternal life on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. She was 80 years old.
Eirene E. Canegata
She was preceded in death by her Mother, Lois A. Canegata; Father, James Cedric Canegata Sr.; Brother, James Cedric Canegata Jr.; Companion, Ignacio Llanos Sr.
She is survived by her Sons, Craig Canegata and Jonathon Coggins; Grandson, Jelani M. Coggins; Sisters, Leah Edel West and Karen L. Parris; Nieces, Kia D. West and Tiffany C. Parris; Nephews, Alfred West III, James C. Canegata III and Ernest Parris II; Great Nieces, Kimoi Woodley and JahLeah Canegata; Aunt, Melba Biggs; Brothers-In-Law, Ernest Parris and Jose P. Encarnacion; Godchild, Robert Rossi; Special Friends, Verna Garcia, St. Mary’s Class of 62, The Schjang Family, Linda Bough, Lowell Dyer, Floyd Henderson, Ulmont “Lenny” James Jr., Gene Stone and Jones Family; Cousin and other relatives, Dodson K. James Sr. (Gerian), Canegata Family, McDonald Family, Motta Family, Webber Family, Biggs Family, Messer Family, Schuster Family, Morales Family, Farchette Family and Lang Family. Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Christiansted, St. Croix USVI. Viewing will begin at 9:00 am with service at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Christiansted Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources is pleased to announce that the Division of Coastal Zone Management, in partnership with Friends of the St. Croix East End Marine Park, will host a Halloween Lantern Craft Day on Saturday, Oct 4, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Estate Great Pond Park (the former site of Camp Arawak).
A Halloween pumpkin grins spookily. (Source file photo)
The St. Croix East End Marine Park Visitor Center will also be open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., as it is every first Saturday of the month.
Join the East End Marine Park team for a fun and creative day of transforming upcycled water and milk jugs into festive Halloween lanterns for the upcoming Trunk or Treat celebration. We’ll be using acrylic paints, so please dress appropriately for a hands-on painting activity.
Jug donations are welcome and can be dropped off Monday through Friday at the St. Croix East End Marine Park Office.
This free educational event is open to all ages, but RSVP is required as space is limited.
To reserve your spot, contact the Outreach Coordinator at (340) 718-3367 or email stxeempoutreach@dpnr.vi.gov.
You can also sign up directly by searching “Halloween Lantern Craft Day” on Eventbrite.
It is with profound sadness that the family of Jeavon Hilary Sasso announces his passing on Sept. 10, 2025.
Jeavon Hilary Sasso
He was preceded in death by his mother, Merle C. Sasso, his sister, Jo-Anne Hansby-Mendence, Grandfathers, Edmund Sasso, Thomas Francis and Louis Industrious; Grandmothers, Claris Sasso and Pearl Industrious; Uncles, Dexter Sasso and Calvin Industrious; Cousins, Lenea Industrious and Jalique Sasso; Godmother, Ellamay James.
He is survived by his two children, Jaheim Sasso and Jeala-Monee’ Sasso. Father and Stepmother, Hilary Sasso and Shoran D. Caines-Sasso; Brother and Sister-in-law, Chester Benjamin and Denise Benjamin; Life-Partner, Nicole M. Friday; Uncles: Edwin Clark, Louis Industrious, Jr., Claude and James Sasso; Aunts: Myrna P. V. George, Claudette Industrious White, Clacier Industrious, Claris Industrious, Alicia Francis, Vida Ireland, Myrna and Lena Sasso; Aunts-in-law: Judith Industrious, Doris Industrious, Theresa Clark, Risa Andrew-Sasso, Karla Hampton-Sasso; Uncle-in-law, Vernon White Sr.; Great Aunts: Icena Carty, Constancia Turnbull; Great Uncles: Larry Pond, Adolbert Turnbull, Aubrey Turnbull, Leslie Turnbull, Ray Turnbull, Thomas Turnbull; Nieces and Nephews, Anthony Frazer, Sr., Shaquille Richardson, Starlene Nurse, Pierre Nurse, Dominique Brennan, Domonique Grant, Chester Benjamin, III, Davon Ferguson, ZiNier Bryant; Godsons, K’ing Marley Christopher, J’Sai Inniss and David Lawrence; Cousins: Lyle Sasso, Jelani Sasso, Kassandra Sasso, Gladys Ireland, Maxine Sasso, Tyshel Carr, Dynel Sasso, Latrel Sasso, Shawnique Clark Bryant, Chinere Industrious Charles, Doesha Clarke, Halik Clark, Marvin George Jr., Myrshem H. R. George, Anisha Industrious, Ashauna Industrious, Claude Industrious, Djonnai Industrious, Louis Industrious, III, Lovelle Industrious, Nichole Industrious, Shaneil Industrious, Shenika Industrious, Julius Jeffrey, Lamar Jeffrey, Shenell Quailey, Dawn Samuel, Porsha Samuel, Autum White Walters, and Vernon White, Jr.; God Parents, Noreen Bryan and Vincent Selkridge. Special Friends, Davidson Lawrence, Shanicqua Harris, Mahal Knight, Kai Frett, Cary Victoria and Acia Brathwaite; Band Brothers: Tafarai Francis, Jahqueil Lynch, Eric Tavernier, Kamal Tyson. Other relatives, The Sasso, Gumbs, Petty, Lake, Horsford, Mussington, Rogers, Webster, Bryson and Elliot families, Inez Hodge and family and other families and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Blyden Memorial Chapel. Viewing starts at 8 a.m., with the service following at 12 noon. Interment: Western Cemetery III
Arrangements Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services
Morrison Horsford, aka “Lion”, passed away on Sept. 3. He was 66 years old.
Morrison Horsford
He was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendolyn Horsford; father, Samuel Horsford; brothers, Ickford, Kensley & Wilbert Marsh, Kenroy Horsford; niece, Sharana Concepcion.
He is survived by his daughters, Teashearn Techiera, Zakiya Techiera; sons, Malachi Horsford, Aleem Techeira; grandchildren, Nadeem, Milayah, Nalijah Davis; sisters, Stehanie Walker, Gean Horsford, Janice Zamudio, Carol Heyward Nicholas, Marilyn (Bernice) Jones; brothers, Novelle Carbon, Bobby Horsford; nieces, Bernadette Cupid, Valarie Gillard Violet, Jessica Horsford, Sandra Samuel, Shavine Montano, Karen, Andrea, Shenel, Tracy Marsh; nephews, Victorino Concepcion, Emile& Carl Heywood, Reginal, Terrol, Sean Marsh, Miguel Alomar, Lamar, Corey, Devoghn Jones, Jecorey Marsh, Richard Carbon; great nieces, Sherisa Warren, Shelisa, Amelia, Sasha; great nephews, Jamal Theodule, LaMar, Ortis, Noah, Norman Jr, Kensley Cupid, Akeem Warren, Brent, Saleem, Delano George, Devoi, Tyler, Emile (Milo) Jr, Elijah; aunts, Jean Burton + Family, Cortinella Morris + Family; brothers-in-law, Ralston Nicholas, Anthony Jones, Pablo Zamudio; sister-in-law, Monica Horsford; godchildren, Shaneka Pennyfeather- Armstrong; cousins and other relatives, Dawn Tonge +Family, Candice, Leona Challenger, Tonge family, Horsford family, Marsh Family, McIntosh Family, Barnard Family; special friends, Zoro +Family, Cirgie Bell, Jinger, Karo, Cinty, Kennedy, Naco, Sica, Shanty, Jojo, Angel’s Charm, Dj Kriss, Esther Williams+ Family, Daphne Edwards+ Family, Bernadette, Alicia, and entire Bingo Family, Coconuts, A+L, Starlight (Party Bingo), Tail End, Angels, Area Code; other precious family and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Sept. 27, at Calvary Baptist Church (Upper Love). Viewing will begin at 10 a.m., and the service will start at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Frederiksted Cemetery.
Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
The family of Roy A. Morton is sad to announce his passing on Sept. 6, 2025.
Roy A. Morton
Roy was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend to many. Born in Anguilla, he relocated to St. Thomas as a teenager and made it his home. He was an employee of Bellows & West Indies Company for 45 years before retiring in 2018 as a warehouse manager. He was also known for his craftmanship of creating the headpieces and costumes for Hugga Bunch Carnival Troupe for almost 40 years.
He is survived by his wife, Elesta Peters Morton; his children, Roy, Rasheem, Rasheed, and Nilda Morton; stepchildren,Aisha Turnbull and Nicole Walters; grandchildren, Roy Trey, Tyjeona, Noah, Sinia, Hezekiah, Rasheem Jr, Jahsheem, Chelisia, Joiheem, Jahsariah, Shaquan, Jahari, Josiah, Samuel, Casheem, Ezekiel, Elijah, Aa’Rayia, Amaia, Zeleia, Rahkim, Endiya, Tranton and N’Zyon Morton, Asher and Jeremiah Blair, Lloyd Jr. and Ll’Nia Hermon, Nlani Francis, Mara Berthier, Denisha, Imani and Isaiah Lawrence, Nya Owusu, Nicholas and Malik Walters; brothers, Anthony, Carl, Courtney, C. Anthony “Tony”and Steve Morton; sisters, Phyllis Manks, Joan and Caroll Morton, Heather and Donalin Gumbs; mother-in-law, Marion Peters; daughter-in-law, Kellene Hodge Morton; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Allie Manks, Humphey (Alfred) Brooks, Justin Lambert, Eldred Gumbs, Amos Peters, Jr., Justin, Sr. and Deidra Peters, Anthony, Sr. and Kathleen Fleming, Shawn and Florence Hodge, Tyrone and Tricia Jefferson, Vera Thomas, Sherrie Morton, Lorraine Morton, Gail Galloway; nieces and nephews, Kishma, Shorn, Sheldon, Tyrek, & Anhel Brooks, Akeem, Leslie, Meachelle, Tyrell, Tyree, Jaleel, Shanai, DeAndre, Ayanna, Jersheema, Cassandra, Loni, and Ashley Morton, Alvin Huggins, Jr. Justin Lambert, Jr., Mitchell, Lenroy and Eo Gumbs, Tasita Doumassi, Rejanai and Mildred Gumbs, Neal Jr. and Inderan Bailey; the descendants of the late James “Tusa” Richardson, the late Lemuel “Ford” Richardson, the late Ernest “Fenard” Richardson, the late Gerald “Lawrence” Richardson, the late Naomi “Dorothy” Richardson, the late Ronald “Kemson” Richardson, the late John Richarchson, the late William Benjamin and RoseAnne Gumbs and other family and friends too numerous to mention.
Special acknowledgements to The Daniel Family, The Benjamin Family, The Joyner Family, Daphne, Jenelle Gumbs and Family, The Hugga Bunch Family, Richard and Eveth Vialet, Raymond Alleyne and Family, “Cubano”, The Bellows/West Indies Family, Raynette Cameron Richards and Lorraine Smith.
Special thanks to Roy’s caretakers and nurses, Lorraine Daniel, Calvia Gibson, Sylvia Xavier, Carina Richardson, Juana, Nurse Brenda, Nurse Ursula, Nurse Verissa, and the doctors, nurses, and staff at RLSH fourth floor.
The first viewing will be held Friday, Oct. 17 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services, St. Thomas. The second viewing will be held Saturday, Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, St. Thomas. Celebration of Life service will follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at the Eastern Cemetery.
To share a tribute, special memory, or reflection please submit via email to royamorton.72@gmail.com no later than Saturday, Oct. 4.
A large Savannah cat — half wild animal, half house cat — may be on the loose in St. Thomas. (Public domain photo by Jason Douglas)
Authorities were looking for a wild animal-domestic cat hybrid Thursday that had escaped its owners sometime earlier in the week on the south side of St. Thomas, Department of Planning and Natural Resources officials said.
The first-generation Savannah cat — a cross between a house cat and a serval, which normally lives in African wetlands — reportedly tore through a coop of chickens recently and may pose a danger to other birds, lizards, and possibly even to other cats and small dogs.
DPNR said it had received multiple calls from alarmed residents about the cat, which can weigh up to 25 pounds and leap eight feet at a standstill. One concerned St. Thomian was Sen. Ray Fonseca, who forwarded a neighbor’s social media message urging caution around the animal. The neighbor described the cat as the height of a medium-sized dog with the strength to tear open a wooden cage. She said the animal prowled her property between midnight and 5 a.m.
Not an expert in such wildlife, Jamal Nielsen, the DPNR’s media relations coordinator, declined to characterize the cat as dangerous or not. But an Oregon veterinarian with decades of experience with wild animals in Africa said the F1 Savannah cat was a menace capable of taking down prey as large as a goat kid.
She said typical cats posed a danger to fragile ecosystems and that a larger, faster, more aggressive version had no place on islands like St. Thomas.
A California Savannah cat breeder disagreed, saying the creature was simply playful and no more dangerous than a normal cat. She suggested it would make its way home in time and should be left alone. Other breeders, who sell male F1 kittens for up to $16,000 and females for up to $20,000, declined to return messages left Thursday seeking comment.
Nielsen said the cat’s owner had previously sought to import an actual serval but was thwarted by local laws against it. The Virgin Islands — unlike Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, parts of Texas, Vermont, and parts of Washington state — does not have a provision banning first-generation, or F1, Savannah cats.
Nielsen said the cat’s owners had been warned to recapture the animal before Tuesday or it may be trapped and potentially euthanized.
The Virgin Islands Code lists a $100 fine for allowing any “ferocious, or mischievous” animal to roam freely, he said.
Some breeders and Savannah cat enthusiasts online suggested F1 Savannahs are less sociable than their F2, or second generation, offspring and don’t like interacting with strangers or other pets unless properly socialized. They’re said to be not great with children, most other pets, or noisy environments.
Nielsen said anyone who sees the cat should call DPNR or the Agriculture Department.
The family of a St. Croix Educational Complex student injured in 2024 has sued the V.I. Education Department and former contractor for damages after an industrial ceiling fan fell during class. (Source file photo)
The parents of a St. Croix Educational Complex student who was injured last year when an industrial ceiling fan fell during class sued the V.I. Education Department, the territory’s government and the contractor who installed the fan.
According to a lawsuit filed in V.I. Superior Court this week, the student and his family suffered a personal injury, disfigurement, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life and medical expenses, and they are seeking compensation “for his serious, severe, disabling and permanent injuries.”
Images of the student’s injury circulated widely on social media at the time and sparked widespread outrage and even protests over the condition of the territory’s public schools. The following week, the Education Department said it had suspended K&J Services, the contractor who had installed the fans, from future work with VIDE. In their complaint, the student’s family claimed that K&J “installed the industrial ceiling fan contrary to the industry standards” and that they “were not licensed and authorized to perform the work that they were contracted to perform” for the Education Department.
The family further claimed that the Education Department “negligently” failed to vet the contractor and that it “recklessly compounded its due diligence failure by failing to properly supervise and inspect the work being done to install the industrial ceiling fans.”
Though all 17 of the ceiling fans K&J installed throughout the St. Croix Educational Complex were removed, maintenance issues have persisted in many of the territory’s schools. Complex — along with St. Croix Central High School and the Career and Technical Education Center — began the 2025-2026 school year with an altered schedule due to incomplete air conditioning work. The John H. Woodson Junior High School opened weeks later while contractors completed roof repairs and mold remediation.
In 2008, the EPA identified “the problematic accumulation of oils, batteries and chemicals” at Chitolie Trucking Service. On Thursday, the EPA was back at Chitolie and ordered the company to stop polluting St. Croix’s Cane Garden Bay. (Photo courtesy Environmental Protection Agency)
A St. Croix industrial plant has been ordered to comply with the Clean Water Act after regulators found it was dumping pollution into a south-side bay, officials said Thursday.
The Environmental Protection Agency ordered Chitolie Trucking Service, which creates ready-mix concrete, to control its wastewater and stormwater pollution.
“Construction activities and facilities play a crucial role in local economies, but without proper controls, they can risk polluting nearby waterways,” said Michael Martucci, the EPA’s regional administrator. The run-off was discovered during an EPA and Department of Planning and Natural Resources inspection.
Chitolie Trucking provides multiple industrial services, including demolition, site clearance, transportation services, excavations, and more. Founder and owner Allan Chitolie did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
The Chitolie site is about 5,000 feet from the bay, with green space and wetlands between.
In the longer term, the EPA mandated Chitolie obtain the necessary permits from DPNR, including required pollution controls. EPA and DPNR will help ensure that the company understands its obligations under environmental regulations and that it operates in a manner that protects local water quality, Martucci said.
EPA officials in San Juan were not immediately able to describe the type of industrial wastewater leaked.
In 2008, the EPA identified “the problematic accumulation of oils, batteries and chemicals” at Chitolie’s Estate Pearl site.
Michelle Smith posted a time of 56.00 in the 400 m hurdles at her World Athletics Championships debut in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo courtesy World Athletics)
Michelle Smith, 19, and Omar Simpson, 24, made their World Athletics Championships debut among a sea of over 2,000 competitors at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo, Sept. 13-21.
Smith and Simpson represented the USVI in the 400-meter hurdles and 200-meter dash, respectively. Their journey to Tokyo tells a story of individual determination, personal faith, and national pride that extends far beyond their finishing times.
Smith’s road to Tokyo ran through Athens, Georgia, where she trains under coach Caryl Smith Gilbert at the University of Georgia. She followed an individualized training plan throughout the year, working alone rather than with the team to prepare for the world’s biggest stage.
“I’ve just been training by myself. I haven’t gotten much of a break, but I don’t really mind,” Smith explained, glancing up from an assignment. The sophomore biology major is currently in the throes of being both a student and world-class athlete, racing deadlines while conducting post-competition interviews.
St. Croix native Michelle Smith posed, all smiles ahead of her 400 m hurdles heat at the 2025 Tokyo Worlds. (Photo courtesy World Athletics)
Meanwhile, Simpson prepared for Tokyo with D4 Fire Training Group near Atlanta. Without the built-in structure and competition of college athletics, the postgraduate athlete had to create his own environment for elite-level preparation.
The athletes made time to explore Japan’s culture during their stay, picking up trinkets for friends while shopping in different cities. But when race day arrived, the magnitude of the moment hit home.
“Everyone decides to show up for the evening races, so the stadium was packed,” Simpson said. “I kept thinking about what I was going to do when they put the camera on me. It finally got to me, and I started raising my hands up … and the crowd really got louder!” he laughed.
Omar Simpson made his World Athletics Championships debut in Tokyo, Japan, with a 200 m time of 21.58. (Photo courtesy World Athletics)
The atmosphere proved unlike anything they had experienced in their young careers.
“At any meet, you expect the crowd to be quiet when a race is starting. But you could hear a pin drop in there, and it was always so loud that the silence was even more shocking than the noise,” Simpson added.
Competition at the World Championships proved as fierce as expected. Smith lined up in the 400-meter hurdles, where 41 competitors across eight heats battled for the top 24 qualifying times to reach the semifinals. She executed her race plan well, posting the fastest reaction time in her heat at .127 seconds, but her 56.00 time left her just seven-tenths of a second short of advancing. She faced defending champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who took the top spot in their heat and in the final.
Simpson found himself in the fifth heat of the 200 meters alongside Jamaica’s Bryan Levell, who would go on to finish third in the final. His 21.58 time landed him 49th overall in a stacked field that included now four-time 200-meter world champion Noah Lyles (USA), Kenneth Bednarek (USA), Levell, and Letsile Tebogo (BOT) — all of whom ran sub-20 seconds in the final. The competition was so tight that several athletes posted identical times, with the slowest qualifying mark being 20.43 seconds.
Despite not advancing to the later rounds, both athletes found deeper meaning in their World Championships experience. Their motivations reveal the personal drives that brought them to Tokyo’s biggest stage.
“I run for my coach, my family, the fans, and the territory,” Smith said. “And I draw strength from my self-belief, my faith, and words of encouragement from my coach and the people I love.”
For Simpson, who only began running during his junior year of high school, the journey carries a different weight.
“I run for myself to prove that I am the athlete said I couldn’t be,” he explained.
Faith plays a central role in Simpson’s approach to competition. “I recently got baptized, and I found strength through Jesus Christ. He wouldn’t put me in a situation I couldn’t handle, so I give it to Him and handle the rest.”
This Tokyo experience marked both a new height of competition and a foundation for future success. For Smith and Simpson, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands on the world’s biggest track and field stage was just the beginning of what they hope will be many more opportunities to carry their territory’s flag with pride. The national teammates expressed gratitude for sharing this milestone experience together and already have their sights set on the next World Athletics Championships in Beijing in 2027.
