Pirates came early and stayed late. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Mutineers came out in numbers Thursday evening at the Sion Farm Distillery to “Throw Cancer Overboard” in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event was a community “jam” with dozens of “pirates” decked out in costumes.Pirate Diane Hampton in action. (Submitted photo)Folks came early and stayed late for the costume judging, the raffles, the silent auction, and Kyle’s Scary-oke. There was also a photo booth available for remembrance pictures.Mutiny Island Vodka CEO and Co-Founder Todd Manley joins Scary-oke with the song “Get Down Tonight.” (Photo by Annette Scott)Mutiny Staff join in Scary-oke (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Virgin Islands Breast Cancer Project cofounder and advocate Diane Hampton worked tirelessly with the help of board members, volunteers, and Mutiny Island Vodka staff to get the party rolling after last week’s postponement.Mutiny bartenders keep the drinks flowing. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)The room overflowed with patrons for the cause. It was a visual testament of a community coming together to raise funds to send Virgin Islands cancer survivors to advocate at the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summit in Washington, DC, in May 2025.Working the Room (Photo by Annette Scott)Joining Hampton were the Yvonne Ashley Galiber Foundation and the American Cancer Society/Relay for Life of St. Croix USVI. The two organizations set up tables on the porch with information pamphlets about the disease.Yvonne Ashley Gailber (YAG), Cassandra Dunn and Jimmy Dunn (Photo courtesy YAG)“The ‘Throw Cancer Overboard’ event was absolutely fabulous. The costumes were stunning and I was really impressed by the creativity they displayed. The talent was phenomenal. The energy was so positive, and it was wonderful to see everyone come together for such a meaningful cause,” Hampton said.Mutiny event staff Shannon Manns (Photo by Annette Scott)“I must agree with volunteer hostess Charlotte Tranberg, Hampton added. She said, ‘It felt like being on one big ship with the crew all in perfect harmony.’”Diane Hampton, front and group surrounding Charlotte Tranberg, seated, Scary-oke singer extraordinaire. (Photo by Annette Scott)Pirate Costume Prizes were awarded to the following:First Prize Pirate Couples to Joel and Dee White
Joel and Dee White won first place Pirate couples. (Photo by Karen Hunt)Second Prize Pirate Couples to Drew and Bob Quarles
Bob and Drew Quarles, won second place Pirate Couples. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Third Prize Pirate Couples to Annette Scott and Redford Schuster
Annette Scott and Rexford Schuster, won third place Pirate Couples. (Source photo Elisa McKay)First Prize Pirate Male to Will Watson
Will Watson, first place pirate male. (Photo by Annette Scott)First Prize Pirate Female to Beverly Anderson
Beverly Anderson, first place Pirate female (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Second Prize Pirate Female to Thelma Lang
Thelma Lang, won second female pirate, Mrs. Capt. Hook. (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Third Prize Pirate Female to Julia Manns
Julia Manns, third place Pirate female (Submitted photo)Contributions for raffles, costume prizes and auction items. These items are a continuation of the first documented list:Home Depot, microwave and spinning mop bucketPueblo Supermarket, gift certificateMr. Cheap Community Grocery Store, FrederikstedEleanor G. Latimer, donationStop and Shop Supermarket, FrederikstedGas Away & Deli, ChristianstedFor more information or to donate:
Diane Hampton: 340-277-3879
Fundraiser / direct link to donate: https://support.stopbreastcancer.org/fundraiser/5873724
Team picture of the United States Virgin Islands Women competing in the FIBA 2024 Centrobasket Women’s Championship. (Submitted photo)
The United States Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball National Team (ISV) ended the 2024 International Basketball Federation by achieving a historic victory by defeating Cuba 80-75 at the 2024 FIBA Centrobasket Women’s Championship in Irapuato, Mexico.
ISV women’s suffocating half-court defense held Cuba to just 15 first-quarter points, while the Virgin Islands ladies dropped 27. This set the tone for the rest of the game, as ISV had to work hard to secure the win in this game. Anisha George led the way with 22 points and 11 rebounds. This multi-talented center for ISV nailed a three-point shot from five feet beyond the arc as time expired in the opening quarter. Imani Tate also registered a double-double for the winning team with 22 points and ten boards. This is the first time the ISV women have beaten Cuba in an international competition.
ISV Anisha George looks to score in the USVI game against Guatemala. (Submitted photo)
ISV women started this tournament with a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Dominican Republic, 95-88. George recorded her first double-double in the tournament with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Teammate Taylor Jones contributed 22 points and snagged ten boards in a losing effort.
ISV point guard Lanese Bough calls out the play in the USVI game against Costa Rica. (Submitted photo)
The Virgin Islands women next faced host Mexico. The Mexican team handed ISV its worst defeat of the tournament, 85-57. George was the top scorer for ISV, with 17. Tate contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds for the Virgin Islands.
ISV ended the tournament with three straight wins. The first was an 87-58 beating of Guatemala. Costa Rica also fell to the Virgin Islands by a score of 81-47. ISV’s win over Cuba earned them a fifth-place finish.
United States Virgin Islands team picture after first-ever win against Cuba. (Submitted photo)
Anisha George had herself an outstanding tournament for ISV as she finished tied for first in the tournament in double-doubles with three, tied for second in rebounds per game with 10.4, second in blocks per game with 1.4, fourth in steals with 2.2, and fifth in scoring with 17.2. Lanese Bough was also one of the tournament’s top performers, as she dished out 5.2 assists per game.
A 21-year-old man died Monday after being pulled from the waters near Peterborg Point on St. Thomas. The 911 emergency call center received a call reporting the man in distress, prompting a swift response from St. Thomas Rescue, the V.I. Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard.
St. Thomas Rescue deployed an incident commander and a drone unit equipped with AI-powered technology to assist in the search. A patrol vessel from VIPD located the man approximately three-quarters of a mile from the rocky coastline, according to a St. Thomas Rescue release.
According to responders, the man appeared to be among a group of three that were cliff-jumping off the point.
The VIPD patrol boat “that scooped him up might have already been on patrol with how fast they got there to scoop him up,” said St. Thomas Rescue Public Information Officer Chris Watson.
Officers began lifesaving measures immediately and transported him to Hull Bay Beach, where Fire and Emergency crews were waiting. Despite their efforts, the man could not be revived.
“We remind the public to avoid Peterborg Point, which has a history of incidents like this. It is especially crucial to exercise extreme caution around water, particularly during bad weather,” Watson said in the release.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly attributed the water rescue to a Coast Guard patrol. It was the V.I. Police Department marine unit.
Starting Jan. 1, people traveling to the British Virgin Islands will need to fill out digital customs and immigration forms. (Photo courtesy BVI GIS)
Sharing pens in Tortola immigration lines could soon be a thing of the past as the British Virgin Islands enacts digital entry and exit forms.
The embarkation/disembarkation forms called an ED Card System, were meant to replace cumbersome paper forms, speeding up the process and reducing paper waste. Travelers can fill out the forms up to 72 hours before entering the BVI, according to the Department of Immigration and His Majesty’s Customs.
The ED Card program launched Oct. 1 as an option for travelers. Jan. 1, however, it will be mandatory for all people entering and leaving the territory, BVI officials said. Digital kiosks at ports of entry will be available for people who were unable to complete the form ahead of time.
Soon-to-be travelers upload their travel documents, flight or sea arrival information, and customs declarations to bviedcard.gov.vg. They’ll then receive a confirmation email, according to the BVI Government Information Services. Travelers should be careful not to use www.bviedcard.gov.vg as it does not load a functional website.
The website is available in English, French, German, Dutch and Spanish.
The ED card, which is free of charge, is not a travel document, officials warned, and visitors were still required to present their passport and any needed visas.
Enzo Newhard achieved notable success at the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Annual Wahoo Windup Tournament, catching a 60.71-pound wahoo off the South Drop while aboard his 27’ Sea Hunt, “Morning Wood.” His catch earned him the title of Top Angler, just missing the $25,000 prize for the largest fish.
From left, Tommy Gibney, Capt. Kai Holmberg. Newhard’s (not pictured) 60.71-pound winning wahoo. (Photo courtesy VIGFC)
“We knew the wahoo were biting this week,” says the “Morning Wood’s” Captain Kai Holmberg. “We circled the spot where we caught the fish for an hour or two afterward. As they say, don’t leave fish to find fish. But we didn’t catch anything else.”
Meanwhile, St. Thomas’ AJ Cabrera, fishing off his boat “Mixed Bag,” secured the second largest wahoo at 53.5 pounds. In addition, Lauren Gewinner from St. Thomas weighed in the third largest wahoo at 37.0 pounds, according to the press release.
The Best Boat prize, determined by most wahoo by count, went to “Double Header,” with five fish weighing a total of 129.1 pounds, the press release stated.
Top Boat, Double Header: From left, TP Danet, Jane Townsend, Capt. Tyler Maltby, Lauren Gewinner, Gilbert Laban, Kevin Haddox, Kelvin Bailey, Jr., and Glen Charlotte.
“We left from Sapphire, headed south to French Cap, and then trolled west. The first two fish came between 8-9 a.m. There was nothing for a while. Around 1 p.m., we got the third one, our biggest fish. Then, we were back off French Cap, with 30 minutes left to fish in the tournament, and we hooked up and caught a doubleheader,” says Tyler Maltby, captain of the “Double Header.” “What’s fun about this tournament is seeing what the other boats catch and the camaraderie.”
Trophies, bottles of Cape Fear Distillery premium spirits, and cash prizes totaling over $7,000 were awarded to the winners, the release stated.
Fourteen boats from St. Thomas and St. John collectively caught 25 wahoo, weighing a total of 637 pounds, it said.
“The quantity and size of wahoo caught is something we haven’t seen in a long time, and that’s exciting,” says Kelvin Bailey, Jr., president of the Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club’s Board of Directors.
Bailey credited in part the club’s hosting of a “Free Lunch & Learn Fishing 101 – Wahoo Windup Prep Session,” taught by club members and Neptune Fishing Supply employees on Oct. 19. With the popularity of the clinic, plus the whopping tournament catch, the club plans to host another training next spring before its annual “Dolphin Derby,” the release stated.
The Virgin Islands Game Fishing Club appreciates the support of Cape Fear Distilleries, IGY’s American Yacht Harbor Marina, and its much-appreciated volunteers, it said.
For more information about the Club and its events, call 340-775-9144, email usvigfc@gmail.com or visit www.vigfc.com.
Following recent weather conditions affecting the territory, the Virgin Islands Education Department announces that all public schools will be open and resume their regular schedules on Tuesday.
To ensure the safety and readiness of our school campuses, maintenance teams conducted assessments, inspecting facilities to verify that recent weather events did not present hazards that could disrupt school operations. Based on these findings, it has been confirmed that all public schools are prepared to open on schedule.
VIDE emphasizes, however, that weather conditions may shift rapidly. The department will continue to monitor developments and will promptly inform the public if any adjustments to school operations become necessary. We encourage parents, guardians, staff, and students to stay tuned to official VIDE communication channels for timely and accurate updates.
Cruise ship passengers Pat and Brenda Penailillo snap a selfie at Drake’s Seat, the closest they’d get to Magens Bay Monday. (Source photo by Ananta Pancham)
A selfie at Drakes Seat on St. Thomas was as close as cruise ship passengers Pat and Brenda Penailillo would get to Magens Bay Monday as the Magens Bay Authority closed the beach because of concerns about rough weather.
The authority initiated Red Flag Status as stormy conditions caused strong surf and hazardous currents. All swimmers were discouraged from entering the water and those that do were cautioned to take great care.
Vehicular access to the beach was temporarily restricted as a safety precaution. Foot access to all beaches remained open but was not encouraged, according to the authority.
Stormy weather closes Magens Bay Monday. (Source photo by Ananta Pancham)
“It is crucial to emphasize that swimming at these beaches is also discouraged, since lifeguard assistance will not be available and water testing is currently in process. The Magens Bay Authority further advises that persons that disregard this notice and enter the water, do so at their own risk,” authority officials said in a written statement.
The Penailillos, two of nearly 7,500 passengers arriving on three ships at the West Indian Company dock early Monday, weren’t letting the storm get them down, saying they were excited to be in the Virgin Islands.
7,500 cruise ship passengers dock for a rainy day on St. Thomas Monday. (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)
The authority said it would monitor beach and sea conditions over the next 24 hours to assess when it would be safe to return to normal operations. They also planned to check the park’s infrastructure for damage.
“Rest assured, the Magens Bay Authority is committed to reopening the beach quickly, however the well-being and safety of all beachgoers and staff of the MBA is our priority,” the authority said. “The Magens Bay Authority advises that you follow local authorities’ instructions, and monitoring weather updates closely. Your cooperation is essential in ensuring everyone’s safety. Please stay safe!”
For more information, please call 340-777-6300 or email info@magensbayauthority.org or visit www.magensbayauthority.org.
Alpine Securities, USVI, is excited to announce the return of SAT Preparation Courses for students in the St. Thomas / St. John District of the U.S. Virgin Islands. University Bound (formerly Upward Bound) will be partnering with the team from Alpine to administer the program again. The program aims to help Virgin Islands high school students boost their SAT scores (a standardized test widely used for college admissions in the United States).
The first session will start with a practice SAT digital pre-test on Saturday, Nov. 23, and will continue with both Math and Language Arts lessons every Saturday through Feb. 22, 2025 (not including holidays). Training sessions will take place at the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas Campus and online.
Many Virgin Islands students do not take a mock exam before taking the real SAT. University Bound’s free SAT preparation program will incentivize students to familiarize themselves with the SAT test and practice regularly to ultimately increase their SAT scores. Past Alpine SAT Prep students have raised their SAT scores by an average of 90 points after participating in the program.
University Bound’s SAT Prep Programis open to Virgin Islands High School juniors and seniors in the St. Thomas-St. John District. The most driven participants will earn prizes, including gift cards, and the Texas Instruments TI-84, a graphic calculator that is commonly used during the SAT and in advanced math classes in college.
Students can register online using this link: https://forms.gle/XnL87eEyPuSjZzSa9. The registration deadline is November 21st. More information can be found at https://www.uvi.edu/student-success/upward-bound.html. They may also contact University Bound Director Rosalia Rhymer-Rohan at rrohan@uvi.edu or (340) 693-1133.
“Investing in youth programs is a vital component of Alpine’s corporate culture,” said Vernon Araujo, Alpine’s director of philanthropy and community relations. “We are excited to partner with University Bound and the University of the Virgin Islands to empower our high school students with the proper resources and opportunities to reach their full potential.”
Our beloved mother and grandmother, Sonia Maria Griles, also known as “Grandma,” of 162 Sion Farm, has died.Sonia Maria Griles
Sonia was born on the Island of St. Croix on January 9, 1940. She migrated to Puerto Rico at the tender age of three along with her siblings to live with her grandmother, Ms. Beatrice Pemberton Yasper (also known as Abuela). Sonia was peacefully called home on October 31, surrounded by her loved ones.
Sonia worked for many years with the Chase Manhattan Bank and then with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, where she retired after 28 years of dedicated service in December of 1999. Sonia was an active member of the Virgin Islands AARP, Frederiksted Masqueraders, and the St. Croix retirees’ fun activities group. She was also an active member of the Kurt Vialet campaign organization.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cynthia Woods-Washington and Isidore Griles Sr., grandmother (Abuela), Beatrice Pemberton Yasper, sisters: Dorene Griles-Vanputten, Inocencia Griles, and Maryann E. Griles, Brother: Adolph Griles.
She is survived by her sons, Kelson A. John Sr. (BOS) and Kean A. John. Brother Isidore A. Griles Jr. (I.G.). Grandchildren: Shanice A. McCorvey (BOS), Kesiah M. John, Kenya A. John (BOS), Kelson A. John Jr. (BOS), Keson A. John (BOS), Keon A. John, Shaunte Baptiste, David Baptiste Jr. (MD), Rayshaun Davis (Adopted Grandson). Great Grandchildren: Adryana Jean-Louis (BOS) Zola Rivera (BOS)
Nieces and Nephews: Zulma Vanputten (OH), Ruth Johnson (GA), Deborah Johnson (GA), Aimee Griles-Carino (Edwardo Carino), Jennifer Griles (GA), Leroy Daniels Sr. (NV), Jeffrey Griles (Lenise Clarke-Griles) (NY), Raphael Vanputten (Tikia Vanputten) (OH), and Dwayne Daniels (GA).
Great Nieces and Great Nephews: Leroy Daniels Jr. (Javier Daniels, Luna Daniels) (GA); Jaime Daniels (Jaime Daniels Jr., Lionelly Daniels) (GA); Ruben Daniels (Darisneimy Daniels) (GA); Karrissa Daniels (Jamaurius Daniels) (GA). Nyssa Griles (NY) Aslan Griles-Carino. Anyla Vanputten (OH), Riana Vanputten (OH), and Raphael Vanputten III (OH). Darrien Ponder (GA) and Daron Ponder Jr. (GA).
Sisters-in-law: Irene Griles; daughters-in-law: Tara Williams-John, Arlene Coggins-John.
Her many supportive families: Diane Hazelwood and family, Children of Justina Rawlins, Carol Christian (Clifford Christian), Alyssa Phipps, Manuala Christian, Karen Christian (Clifford Christian), Pemberton Family, Griles Family, Coggins Family, John Family, Dawn John-Golden (David Golden), Elisa Coggins-Marsh ( Dave Marsh) Norma Llanos, Beatrice Pemberton, Ignacio Cito Llanos Jr. Roy Pemberton Sr. Roy Pemberton Jr. Iris James and family, Jaynice Williams and family, Natalia Dumont and family, Sandra Howell, Andrea Christian, Christian family of Frederiksted, children and grandchildren of Vera Williams. As well as other families too numerous to mention.
Special Friends: Cecelia Knowles, Grace Armstrong, Sion Farm Family, Elroy Harrison and Family, Florette Begraff, Claudet Edney-King, WAPA Retirees, Bodil Simmonds, Shakima Alicea and Family, Yvette Gordon-McFarlane, Gloria Gordon, AARP St. Croix, Frederiksted Masqueraders, St. Croix retirees’ fun group.
On behalf of the family of the late Sonia Maria Griles, we would like to thank the doctors at Mass General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Perez of the Continuum Care, Nurse Lisa Lopez of the Continuum Care, Chaplain Gerald Williams of Continuum Care, Evrill Powell of Continuum Care, Nurse Laurene McIntosh of Continuum Care, Senator Kurt Vialet’s Campaign Team, Rev. Fr. Louis Kemayou, AARP St. Croix Chapter, Jewel Nelsen (Home Care), Maryln Stanley (Home Care), and Frederiksted Masqueraders. We would also like to give a special thank you to Elisa Coggins-Marsh, Dawn John-Golden and Diane Hazelwood.
The funeral service will be held on Friday, December 6, at St Ann’s Catholic Church 42, Barrenspot, St Croix. The viewing, tributes, and eulogy starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 9:30 a.m. The service begins at 10 a.m. All in attendance are asked to wear yellow, green, or Madras. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery. Professional funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.
“May Sonia Maria Griles, soul rest in Eternal Peace”
Members of the 73rd Army Band performs musical selections for an audience at last year’s Veterans Day ceremony on St. Croix. This year’s events have been canceled due to heavy rain impacting the territory. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Veterans Day parades and ceremonies scheduled for Monday on St. Croix and St. Thomas have been canceled due to the heavy rain impacting the territory, the Office of Veterans Affairs announced.
A pre-Veterans Day ceremony planned for St. John on Sunday also was canceled due to the weather.
This year’s honorees — Henry A. Powell of St. John, Chief Judge Emeritus Verne A. Hodge of St. Thomas, and Wilfred Tuitt of St. Croix — will be recognized at a date to be announced, according to the announcement.
“This decision was made in response to the continuous rainfall for the past few hours and what is expected to continue for significant periods throughout the day. The safety of all participants, attendees, and staff is our top priority,” the release stated.
“We understand the significance of this event to our community and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We thank you for your understanding and continued support,” it said.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, wet and unstable weather conditions will prevail across the region as moisture associated with a tropical wave continues to filter into the area. More rainfall is expected Monday, which will enhance the potential for flooding, landslides and rapid river rises, it said. Additionally, marine and coastal conditions will gradually deteriorate with the arrival of a northerly swell, bringing hazardous seas and life-threatening rip currents, particularly along the northern coast of Puerto Rico, Culebra, and the USVI. Visit the Source weather page for more information.
While the ceremonies are canceled, both Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach and Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett issued statements honoring the territory’s veterans.
“Each day that we enjoy the many freedoms and privileges afforded to us is a reminder of the profound significance of this most noteworthy holiday. Veterans Day honors our Veterans for their service and sacrifice during peacetime and during times of war. Their unwavering patriotism and love of country is most befittingly reflected in this year’s theme, “Loyalty,’” said Roach.
“Loyalty, and its companions, courage, commitment, and confidence, are all demonstrated in the various ways that our Veterans have served in their respective disciplines. Notably, our Veterans’ dedication to this great nation extends even beyond their terms of service. Thus, their level of loyalty is both immeasurable and uncompromised. I am often inspired by our Veterans’ strong sense of pride, and I remain humbled during my daily encounters with these courageous former military men and women, while being continuously grateful for their service,” he said, while offering prayers for the safety and protection of those who serve.
“It is our responsibility to show our unwavering commitment to our veterans across the nation and the entire U.S. Virgin Islands veteran community. We also honor organizations like the Office of Veteran’s Affairs, the VA Caribbean Healthcare System, The American Legion, the Methodist Outreach Center, The Wounded Warrior Program, VET Center and the staff at the VA Clinics. I also honor our Gold Star families; they truly know firsthand the meaning of sacrifice and service,” Plaskett said in her statement.
“I think of my father, uncles, cousins, and other loved ones and friends who have served in our military honorably and am grateful for the examples of bravery and fidelity to country they and so many others showed through their service. I express my profound gratitude to all veterans, their families, and the organizations that support them,” she said.
