Workshop participants and instructor Freeman demonstrates how to loop wire to fit chopsticks. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Originating in Africa, the moko jumbie was introduced to the Caribbean in the 19th century and has become deeply rooted in V.I. culture and lore. Edney Freeman, a sculptor by trade, has kept the spirit of the jumbie alive through his art.
Instructor Edney Freeman demonstrates how he uses his arm to measure the wire to create moko jumbie figurines. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Freeman, known for his large sculpture displays of the moko jumbies at Yacht Haven Grande, a tourist attraction, is also dedicated to preserving V.I. culture. He continues his work by educating the public on how to build their own representations of the moko jumbie through miniature wire figure classes.
Freeman has been sculpting for 32 years and is a retired art teacher from Charlotte Amalie High School. “I discovered that there was life beyond retirement,” said Freeman.
He discovered his love for this art form around 2014 and 2015 when he initially started making white clay dolls. “When I was a teacher at Charlotte Amalie High School, I used to participate in the WICO Christmas shows and display my white clay figures. There was a time I used to make moko jumbies with no clothes until a local pointed out that my moko jumbie was naked and needed clothes. I laughed and said, ‘Now that’s an idea.’”
Freeman has explored other areas of art, including clay figures, jewelry, and large figurative sculptures. Among these, the creation of the jumbies has endured the longest. The process of sculpting the wire figures is very detailed, and with enough practice, it can take 12 to 15 minutes to complete a figurine.
Edney Freeman sets up supplies for moko jumbie workshop. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
“The technique I use is very particular, so it’s important for people learning to pay attention and have patience. There will be a chance for individual creativity,” Freeman said.
The moko jumbie cultural class took place at the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum and was attended by young adults and older participants. Freeman provided each participant with a completed wire figurine as he demonstrated how to make them. The supplies needed are wire, a wooden base, chopsticks, a hot glue gun, fabric cloth, an iron, scissors, and extra gold trimming and frills to accessorize.
Fabric cloth used to dress moko jumbie wire figure. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Freeman began the demonstration by measuring multiple sections of wire with his arm until he reached 10 feet. He started by crafting the first loop, forming the moko jumbie’s head, then added several other loops for the shoulders, torso, and eventually the legs.
Instructor Edney Freeman demonstrates how to glue clothes on wire moko jumbie. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Freeman emphasized the importance of wearing gloves to avoid leaving residue from the wire on the fingers while bending and forming the loops.
Edney Freeman demonstrates how to form the moko jumbie arms. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)Edney Freeman demonstrates how to build remaining lower half of the wire moko jumbie after built torso and arms.Instructor Edney Freeman explains the clothing process of the moko jumbie workshop. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Once the body of the moko jumbie was formed, participants were instructed to pick out printed fabric to dress their figurines. They ironed the fabric to ensure it would layer smoothly on the metal. After ironing, the fabric and accessories were carefully glued together using the hot glue gun. The vibrant kaleidoscope of colors added personality to each wire moko jumbie.
Workshop participants pick out their desired fabric cloth for moko jumbie figurine. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)Participants iron fabric cloth to put on moko jumbie. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)Participants measure iron fabric cloth ensuring it’s a good fit for wire moko jumbie. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)Brittany Brin Robinson displays her final choice of clothing for her moko jumbie. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Each moko jumbie reflected the participant’s persona; some jumbies held lollipops, while others held the native V.I. flag. “I loved the art I created in the past, but I am currently focused on making my art public and presenting it in public spaces,” Freeman said.
Freeman’s wire moko jumbie display example for workshop participants. (Source photo by Bianca Phillips)
Virtue of the Week – Forbearance
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.
Forbearance
Forbearance is patience, fortitude and acceptance under trying circumstances. We tolerate hardship with grace and stay focused on purpose. We do not allow the trials of life to steal our joy. We extend forgiveness and understanding to others, knowing that we all have flaws and frailties. We are humbly mindful of the times we fall short, ready to move forward to try again. Forbearance is the mortar that keeps our relationships resilient and strong.
Quote: “Both challenges and joys in life give it balance and meaning, for without darkness we can never appreciate the shades of light.” -ShareTree
The Practice of Forbearance
I am accepting in times of trouble.
I tolerate what I cannot control.
I use self-restraint to calm my emotions.
I am patient and forgiving with others.
I humbly learn from my mistakes.
I am committed for the long run.
Questions for Discussion
What deserves our patience, fortitude and acceptance under trying circumstances when we deepen our social justice work?
What helps you call on self-restraint?
What joys can we celebrate as a community?
What understanding do we need to extend in our community as we deepen our social justice work?
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.
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.
Antilles School hosted two major athletic events this past weekend, including the 2025 Varsity Basketball Tournament, where four boys’ teams – CAHS, IEKHS, a combined private school team, and Antilles – and four girls’ teams – Antilles, IEKHS Lady Rays, CAHS Varsity, and CAHS JV – competed in the Mark C. Marin Center.
In the Mark C. Marin Center (MCM), four male and four female high school teams competed in the 2025 Antilles Varsity Basketball Tournament. Charlotte Amalie High School (CAHS), Ivanna Eudora Kean High School (IEKHS), a combined private school team, and the host Antilles School comprised the male division. In the female bracket, the host Antilles School took on the IEKHS Lady Rays, CAHS Varsity, and CAHS JV team.
The Antilles Hurricanes finished the first round in first place, undefeated, beating both public schools. William “Trey” Thompson hit a game-winning three-point shot at the buzzing for Antilles School in their 40-39 victory over the CAHS Hawks. That was the first of two impressive wins for Antilles School, who later that same afternoon clipped the sting out of the Rays, defeating IEKHS 52-43. However, CAHS got its revenge in the championship game, dissipating the Hurricanes 43-29.
Charlotte Amalie High School Varsity Boys after winning the 2025 Antilles Varsity Basketball Tournament. (Photo by Abigail Bruney)
CAHS Jaden Dowe was named the tournament’s MVP. Jaden also won the top steals award. Dillen Webbe of Antilles School was the tournament’s top scorer. Teammate Thompson recorded the most assists. CAHS C’Jai Callwood collected the most rebounds, and Marco Freeman of the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy had the most blocks in the male division.
Charlotte Amalie High School Jaden Dowe was the MVP of the male division of the 2025 Antilles Varsity Basketball Tournament. (Photo by Abigail Bruney)
In the female division, the IEKHS Lady Rays went a perfect 4-0, defeating their archrivals, the Lady Hawks, twice in this tournament. The two teams faced each other in the championship game. CAHS led the game 16-9 at the end of the first half. The Lady Rays used a 12-0 third quarter to seal first place. The Lady Hawks only scored three points in the second frame. IEKHS Lady Rays cruised to a 25-19 victory.
Ivanna Eudora Kean High School Girls after winning the 2025 Antilles Varsity Basketball Tournament. (Photo by Abigail Bruney)
Rhea Hill of IEKHS was the tournament MVP. Her teammate, Teanique Joseph, claimed the event’s top rebounder and top blocker awards. Patricia Thomas, also out of Ray’s Country, won the Most Assisting Award. CAHS Alayha Jackson was the tournament’s top scorer and recorded the most steals.
While the basketball tournament was bouncing along in the gym, five elementary girls’ softball teams were racing around Ruby’s Diamond on the Antilles Field. Julius Sprauve School (JESS), Ulla Muller Elementary School, Joseph Gomez Elementary School, Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, and Antilles School participated in the inaugural Antilles Elementary Softball Tournament. The Seagulls of JESS dominated this event. They played the Antilles Hurricanes in the final game of the tournament. The young Hurricanes had to fight through the loser bracket of this double-elimination tournament after losing their second game to Joseph Gomez School. The Seagulls were simply too much for the weary Hurricanes as JESS won the championship game 13-2.
Julius Sprauve Elementary Softball Team takes a team picture after winning the Antilles Elementary Girls Softball Tournament. (Photo by Neshell Lewis)
Alaysha Pepen of JESS was the tournament’s MVP. She also won the Most Strikeout and Best Pitcher awards. A’Jehnyah Bramble was the top batter and scored the most runs. Danleanny Cuffy knocked in the most RBIs. Bramble and Cuffy both play for JESS.
Heloísa Fernandes Quartet takes the audience through an adventure of the Amazon rainforest. (Photo by Michael Grofsorean)
The sounds of Brazil met the serene soundscape of the Amazon rainforest Saturday night as the Heloísa Fernandes Piano Quartet performed at Prior-Jollek Hall on the Antilles School campus. The performance, led by Brazilian pianist and composer Heloísa Fernandes, alongside flutist Toninho Carrasqueira, bassist Sidiel Vieira, and percussionist Ari Colares, took the audience on a musical journey through nature and culture.
From the opening piece, “Praiás,” the quartet established a flowing and dynamic atmosphere for an evening filled with expressive compositions. Fernandes’ delicate passages blended smoothly with Carrasqueira’s flute lines, Vieira’s steady bass, and Colares’ intricate percussion, creating a textured sound that evoked the rainforest.
The program continued with “Vôo,” a piece that suggested the soaring motion of birds above the Amazon canopy before Fernandes performed two solo pieces. “Euphrosyne” highlighted her skill and emotion, while “Oferenda ao Rio Amazonas” invited the audience to imagine the river’s flow through cascading piano melodies. Audience participation in this piece – mimicking the ambient sounds of the rainforest – added an engaging element that deepened the connection between performer and listener.
A vibrant moment came during “Trilhos Urbanos,” a duo featuring Fernandes and percussionist Ari Colares, where the rhythmic interplay paid homage to Brazilian composer Caetano Veloso. The first half of the program concluded with “Depois da Chuva” (After the Rain), a trio performance that created a tranquil and immersive atmosphere through interplay between the instruments.
After an intermission that included an informative Q&A session, the quartet returned with “Tempo dos Sonhos” (Time of Dreams), a piece with a contemplative melody. “Música Ida” brought the evening to a satisfying close, with a powerful conclusion leading to enthusiastic applause and a standing ovation.
The energy in the hall was evident, with each musician displaying a deep connection to their instrument. Fernandes, in particular, played with expression and depth, reflecting her passion for music and her appreciation for the natural world that inspires her compositions. The audience’s attentiveness and positive response were testaments to the quartet’s engaging performance.
Heloísa Fernandes Piano Quartet: from left, Toninho Carrasqueira (flute), Heloísa Fernandes (piano), Ari Colares (percussion) and Sidiel Vieira (bass) celebrate after receiving a standing ovation Saturday night. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
Saturday night was more than just a concert — it was an exploration of sound and nature, guided by talented musicians who shared their artistry with the audience. The Heloísa Fernandes Piano Quartet left a lasting impression on Prior-Jollek Hall, demonstrating the ability of music to connect people with each other and the world around them.
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For more information on the Forum, click here.
A late-night shooting Saturday on Queen Street in Frederiksted, St. Croix, left two men dead, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.
At approximately 11:48 p.m., ShotSpotter technology alerted officers to multiple gunshots in the area. Responding officers found spent shell casings, bullet-riddled vehicles, and the body of a deceased man seated near Yolanda’s Bar. He was identified at the scene by a relative as 53-year-old Juan Rexach-Ramos, according to the police report.
Shortly after, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a report of an injured man transported from the scene to Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he later died. A relative identified him as 28-year-old Daniym Heywood, the police report stated.
The case remains under active investigation.
Rexach-Ramos and Heywood’s deaths mark the second and third homicides for 2025 for St. Croix. The territory now stands at five homicides this year, with St. Thomas recording two and St. John none, according to the Source Homicide List.*
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Bureau urge anyone with information to contact the CIB Tip Line at 340-778-4850, Crime Stoppers VI at 800-222-8477 (TIPS), or 911.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Feb. 2, through Saturday, Feb. 8. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
Joel A. Lee, director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue, announced the implementation of VI Quick File, the Bureau’s online income tax filing portal, in a press release Friday.
According to the press release, the portal will allow taxpayers to upload the completed 2024 individual income tax return (Form 1040 or Form 1040SR) wherever they are located, whenever they are ready to file. In addition, Form 4868 Automatic Extension of Time, is also available for filing electronically up until the filing deadline, April 15.
Taxpayers interested in avoiding the tax lines this year can request a registration PIN by emailing oit_register@irb.gov.vi (Please do not include any social security numbers in the email). Once the PIN is received, individuals can navigate to https://income-tax.bir.vi.gov to complete the registration process. After registration, taxpayers will be able to upload their tax returns and make any payments due on the return. Only PDFs will be permitted to be uploaded. Taxpayers are asked to refrain from uploading returns prepared by hand. On April 15, the deadline to register is 8 p.m., stated the release.
This online portal is a direct link to the VIBIR’s system and is not a part of the Internal Revenue Service’s system. Bona fide residents of the Virgin Islands are reminded that they must not file their individual income tax returns, electronically or by mail, with the IRS, according to Lee. This is a violation of the law. Taxpayers who file with the IRS and receive erroneous refunds from the IRS will have to repay the erroneous refund issued by the IRS and will be subject to penalties and interest, the release said.
For more information about the online filing service, please contact computer operations via email at oit_support@irb.gov.vi or by phone at 340-715-1040.
Hotel 1829, a historic treasure hidden in the quaint town of Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas, is officially accepting bookings after being shuttered since Hurricane Irma devastated the island in 2017.
The restored reception area will welcome guests of the hotel and act as a mini museum space with display cases showcasing historical artifacts. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)
Constructed in 1829 by French sea trader Alexander Lavalette, Hotel 1829 is a compendium of historical artifacts that can be traced to countries worldwide. Upon entering the reception area, the familiar scent of ballast brick and mahogany greets you at the door and the splendor of an authentic stained-glass window fashioned by Tiffany & Co. in 1903, hangs on the western side of the room.
One-of-a-kind authentic Tiffany & Co. stained glass showcases a kaleidoscope of colors. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)
Throughout the property, antique pieces found in the hotel when it was purchased have been used to adorn the infamous bar area, guest rooms, and outdoor gathering spaces. For Mark Wiechnik & Jessica Geller, the new owners of Hotel 1829, restoring and preserving the opulence of the historic hotel is a priority. Wiechnik and Geller have been supporters of historic preservation and the revitalization of the town for many years with Geller having served as a board member of the St Thomas Historical Trust for over five years and Weichnik acting on the board of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. “Talking about preservation and revitalization is important, but for us to be able to directly put those ideas into action is really exciting. We understand the importance Hotel 1829 holds for many members of the community and we intend to honor the history and memories as we bring this gem back to life,” said Geller.
Extensive efforts to revitalize the original brick walls and painted floors were some of the more time-consuming projects that the new owners were devoted to completing. “The building, while it was in good shape, if it had sat for much longer may have been on the brink of permanent disrepair. We felt like the property was asking to be saved. We love Charlotte Amalie and this community. Watching the ongoing revitalization efforts across the historic district inspired us to take on this worthy project,” said Geller.
“We have spent a lot of time doing research in order to ensure that we restored the property in a way that closely resembled the original construction of the hotel. For instance, the historically accurate way to repoint the brick walls is to use a mixture of sand, lime, and water. We had to do a bit of experimenting to see what the perfect measurements were for this mixture and then we had to find someone who was familiar with this type of work. Everything that we were able to repair, repurpose, and salvage, we did,” said Geller.
A 19th-century restored portrait hangs in the reception room. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)
Along with restoration efforts of the infrastructure of the property, measures were taken to revitalize and preserve some of the antique pieces that were found within the rooms. “We were able to restore an early 19th-century portrait that hangs in our reception area, which I feel so proud about. Additionally, we found artifacts such as dishes, cutlery, books, pictures, oil lamps, just to name a few, that we intentionally staged in display cases for our visitors to enjoy. Hotel 1829 is not just a hotel, but also a museum sharing elements of Virgin Islands history,” said Geller.
One of the more exciting revelations that have come through the restoration process came by way of a previous owner’s granddaughter, who still has a guestbook from the early 1930s and 40s in her possession. People who stayed in Hotel 1829 during this time not only signed their names to the guest book but also left notes, poetry, and sketches among the pages. “We were given an opportunity to copy that book digitally and blow up some of the pieces of artwork that are now displayed in some of our guest rooms and common areas. It was so special to see how many people for so many years loved this space and to get to share that love with the new people who would be coming into the hotel today,” said Geller.
Over the course of a decade, hotel guests in the 40s used the Hotel 1829 guestbook to capture their fondest memories on the island. (Photo courtesy Jessica Geller)
In recent years, one of the prominent art displays that Hotel 1829 became synonymous with was their massive amber waterfall that was said to host 12,000 pieces of high-quality amber stones. One of the most common questions asked about the reopening of Hotel 1829 is whether the new owners have kept the amber waterfall as a focal piece in the hotel. “When we purchased the property, we found that the amber waterfall had been cut down from its previous location and separated into four pieces. We have worked for months to clean each individual stone in hopes that we could eventually find places on the property where we could display the pieces of amber. One of the challenges we have faced is in figuring out the most effective way to clean the stones without degrading their quality. We hope that as word travels, someone who has the expertise may step forward and give us some insight on a viable path forward. Our ultimate goal is always restoration when possible,” said Geller.
Hotel 1829 offers picturesque views of downtown Charlotte Amalie and the harbor. (Source photo by Gabrielle Querrard)
While the bar and some of the guest rooms are ready to receive patrons, revitalization efforts at Hotel 1829 will be ongoing throughout 2025. Eventually, patrons can expect to see the opening of a new restaurant, cafe, and gift shop.
“We currently have six guest rooms ready for reservations and an active website to accommodate those bookings. Additionally, our outdoor spaces are ready to host events such as wedding receptions and birthday parties,” said Geller.
Patrons at The Pelican Shop on the waterfront, a spot for both locals and tourists, open daily from noon to 10 p.m. (Submitted photo)
The Pelican Shop marks its fifth anniversary, celebrating five years as a destination for cigars, hookah, and unique cocktails in the A.H. Riise Mall on the Charlotte Amalie waterfront.
Since opening on Feb. 2, 2020, native Virgin Islander and owner of The Pelican Shop, Akil Petersen, continues to beat the odds and offers a place known not only for its offerings but also for its community involvement and support for local events.
Over the years, the establishment has hosted numerous events supporting local non-profits, including NanaBabyChildren’sHome and the VirginIslandsChildren’sMuseum to name a few. These events have ranged from charity cigar nights to cultural celebrations, all aimed at raising funds and awareness for these vital organizations.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic in his first year of business, Petersen remarked, “The pandemic tested our resilience and creativity. We had to innovate to keep our doors open, all while staying true to our passion for restoring the vibrant nightlife of Charlotte Amalie.” This commitment led to the introduction of enhancing safety protocols, ensuring that patrons could continue to enjoy the unique ambiance of The Pelican Shop safely. Petersen attests this reinvention year after year as part of its strategic success.
Fire dancers performing at a cultural event at The Pelican Shop. (Submitted photo)
The Pelican Shop’s anniversary celebrations historically have become highly anticipated events, featuring live music, local art showcases, and exclusive cigar tastings. These gatherings not only offer entertainment but also serve as platforms to support local talent and businesses, reinforcing the shop’s role as a cultural hub in St. Thomas.
As The Pelican Shop celebrates this milestone, Petersen shares a heartfelt sentiment: “Our journey over the past five years has been deeply intertwined with the resilience of the people of the Virgin Islands. We’re not just a business; we’re a part of the community.”
For more information about The Pelican Shop and upcoming events, please visit thepelicanshopvi.com or follow them on Instagram at @thepelicanshopvi.
The Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands is pleased to announce the availability of the Blake and Karen Rapier Space Scholarship at the Foundation, with funding provided by local global investment firm, RapierMed.
The scholarship, which covers the cost to attend Space Camp in 2025, will be awarded to deserving U.S. Virgin Islands high school students passionate about space and STEM with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, the Space Camp experience immerses trainees in a setting rich with space, aviation, and defense exhibits that ignite creativity. Participants develop teamwork, leadership, and decision-making abilities through mission simulations, gaining personal and professional skills that shape their futures.
Space Camp has been inspiring future explorers for over 32 years. The renowned program, with more than 700,000 alumni, is modeled on NASA’s astronaut training and emphasizes teamwork and leadership. Established in 1982, Space Camp has motivated young minds from across the U.S. and around the world, attracting participants from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and over 150 countries.
The camp was conceived by Dr. Wernher von Braun, a pioneer of the Apollo rocket program, and Edward O. Buckbee, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s first director.
“Space Camp offers Virgin Islands youth a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in hands-on, immersive learning in a field that becomes increasingly vital with each advancement in space exploration,” said RapierMed’s Vice President, Trey Goldsmith. “We are proud to support this initiative, opening doors for the territory’s brightest minds. We encourage high school students across the Virgin Islands to apply.”
The scholarship application process is open through Feb. 21. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the end of March. To apply, visit https://cfvi.co/SpaceCamp.
For more information about establishing a new scholarship fund or supporting U.S. Virgin Islands students through donations to CFVI’s scholarship programs, please contact general.info@cfvi.net or visit https://cfvi.net/Scholarships.
Virtue of the Week – Forbearance
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.
Forbearance
Forbearance is patience, fortitude and acceptance under trying circumstances. We tolerate hardship with grace and stay focused on purpose. We do not allow the trials of life to steal our joy. We extend forgiveness and understanding to others, knowing that we all have flaws and frailties. We are humbly mindful of the times we fall short, ready to move forward to try again. Forbearance is the mortar that keeps our relationships resilient and strong.
Quote: “Both challenges and joys in life give it balance and meaning, for without darkness we can never appreciate the shades of light.” -ShareTree
The Practice of Forbearance
I am accepting in times of trouble.
I tolerate what I cannot control.
I use self-restraint to calm my emotions.
I am patient and forgiving with others.
I humbly learn from my mistakes.
I am committed for the long run.
Questions for Discussion
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. 
The scholarship, which covers the cost to attend Space Camp in 2025, will be awarded to deserving U.S. Virgin Islands high school students passionate about space and STEM with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
Located at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center (USSRC) in Huntsville, Alabama, the Space Camp experience immerses trainees in a setting rich with space, aviation, and defense exhibits that ignite creativity. Participants develop teamwork, leadership, and decision-making abilities through mission simulations, gaining personal and professional skills that shape their futures.
Space Camp has been inspiring future explorers for over 32 years. The renowned program, with more than 700,000 alumni, is modeled on NASA’s astronaut training and emphasizes teamwork and leadership. Established in 1982, Space Camp has motivated young minds from across the U.S. and around the world, attracting participants from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and over 150 countries.
The camp was conceived by Dr. Wernher von Braun, a pioneer of the Apollo rocket program, and Edward O. Buckbee, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center’s first director.
“Space Camp offers Virgin Islands youth a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to engage in hands-on, immersive learning in a field that becomes increasingly vital with each advancement in space exploration,” said RapierMed’s Vice President, Trey Goldsmith. “We are proud to support this initiative, opening doors for the territory’s brightest minds. We encourage high school students across the Virgin Islands to apply.”
The scholarship application process is open through Feb. 21. Scholarship recipients will be announced at the end of March. To apply, visit https://cfvi.co/SpaceCamp.
For more information about establishing a new scholarship fund or supporting U.S. Virgin Islands students through donations to CFVI’s scholarship programs, please contact general.info@cfvi.net or visit https://cfvi.net/Scholarships. 
