Tracy Lee Desmond was born on December 1, 1964, and passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026.
Tracy Lee Desmond
She will be lovingly remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the joy she brought to those around her. Tracy’s kindness and unwavering love for her family and friends left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
She is survived by her devoted husband, William Desmond; her beloved daughters, Téa Desmond and Kerri Gentzs (Desmond); her cherished grandchild, Kayden Gentzs; and her special friends, too numerous to mention. Tracy’s presence in their lives was a source of strength, comfort, and endless love.
A Celebration of Life in honor of Tracy will be held on Saturday, April 18, at Ziggy’s, 5088 Estate Solitude, Christiansted, Virgin Islands 00820, beginning at 3 p.m. Family, friends and everyone who shared a part of Tracy are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate the beautiful life she lived.
Tracy Lee Desmond will be deeply missed and forever remembered in the hearts of her family and all who loved her.
The French Academy of Performing Arts proudly announces that three of its young dancers have been accepted into multiple summer intensive programs with the world-renowned Joffrey Ballet School—a historic achievement for the U.S. Virgin Islands and a testament to the territory’s rising excellence in the performing arts.
Three young USVI dancers are headed to the prestigious Joffrey Ballet School for a summer program. (Submitted photo)
With over 60 years of global impact, the Joffrey Ballet School is recognized as one of the most prestigious dance institutions in the world, known for its rigorous pre-professional training and its pioneering role in shaping American dance through both classical and innovative contemporary techniques. Its mission—advancing dance through artisticexcellence, innovation, and arts education—aligns closely with the vision of FAPA USVI.
Rising Stars from the Virgin Islands – FAPA Power of Purple Movement
The following FAPA students, beginning as young as age 8, have earned acceptance into multiple Joffrey Ballet School programs:
• Dior James (Age 8)
• Nubia Richards (Age 9)
• Azalea Pearsall (Age 10)
Each student successfully completed a competitive audition process and has been invited to attend a variety of prestigious national and international summer intensives, including:
• NYC Ballet Intensive
• JoffreyRED Program
• Joffrey San Francisco
• Joffrey Colorado
• Joffrey South Ballet
• Joffrey Miami Ballet
• Joffrey Las Vegas Ballet
• Joffrey Dallas
• Joffrey West
• Joffrey Midwest
• Joffrey Akron
• Joffrey Italy
• NYC Musical Theater Intensive
Ballet at the Core of Excellence
At the heart of FAPA’s training is classical ballet, the foundational discipline that shapes strength, technique, posture, and artistry. All three students are full-time FAPA dancers, committed to a comprehensive training schedule that reflects the standards of preprofessional programs. Attending Monday – Saturday.
Each student participates in regular ballet classes while also training across multiple genres, including:
• Ballet
• Modern / Contemporary
• Jazz & Theatre
• Gymnastics / Acrobatics
• Fusion & Performance-Based Training
This well-rounded approach ensures that dancers develop not only technical excellence but also versatility, musicality, and stage presence—qualities essential for success in elite institutions like the Joffrey Ballet School.
FAPA Dance Team – Training Beyond the Studio
In addition to their full-time training, these students are proud members of the FAPA Dance Team, an elite group of dancers who travel annually to regional and national competitions, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands on major stages.
Through competition experiences, these dancers gain:
• Advanced performance confidence
• Real-world stage exposure
• Competitive discipline and resilience
• National recognition and scholarship opportunities
This level of commitment further prepares them for the demands of prestigious programs and reinforces their ability to perform at a high level among top dancers from around the world.
Preparing for Excellence Beyond Acceptance
FAPA’s success is not by chance—it is built through intentional audition training and professional preparation. These students underwent a focused audition training process designed not only to secure acceptance, but to prepare them for what it truly takes to thrive in prestigious programs. A 3-week journey that emphasized training in:
• Professional class etiquette and discipline
• Technical precision and retention
• Confidence and performance quality
• The time management, conduct, mindset, and expectations of a pre-professional dancer FAPA ensures that its students are not only accepted into top-tier programs but are fully prepared to succeed within them, upholding the highest standards of professionalism and artistry expected at institutions such as the Joffrey Ballet School.
Elevating Arts Education in the U.S. Virgin Islands
FAPA USVI continues to serve as a beacon of opportunity and excellence in the Virgin Islands, providing youth with access to world-class training and pathways to professional careers in the arts. Under the leadership of Director Lea Scott and alongside esteemed mentor Laurence Floquet, the academy has consistently cultivated discipline, artistry, and ambition among its students.
Through years of dedication, FAPA & its Director Lea Scott has grown into an award-winning choreographer and studio. Acknowledged for professional dance classes, AfterSchool Programs, Summer & Winter Intensives, Annual Recitals and much more
Gaining national recognized scholarship programs, opening doors for young dancers to compete, train, and succeed on national and international stages.
Investing in the Future of Our Youth
This milestone highlights the importance of investing in arts education and creating opportunities for young people in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dance is not only an expressive art form but also a powerful discipline that builds confidence, leadership, and academic strength—enhancing student portfolios and future success.
“These opportunities show our children that greatness is possible from right here at home,” said Director Lea Scott. “We are proud to represent the Virgin Islands and to continue building pathways for our youth to dream bigger, work harder, and achieve more.
Trust the process, Believe in yourself and Stay Committed!”
About FAPA USVI
The French Academy of Performing Arts (FAPA USVI) is a premier performing arts institutionbased in St. Thomas, dedicated to providing high-quality dance education, professionaltraining, and performance opportunities for youth across the Virgin Islands. Through itsprograms and its nonprofit partner, The French Ballet Theatre, Inc., FAPA continues toinspire excellence, cultural pride, and artistic achievement.
Visible satellite imagery obtained at 8:40 a.m. Tuesday shows a broad area of clouds and moisture across parts of the northeastern Caribbean as unsettled weather continues across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
The National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said Tuesday that unsettled weather will continue across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, where a Flood Watch is in place through Wednesday morning as showers and thunderstorms raise the risk of flooding across the region.
Flood Watch and Rainfall Threat
The NWS said additional periods of heavy rainfall will continue to raise the risk of flooding across the region, with flash flooding possible as soils become increasingly saturated. Rivers and streams may rise out of their banks, and landslides are also possible.
“The Flood Watch remains in effect through Wednesday morning, as conditions remain favorable for excessive rainfall and flooding across the region,” the NWS said. “While the exact placement and timing of the heaviest rainfall has varied from earlier expectations, the overall forecast remains on track, with a moist and unstable pattern in place. Additional rainfall amounts of one to three inches per day, with locally higher totals, are expected to continue on Tuesday.”
Although the Flood Watch is set to expire at 8 a.m. Wednesday, meteorologists cautioned that rainfall and thunderstorms will likely continue at times through the rest of the week, and gusty winds are also possible.
“Deteriorating weather conditions are expected to continue through the rest of the week as an unsettled pattern promotes periods of showers and thunderstorms across the region,” the NWS said. “Variable and unstable weather conditions will prevail across the U.S. Virgin Islands, driven by increasing atmospheric instability and shifting wind patterns, which will support the development of scattered to numerous showers and isolated thunderstorms,” the NWS continued.
Dark clouds hang over Christiansted Harbor Tuesday on St. Croix as unsettled weather continues across the territory. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Marine Conditions
Marine and beach hazards are also expected to persist. The NWS said pulses of a northerly swell will continue to affect the region over the next several days, and that showers and thunderstorms over the local waters will create locally hazardous marine conditions through at least midweek.
The NWS also noted that “a moderate risk of rip currents is expected to continue for most north- and east-facing beaches of Puerto Rico, including Vieques and Culebra, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
Wet conditions are seen along the Christiansted Harbor boardwalk Tuesday morning on St. Croix as periods of showers continue across the region. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
Local Weather Updates
Information regarding the weather across the USVI, including marine forecasts, is available from the NWS and NOAA. Additionally, the local forecast is regularly updated on the Source Weather Page, where a weekly video forecast is available. Residents and visitors can also view weather alerts and disaster preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.
A National Weather Service graphic shows an elevated to significant flooding risk continuing Tuesday across Puerto Rico, Vieques, Culebra and the U.S. Virgin Islands, where unstable weather and abundant moisture are creating favorable conditions for flooding. (Photo courtesy NWS)A Flood Watch remains in effect through 8 a.m. Wednesday for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy NWS)
In the Virgin Islands, unreliable power is no longer an occasional disruption; it is a daily reality. And for far too many families and businesses, it is a burden we can no longer afford to carry.
Donna Frett-Gregory (Submitted photo)
I am compelled to speak out because our people deserve better. Across our territory, families are throwing away spoiled food, small businesses are losing revenue, and households are dealing with damaged appliances and constant uncertainty. For seniors who live alone, and for individuals with health conditions who depend on electricity for their care and safety, these outages are not just frustrating. They are dangerous.
This is not simply an infrastructure issue. It is a quality-of-life issue. It is an economic issue. And most importantly, it is a leadership issue. We cannot pretend this problem is new, nor can we say that nothing has been tried. During my time in the Legislature, I worked alongside my colleagues to strengthen oversight of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. We restructured its governing board to include individuals with technical and financial expertise. I sponsored legislation requiring a 60-day outage response plan, a comprehensive grid modernization strategy, and an independent financial and operational assessment with clear recommendations. These were deliberate steps to improve accountability, performance, and long-term reliability. But the reality is clear: the results have not matched the urgency of the problem.
When investments and approaches are not producing results, leadership must have the discipline to reevaluate them and redirect resources toward solutions that work. The people of the Virgin Islands are not asking for perfection. We are asking for honesty. We are asking for action. We are asking for results.
Leadership cannot continue studying this problem while people live with daily outages. What is needed now is decisive action guided by a clear, accountable, and measurable plan stabilization must happen immediately. Temporary generation and emergency support solutions should be deployed without delay to reduce outages and provide relief while major overhauls are performed on existing units. We need a strategic energy plan with defined timelines, one that includes short-term and long-term goals, clear milestones, funding strategies, and measurable outcomes the public can track.
The damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria continues to affect our system today. We must invest in rebuilding and strengthening critical infrastructure. That means restoring substations, reestablishing fiber connections, installing generation on St. John, and developing new submarine cable connections between St. Thomas and St. John to create a more integrated and reliable grid. Diversifying our energy mix is also essential. Expanding renewable energy, while maintaining system stability, will reduce our dependence on imported fuel and help control long-term costs.
At the same time, we must take deliberate steps to lower the cost of electricity for residents and businesses. That includes improving operational efficiency, reducing system losses, pursuing more cost-effective fuel and energy sources, and ensuring that investments made today translate into real savings for consumers. Affordable energy is not optional. It is fundamental to economic growth, business stability, and the financial well-being of our people.
Transparency must become the standard. The public deserves consistent, clear updates on system conditions, repairs, timelines, and performance. Accountability must also be enforced. Benchmarks must be established, progress must be tracked, and there must be consequences when results are not achieved.
The path forward will not be easy. It will require tough and disciplined decisions. But what we cannot do is continue onthe current course. The lack of urgency and the cost of inaction are too high, and that price is being paid every single day by the people of this Territory.
We deserve more than promises and explanations. We deserve a power system that is reliable, a strategy that is credible, and leadership that is prepared to act with urgency.
Relief must be felt, not promised.
— Donna Frett-Gregory served in the 33rd, 34th, and 35th Legislatures of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Beyond public service, she is the Chief Operating Officer of Pivot Point Strategies and Executive Director of the DFG Community Impact Foundation of the Virgin Islands.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority moves to acquire emergency generators to improve reliability in the St. Thomas–St. John district, with a focus on strengthening service on St. John. (Source file photo)
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board has approved moving forward with the acquisition of emergency standby generators to strengthen power reliability in the St. Thomas–St. John district, with a particular focus on St. John.
The emergency meeting, held Monday afternoon, comes just days after the authority was called before lawmakers during a legislative hearing, as residents on St. Thomas and St. John continue to grapple with weeks of rolling blackouts that have left homes in the dark, spoiled food in refrigerators, and forced some small businesses to shutter.
Meeting with a quorum of five members and one excused absence, the board unanimously adopted its agenda before hearing an update from Executive Director Karl Knight on the territory’s ongoing emergency generation efforts.
Knight outlined a plan to acquire five generators that are already available and can be deployed without manufacturing delays. The units are expected to be strategically distributed, with two placed in Frank Bay and two in Coral Bay on St. John, and a fifth unit supporting operations at the Randolph Harley Power Plant on St. Thomas.
The initiative is designed to serve two key purposes: to supplement capacity at the Harley plant and to provide localized emergency generation for St. John in the event the island becomes isolated, or the main plant cannot meet demand.
“These are not prime power generators,” Knight explained, noting that the units are intended strictly for emergency use. However, he emphasized that the generators will have black start capability, allowing them to restore power independently if necessary.
The acquisition is being carefully aligned with broader, long-term energy planning for St. John, including a microgrid project that will incorporate a switching station in Coral Bay, battery energy storage systems, and a future solar farm. Engineering for that project is already underway, with Coral Bay approximately 60% complete and Frank Bay about 30% complete.
To accelerate deployment, WAPA is prioritizing generators that match the territory’s existing distribution voltage, avoiding the need for step-up transformers, which currently carry lead times of up to 50 weeks.
“We have a mission of trying to get emergency power onto St. John within the next four to six months,” Knight said.
Funding for the project will draw on disaster recovery and capital improvement resources, while engineering and planning efforts are supported through FEMA-funded initiatives tied to the territory’s long-term grid modernization.
Following the discussion, the board entered executive session to review vendor proposals. Upon returning, members approved moving forward with the generator acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the accelerated timeline.
Board members also noted the significance of the decision for residents of St. John, who have faced ongoing concerns about grid reliability.
“This is an important step forward for the people of St. John,” said Board Chair Maurice K. Muia. “We have to hold ourselves accountable to ensuring these generators are in place and ready when they are needed.”
Editor’s Note: For an in-depth look at the history of WAPA’s issues, check out this series published by the Source in 2019.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach delivered a short press briefing Monday afternoon while Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. is out of the territory to attend the annual Seatrade cruise ship conference in Miami Beach, Florida. (Screenshot from V.I. Government House Facebook livestream)
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach said Monday that the Virgin Islands government is preparing to issue $15 million in income tax refunds in anticipation of the St. Thomas Carnival season.
“We know these refunds make a real difference for families, especially at a time when households are trying to manage the rising cost of living and as they’re preparing to enjoy the Carnival holidays,” he said. “This administration remains committed to getting tax refunds out to the people of the Virgin Islands as quickly and responsibly as possible, and we are pleased to be able to move this next round of payments at this time.”
Roach did not specify which taxpayers would be receiving refunds for which filing year. The short, virtual briefing also included mentions of a recent groundbreaking for the Bertha C. Boschulte PreK-8 School and Charlotte Amalie High School modernizations on St. Thomas, as well as the upcoming groundbreaking for the rebuilding of St. Croix Central High School, slated for April 21.
“These are important milestones — not only for recovery, but for the future of public education in the Virgin Islands,” Roach said. “They reflect real movement, real investment and a continued commitment to building back stronger for our students, our families and our communities.”
Roach also described Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s attendance at the annual Seatrade Cruise Global conference in Miami Beach, Florida, as a continuation of “the administration’s work to strengthen the Virgin Islands’ position in the regional and global tourism economy,” which advances “opportunities that support our people, our ports and our broader economy.”
Educators will participate in a professional development workshop hosted by the University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, focused on strengthening the school counselor’s role in the special education referral process. (Shutterstock image)
The University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, a nonprofit organization a part of the University of the Virgin Islands, will present a professional development workshop titled “Right Student, Right Support, Right Time: Clarifying the School Counselor’s Role in the Special Education Referral Process.”
The workshop aims to provide school counselors with a clearer understanding of their responsibilities when identifying and referring students who may require special education services. The session will be facilitated by Rashida Lester, president of the USVI School Counselor Association.
The workshop will be offered twice on Tuesday. On St. Croix, the session will take place at the UVI Evans Center, Room 716, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On St. Thomas, the session will be held at the UVI Innovation Center (formerly West Bay) from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The workshop is designed to help counselors navigate the referral process with greater precision, ensuring that students receive appropriate support in a timely manner. By clarifying the counselor’s specific role, the session intends to reduce confusion and improve outcomes for students with potential disabilities. “There is a real opportunity here to strengthen how we move students from concern to support. This workshop helps counselors better understand their role, so the process feels clearer, and students are more likely to receive the support that fits their individualized needs,” said Shamika Thomas, the executive director of VIUCEDD.
Registration is required. Interested attendees can register using this link.
For additional information, contact VIUCEDD at khalifa.thomas@uvi.edu or call 340-693.1322.
Young artists across the territory are invited to share their vision for improving their communities through the Public Works Department’s student art competition. (Shutterstock image)
The Virgin Islands Public Works Department has announced a new art competition for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Titled “If I Worked for Public Works,” the initiative invites young residents to submit original artwork depicting what they would build, fix, or improve to benefit their community.
According to Sheeniqua Venzen, strategic specialist at DPW, the competition was designed as a way to give back to the children of the Virgin Islands during National Public Works Week, which occurs from May 17 to May 23.
“DPW plays a major role in shaping our daily lives from roads and drainage to public facilities. We believe it is crucial to engage young minds and give them a chance to express how they see the future of our infrastructure. There are very few territory-wide opportunities like this, and we wanted to create a space where children can showcase their creativity and feel connected to their community,” Venzen said.
Students are given full creative freedom in their submissions; artwork may depict either realistic infrastructure improvements or imaginative, futuristic concepts. “We are excited to see how children interpret that. As noted on the flyer, both real and imagined ideas are welcomed,” Venzen said. Acceptable media include drawing, painting, and collage. All artwork must be no larger than 11×14 inches, and students must write their name, grade, and school on the back of each entry.
The submission deadline is May 4 and artwork must be submitted electronically using this submission link.
Participating schools in the St. Thomas-St. John district includes Jane E. Tuitt, Joseph Gomez, Joseph Sibilly, Yvonne Milliner-Bowsky, Ulla F. Muller, Julius E. Sprauve, and Lockhart Elementary. In the St. Croix district, Pearl B. Larsen, Juanita Gardine, Lew Muckle, Ricardo Richards, Alfredo Andrews, Eulalie Rivera, and Claude O. Markoe will be participating.
Judging will be based on creativity, effort, and connection to the theme. Cash prizes of $100 will be awarded to winners in each grade group (K-1, 2-3, and 4-5). All participants will receive certificates, and selected winner’s artwork will be displayed during DPW Week. The community will be able to view selected artworks on all DPW platforms when winners are officially announced during DPW Week on May 19.
“It is a great opportunity for students to express themselves creatively while learning about the role the DPW plays in our community, as well as recognizing the hardworking employees who help maintain and improve our community,” Venzen said.
Students who are participating can submit their artwork by clicking here.
For questions, educators and parents may contact DPW at dpwcommunications@dpw.vi.gov.
Police respond to a shooting incident Monday morning near the Good Hope Townhouses on St. Croix. (Photo courtesy VIPD)
A man was killed and another injured in a shooting reported Monday morning near the Good Hope Townhouses on St. Croix, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
The 911 Emergency Call Center received ShotSpotter alerts around 10 a.m. Monday, followed by multiple calls reporting two male gunshot victims, according to the police report.
Emergency Medical Services personnel confirmed one of the victims dead at the scene. He was later identified by next of kin as 26-year-old Sylvester Christopher Jr., the police report stated.
Christopher’s death marks the fifth homicide reported this year on St. Croix and the eighth in the territory, with three recorded on St. Thomas and none on St. John, according to the Source Homicide List*.
The second victim sustained injuries. His condition was not immediately released, the release stated.
Police said the case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211, or Crime Stoppers VI at 800-222-8477.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of homicides recorded in 2026 in the U.S. Virgin Islands based on reports from the Virgin Islands Police Department. The listing does not include suicides or vehicular homicides, which are sometimes counted in police statistics and by other media outlets, creating occasional discrepancies in totals.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority announces the safe return of its second restoration crew, who arrived back to the territory yesterday after spending several weeks in Jamaica supporting recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest ever recorded storms in the Atlantic.
A WAPA lineman in Jamaica. (Submitted photo)
The crew, comprised of linemen and support safety personnel from St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, joined a broader, international restoration effort to help rebuild critical electrical infrastructure and restore power to communities that had been without service for months.
WAPA extends its deepest gratitude for the opportunity to assist our Caribbean neighbors during a time of great need. The Authority is equally grateful for the safe return of its team members, whose expertise, resilience, and dedication to service were on full display throughout the mission.
While in Jamaica, WAPA crews worked alongside utility professionals from across the region and around the world, navigating challenging terrain and conditions to bring power back to hundreds of families. The team was met with an outpouring of appreciation from Jamaican residents, many of whom had endured extended outages.
“Serving in Jamaica was a humbling experience for all of us,” said Gerry Simon, Assistant Safety Director of WAPA, who was part of the deployment. “As much as this was an opportunity to give back through our services, it also allowed our teams to exchange knowledge and build camaraderie with the other crews, which strengthens our ability to serve our own communities even better.”
Moments like these reaffirm the Authority’s role as a public servant, extending care, expertise, and solidarity beyond its shores. The Authority extends sincere appreciation to the restoration crew, including the first and second linemen delegations: Charles E. Isles, Jr., Rey E. Belardo, Jr., Omari H. George, Jonathan J. Gonzalez, Anthoni Gonzalez, Bevron M. Goodwin, Roy Freeland, Juan A. Velez, Jr., Luiscito B. Frederick, Misael Mendoza, Jr., Evanson Matthew, Jr., and Judah B. Alexander.
WAPA thanks the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) and people of Jamaica for their warm hospitality and for the care shown to our crews during their time on the ground. The Authority also recognizes the families of its employees, whose support made this deployment possible.
With hurricane season around the corner, WAPA continues to prioritize training and preparedness, ensuring our teams are ready to respond and restore the communities we serve across the territory.
