Maria Isabel Rivera Rosa Dies at 85

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Maria Isabel Rivera Rosa Dies at 85

Maria Isabel Rivera Rosa, better known as, “Isabel” transitioned into eternal life on March 10, 2025. She was 85 years old.

Maria Isabel Rivera Rosa

She is survived by her spouse, Leoncio Rivera; daughter, Yolanda Rivera; sons, Edwin Rivera, Ruben Rivera, Gilberto Rivera; grandchildren, Roberto Bennett Jr., Edgardo Bennett, Niza Delerme, Giovanni Rivera, Edwin Joel Rivera, Eric Rivera, Jafet Rivera, Amet Rivera, Brenda Rivera, Elishah Rivera, Ruben Rivera Jr., Jizel Rivera, Eddie Rivera; great-grandchildren, too numerous to mention; sister, Carmen Rivera; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on March 24 at Iglesia Zion HUEC. Viewing will begin at 9 am with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Annetta A. Stevens-Lake Dies at 84

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Annetta A. Stevens-Lake Dies at 84
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Annetta A. Stevens-Lake affectionately known as Eliza announces her passing at the age of 84 on Thursday, February 27, 2025, in Houston, Texas.
Annetta A. Stevens-Lake
Annetta A. Stevens-Lake is preceded in death by her mother, Helen A. Stevens (Bambi); father, David Stevens; husband, Hilton A. Lake Sr., Annetta is survived by her  Daughter: Alva Lake- Ambo;  Sons: David Lake, Dean Lake, Hilton Lake Jr., Jason Lake;  Grandchildren: Asante’ Ambo, Ahsani Ambo, Ahsan Ambo, Jason Lake Jr., Haden Lake, Nicaila Lake, Eurese Lake, Hilton Lake III, Erick Godbee, Deanna Lake, Patrick Lake;  Great grandchildren: Erick Godbee Jr, Nia-Love Godbee; Daughter-in-law, Robin Lake; brothers: Nehemiah Stevens, Titus Stevens, Nieces: Annetta M. Stevens, Sandra Stevens, Delta Stevens; Nephews: Degnie Stevens, Hendren Stevens; Great-niece: Sheila Carty, Dior Matthew, Ayinna Stevens, Cielo-Azul Stevens, Julia Lewis, Deanna Stevens; Great Nephew: Dean Stevens, De-Shon Matthew, Dekenzio Stevens, Denagio Stevens; special cousins: Primrose Francis, Senator Hubert L. Frederick, Claudia Frederick, Elva Richards-Goodwin, Donald McKay, Iralyn McKay-Raymo, Alma Brooks, Ruby Gittens, Gwendolyn Gregg;  Families out of Antigua, WI, The Williams family, Stevens family, McKay family, Richards family, Nicholas family, James family, Josiah family, Price family, Jerimiah family, Merchants family, Simon Family, Mcoy family, Bernadine Parker and family, Marinella Ireland and family, Sylvia Harrigan and family, Carmen Francis and family, Editha White and family, Lawrence and Glendora Roberts and family, Bassito Stevens and family; Godchildren: Reverend Belgrave Pelle, Cheryl Gregg, Stedroy Philip, Cherecia McKay-Gumbs, Donna McKay, Cartwright Francis, Stephonia Ferrance;  Special Friends: Ruthlyn Spencer, Carol George, Beatrice Barreiro, Amelda Miller, Lilas Francis, Naomi Monsanto. She is survived by other family and friends too numerous to mention. To share a tribute, special memory or reflection, please submit via email to: annettalaketributes@gmail.com Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 31, at Memorial Moravian Church. Tributes begin at 9:00 am with service to follow at 10 am. Interment Memorial Moravian Cemetery.  Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.

Pedro Juan Garcia Dies at 68

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Pedro Juan Garcia Dies at 68
Pedro Juan Garcia transitioned into eternal life on March 9. He was 68 years old. 
Pedro Juan Garcia
He is survived by his mother/ madre, Aida Cruz; sisters/hermanas, Bienvenida García, Elizabeth García-Carrión & Patricía García; brothers/hermanos, Reynaldo, Nelson and Jose (Kai) Carlos García; sister-in-law/ cuñadas, Marisol Rivera; brothers-in-law/cuñados, Mario Carrión; aunts/ tías, Victoria Encarnación, Diana Rivera, Sara Cruz, Raquel Parilla & Gertrudes Román; uncles /tíos, Benito Jr., León, Pedro “Pei”, David Cruz & Miguel Ángel García; nieces/sobrinas, Jessica Camacho, Vivian M. Borque, Ida L. Rivera, Xayra Y. Santos-Ojeda, Ashley J. García, Melissa, Kathleen & Giselle García; nephews/sobrinos, Luis F. Santos, Jr., Emmanuel Borque, Ricardo & Rolando José Camacho, Frankie, Rubén, Benjamín Jr., Alex, Nelson G. & Eliezer García; godson / ahijado, Girard Ryan; cousins /primos(as), Agustín, Jr., Orlando & Jonathan Encarnación, Adela Encarnación-Smith, Wanda Encarnación – Rubén, Nelly Encarnación-Cole, Ana Rosa García – Alers, Juanita, Leticia, Rebecca, Migdalia, Selina and Daniel García, Nereida “Nellie” Rivera-O’Reilly, Francisco Jr., Daniel & Reinaldo Rivera, Eddie N. & Yolanda Parilla, Linda, Mercedes, Ramona, Glenda Lee, León, Jr., José “Guichi”, Latisha, Antonia, Cristina, Ángeles, Oyani, Irmita, Jesús & Felito Cruz, Félix “Panchón”, Milgie & Milagro Santana, Dorcas Saldaña, Isabel Navarro, Aurora Pérez, Iris Davis, Albín Rosario, Luis Meléndez, Rosa & Maximo Sanes, José, Luis & Carmen Román, Eugenio (Papo), Maria Eugenia & Ruth Cruz, Margarita Ayala-Murphy, Omayra, Hilda, María, Yolanda, Linda & Roberto Ayala, Isabel Figueroa & Brenda Liz Cintrón, Jenny Garcia-Gautier & Inocencio Garcia, Jr., Nieves & Velasquez Family; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.  Funeral service will be held on March 21 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church Sunny Acres. Viewing will begin at 9 am with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.  Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Shelf-Safe Meals Available For Non-Profits

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Shelf-Safe Meals Available For Non-Profits
Scott Hensley, Community Disaster Program Manager for the American Red Cross has been given the green light by the National Office to distribute shelf safe meals to non-profits and government organizations that provide services to individuals and families that are having financial challenges and who might be living with food insecurity and/or homelessness. The MRE’s have an expiration date of May 24, so time is of the essence. MREs can be used for mobile distribution, and on or off-site feeding event(s), or for client/community member pick-up at designated locations. There are many possibilities to provide an additional resource for those living with food insecurity and homelessness. The boxes contain 12 meals, and consist of a vegetarian, chicken, and beef entrée (please see photo attached). Scott says, “They are delicious, and a far cry from the meals distributed following the storms of 2017.” He has 6,000 on St. Thomas, and roughly 40,000 on St. Croix. The meals will be available for pick up on the following dates: March 12, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. March 15, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please reach out to Scott directly at the contact number listed below and indicate how many cases you or your organization will be needing, and the date and time of your scheduled pick-up. Please also reach out if there is a time outside of these distribution dates that is more convenient, and he will do his best to accommodate your request.   Scott Hensley Community Disaster Program Manager Mass Care/Logistics/Response/Recovery and Client Care Lead Central Florida & US Virgin Islands Region American Red Cross O: 340.778.5104 | 340.201-6033

Op-Ed: Cinnamon Soothing

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Op-Ed: Cinnamon Soothing

Editor’s Note: The following selection is from Natty Mark Samuels’ collection of stories entitled “The Soursop Shrine, Tales of Papa Boula”.

He came in fuming, cussing, ‘Cinnamon Bay this, Cinnamon Bay’ that.’ One of those days when life comes in a little ragged. Seeing the wreckage on his face, Papa Boula gave him a cup of soursop juice, asked him to sit, so they could speak of dissatisfaction.

You see, Michael’s uncle has a cafe/bar in the Cinnamon Bay area, on St. John, where he lives. That day, a tourist, possibly a little inebriated, had made a condescending remark. Not wanting to create a scene in his uncle’s place, he’d held in his reaction: lava deferred. Usually, he enjoys his time on St. John, but that day, the stranger had soured the sweetness, those words echoing in his head.

I imagined Michael, returning on the ferry, head down, not talking to anyone. Back on St. Thomas, he headed straight to the Soursop Shrine. Where else? After the explanation from him, Papa Boula spoke of cinnamon and the sea.

For the discourse on the spice and a body of water, we accompanied him to Nigeria, where he often took us. Through him, we spent time amongst the Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Edo, Urhobo and Ijo. On the evening of Michael’s anger, we spent time with the Yoruba.

He told us of Yemoja, their deity of motherhood and the seas. There are a range of vegetal offerings that can be presented to her, such as watermelon, coconut, plantain and yes, cinnamon. He asked us to close our eyes, while he conjured a day in Brazil, in a region called Bahia, when devotees of Yemoja, many dressed in white, carry sticks of cinnamon and other blessings from the soil, to the beach, floating the gifts across the Atlantic. They come chanting: drumming and dancing. Hundreds of people, going in the same direction, towards the San Salvador beach, like an entourage of gratitude. Smiling, laughing, on their way to give thanks.

Picking up his drum, Papa Boula played a little. Heads nodded, bodies swayed and children jumped around. You could have called it the Easing Out Rhythm, as you could see that with the words and now the music, Michael’s face had begun to relax, as the sweetness of solace permeated. Papa Boula could do that. In moments and times when anger and anxiety competed, some will go to a therapeutic clinic or a retreat; many of the residents of St. Thomas, will go to the Soursop Shrine.

As a smile appeared on his face, Michael spooned a little cinnamon, into his cup of soursop juice.

— Due to the dearth of provision in Oxford, England, in 2009, Natty Mark Samuels set up African School, offering African Studies to the general public. Teaching has taken place in a wide range of settings; schools, community projects, museums, colleges, youth clubs, universities, libraries, carnivals and botanical gardens. It has a specialism in African and Caribbean folklore. He is the founder of Rootical Folklore and Birago Day: African and Caribbean Folklore Day. He wrote the Encyclopedia of Rootical Folklore and The Birago Diop Trilogy. 

Samuels is also raising funds to attend the Caribbean Studies Association Conference scheduled for St. Martin on June 1-7, where he has been invited to deliver The Jackfruit Monologue. Learn more here.

Pauline Augustin Benjamin Dies at 86

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Pauline Augustin Benjamin Dies at 86

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Pauline Augustin Benjamin, more affectionately known as “Metris”, formally of Micoud, St. Lucia, who left us peacefully on Feb. 21 at age 86.

Metris was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, cousin, grandmother, great-grandmother, cherished friend, and a person whose kindness and compassion touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Left to mourn are her, sons, Julius Augustin (ST. Croix), Denis Augustin (Texas), Felix Augustin Williams (St. Thomas), Heartsille E. Benjamin III (St. Croix); daughters, Theresa Augustin (Texas), Christina Benjamin-Serieux (Texas), Jislaine Benjamin-Brown (Texas), Elisa Hanson-Linton (Texas); sons-in-law, Denver Serieux (Texas), Peter Linton (Texas), Craig Brown (Texas), daughter-in-law, Stacy Augustin (Texas); brothers, Timothy Augustin “Bascom” (New York), Jacob Owen Augustin (St. Lucia) (Deceased); brothers-in-law, George Fredrick (Grenada), Marvin Benjamin, Sr. (St. Croix); sister, Josephine Frederick “Fedora” (Grenada), sisters-in-law, Petra Mendes (St. Croix), Catherine Augustin (St. Lucia), Sharon Dennis (St. Croix), Doris Miller (St. Croix), Sherril Ryan (New York); grandchildren, Monique Benjamin (North Dakota), Malique Serieux (Texas), Monét Serieux (Texas), Voshaun Anduze (Texas), Elisha Williams (North Carolina), Aiida Edwards (Connecticut), Ziana Benjamin (Georgia), Deondra Augustin (Texas),  Deon Augustin (Texas), Dominique Augustin (Texas), Devin Augustin (Texas), Ashiel Linton (Texas); great-grandchildren, Max Edwards (Connecticut); Eli Wilson (North Carolina), Benjamin Abbey (North Dakota), Emerald-Jayce Augustin (Texas); special mention, Rita Joseph aka “Tetecar” (Texas), Leroy Crawford (New York), Esther Augustin (Micoud); nephews, John Gregg (London), Andre Augustin (St. Lucia), Titus Augustin (Las Vegas), Luthan Augustin (New York), Nathan Augustin (California), Ivan Augustin (Trinidad), Andrew, John, Nathaniel, Stanley Augustin (London), Tony Frederick (London), Curtis Augustin (New York), Beyeon Augustin (New York), Augustus Augustin (St. Lucia); nieces, Merline Augustin (New York), Josephine Augustin (New York), Bernice Augustin (Las Vegas), Petrona Augustin (New York), Vedine Augustin (Antigua), Keturah Philbert (St. Thomas), Sarah Augustin (St. Thomas), Aveline Augustin (St. Thomas), Ashley Augustin (New York); close friends & families, Clarissia Maryat (Micoud, St. Lucia), Pierre Anatole (Micoud, St. Lucia), Cathy & Meredith Barton (Micoud, St. Lucia), Doreen Furgus (California), Joan Thayer (Wisconsin), Madrie Nelson (Houston, Texas), Mrs. Joseph (La Resource, St. Lucia), Catherine Claimant aka Ma Playboy (Vieux Fort, St. Lucia), Ostend & Louise Hanson (St. Croix), Carmen Malloy (Texas), The Augustin Familes of St. Lucia, St. Croix, New York; The Dornelly Family of Micoud, St. Lucia; The Benjamin Families of St. Croix and London; Yolande Warner & Family of Canada; Othilia Roserie and Family of Micoud, St. Lucia; Raymona Goolaman & Family of Micoud, St. Lucia and Canada; Grasience Biscette aka Atutate & Family of Micoud, St. Lucia; The Eristhee Families of Beauchamp St. Lucia & London; The Philemon Family of St. Croix.

Funeral Service for Pauline Augustin Benjamin, better known as Metris, will be held at the St. Monica Catholic Church, 8421 West Montgomery Road, Houston, TX 77088 at 11:30 am on March 14. There will also be a service on March 28 at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Christiansted, St. Croix USVI, at 10 am. Internment will take place at Kingshill cemetery in St. Croix, USVI. May her Soul Rest in Perfect Peace.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Head Start Recruitment Fair at Tutu Park Mall Saturday

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Head Start Recruitment Fair at Tutu Park Mall Saturday
The Department of Human Services offers a Head Start Recruitment Fair at Tutu Park Mall on Saturday, March 15, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Face Painting & Balloon Animals
  • Costume Mascots
  • Games like Giant Connect 4 and Tic Tac Toe
  • Delicious treats: Popcorn, Hot Dogs, Cotton Candy, Snow Cones, & Nachos!
  • Live Music and Entertainment
  • FREE books, branded bags, hats, and informative pamphlets!
On-site Head Start application assistance! Learn how Head Start can give your child a head start in life!  Provided by the Department of Human Services.

Beverly Todman Dies at 66

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Beverly Todman Dies at 66
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Beverly Todman on March 6, 2025 at the age of 66 in Florida. 
Beverly Todman
Beverly Todman is preceded in death by her son: Lakheem Richards She is survived by her: Daughter: Lebony Richards Brother: Bradley Todman Nieces: Khoya, Khenya, and Kisha Todman Sister: Lyra Alvarez  Many other relatives and friends.  Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend first viewing on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Wesley Methodist Church. Viewing begins at 9:00 a.m. with service to follow at 10:00 a.m.  Interment: Western Cemetery #1 Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

New VI Manager for Popular as Roebuck Retires

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New VI Manager for Popular as Roebuck Retires
Popular announced today the retirement of Oran C. Roebuck from her role as Division Manager for the Virgin Islands Region after 25 years of service, effective March 31, 2025. Darren Vanterpool will succeed Roebuck as the new Division Manager for the region, effective April 1, 2025. Roebuck joined Popular in 1999 and has excelled in several positions in areas such as human resources, operations and administration. Her collaborative, strategic approach to leadership and deep commitment to the communities have contributed to Popular’s sustained growth and profitability in the region. During her tenure as Division Manager, Popular expanded its services to Frederiksted in St. Croix, St. John and Virgin Gorda; has held the lead market position in total loans; and has seen significant growth in customer base and total deposits. Roebuck was instrumental in launching several initiatives that strengthened Popular’s relationship with the local community. Moreover, Roebuck’s role in mentoring and developing future leaders, including Darren Vanterpool, leaves a lasting impact in the organization. “Banco Popular is a very special institution. Popular remains committed to strengthening the economic framework of the Virgin Islands and enhancing the lives of our customers and employees. I look forward to witnessing the continued success of this remarkable region under Darren Vanterpool’s leadership,” said Roebuck. “I am deeply grateful to Oran for her invaluable contribution, commitment and outstanding dedication during these years at Popular. Without a doubt, her legacy of service to our customers and communities is an admirable one. We welcome Darren Vanterpool as the new Division Manager for the Virgin Islands Region. His leadership and expertise will be instrumental in continuing our commitment to the region and driving our growth and success,” said Luis Cestero, Executive Vice President of the Retail & Business Solutions Group at Banco Popular. Darren Vanterpool joined Popular in 2013 as a Commercial Relationship Officer and has served as the B.V.I. Commercial Relationship and Credit Manager since 2018. During his tenure, he has consistently led successful sales teams and provided support to the B.V.I. Branch, Administration and Consumer Mortgage sales teams. Vanterpool’s extensive experience and proven track record make him the ideal candidate to lead Popular’s operations in the Virgin Islands. “As I step into this role, I am committed to building upon the solid foundation that Oran has established,” Vanterpool said. “I am excited to work alongside our talented team to continue delivering the exceptional service and support that our customers and stakeholders expect from Popular.” Vanterpool will supervise the Virgin Islands Region, which is composed of nine branches and 24 ATM machines in St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John (ATM machine only), Tortola and Virgin Gorda

Cannabis Board Discusses Administrative Updates, Enforcement and Licensing

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Cannabis Board Discusses Administrative Updates, Enforcement and Licensing
The Cannabis Advisory Board met Wednesday for its monthly board meeting. (Shutterstock image)

The Cannabis Advisory Board met Wednesday but could not vote due to a lack of quorum. Instead, the meeting focused on administrative updates and discussions on key regulatory matters.

Licensing and Application Process

Executive Director of the Office of Cannabis Regulation, Joanne Moorehead, said that the licensing process remains on track, with applications for micro-cultivation permits set to be released by March 31. Board Chair Dr. Catherine Kean sought clarity regarding the deadline for applications. Moorehead explained that public question-and-answer meetings would be necessary to ensure applicants fully understand the process.

“When we do open the applications, it will require some public Q&A meetings so that they are clear on when to submit and how to submit. I don’t think that it will be as easy as a one-page type of thing where people go online, fill it out, and return it,” she said, anticipating that varying levels of tech savviness among applicants may create challenges.

She further clarified that the process is merit-based rather than first come, first served. Moorehead anticipates that cultivation applications will be opened before Requests for Proposals for the lab testing facilities. By law, cultivation applications must remain open for a minimum of 60 days.

“We should be in a good place to access lab testing facilities while we are also opening applications and evaluating supply,” she noted.

Also, during her report, Moorehead said the registration process on St. Croix is steadily increasing, and she anticipates similar growth in the St. Thomas/St. John district as time progresses.

Metrc Contract Progress

Moorehead discussed the status of the seed-to-sale inventory tracking system Metrc contract, stating, “We are working with them with an eye to go live potentially by the end of the summer.” The organization recently spent two full days conducting a kickoff meeting and training with the entire staff present.

She emphasized that a key component of the Metrc system rollout includes training for licensees on the consumer end. “Part of Metrcs’ standard business practice and part of their contract is that they will be doing a rollout to our licensees on the consumer end,” she said.

Media Campaign Coordination

A media campaign is in development to ensure widespread education and awareness on cannabis. Moorehead stressed its importance, particularly in collaboration with partners such as the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Health Department and Consumer Affairs.

“It is a multifaceted campaign that we are trying to work on. I was hoping to have something in place around the St. Thomas Carnival timeline, but I am not sure if that is going to be done because of some unexpected wrinkles,” she explained, noting that meeting the Carnival deadline remains uncertain.

Enforcement and Training Efforts

On the enforcement front, Moorehead confirmed that four enforcement officers are currently in training for cannabis-specific enforcement. The agency also plans to extend training efforts beyond its core team to include local enforcement agencies like VIPD.

“Enforcement is not only going to fall on the shoulders of the OCR,” she emphasized, highlighting the importance of collaboration with other agencies.

The board then went into an executive session; upon returning, there were no further matters to discuss. They are still accepting nominations for board members.

The Cannabis Advisory Board members present included Chair Catherine Kean, Nathalie Hodge, Joe Boschulte, Louis Petersen, and Chris Jones.

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