On Sunday, at approximately 3:05 a.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center was alerted by the ShotSpotter detection system that multiple gunshots were fired on Kronprindsens Gade on St. Thomas, the V.I. Police Department reported.
Responding officers traveled to the area of the Tequila Bar and discovered a man who had sustained gunshot wounds about his body. An emergency medical technician at the scene concluded that he did not have any vital signs, the police report stated.
The identity of the victim is pending identification by next of kin. He is the territory’s 26th homicide victim of the year, and the 16th on St. Thomas, according to the Source Homicide List.*
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-774-2211, or the Criminal Investigation Unit’s Major Crimes Division at 340-714-9823, 340-714-9828, or 340-714-9829. You can also contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
*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.
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The Health Resources and Services Administration, part of the U.S. Health and Human Services Department recently awarded funding to the USVI to improve mental health services. (Shutterstock image)
Funds provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), part of the United States Health and Human Services Department (HHS), were recently awarded to the U.S. Virgin Islands to improve mental health care services. Additionally, finances provided by the V.I. Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) have been allocated to local organizations to enhance community wellness and support.
“The HRSA, an agency within the U.S. HHS, announced $600,000 in an award to launch and expand mental health and substance use disorder services at one community health center in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” according to a recent press release from HRSA and recently shared by the Source.
The $600,000 awarded by HHS will benefit Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., which operates four medical facilities across St. Croix, and the Source reported that Frederiksted Health Care’s Ingeborg Nesbitt Clinic, located in Frederiksted, will be the recipient of the funding. The mission of the medical organization is “to provide non-discriminatory, evidence-based, affordable, and accessible health care to the community of St. Croix,” according to the company website.
“Health centers are trusted community providers and a primary source of care for individuals who are uninsured, underinsured, or enrolled in Medicaid – making them well-positioned to respond to the urgent need for behavioral health services that are high quality, stigma-free, culturally competent and readily accessible,” the HHS press release explained. “These grants will help expand access to needed care to help tackle the nation’s mental health and opioid crises – two pillars of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Unity Agenda for the nation,” the press release noted.
A History of Inadequate Mental Health Care in the USVI
Lack of access to mental health care has plagued the territory for years. A recent Source article explained that funding has been a significant hurdle to creating broader access to mental health options.
“Psychiatrist and family physician Laurie McCormick, a part-time resident [of the USVI] since the 2017 hurricanes, said the reason there is a mental health crisis in the territory is because there hasn’t been adequate funding for a full-time community psychiatrist for the DOH on St. Thomas,” according to the Source article. “[McCormick] said there isn’t enough funding because the bill for off-island patients takes most of DOH’s $7 million Mental Health Division budget,” the article continued.
“Since the demolition of the behavioral inpatient unit on St. Croix over 10 years ago, there has not been adequate psychiatric treatment nor the funds to send patients to St. Thomas,” the Source article explained.
In March 2024, tragic events related to a lack of access to mental health care led to the following statement released by the Source Editorial Team:
“As a community, we must reflect on our collective responsibility. If there were indeed warnings, if social media posts or concerning behaviors went unnoticed or unheeded, then it prompts us to question whether we missed opportunities to support our most vulnerable members. By fostering a culture of empathy and support instead of stigma, we can create a stronger community where everyone feels valued and cared for,” according to The Source.
“We must aggressively advocate for improved mental health care in the U.S. Virgin Islands. It’s unacceptable that our community members have been left without access to vital services for so long,” the statement continued.
Possibility of a New Territory Mental Health Care Facility
Fortunately, a new facility may soon be available for USVI residents on St. Thomas. As was also reported by the Source, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. recently revealed that the Government of the Virgin Islands has made initial plans to potentially convert the Sea View Nursing Facility on St. Thomas, which has been closed since 2020, into a center dedicated to mental health.
“Saying the territory ‘can’t afford’ two mental health facilities but would benefit more from one fully staffed and operational one, Bryan said instead that last week, he and the commissioners of Health and Human Services toured the 40-bed Sea View Nursing Facility on St. Thomas,” the Source article stated. “The governor said it is ‘mostly intact,’ that he had signed a letter of intent with the seller, and that it could be renovated more quickly with the funds,” the article continued.
The Government of the Virgin Islands has made initial plans to potentially convert the Sea View Nursing Facility on St. Thomas, which has been closed since 2020, into a center dedicated to mental health. (Source file photo)
During a weekly Government House press briefing on Monday, Oct. 7, the Source asked officials at Government House if there had been any updated information on the procurement of the facility.
“[There are no updates] at this current moment,” said Richard Motta, Government House director of communications. “[However,] the [Bryan/Roach] administration is interested in purchasing that facility, [and] to my knowledge, the negotiations and conversations are still ongoing with the owner of the facility,” Motta explained.
Funds Designated for Community Wellness Initiatives
In addition to the financial award from HHS for Frederiksted Health Care, Inc., over $1 million in grant money has been provided by the V.I. ODR and has been allocated for local organizations to enhance community wellness and support, including a focus on mental health.
“ODR proudly announces over $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grants to fund three critical community initiatives that will provide essential services to vulnerable residents across the territory,” according to a recent press release from ODR. “These awards will bolster efforts to address homelessness, mental health, and youth development, underscoring ODR’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands,” the press release stated.
Three nonprofit organizations that have received funding from ODR are 1) Liberty Place: A Community Action Team, 2) Project Promise: The Caterpillar Afterschool Program on St. Croix, and 3) Meeting the Needs of the Community (MTOC): Mental Health Counseling on St. Thomas.
The following information from the ODR press release provided details about the groups that will receive financial aid:
Liberty Place: [Assertive] Community Action Team (STX) has been awarded $1,000,000 to deliver supportive housing and shelter services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Frederiksted, St. Croix. This significant investment will help meet the urgent housing needs of the community, offering safe and stable accommodation for those in need.
Project Promise: The Caterpillar Afterschool Program (STX) secured $95,000 to support the Caterpillar Afterschool Program in Christiansted, St. Croix. This comprehensive initiative targets at-risk youth ages 10-18, providing academic support, life skills training, and mentorship designed to foster positive development and resilience among young residents.
Meeting the Needs of the Community (MTOC): Mental Health Counseling (STT), formerly known as the Methodist Training and Outreach Center, will utilize $257,108 in funding to provide critical mental health and behavioral counseling services for those affected by post-traumatic stress and other issues stemming from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This support will play a crucial role in expanding access to mental health resources within the community.
Creating Mental Health Care Options for USVI Residents
Dan Derima, executive director of MTOC, shared further details on how the organization plans to increase opportunities for residents across the territory to obtain mental health care.
“MTOC applied for and obtained the CDBG-DR funding to provide mental health counseling for the community,” Derima said. “As this funding was recently awarded, we are currently aligning with our licensed providers to ensure that the program goals meet its objectives,” he continued.
“This funding is directed toward service costs to support the program [including finances for] counselors and other administrative costs,” Derima explained. “This is a one-time, nonrenewable grant, [and] we expect this funding to assist those experiencing mental health challenges across the community to [cope and better manage] their symptoms that are associated with traumatic experiences such as depression, anxiety, or other identified challenges,” he added.
Resa O’Reilly Shearn, founder and executive director of Project Promise, shared information with the Source about the Caterpillar Afterschool Program and how the program will benefit the community.
“As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Project Promise is dedicated to improving the lives of at-risk youth and their families on St. Croix by providing empowerment initiatives, cultural programs, and family support services,” O’Reilly Shearn said. “Project Promise provides the island’s only comprehensive education, health, career, and vocational support program for at-risk youth who are increasingly turning to crime and other risky behaviors,” O’Reilly Shearn continued.
“Due to struggling schools, decreased opportunities, and increases in at-risk behavior, the need for positive support services is imperative, [and] the goal of the Project Promise’s flagship Caterpillar Project is to identify those youth who are experiencing adolescent hardships and may have a rough transition into adulthood,” O’Reilly Shearn described.
“Project Promise offers [an] eight-component Caterpillar Project Afterschool and Weekend Program to youth, [focusing on] filling academic gaps and addressing socioemotional needs to avoid the stumbling blocks that can negatively impact their lives,” O’Reilly Shearn stated. “We integrate [this program] with community and psychosocial support to their families as they navigate economic challenges, public health disruptions, and weather disasters in their lives,” she said.
“The holistic program includes life coaching, community service, career exploration, personal health and wellness, cultural awareness, family support services, creative expression, and academic intervention,” O’Reilly Shearn explained. She noted that “students are selected in fifth grade and remain in the program through 12th grade.”
Finally, Leslie Raymer, Liberty Place’s chief financial officer, provided a press release to the Source that shared the following details about the organization’s Assertive Community Action Team and how the team—which includes social workers—plans to offer help to Virgin Islanders experiencing homelessness through funding awarded by CDBG-DR.
“Liberty Place, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of their newest program, Assertive Community Action Team (ACAT),” according to the press release. “The program works to enhance the lives of Crucians experiencing housing insecurity. [Through] providing outreach services, referral and linkage with mainstream services and housing, and crisis intervention for program clients, the strengths-based case management is inclusive to all homeless and housing vulnerable individuals,” the press release stated.
“Our social workers will monitor client progress with regular, ongoing contact with individuals receiving services in conjunction with partner agencies. In the [short term], the program is funded from the Liberty Place Inc. operational budget and community donations, while the agency continues to await [the] release of CDBG-Disaster Relief funds as awarded from [the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority] and now rests with the Office of Disaster Recovery,” the press release continued.
The 2024 U.S. Virgin Islands Robotics team included C’Niyah Smith, Ziva Caleb, Ethan Valery, Jiya Banwari, and Nnenaya Bedminster dressed in madras before the First Global Challenge in Athens, Greece. (Photo courtesy Risa O’Reilly Sheam)
Last June, a small group of 13 and 14-year-old St. Croix students joined a Project Promise program and started gathering once a week to draft plans to create a robot. Their goal was to participate in the “First Global Challenge” in Athens Greece, with 190 other teams worldwide. By the time they traveled, they were meeting twice a week or more.
Two team members, Ziva Caleb and Isolde Diaz Belle participated in the program last year, so their experience helped to build the robot this year.
The others were thankful for Caleb’s and Belle’s experience when several large boxes arrived with hundreds of screws, wheels, bolts, extrusions and tools randomly packed together. The boxes contained no instructions but teams could use as many pieces as they wanted – but only those sent by First Global, the event host and sponsor.
The goal of the project was to build a robot that would collect and deliver food (balls) into a container. University of the Virgin Islands instructor and programmer Brenda English was the team’s advisor. She helped teach the remote control to talk to the robot.
During the 10-day trip, the team participated in the opening ceremony, three days of competition and a bit of socializing with other teams. There was a robot hospital where androids were repaired and even built by a group of engineers.
The theme of the event was “Feeding the Future.” Team U.S. Virgin Islands was paired daily with two other teams to complete specific tasks, usually carrying and delivering food items to various locations. Each team received points for their participation. At the end of the event, there were three first-place, three second-place and three third-place winners, based on points awarded.
The U.S. Virgin Islands robotics team – Jiya Banwari, Ethan Valery, C’Niyah Smith, Ziva Caleb and Isolde Diaz Belle, with their 2024 robot. (Source photo by Susan Ellis)
Team U.S. Virgin Islands also visited the Acropolis. But the Crucians said their favorite part of the trip was meeting with and working with people from other countries.
Caleb said she loved collaborating with others, seeing their culture, and showing others how to assemble robotic parts.
“My favorite part was the Opening Ceremony because I got to go to a concert for the first time,” Ethan Valery said of seeing and meeting The Black Eyed Peas musical group.
“My favorite part was interacting with the different teams, communicating with them and hearing their languages,” C’Niyah Smith said.
Project Promise is a non-profit organization founded by Resa O’Reilly and incorporated in 2014. The goal is to help at-risk youth. Programs include the multi-year Caterpillar program and several outdoor and after-school programs.
First Global is a U.S.-based nonprofit charity founded by Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). The organization’s mission is “to inspire leadership and innovation in youth from all nations by empowering them through education in science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”
A picturesque view of a beautifully rehabilitated Afro-Danish West Indian building at #17 Strand Street in Frederiksted. (Photo by Amanda Sackey)
The Virgin Islands Architecture Center for Built Heritage and Crafts (VIAC) announces the launch of their seven-week paid Historic Preservation Internship beginning Monday, Nov 4. This initiative invites college students and recent college graduates to apply for entry to the program before Oct. 28.
VIAC, a nonprofit organization tasked with the revitalization of the Old Barracks property on Hospital Street in Christiansted, St. Croix, has expanded its efforts toward historic preservation with the implementation of its new internship program. This program, which includes mentorship, opportunities for hands-on experience, and network building, seeks to expose young Virgin Islanders to the rich history centered around Virgin Islands architecture.
Amanda Sackey, VIAC’s operations manager, believes that the study and preservation of our historical buildings hold key answers to how Virgin Islanders can fortify their communities in the face of climate instability and global warming. “This is a field that is for everyone. The youth have an essential role in taking our cultural and historical preservation by the reigns. I feel especially passionate about this work and the need to include younger generations in these conversations because I believe that one of the keys to proaction with our impending climate crisis is connected to learning about the architectural traditions and wisdom of our ancestors. These buildings have survived hundreds of years of erosion and natural disasters, they are resilient and they have withstood the test of time,” said Sackey.
“Studying architecture as a mechanism for understanding climate change, architectural design, placekeeping, archiving, and the forensics of buildings are key steps in making connections with the very fabric of what shapes us as Virgin Islanders. Our proclivity to enjoy certain aesthetics has a direct correlation to the local towns that have imprints on what we deem as beautiful and our expectations of depth, dynamic, intention, and natural resource conservation,” Sackey continued.
By the end of this year, VIAC will begin the shell construction of the Old Barracks, marking the first step in converting this incredible 265-year-old Afro-Danish West Indian building into an urban campus for architecture, trades, crafts, and placekeeping, along with a future museum and cultural center. (Photo by Amanda Sackey)
One of the main driving forces behind the Historic Preservation Internship opportunity is to invite young Virgin Islanders to consider pursuing careers that support historic preservation in the community. Interns can expect to develop hard and soft career skills from both in-office and on-the-field activities, as well as develop relationships with key community stakeholders.
“We are aiming for interns to work for about 10 hours a week and we are building out the program to be flexible with college and work schedules. This internship opportunity is open to the entire territory and we plan to have several rounds of this internship program over the next two years,” Sackey said.
For more information and interest in applying to the internship program, visit www.viacstx.com and for questions, email Sackey at amanda@viacstx.com.
Darius Antonio Rhymer
Darius Antonio Rhymer, also known as “Juan Ping” and “Darry,” 68, died on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at the Roy L. Schneider Hospital on St. Thomas, VI.
Darius was preceded in death by his mother, Juliana Rhymer; brother, Allen Jackson Jr.; and sisters: Beryl Jackson and Ena Jackson Miles.
He is survived by his brothers: Henry and Leon Jackson Sr.; brothers-in-law: Ashmore Hyndman Sr. and Wrenford Samuel; sisters: Chrystalia Matthias, Gwenavire Jurgen Hyndman, Oretta Matthias Samuel; and sister-in-law, Jacqueline Jackson.
He is also survived by nieces: Lisa Abramson Penn, Loren Abramson Williams, Lois Simmons, Latoi and Lynia Liburd, Sheila, and Sherell Jackson, Averile Hendricks, Gail Jackson, Shanell Samuel George, Khalilah Samuel, Tameka Harris, Carla Miles Shipman, Tracy Miles, Reverend Jaslyn Challenger Singleton, Jaynell Walls, Tanisha, Teisha, Keisha, S’hakyra and Kyanna Jackson.
Other survivors include nieces-in-law: Cheryl Jackson, Patricia Miles and Yvonne Jackson; nephews: Joel and Curtis Jackson, Gary Jackson, Steven Miles, Kevin Jackson, Jay and Jai Matthias, Khari and Leon Jackson Jr.; nephews-in-law: Andrew Penn, Sr, Ivan Williams, Joel George Sr, Tavaris Harris, Vince Shipman and Delbert Singleton; and special cousins and friend: Orville Brown and Edna O’Connor Freeman and Clarence Lindo Sr.
His homegoing will be at the Bethany Moravian Church on St. John on Saturday, Oct. 19. The viewing will be held from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. with the service immediately following. The interment will be at the Bethany Moravian Church Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix.
For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit the website at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
Lucille Harriette
Lucille Harriette died on Sept. 22.
She is survived by her daughters: Antonia Harriette and Elsa President; son, Gerald Polius; son-in-law, Sgt. Moses President; sisters: Elrica Polius and Pamela Charlery; and nieces: Veronica Cole, Catherine Ray, Linella Charlery, Vernita Augustin, Brendaline Polius, Zephy Polius, Felicia Williams, Emma Roque Tapia, Rose “Jainy” Virginus, Beverly Eugene, Julianna Eugene, Patricia St. Rose, Kezie Ernest, Maryanna Alexander, Theresa “Shawna” Ernest and Frances Polius.
She is also survived by nephews: Allan Alleyne Polius, Carlos Polius, Mellus Charlery, Lewis Alexander, David Alexander, Leo Alexander, Celus Polius, Brian Polius, Neil Augustin and Oliver Ernest; grandchildren: Tamarah Polius, Skyana Polius, Tyler Polius and Ke’Anna President; special friends: Veronica Joseph, Jeanette John, Maria Simelda Celestina Fontenelle, Winifred President, Felicita Julien, Francis McFarlane, Clara Xavier, Refuge Tabernacle and VBM members, and “Mr. Blanche” Baptiste; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A family viewing will be held from 5-6 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 24, at Kingshill Funeral Home Chapel, 303 Clifton Hill, St. Croix.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at Refuge Tabernacle Church, 295 Grove Place, Frederiksted V.I. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
White, five-petaled Pigeon Berry flowers (Source photo by Gail Karlsson)
A beautiful soul, Francil R. Stanley, better known as “SYL,” of the Golden Rock area on St. Croix departed this life on Oct. 2.
She was preceded in death by her father, David Jack Stanley; and brothers: Clive Dan Bartlette and Aldo Stanley.
She is survived by and leaves to mourn her mother, Cynthia Bartlette; daughter, Letisha Gladys Rodney; son, Michael Bridgewater; adopted daughter, Shanie Dore; sisters: Brenda Simmonds, Sherylyn Bartlette, Shelda Susie Roberts, Yvette Huggins, June Stanley, Carol Hendrickson and Julie Claxton; brothers: Clive Rivers, Orville Kembo Bartlette, Alphonso Tazzie Bartlette, Andy Bully Bartlette, Vernon Parris, Aron Merchant and Randolph Rudy Maynard; aunt, Laurene Dore; and uncles: Winston Dore and Charles Stanley.
She is also survived by sisters-in-law: Tryca Glori Bartlette, Verna Rivers, Carmen Maynard, Herscell Shelly Bartlette and Kishma Wilkins-Bartlette; brother-in-law, Earl Eran Simmonds; nephews: Kharlani Rivers, D’Aldo Stanley, T’Shaun and Jahleed Parris, Malachi Prosper, Anthony Iles, Robert Morton, Omar Wilkins, Antonio, Antoinette and Anthony Maynard, and T-Nardre Williams; and nieces: Natoya Toya Prentice, Tamica Morton, Maria Angel Thompson, Cacelia Kris and Cecelia Kressy Stanley, Tazz-ziel Tea Bartlette, Sherry Chapman, Kemeisha, Danella Bartlette, Taz-Naeja and Taz-Jaune’ Wilkin Bartlette, Sandi and J’Aron Merchant, Kayla Rivers, Sariyah Morton, Iyandla Iles and Omega Morton;
Other survivors include cousins: Brian and Denesha Dore, Tiffany Willett, Terrance Iles Julie Daniel, Cheryl, Denise, Keithley and Steve Parris, the entire Bartlette and Stanley family of Cole Hill Nevis; special friends: Myrtle Fredericks and family, Averil and Bernadine Bernice George and family, Audrey Lescott, Sylvia Charles, Adella F. Prevost, Winifred Jonas and Bernadette Orr; as well as many more friends and family too numerous to mention.
The funeral service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 30, at Ebenezer Methodist Church, 195-196 Estate Richmond, Christiansted VI 00820
The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by the service at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Francis Gerard Greenaway
Francis Gerard Greenaway died on Sept. 29.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Benjamin and Louisa Greenaway.
He is survived by his wife, Jullian Greenaway; children: Timothy, Theodore, Kirsten, Julliett, Justin, JohnBaptiste, Dale, Francisco, Johnny and Aliyia Greenaway, Francis Greenaway Jr. and Danielle S. Greenaway-Thomas; and grandchildren: Sanijah and Rafijah Gris, Jazara Knight, Alphonse Powell III, McHale Thomas, Tyler Moore, Jessenia, Jabali, Jasoy, Naki, Shane, Shaniyka, Daniel, Zion, Kymani, J’Nasia, J’Moi, Jashonique, Diamond, Jahleah, Malika, Jamiah, Azil and JahSen-I Greenaway, Ja-Ana, Jahniquequa and JahSav-I Henry and Jordan McDowell.
He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Iyarah Star Regius, JahSani Gris, Julius, Synthia, Jayvien and Kai Greenaway, Hakim Barzey, Rania King, Sa-Ra-Hotep and Ka-Ra-Hotep McMurray; sisters: Orelia Georges, Eurelia, Victoria and Rachel Greenaway, Coraline Greenaway-Casimir and Margaret Rose Jervier; brothers: Joseph, Brodie, Leo and Kennedy Greenaway; and nieces and nephews: Vandel, Belinda, Sophia Greenaway, Lisa, Leo Daryl, Joanne, Joe and Matthew Greenaway, Caryl Greenaway-Hughes, Peter, Melvin and Iva Georges and Irene George.
He is also survived by other nieces and nephews: Germaine Christmas, Maulou, Anthony, Kerwin, Jillian, Tiffany, Wendy, Deian, Joan, Joanna, Maria and John Greenaway, and Brodie Greenaway Jr., Gabriel Toussaint, Roy and Imbert Prosper, Curtis Jervier, Patterson Ambo Sr., Vanessa Bellot, Clyde Ravalier, Sheamal and Jahmal Lestrade, Mary Mckenzie, Christabel Serrant, Roy Adams, George Christmas, Mary Ramie, Maria Deacon, Leslie and Lester LaRonde and LaVerne LaRonde-Ola-Niyi.
Other survivors include great nephews and great nieces: Shun, Shunnel, Shunna, Ella, Nils, Linnea, Aaliyah and Glenford Greenaway, Lishoi, Asante’, Ahsani and Ahsan Ambo, Lucas, Camron, Naphtali and Nehemiah LaRonde, Meckeem Daniel, Marcellus and Maximus Ola-Niyi, Davante Davis, Dajahney Maxwell, Michelle Mckenzie, Jeremy Bellot, Patterson Ambo, Jr., Daniel Watt, Yemaya, Yosef, Josh and Latoya Ravaliere, Shayna, Hezikiya and Shanique George, Nathan Telemaque, Keshana Sullivan and Colvin Georges Jr.; cousins: Shannon Johnson, Gibson Pascal and Lynton George; brothers-in-law: Patrick Casimir and Sylvester Lestrade; daughters-in-law: Vena, Nikki, Nez and Imara Greenaway; and son-in-law, Mark L. Thomas Sr.
The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Friday, Oct. 25, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home Chapel. The second viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by funeral services at 10 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 26, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at Eastern Cemetery.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach talks about new to the territory – Optimum Global Insurance Company. (Facebook screenshot)
In recognition of October as Hispanic Heritage Month, it is my distinct honor to offer this message in commemorating the 60th anniversary of Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day. This milestone signifies the historic legislative action to redesignate Columbus Day as a day to reflect on the strong relationship and the numerous cultural and historic connections between the Virgin Islands and our neighboring island of Puerto Rico.
I join the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee in honoring Luz Maria Guadalupe Luis during this year’s celebrations. Mrs. Luis, the former First Lady of the Virgin Islands, holds the distinction for opening Government House to host the Reception Recognition Gala, which was held traditionally at a local private establishment.
The Luz Maria Luis Friendship Village is appropriately named in her honor, in recognition of her love and devotion to the people of the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and her many acts of service.
I also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Committee’s past chairpersons/presidents, who are the 2024 honorees, along with Miss Chaselle Vianet McConnell Torres, St. Croix District Teacher of the Year. Your leadership and varied contributions to the Virgin Islands community are appreciated and demonstrate your commitment to service. You are well deserving of this prestigious honor.
I look forward to a jubilant series of celebrations as we come together in love and unity. Happy Virgin Islands/Puerto Rico Friendship Day to all!
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach Esq.
