Contour Airlines launches nonstop jet service linking Dominica, San Juan and St. Thomas. (Photo courtesy Contour Airlines)
Contour Airlines will begin nonstop jet service later this month, connecting Dominica with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands — marking the carrier’s official entry into the Caribbean market, the airline announced in a press release.
The new routes, announced by Contour this week, will operate aboard the airline’s fleet of 30-seat regional jets, offering passengers extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and in-flight service. The carrier will provide the only nonstop jet service between Dominica and both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the press release.
“We’re thrilled to bring Contour’s brand of reliable, comfortable jet service to the Caribbean,” said Ben Munson, president of Contour Airlines. “Launching service in Dominica is an exciting step for us, and we look forward to making it easier for Dominicans to travel and for visitors to discover Dominica, the Nature Island.”
Flights from Dominica to San Juan will run Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays beginning Sept. 25. Departures from Dominica are scheduled for 9 a.m., arriving in San Juan at 10:25 a.m. Return flights leave San Juan at 4:15 p.m. and land in Dominica at 5:40 p.m., the press release stated.
Service between Dominica and St. Thomas will begin Sept. 24, with departures from St. Thomas to Dominica on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 3 p.m., arriving at 4:15 p.m. The return leg leaves Dominica at 9 a.m. and arrives in St. Thomas at 10:15 a.m., the release stated.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica said the direct service fulfills a request he heard during a visit to St. Thomas. “With the launch of Contour Airlines’ inaugural service, that vision has become reality,” Skerrit said. “This new link strengthens ties between our islands and opens new doors for tourism, trade, and investment. It is a meaningful step toward greater regional connectivity, and I am proud that Dominica can be at the center of this progress.”
Dominica’s Minister of Tourism, Ports and International Transportation, Denise Charles-Pemberton, said the new routes will improve access for visitors, returning nationals and business travelers. “We look forward to working with Contour Airlines as part of our ongoing efforts to support sustainable tourism growth and showcase Dominica’s natural and cultural offerings,” she said.
Carlton Dowe, executive director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, said the service enhances convenience for residents and visitors in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “With improved access, we anticipate increased opportunities for tourism, deeper cultural exchange, and a positive boost to our economy,” Dowe said. “This milestone highlights the significance of collaboration in maintaining the Caribbean as a premier travel destination worldwide.”
Puerto Rico officials also welcomed the announcement. “We are delighted to welcome Contour Airlines to Puerto Rico with the launch of its new nonstop service between San Juan and Dominica,” said Willianette Robles Cancel, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. “This represents an important step in recovering intra-Caribbean capacity and reaffirms our government’s commitment to restoring connectivity via the San Juan hub.”
The family of the late John Hughes is saddened to announce his passing on Aug. 8, 2025.
John Hughes
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Oreta Hughes; his mother, Marjorie Hughes-Carty; his father, James Emanuel Carty, his brother, Theophilius Carty, and sisters, Mabel and Isalie Richardson.
He is survived by his daughters: Jan Hughes-Allen, Janice Hughes, and Jackie Hughes; his sons: John Hughes and Johnny Hughes; and his grandchildren: Nakeem Carty, Jahkeem Garray, Je’Lesia Hughes, Nakeisha Sealey, Jonathan Hughes, Nakosi Prentice, Jahkeema Garray, Nakeeya Prentice, Jaheem Garray, Janiya Hughes, and Nakeera Prentice, Nakeel Prentice, Jianna Hughes, Jaquan Hughes, Javon Hughes, Jelanie Hughes, Jaheema Garray, Jahreema Garray, Jahniqua Garray, Jarian Hughes, Janasias Hughes, Janalis Hughes, Larynzo Albernathy, Christopher Highfield, and Nyraliz Suliveres. Great grandchildren: Kayce Prentice, Kohl Sealey, Kayden Matthews, Kosy Prentice, McKayla Hughes, Garray, Zayn Sealey, Kaylee Prentice, Jalyse Hughes, Shakeel Prentice, Jaheem, Hughes Garray Jr., Jhamil Bell, Shakryrie Prentice, Amari Highfield, A’Ryan Highfield, Kasem Cupid, Kelis Abernathy, Azrea Abernathy, Reginald Abernathy Jr. , Madison Lawson.
His memory will also be cherished by his nieces: Shelia Richardson, Carol Carty, Angela Carty, Brenda Carty, and Ruth Richardson; his nephews: Lawrence Richardson, Derick Richardson, Julian Carty, Morris Richardson, and John Richardson; and his cousins: Gloria Richardson, Sandra Carty, Atthea Carty, Grace Richardson, Lilyth Carty, Minlow Carty, Patsy Romney, Gretchen Lake, Lynette Dewaever, Cromfield Moses, Cyril Moses, Nathaniel Romney, Eldon Rey, Namoie Connor, Howard Connor, and Ashton Romney.
In-laws: Rose Carty, Dulcie Richardson, Mildred Connor, and Rosabelle Connor.
Special friends and extended families include: Evert Richardson, Rita Brin, and the Hughes, Carty, Richardson, Niles, Romney, Gumbs, Moses, Connor, Lake, Bryan, Webster, Boirard, Andrew, James, Martin, Hodge, Bertie, Braithwaite, Bess, Richards, Ramsundar, and Creese families.
John Hughes will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Friends and family viewing will be held on Aug. 28, at Divine Chapel between 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Funeral Service will be held on Aug. 29, at Bethel Methodist Church , Frederiksted, viewing 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow to Kingshill Cemetery.
Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. reminds the public that the 2025 real property tax bill, which was issued in June, will become delinquent after August 30, 2025. Lieutenant Governor Roach urges taxpayers to adhere to that deadline to avoid added interest and penalties.
“Although the bill carries a June 30, 2025 due date, legislation makes it payable up to August 30, 2025 without added interest or penalties.” stated Lieutenant Governor Roach. “Taxpayers are reminded that while payments to the portal can be made up to midnight August 30, 2025, in person payments must be made by the close of business on Friday, August 29, 2025.”
Property owners may pay their property tax bill online at https://propertytax.vi.gov. Upon payment of all due property taxes, property owners may also request, remit payment for and receive a Tax Clearance Certificate on the same online web portal.
Property owners that did not receive a 2025 tax bill are responsible for contacting the Office of the Tax Assessor to inform them that a property tax bill was not received. A property owner that wishes to challenge the valuation of their 2025 property tax bill, may:
File an Informal Review with the Office of the Tax Assessor in their District within 45 calendar days after the issuance of the tax bill.
OR
File a Formal Appeal with the Board of Tax Review. Property owners who wish to file an appeal, may contact the Virgin Islands Department of Finance at (340) 774-4750.
Any property taxes not paid by August 30, 2025, is considered delinquent and will become subject to Final Collection Activity, which includes publication, auction sales and/or judicial foreclosure.
The 2025 bill also includes information on unpaid tax years. Property owners who have not paid their prior tax year bills are encouraged to contact the Office of the Tax Collector for payment options. Payments can be made in person at the following locations:
St. JOHN
Islandia Building, 18-23 Enighed, St. John, VI 00830
(340) 776-6737
St. THOMAS
Nisky Center, 8000 Nisky Center Suite 1A, Charlotte Amalie, VI 00802
(340) 774-2991
St. CROIX
1131 King Street, Suite #101, Christiansted, VI 00820
(340) 773-6459
or
4008 Estate Diamond (Department of Finance, Sunny Isle), Christiansted, VI 00820
(340) 773-6449
or
Lagoon Street Commercial Building No. 1, Frederiksted, VI 00840
(340) 772-3115
Property owners desiring assistance with delinquent property taxes are urged to utilize payment plans that are made available to all taxpayers with delinquencies. Payment plans require a 15% down payment of all outstanding taxes, interest penalties and fees, and can be started and maintained online at https://propertytax.vi.gov. Payment of property taxes does not confer property ownership rights to the tax payor.
Any property that has a current payment plan, will not be forwarded for final collection activity. Also, any property which is involved in probate and has been duly registered as a probated property with the Office of the Tax Collector, will not be forwarded for final collection activity.
For additional information, customers may contact the Office of the Tax Collector on St. Thomas/St. John at (340) 774-2991 and on St. Croix at (340) 773-6449.
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Hazeline Sanchez, devoted wife of the late Jose L. Sanchez Sr.
She leaves behind her beloved children: Jose Sanchez Jr., Julio Sanchez, Cicilia Sanchez, and Malicia Sanchez. Cherished grandchildren: Jahkiel Maynard, Shenequa Maynard, Racoy Hart, Jahkoi Sanchez, Lynisha Lawrence, Ma’liqwa Lawrence, Julio Jr. Julito Sanchez, Jevaughn Sanchez, Jose Sanchez III, Josiah Sanchez, Jahnai Sanchez, Jahkai Sanchez, and Vinae Sanchez. Adored great-grandchildren: Josie Sanchez, Jose IV Sanchez, Joslyn Sanchez, and Jiovanni Sanchez. Survived by her loving sisters: Celestine Henry, Edith Henry, Angela Henry Challenger, Marie Rocque, and Yvette Hughes; and brothers: Leo G. Henry and Anthony Henry. Preceded in death by her sister Bernadette Ragsdale and brother Louie Henry.
First viewing Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home, St. Thomas.
Funeral Service will be Thursday, Sept. 4 at 9:30 a.m. at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
Internment will be at Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery
Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.
The USVI HIDTA Prevention Initiative, in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Education, is excited to bring students an engaging educational workshop series:
“Positive Vibes Alone”
These workshops are designed to help students:
Build confidence to resist peer pressure
Make positive life choices
Prevent substance abuse and misuse
Stand strong against bullying and violence
Our goal is to promote safer, healthier schools and communities across both districts.
When and Where:
Workshops will be ongoing throughout the 2025–2026 school year in St. Thomas–St. John and St. Croix districts.
Training Format:
Sessions can be tailored for individual classrooms or delivered to larger student groups by teams.
Join us in creating a culture of safety, respect, and positive choices for all students! Together, we can make a difference.
For more information, contact:
DeShawn Williams (STTJ) – deshawn.williams@vide.viGisele Schjang (STX) – gisele.schjang@vide.vi
The Rotary West of St. Croix has proudly partnered with Eulalie Rivera School to create a Peace Garden a dedicated space on campus where students can build community, reflect, and practice peaceful habits.
(Submitted photo)
Developed over the course of four months, this beautiful project reflects a shared commitment to fostering harmony, unity, and positive interactions among students.
On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the school community, alongside members of Rotary West, came together for the official opening ceremony, marking the beginning of this new chapter for students and staff.
This Peace Garden is more than just a space it’s a living symbol of collaboration, growth, and the power of peace.
Caribbean Community TheatreAug. 30 (10 a.m. until noon), SaturdayAuditions for CCT’s Calico Cat Company
(after school theater program for children ages 7 – 12).
For more info, email heathermcrae23@gmail.comSept. 1, Labor Day (9 a.m. until 2 p.m.), MondayAnnual “Labor of Love” Yard Sale
Donations of costumes, furniture, etc. accepted through Sunday, August 31st.
For more info and to arrange donation drop off, email eileencct@gmail.comSept. 2 and 3, at 7 p.m., Tuesday & WednesdayAuditions for “The Face of Emmett Till” – a play by Mamie Till-Mobley & David Barr, III
Directed by Lionel Downer
For more info, email the director: chipinvi@yahoo.com
The V.I. Justice Department this month filed motions to dismiss dozens of felony criminal cases, several of which involved serious alleged offenses, including attempted murder, rape, and child pornography. Prosecutors regularly cited difficulty bringing witnesses to testify. Other dismissals were left unexplained by documents filed in V.I. Superior Court.
The dismissed cases included those against a St. Thomas woman who reportedly admitted to sexually abusing a minor relative, two bartenders who were arrested last summer and charged with raping a hotel guest, and a man charged earlier this year with computer pornography, obscene internet contact with a minor, second-degree unlawful sexual contact and possession of depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor. At least two attempted murder cases were dismissed this month when victims declined to cooperate with law enforcement or pursue charges.
In a statement provided to the Source, a Justice Department spokesperson noted that cases are typically dismissed without prejudice, “which means that if the victims or witnesses decide to cooperate in the future, or new evidence comes to light, the matters could be recharged.”
But not always. Attempted murder, assault and mayhem charges against Mario Magras and Reynaldo Philbert Jr. — who were arrested in the wake of a 2019 shooting at David Hamilton Jackson Terrace, which put four people in the hospital — were dismissed with prejudice earlier this month.
“Despite best efforts, the People are unable to locate an indispensable witness to the People’s case-in-chief,” prosecutors wrote in an Aug. 6 motion. “Therefore, we are unable to meet our burden of proof.”
Overlapping federal charges or plea agreements can also prompt a dismissal. In one instance, prosecutors agreed to drop charges of first-degree rape, first-degree unlawful sexual contact, and a litany of assault and other charges against Rhasanie Hendrickson as part of a global plea agreement. Hendrickson agreed to plead guilty to damaging or tampering with a vehicle — a misdemeanor punishable by a $200 fine or up to one year in prison in exchange for having all other pending charges against him dismissed. Prosecutors recommended no term of incarceration or probation.
A witness issue was central to the Justice Department’s decision to recommend dismissing murder charges against Anthony Schneider and Joshawn Ayala in May, who were arrested for the 2022 killings of Stacie Schjang and Arnold Jarvis. The move prompted an outcry from Virgin Islanders and prompted V.I. Attorney General Gordon Rhea to issue a statement explaining the decision.
“At this time, the government’s case relies primarily on a single witness linking the defendants to the crimes,” he stated. “That witness gave a statement to the police, but then last month submitted a signed affidavit, sworn under oath, recanting his statement to the police. In a criminal case, the prosecution must prove the defendant’s guilt ‘beyond a reasonable doubt.’ It is not enough to show that a defendant might, could, or even probably, have committed a crime.”
He added that if the case had proceeded to trial and prosecutors failed to secure a conviction, the Fifth Amendment’s Double Jeopardy Clause would prevent the case from being retried even if new evidence came to light.
According to documents filed in that case, law enforcement had another witness in the case for at least a week following Schjang’s death: Jarvis, who reportedly identified the shooters as “Ayala them” and said he knew them from an ongoing feud between residents of the David Hamilton Jackson and John F. Kennedy housing communities. Eight days later, he was dead.
According to the Virgin Islands Code, the V.I. Justice Department is supposed to house a “Witness Protection Board that consists of the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands, the Commissioner of Police, and the Administrator of the Victim/Witness Advocate Program.” Among other things, the board is empowered to fund “any action the Board determines to be necessary to protect the individual from bodily injury or to assure the individual’s health, safety, and welfare for as long as, in the judgment of the Board, the danger exists.”
According to the law, the territory’s attorney general is also required to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the type of assistance the program provided, with names, locations, and identifying markers redacted.
The Source asked for those reports — as well as a schedule of the board’s meetings — and requested them again under the territory’s public records laws in June. A V.I. Police Department spokesperson did not respond to multiple emails in May. On Tuesday, Justice Department spokesperson Sandra Goomansingh said she is waiting for an update on the Source’s records request and had no other comment at this time.
Virgin Islander Sanaa Burke received a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and Climate Science from the University of Delaware. (Photo courtesy Sanaa Burke)
For St. Croix native Sanaa Burke, a childhood shaped by hurricanes has grown into a career in the making. With a bachelor’s degree in meteorology and climate science already earned, she now heads to Pennsylvania State University to pursue her master’s degree and study tropical cyclones and their impact on the Caribbean.
Roots in St. Croix
Burke was asked about her background and inspiration to pursue a career in atmospheric sciences, and she explained that environment deeply influenced her outlook on life and her decisions.
“I’m originally from the U.S. Virgin Islands, specifically the island of St. Croix, and growing up here has been a huge part of shaping who I am today,” Burke said. “Living on a small island has taught me resilience, adaptability, and a deep respect for nature. Our closeness to the environment makes you pay attention to the weather in ways you might not in other places, and it’s definitely fueled my awareness and curiosity about the world around me,” she explained.
Early Sparks of Curiosity
Burke’s path into meteorology started early. Childhood experiences with hurricanes left her in awe of nature’s power and sparked a desire to understand it. She recalls that the first time she truly engaged with weather studies occurred when she was a student in the sixth grade.
“My interest in meteorology first sparked when I was a child, experiencing hurricanes and seeing how much they impacted our community,” Burke said. “However, my first real introduction to the field of meteorology was in sixth grade, where we had a science book that talked about the different cloud types and what kind of weather is associated with them. After learning about the cloud types, I would go outside with the book and try to identify various clouds,” she noted.
Burke’s experiences with Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 and the profound effect they had on both her community and her own perspective cemented her decision to pursue meteorology as a career.
“My personal experiences with hurricanes in the USVI were a major factor in my career choice,” Burke acknowledged. “Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, in particular, left a lasting impression on me, and it wasn’t just the science behind the storm. It was also the way the entire community came together,” she said. “I was also able to see and understand how important real-time updates on weather are, and I knew that I wanted to be one of the people providing that information.”
Academic Path Forward
Burke has already made strides in her journey toward becoming a meteorologist. She recently completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology and Climate Science from the University of Delaware, and she has no plans of slowing down. Burke is preparing for the next chapter of her academic journey. This fall, she begins graduate studies at Pennsylvania State University—well known for its excellent programs in atmospheric sciences— to pursue a master’s degree. She plans to focus on tropical meteorology and the impacts of climate change.
Sanaa Burke plans to attend Pennsylvania State University’s Meteorology and Atmospheric Science graduate program to obtain a master’s degree. (Photo courtesy Sanaa Burke)
“I’ll be starting at Penn State soon in their Meteorology and Atmospheric Science graduate program,” Burke confirmed. “My focus will be on tropical meteorology and specifically how tropical cyclones impact the Caribbean region, as well as how climate change will have an impact on those cyclones. I also want to look into the socioeconomic impacts of cyclones in the region, as we are a tourism-driven area, and these storms have a large impact on that. I’m excited to deepen my understanding of the science while also developing new technical skills in research and forecasting,” she stated.
“I’m most looking forward to engaging in research that ties back to real-world impacts, especially in tropical and coastal communities,” Burke said. “Penn State has a strong reputation in both forecasting and academic research, so I’m eager to learn from experts in the field.”
Sharing Weather Updates at Home
Burke is already making an impact closer to home. She frequently shares weather updates with residents through social media and has been directly involved in research and advocacy.
Burke recently worked on an undergraduate research project analyzing the relationship between Predecessor Rain Events and cyclone landfalls in the United States. (Photo courtesy Sanaa Burke)
“What I’ve enjoyed most so far is seeing how my work can help people understand and prepare for weather events,” Burke said. “There’s a rewarding feeling in knowing that a post or an update might encourage someone to take an extra step toward safety.”
Additionally, Burke has already gained experience in broadcast communication. She was invited three times as a live guest on FOX Weather, where she provided updates during Tropical Storm Ernesto in August 2024. Those appearances, she says, gave her a chance to sharpen her communication skills.
“One thing I wish I had known earlier is how important communication skills are in meteorology. You can understand the science perfectly, but being able to explain it clearly and confidently to the public is just as important, especially when lives and property are on the line,” Burke said.
Looking to the Future
Looking ahead, Burke hopes to concentrate on storm development and forecasting, with a long-term goal of serving her home community.
“I’m especially interested in specializing in tropical meteorology and climate science, with a focus on storm development and forecasting in the Caribbean region,” she said.
“In the next five to 10 years, I see myself working as a research meteorologist or operational forecaster, ideally with a role that allows me to bridge science and public communication. I would love to return to the USVI, whether permanently or seasonally, to contribute directly to improving local forecasting and disaster preparedness.”
Advice for the Next Generation
Finally, Burke offered advice for young Virgin Islanders who may want to follow in her footsteps.
“My advice to young people in the USVI who are interested in weather science is to stay curious and keep learning,” she recommended. “Don’t be afraid to reach out to professionals in the field, as most are more than happy to share advice or mentorship. Start small, even by observing daily weather patterns and exploring online resources,” she concluded.
Individuals can keep up with Sanaa Burke’s journey into meteorology through her public Facebook page here.
The Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (VIUCEDD) is once again opening the virtual classroom to the community with FUN-damentals of ASL 2, a free interactive American Sign Language (ASL) workshop scheduled for Monday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
The workshop offers children and adults alike the opportunity to learn essential ASL commands in an engaging, beginner-friendly format. The program is designed to not just teach the basics of sign language but also to encourage inclusivity and create stronger connections across the territory.
“American Sign Language is a powerful way to build connections. Even learning a few signs can open doors to clearer communication, show support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, and create opportunities for greater understanding. At VIUCEDD, we encourage people to start with the basics, because those first steps can make everyday interactions more welcoming and meaningful,” according to Shamika Thomas, VIUCEDD executive director.
This session is part of VIUCEDD’s ongoing mission to enhance accessibility, understanding, and support for individuals with developmental and other disabilities. Established at the University of the Virgin Islands, VIUCEDD works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families through training, technical assistance, respect, advocacy, and community education. The center often partners with local and national organizations to provide resources and create a more inclusive Virgin Islands.
The ASL initiative is tied to VIUCEDD’s Allied Help Coalition, a grassroots program dedicated to fostering support for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, equipping their families with tools for communication, and raising awareness among the wider public.
