Friends and family are advised of the passing of Gladys Archibald Sutton on Feb. 7, 2025.
Gladys Archibald Sutton
Gladys Sutton was born in Gingerland, on the island of Nevis on Oct. 6, 1943.
She was preceded in death by her son Spencer Archibald, husband Conrad Sutton who died on January 19, 2025, brothers Wilfred Gadia and Benson Hendrickson, and sister Berniece Walters Philbert.
She is survived by her sister Imelda Archibald, two daughters Suzan and Carmen Sutton, grandson Cai Sutton-Charlemagne and granddaughters Kenya and Abigail Archibald. Nephews Mark Walters, Myron Callwood, Jr., Jaypee Philbert, Kenson Hendrickson, Abelto Archibald and Jay Archibald. Nieces Marilyn “Judith” Philbert, Bernadette Hendrickson, Pamela Jergens, Cynthia Powell Ayala, Joyah Archibald Walters, Ermine Monsanto Turnbull, Fay Archibald, Kathleen Hendrickson and Kenson Hendrickson, and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.
Gladys came to the island of St. John in 1961 at the invitation of her sister Bernice. In 1971 she married her husband of 54 years Conrad Sutton. Together they raised three children, while workingmultiple jobs.With a lot of hard work, sacrifice and integrity spanning decades, they built a successful car rental agency.Gladys was also a devout wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend to many, and a faithfulmember of her beloved St. Ursula’s Episcopal Church.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral services on Saturday, Feb. 15, with viewing beginning at 12 p.m., followed by the service beginning at 1 p.m., at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cruz Bay St. John. Interment: Cruz Bay Cemetery
For directions and online condolences, please visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix.
Friends and family are advised of the passing of Conrad Roosevelt Sutton who passed away at his home on Jan. 19, 2025.
Conrad R. Sutton
He is survived by his wife of 54 years Gladys Archibald Sutton, daughters Suzan and Carmen Sutton, grandson Cai Sutton-Charlemagne, brother Volney Sutton and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Alberta Sutton and Stepson Spencer Archibald.
Conrad, “Lake,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Gingerland, Nevis on Oct. 6, 1941.He moved to the island of St. John in 1960’s where he worked as a caretaker and met his wife Gladys.He also operated heavy equipment at a time when St. John’s main roads were being excavated.
In the 1970s, Conrad attended night school on St. Thomas to complete his GED and later studied at what was then the College of the Virgin Islands.He also studied electronics and worked for Dunlap TV Repairs, repairing televisions, radios and other electronic devices on St. Thomas before venturing out on his own to offer these services on St. John.On the weekends he and his wife Gladys took care of private rental homes during the early days of St. John’s hospitality industry and grew their car rental business by renting jeeps to those and other guests. On week nights Conrad worked at the Cinnamon Bay Campground’s and the Caneel Bay Plantation’s desalination plants, while during weekdays he split his time between electronics repairs and his family’s growing jeep rental company. By the mid1980s, Conrad managed the car rental agency full time with his family.He applied the same discipline, strong work ethic, self-sufficiency and humility that he demonstrated in all of his previous endeavors.May he forever rest in Peace.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral service on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church – St. John. Viewing will begin at 12 noon with service to follow at 1 p.m. Interment: Cruz Bay Cemetery.
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
Relative and friends are advised of the passing of Ms. Millicent E. Beazer better known as “Milli”, “Mama”, “Geraldine” or “Gerry.” Ms. Beazer transitioned on Jan. 24, 2025, peacefully at her home one day after her 83rd birthday.
Millicent E. Beazer
Ms. Beazer was born on the island of Antigua in Buckley’s Village on January 23, 1942.During 1967 she was granted a bond to work in St. Thomas as a caretaker for various families where she then met her husband, Thomas E. Beazer (D. Jan 1990). In 1974 Ms. Beazer gained employment with the former Frenchman’s Reef Hotel (Marriott Frenchman’s Reef) where she gave her loyalty for forty-three consistent years until 2017 due to the destruction of the hotel from hurricanes Irma and Maria.
She was preceded in death by her parents- Alexandrina Morris-Attwood and Robert Attwood, husband- Thomas E. Beazer, granddaughter-Niia Rogers, great grandson- Zion Elijah Beazer.
She is survived by her only child and daughter Ingrid J. Beazer, Grandchildren-Tamika J. Beazer, Isaiah E. Griffith, and Alana A. James.
Brother- Mr. Roy Attwood
Sister in Laws- Ms. Marie Hansen, Ms. Doreen Beazer-Peters, and Ms. Lucille Beazer
Brother in Law-Samuel Jacobs
Son in Law’s- Clem “Lamsey” Christopher and former son in-law Antoine “Mervin” James
Primary Nurse Aides: Mrs. Guerline Louis-Jacques, Ms. Sharlnel Ottley, and Ms. Marie E. Honore
Supportive and caring neighbours: Ms. Enola Foy, Ms. Leeda Georges, and Mr. Glenford Rawlins
Adopted son: Mr. John Mills Jr
Adopted Daughter-Ms. Marcia Gordon and family.
Pillar of lifelong support -Ms. Hyacinth Stephens and family
Ms. Beazer is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Antigua and abroad.
The first viewing will be held on Monday, Feb. 24, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home from 4 p.m to 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The viewing at the church will begin at 9 a.m. with services to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Western Cemetery #2 where she will lay rest with her husband and granddaughter.
The Virgin Islands Education Department is committed to providing a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. In alignment with the memorandum issued by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Jan. 29, VIDE has provided specific guidance for its employees regarding Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To ensure parents, guardians, and students are informed, VIDE has developed a Public Service Announcement video and informational flyers in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole outlining key policies and protections for students and school personnel. These resources reaffirm that school personnel’s primary responsibility remains to educate and protect all students.
VIDE ICE Procedural Safeguards English – https://youtu.be/DdgU24n4HV4
VIDE ICE Procedural Safeguards Spanish – https://youtu.be/vUU5MY5EBUg
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the flyers and PSA video to stay informed. VIDE remains committed to fostering a supportive school environment for every student. VIDE stands with families and will continue to ensure that schools remain places of learning, safety, and opportunity for all.
Click here for guidelines in English.
Click here for guidelines in Spanish.
Click here for guidelines in Haitian Creole.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, at Bajo el Sol Gallery starting at 6 p.m. the Gri Gri Project, and the St. John Film Society will host a retrospective screening of a series of video art pieces by Virgin Islands multimedia artist Sigi Torinus.
Torinus, creates new media works that include site-specific installation and improvisatory interactive live-video performance. She will be present for the screening and a Q&A session afterwards. There is a suggested donation of $5.
Sigi Torinus media works details, Never The Same.
About the Artist:
Sigi Torinus was born and raised in the US Virgin Islands. She pursued studies in Art and Philosophy, earning her MFA from the Braunschweig Art Institute in Germany and San Francisco State University in California. The experience of migration and movement echoes in her art practice as she experiments with light and sound in poetic and playful ways. Taking flight and landing, her work evokes the lyrical tension between soaring and stillness in a layered meditation on the nuanced dance between darkness and illumination. Each creation embodies a sense of flux, shifting between the readily tangible and the subtly elusive.
She is a Professor of Integrated Media at the School of Creative Arts / University of Windsor where she co-directs the Noiseborder Multimedia Performance Lab (NMPL). She enjoys working with video, as it appears as liquid light: ethereal and in constant flux.
The mission of the St. John Film Society is to present independent films that celebrate the human spirit with a focus on the Caribbean.
The Gri Gri Project’s mission is to create and support interpretive art exhibitions, artist-centered events, archives, and writing related to the cultural patrimony of the U.S. Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean region.
The screening is supported by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands and funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, & the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts & the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, DC.
Bajo el Sol Gallery is located within Mongoose Junction, St. John.
Sigi Torinus media works details, Never The Same.
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved sister, Doris Alexandria Phillips, who transitioned into eternal life on January 9, 2025. Doris was 70 years old. She was warm and compassionate towards all she met and would be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Doris Phillips
Born on August 7, 1954, in the beautiful St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.Doris was the cherished daughter of Maria Turnbull (deceased) and Edgar Weston Phillips (deceased).She grew up in the Savan Community surrounded by love and laughter, creating memories that will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.
Doris was preceded in death by her two brothers Liston and Lawrence Phillips and two sisters Marilyn and Rita Phillips.
Doris is survived by her adopted son Gregory Lambert, Daughter-in-law, Debra Lambert, Grandson DaMauri Lambert, the CAHS Class of 1972, and brothers Austin Phillips, Weston Phillips, Edgar “Baker” Phillips, and Leroy Phillips.
Also left to mourn are her Sisters-in-law, Cynthia Phillips, Florence Phillips, and Merla Phillips, nieces Yvette Phillips, Elois Phillips, Yvonne Phillips, Evelle Phillips, Belinda 36Phillips, Monica, and Lonnie Phillips.
Nephews: Alex Phillips, Elroy, Elrod, Weston, Kimani, Weston Phillips III, Eric, Sergio, Mark, and Austin Phillips Jr.
Great nieces/nephews-70; Close cousins Mr. & Mrs., Louis Turnbull, Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell Turnbull, Sylvia Farrington, Esmie Farrington Callwood, Evelyn Marks, Ludence Turnbull, Jr. , Ruthie Samuel, Alda Jacobs, and Mona Turnbull.
Special friends, Ann Paul Williams, CAHS Class of 1972,Evelyn Daley, and the members of St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church Hospitality Lounge.
Many families and friends too numerous to mention.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend her viewing on February 17, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory.
The funeral services will be held on February 18, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.- 10:00 a.m. at the Blyden Memorial Chapel. Western Cemetery. Please email tributes by February 11, 2025, to ebphillips09@yahoo.com. Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services
Saturday morning, despite the heavy rain, thirty-three determined runners gathered in Christiansted to sign up for the 35th annual Toast-To-The-Captain Road Race. Organized by the St Croix Road Racing Committee, this 8.4-mile event is held in honor of the late Teddy Seymour, the first black man to sail solo around the world. Many of the participants this morning fondly remember Teddy for his kind spirit, sense of humor, and speed on the road.
Photo by by Esther Ellis
The race was led by Ayden Cintron, a junior at GHCDS, who set a personal goal to surpass the previous year’s winning time set by Billy Bohlke. Cintron achieved this goal, finishing with a time of 53:54—four seconds faster than Bohlke’s time from last year. Juan Robles came in second at 55:17, with Billy Bohlke securing third place at 56:50.
The top female finisher was Ayden’s coach, Bridget Klein, who placed 6th overall with a time of 1:02:12. Megan Mault followed in second place with a time of 1:09:30, and Kat Brownsdon took third at 1:12:54.
In the 18 and Under category, the top three male finishers were: 1. Nathan Langley, 2. Cole Sommer, and 3. Kaeden Gleason. For the females, the top three were: 1. Kirra Lambert, 2. Candace Felix, and 3. Salma Hamed. All of these young athletes are students at Good Hope Country Day School.
The top three Masters runners were: 1. Paul Evora, 2. Kevin Burton, and 3. Alicia Churaman.
Looking ahead, the next road race is the Farm-To-Park Prediction Run, set for Saturday, April 26th at 6 a.m. This 5-mile race will start at Art Farm on Southside Road and finish at East End Marine Park. For more information, please call 340-513-2707.
Feb. 18
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10 a.m.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
Block I
The Committee will receive testimony from the Government’s Financial Team on the territory’s finances to include the status of vendor payments, property taxes, 90-120 days revenue collections, 90-120 days general expenditures, the Tourism Revolving Fund, Compliance reporting in accordance with Act 8915, the Line of Credit, the Budget Stabilization Fund, the Single Payer Utility, cash on hand, federal drawdowns and status of federal grants to include FEMA, ARPA and CARES and the Epstein Fund, etc.Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Department of Finance
Julio Rhymer, Director, Office of Management and Budget
Joel Lee, Director, VI Bureau of Internal Revenue
Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director, Office of Disaster Recovery
Brent Leerdam, Tax Collector, Office of the Lt. Governor
Chalma Moorhead, Assistant Tax Assessor, Office of the Lt. Governor
Joss Springette, Esq., Chief Negotiator, Office of Collective Bargaining
Cindy L. Richardson, Director, Division of Personnel
Block II
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations will receive testimony from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works on the overview of Capital Projects (Territorial), Garvee funded projects, an update on road projects and bridges and the status of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium and the VITRAN Maintenance and Operations Facility on St. Croix.Invited Testifier:
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, VI Department of Public Works
Feb.19Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications
9 a.m.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
Block I
Update and discussion on key matters related to the operations of the Department of Public Works. Providing the department’s short- and long-term goals, staffing updates, transportation and bus route extensions, ferry operations,engineering services to GVI agencies, and the current state of the territory’s roads, bridges, and cemeteries. As well as the challenges the Department is facing and their plans to address them to better serve the residents of our territory.Invited Testifier:
Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works
Block II
Discussion on the operations of the Virgin Island Waste Management Authority as it relates to their plans and priorities for the coming year. Update on the status of staffing, payroll challenges and vendor payments. In addition to the status of tipping fees, wastewater treatment plants, pump station operations and capacity, landfills within the territory, garbage collection, oil collection, and any other challenges the agency is facing, along with their plans to overcome them to better serve the community.
Invited Testifier:
Darryl Griffith, Interim Executive Director, Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority
Feb. 20
Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning
10 a.m.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee will receive testimony from the Office of Disaster Recovery on its operations and key disaster
recovery and infrastructure projects, including but not limited to:
Review of Federal Disaster Assistance Grants
Current data on anticipated, allocated, obligated, and expended funds
Challenges and Opportunities in Grant Utilization
Super PMO: Structure and Responsibilities
Operation and Effectiveness of Super PMO
Coordination with Other Agencies and Stakeholders
Status of Bundles: Critical Projects
Assessment of Bundling Approach and Contractor Responsiveness
Update on Key Infrastructure and Recovery Projects
Performance of CDBG-DR Programs
Progress of Envision Tomorrow Initiative
Data on Resident Participation and ResponsivenessInvited Testifiers:
Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, Office of Disaster Recovery
Eugene Jones, Jr., Executive Director, Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority
Feb. 21Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks
10 a.m.
Cleone H. Creque Legislative Conference Room
On Tuesday, Senator Franklin D. Johnson toured the ongoing reconstruction of the Arthur Richards School in preparation for the Department of Education and Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance hearing scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 5. Accompanied by representatives from the contractor, MCN, Senator Johnson assessed the progress of this long-awaited project. MCN project manager indicated the school should be completed by school year 2026.
“It is a relief to finally see movement on this project,” said Senator Johnson. “However, I am deeply disturbed by the substantial change orders that have significantly increased costs to almost double the original estimate. These escalations raise serious questions about fiscal oversight and their impact on the recovery budget.”
The Arthur Richards School reconstruction is a crucial project aimed at providing modern, resilient infrastructure for students and educators. Delays and cost adjustments have caused frustration within the community, prompting Senator Johnson to emphasize the need for strict oversight, accountability and transparency.
Wednesday’s hearing will delve into key updates on the Department of Education’s financial management, including imprest funds and grants, as well as student test scores for the 2023-2024 academic year and strategies to address learning loss.
The Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance will report on all school recovery rebuilding efforts, anticipated project timelines, electrical upgrades, AC installations, summer maintenance, and the school-based work order process.
Senator Johnson remains committed to responsible spending of the people’s money and ensuring that students and educators have access to safe, high-quality learning environments, which improves learning.
For more information, please contact the Office of Senator Franklin D. Johnson.
Senator Franklin D. Johnson, a proud alumnus of the Job Corps program and a senator from the St. Croix District, addressed students at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School today, sharing his personal journey andemphasizing the transformative opportunities the program provides for young individuals seeking to enhance their education and career prospects.
Speaking to an intimate audience of students and prospective Job Corps members, Senator Johnson recounted his own experience in the program and how it played a crucial role in shaping his career and leadership path. “Job Corps was a steppingstone for me,” he stated. “It equipped me with the skills, discipline, and confidence to succeed in life, and I want every student here to know that the same opportunities are available to them.”
Job Corps, a federal program under the U.S. Department of Labor, provides free education and vocational training to young men and women seeking to develop their skills and secure meaningful employment. The program offers career pathways in various industries, including healthcare, construction, hospitality, and technology, preparing participants for long-term success in the workforce. Additionally, Job Corps offers students who do not have the means to attend college or a trade school an opportunity to receive training and certification in various professions for free.
Senator Johnson, who attended Union County Vocational School through Job Corps, obtained his certification and became a certified welder, among other professions. He emphasized the importance of skill-based education and how it can provide a stable and gives you an education but also the confidence and ability to build a successful future,” he said.
During his address, Senator Johnson highlighted the importance of workforce readiness and how the Job Corps program aligns with the economic needs of the community. “By investing in vocational training and education, we are empowering our youth to become self-sufficient and contribute meaningfully to society, especially now that we are rebuilding our community from the ravishes of the storms of 2017” he said. “This program doesn’t just teach job skills; it builds character, resilience, and a pathway to success.”
The students engaged enthusiastically, asking questions about different career tracks within Job Corps and seeking advice on how to maximize their potential. Several students expressed interest in joining the program, inspired by Senator Johnson’s story and the realworld opportunities it provides.
Senator Johnson also urged local leaders and businesses to support Job Corps graduates by offering internships, apprenticeships, and job opportunities. “It’s a collective effort,” he noted. “When we support programs like Job Corps, we are investing in our community’s future.”
The event concluded with a call to action for students to explore the Job Corps program and take charge of their futures. Senator Johnson’s speech resonated with many, leaving a lasting impact on those in attendance.
For more information about the Job Corps program and how to apply, visit http://www.jobcorp.org or call 340-777-9892 in St. Thomas or 340-773-1001 in St. Croix
