Ira Mills (Source file photo)
The passing this week of Ira Mills marks the loss of a sharp mind, a steady hand, and a man who believed in getting things right. His most recent role as V.I. Tax Assessor was just one part of a long and distinguished career, but for those of us who had the privilege of working with him, he will be remembered for much more than his title.
I knew Mr. Mills as a kid growing up – but I truly got to know him as a young reporter, less than a month out of college with a writing degree, when he was director of the Office of Management and Budget. In a profession where clarity is often in short supply, he stood out. There was no spin, no obfuscation – just a deep respect for facts and a willingness to ensure the media had them straight.
It might seem strange to say in today’s world, but Ira Mills came from an era when information mattered. He understood that accuracy was not just a courtesy but a necessity, especially when dealing with the numbers that shaped the territory’s future.
In 2005, I was handed my first big budget book – it was blue, over 500 pages – and I sat in a Public Finance Authority meeting chaired by the late Gov. Charles Turnbull. The board was debating an appropriation but didn’t have a copy of the budget on hand. Without hesitation, Mr. Mills turned to the room and said, “Pancham has one.” The day before, he had taken the time to walk me through exactly how the budget was laid out, ensuring I understood its structure before it was debated. I handed my copy to the governor, and Mr. Mills chuckled, saying, “This is why it always pays to work with the media.”
It was a small moment, but it spoke volumes about the kind of professional he was – accessible, patient, and committed. In an age now where public trust in journalism is constantly undermined, his respect for the role of the press stands out even more.
His candor was especially evident during budget season at the Senate. In 2006, while some officials danced around the numbers, Mr. Mills was clear: if the money wasn’t there, it shouldn’t be appropriated. He explained – sometimes to exasperated lawmakers – that agencies often failed to request funds after being notified they were available, and he encouraged senators to ensure their appropriations were actually utilized. His straightforwardness reminded me of Karen Andrews, the former chief negotiator, who famously refused to sit at the bargaining table without the funds to back an agreement. Like her, Mr. Mills understood that financial reality couldn’t be negotiated away.
For all the budget debates and finance meetings, what I will remember most about Mr. Mills is his willingness to teach. I am grateful for his patience, his integrity, and the example he set in public service.
The Source offers its deepest condolences to his family and all those who knew and respected him. The Virgin Islands has lost a steady voice of reason – one that, in these times, feels even more irreplaceable.
A screenshot depicts Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. during the first press briefing of the year Monday at Government House. (Screenshot from V.I. Government House Facebook livestream)
Government House briefings returned Monday after a monthlong hiatus.
After acknowledging the start of U.S. Black History Month — and its particular significance to the history of the Virgin Islands — Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. said Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Public Works Department officials celebrated the reopening of the “new and improved” East Airport Road Bridge Monday morning on St. Croix.
Motta noted that the bridge was one of several ongoing efforts to repair St. Croix roads. Other projects include enhancements to the East and West Airport roads leading to Rohlsen Airport, the Route 669 bridge near the Agricultural Fairgrounds and the rehabilitation of Ethel McIntosh Memorial Drive, also known as Mahogany Road.
The Mahogany Road contract was awarded to Marco St. Croix, Motta said and will entail resurfacing, drainage enhancements, and structural reinforcements. The project is funded through $17.75 million in GARVEE bonds.
“And I am pleased to note today that the notice to proceed has been met, and so the contractor can officially begin on that project,” Motta said.
The territory has also signed a letter of intent with TJ Ocean Auto and Metro Motors to expand Virgin Islanders’ access to electric vehicles, or EVs, and develop local service facilities.
Bryan said during his seventh State of Territory Address last week that the territory has installed eight free charging stations and has plans to install 26 more by this summer, adding that his administration and the V.I. Energy Office have secured $150 million in grants that will be used to “subsidize battery and solar systems, erect power charging stations for cars and replace old and inefficient appliances.”
A new system that will allow Virgin Islanders to electronically file their 2024 individual income tax returns was also announced.
Motta said the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau launched an online tax filing portal called VI Quick File, “designed to make tax filing easier, faster and more convenient.”
“This latest effort follows other successful digitalization initiatives — most notably at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, where Virgin Islanders can now register their vehicles online as well as access other services,” Motta said.
Taxpayers will also be able to use the online system to submit their Form 4868 to request automatic extensions to their tax filing. To register for VI Quick File, residents can request a PIN number by emailing oit_register@irb.gov.vi and complete their registration by visiting https://income-tax.bir.vi.gov.
Monday’s briefing was sparsely attended, and the Source did not receive notice of it in advance. Though weekly briefings typically take place each Monday at 1 p.m., Government House customarily sends out notices to confirm the time and location, giving members of the media an opportunity to attend in person.
The sole reporter in attendance asked Motta questions about reported raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, local ramifications of an attempted federal funding freeze by the Trump administration and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. Bryan addressed those subjects during a sit-down interview with the Source last week.
Sen. Kurt Vialet and Majority senators have released a targeted February agenda of committee hearings. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
The 36th Legislature’s Majority Caucus is taking an aggressive stance on oversight and accountability this February, launching a series of targeted committee hearings designed to push government agencies toward greater transparency and fiscal responsibility. Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet says the Legislature is responding to public demand for stronger oversight, ensuring commissioners and agency heads are held to clear expectations.
“We know that oversight is what the community has been asking for,” Vialet said in an interview Monday. “It’s critical that we hold individuals’ feet to the fire so they understand that accountability is nonnegotiable. These hearings will provide much-needed updates and force agencies to be transparent with the public.”
At the heart of this agenda is a fact-finding approach, with lawmakers focusing on some of the government’s most pressing concerns, including: the redevelopment and demolition of Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and the state of health care services; the territory’s financial outlook; and contractual obligations at the Water and Power Authority and Property and Procurement.
Vialet stressed that the hearings are designed to drive productivity and problem-solving within government agencies. When asked how senators plan to keep discussions constructive and curtail animosity, he emphasized that committee heads have been asked to maintain professionalism and keep the focus on accountability rather than personal attacks.
“We’re not here to waste time or bring people in just for the sake of it,” he said. “Each hearing must have a clear, defined purpose. We’re setting expectations for agency heads, ensuring they understand their role in structural reform, financial responsibility, and service delivery.”
A More Unified Legislature
This round of committee meetings follows Vialet’s call for a unified legislative agenda, a move he first mentioned after Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s State of the Territory Address. Since then, the Senate Majority has met to finalize key priorities and will build on collaboration with the Minority Caucus and frequent engagement with Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett.
“We’ve already had a meeting with the delegate to discuss potential cuts to federal grants and their impact on the Virgin Islands,” Vialet said, adding that both Majority and Minority came together for what were involved in what he described as a Caucus of the Whole.
“This isn’t about party politics – this is about securing the territory’s financial future. We’ve met as a Committee We asked the delegate if she could present to the caucus every two to three months to keep us updated on national issues, tax provisions, and the rum cover-over program,” Vialet said.
Beyond legislative oversight, Vialet said the government’s General Fund remains precarious, citing declining tax collections and the need to reevaluate revenue strategies rather than relying on an uncertain upswing. Among other things, he said the Legislature can reassess government building leases, exploring whether owning and renovating facilities would be a more sustainable long-term strategy than continuing to rent, as a possible austerity measure.
“We cannot go through the year with an unbalanced budget,” Vialet stressed. “We need to be realistic about our revenue streams, especially when it comes to tax collection. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has to do its part, and we will be pushing them to ensure they are aggressively collecting taxes on a regular basis.”
The following committee hearings are scheduled for February, focusing on key areas of government operations:
Wednesday, Feb. 5 – Committee on Education & Workforce Development
Chairperson: Sen. Kurt Vialet | 9 a.m., St. Croix
Testimony from Education Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington and Craig Benjamin, Executive Director of School Construction & Maintenance.
Wednesday, Feb. 12 – Committee on Housing, Transportation & Telecommunications
Chairperson: Sen. Marvin A. Blyden | 9 a.m., St. Thomas
Testimony from Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel and VI Waste Management Authority Interim Executive Director Darryl Griffith.
Thursday, Feb. 13 – Committee on Health, Hospitals & Human Services
Chairperson: Sen. Ray Fonseca | 10 a.m., St. Croix
Testimony from Human Services Commissioner Averil E. George, Schneider Regional CEO Tina Commissiong, and leadership from Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and the VI Government Health & Hospital Corporation.
Tuesday, Feb. 18 – Committee on Budget, Appropriations & Finance
Chairperson: Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. | 10 a.m., St. Croix
Testimony from Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy, OMB Director Julio Rhymer, BIR Director Joel Lee, and other key financial officials.
Thursday, Feb. 20 – Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure & Planning
Chairperson: Sen. Marise C. James | 10 a.m., St. Croix
Testimony from Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien and VI Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Eugene Jones, Jr.
Friday, Feb. 21 – Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports & Parks
Chairperson: Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr. | 10 a.m. St. John
Testimony from Human Services Commissioner Averil E. George and Sports, Parks & Recreation Acting Commissioner Renee Hansen.
Monday, Feb. 24 – Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection
Chairperson: Sen. Avery L. Lewis | 9 a.m., St. Thomas
Testimony from Licensing & Consumer Affairs Commissioner H. Nathalie Hodge and Property & Procurement Commissioner Lisa Alejandro.
Johanna Bermudez-Ruiz (Photo courtesy of Suki Medencevic, ASC)Internationally Award-Winning filmmaker and Native Virgin Islander Johnna Bermudez-Ruiz and Cane Bay Films will screen her documentary, “Sugar Pathways,” Sunday, Feb. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Bermudez-Ruiz and her sister, chef Wanda Bermudez-Belardo, will offer a three-course meal, paired with libations. The venue is the courtyard of the J&W Latin Bodega, 102 Richmond, Northside Road, Christiansted, next to Olympic Car Rental.“This is the first time – ever – for me to plan my screening this way … to combine it with my sister’s culinary gifts … from two women entrepreneurs … for the community and for visitors alike,” Bermudez-Ruiz said. This prestigious documentary film is narrated by actress Luna Lauren Velez of the Emmy award-winning TV show, “Dexter,” and “Across the Spider-Verse.” The Red Carpet Gala event was originally screened at Government House on St. Croix several years ago. It tells the story of the will of the Puerto Rican families of Vieques and Culebra who survive, integrate and contribute to the economy, politics and community of the U.S. Virgin Islands.Still image of “Sugar Pathways” featuring migratory sailboat. (Photo courtesy Cane Bay Films)Film Director/CEO/Lecturer Bermudez-Ruiz’s film legacy includes “Vieques: An Island Forging Futures,” “Solene,” and “Forgotten in Paradise.” Her current work is a groundbreaking feature film, “Silent Drift.” Her academic film lectures span the colleges and universities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Her work boasts its presence in national and international theaters and museums and she has received countless awards, nominations, grants and sponsorships. Bermudez-Ruiz’s work experience as an educator and adjunct professor has been recognized nationally and internationally. She was honored by NYS Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV with a Proclamation for preserving the culture and history of Vieques, PR, through her film, “Vieques: An Island Forging Futures.” According to Bermudez-Ruiz, “We have a lot of community members and visitors who are not aware of our culture – the combination of solidarity, unity and the love of our islands – particularly, the Puerto Rican migration to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which has influenced the fabric of our everyday living.”Still image of “Sugar Pathways” featuring coal workers. (Photo courtesy Cane Bay Films)Bermudez-Ruiz pointed out that the migration began hundreds of years ago with her indigenous ancestors. She thought that this event would be a great way to bring people together to have some beautiful and exquisite food prepared by her sister, Crucian-Rican Chef Wanda Bermudez-Belardo, and her team. “Folks would see ‘Sugar Pathways’ and talk about our legacy, our community and enjoy the Sunday together,” she said.Bermudez-Belardo will prepare a menu inspired by the documentary film’s featured cultural food, history and family. Guests will experience a three-course dinner of hors d’oeuvres, a main course, side dishes and desserts for the seafood lovers, meat eaters, and vegans paired with selective wines of red, white and bubbly for each course. Check out the chef’s famous roast pork!The event is during the same weekend as the Agricultural Food Fair, noted Bermudez-Ruiz. “After being out at the Fair, I’m always looking for something else to do. I’m energized by seeing the vegetation, the offerings in the booths and the outreach from the nonprofit organizations. I’m thinking about where to go – to sit down – relax – and have something to eat. The screening is a welcoming opportunity for us to come together, watch a great cultural movie and have an engaging conversation.”“This is a coming-together at a time when many of us are having anxieties around the issues of immigration. This documentary talks about migration and how communities come together,” Bermudez-Ruiz explained.She shared, with the Source, some of the history she researched for her documentary and why the film is so relevant today:The economy of Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra was devastated by the American democratic system. With the American rule of Puerto Rico in the early days, there were many challenges, and the Great Depression in 1929 increased the difficulties for Puerto Ricans. There was a lot of poverty. During this time, many people from Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra migrated to the U.S. Virgin Islands – mostly to St. Croix – looking for work. The island of St. Croix became home for hundreds of people from Puerto Rico, Vieques, and Culebra during this time of immigration. The film delves into the 1930s and 1940s and how the migration of these people overcame the issues and how they made great contributions to the V.I. economy as entrepreneurs, farmers, teachers, fishermen, senators, governors and judges. This was with love, solidarity, and commitment shared among the combined communities.Still image of “Sugar Pathways” featuring (right center) Senator Candido Guadalupe/Bermudez-Ruiz great-uncle, (above left) Paquita Marrero-Figueroa/Bermudez-Ruiz grandmother with family at their restaurant’s storage area. (Photo courtesy Cane Bay Films)Bermudez-Ruiz invites those who have already seen “Sugar Pathways” to revisit it. “It is an excellent way to acknowledge our present concern for our Caribbean neighbors, our Latin American neighbors and our families here in the USVI. It is a good way to reflect on the positivity of coming together as our great-great grandparents did hundreds of years ago. There Is something to learn from the film about the survival tools and the mechanisms our ancestors used in some similar policies and issues that we have begun to experience in 2025.”“Our ancestors came from nothing and worked hard, rolling up their sleeves in a time period when people did not have – that’s real. And they continued to find ways to pull each other up, hand-in-hand, with a series of policymaking, non-betrayals – more of a deep mission of making everyone’s life better.”The tone of Bermudez-Ruiz’s voice was filled with emotion as she spoke, and the feelings of her heart were audible – as were the sounds of her tears of remembrance, the respect, the joy, the hope and the love for the ancestors as she said, “I think this is where the conversations will be leading to on February 16 … in memory of our ancestors.”Attire: Island Chic (outdoor event)
Seating is limited
Tickets on sale: $160
No refunds after Feb. 3Thank you to sponsors: Bread & Butter Wines, Fiji Water, CC1, The Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, Virgin Islands Lottery, Cane Bay Films, WJKC Radio: Isle 95.For more information and to purchase tickets:
cbfevents@canebayfilms.comhttps://www.tickettailor.com/events/canebayfilms/1501701Yolanda Prosser: 561-818-3308
Volunteers Patricia Wyatt and Sharon Early wash and sterilize surgical tools for spaying and neutering dogs and cats. Then, they are packaged in fresh wrappings for the veterinarians’ use. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Last week, 16 veterinarians and veterinarian techs from Visiting Vets International visited St. Croix from the mainland for the second year in a row to spay/neuter 310 dogs and cats, vaccinate them, and provide other medical assistance as needed. The clinic held at the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center facility was free for pets, rescues and strays.
Sol Maria Raymos, vet tech at SCAWC, washes, shaves and vaccinates a puppy for surgery Friday. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
All the dogs and cats were shaved, bathed, vaccinated and given anesthesia before being sent for surgery. Over four days, five vets neutered 310 dogs and 180 cats at the Estate Castle Coakley facility, according to SCAWC’s Nancy Wallace.
Vet techs from St. Croix and Visiting Vets International get dogs ready for surgery. Cats were prepped and operated on separately as a group. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Vet techs placed numbers in several places on the animals to identify them, even if they were shaved and went through surgery. All instructions are written for each animal and the paperwork followed them through the process. They are also monitored electronically while they are under anesthesia.
One cat peeks out of its carrier to see what is going on. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
All cats waiting for surgery were in covered carriers to keep them calm. Despite the commotion going on around them, they were silent most of the time.
Five veterinarians at a time performed surgery on hundreds of animals over four days. (Photo courtesy SCAWC)
Visiting Vets International paid their own traveling expenses and the Animal Welfare Center provided housing and meals.
Dogs in recovery after busy day at the vet. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Brief passing showers didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of dozens of community members who took to the water Sunday afternoon at the St. Thomas Sailing Center’s (STSC) Open House. The event, hosted by the sail instruction arm of the St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), gave attendees a chance to experience sailing firsthand with free rides on IC24 sailboats and Hobie Wave catamarans while also learning about sailing courses, court sports, and club membership.
“It’s always fun to be part of the maritime scene,” said Kewanna Young of St. Thomas. “Experiencing what it’s like to sail, the scenic views, and getting a chance to steer were most fun.”
Robert ‘Bobby’ Brooks, director of the STSC, highlighted the Open House’s role in introducing more community members to the sport. “Today’s Open House gave many of our community members a chance to experience sailing firsthand and learn more about what we have to offer, from beginner sailing to competitive racing,” he said. “We’re excited to welcome more local islanders into our programs, providing an affordable way for adults and families to enjoy these waters we call home. We look forward to seeing many of today’s participants back soon to join our growing sailing community.”
(Photo courtesy STSC)
The STSC offers a range of courses designed for all experience levels. The three-hour Intro to Hobie course allows even first-time sailors to skipper a 16-foot Hobie Wave catamaran. The intensive seven-day Bareboat Certification course enables students to charter sailboats in destinations such as the Virgin Islands. Other programs include the three-hour Discover Sailing class, which covers the fundamentals of sailing, Learn to Sail, Performance Sailing for both cruising and racing skills, and a four-day Cruising Course with liveaboard instruction. Private lessons are also available on the STSC’s luxury Hanse 38-foot cruising boat, according to the press release.
All major courses include a 30-day Blue Water Membership in the St. Thomas Yacht Club, giving participants access to amenities such as the bar, restaurant, tennis and squash courts, and the beach. Additionally, STSC runs an after-school program for public school students ages eight to 16 who have participated in the annual VIPCA summer camp programs at the STYC, the press release stated.
(Photo courtesy STSC)
The Open House drew a mix of newcomers and returning sailors, including visitors and residents eager to learn more about the sport, it said.
“We watched the sailing and tried it at an open house last year. Now we’d like to learn,” said Sue Goodhue, from Boston, who attended with her husband, Ethan.
(Photo courtesy STSC)
Patti Sacchetti, who recently moved to St. Thomas from Philadelphia, sailed with the Goodhues and added, “I always wanted to learn how to sail.”
Many families brought children to the event, introducing them to the thrill of being on the water, the release stated.
“I liked going fast out on the water,” said 12-year-old Amo de Roulet, who sailed with his parents and siblings.
(Photo courtesy STSC)
For more information about the St. Thomas Sailing Center and its programs, visit stthomassailingcenter.com, call 340-690-3681, or email director@stthomassailingcenter.com.
Roland Ubbink Euwema
Roland transitioned peacefully from this life at his home in St. Thomas, surrounded by friends and family. He was 90 years old.
Ronald Ubbink Euwema
Born in 1934 in La Mars, Iowa, to Johanna Euwema and the Reverend Johan Euwema Roland lived in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Southern California.
He earned a B.A. in Geography from Central College in Pella, Iowa, and an M.A. in History from the University of Southern California. He was ABD (All But Dissertation) for his Ph.D. in History at the University of Southern California. He also earned a degree in Theology/Divinity from the New Brunswick Theological Seminary in New Jersey, the oldest seminary in North America affiliated with the Reformed Church of America. He funded his college and graduate degrees through hard work, taking on jobs that included working on farms, waiting tables, and doing construction. Remarkably, his work even included contributing to the original Polaris missile testing site.
Roland played high school and collegiate sports. He traveled extensively with his family to all of the continental United States. Roland loved music; he played the trombone, playing it with the USC Marching Band in the Rose Bowl Parade, in Symphony Orchestras, and in Jazz bands. He had a great voice and sang with the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and in the Reformed Church choir.
In May 1961, Roland moved to St. Thomas, where he married Luisa Kean and became the father of two sons, Jon Robert and Jeffrey Alan. He remarried Paulina Gumbs on July 17, 1993, raising her children, Nadia and Kielon Richardson. Upon his arrival in St. Thomas, he worked with his father-in-law at the Osmond Kean Insurance Agency. In 1982, he purchased the agency, renaming it the Euwema Insurance Agency, which he later sold in 1995. Roland became an insurance consultant in 1997, continuing in this role until his passing. His clients included the Virgin Islands Water & Power Authority, Virgin Islands Housing Authority, Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, and the University of the Virgin Islands.
Roland was deeply involved in the community. He began as a poll worker during elections, sparking an interest in local politics. He was instrumental in forming the ICM party with Cyril King and served as its committee chair. He played a key role in advancing important legislation, such as lowering the voting age to 18 and establishing the Alien Interest Movement (AIM), which championed immigrants’ rights. Roland was appointed to the first governing board of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.
He was also an active member of the St. Thomas Reformed Church, several times serving on the Consistory as Deacon and Elder and as an Elder Delegate to Classis and General Synod of the Reformed Church of America. Roland sang in and directed the choir, taught Sunday school, and taught at the Hampton Institute Extension Program, designed to extend educational opportunities to communities beyond the main campus.
Roland had a deep love for the Virgin Islands. He firmly believed in the potential and goodness of Virgin Islanders. Many in the islands and beyond will greatly miss his presence and contributions.
Funeral services celebrating Roland’s life will occur at the St. Thomas Reformed Church on Feb. 15, at 10 a.m. There will be two viewings; the first will be held at Turnbull Funeral Home on Friday, Feb. 14, from 4:00 to 6 p.m. The final viewing will occur at the St. Thomas Reformed Church on Feb. 15, at 9 a.m., just before the service.
Sen. Ray Fonseca expressed his condolences following the death of Kiah Duggins, a civil rights attorney and Harvard Law School graduate, who was among 60 passengers and four crew members killed in a mid-air collision over the Potomac River on Jan. 29.
Duggins was aboard American Airlines Flight 5342 when it collided with a Black Hawk helicopter while approaching Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, according to the press releas.e
A dedicated advocate for social justice, Duggins worked on legal challenges to unconstitutional policing and bail practices in Tennessee, Texas, and Washington, D.C. She had been affiliated with the ACLU of Northern California and Neufeld, Scheck and Brustin, LLP, where she focused on police misconduct cases. Earlier in her career, she interned at the White House for former First Lady Michelle Obama, the press release stated.
Her father, Dr. Maurice Duggins, a native of St. Kitts who spent his formative years in St. Thomas’ Savan community, graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School before pursuing a medical degree in Kansas. He has strong family ties in the U.S. Virgin Islands, where many of his relatives still reside, the release stated.
Fonseca urged the community to support and pray for Duggins’ extended family in the territory, including members of the Duggins, Warner, Endinbough, Pringle, Vaval, and Johnson families, as they grieve this tragic loss.
Police arrested a 23-year-old St. Thomas man for allegedly trading explicit photos with a 15-year-old high school girl, according to court records filed Monday.
K’Moi Hart was charged with computer pornography, obscene internet contact with a minor, second-degree unlawful sexual contact, and possession of depictions of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor.
The girl was 14 and in her ninth grade school uniform when she met the man at her school. Hart was on campus to deliver a Valentine’s Day present to another girlfriend, aged 17. That girl told police Hart, an adult, had kissed her at the high school many times and frequently brought her and the younger victim lunch, police told the Virgin Islands Superior Court.
A nonsexual romantic relationship developed between Hart and the younger girl that continued for roughly eight months until November, when the girl’s mother investigated her phone, according to court records.
The mother allegedly discovered Hart had sent her daughter a photo of his genitals and the girl had replied with a photo exposing her breasts, according to police.
Hart told police he genuinely cared for the girl, that she helped him through the death of a family member while he tutored her in math and other subjects. He was held on $100,000 bail.
The victim was in tears when her mother came to the school a few hours later, the older friend, now 18, told police.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Steadroy Anthony Aska of Antigua, who passed away at the age of 83.
Steadroy Anthony Aska
He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Erny Aska of Antigua, and his brothers Randolph Aska, Leonard Scotland, and Rupert Aska Sr.
He leaves to mourn his daughters, Arlene Aska of Florida and Alicia Aska-Merrick of Antigua; his grandchildren, Andre Brian Chambers, Andrew Calder Speid, and Mikaili Ternika Francis.
Steadroy is also survived by his brothers, Whitfield Aska of Antigua and Lawrence Aska of Detroit; his sisters, Princess Aska-Capener of England, Christophine Aska of Florida, Fernella Aska of New York, and Alexandrina Aska of St. Thomas.
He is lovingly remembered by his many nieces and nephews, including Everton Williams, Emil Aska, Rupert Aska Jr., Rosalie Horsford-Frett, Ezrikah Aska-Degazon, Isha Aska-Peters, Renae Horsford, and Karisah Aska, along with numerous other family members and friends.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the first viewing on Thursday, Feb. 20, at Blyden Memorial Chapel from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, Feb. 21, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. A second viewing will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the service at 10 a.m.
Interment will take place at Smith Bay Eastern Cemetery.
In honor of Steadroy’s life, relatives and friends are kindly asked to wear festive colors to his Homegoing Service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
