‘Pirate Mutiny Party’ Breast Cancer Fundraiser Set for Thursday at Sion Farm Distillery

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‘Pirate Mutiny Party’ Breast Cancer Fundraiser Set for Thursday at Sion Farm Distillery

The “Throw Cancer Overboard” fundraiser, originally scheduled for Oct. 31 but postponed due to the weather, will now be held on Thursday, Nov. 7 from  4-8 p.m. at the Sion Farm Distillery on St. Croix.

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Pirate Mutiny Party outdoor jam will bring music, dancing, costumes, prizes, auction items, and so much more under the Crucian sky.

Virgin Islands Breast Cancer Project Co-founder and advocate Diane Hampton invites the community to come out to help fight cancer. “Join the VI Mutineers and throw cancer overboard. Wear your best pirate costume and compete for a prize for male, female and couples. Take pictures at our party photo booth. Purchase from our silent auction. The fun continues inside with DJ Kyle’s Scary-oke, Pirate Mutiny drinks and  Mutiny specials on the menu,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the door with cash, credit or debit card or online at Eventbrite.com. Purchasing fee applies.

The goal is to raise $20,000 to send 10 dedicated breast cancer survivors and advocates to the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summit in 2025 in Washington, D.C. The summit is crucial for training advocates and preparing them for Lobby Day, where they can influence policy and drive essential change in breast cancer research and funding, according to Hampton.

Consider the Source With Adisha Penn

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Consider the Source With Adisha Penn
Special guest Hannibal Ware – federal Inspector General of the Small Business Administration – speaks about his work in the territory, while host Adisha Penn recaps the biggest headlines of the past week, including an informative Senate hearing with the government’s third-party fiduciary. There’s always something new on Consider the Source!

Inspector General Targets Federal Fraud, Protecting Public Funds

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Inspector General Targets Federal Fraud, Protecting Public Funds
Acting Inspector General of the Social Security Administration Hannibal Ware. (Photo courtesy Hannibal Ware)
Hannibal “Mike” Ware is waging a war against federal fraud, but he says it’s not personal — it’s about safeguarding the community he grew up in. “You have a native son who sits on top of two very important agencies nationally,” Ware noted. “I’m committed to ensuring that the funds our people deserve go to those people and are not stolen or diverted.” As the inspector general of the Small Business Administration (SBA) and acting inspector general for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Ware oversees billions in federal funds, ensuring these resources reach those for whom they’re intended. “My role is not about punishing my community — it’s about protecting it,” he emphasized in a recent interview with The Source. Ware’s commitment to protecting taxpayer dollars is built on nearly 35 years in federal oversight. His work at the SBA has led to 1,536 indictments, 1,164 arrests, and 925 convictions related to SBA programs. The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges, with an estimated $200 billion, or 17 percent of SBA pandemic relief funds, potentially lost to fraud. “When people are stealing, they’re stealing from the people in our territory who need those funds,” Ware said. To address the surge in fraud complaints — over 296,000 since 2020 — Ware’s office has employed advanced data analytics. This technology enables his team to pinpoint fraudulent activity with precision, focusing on high-dollar fraud, organized crime, and individuals in public trust. “We use data analytics as our weapon,” Ware explained, underscoring the critical role of technology in combating fraud. Ware’s office also works proactively to prevent fraud, recently issuing the “Fraud Landscape Report” to highlight red flags associated with pandemic relief fraud. By collaborating with agencies like the Secret Service, Justice Department, and local law enforcement, Ware’s team has seized nearly $30 billion in pandemic funds. In 2022 alone, their efforts yielded a 21,148 percent return on investment. In the Virgin Islands, Ware’s office has been instrumental in significant cases, such as a $4 million hurricane recovery fraud scheme and a PPP conspiracy resulting in over $380,000 in misappropriated funds. “These cases are about ensuring our people get what they deserve,” Ware noted, emphasizing the importance of protecting resources meant to support his home. Now, as acting inspector general of the Social Security Administration, Ware’s oversight extends to programs that directly impact vulnerable populations, including seniors and families in the Virgin Islands. “Our elderly, our parents, and even some of our children depend on these funds, and protecting them is essential,” he affirmed. Public engagement remains central to Ware’s efforts. His office encourages Virgin Islanders to report suspected fraud through the SBA OIG Hotline, available online. The hotline enables anyone to report issues of fraud, waste, or mismanagement, providing Ware’s office with crucial information to address risks and prioritize investigations. “The vigilance of citizens like those in the Virgin Islands is crucial in the ongoing battle against fraud. Federal agencies rely heavily on individuals coming forward to report suspicious activity, which aids in recovering misappropriated funds and holding perpetrators accountable,” Ware said. To report suspected fraud related to SBA programs, contact the SBA OIG Hotline at sba.gov/oig/hotline or by phone at 800-767-0385.

Op-Ed: State of the Territory | Tourism Post-COVID and Economic Diversification: Securing the Future of the U.S. Virgin Islands

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Op-Ed: State of the Territory | Tourism Post-COVID and Economic Diversification: Securing the Future of the U.S. Virgin Islands
In her bi-weekly column, “State of the Territory,” former Sen. Janelle K. Sarauw delves deeper into issues of concern for V.I. residents.

The COVID-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to economies around the world, but for the U.S. Virgin Islands, the impact was especially severe. As a territory that relies heavily on tourism—accounting for a significant portion of local revenue and employment—the pandemic shutdowns brought the industry to a grinding halt. Flights were canceled, cruise ships stopped docking, and hotels sat empty. While tourism is slowly rebounding, the pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of depending so heavily on a single industry. Now is the time for the USVI to not only rebuild its tourism sector but also to take bold steps toward diversifying its economy.

Rebuilding Tourism Post-COVID: A New Approach

Tourism has long been the backbone of the Virgin Islands’ economy, providing jobs, revenue, and global visibility. As the world reopens and people start to travel again, the Virgin Islands must find ways to market itself in a post-COVID landscape that is radically different from the pre-pandemic world.

Marketing in a Post-COVID World

The pandemic has changed the way people think about travel. Tourists are now more interested in health and safety, privacy, and environmental sustainability. For the USVI, this presents an opportunity to highlight what makes the islands unique—wide-open spaces, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life that appeals to travelers looking for more meaningful, safe, and restorative experiences.

The USVI can position itself as a health-conscious destination, emphasizing strict health protocols, enhanced safety measures, and clean, well-maintained facilities. Marketing efforts should also focus on promoting the islands’ outdoor activities—beaches, hiking, watersports, and eco-tourism—that allow visitors to enjoy the natural environment while avoiding crowds. Showcasing the Virgin Islands’ ability to offer these kinds of experiences can help attract the modern traveler who is seeking both safety and adventure in a post-pandemic world.

The Case for Economic Diversification

While tourism will always be an essential part of the USVI economy, the pandemic has made it clear that diversification is critical for long-term stability. Relying on tourism alone leaves the territory vulnerable to external shocks—be it from global pandemics, natural disasters, or changes in travel behavior.

Now more than ever, the USVI must explore new industries to create a more resilient and self-sustaining economy. The key areas for diversification are renewable energy, technology, and agriculture—all of which present unique opportunities for growth and stability.

    1. Investing in Renewable Energy: A Path to Sustainability and Self-Sufficiency

The USVI’s dependence on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs has long been a challenge. The pandemic has underscored the importance of self-reliance, and transitioning to renewable energy is not only environmentally responsible but also economically beneficial.

The Virgin Islands receive over 3,000 hours of sunlight annually, making solar energy a natural fit for the territory. Similarly, the islands’ coastal position presents opportunities to harness wind power. By investing in renewable energy, the USVI could significantly reduce its dependency on imported oil, which accounts for over 90% of its energy production. In fact, transitioning to renewable sources could save the USVI millions of dollars each year, money that could be reinvested into local infrastructure and services.

In 2017, after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, the USVI set ambitious goals to achieve 60% of its energy from renewable sources by 2025, yet progress has been slow. Now is the time to accelerate these efforts. Investments in solar farms, wind energy projects, and even exploring geothermal potential could reduce energy costs for businesses and households, making the territory more competitive and attractive to investors.

Moreover, by embracing green energy initiatives, the Virgin Islands could position itself as a Caribbean leader in sustainability, potentially attracting eco-conscious tourists and partnerships with global companies looking to invest in green energy solutions. For example, the USVI has already engaged in discussions with companies like Tesla’s SolarCity to create a framework for sustainable energy. Expanding these collaborations could create high-paying jobs in the energy sector while establishing the islands as a beacon of renewable energy innovation.

    1. Developing the Tech Industry: A Digital Future for the Virgin Islands

The COVID-19 pandemic revolutionized the way the world works, accelerating the shift toward remote work and digital innovation. The USVI can take advantage of this trend by positioning itself as a hub for tech startups and remote work professionals.

One of the Virgin Islands’ most attractive qualities is its tropical beauty. For remote workers, the allure of working from paradise is powerful. However, to capitalize on this potential, the territory must invest in digital infrastructure. Expanding high-speed internet access, improving reliability, and reducing costs are essential steps.

The global trend toward remote work is expected to continue post-pandemic, and the USVI could attract professionals in fields such as software development, digital marketing, and online education. By offering incentives such as tax breaks for tech companies and remote workers, the Virgin Islands can become a magnet for the digital nomad community. Furthermore, building co-working spaces and fostering a culture of entrepreneurship could stimulate the local economy and create a support network for new businesses.

In addition to attracting remote workers, the USVI could cultivate its own homegrown tech talent. Establishing partnerships with U.S. universities and tech companies could help develop coding academies, IT training programs, and tech incubators for local residents. These efforts would not only create jobs but also empower a new generation of Virgin Islanders with the skills needed to compete in the global tech economy.

Developing a tech sector offers economic benefits that tourism alone cannot provide. The tech industry is less vulnerable to natural disasters and global crises, providing a stable source of employment and revenue year-round. With strategic investments, the USVI could become the Caribbean’s Silicon Valley, attracting tech talent and businesses from around the world.

    1. Expanding Agriculture: Food Security and Economic Independence

During the pandemic, the fragility of global supply chains became evident. The Virgin Islands, which imports a large percentage of its food, experienced significant challenges in maintaining food supplies. Expanding local agriculture would not only improve food security but also create jobs and foster a greater sense of self-sufficiency.

Historically, the Virgin Islands have a rich agricultural tradition, and with the right investments, that heritage can be revived. The USDA has identified that the USVI has the potential to grow a wide variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as raising livestock. By promoting small-scale farming cooperatives and encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture, the territory could reduce its dependence on imports.

A key aspect of developing agriculture is integrating it with the tourism industry. The USVI can create farm-to-table initiatives where local restaurants and hotels source their food from nearby farms. This would not only support local farmers but also enhance the visitor experience, as tourists increasingly seek authentic, locally sourced meals.

Additionally, the territory could explore agritourism—an industry that combines agriculture and tourism. Visitors could tour local farms, participate in harvesting activities, and even take cooking classes featuring local ingredients. Agritourism not only provides an additional revenue stream for farmers but also educates visitors about the islands’ agricultural history and encourages sustainable food practices.

With strategic investment in modern farming techniques, such as hydroponics and aquaponics, agriculture could thrive even with limited land resources. By prioritizing local agriculture, the Virgin Islands can build a more resilient food system that benefits both residents and tourists.

Conclusion: A Resilient Future for the USVI

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced the U.S. Virgin Islands to reassess its economic future. While tourism will always remain a cornerstone of the economy, it is no longer enough to rely on a single industry. Investing in renewable energy, developing a tech industry, and expanding agriculture will not only create jobs but also strengthen the territory’s resilience to future crises.

By embracing these opportunities, the USVI can build a more diverse, stable economy—one that secures prosperity for generations to come. The path forward requires bold leadership and thoughtful investments.

Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com. 

V.I. Olympic Medalist Gives A Sailing Lesson in Cowpet Bay

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V.I. Olympic Medalist Gives A Sailing Lesson in Cowpet Bay
V.I. locals taking a Sunday sail at St. Thomas Yacht Club include families with children. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

After days of dark skies and rain, it was hard to say what the waters of Cowpet Bay would offer the guests at the St. Thomas Yacht Club. Sunday was St. Thomas Sailing Center’s “Open House” event, where the public could sign up for a free sailing lesson.

It was a lesson made special by one of the instructors – 1988 Olympic Silver Medalist and America’s Cup Skipper Peter Holmberg. Three passengers set out with Holmberg in an IC24 sailboat under partly cloudy skies and a light chop on the bay.

For roughly half an hour, the group sailed away from the dock at the yacht club and toured the bay. Passenger Isaac Peters eagerly took a hand at the rudder under Holmberg’s guidance.

“ … watch what happens; if I go too close to the wind, watch what happens. The sails stop catching wind – the boat stops. All I’ve gotta do is turn the boat, present the sails to the wind again, and the boat starts moving,” Holmberg said.

In between instructions, he told a story of a happy childhood in Cowpet Bay, learning how to sail along with his brother, John. Learning to sail as a child was more like play than work, he said and never posed a challenge until his teenage years when he entered his first sailing competition in Puerto Rico.

“The hardest thing is getting on the big stage and getting any pressure in competition,” he said, “In every sport, every performance that you do, nerves can be your biggest thing.”

Out in the bay, about half a dozen children on Sunfish sailboats bobbed along while their instructor followed in an inflatable topped with an umbrella. The sight of them evoked memories of sailing to sleepovers in Christmas Cove along with his brother and their childhood “sailing posse,” who camp out in different spots along the shore and hop into their boats to stage midnight fights out in the bay.

When asked if the seas seemed unusually mild, given the past three days of heavy rain, Holmberg drew from his wealth of weather wisdom. “Usually when storms come the wind precedes it. We are in the aftermath of this trough that’s going by us right now. Some troughs (low-pressure systems) create storms; some are just quiet – rain, moisture. This one’s not quite so windy,” he said.

While gauging the wind, the instructor taps his nose. By learning to sail in the Virgin Islands and then growing up in the sport to compete at higher and higher levels, Holmberg said he noticed a difference among his competitors.

“We’ve got this sea that nobody else in the world has; we’ve got this special wind and conditions for sailing,” he said. That was not to say there weren’t other places in the Caribbean where he loved to set sail.

But there was also some Virgin Islands pride that carried him through a lifetime of sailing to the biggest stage of all – The Olympics – in Pusan, South Korea, in 1988.

“You look at the Virgin Islands, I can tell you there’s two sides to the coin; we’re small, we’re isolated, we don’t have the big-big funding – the big competition, but at the same time we have a seat at the big table. Growing up, my elders said, ‘Hey, Man, we’re going to the Olympics,’ and they got us a separate nation status.”

“So the Virgin Islands doesn’t compete through the United States. We compete against the United States. We walk on the field as a separate nation; so does the British Virgins – now. My elders fought for this ability here, and I as a little child watched my father go to the Olympics. I watched Rudy Thompson go to the Olympics, and these little sailors – elders in my old club – went to the Olympics,” Holmberg said.

“So it was there for me. That was the ultimate – to go and carry your flag. Go rep and train in our little waters and go up against the big countries,” he said.

He told his tales while guiding young Peters – Sunday’s fledgling – through the bay. He learned how to steer the rudder back and forth and create a zigzag pattern that let a five-mile-an-hour breeze work its way into an apparent wind that made the boat go faster than it relied on the breeze alone.

“This is cool,” Peters said. “I think I’m going to learn how to sail.”

Peter Holmberg (right) trims the sail while student-for-a-day Isaac Peters (left)looks on. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

The yacht club promotes the introductory sail to locals and visitors alike as a way to stir interest in a range of sailing courses. Volunteer Laura Martin said those interested can sign up for a 30-day membership to take a course and see if they like it.

The St. Thomas Sailing Center offering began in 2016 and has built up interest slowly with help from local residents, many of them families with children, she said. “If they come in for a week, then they can come for a sailing vacation. If they’re here for two weeks they have an extra week to go sailing,” Martin said.

BVI Investigators Sue Swizz Beatz in Alleged $7.6B Swindle

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BVI Investigators Sue Swizz Beatz in Alleged $7.6B Swindle
Liquidators of two BVI shell companies claim music producer Swizz Beatz improperly received $7.3 million illegally siphoned from a Malaysian company, according to court records. (Shutterstock image)
Independent financial investigators in the British Virgin Islands filed suit against Swizz Beatz in an attempt to recover $7.3 million they claim the celebrity music producer and art collector accepted from international fugitive Jho Low — who authorities seek in an alleged $7.65 billion scam that ensnared a former Malaysian prime minister. The suit, filed Oct. 2 in the Southern District of New York, where Beatz — aka Kasseem Dean — has his bank account, alleges Low and associate Eric Tan illegally funneled money from the Malaysian investment firm 1 Malaysia Development Berhad, known as 1MDB, to various shell companies. Two such companies were Affinity Equity International Partners Limited and Alsen Chance Holdings Limited, which existed only on paper in Tortola, according to court records. In 2010, Low began socializing with celebrities, throwing lavish parties, hosting luxury group vacations, and financing Hollywood films, the suit alleges. Some of Low’s new friends included Dean, better known by his professional name, Swizz Beatz, and Dean’s wife, the singer Alicia Keys. From September 2012 to September 2014, Alsen Chance sent Dean and companies under his control eight transfers totaling $7.3 million without anything in return, according to court records. The first transfer, on Sept. 21, 2012, to Swizz Beatz Productions Inc., included the note “Alsen Chance investment in music production (Everyday is your Birthday).” Swizz Beatz published the song Everyday Birthday in November 2012. Low and Malaysia’s then-prime minister, Mohb Najib bin Hj Abdul Razak Najib, founded 1MDB as an investment house to build national wealth for the Malaysian people, according to court records. In September 2009, it became a federal entity under the Malaysian Ministry of Finance, controlled by Najib. The suit alleges Najib, as prime minister and finance minister, thwarted attempts by Malaysian authorities to investigate the company. When international investigators started their own inquiries, Low and Najib created multiple shell companies in the BVI, Barbados, and elsewhere to hide misappropriated funds, according to court records. In 2015, when 1MDB started missing bond payments, Low and Tan disappeared. More than nine years later, their whereabouts are still unknown to authorities. Najib, also known as Dato’ Sri Mohammad Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak, fired his attorney general in a bid to avoid charges in 2015. It didn’t last. He was arrested in 2018 for illegally receiving $9.4 million, convicted in 2020, sentenced to 12 years in prison, and had the conviction upheld by an appeals court in 2022. The sentence was cut to six years in February. BVI officials ordered the 1MDB-related shell companies closed and appointed liquidators to attempt to recover funds. The liquidators, Angela Barkhouse and Toni Shukla, said in the suit they sent correspondence to Dean and his companies, Swizz Beatz Productions and Monza Studios, Inc., in September asking for explanations of the $7.3 million payments. They received no response. The suit alleges Dean and companies intentionally engaged in fraud and unjustly enriched themselves. They’ve asked for a jury trial.

St. Croix Man Allegedly Beat Niece, Threw Her Out of Bar

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St. Croix Man Allegedly Beat Niece, Threw Her Out of Bar
Two men allegedly beat a St. Croix woman unconscious for unknown reasons. (Shutterstock image)
Police arrested a St. Croix man for allegedly beating his niece unconscious at a Peter’s Rest nightclub without obvious motive, according to court records. The woman’s step-cousin was also arrested for assaulting her. The victim told police she was at the Media Luna Bar with her boyfriend between midnight and 1 a.m. Oct. 21. After several drinks, she asked the bartender not to serve him more. This caused her uncle, Dario Castro, who was married to the bar owner, to fly into an unexpected rage. “Pay and leave,” Castro allegedly shouted. When the woman asked what was wrong, she said Castro shouted, “Pay and get out!” When she agreed to pay, he allegedly grabbed her by the ear and attempted to pull her out of the nightclub. Meanwhile, Castro’s stepson, Alfredo Guerrero, allegedly came from behind the bar and placed the woman in a chokehold. When she gasped that she could not breathe, he pulled her left arm behind her back and threw her out into the street, according to court records. Guerrero then allegedly slammed the victim to the ground in the mud. Castro allegedly struck her with a Michelob Ultra bottle. The victim told police blood was running from her head as she lost consciousness. She awoke, according to court records, with a bartender holding a bottle of alcohol under her nose to help him wake up. Castro allegedly shouted at the bartender, “This what I pay you for?” The woman’s boyfriend carried her to a car and drove her to Juan F. Luis Hospital, where police met her half asleep but groaning in pain. Police issued wanted posters for Castro and Guerrero, who eventually turned themselves in Oct. 30. Guerrero was charged with assault. Castro was charged with assault and carrying a dangerous weapon during a commission of a crime of violence. Castro was released on $1,500 bail. Guerrero was released on $1,000 bail.

Virtue of the Week – Devotion

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Virtue of the Week – Devotion
Virtue of the Week – Devotion 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.   Devotion Devotion is commitment to something we care about deeply. It is a passionate focus on our life’s purpose and is wholehearted service to an endeavor that we love. Devotion to those we love is a promise kept in daily ways to care for one another. Discernment is the first step in discovering what is worthy of our devotion. Devotion allows us to endure and sacrifice to achieve a greater purpose. When we are devoted, we give all we have and all that we are. Quote: “If one’s heart is truly devoted it may endure the storms of a lifetime.” -ShareTree The Practice of Devotion I am willing to give my all to what I care about. I discern the purpose to which life calls me. I work from the fullness of my heart. I do what I love and love what I do. I honor my commitments. I choose to live a life of purpose and meaning. Questions for Discussion
  • What are we willing to give/give up to achieve social justice?
  • Are there any hindrances to giving wholehearted service to social justice? What are they?
  • How can we begin our social justice work from the fullness of our hearts?
  • What commitments are we willing to embrace to 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. About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net. About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose. Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com. To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com.

17-Year-Old Latest Victim of Gun Violence

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17-Year-Old Latest Victim of Gun Violence
A homicide on Sunday marks the 20th this year on St. Thomas. (Shutterstock image)

A 17-year-old was shot and killed early Sunday morning near the Grandview Apartments housing community on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department announced.

According to police, the ShotSpotter Detection System alerted the 911 Emergency Call Center to multiple gunshots fired in the area at approximately 2:39 a.m. Officers arrived to find one male with gunshot wounds. An emergency medical technician found no signs of life.

The victim was identified as Kareem L. Pinney.

Pinney is the territory’s 33rd homicide victim in 2024, according to the Source Homicide List*. St. Thomas has recorded 20 homicides year to date, St. Croix 13, and St. John none.

Including Sunday’s shooting, nine people were killed in the last 30 days alone.

  • Stalin N. Flores-Gomez, 23, died from multiple gunshot wounds after police found him unresponsive Oct. 7 at Mandahl Bay Beach on St. Thomas.

  • An unidentified man was shot and killed on Oct. 13 and found on Kronprindsens Gade on St. Thomas. Police issued a wanted notice on Saturday for Demare Andrew Encarnacion, 32, in connection with the killing.

  • Venquon N. Richardson, 26, was shot and killed on Oct. 19 at a Bovoni gas station on St. Thomas.

  • Walton “Selah” Macedon, 67, succumbed to apparent gunshot wounds after police responded to reports of gunshots on Oct. 20 in the Golden Rock area on St. Croix.

  • Franklin Thomas Archibald Jr., 20, died on Oct. 22 after he was shot in Hospital Ground on St. Thomas.

  • Quanza Heath, 35, died after he was shot on Oct. 23 in the Lorraine Village area on St. Croix. A suspect was taken into custody later that day.

  • Errol Stephen St. Jean, 19, was shot and killed on Oct. 25 at the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion housing community on St. Croix.

  • Hasani Parris, 27, was shot and killed on Oct. 30 in Hospital Ground on St. Thomas.

The spike in gun deaths prompted V.I. Police Department leadership to post a video on Saturday in which they decried the violence and urged the public to come forward with information about the recent killings.

“The only individuals that can work with us is the community,” said Capt. Sandra Colbourne, chief of detectives. “We’re asking for any information that can bring to the capture of the suspect or suspects in these matters.”

Chief Steven Phillip, who oversees the St. Thomas-St. John district said officers will be on the streets conducting routine traffic stops.

“We have to take away the opportunity from these criminals,” he said. “These type of violent crime is destroying our economy . . . people are walking in fear, and we shouldn’t be walking in fear.”

Acting Commissioner Mario Brooks then addressed the criminals themselves, referring to them as “clowns” and “cowards” and calling on them to own up to their actions.

“The gloves are off,” he said. “The officers have 100 percent support from me to go out there and do what they have to do.”

*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2024 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.

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley
Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Nov. 3, through Saturday, Nov. 9. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.
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