Nijel Jamal Williams, of Maryland, passed away on June 1. He was 22 years old.
Nijel Jamal Williams
He was preceded by aunt, Marisol Marrero Benjamin; uncle, Kevin King.
He is survived by mother, Nicole Carr; father, Albert Williams; sisters, Janaliz Encarnacion, J’lise Encarnacion, Bryelle Williams; brothers, Nathan Williams, Jomari Encarnacion, Alani Williams; aunts, Akeshia Kirby, Ashlee Carr; great aunts, Annie Anglin, Amelia, Norma, Araceli Cepeda, Alma Roberts, Margarita Thompson; uncle, Miguel Marrero Sr.; great uncle, Roberto Cepeda, Ricardo Cepeda; cousins, Kiy’jahni Thomas, Rhise Moorhead, Sanjay Moorhead, Jose Rodriguez Jr., Zayden Carr, Darlene Jackson, Anna Armstrong, Shawn Thompson, Lydia Belardo, Eliji Mondesir, Elijah Mondesir, Nissa Cruz Vickers, Aracelis ( Annie) McQuitter; grandmothers, Delores King, Ilma Cepeda; grandfather, Albert Simmonds; great grandmother, Violet Williams; special friends, Kayvon Vacher, Jomar Encarnacion, Elida Ruiz, Needham ( Ao) Oscar, Earl Peter, Stephen Abdool, Duane Brown ( Staton Plumbing Family), Darlene Schuze ( Staton Plumbing Family), Ruby Correia Epps Family, Robert Thomas, The Harry J. Duffey Family and precious friends and other relatives too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on June 25, at Free Will Baptist Church. Service begins at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Louisa Joseph, a.k.a., “Dorothy”, “LuLu”, “Miss Jo”, “Mommy D”, of Estate Humbug, Christiansted (formerly of Mon Bijou), passed away on May 31, 2026. She was 93 years old.
Louisa Joseph
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alma Joseph; father, Henry Stevens;
She is survived by her daughter, Joycelyn “Norma” John; sons, Freeston James, Llewellyn “Craig” Charles; grandchildren, Eythan John, Cheval John, Chenelle John-Heard (Joshua), Jamor James (Tai), Nastasia James, Brent James (Sharae); great grandchildren, 10; sisters, Daisy Burton (NY), Elizabeth Gumbs (STT), Irose Stevens (ANU), Ethel Stevens (ANU); nieces, Primrose Lewis, Yvonne Lewis, Binta “Sharon” Petersen, Andrea Gumbs, Irose Rogers, Angela Stevens, Debbie Springette; nephews, Shambulu “Padgett” Rhasba, Lionel Selwood, Lucien Charles, Cecil “Junior” Watkins, Wayne Phillip; daughters-in-law, Diane James, Chauna Taylor; son-in-law, Eardley John; godchildren, Pevril Greene-Frederick, Maelyn Joel Hodge, Eartha Grey and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on June 26, at Faith Moravian Church. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Marie Jules Thomas a.k.a “ Thomas”, “Grandpa T”, “Uncle Tevan”, “M.J.” and Mr. T” of Estate Golden Grove Park, transitioned on May 30, 2026. He was 87 years old.Marie Jules Thomas
He was preceded in death by his parents, Eudoxie Honorine Listor and Alexandre Joseph Thomas; Son, Daniel Thomas; Brothers, Kid Thomas and Russell Thomas.
He is survived by his Spouse, Rita Berry Thomas; Daughters, Paulette Thomas, Barbara Thomas, Josephine Thomas, Merlyn Thomas; Sons, Jeanclaude Thomas, Paul Thomas; Step children, Arlene Jeffers, Ivan Berry, Sheryl Richardson and Maudlyn Boirard; Sisters, Martha Yvette Thomas, Marie (Sister) Thomas, Manche Hortense; Brother Arma Thomas; Others to include Huggins Family, Ravariere Family, Ashe Family, Berry ( St. Kitts) Family, Roberts Family, Golden Grove Park Family, Richardson Family, Magloire Family, Boirard Family. Other relatives and friends, too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 18, at Apostolic Faith Mission Church. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional arrangements entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home
Renee Tamika Coates passed away on June 3 at the age of 47, departing this world and leaving behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory.
Renee Tamika Coates
She is survived by her mother, Colette David; father, Horace Coates; daughter, Jah’Kyrah Martinez; sons, Jahmoy Martinez and Jibri Martinez; and granddaughter, Kaisley-Ann Martinez. She is also survived by her sisters, Kristin Coates, Ebony Coates, Nia Coates, and Niya Ward; and brothers, Horace Coates Jr. and Malik Coates. Nieces, Zequoia & Naejah Coates, Anyssa McFarlande, Dae’Niyah Ward, Neema Ward, and Dellisha Ross; and nephews, Namdi Coates, Zequoi Coates, Zequi Coates, Omar George, Demani Burroughs, Kymani Ross, and Abijah Ward. She is further survived by her aunts, Lerlene Arrindell, Ethney Thomas, Shermaine Miller, Berisa Miller, Jurraine Miller, Nichole Miller, Iveana Miller, Diana Miller, Martha Nicolas, Urelene Alling, Robertine Daniel, Lourdes Bellmont, Vere Thomas, Cleota Thomas, and Jacquelyn Thomas; and uncles, Gary “Pada” Nicholas, Sean Miller, Oneil Miller, Robert Miller, and Austin Jacobs, along with numerous cousins, extended family members, dear friends, and loved ones who will forever treasure her memory.
Funeral service will be held on June 24, at City of Refuge Worship Center. Viewing begins at 10 am, with service at 11 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
The family respectfully requests that all those in attendance wear festive colors.
Island Mixx Volleyball Club has four teams participating in the 53rd 2026 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Girls National Volleyball Championships. Their 12U and 13U girls’ teams will take the court Tuesday through Friday at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Island Mixx 15U and 16U will showcase their talents from June 28 to July 1.
The AAU National Volleyball Championships are the biggest tournament in the world. The event will run from Tuesday through July 10. A total of 4,404 teams will participate in the girls’ division, while 1,506 boys will take the court from July 3 to July 10. The girls’ tournament is broken into nine divisions across nine age categories, starting from 10U to 18U. The boys’ event is condensed into six divisions covering seven age categories, 12U to 18U.
The Island Mixx 12U team. (Submitted photo)
Island Mixx 12U will be one of 131 teams playing in the 12-and-under Classic Division. They open play with back-to-back matches against two teams from Florida on Tuesday. Island Mixx 12U will take on All-In Volleyball 12U Royal at 3:30 p.m. and then Only Way Volleyball 12U Purple at 4:30 p.m. on court 40 in the North Concourse of the OCCC. They will then face a team from Grand Rapids, Michigan, FaR Out 12U Black, at 6:30 p.m.
Island Mixx 13U will also have its first matches of the tournament on Tuesday. A total of 163 other teams will be competing against them in the Classic Division. One Volleyball 13-2, based in Buford, Georgia, will welcome Island Mixx 13U to the tournament at 3 p.m. They will then do battle against Dunes 13 Teal Volleyball Club from La Porte, Indiana, at 6 p.m. Florida Gulfside Volleyball Academy will be the girls’ final match at 7 p.m. All their games will be played on court 88 in the South Concourse of the OCCC.
Here are the rosters for the 12U and 13U Island Mixx Teams:
Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Condolences Following the Tragic Death of CAHS Student Tre’Vante Etienne:
The Virgin Islands Department of Education is deeply saddened by the tragic and senseless loss of Tre’Vante Etienne. At only 15 years old, Tre’Vante’s life was taken far too soon, depriving his family, friends, classmates, and community of a young man whose future was still unfolding. This act of violence has left an immeasurable void and serves as a painful reminder of the devastating impact gun violence continues to have on our children, families, and community. No parent should have to bury a child, and no school community should have to mourn the loss of one of its students under such heartbreaking circumstances.
Tre’Vante’s death is a heartbreaking loss that has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. As a student at Charlotte Amalie High School, he will be remembered by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and staff whose lives he touched during his time at the school.
On behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre’Vante’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of grief. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all who mourn his loss.
The loss of any child is devastating. Our children are among our community’s most precious gifts, and when a young life is taken so tragically, the pain reverberates throughout our entire Virgin Islands community. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that violence continues to threaten the safety, well-being, and future of our youth. Such acts are unacceptable and cannot become the norm in our society.
As we grieve, we must also stand united in our commitment to seek justice. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and contact the Virgin Islands Police Department. Your information may be critical in helping investigators bring those responsible to justice and provide answers to a grieving family and community. If you know something, please say something.
We also recognize that many students, faculty, and staff members will need support as they process this tremendous loss. To provide a safe space for grieving, reflection, and healing, the Charlotte Amalie High School administration will host a Grief Support Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium. Students, staff, and members of the school community are encouraged to attend and access the support services that will be available.
Statement from Commissioner Vincent L. Roberts Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation:
With profound sadness and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre’vante Ettienne’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones.Tre’vante was more than a participant in the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation’s Nike RBI Program; he was a valued member of our sports family. He was a kind-hearted young man whose positive spirit, respect for others, and love for the game left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
The senseless loss of such a promising young life is a tragedy that has shaken our entire community. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child, and no teammate should have to say goodbye to a friend under such heartbreaking circumstances.
As a department, we believe sports offer young people opportunities to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. Tre’vante embodied many of the values we strive to instill in our youth—teamwork, respect, perseverance, and compassion. His memory will forever remain part of our Nike RBI family.
Today, we mourn with his family and all those whose lives he touched. We also recommit to supporting our young people and to working together as a community to build a safer, more hopeful future for the next generation.
On behalf of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, I ask the community to keep Tre’vante’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God grant them strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead, and may Tre’vante’s memory live on through the many lives he touched.
The sweet sounds of steel pan drew residents and visitors to Franklin Powell Sr. Park for the first scheduled event of St. John Celebration 2026. Seven bands, ranging from third-graders to 34-year veterans, filled the air with melody late Sunday afternoon.
Gathering ‘round the sound of music Sunday afternoon. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Pan-O-Rama bands lined up along the road from the Loredon Boynes Ferry Dock to St. John Government House at the Battery, not for competition but to entertain. Hard-working volunteers with the Division of Festivals served snacks and drinks from the first note to the last. Yard Vybes band from St. Thomas started the show with rousing renditions of the National Anthem and the Virgin Islands March.
Yard Vybes leads the musical journey. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Passersby strolling past the park paused to take in performances by the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School Panatics and the youth community band Gen Fusion,
Panatics perform. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Making way for the St. Thomas All Stars, a band that’s entertained at district events since 1992. They used their Pan-O-Rama introduction to invite curious music fans to try their hand at the pan — experience not required.
All Stars shine behind their gleaming pans. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Leading up to the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra performance, the band appeared at the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex in November when the Superior Court courthouse was dedicated in honor of the group’s founder, Judge Verne A. Hodge.
Also celebrating Sunday — St. John’s Love City Pan Dragons; six of their musicians recently graduated from high school as band arrangers, and Ronnie Lee prepared to start graduate school for an advanced degree in music.
Lee and the Dragons in a special performance. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
It was all capped off by the territory’s only marching steel band — Pan Around the Neck — leading a short tramp from one end of the park to the other, and back to the bandstand at Powell Park.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach said the VI Energy Office has started distributing mobile batteries to vulnerable people (Screenshot of V.I. Government House livestream)
Virgin Islanders dependent on electrical medical devices could soon have free backup battery power to bridge electrical outages, officials said Monday.
The Virgin Islands Energy Office has identified qualified recipients and started distributing some of the 900 rechargeable batteries, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach said at a Government House press briefing. The Virgin Islands Resiliency Gateway, or VIRG, program was launched in April as a way to help Medicaid recipients who may experience dangerous health issues during a prolonged blackout.
“The program will provide eligible residents with portable backup systems that can support certain essential medical devices, medical refrigeration, and basic communication needs when regular electrical service is unavailable,” Roach said. “We hope these devices will provide a measure of safety and peace of mind for those residents whose health and well-being depend on such equipment.”
The Human Services Department provided the Energy Office with a list of Medicaid participants who were prequalified, based on documented “serious medical needs,” said Mike Jeffers, the Energy Office’s deputy director.
The main eligibility factors include Virgin Islands residents dependent on oxygen therapy, bypass machines, CPAP machines with severe life-threatening apnea, home ventilation, tracheostomy support, feeding tubes, LVAD heart machines, refrigerated medication, as well as residents who are bed bound or wheelchair bound, Jeffers said.
“Since receiving that list from the Department of Human Services, the Virgin Islands Energy Office staff has been reaching out directly to residents to confirm their contact information, their medical device needs, and their physical address to facilitate delivery,” he said, asking Virgin Islanders to spread word of the program to people who may qualify and benefit. “I cannot state enough how impactful this is for recipients. We greatly look forward to continued distribution over coming weeks.”
Roach said the batteries were not meant to power an entire home, just the vital medical devices during times of no electrical current. They can recharge through a standard electrical outlet or through an attached solar panel.
“VIRG is designed for medically vulnerable residents whose health or safety could be placed seriously at risk during an electrical outage,” he said. “That can mean continued access to a medical device, properly refrigerated medication, or a working phone during an emergency.”
From left, Deputy Chief Rael Donastorg, Gun Violence Prevention Office survivor engagement specialist Gerald McDonald, outreach coordinator Bruce Flamon, Investigations Chief Richard Dominguez and St. Thomas Police Chief Deborah Hodge address the public Monday morning at the Savan basketball court on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Police again urged those with information about the killing of Tre’Vante Etienne to come forward while speaking Monday morning at the Savan basketball court where the 15-year-old was shot and killed three days ago.
What was described on social media as a community briefing with residents ended up being a short, recorded video update attended by St. Thomas Chief of Police Deborah Hodge, Investigations Chief Richard Dominguez, Deputy Chief Rael Donastorg, two representatives from the V.I. Gun Violence Prevention Office and several members of the media. Hodge began the briefing by telling the public that “someone saw something, someone heard something, and this is not an effort that can be handled by VIPD solely.”
“We need your help,” she said.
Dominguez added that the investigation into Friday afternoon’s killing remains “very active” and echoed Hodge’s call for help while reminding Virgin Islanders that they can send tips anonymously by contacting Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-8477.
“It’s disheartening to know that at the time that this occurred, there was a witness that wanted to come forward and talk to police, and the victim’s so-called friends called that person off and prevented them from coming to the police,” he said. “That’s the type of information we need. People who were here, people who saw: please do the right thing and call the police with whatever you know.”
Dominguez added later that tipsters aren’t required to give their name.
“So there’s not even a witness protection issue there, because we don’t know who you are,” he said. “But we still urge people to submit information through the tip line.”
Dominguez said that it was “glaring” that Etienne was killed during an ongoing basketball game with players, “none of which talk to the police.”
“We need people to come forward,” he stressed.
Authorities otherwise revealed little new information. Asked whether the shooting was captured by security cameras or other video, Dominguez said he couldn’t discuss the matter.
Gerald McDonald, a survivor engagement specialist with the Gun Violence Prevention Office, and OGVP outreach coordinator Bruce Flamon told the Source that their office can always use more volunteers and people to assist with their mentorship programs.
Later Monday, Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach addressed the shooting and called on “parents, relatives, teachers, coaches, faith leaders and neighbors” to “remain present in the lives of our young people.”
“We must listen to them, guide them, and step in when we see conflict developing,” he said. Our children need safe places to gather. They need trusted adults to turn to. They need to know that their lives matter, and that violence is never the answer to disagreement or disrespect.”
Roach also referenced two other shootings that occurred in the past two days. On Sunday, a 16-year-old male was riding a motorbike near the Omar Brown Fire Station on St. Thomas. According to Roach, the teenager was shot multiple times before two bystanders took him to Schneider Hospital. On Monday, another person was taken to Luis Hospital after being shot in the arm near the Walter I. M. Hodge housing community.
“Please remember that remaining silent only makes it harder to hold accountable the person or persons responsible for these heinous acts and to see justice done,” Roach said.
When asked to describe Government House’s position on an overhaul of the territory’s gun laws recently approved by the 36th Legislature, Roach said that he and Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. have to review the legislation before signing it into law. He encouraged anyone with concerns about the bill to contact the Governor’s Office and said the Executive Branch has 10 days to send it back to the Legislature.
“Because I think we ought to respond, and to be aware and concerned about the various perspectives,” he said. “Because any of these measures is an opportunity to deal with the issue of gun violence and gun possession in our community, and there’s a balance about those persons who think we want to address persons who are not legally authorized to have weapons versus those persons who are licensed and who have concerns that additional restrictions inhibit their ability to protect either their home or commercial establishments or the members of their family.”
The Water Spirit 2 will now dock at Pier 10 in San Juan after allegedly blocking a shipping lane with its mooring chains at Pier 14. (Photo courtesy U.S. Coast Guard)
The U.S. Coast Guard Monday rescinded an order barring two Virgin Islands cargo ships from docking in San Juan after allegedly blocking a narrow but vital water shipping lane, Government House officials said.
The Water Spirit 2 — which delivers cargo between St. Thomas, St. Croix, and San Juan — and the Admiral Pride — which transports cargo between Tortola and San Juan — had been prohibited from docking in San Juan Harbor since May 1, when the Coast Guard cited the 210-foot-long, 46-foot-wide vessels for blocking the San Antonio Channel with mooring lines.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. met with Coast Guard officials May 20 in hopes of finding a way to keep the shipments going but Coast Guard commanders said a solid new docking plan was needed first.
The ships started using a different wharf — Pier 14 — after their regular docking area was moved, Bryan said. Photos released by the Coast Guard appear to show the Water Spirit 2 stern-first against a wharf with two chains from its bow extending into the channel used by some of the world’s largest cruise ships.
Bryan said the ships would now use Pier 10.
“I appreciate the United States Coast Guard for their willingness to work with us to address this matter while balancing maritime safety and the traditional commerce between the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico which has existed for decades,” he said.
Tre’Vante’s death is a heartbreaking loss that has left a profound void in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. As a student at Charlotte Amalie High School, he will be remembered by his classmates, teachers, administrators, and staff whose lives he touched during his time at the school.
On behalf of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre’Vante’s family and loved ones during this unimaginable time of grief. We pray for comfort, strength, and peace for all who mourn his loss.
The loss of any child is devastating. Our children are among our community’s most precious gifts, and when a young life is taken so tragically, the pain reverberates throughout our entire Virgin Islands community. This tragedy serves as a painful reminder that violence continues to threaten the safety, well-being, and future of our youth. Such acts are unacceptable and cannot become the norm in our society.
As we grieve, we must also stand united in our commitment to seek justice. We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and contact the Virgin Islands Police Department. Your information may be critical in helping investigators bring those responsible to justice and provide answers to a grieving family and community. If you know something, please say something.
We also recognize that many students, faculty, and staff members will need support as they process this tremendous loss. To provide a safe space for grieving, reflection, and healing, the Charlotte Amalie High School administration will host a Grief Support Meeting on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium. Students, staff, and members of the school community are encouraged to attend and access the support services that will be available.
Statement from Commissioner Vincent L. Roberts Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation:
With profound sadness and a heavy heart, I extend my deepest condolences to Tre’vante Ettienne’s family, friends, teammates, coaches, and loved ones.
Tre’vante was more than a participant in the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation’s Nike RBI Program; he was a valued member of our sports family. He was a kind-hearted young man whose positive spirit, respect for others, and love for the game left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
The senseless loss of such a promising young life is a tragedy that has shaken our entire community. No family should have to endure the pain of losing a child, and no teammate should have to say goodbye to a friend under such heartbreaking circumstances.
As a department, we believe sports offer young people opportunities to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. Tre’vante embodied many of the values we strive to instill in our youth—teamwork, respect, perseverance, and compassion. His memory will forever remain part of our Nike RBI family.
Today, we mourn with his family and all those whose lives he touched. We also recommit to supporting our young people and to working together as a community to build a safer, more hopeful future for the next generation.
On behalf of the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, I ask the community to keep Tre’vante’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. May God grant them strength, comfort, and peace in the days ahead, and may Tre’vante’s memory live on through the many lives he touched. 
