The evening’s panel featured photographer and archivist David Berg, visual artist and educator Eliana Schuster Brown, director, educator and filmmaker George Cannon III, and historian and photographer Stephanie Chalana Brown. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The University of the Virgin Islands RTPark hosted another installment of its “Art Thursday” series on Thursday, bringing together artists, educators, filmmakers and creatives for a wide-ranging discussion on how technology continues to shape artistic expression in the Virgin Islands.
Held at the AVICS Co-Working Space in downtown Christiansted, the event drew the largest crowd of the season, according to Sydney Paul, hostess and director of marketing for the RTPark.
“We’ve been doing a series for the entire season of our Art Thursdays from November to May, the third Thursday of every month,” Paul said. “The RTPark has been opening up our coworking space to the community to showcase the space itself, but also to provide a safe space for artists to have conversations with us around the intersection of art, technology and innovation.”
Paul also highlighted the organization’s broader mission as an economic development organization focused on business attraction and building a technology-centered ecosystem throughout the territory.
“Right now, through our program in the territory, there are over 70 knowledge-based companies operating in the territory today through the RTPark program,” she said.
According to Paul, the organization’s initiatives extend beyond attracting technology companies. She noted that RTPark supports STEM education, entrepreneurship programs and professional development opportunities for students at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Among the programs highlighted was the organization’s after-school STEM enrichment initiative, which this year expanded to serve every public school in the territory.
The evening’s panel featured photographer and archivist David Berg, visual artist and educator Eliana Schuster Brown, director, educator and filmmaker George Cannon III, and historian and photographer Stephanie Chalana Brown.
Throughout the discussion, panelists explored how modern technology has transformed the way they create, research and share their work.
Berg, owner of Blackwood Imaging, spoke about using digitized Danish West Indies archives and online databases to rediscover historical photographs connected to the Virgin Islands.
“A lot of my research and work has actually been done through digitized archives,” Berg said, explaining that advances in searchable databases have allowed him to uncover previously unknown images of the territory.
Brown discussed how digital access to colonial records has helped deepen her understanding of Virgin Islands history and identity.
“Technology has allowed me to access their records better,” Brown said. “You can just type in a keyword sometimes and find something. You have to go through logs of a whole year and thousands and thousands of pages, but through those pages you hit a lot of great information and stories.”
She also reflected on how online learning resources helped her develop photography skills while living on an island without large creative conferences or institutions.
“For all my photography people in here, I learned photography from the University of YouTube,” Brown said.
Schuster Brown shared how technology recently became part of her annual “Prolific” exhibition, which promotes local artists and creates opportunities for them to connect with the community.
“This year was the first year we were able to fully integrate technology, and we did augmented reality,” she said. “It’s the first exhibition in the Virgin Islands to ever do augmented reality.”
Cannon spoke about the role technology plays throughout the filmmaking process at Blue Tarp Productions and the Film over Gun Violence program, from preproduction planning to editing and postproduction.
“We use technology in our preproduction, in our production and our post,” Cannon said. “When are we not using technology?”
The panel also tackled concerns about artificial intelligence and whether emerging digital tools threaten traditional artistic practices.
Paul noted that debates surrounding technology and art are not new, comparing current conversations about artificial intelligence to the way photography once disrupted portrait painting.
“At one point, the camera and taking a photograph was a threat to portrait painters,” she said.
Panelists acknowledged both the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for artists and educators.
Brown, who works closely with young artists, expressed concern about students relying heavily on AI-generated artwork instead of developing foundational artistic skills.
During a recent student art challenge, she said many of the submissions appeared to have been created using AI.
“Everybody’s work looked the same because they just put it through AI,” she said. “AI has this distinctive look, and you can tell.”
Still, several panelists emphasized that technology itself is not inherently negative and can instead become another tool for creativity and storytelling.
Berg said accessibility to professional-quality tools has also changed perceptions around photography and creative work.
“I actually love the idea that now somebody can take an iPhone and create professional work,” Berg said. “People don’t always believe what is possible within themselves until technology gives them access to try.”
Cannon acknowledged how quickly technology — including AI — is changing creative industries.
The Art Thursday series continues through May as RTPark seeks to foster collaboration between artists, entrepreneurs and the broader community while introducing residents to the Co-Working Space and other RTPark initiatives.
For more information about RTPark programming and coworking spaces, visit the organization’s official social media platforms or website. To see the full discussion, click here.
Of the more than 650 National Wildlife Refuges and Fish Hatcheries across the United States, St. Croix’s Sandy Point was one of 25 selected to participate in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Flags Across America” initiative in celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday.
Silmarie Padron, project leader for USFWS’s Caribbean Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, and State Coordinator Claudia Lombard said during a celebration Friday evening that Sandy Point stands out in large part because of its dedicated volunteers. Three species of sea turtle rely on the refuge for nesting, and Lombard said researchers wouldn’t know what they know about turtles without the people who monitor and protect them.
Silmarie Padron, a project leader for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, presents USFWS State Coordinator and biologist Claudia Lombard with a certificate of appreciation Friday evening at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Friday’s ceremony also honored Otto Tranberg, who almost single-handedly kick-started efforts to protect the island’s turtles.
“We stand on his shoulders today, and we honor his legacy by continuing the work that he started,” Padron said.
Born in 1918, Tranberg enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942. He eventually met and married Emily Heathman before moving back to St. Croix with his family in 1973, his daughter Patricia said. Tranberg began moonlighting as a turtle monitor while working as an enforcement officer for the Department of Conservation and Cultural Affairs after someone told him about a leatherback turtle found with all four of its fins cut off.
Patricia Tranberg, daughter of Otto Tranberg, reacts after the unveiling of a sign honoring her father, Otto Tranberg, for whom the road leading into Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge was named. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“He was a special person,” Patricia Tranberg said. “Not because he’s my dad, but he took it upon himself when he heard the story about the turtle with the fins getting cut off, and that night he came down here by himself — no weapons, no nothing — and he started every single night, for the whole night until morning, to protect the turtles.”
An article Tranberg wrote about the island’s turtles for the St. Croix Avis made its way into The New York Times and, ultimately, to the U.S. Interior Department. Patricia Tranberg said she was a little overwhelmed when Fish and Wildlife employees, conservationists and volunteers unveiled a sign marking the route leading into Sandy Point as “Otto Tranberg Road.”
A commemorative sign honoring Otto Tranberg, a pioneering St. Croix turtle conservationist, is unveiled Friday evening at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“One of the major things that I would carry with me from my dad: always stand, even if you stand alone,” Patricia said. “And that’s what he did, and that’s what I continue to do.”
Decades later, the island boasts a dedicated group of biologists, conservationists and volunteers who comb St. Croix’s beaches for evidence of turtle activity. Donna Boles moved to the island from St. Kitt’s 16 years ago, specifically to work with turtles at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge.
Sticks and ribbons mark turtle nests along the beach at the Sandy Point National Wildlife Refuge on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“There’s a number of things that people can look up that are ways to conserve and protect our beaches for turtle nesting,” she said. “One of the biggest ones is lights — not having lights on the beach.”
Boles said even just switching to motion-activated lights can be helpful. Sabrina Sorace, biologist and coordinator for the St. Croix Sea Turtle Project, added that removing beach furniture and cutting down on beachfront parking also helps protect nests.
“And we wouldn’t have known that these were big problems without us going, without our volunteers going out and actually witnessing what is happening on the beach,” she said.
Volunteers make their way to Sandy Point’s north beach after being recognized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s “Flags Across America” initiative. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Sorace said the conservation effort has grown since the refuge was created but that there’s more work to be done — particularly around hard-to-reach beaches along the island’s south shore, which has long stretches of private property and few access points.
St. Croix Sea Turtle Project biologist and coordinator Sabrina Sorace, right, presents Philippa Smith-Tyler, left, and other long-term volunteers with certificates for their work monitoring the island’s beaches for turtle nests. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“We definitely need more support,” she said. “We need more volunteers to be walking, and just also more funds to help support the research, because it is expensive,” she said.
Fitzherbert Harry will lead a virtual discussion and demonstration on practical movement strategies designed to support mobility, confidence, and overall wellness in daily life during the upcoming VIUCEDD Mindful Living Series session.(Shutterstock image)
The Virgin Islands University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, a program affiliated with the University of the Virgin Islands, will host Part II of its three-part Virtual Mindful Living Series, titled “Mindful Movement: Supporting the Body in Daily Life,” on Wednesday, May 28, at 3 p.m. via Zoom.
The interactive virtual presentation will be facilitated by Fitzherbert Harry, owner of Harry Physical Therapy & Wellness, PLLC.
The Mindful Living Series explores the connection between mind, body, and overall wellness through expert-led discussions focused on practical approaches to everyday well-being. Part I of the series examined the relationship between nutrition, behavior, and mental wellness through a culturally grounded discussion on food and wellness. Part III, “The Art of Living: Sustainable Practices for Daily Living,” will focus on mindfulness practices, stress reduction techniques, and sustainable strategies for supporting emotional wellness in everyday life.
The Part II session is designed for adults interested in practical strategies to improve mobility, reduce fall risk, and support the body through everyday activities. Participants will be encouraged to actively engage in simple movement exercises throughout the presentation.
Harry will demonstrate accessible techniques that require no special equipment and can be incorporated into routine daily tasks such as getting out of a chair, reaching for objects, walking through a grocery store, or navigating stairs. These small adjustments, when practiced consistently, can support long-term independence, physical confidence, and overall well-being.
While mobility support and fall prevention are often associated with older adults, the techniques presented are beneficial for individuals at many stages of life. Young adults, middle-aged individuals, and seniors alike may benefit from improved body awareness, movement efficiency, and mindful daily practices.
Interested participants can register by clicking here.
For more information, contact Khalifa Thomas at khalifa.thomas@uvi.edu or 340-693-1322.
Additional information about VIUCEDD and other University of the Virgin Islands programs is available here.
A St. Thomas man was identified as an alleged burglar while in police custody for alleged car theft. (Shutterstock image)
A St. Thomas man being held on suspicion of car theft was charged with burglary after a witness recognized him in the police station, according to court records posted Friday.
A Haugland Virgin Islands safety manager noticed a GPS monitor attached to one of its Jeeps parked in Nazareth April 19 was moving unexpectedly. Two weeks later, Haugland employees and a tow truck tracked the red four-door to the Nadir area and towed it back to where it belonged. A review of security footage revealed the likely culprit was a man commonly known as “Doo Wah,” according to court records.
Police made contact with Burton Fahie Wednesday morning as he walked through Vendors Plaza with a fishing rod, according to court records.
Fahie was charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle. At the police station, Fahie allegedly said he had the keys to the Jeep in his bag. Instead, police found the keys to a Ford. Fahie allegedly told police he’d thrown the Jeep keys into a hole in the holding cell where he’d been temporarily placed. Police said he showed them where the keys were and acknowledged having taken the Jeep and used it for a week.
On Wednesday, after police cut through the wall and recovered the keys, Fahie faced additional charges of possession of stolen property and three counts of damage to a vehicle.
That same day, Fahie was identified as the alleged burglar who jimmied a window and made off with a cash register containing roughly $100.
On March 14, an employee at V.I Pawfect Natural Dog Food in Anna’s Retreat called police, saying their cash register had been stolen. Although the shop had been locked and there were no signs of forced entry, the employee said a faulty shop window was an easy entry point.
Video surveillance footage showed an unidentified “Black male dressed in clothing resembling that of a homeless individual, wearing yellow Crocs” taking the cash register, which was later found by some trash cans, according to court records.
Two other video cameras outside the building showed a Black man in a T-shirt, long pants, and yellow Crocs, police said.
On Wednesday, as police were cutting a hole in the wall to find missing Jeep keys, someone noticed Fahie fit the description of the alleged burglar.
Shown a brief section of the video footage, Fahie allegedly said, “Oh, that’s my look-alike. We have the same shoes, too, but that’s not me.”
After further interview, police said Fahie acknowledged taking the cash register, which he said only contained coins, according to court records.
Fahie was charged with burglary, unlawful entry, petit larceny, and destruction of property. Unable to make bail, he was remanded to jail.
A St. Croix woman allegedly ran her ex-boyfriend over with her car and then fled police. (Shutterstock image)
A St. Croix woman allegedly ran over her ex-boyfriend, the father of her child, and then attempted to evade arrest by speeding away from police, according to court records posted Friday.
Police investigating a 30-minute traffic backup in Christiansted May 16 found Saidah Harley’s white Acura, with the word Crawsis written on the windshield, blocking the road. She was quarreling with her ex-boyfriend about him retrieving his belongings from her apartment, according to court records.
Police agreed to help remove the items from her Golden Twin Apartments unit, according to court records. Officers gathered the items and brought them to the man who was washing a car in Christiansted. Once there, Harley allegedly launched into a verbal disturbance so profound that officers advised her to “refrain from making any unlawful contact with” the man.
Moments later, numerous callers to 911 reported Harley had hit the man with her car.
Police interviewed the bloodied man at Juan F. Luis Hospital. He said during an argument with Harley a few days earlier, he stuffed important documents in his backpack and left. He told police Harley was violent and abusive. He did not want to return to the apartment for the rest of his belongings, even though the property Harley had police bring to Christiansted was not everything he had left there, he said.
The victim said after police had brought the items from the apartment and left, Harley returned and started videotaping him, claiming he was stealing government water to wash a car.
Sensing trouble, the man said he put his backpack in a friend’s car and walked away toward the Bentix Supermarket. Soon after, Harley drove by, waving the backpack from her car window. She had children in the car, including a six-year-old boy in the front seat, he said.
While the man was crossing the street, Harley allegedly gunned the Acura and struck him. The impact was so severe that the man was flung up onto the windshield, a witness told police. A friend rushed over with a T-shirt to help stop the blood gushing from his face, according to court records.
“ … while he was sitting on the ground, Ms. Harley drove around a second time and watched him on the ground. He stated that it appeared that she drove by to make sure that he was dead,” police wrote in their report of the incident.
Police interviewed the two boys who had been in the car. A 10-year-old said the man had jumped on top of the vehicle and tried to “Hulk smash” the glass, resulting in flesh and blood on the broken windshield. The six-year-old said much the same.
The man whose car the victim had placed his backpack in said Harley had taken it from his vehicle without permission. While he was telling the victim this, Harley sped up and struck the man. Another eyewitness told police the same, according to court records.
“Based on the statements into this investigation, Ms. Harley was considered the primary aggressor to be placed under arrest,” police wrote.
But it was not that easy.
On Tuesday, police spotted the Crawsis Acura at the Budget Service Station and attempted to arrest Harley for attempted murder. She first offered to follow police to the station. When they insisted she needed to get into the police vehicle, she said she could not because she needed to pick up her daughter from daycare. When police insisted and an officer reached out for her arm, Harley allegedly wriggled away and locked herself in the Crawsis car.
Harley led police on a brief chase from the Budget Gas Station to where Queen Mary Highway intersects Orange Grove Road. There, according to court records, an officer relented and agreed to allow the woman to pick up her daughter before being escorted to the police station.
At the daycare, however, Harley pulled into the parking area but did not stop, instead whipping a U-turn and speeding out of the area. Police gave chase and were finally able to stop the Acura and put Harley in handcuffs at the Catherine’s Rest Bus Stop, according to court records.
“Ms. Harley later admitted to leaving the Budget Service Station after being properly advised of her detention. She was subsequently placed under arrest for interfering with an officer, firefighter, or first responder discharging his duty. Ms. Harley refused the booking process and requested to be taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment. She was later admitted to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical attention. Bail was set at $500,” according to court records.
A St. Croix woman allegedly ran her ex-boyfriend over with her car and then fled police. (Shutterstock image)
A St. Croix woman allegedly ran over her ex-boyfriend, the father of her child, and then attempted to evade arrest by speeding away from police, according to court records posted Friday.
Police investigating a 30-minute traffic backup in Christiansted May 16 found Saidah Harley’s white Acura, with the word Crawsis written on the windshield, blocking the road. She was quarreling with her ex-boyfriend about him retrieving his belongings from her apartment, according to court records.
Police agreed to help remove the items from her Golden Twin Apartments unit, according to court records. Officers gathered the items and brought them to the man who was washing a car in Christiansted. Once there, Harley allegedly launched into a verbal disturbance so profound that officers advised her to “refrain from making any unlawful contact with” the man.
Moments later, numerous callers to 911 reported Harley had hit the man with her car.
Police interviewed the bloodied man at Juan F. Luis Hospital. He said during an argument with Harley a few days earlier, he stuffed important documents in his backpack and left. He told police Harley was violent and abusive. He did not want to return to the apartment for the rest of his belongings, even though the property Harley had police bring to Christiansted was not everything he had left there, he said.
The victim said after police had brought the items from the apartment and left, Harley returned and started videotaping him, claiming he was stealing government water to wash a car.
Sensing trouble, the man said he put his backpack in a friend’s car and walked away toward the Bentix Supermarket. Soon after, Harley drove by, waving the backpack from her car window. She had children in the car, including a six-year-old boy in the front seat, he said.
While the man was crossing the street, Harley allegedly gunned the Acura and struck him. The impact was so severe that the man was flung up onto the windshield, a witness told police. A friend rushed over with a T-shirt to help stop the blood gushing from his face, according to court records.
“ … while he was sitting on the ground, Ms. Harley drove around a second time and watched him on the ground. He stated that it appeared that she drove by to make sure that he was dead,” police wrote in their report of the incident.
Police interviewed the two boys who had been in the car. A 10-year-old said the man had jumped on top of the vehicle and tried to “Hulk smash” the glass, resulting in flesh and blood on the broken windshield. The six-year-old said much the same.
The man whose car the victim had placed his backpack in said Harley had taken it from his vehicle without permission. While he was telling the victim this, Harley sped up and struck the man. Another eyewitness told police the same, according to court records.
“Based on the statements into this investigation, Ms. Harley was considered the primary aggressor to be placed under arrest,” police wrote.
But it was not that easy.
On Tuesday, police spotted the Crawsis Acura at the Budget Service Station and attempted to arrest Harley for attempted murder. She first offered to follow police to the station. When they insisted she needed to get into the police vehicle, she said she could not because she needed to pick up her daughter from daycare. When police insisted and an officer reached out for her arm, Harley allegedly wriggled away and locked herself in the Crawsis car.
Harley led police on a brief chase from the Budget Gas Station to where Queen Mary Highway intersects Orange Grove Road. There, according to court records, an officer relented and agreed to allow the woman to pick up her daughter before being escorted to the police station.
At the daycare, however, Harley pulled into the parking area but did not stop, instead whipping a U-turn and speeding out of the area. Police gave chase and were finally able to stop the Acura and put Harley in handcuffs at the Catherine’s Rest Bus Stop, according to court records.
“Ms. Harley later admitted to leaving the Budget Service Station after being properly advised of her detention. She was subsequently placed under arrest for interfering with an officer, firefighter, or first responder discharging his duty. Ms. Harley refused the booking process and requested to be taken to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment. She was later admitted to the Juan F. Luis Hospital for medical attention. Bail was set at $500,” according to court records.
On behalf of the people of the United States Virgin Islands, I extend deepest condolences to the family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones of Pedro “Pete” M. Encarnacion, whose life of service and commitment to our community leaves an enduring legacy throughout this territory.
American flag at half staff (file photo)
Together we mourn the loss of a devoted public servant, former senator, respected firefighter, administrator, mentor, musician, and community advocate whose life was defined by service to the people of St. Croix and the Virgin Islands.
As a firefighter, director of the Fire Service, senator in the 26th Legislature, St. Croix Administrator, coach, mentor, and musician, Pete brought the same steady presence to every role. He led without seeking recognition and gave of himself with humility and conviction.
Pete dedicated two decades of exemplary service to the Virgin Islands Fire Service, rising through the ranks from firefighter to fire marshal, arson investigator, chief, and ultimately director of the agency. Throughout his distinguished career, he earned widespread respect for his professionalism, fairness, leadership, and unwavering commitment to public safety.
Through his extensive knowledge of fire science, investigative expertise, and forward-thinking leadership, he helped modernize operations within the Virgin Islands Fire Service while emphasizing preparedness, accountability, and fire safety education, particularly for children and the elderly. Guided by a deep love for people and community, Pete devoted his life to making the Virgin Islands safer and stronger.
As Senator Encarnacion, he championed legislation and initiatives that improved the quality of life for the people of St. Croix, including efforts to strengthen emergency response systems and improve public infrastructure. In every position he held, Pete understood that public service was about people first, and his impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.
As a mark of respect and honor for the late Senator Pedro “Pete” M. Encarnacion, I hereby proclaim that all flags shall be flown at half-staff at Government House and upon all public buildings and grounds throughout the Territory on May 22, 2026, from sunrise to sunset.
Gilberto Santos Santiago, affectionately known as “Papo,” a beloved resident of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, passed on May 12. He was born on Dec. 1, 1948, in Vieques, Puerto Rico.
Gilberto Santos Santiago
Gilberto was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, cherished great-grandfather, beloved brother, uncle, and dear friend to many. Known for his warm spirit, quick wit, and remarkable sense of humor, Papo had a special gift for making others laugh and bringing joy into every room he entered. His presence was one of strength, love, and laughter, and his memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Adela Santiago and Gilberto Santos.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Clara Elena Santos Cortes; his loving children, Clara Elena Santos, Yamara Marie Santos, Kari Anais Santos, Shari Elizabeth Santos, Aldemar Santos, and Omar Renee Santos. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Aldemar Santos Jr., Alijah Santos, Gabriel Victor Santos, Michael Malek Williams (Adopted), Sasha Elena Santos, Alena Kimberly Williams, Nathan Perez (Adopted), Omar Renee Santos Jr., and Kairo Mykai Williams; and his treasured great-grandson, Leonardo Santos. Gilberto is also survived by his loving sisters: Eneida Santos, Maria Elmida Santos, Noemi Santos, Carlotita Santos, Irma Santos, and Magali Malek Santos; his stepbrother, Isidro Rodriguez. He leaves fond memories with his beloved nieces: Sherina Feliciano Santos, Liza Feliciano Santos, Erica Flores, and Elisa Flores; nephews: Joseph S. Malek, James P. Malek, Allen Feliciano Santos, Eric Feliciano Santos, Williams J. Santos, Stephen J. Santos, and Alejandro Lopez Santos. He is further survived by his daughters-in-law, Denise Santos – Skov and Stacy Santos; son-in-law, Wilfred A. Williams; brothers-in-law, Alberto Feliciano, James Malek, and Williams Santos. He also leaves behind his special friends and extended family, the Rosado Family, Wilkinson Family, Perez Family, Saldana Family, Miller Family, Guerra Family, and Santiago Family, whose love, friendship, and support meant so much throughout his life. Along with many other relatives, dear friends, and all whose lives were touched by his kindness, humor, and love. Though he may be gone from our sight, his laughter, wisdom, and love will remain with us forever.
Funeral service will be held on May 28, at Iglesia Hermanos Unidos En Cristo. Viewing begins at9:30 am, with service at 10:30 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Evan Rikhye, nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as a judge in the District Court of the Virgin Islands, was confirmed in a 52-47 vote of the U.S. Senate Wednesday that was split along party lines.
Evan Rikhye at his confirmation hearing for a V.I. District Court judgeship in March. (Screenshot from U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing)
Rikhye is currently the senior counsel for Walmart in Bentonville, Arkansas, and previously served as assistant United States Attorney on St. Croix from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2021 to 2024.
During his time in the territory he was involved in several high-profile prosecutions, including the Casino Control Commission fraud case against Violet Anne Golden and Stephanie Barnes, and the indictment of Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne in an alleged $4 million Housing and Urban Development fraud scheme.
Rikhye will fill the seat of Judge Wilma Lewis, who was nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2011, confirmed that same year and served as chief judge from 2013 until April 2021. Lewis assumed senior status last February, which is a form of semiretirement that allows judges to reduce their caseload by as much as 25 percent and creates a vacancy on the bench.
Federal district court judges are appointed for 10-year terms, or until they resign or are impeached, according to the United States Courts.
Rikhye was born in 1971, in Boston, Massachusetts and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1993 from American University School of International Service and his Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law in 2001, according to his biography on Wikipedia.
“Evan has distinguished himself as a Federal Prosecutor, Department of Justice Attorney, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Virgin Islands,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, his social media site, when he nominated Rikhye in February.
“He will make an even better Judge! Throughout his career, Evan has demonstrated his commitment to the Rule of Law, and will always defend Liberty and Justice for ALL. Congratulations Evan!” Trump wrote.
According to his written response to questions in April from Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, including whether Trump lost the 2020 election, Rikhye responded, “As I stated during my confirmation hearing on March 25, 2026, there is a constitutional process for election of a President, which entails a vote by the electoral college and then certification by Congress. See U.S. Const. Art. II, § 1. President Biden was certified as the winner of the 2020 election, and he served a 4-year term.”
Asked whether he believed that January 6 Capitol rioters who were convicted of violent assaults on police officers should have been given full and unconditional pardons, he replied, “Under Article II of the Constitution, the President has plenary authority to issue pardons. See U.S. Const. Art. II, § 2, cl. 1. As a judicial nominee, I believe it would be inconsistent with the Code of Conduct for United States Judges and relevant ethical canons for me to offer an opinion on the manner in which the President exercises this plenary authority.”
In response to a variety of other questions, including whether federal judges that Trump disagrees with are “USA HATING,” “MONSTERS” and “SUFFER FROM AN IDEOLOGY THAT IS SICK, AND VERY DANGEROUS FOR OUR COUNTRY,” as the president has written on Truth Social, Rikhye had much the same answer: “As a judicial nominee, I believe it would be contrary to the Code of Conduct for United States Judges and relevant ethical canons for me to opine on the comments of an elected official on a matter of public controversy and debate.”
It was much the same during Rikhye’s confirmation hearing along with two fellow judicial nominees, with Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) concluding, “The answers here are obviously canned, pre-rehearsed, Orwellian in their denial of reality, and are a subversion of this process. They are an insult to this committee, but they also fundamentally show a complete lack of independence, backbone, and impartiality, which are the fundamental requirements of a United States District Court judge or a judge on any panel.”
The date of Rikhye’s swearing-in has yet to be announced.
A St. Thomas man surrendered to police Wednesday in connection with a 2025 Frederiksted shooting that left a woman wounded and led to multiple attempted murder charges, according to the V.I. Police Department.
VIPD said ShotSpotter detected several gunshots fired on East Street in Frederiksted around 11:27 p.m. Aug. 16, 2025. Responding officers found an adult female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to her back area. She was transported by ambulance to Juan F. Luis Hospital for treatment.
Police said the investigation later revealed that Kenny Rogers allegedly fired shots at two additional victims during the incident.
According to the police report, a Superior Court judge issued an arrest warrant for Rogers on May 5 with bail set at $100,000.
VIPD said Rogers surrendered Wednesday at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station in the presence of his attorney. Rogers was charged with two counts of attempted murder in the first degree, two counts of assault in the first degree, two counts of assault in the third degree, and discharging or aiming a firearm.
Police said Rogers’ attorney secured his release through a Superior Court judge pending his advice of rights hearing.
