On Friday, at approximately 6:20 p.m., the Virgin Islands Police Department Special Operations Bureau received information from the V.I.P.D. Intel Unit regarding illegal drug sales being conducted at the intersection of Smith Bay Road and Coki Point Road, reported the V.I.P.D.
Officers conducted an inspection in the area and discovered and observed an unknown male who was identified as Kareem Harrigan sitting in the driver’s seat of a red Toyota, with the driver’s door open smoking a marijuana cigarette. They also observed an orange bucket on the floorboard of the driver’s seat containing several clear plastic containers of marijuana packaged for distribution in plain view and Harrigan’s minor son in the front passenger seat, according to the police report.
Harrigan, 35, was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. His bail was set at $13,000, the report stated.
Unable to post bond, he was booked, processed, and remanded to the Bureau of Corrections pending his advice of rights hearing. His minor son was placed in the custody of his grandmother, according to the report.
Virtue of the Week – Generosity
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Generosity
Generosity is giving to others something that is of value to us. It is a quality of spirit that calls us to share what we have. We also allow others to give to us. Every gift brings joy to the giver and the receiver. Generosity helps us to give time and attention to the feelings, needs and views of those around us. It springs from a sense of abundance and gratitude for the richness of life. We give cheerfully without expecting anything in return. Generosity encourages us to share the bounty.
Quote: “The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” -Mahatma Gandhi
The Practice of Generosity
I willingly share with others.
I give fully and freely.
I listen to others with openness and receptivity.
I take time each day to be grateful.
I am a cheerful giver.
I willingly receive all the bounties life offers.
Questions for Discussion
What are we willing to give to/receive from our social justice work?
What gifts do we have that can strengthen our social justice work?
How are our gifts being honored/celebrated?
When is generosity recognized? How can we be more intentional about generosity when we see it?
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.
Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, March 2, through Saturday, March 8. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
As you walk into the Estate Whim Museum on Saturday you can’t help but instantly smell the scent of pate, johnny cakes, and chicken being fried, see people walking with a cold passion fruit juice, or hear the sounds of the drums beating.
Mariah Miller, 10, keeps the rhythm on a djembe during the 2025 Folklife Festival kickoff Saturday on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The 4th annual Folklife Festival is right on time for the kickoff of V.I. History Month and also a time of remembrance of what has been as well as a continuation of the preservation of the culture.
Cultural mask-making took place in the shade where attendees were able to design their own. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Careeme Smith, left, and Patricia Browne, center, fasten a madras headwrap for Merle Alliick during the 2025 Folklife Festival Saturday on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Ten Sleepless Knights member and festival organizer Kendell “KC” Henry said that different cultural workshops such as masquerade mask making, moko jumbie mask making, quadrille head ties, storytelling, cariso singing and drumming, woodworking, quadrille dancing, music by Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, Crucian cooking and more were taking place.
Attendees kick off the 2025 Folklife Festival with a maypole dance Saturday at the Whim Museum on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“These different cultural local workshops we try to bring them back alive to keep the community engaged. We love when the community comes out and takes part in these various cultural activities,” Henry said.
“Every year we are getting bigger and bigger. We’ve even expanded it,” he said referring to the last week in March when they’ll be having events in St. Thomas.
Multiple cooking classes took place on Saturday by Alda Francis and family. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In the outdoor kitchen, cooks were conducting demonstrations of saltfish gundy, pigtail rice, beignets, red grout, preserved jams, and jellies, and how to soak the ginger for the ginger beer.
Torhera Durand, the author of How Anansi Spun Madras, tells stories during the 2025 Folklife Festival Saturday on St. Croix.Cedelle Petersen shares melodic memories called cariso to a crowd of attendees at the Folklife Festival 2025. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In the main yard space cariso storytelling and other traditional storytelling took place. The day ended with a quadrille line dance and more entertainment.
Anyone interested in the other Folklife Festival events can see below:
St. Croix events:
Cultural school tours at Alfredo Andrews, Eulalie Rivera, Juanita Gardine, John H. Woodson, Lew Muckle, and Ricardo Richards schools from Monday through Friday
Night of Bomba, Bamboula, and African Dance starting at 7 p.m. on March 14 at the Island Center
A Crucian Taste, starting at 7 p.m. on March 15 at Fort Frederik
Rock Your Style/The Splendor of USVI Madras starting at 7 p.m. on March 22 at Fort Frederik
Janice Goodridge has her head wrapped in madras during the 2025 Folklife Festival Saturday at the Whim Museum on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
St. Thomas events:
The Evolution of the Moko Jumbie at 7 p.m. on March 28 at Fort Christian
Night of Bomba, Bamboula, and African Dance at 7 p.m. on March 29 at Fort Christian
Folklore Festival Workshops from 12 – 6 p.m. on March 30 at Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Park
Group photo taken at the Sixth Constitutional Convention oath of office ceremony. (Photo by Jamal Potter and Alvin Burke Jr. Legislature of the Virgin Islands)
Elected members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention joined in a day-long plenary session on Saturday. It was the second session since the group formally convened in late January.
The latest attempt to replace the act created by Congress with the Virgin Islands’ own constitution takes place 60 years after the first constitutional convention began in 1964. Under the direction of convention President Usie Raymond Richards, three working groups reviewed sections of the draft created by the fifth convention in 2009.
After each team presented their analysis, convention members voted to adopt three standing committees to reshape the 19 articles that made up the previous document. Converting the working groups into standing committees was a formal step towards completing a finalized constitution by October.
Passage of the measure came with modifications proposed by convention Secretary Imani Daniel to move two provisions from Standing Committee No. 3 addressing Human Rights to Standing Committee No. 1 — Finance and Public Service.
A fourth standing committee also won a favorable vote. That group would craft language on cultural heritage.
The 19 articles include: Bill of Rights; Principles of Government; Definition of Virgin Islander; three separate articles pertaining to the Legislative branch, the Judiciary, and local government; Suffrage and Elections; Education; Public Finance; an article spelling out the Power to Tax; Taxation, Finance, and Commerce; Economic Development; Public Health, Safety and Welfare; Culture, Environmental Protection; General Provisions; a Political Status Advisory Commission; Amendments, and Transition.
The last article — transition — was established to help the existing V.I. government makes whatever changes the finalized and approved constitution calls for, Daniel said.
Richards, along with working committee leaders Rupert Ross, John Canegeta and Rudel Hodge, Jr., guided Saturday’s discussions. They asked delegates to remember the difference between constitutional language and the types of language found in bills formed by lawmakers.
“The more you put into constitutional language, the more your hands are tied in terms of flexibility,” said delegate David Silverman.
Ross and Richards assured the group that spelling out the definition of a Virgin Islander had not met with Congressional objections on the last attempt. “My interpretation — given the Department of Justice review — did not address the definition of who is a Virgin Islander. Their concern is how the definition is applied,” Richards said.
Delegates to the Constitutional Convention are scheduled to meet again as a body on April 5.
The Virgin Islands Education Department has unveiled the 2025 Artist in Residence Program, offering music education and mentorship to up to 50 students in the St. Thomas-St. John School district. This year’s theme, “Mentoring Through the Music Arts,” will focus on artistic development, technical training, and performance coaching across multiple musical disciplines.
The five-week program will take place at schools across the district, including Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John and Lockhart K-8 School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School, Charlotte Amalie High School, and Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. Students will have the rare opportunity to learn from world-class musicians through group and private lessons, sectional training, and repertoire development. The program will culminate in two community concerts to showcase the students’ progress, according to the press release.
Key Highlights of the Artist in Residence Program
Sessions will be held two-four times per week for junior high and high school students.
Professional development workshops will be available for music educators and band directors.
The curriculum will focus on fundamentals, solo and ensemble development, and general music workshops.
The program will run Monday through Friday, with optional Saturday private lessons for dedicated students.
VIDE extends its gratitude to the United Jazz Foundation (UJF), led by Dion and Nicole Parson and Program Manager Naysa Lynch, for its unwavering dedication to youth development through music. UJF’s mission to expand music education in the Virgin Islands aligns with VIDE’s goal to provide high-quality arts education. Their efforts have ensured that students have access to top-tier instruction and invaluable performance experiences, the press release stated.
Meet the 2025 Artists in Residence
This year’s program features an exceptional lineup of musicians, composers, and educators who have performed on global stages and are dedicated to music education.
Alejandro Avilés (saxophonist, educator, composer) – Adjunct professor at Hofstra University and Hunter College, graduate of Manhattan School of Music.
Alphonso Horne (trumpeter) – Acclaimed by Wynton Marsalis, performer with Marcus Roberts, Rhiannon Giddens, and Rihanna.
Anthony Hailey (percussionist, educator) – Founder of Mosaic Steel Orchestra, global performer trained by Ellie Mannette.
Carlton Holmes (pianist, composer) – Performer with Lionel Hampton, Freddie Hubbard, and Stevie Wonder.
Edward Perez (bassist, composer) – Co-leader of Terraza Big Band, educator at The New School and Queens College.
Darryl Jordan (vocalist, conductor, educator) – Director of LaGuardia High School’s Gospel Choir, Grammy-winning member of Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Dion Parson (drummer, composer, educator) – Grammy-winning musician, Chair of the Music Department at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Elio Villafranca (pianist, composer) – Grammy-nominated Steinway Artist, educator at Juilliard and Manhattan School of Music.
Gerald Cannon (bassist, educator) – Performer with Art Blakey, Dexter Gordon, and Roy Hargrove, faculty at Oberlin Conservatory and The New School.
Henry Cole (drummer, educator) – Grammy-winning Puerto Rican musician, faculty at Manhattan School of Music.
Melvin Jones (trumpeter, arranger) – Featured artist at the 2025 Super Bowl LIX pregame show, educator at Morehouse and Spelman College.
Mikael Darmanie (pianist, composer, conductor) – NYFA Fellow, Ph.D. candidate and educator at SUNY Stony Brook.
Mike Burton (saxophonist) – Performer with Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, and Patti LaBelle, Super Bowl LIX pregame artist.
Ricky Burkhead (percussionist, educator) – Director of Percussion Studies at the University of Mississippi, composer for film and symphonies.
Rob Harari (producer, sound designer) – Director of Music & Technology at Stevens Institute of Technology, Emmy-winning sound engineer.
Santi Debriano (bassist, composer) – Leader of world music ensemble Circlechant, contributor to jazz education at NYU.
Tychiko Cox (vocalist, educator) – Acclaimed Bahamian opera singer, educator at the New Mexico School for the Arts.
VIDE’s Commitment to Music Education
The Artist in Residence Program highlights VIDE’s ongoing commitment to enriching student experiences through the arts and providing direct access to world-class mentorship. The initiative is designed to help students develop their technical skills and gain valuable performance experience, the release stated.
“We are excited to bring back this incredible program and to provide our students with the opportunity to learn from some of the finest musicians in the industry,” said VIDE Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington. “The impact of this program goes far beyond music; it instills discipline, creativity, and confidence in our students, equipping them with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.”
The 2025 Artist in Residence Program will not only enhance students’ musical abilities but also contribute to their personal growth. VIDE looks forward to celebrating the students’ achievements at the culmination concerts later this year, the release stated.
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) and the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) will work together over the next three years on the Caribbean Climate Change Adaptation, Cancer, and Health Disparities Research Center (CARIB-CARES), an initiative that aims to strengthen climate resiliency and healthcare across both U.S. territories.
An overview of the focus of the CARIB-CARES project. (Photo courtesy CARIB-CARES)
“UVI, UPR Comprehensive Cancer Center (UPRCCC), and UPR Medical Sciences Campus (UPRMSC) announced the launch of CARIB-CARES on Tuesday [February 25] at UVI’s LaVerne Ragster Administration and Conference Center Building. This new research and training center is dedicated to addressing critical issues affecting the Caribbean region and will focus exclusively on research related to climate change, the cancer continuum, and health disparities.
“Supported by the United States National Cancer Institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), CARIB-CARES will receive an allocation of $3.43 million over a three-year period. Its mission is to tackle the impact of climate change on cancer prevention and control, as well as related health disparities in Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands.”
The NIH grant, called a P20 Exploratory Grant, is awarded to applicants in the area of research and development and has helped to fund CARIB-CARES. The initiative is the result of a partnership between UVI and UPR to work together to apply for the grant and involves conducting research and creating meaningful advancement in the areas of climate change and its impacts on healthcare—including cancer treatment—across both U.S. territories.
The UVI press release included a statement from UVI President Safiya George.
“This partnership between leading institutions of research demonstrates our deep commitment to fostering research and innovation that uplift our communities and drive solutions for a healthier, more resilient future,” emphasized George. She further stated, “This initiative addresses two of the most pressing challenges of our time – climate change and cancer disparities in the U.S. Caribbean. It represents a significant step forward in our commitment to addressing the health challenges faced by our communities,” the press release said.
Notably, the CARIB-CARES research center will not consist of only one physical location. Rather, the research epicenter will include ongoing studies and research across both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands at UVI and UPR to provide opportunities for as much collaboration between the schools as possible. (Additional collaboration will occur between partners including the American Cancer Society, the University of Miami, the University of South Florida, and the University of Arizona.)
The Source connected with several research team members who are working on the CARIB-CARES initiative to obtain further details. The researchers (also referred to as investigators) who spoke with the Source included Noreen Michael, a CARIB-CARES principal investigator, and LaVerne Ragster, a CARIB-CARES co-Investigator, based at UVI. Nancy Cardona-Cordero is a CARIB-CARES co-investigator and is based at the UPRCCC.
Climate Change and Healthcare Connection
The team members spoke about the importance of the CARIB-CARES project across Puerto Rico and the USVI, noting that both locations are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate disasters, which can result in significant challenges for individuals who need access to healthcare, including cancer treatment.
Information shared with the Source from CARIB-CARES noted the following “Key Messages” that the project aims to tackle, which include addressing the following examples of how climate change can affect access to healthcare.
“Climate-driven extreme events exacerbate inequities and impact human health and well-being.
Climate change threatens essential services, including water and energy, food security, and infrastructure.
Adaptation effectiveness increases when coupled with strategic governance and planning.”
The CARIB-CARES project aims to better understand how climate change affects the health and healthcare options of residents across the USVI and Puerto Rico and how to mitigate the risks.
A lack of options for healthcare facilities and unpredictable critical infrastructure have long plagued the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, and individuals who are sick are often left with no option other than to leave the territory for treatment elsewhere, such as the U.S. mainland.
Michael explained that during and after storms such as hurricanes, numerous environmental disruptions can occur throughout the region due to loss of electricity and communications, damage to cellular towers, and an inability to access life-threatening healthcare infrastructure. Individuals battling cancer may not be able to receive the care that they need for extended periods.
Cardona-Cordero stated that after Hurricane Maria passed across the region in 2017, it took approximately eight months for Puerto Rico to return to a normal schedule that allowed patients to receive routine screenings of certain cancers.
The Cancer Control Continuum
One area of concentration of CARIB-CARES research across the USVI Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico will be “the cancer control continuum,” which is a description of the various stages of cancer that individuals experience. (Photo courtesy CARIB-CARES)
CARIB-CARES team members shared that one concentration of the group’s research will be on “the cancer control continuum.” The cancer control continuum was described by the team as a description of the various stages of cancer, including assessing an individual’s risk for cancer, screenings, diagnoses, and treatment of the disease. Residents across the region who are battling cancer can encounter difficulties and challenges that are created due to or exacerbated by climate-related impacts.
“The continuum of cancer care is a major focus [of this research],” Michael said. Michael explained that she hopes that the research and work completed through the CARIB-CARES project will help to influence positive change to support residents in need of care, including through information and research findings that can ultimately be provided to policymakers who may be able to implement measures that would better serve the community.
Community Involvement and Sustainability
Community engagement through avenues such as surveys and focus groups will also play a major role in the CARIB-CARES operation by connecting with the public to recognize the needs of individuals across the region who are impacted by climate-related disruptions. Involvement with the community will also highlight how individuals, including cancer survivors, have been adapting to the effects of climate change over the past several years.
Ultimately, one of the hopes of the CARIB-CARES endeavor is to help establish more self-sustainability across the local islands. Recognizing the needs of individuals across Puerto Rico and the USVI, and communicating that information effectively, are examples of the beneficial work of the CARIB-CARES project.
“I think what we have to do as a [community] is to get enough information from ourselves and from the science to figure out how to [effectively] function in a changing environment, [and] that will [eventually] help us to be more sustainable,” Ragster said.
“I think we’re going to [obtain climate and healthcare] data from this project that will be translated in a [manner] that will [allow] people to [better] understand what [needs to be done in order be more resilient and self-sustainable],” she added.
“A Transformative Event for Virgin Islands Youth, Ages 12-18”
The EmpowerU Youth Summit 2025 is coming to St. John on March 15, 2025, offering an exciting and transformative experience for students ages 12-18. The event will take place at the St. John Community Resource and Development Center, located on the second floor of the St. John Marketplace, beginning at 9 a.m.
Designed to inspire, educate, and empower young people, the EmpowerU Youth Summit provides students with essential life skills to help them succeed in their academic, personal, and professional journeys. Attendees will participate in engaging workshops, hear from inspiring speakers, and gain practical tools to thrive in all areas of life.
“This summit is more than an event—it’s a movement to uplift and empower the next generation,” said Dr. Latashia Edwards, Community Engagement Manager for the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and Learning (UVI CELL). “With the support of our dedicated partners and community members, we’re shaping a brighter, stronger future for all.”
EmpowerU St. John – Session Highlights
The summit will feature critical discussions led by community leaders, professionals, and mentors, covering key topics such as:
Beyond High School – Exploring future education and career opportunities (Presented by Imani Mentoring)
Financial Literacy – Smart money management and financial planning (Presented by Banco Popular)
Mental Health & Resilience – Tools to navigate challenges and build emotional strength
Interactive Breakout Sessions:
Social Media – Understanding its impact and using it wisely
Personal Empowerment: Knowing Your Voice – Strengthening confidence and leadership skills
Speak Up & Work It Out! – Conflict resolution and communication strategies
Connecting Youth with Resources
Students will also have access to a vibrant Exhibit Hall, where they can connect with local organizations and agencies offering valuable resources for youth development. Organizations interested in participating in the Exhibit Hall can register at:
https://forms.office.com/r/8ppRcFiKMhHow to RegisterThis event is FREE, but space is limited! Students, parents, and schools are encouraged to register early at:
https://forms.gle/NaWK73jMXsUPebQy9Volunteer Opportunities
EmpowerU is seeking volunteers to assist with event operations on St. John. If you’d like to give back to the community and help shape the next generation, sign up at:
https://forms.office.com/r/vEtw7eiPA0Sponsors & Partners
The EmpowerU Youth Summit is made possible through the generous support of:
VI Lottery
Youth Empowerment Services (YES)
VI Housing Authority
Digital Lending Innovation, LLC (DLi)
Department of Human Services (DHS)
“Together, these partners share a commitment to empowering the youth of the Virgin Islands and fostering a brighter future for our communities,” said Dr. Edwards.
About EmpowerU
EmpowerU is a community-driven initiative dedicated to equipping young people with the tools, knowledge, and confidence they need to succeed. Through interactive workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, EmpowerU fosters growth, resilience, and leadership in the next generation.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Latashia Edwards – latashia.edwards@uvi.edu | (340) 692-4112
Whitney George – vi.youthempowermentservices@gmail.com
Or on St. John, you may also reach out to: Celia Kalousek
Program Manager | UVI St. John CRDC
Business Consultant | SBDC & CEKA Ventures, LLC
Instructor & Project Coordinator | Peak Potential, LLCCell: 340-643-0019Cell: 340-643-0019
Toll Free: 1-833-STJ-USVI (833-785-8784)
Ferdinand Treasure died on February 20, 2025.
Ferdinand Treasure
Ferdinand Treasure was born in Jamaica to Hubert and Zelfa (Grant) Treasure and attended Homewood Technical School, where he became a millwright. He was working in the bauxite industry when he was recruited to St. Croix in 1966, and later, with his young family, he had made his home here ever since. He was a teacher and an entrepreneur, having had rental cars and tenancy companies. Ferdinand was an avid cruiser and musician and talked politics all day. He had a photogenic memory and never refused an invitation to a party. He believed college education, trades, and entrepreneurship were the keys to success.
Ferdinand died suddenly on Feb. 20 after an accident. He was preceded in transition by his daughter Carol Treasure-Curtin Esq. and leaves his wife Melrose (Smith) Treasure, his daughters Dr. Anne Treasure Hodge and Sheron Treasure of Kissimmee, and sons-in-law Leslie Hodge and Tim Curtin. His special sons are Howard and Courtney Treasure. His grandchildren include Melanie Claxton, and her daughter, Maya, Elijah, Jared, Simone Hodge, Pierce, and Tara Curtin. He is survived by his sister Margaret in the UK, his nephew Daniel Treasure, and his Pearce nieces and nephews, Horace, O’neal, Wilmot, Patrick, Sonia, Angie, and Shawna Pearce. On St. Croix, he leaves his sister-in-law Olive Walcott, her husband Merrill, and their children, including Miguel Tricoche, Leland, Matthew, and Dr. Monique Walcott. His brother-in-law Kenred and his family, and many nieces and nephews-in-law, including special Smith nieces-in-law Marcia, Dawn, Janice, and others too numerous to mention in Jamaica, the US, and the UK.
Ferdinand was the proud historian of the Jamaican Association of St. Croix, whose members first brought reggae music to St. Croix in the late sixties and whose camaraderie he enjoyed. He attended St. Peter’s Episcopal Church for more than fifty years. Many friends, including David, Ram, Tav, Trevor, Hilma, Maureen, and Linson Charlton, are especially mentioned. We remembered the families Doran, Nugent, Johnson, Peterson, Stevenson, Harty, Walwyn, Ross-Brathwaite, Connor, Harrow, Fearon, Coley, Wilkinson, and many others too numerous to mention but equally important.
We thank the JFL Hospital and Medical Center, their fantastic staff, and St. Croix Rescue. In lieu of flowers, you can donate to the Community Foundation of the VI, memo line “St. Croix Community Hospital/JFL” PO Box 380 St. Thomas, VI 00804, because he believed in care on-island and that hospitals are only good if you support them.
Funeral service will be held on March 8 at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m. with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc
The Mason family is saddened to announce that Irene Petrus Mason has died. She passed peacefully on Jan. 30, 2025, at the age of 94.
Irene Petrus Mason
Dearly beloved wife of deceased Vincent F. Mason Sr., mother of Augustin J. Mason, Malcolm F. Mason Sr. and Mary L. Mason. Loved by daughter-in-law Donna Mason; grandsons Malcolm Mason Jr. and Kareem Phipps; granddaughter Michaela Mason; great-grandchildren Marquise M. Mason, Myles M. Mitchell, Miciah M. Mason, Melahn A. Registe, and Messiah Mason. Godchildren James Egon Weeks, Bernadette Walker Carrion, Raymond Armstrong, and Augustin Henderson Jr.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Hosanna Balfour-Gittens and Alexander Petrus Sr; as well as siblings Julia Pankey, Antoinette Petrus, Rosamond Gittens, Ena Oliver, Ina Petrus, Leonile Rodgers, John, Edwin, Alexander and Melvin; sisters-in-law, Ara Petrus, Eulalie Petrus; and brothers-in-law Roy Oliver.
Irene is survived by her brother-in-law, Walter Pankey; nephews, Frederick Pankey (Kim), Dr. Mark Oliver, Kevin Oliver, Melvin and Jeffrey (Jeep) Petrus, Marvin Clarke, Izorrie Petrus, Edwin and Hans Petrus, Patrick and Reginald Chappelle, Roy Rodgers, Leonard Rodgers, James Rodgers, Charles (Chilly) Petrus Sr, and Sosthenes Petrus; nieces, Dr. Denise Bennerson, Iyieachia (Tish) Petrus-Byron, Carolyn Chappelle, Sandra Petrus-Campbell, Barbara Petrus-Ottley, Yvette Marie Petrus -Reid, Patricia Grosse Vogel, Doreen Rodgers, Lenore Rodgers, as well as a host of other nieces and nephews.
Irene also leaves to mourn many relatives and close friends Anastacia Doward, Gerald Doward, the Balfour family, McIntosh family, Dolores McBean (Charles McBean Sr., deceased), Janet Mason, Norma (Clifton) Gumbs, Evelyn (Vincent F. Mason Jr. deceased) Mason, Bodil Mason-Simmonds, Denise Mason, Mario Mason Sr., Augustin Mason Jr., Dale Mason, Vivian Mason, Ina Benjamin Gill, Eric Benjamin Jr, Janice Hewitt Schrader, Inez Walker, Melvin (Cool) Christian, Raphael and Manuel Parilla and Ana Santiago, the families Abramson, Adams, Arnold, Bailey, Benjamin, Byron, Carrington, Carter, Christian, Davis, Doward, Garcia, Gittens, Henderson, Hewitt, Isaac, Jackson, Llanos, Lugo, Lynch, Mason, Nesbitt, Pankey, Pedro, Pemberton, Peterson, Rodgers, Ross, Richards, Schrader, Thomas, Walcott, Walker, Williams, Weeks, St. Patrick’s family and many Whim neighbors and Baltimore, Maryland friends. Caregivers: Monica Mitchel, Karen Redhead, Sylvia Forbes, Charmaine Williams, and Janie Ahmed. As well as other relatives and friends too many to mention.
Funeral Services are scheduled to be on March 6 with viewing at 9:30 am and service at 10:30 am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Frederiksted. Interment will follow at the Frederiksted Cemetery.
Virtue of the Week – Generosity
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Generosity
Generosity is giving to others something that is of value to us. It is a quality of spirit that calls us to share what we have. We also allow others to give to us. Every gift brings joy to the giver and the receiver. Generosity helps us to give time and attention to the feelings, needs and views of those around us. It springs from a sense of abundance and gratitude for the richness of life. We give cheerfully without expecting anything in return. Generosity encourages us to share the bounty.
Quote: “The fragrance always remains in the hand that gives the rose.” -Mahatma Gandhi
The Practice of Generosity
I willingly share with others.
I give fully and freely.
I listen to others with openness and receptivity.
I take time each day to be grateful.
I am a cheerful giver.
I willingly receive all the bounties life offers.
Questions for Discussion
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit 
About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit 
