The Source Arts & Literature section highlights the work of our creative readers. All visual artists and creative writers are encouraged to share with us new works. Please see below for full submission guidelines.
Big, Beautiful Bill
Are you ready for the arrival of a bouncing baby boy?
It’s really an occasion that should fill us all with joy.
Yet some are standing by with scalpel and with knife,
Others are loudly shouting, ”Please call for the midwife!”
While doctors and nurses were tending to him still,
We learned that this infant child would soon be named Bill.
He was quite a big baby; his voice was loud and clear.
The first words he uttered: “tax breaks for you, my dear!”
With 100+ godparents, he passed from hand to hand,
But to coordinate his feedings seemed hard to understand.
Some added to his diet, some chose to take away.
Perhaps it was the formula – was it made in the USA?
His father called him beautiful – that’s in the beholder’s eye,
For the changes he was bringing could cause poor folk to die!
He didn’t seem to care how he widened inequity,
After all, he was simply just a really big baby!
Many called for a spanking, more sang a lullaby,
But it really didn’t matter, this baby wouldn’t cry!
No matter how you rocked him, he wouldn’t fall asleep,
He kept the house awake one night; this baby wasn’t meek!
When some babysitters came, he would smile and coo with glee,
And find a way to help them stash their wealth in his potty!
Seemed like he was displaying some hyperactivity,
He was redesigning our very own economy!
Uncle Eli cautioned that his tantrums were too much,
With the people he impacted, he was clearly out of touch!
We’re really worried now, but can you imagine when
This youngster Bill would attain the age of ten?
We all will be affected by this looming triple B,
Should we put him in timeout? Adopt a wait-and-see?
Here’s my simple suggestion, I don’t think it’s out of range.
It’s time for this big baby to have a diaper change!
Sandra C. Bradley is a Source reader who loves to explore the power of words, the pits of an avocado and the peacefulness of nature.
Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer. Visual art submissions should include at least one high-quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you.Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.
It is with heavy hearts and sadness that the family announces the passing of their love one Melvin “Mellie” aka “McKasin” McClean who died on June 23, 2025.
Melvin McClean
The funeral service will be held on July 30; viewing will be 9-10 a.m. and service 10:00 a.m. at Christ Church Methodist, Interment Western Cemetery #3.
Melvin was employed at the Virgin Islands Housing Authority for over 30 years until his retirement.
He is preceded in death by his parents Miriam and Icha “Ichaba” McClean,
and his sister Janice McClean. He is survived by his Brother: Justin McClean, Sisters: Beulah Lettsome, Cynthia King, Gwen Farrington, Muriel McClean, Cheryl McClean, Sylvia Diaz, Deborah Malone, Brothers-In-Law: Dionisio Diaz and Jeffrey Malone
Sister-In-Law: Joan McClean, Nephews: Ivan McClean Jr, Kevin Lettsome, Leayle, Michael, Kovey and Courtney King, Dwayne and Damon McClean, Aaron and Khisha Shelford, Raheen Luzanaris, Damal Smith, Jeseim Malone,
Nieces: Java McClean, Lori King, Patricia Weir, Monique Farrington, Keema McClean, Farisa and Lauren Roberts, Elizabeth and Michael Farrell, Monique Hodges, Jeffany, Jemeka, and Je’Niyah Malone Aunts: Emma Hodge and Gretel Freeman, Uncles: Carlton, Noel, and Roosevelt Thomas, and many other relatives too numerous to mention
Special Friends: Kenneth Camacho, Pamela Samuel, Atama Turnbull
Tributes can be sent to: turnbullsfuneralhomevi@yahoo.com
Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement on the federal reconciliation bill signed into law by President Trump and its potential impacts on the U.S. Virgin Islands:
“Last week President Trump signed into law his tax and spending bill, H.R. 1, which passed the House and Senate narrowly with solely Republican votes and several Republican defections. While the inclusion of permanent rum cover-over in H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, represents a major win for the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and the culmination of years-long efforts by elected officials and stakeholders, as I have consistently indicated from the beginning of the year, the bill will also bring significant challenges to our territory through cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and other critical programs.
“My office has reached out to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands and the Government of the Virgin Islands finance team to share our concerns and offer our support as we hope the local government will begin the efforts to prepare for these impacts over the coming years. It will be imperative for the Virgin Islands local government to focus on finding new revenues and act creatively to remedy the impacts of federal cuts locally. This legislation will require us to find additional sources for increasing revenues to the general fund to continue providing support to families—supporting new businesses, jump starting local small businesses and training our own local workforce to support the rebuilding and construction projects that must come online.”
Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized the importance of the Government of the Virgin Islands taking advantage of the rebuild to create additional revenue, ancillary businesses and increased workforce. Doing so means capitalizing on the cost-share waiver granted by the Biden-Harris administration, which has allocated billions of federal dollars for recovery projects across the territory.
“Seven years ago, our community’s infrastructure was devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, leaving our critical infrastructure decimated. Out of devastation came the opportunity to transform our territory and rebuild our critical infrastructure in a more resilient manner with profound funding from the federal government. In the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, I obtained provisions to allow the Virgin Islands to rebuild critical infrastructure with resilient design and features, up to the latest industry building standards and notwithstanding pre-disaster conditions in the Virgin Islands (the standard that normally applies).
“That change in law has meant the Government of the Virgin Islands has been allocated billions in federal funding for our schools, hospitals, water systems, power grid, communications infrastructure, and other critical projects. In 2024, the Biden-Harris Administration announced that rebuild projects approved before September 30, 2024, require only a 2 percent local match instead of the original 10 percent, with other projects requiring just 5 percent – projected cost savings for the local government of almost $1.5 billion. This represents an unprecedented opportunity to complete our hurricane recovery while stimulating economic growth. However, the cost share is for a ten-year period. We must capitalize on this timeframe and utilize this opportunity not only to rebuild our infrastructure but also to attract small businesses and other industries to our territory,” Plaskett added.
“Now that the battle for the permanent increased rum cover-over rate of $13.25 is over, we need to focus on two critical areas related to the rum cover over: ensuring the Virgin Islands receives our fair share of worldwide rum cover-over revenue and working with rum companies to understand the utilization of funds for marketing and potentially increase the amount that comes directly to the Virgin Islands Government. Under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), rum produced outside the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and then imported into the US also has a rum cover over that is divided between the two territories. Under the CBI, that ratio should be based upon the rum produced by each, however there was never a change in ratio made when Diageo came to the Virgin Islands from Puerto Rico. I previously engaged both the Mapp-Potter and Bryan-Roach Administrations on this issue, and it is my hope that the Bryan Administration will take this matter up so the Virgin Islands will receive its fair share of the cover over. Additionally, we need to ensure the rum companies are utilizing these funds for the maximum benefit for our community.”
“While federal cuts will create challenges, we also have untapped resources and underutilized opportunities at our disposal. The key is acting decisively during this critical recovery window while building sustainable economic growth for our future. My team and I remain ready to work with Governor Bryan and his team along with the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to ensure that we can not only weather these changes but emerge stronger.”
The family of the late Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott is saddened to announce her passing on April 12, 2025.
Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott
She is survived by her Daughter(s): LaVerne Walcott, Lesa Walcott; Son(s) Lorenzo Walcott Jr; Grandchildren(s): Raqaun Bennett, and Alicia Slusher; Brother(s): Tyrone Thompson; Sister(s): Annabelle Lockhart, Sandra O’Brian, and Olive Jensen.
Memorial service will be held on July 17,2025, at Anglican Church in Christiansted, Service begins at 9:30am.
Interment will follow at Gallows Bay at 12:00 noon for the scattering ashes of Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott.
More than 1,100 no-cost veterinary services—valued at more than $127,000—were delivered to residents on St. Thomas through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, according to the final report delivered to the VI Department of Health this week.
Military veterinarian Maj. Christine Bui examines a pet dog during the comprehensive care pet clinic held June 16-27, at the Humane Society of St. Thomas. (Submitted photo)
A 20-man IRT team of military veterinarians, technicians, preventative medicine and food safety specialists, deployed to St. Thomas and conducted a two-week training mission, June 16-27, to provide comprehensive pet care in partnership with the VI Department of Health and the Humane Society of St. Thomas.
“We are deeply grateful to the service members of the IRT Program for their invaluable contribution to public health and animal welfare during the two-week mission on St. Thomas,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “This has been a true demonstration of service and partnership. Access to veterinary care is limited for many residents, and this mission not only filled that gap—it did so with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to improving lives.”
“Our gratitude extends to the Humane Society of St. Thomas which allowed the IRT to utilize their facilities for this mission. We could not have done it without them,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
The military veterinary team performed 443 wellness exams, administered 534 vaccinations, and completed 181 spay and neuter procedures at the Humane Society of St. Thomas — representing a total cost savings to the community of $127,480.
These services addressed critical gaps in veterinary care while offering hands-on mission training to the 20 military personnel representing the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
In addition to enhancing public health outcomes, the IRT mission helped military service members build real-world skills in a joint-service environment, including leadership, coordination, and veterinary surgical care. The total estimated value of services provided in this year’s veterinary mission—including labor, materials, and equipment— is approximately $1.7 million.
The 2025 mission included service members from the 7354th Veterinary Detachment, 49th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 4th Civil Affairs Group, and the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion. Their efforts align with the IRT’s vision: to deliver high-impact veterinary care that strengthens animal welfare, supports public health, and fosters enduring civil-military bonds.
“Public health extends to the animals in our care,” said Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer for the VI Department of Health who coordinated the mission alongside the IRT team. “This mission helped protect both pets and people, especially in communities where veterinary access is limited. The services provided were also impactful in addressing the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the community.”
“We look forward to future missions that serve even more residents—including those on St. Croix and St. John,” Dr. Hunte-Ceasar said.
In addition to providing veterinary care, the IRT team actively engaged with the community—making a presentation to the Boys and Girls Club and meeting with local businesses and government agencies to discuss ways to better support the Territory.
The overarching vision is “to be a trusted force for health and services in the USVI, delivering high-impact veterinary care that strengthens animal welfare, supports public health, and builds enduring bonds between military personnel and the local community,” said Maj. Christine Bui, veterinarian and Officer-in-Charge, during a Distinguished Visitors Day luncheon held on June 26 to brief military and community partners on the mission’s successes.
This marks the third IRT mission to the U.S. Virgin Islands in as many years. In August 2023, a small medical team supported the department’s pediatric clinic with back-to-school physicals and immunizations. In June 2024, the IRT deployed approximately 300 military medical professionals to provide basic medical care to residents across the territory — delivering an estimated $2.25 million in healthcare services to the community.
As July unfolds, St. Croix prepares to celebrate vibrant community events such as Jump Up, Mango Melee, and Tart Wars. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) reminds all vendors that a fire safety inspection and an approved Special Event Inspection Application are mandatory for participation, regardless of the type of items being sold.
Whether you plan to sell food, drinks, clothing, crafts, or other merchandise, every vendor is required to submit an application per event and pay the associated $50.00 fee before the deadline.
Upcoming Events & Vendor Deadlines:
• Jump Up – Friday, July 11, 2025 (Christiansted)
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 10, 2025
• Mango Melee – Sunday, July 13, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2025
• Tart Wars – Saturday, July 19, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025
How to Apply and Prepare:
1. Fill out and Submit a Special Event Inspection Application:
• Applications are available at the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix.
• Complete and return the form with the $50.00 application fee by the chosen event’s deadline.
2. Prepare for Your Safety Inspection:
• Once your application has been processed, the VIFEMS St. Croix Prevention Team will schedule a visit to conduct a safety assessment at your vending location.
3. To Successfully Pass Inspection and Receive Approval:
• All vendors must have a certified ABC fire extinguisher present at their vending area.
• Vendors using deep fryers must also have a Class K fire extinguisher.
• All gas tanks will be inspected to ensure compliance.
VIFEMS appreciates the cooperation of all vendors in planning ahead, meeting the safety requirements, and helping to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
For questions or further assistance, please contact the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix at (340) 773-805
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is conducting a survey to gather feedback from recreational kayakers on potential locations for future adaptive kayak launch installations.
Kayakers listen to tour guide Ty McRae as he speaks about ecosystems and the history of Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
As part of its commitment to making outdoor recreation more inclusive, DFW is working to expand access to kayaking for all Virgin Islanders. The division plans to install ADA compliant adaptive kayak launches, designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. These new access points aim to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the benefits of kayaking, regardless of physical ability.
The survey will help DFW identify both current kayaking hotspots and promising new sites throughout the territory where safe, accessible infrastructure can be developed.
To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/NpBte05XzX or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (340) 773-1082 (St. Croix), or visit the DPNR website at www.dpnr.vi.gov
Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention are asking all Virgin Islanders to engage in a public meeting of its Standing Committee on Human Rights on Wednesday, July 16.
Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)
The committee will review proposed revisions to bedrock articles from the Fifth Constitutional Convention, including:
Article I – Bill of Rights
Article IV – Suffrage and Elections
Article X – Youth
Article XVI – Initiatives, Referendums, and Recalls
Article XVII – Political Status Advisory Commission
The virtual meeting is scheduled between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16.
Join by clicking: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83698802889?pwd=7yhXbY7TmpfALM26RKr0dB0bpEsjvq.1
Documents from the Fifth Constitutional Convention can be found at: https://vivote.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Fifth-VI-Constitutional-Draft.pdf
The Committee on Human Rights is requesting the community’s presence to participate in the process as we work toward crafting a document that will not only govern but serve the interests of all Virgin Islanders.
The submission of statements for the record should be addressed to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee. Please forward to:
visixthconstitution@gmail.com, stedmannhodge@hotmail.com and rudelhodge@gmail.com
The members of the Standing Committee on Human Rights are:
1. Delegate Stedmann Hodge, Jr.: Chair
2. Delegate: Rudel A. Hodge. Jr: Vice-Chair
3. Delegate: Lydia Hendricks: Member
4. Delegate John Abramson, Jr.: Member
5. Delegate Usie R. Richards: Member
6. Delegate David Silverman: Member
7. Delegate Rupert W. Ross, Jr.: Member
We regret to announce the passing of Cyril Abraham, affectionately known as “Billy” or “Bolly,” originally of Dominica and a longtime resident of St. Thomas.Cyril Abraham
He departed this life on May 30, 2025, at the age of 70.
He is survived by his wife Davina Abraham; daughters Hermia Cyrilla Page and Mahalia Abraham; son-in-law Charles Page; grandchildren Malachi Page, Malia Page, and Jovanny Harrigan; siblings Cynthia Abraham, Rosemary Francis, Errol Abraham, and Cyrilla Judith Abraham-Sullivan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jean-Jules and Clementina Abraham; brothers Sylvester and Baptiste Abraham; and sister Maria Abraham-Velinor.
Viewings will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 4–6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Friday, July 18 at 9 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the funeral to follow. Interment will be at Smith Bay Cemetery. Attendees are asked to wear yellow or blue.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
Poem “Big, Beautiful Bill” by Sandra C. Bradley
Big, Beautiful Bill
Are you ready for the arrival of a bouncing baby boy?
It’s really an occasion that should fill us all with joy.
Yet some are standing by with scalpel and with knife,
Others are loudly shouting, ”Please call for the midwife!”
While doctors and nurses were tending to him still,
We learned that this infant child would soon be named Bill.
He was quite a big baby; his voice was loud and clear.
The first words he uttered: “tax breaks for you, my dear!”
With 100+ godparents, he passed from hand to hand,
But to coordinate his feedings seemed hard to understand.
Some added to his diet, some chose to take away.
Perhaps it was the formula – was it made in the USA?
His father called him beautiful – that’s in the beholder’s eye,
For the changes he was bringing could cause poor folk to die!
He didn’t seem to care how he widened inequity,
After all, he was simply just a really big baby!
Many called for a spanking, more sang a lullaby,
But it really didn’t matter, this baby wouldn’t cry!
No matter how you rocked him, he wouldn’t fall asleep,
He kept the house awake one night; this baby wasn’t meek!
When some babysitters came, he would smile and coo with glee,
And find a way to help them stash their wealth in his potty!
Seemed like he was displaying some hyperactivity,
He was redesigning our very own economy!
Uncle Eli cautioned that his tantrums were too much,
With the people he impacted, he was clearly out of touch!
We’re really worried now, but can you imagine when
This youngster Bill would attain the age of ten?
We all will be affected by this looming triple B,
Should we put him in timeout? Adopt a wait-and-see?
Here’s my simple suggestion, I don’t think it’s out of range.
It’s time for this big baby to have a diaper change!
Sandra C. Bradley is a Source reader who loves to explore the power of words, the pits of an avocado and the peacefulness of nature. Poetry and creative prose submissions are limited to 1,500 words and should include a brief bio of the writer. Visual art submissions should include at least one high-quality image or video and a very brief bio along with an artist’s statement that speaks to the inspiration of the work. The statement should include the title if there is one, the medium used and what the work means to you. Please send submissions and questions to visourceart@gmail.com.