St. Thomas Man Arrested and Charged for Burglary and Theft
A St. Thomas man confessed to theft crimes Wednesday, the V.I. Police Department reported.
The Virgin Islands Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, Bruce F. Wheatley and charged him with burglary in the third degree, unauthorized use of a vehicle, grand larceny, unlawful entry, and trespassing, according to the police report.
The bureau was informed by police officers on Main Street about an attempted fraudulent use of a credit card on Wednesday. Wheatley, 18, was questioned, during which he confessed to burglary and unauthorized use of a vehicle. Wheatley admitted that on Oct. 9, he broke into a residence on Dronningens Gade and found a vehicle key, which he used for personal reasons, the police report stated.
Wheatley’s bail was set at $25,000 and he was turned over to the custody of the Bureau of Corrections, pending further court action, the report stated.
This case remains under investigation by the Criminal Investigation Bureau. The VIPD urges anyone with information about the incident to contact the Investigation Bureau at 340-774-2211, the 911 Emergency Call Center, Crime Stoppers V.I. at 800-222-TIPS, directly to the Chief’s Office at 340-715-5546 or the Commissioner’s Office at 340-715-5506.
St. Thomas Man Turns Himself In for Strangulation Accusation
A St. Thomas man turned himself into the authorities Wednesday after a former acquaintance accused him of strangling her, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Oct. 12, the Domestic Violence Unit was notified of a domestic violence assault case that occurred in the area of Kronprindsens Gade, according to the police report.
The victim, an adult female, reported that on Saturday, Oct. 12, at about 3:40 p.m., Abdul Ghaffar Abiff came to her residence and strangled her. She mentioned that Abiff showed up at her residence after she declined more than 30 calls and asked her for money to buy food. She stated that she threw the money through the front door; however, Abiff entered her residence without her permission and began to strangle her, the police report stated.
On Wednesday, Abiff, 28, surrendered himself to the Domestic Violence Unit. He chose not to give a statement, so he was officially booked, processed, and then handed over to the Bureau of Corrections while awaiting his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
Abiff was charged with second-degree assault DV, simple assault DV, and disturbing the peace DV, it said.
This case is currently under investigation by the Domestic Violence Unit. Anyone who has
information about this crime can notify 911, the Domestic Violence Unit at 340-715-5535, or the Office of the Police Chief.
Peter Williams Jr. Dies at 57
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Peter Williams, Jr., 57, of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands on Sept. 27, 2024 at Broward Memorial Health Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Peter was born on July 2, 1967 on St. Thomas, where he spent his life deeply embedded in the fabric of his community through both his professional and personal endeavors.
Peter dedicated more than 15 years to the V.I. Department of Education. He began his journey as a Rising Stars Steel Orchestra member and moved up to being an instructor. He later transitioned to roles as a warehouse worker and a truck driver for the school lunch program.
Peter is survived by a large and loving family including:
Mother: Isabelita Grant Williams
Father: Peter Williams Sr. and his wife Jillian Williams
Stepfather: Albert Brathwaite
Wife: Leonerys “Yossi” Novas Valdez and her two children Yomilsy and Joshua Novas
Sisters: Anna and Selina Williams, Linda Brathwaite Maduro, Elena Brathwaite, Angela, Alaina, Asheby and Augustina Williams, Shenica Grant, Chelsea Rogers, Brenda Vanterpool, Rosanna Jean Baptiste, Jenelle, and Acia Brathwaite
Brothers: Anthony “Tony”, Andrew, Alexander, Andre and Alonzo Williams, Akeem and Ajamor Brathwaite
Brother In Law: Curtis Maduro
Nephew and Godson: Nasif Farrell
He is also survived by his 25 nieces, 28 nephews, 10.5 great nieces and 11 great nephews, plus many more uncles, aunts, cousins, relatives and friends, whose names are too numerous to mention.
The funeral service will be held at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematorium on Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. A viewing will be at 9:00 a.m. with services following at 10:00 a.m. There will be no burial services. In lieu of traditional mourning colors, the family requests the joy of your company in his favorite colors: red, gold and green.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematorium in St. Thomas. Max Gumbs Dies at 76
The family announces the passing of Max Gumbs who died Sept. 29, 2024, at the age of 76.
Max was preceded in death by his mother Frances Ann Brooks, father Maxwell Gumbs, son Leayle Gumbs, sister Lisette Brooks Orton, brother Ralph Carter Brooks, nephew Kwami Brooks, and mother-in-law Patricia Benjamin.
Max is survived by: his wife Jacqueline Gumbs; daughter Jenelle Gumbs; grandchildren Le’Andre Gumbs, Nathaniel and Candice Berkely-Gumbs and Leaya Francis; father-in-law Josesph H. Benjamin; sisters Rosalind Carter Farrell, Verlin Batts, Barbara Brooks, Cherille Brooks Hamilton, Lisa Brooks Josiah and Josean Alrendale; adopted sister Dr. Marva Gumbs-Picou; sisters-in law Doldria Benjamin, Sandra, Gumbs, Sharlene and Julie Gumbs; brothers Russell, Jerome, Anthony, Glenford, Conrad and Clement Gumbs, Raymond, Alfred and Ashton Brooks; brothers-in-law Gerald Hamilton Sr., Angel Josiah, Alton Batts, Joseph T. Benjamin, Michael Brown and Sheldon Benjamin; nephews Joemain Carter, Jamal Brooks, Khariim Farrell, Paul Remy, Jr and Gerard Hamilton, Jr.; neices Sharmain Carter, Talesha Austin, Nicole Watson, Natalie Carter, Patrise and Pamella Remy, Cherise Hamilton and Niquel Orton; great nephews Brandon and Bryan Austin, Lamont Keeling, Kaylin, Jahknowmi and Jahhaile Carter, Alexander Carter Laurency and Joseph Salda Jr.; great nieces Alyisa and Alvia Watson, Kadence Orton, Paisley, Summer and Khori Banks and Jaiden Remy; cousins Bernice Brooks, Doreth B. Gumbs, Judith Gumbs and Delva Gumbs-Turnbull and Arliss Brooks.
He is also survived by many godchildren, along with other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Viewing will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 9 to 10:00 a.m., at Calvary Baptist Church, with the service to follow at 10:00 a.m. Internment is private.
The family requests that you send a donation to Calvary Baptist Church’s building funds in honor of Max Gumbs in lieu of flowers or wreaths.
Arrangements by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
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Raymond Jackson Bastian Dies
Raymond Jackson Bastian, also known as “Ramon,” of Eliza Retreat died on Sept. 20.
Raymond is survived by his nieces: Athalie and Angeline R. Williams, and Denise Thomas; nephews: Allan Graham, Gary Thomas and Robert McDuffie; great-nieces: Thema and Isulah Macedon, Kiswana, Shalisma and N’Qwanda Williams, Ashley Thomas and Maria T. Rodriquez; great-nephews: Jarrod Murphy, Selah “Bambi” Macedon, N’Quari, Kijante, Shadiqu and Z’Kijah Williams, Jordon, Justin and Jamal Thomas; and great-great-nieces: T’Janae Jack and Amira.
He is also survived by great-great-nephews: Kylee Murphy, Jerome Russell Jr., Malakai Christian, Daniel N. Salter and Amari; and special family and friends: Walton “Selah” Macedon, Velette Lang Joseph and family, Angela Quetel and family, Shirley and Michelle O’Reilly, Cheryl O’Reilly Jacobs, Janis Esannason, Belto, Lydia and Angel “Compai” Encarnacion and family, Angelita “Nitty” Gautier, Myrtle Roberts, Wayne and Gussie Harvey, Hans “Panchie” Larsen, Kenneth “Kim” Motta, Gloria Joseph, Alma Roberts and Tal Edney.
Other surviving special family and friends include: Adell Nicholas, Angel “Puchy” Aleman, The Welco Gas Station crew, Yen Skov Saturday crew, The Collective Collaboration Inc., Abdul, Smart Buy and Time Square crew, Bunkers of St. Croix Inc., Black Hawk crew, Nichole’s Food Truck crew (Christiansted Wharf), Jackson family, Hansen family, Bastian family, Sealey family, Gallows Bay family, Eliza Retreat family, and Hendricks family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
In honoring Raymond’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Thank you for your understanding.
The family of Raymond would like to express our deep appreciation and to thank you for your expressions of sympathy during our time of bereavement.
WAPA Seeks State of Emergency Extension as Blackouts Loom; Senators Demand Reform
Meet the Candidates | Kurt Vialet
As we gear up for the 2024 Senate elections, it’s crucial to know where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to our community. To keep you informed, The Source has compiled a list of key questions on pressing topics affecting the Virgin Islands. The answers below are from former St. Croix District Sen. Kurt Vialet:
Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you?
As a former educator and senator, I am seeking election to the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands to ensure some accountability measures are in place for the betterment of this territory we all love, work and play. In earnest, the Virgin Islands is poised for a transformation in infrastructure with billions of dollars from the Federal Government yet, seven years later and we have yet to see this transformation. As a resident, the problems plaguing these islands are so evident. St. Croix specifically needs a strong voice and experienced leadership to address the myriads of issues facing us. I stayed away from office for two years and saw a steady decline in government’s services to its people. A Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics and a Master of Arts in Administration and Supervision, I have been tasked with many leadership roles to include mathematics teacher, assistant principal, principal, senator, Finance Committee chair, chair of the GERS Subcommittee and I have succeeded in every aspect to bring about change in the best interest of the people of this territory. This experience has given me a vast knowledge of governance and a clear understanding of the intricacies of government. I am always ready and willing to serve to bring about formidable progress for the people.
How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?
Inflation continues to be on the rise across the nation. As a senator in the 34th Legislature, I asked the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to conduct a study of shipping costs and its effect on prices in the Virgin Islands. The study has been completed and there is a need to determine whether a present mark up in prices are reasonable. I would encourage the DLCA to host a meeting with the stakeholders and publish the study so that we can closely monitor businesses and analyze the fair market cost of importation of goods to this territory. As the prime sponsor of the “First Time Home Buyers Act,” I created this legislation to assist home buyers with a down payment and closing costs. I plan to initiate discussion with banks, insurance companies and realtors to discuss issues and additional possible solutions for affordable housing.
How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy?
I would promote the establishment of microgrids by utilizing solar energy and a possible tie in with Port Hamiton to utilize their excess power generation. Federal funds that are earmarked for the transmission system must be utilized for the hardening of the system by completing the installation of composite poles and undergrounding of main lines.
What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?
Oversight! Oversight! Oversight of all departments or agencies that handle disaster recovery projects. The job of the Legislature is to hold them accountable.
What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve?
The learning loss that occurred because of two Category 5 hurricanes and Covid in 2020 has been devastating to our students. I am a proponent of entrance testing exams, and I strongly believe that we need to test every student to determine their grade level. An educational plan must be developed for each student that meets them at their grade level by establishing tutorials, extended school days and summer programs. Additionally, we must invest in the infrastructure by the full utilization of federal funds.
What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men?
Education is the answer to preventing violent crimes! An educated community that is tied to opportunities that are provided to the younger generation is a deterrent to crime. Young men need to be provided with vocational and career tech opportunities that will lead to good paying jobs. Enforcement needs to be enhanced by utilizing technology and best practices.
How can the territory improve upon its tourism product while addressing growing concerns about over-tourism? Are we too reliant on cruise tourism and what can be done to bring more overnight visitors?
Tourism has slowly evolved into an industry that values experiences. The tourism product, especially on St. Thomas, have remained the same for the past 20 years while other jurisdictions are continuously tweaking their products. There is a need for rebranding and an emphasis on expanding overnight guests. There is a great possibility of an additional 100 hotel rooms being built in Christiansted. These projects are already approved and should be fast tracked. Lastly, the Tourism office on St. Croix needs to be fully staffed with competent, assertive individuals.
What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?
Mental health and homelessness are a growing concern that seems to be expanding throughout the territory. As a senator we allocated monies for the purchase of behavioral health vans for all islands. Monies were also appropriated to hire staff so that those vans could go out into the community and provide services to those in need. We need to implement the use of these vans. Lastly, we need to utilize the federal funds or the “Epstein Monies” to build a mental health facility.
What plans do you have to reestablish the libraries in the territory?
Libraries, as you know, promote equity and inclusivity by offering resources and services that are accessible to everyone. Libraries are under the jurisdiction of DPNR and hence a function of the Executive Branch. Monies have been allocated both locally and federally, to repair all libraries and there is simply a need for execution. Furthermore, there are many competent Virgin Islanders here and abroad with degrees in Library Science and Management that can elevate the function of our libraries as they are an important part of our community.
How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?
Affordable health care is a need that residents should have access to. The cost of health insurance is extremely costly for individuals and small businesses. As a senator I would move a resolution to Congress that provides a justification and request to be included in the Affordable Care Act. As American citizens it is our right.
Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.
Over the past seven years we have lost over 20,000 residents. The loss of this population has severely impacted small businesses. As a senator, I would discuss economic initiatives to lure manufacturing companies back to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?
I would want to be a genie wherein with a blink of my eyes, I can transform the Virgin Islands into a land of outstanding education opportunities, excellent healthcare, an infrastructure that we can all be pleased with and a society free of violence.
