The judge asked accused gunman Jahmar Lewis if he understood the potential penalty facing him if found guilty at trial. (Source photo by James Gardner)
The last defendant to face justice for the 2022 robbery and murder at a Havensight jewelry store changed his mind about accepting a plea deal. Through a filing by his lawyer in Superior Court Tuesday, accused gunman Jahmar Lewis said he’d rather take his chances at trial.
Lewis is one of three armed individuals accused of robbing Glitters Jewelry Store on Dec. 4, 2022, and shooting two people inside the store. One of the wounded victims — customer Gregoriana Julien — died from her injuries on Jan. 1, 2023.
A store security guard survived but was badly injured, according to authorities.
Three other people arrested and charged in connection with the case — Michiah Cozier, Akenda Weeks, and Junior Garcia — changed their pleas to guilty and are scheduled for sentencing on Oct. 16. In late July, it appeared the remaining defendant would also take steps to avoid a jury trial.
At an Aug. 8 hearing before Superior Court Judge Carol Thomas-Jacobs, defense attorney David Cattie said his client wanted more time before changing his not guilty plea. “ The Court heard from Defense counsel who stated we did have a signed plea in this case, but my client received some additional information which was filed under seal in this case; we are requesting additional time to consider that information along with the plea offer,” Cattie said.
At trial, Lewis faces 44 criminal counts, including first-degree murder, kidnapping, attempted murder, assault, robbery, grand larceny, conspiracy, and related illegal weapons charges. Thomas-Jacobs offered to reschedule the hearing to Aug. 22 and admonished Lewis to consider the penalty awaiting him if jurors find him guilty.
“You understand the penalty is way more than what this plea is?” the judge asked.
“Yes, your honor,” Lewis said.
But with Tuesday’s motion for withdrawal, it will be up to the judge as to what comes next. Jury selection on Sept. 22 at 9 a.m. is the most likely option, as mentioned at the August hearing.
Commissioner nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King testifies in front of the Senate Budget, Appropriations and Finance Committee Tuesday. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
The Tourism Department asked senators Tuesday to approve a $39 million budget for fiscal year 2026, the same amount as last year, while facing questions about more than $1.3 million in unpaid vendor bills.
Commissioner nominee Jennifer Matarangas-King testified that as of July 18, the department had received $32.4 million in allotments for the current fiscal year but still owes about $1.3 million to local vendors. She said the outstanding payments cover sponsorships and festival-related services, some dating back to December 2024.
Assistant Commissioner Alani Henneman described the bills as a mix of community sponsorships and direct vendor payments. “All of the payments are local payments, senator. It’s just a variety of sponsorships. I would say maybe 10 to 50, maybe Festival-related, direct vendor payments,” Henneman explained. “The $1.3 [million] is a combination of some outstanding festival payments that were miscellaneous payments, but also some sponsorships that have to go through the Property and Procurement process.”
King told lawmakers the delays were caused by procurement hurdles and staff shortages, but said the department has recently begun working more closely with the Office of Management and Budget and the Finance Department to address those issues. “We have begun working very recently, meeting with the leadership for OMB and Finance, and it was an opportunity for them to tell some of their pain points in terms of what we need to do,” King said.
Senators pressed officials to act quickly to restore trust. “Department of Tourism has a bad reputation when it comes to paying people. We don’t want to tarnish it. It’s a bad reputation, so let’s fix it,” said Sen. Dwayne DeGraff.
Sen. Carla J. Joseph underscored the impact of delayed payments by sharing the story of one local vendor. “The vendor provided food, and they’re owed over $13,000,” Joseph said. “That’s a local person who went out on a limb, not once, but twice, for our Festival, and they have not received their payment. That’s tax monies you’re spending that is used by us to pay the outside vendors first, and we aren’t taking care of our people first. Charity begins at home. Make it a priority to take care of our people first, because it’s their tax money.”
Department leaders detailed how money was spent in fiscal year 2025. Personnel costs totaled nearly $3 million, with $1.26 million spent by July. Fringe benefits accounted for $573,121, while supplies and utilities cost $116,936 and $77,292, respectively. By far the largest category was “other services,” which consumed more than $32 million — a line item lawmakers questioned for its size and lack of clarity.
Officials said the broad category covers a wide range of initiatives, including advertising, festivals, strategic partnerships, public relations, and sales. “The recommendations of the budget will cover all operational costs for the department, salaries and fringe benefits, contracts, office expenses, offshore sales, film visitor experience and the Division of Festivals, sponsorships, collateral, social media, advertising and marketing,” said King.
The future of parade broadcasts by WTJX, the Virgin Islands’ public television station, is in question as lawmakers and Tourism officials grapple with funding shortfalls following the loss of federal support, as well as WTJX not being able to stream the St. John Parade, as reported on during their July 15 hearing.
For decades, WTJX has aired local parades at no cost to the Tourism Department or the Division of Festivals, providing a vital service to the community — especially elders who rely on television rather than online streaming. “Since forever, parades have been broadcasted by WTJX,” said Ian Turnbull, director for the Division of Festivals. “We have supported WTJX, I think, to the tune of about $71,000 over a couple years.”
This year, WTJX has requested additional support to continue its coverage, citing financial strain after federal funding cuts. “WTJX is even under more dire circumstances because of the federal government and the cuts,” said the commissioner. “Livestreaming is fine, but a lot of elders, especially, they’re not going to be streaming, they’re going to be watching it on TV, and they’ve been relying on that. So that’s something that we need to take a look at moving forward.”
Lawmakers echoed the need for action, with Sen. Kurt Vialet urging, “I just think we need to include this in the budget. We need to make it a line item and just move forward from there.” The committee Chair, Sen. Novelle Francis, added, “We just can’t lock out WTJX, who have traditionally done this. A lot of people are looking forward to being able to view the parades via WTJX, and were really denied that opportunity.”
Alongside questions about spending, staffing challenges remain a pressing issue. The department currently employs 29 people but has 11 vacancies and 10 new positions approved in the upcoming budget. Director of Administration and Management Jamila Miller said the agency has struggled to recruit for critical roles, such as the assistant director of Festivals, which has been vacant for more than a year. “We have received resumes for those positions, and the intent is to start scheduling interviews,” Miller told lawmakers.
Despite these challenges, Tourism indicators continue to climb. The Virgin Islands is on pace to surpass its 2024 record of nearly 1 million overnight guests. Seat capacity is projected to reach 706,689 in 2026, a 5% increase over 2024. The average daily hotel rate is $664, with more than 620 new hotel rooms added in St. Thomas and St. John.
“The United States Virgin Islands continues to solidify its place as a preeminent travel destination within the Caribbean and worldwide, supported by consistent arrival numbers and industry-leading marketing initiatives,” said King.
Marketing campaigns have also expanded the territory’s reach. The “A Vibe Like No Other” promotion brought 1,500 visitors to St. Croix, distributing $375,000 to local hotel partners. The number of businesses listed on VisitUSVI.com has grown to 700 from 200 last year, and a monthly newsletter now reaches more than 300,000 readers worldwide.
“The most recent Business Research and Economic Advisors study ranked St. Thomas second in average passenger spending among all Caribbean destinations. This continued growth reflects intentional strategy and consistent execution through a coordinated blend of public relations, advertising and digital engagement, the Department of Tourism strengthens the territories profile and sets the U.S. Virgin Islands apart from regional competitors,” said King
Models from the kids ROCK fashion show earlier in the year. (Photo courtesy JG Management USVI)
As JG Management USVI enters its 15th year, founder and owner Jason Gardener is preparing to welcome a new wave of talent interested in expanding their skills in modeling, acting, and the performing arts.
Over the years, Gardener has built a creative empire in the Virgin Islands, producing signature events such as kids ROCK Fashion Weekend, VI Model of the Year Competition, St. Croix STYLE Fashion Week, The JG Center of Excellence, STYLED by Jason Gardener, and the Mr. & Miss JG Management Pageant.
Reflecting on this milestone year, Gardener said that the upcoming season’s theme is “Elevation.” In March, the group will officially celebrate its 15th anniversary. “Reaching 15 years is amazing, and now I just want to keep growing and getting better. I want to elevate my skills in teaching, expect more from the talent, raise the bar with our productions, and create even greater opportunities,” Gardener explained.
Mt. Pleasant studios on St. Croix, located above Jane’s Bridal. Auditions are open to children, beginning at age 5, as well as to teens and young adults.
Auditions and registration for the 2025-2026 season begin this weekend at Mt. Pleasant studios on St. Croix, located above Jane’s Bridal. Auditions are open to children, beginning at age 5, as well as to teens and young adults. Sessions will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 24, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The dress code is personal style, allowing participants to showcase their individuality. The new season officially begins on Sept. 2.
Model from JG Management. (Photo courtesy JG Management USVI)
JG Management’s training program is designed to prepare participants for success in both the fashion and entertainment industries. Training encompasses modeling and acting techniques, stage presence, public speaking, fashion styling, production insights, confidence-building, portfolio and resume development, as well as personal growth. In addition to weekly sessions, students will also participate in special workshops and fun outings.
Gardener said he is excited to welcome both returning and new talent this season, but he especially hopes to see more male participants. “Before the pandemic, we had a strong male presence with boys, teens, and young adults. I would love to see that return. There are many opportunities — whether for local commercials, castings, or even projects when we travel to New York — and we get frequent requests for male talent,” he said.
JG Management is seeking more male models this season. (Photo courtesy JG Management USVI)
Gardener is also the visionary behind the highly anticipated kids ROCK Fashion Weekend, which he launched in 2013 after moving back to St. Croix from New York. “When I started my training program, I wanted to put on the biggest fashion shows in the Virgin Islands. That’s how Kids ROCK came about. The name just popped into my head because, you know, kids rock,” Gardener recalled.
Now in its 13th year, kids ROCK has become a cornerstone of youth fashion in the Virgin Islands, along with VI Model of the Year Competition and St. Croix STYLE Fashion Week, giving young models an early platform to shine. As JG Management steps into its 15th year with the theme of Elevation, Gardener remains committed to guiding Virgin Islands talent toward growth, opportunity, and the global stage.
The United States Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is competing in the 2025 Caribbean Football Union U14 Girls Challenge Series in Port of Spain, Trinidad, from Aug. 15–25, 2025. The annual tournament showcases the Caribbean’s top under-14 soccer players, with boys’ and girls’ teams alternating each year in this international high-level competition.
This year’s event attracted 23 teams from throughout the Caribbean.
Tier I
Group A – Bermuda, Dominican Republic, Martinique, and Puerto Rico
Group B – Aruba, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Trinidad and Tobago High Performance (replaced Haiti)
Tier II
Group A – Bonaire, Dominica, St. Kitts & Nevis, and United States Virgin Islands
Group B – Barbados, British Virgin Islands, French Guiana, Grenada, and Suriname
Group C – Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Cayman Islands, Guyana, and Turks & Caicos Islands
The USVI girls got off to a fantastic start as they steamrolled St. Lucia 7 – 1 in the Ato Boldon Stadium. Kyla Groetzinger led the way with five goals. Olivia Ardion and Tyrah Perez also scored one goal each for the Virgin Islands.
USVI Kyla Groetzinger receives Player of the Match Award for scoring five goals in their 7 – 1 win over St. Lucia at 2025 Caribbean Football Union 14U Girls Challenge Series. (Submitted photo)
St. Kitts & Nevis was the second team to yield to the USVI offensive machine. This time it was Ardion who pasted the Virgin Islands offense with three goals. Juvanita Hursts added the final goal in the USVI’s 4 – 1 win.
USVI received a much-needed day off, but the break seemed to have an adverse effect on USVI girls as they were only able to score one point in their 1 – 1 draw against Bonaire. This set up a must-win game against undefeated Dominica. The game started well with Groetzinger scoring her seventh goal of the tournament, giving the VI a 1 – 0 lead. However, Dominica came back and scored four unanswered points on their way to a 4 – 1 victory. The win secured a spot in the knockout stage for Dominica.
USVI Olivia Ardion scores a hat trick in USVI’s 4 – 1 win over St. Kitts & Nevis at the 2025 Caribbean Football Union 14U Girls Challenge Series. (Submitted photo)
The USVI placed second in their pool and must now wait to see if they rank as the top second-place team. The highest-ranked second-place finisher will also advance to the final stage of the tournament.
Fly the Whale launches new daily service from St. Croix starting Sept. 15. (Photo courtesy Fly the Whale)
Fly the Whale will launch three new daily round-trip flights between Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and San Juan International Airport starting Sept. 15, the airline announced in a recent press release.
The service expands travel options for business, medical, and leisure passengers, with flights arriving and departing from the Jet Aviation FBO on the east side of San Juan International — about a seven-minute ride from the main terminal. A shuttle will be provided for passengers connecting at the terminal. Guests traveling from the terminal to Jet Aviation will need to arrange a taxi or Uber, according to the press release.
Fly the Whale President Shane Reynolds called the new service “a great opportunity for our valued guests to travel to San Juan for onward connections, business, medical care, and those seeking a getaway to the beautiful islands of Puerto Rico and St. Croix.”
The expansion builds on the airline’s growth in the region. Since launching service between St. Croix and St. Thomas in April 2023, Fly the Whale has carried tens of thousands of passengers. The new route extends the carrier’s customer-focused operations beyond the U.S. Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, the press release stated.
Rotary District 7020 Gov. William ‘Bill’ Aiken will visit St. Croix Aug. 24–29 to promote the theme ‘Recognize Needs, Transform Lives.’ (Submitted photo)
Rotary District 7020 Governor William “Bill” Aiken will visit St. Croix from Aug. 24–29 to meet with local Rotary leaders, tour service projects, and engage government and community partners in discussions on strengthening collaboration and expanding impact, a press release announced.
Rotary International, a global humanitarian service organization with more than 1.4 million members in over 46,000 clubs worldwide, brings people together to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. District 7020 covers 10 island nations and territories across the northern Caribbean, including The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Jamaica, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Anguilla, St. Maarten, St. Martin, the British Virgin Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the press release.
This year’s Rotary International President, Francesco Arezzo of Italy, has set the theme “Unite for Good,” encouraging Rotarians to collaborate with like-minded organizations to create sustainable, transformative solutions. In alignment, Aiken has introduced District 7020’s theme, “Recognize Needs, Transform Lives.” Clubs are being asked to identify at least five critical community needs and address them through bold initiatives, using support from The Rotary Foundation to maximize their efforts, the press release stated.
“When we open our eyes and our hearts to the needs around us, and when we act boldly in partnership, we can truly transform lives,” Aiken said in the release.
Assistant Gov. Cheru Ross of USVI South added, “Governor Aiken’s visit is a great opportunity for us to renew our commitment to service and to strengthen Rotary’s impact in St. Croix. It is also a chance to unite our clubs in identifying and meeting the most urgent needs in our community.”
Aiken, a Rotarian for more than 20 years and a member of the Rotary Club of New Kingston, Jamaica, has held numerous leadership roles guiding projects in literacy, health, and disaster relief. During his visit, he will meet with the Rotary Clubs of St. Croix, West, Harborside, and Mid-Isle, along with civic leaders and the broader community, the release stated.
Our family is saddened to announce the passing of Emma Trude Smith, our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt, and cousin, from this earthly world.
Emma Trude Smith
“Ms. Emma”, as she was respectfully called by so many, died peacefully at home at the young age of 97; she was 16 days away from her 98th birthday. Ms. Emma, was born on August 26, 1927 in the British Virgin Islands to Amelia Victoria “Miss Vicky” Abbott and Ludwig “Captain Jack” Smith. Her siblings are Roosevelt Smith Sr, James Anthony Smith (deceased), Wally Ogard Smith (deceased), Ellen Smith Farara (deceased), Ivy Smith O’Neal (deceased), and Iver Smith Ocana Vessup (deceased). She was a Jehovah Witness. For multiple years, bible study meetings were held in her home on Monday evenings. She attended Wednesday meetings and Sunday service at Kingdom Hall and joyously did field service.
Emma was kind, gentle, mild, sweet, & loving. However, she was, also, courageous. This gentle woman at the age of 20 left her native island of Tortola, BVI to journey to St. Thomas and St. Croix in the USVI for employment. In those times, islanders traveled to whatever island on which they could find work. Emma was employed as a waitress at the Oasis Restaurant in St. Thomas in the 1960’s. This restaurant was owned by members of the Barbel family and was a classy favorite for so many. In the 1970’s, she worked as a favorite waitress at the Crazy Cow restaurant, a landmark in V. I. culinary & restaurant history for so many Virgin Islanders as they fondly look back. In the late 1980’s, she retired to spend time taking care of her grandchildren.
Emma loved to sew, crochet, garden, and take care of her family. She loved to play Chinese checkers with her grandchildren, cook each grandchild’s special dish, do sewing craft projects with her granddaughters, and sew school skirts for them. She had a green thumb that could grow mango, soursop, sugar apple, guava, coconut trees and just about any other tree or flower she wanted to grow. She loved animals and fed multiple cats every day. For about 10 years, she fed a land turtle who visited her home every day until hurricanes Irma and Maria occurred.
Emma is survived by 5 children, Milagros Saldana, Felicita Saldana Richards, Germaine Saldana Vanterpool, Enrique Saldana, Miguel Saldana. One child, Ligia Torres is deceased. There are 9 grandchildren Ramon and Nicole Saldana, Vince and Genia Vanterpool, Jerome and Serene Saldana, John “Allie” and Albert Richards II, and Amber Richards Lake, 7 great grandchildren, Alyna, Albert, and Alden Richards, Aria Wynter Saldana, Isabella, Timothy III, and Nathan Lake, brother Roosevelt Smith Sr and sister-in-law Durene Smith, son-in-law, Albert Richards Sr. and Vincent Vanterpool, daughter-in-law, Susie Wong Saldana; nieces Nidia Ocana Frett, Faye Smith Penn, Diana Ocana McKay, Mary Ocana, Joan Delores Smith Sebastien, Recia Smith Robin, Kim Doanne, Mirta Farara Williams, Heather Farara; nephews Jose and Freddie Ocana, Ogard Jr, Phillip, Mitchell, Ronald, Roosevelt Jr, Ian Seymour, Patrick, and Nicholas Smith, Arthur Titley, Ronald Jr “Tootie” and Mikey Farara Jr., numerous cousins, and friends.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, Aug. 22, 4-6pm at Kingdom Hall on St, Thomas and on Saturday, Aug. 23 at the Turnbull Funeral Home with viewing at 9 a.m. and funeral service at 10 a.m. We will forever miss this kind, gentle, loving soul. However, we glory in the fact that she is with the Lord. May she rest peacefully in the arms of God, the Father.
Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
With complete peace in our hearts, we are rejoicing in the transition of our dearly beloved Edith Gertrude Frett on Aug. 12, 2025 from this world of sickness into her Great Reward.
Edith Gertrude Frett
She is survived by her husband, Elwin Franklin Frett; daughter, Elvena Frett; son, Eli Frett; daughter-in-law, Cjambrica Frett; grandchildren, Princess Tyanna Imani-Selah Frett, Sir Christian Carlos Adoraa Frett, Bishop Marquis Syncere-Duvall Frett, Lady Makayla Elsa-Rose Frett; and brother, Elroy Fahie. Preceding her in death were daughter, Elsa Frett and son, Elbert Frett with many family and friends too numerous to mention.
A Homegoing Celebration of Life will be held on Sept. 12 at The Oasis Church of God of Prophecy, C-5 Estate Hoffman. Viewing 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with service to follow at 10 a.m.
Interment will follow at Eastern Cemetery, St. Thomas. Funeral arrangements by Turnbull’s Funeral Home.
Alan Motta held a WAPA employee at gunpoint during a 2001 assault. He’s been rearrested for failing to complete recent sex offender registration. (Shutterstock image)
Justice Department agents arrested a St. Croix man for leaving crucial information off his most recent registry as a sex offender, according to a statement from the Justice Department Tuesday.
Alan Motta, 43, a Tier 3 registered offender, failed to update his address with the Virgin Islands Justice Department in May. An arrest warrant was issued July 17 and, on Friday, Motta was caught, according to the statement.
Motta was convicted of the Sept. 12, 2001 robbery and attempted rape of a Water and Power Authority meter reader in Estate Mary’s Fancy. Motta held the woman at gunpoint as his alleged accomplice attempted to rip off the victim’s clothing, according to court records. She was saved by her ringing mobile phone, which she said was a supervisor coming to check up on her.
Motta almost immediately challenged his conviction in 2002, saying he had been treated unfairly at trial — partially because the victim fainted in the courtroom, according to court records. Superior Court Presiding Judge Maria Cabret disagreed and ordered the conviction stand. Court records from 2002 were incomplete online.
Virgin Islands law requires Motta to tell Justice Department officials where he lives, where he works, and other personal information every three months for the rest of his life.
Motta could be sentenced to as much as two years in prison and a $5,000 fine for failing to register, according to the Justice Department.
Middle School Math teacher Poonam Sajwani-Fatnani shares a moment with her class (Photo by Antilles School)
Antilles School opened its doors Monday to 442 students, including 66 newcomers, marking the official start of the 2025–2026 academic year — the school’s 75th.
From early learners to the Class of 2026, students and families arrived on campus to a sense of fresh energy and new beginnings. Head of School Shannon Harris said the excitement extends beyond the first-day buzz, reflecting months of preparation and investment in creating learning environments designed to inspire.
Antilles Head of School Shannon Harris greets students at morning drop-off. (Photo by Antilles School)
“We’ve been preparing not just for a new year, but for the kind of learning experience that makes children feel seen, supported, and inspired,” Harris said. “Our colleagues are ready to meet students where they are and help them stretch toward who they’re becoming—that’s what makes Antilles such a remarkable place to learn and grow.”
Sixth grade teacher Alexis Porfilio helps ease her students’ transition into Middle School with activities in the courtyard (Photo by Antilles School)
Over the summer, the school undertook a campus-wide refresh, bringing in nine trailers of new flexible classroom furniture, renovating restrooms, upgrading essential infrastructure, and integrating new technology to support teaching and learning. The updates were visible as students settled into classrooms arranged with soft seating for conversation, mobile tables and standing desks designed to adapt with each lesson, and tools placed within reach to encourage exploration, according to a school release.
Third graders work on getting to know each other on opening day (Photo by Antilles School)
This fall also begins a year of reflection and celebration as Antilles marks 75 years of education rooted in excellence, diversity, and community. School leaders said students, families, faculty, and alumni will be engaged in recognizing the milestone and envisioning the years ahead.
