Young honorees recognized Friday on St. Thomas for actions taken in 2024 to save a life at Magens Bay Beach. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The American Red Cross of the Virgin Islands honored two young heroes at an event held Friday on St. Thomas. Twin brothers, Kruz and Stefon Wilson, were presented with the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action two years after the young kayakers dove into the waters of Magens Bay and saved a drowning man.
Parents and grandparents joined the ceremony at the Red Cross office in Estate Thomas. The brothers — now 9 years old — accepted their certificates and the gift of an all-expenses-paid family excursion to St. Croix.
Heroic acts by the Wilson twins marked the second time since 2023 that St. Thomas’ youth swung into action to save lives. Two students from Charlotte Amalie High School dove into Charlotte Amalie Harbor in March 2023 to rescue the motorist and passenger of a vehicle that veered off Veteran’s Drive and fell over the concrete bulkhead.
“Kruz and Stephan Wilson — two young brothers — demonstrated bravery when they rescued an about-to-be-drowning man two years ago at Magens Bay Beach, and of course St. Thomas rescue came and applied the necessary safety tactics and helped revive this person. And that, of course, was the result of the efforts of these two young men who were 7 years old — that’s a very young age — and helped to save him,” said Sen. Angel Bolques, the lawmaker who helped bring the children’s act to the attention of officials at Red Cross National headquarters.
“They jumped right into action, and they swam, and they went and provided lifesaving assistance to this individual,” said St. Thomas Rescue spokesman Chris Watson shortly after the 2024 incident. “It is genuinely something heroic.”
With help from his staff, the lawmaker sought contributions from local businesses to create a staycation package for the Wilson family. “We got a free flight over for the entire family — mom, dad and the children — three nights at the Buccaneer; jet car in Frederiksted … during the Red Cross ceremony I found out dad and the children had never been to St. Croix … so that was the first time in their entire lives they had ever been to St. Croix,” the senator said.
The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action recognizes lifesaving actions by individuals taken in an emergency to save or sustain lives.
If you own a home, you’ve probably received a solicitation saying, “We want to buy your house.” The offer may sound appealing, but it’s often not in your best interest.
(Submitted photo)
These sell‑your‑home schemes often target older homeowners who are likely to have significant home equity. The bad actors search public records for foreclosure filings, divorces, or recent deaths to identify homeowners who may be under financial or emotional stress.
They frequently rely on high‑pressure sales tactics and misleading claims—including misrepresenting the value of your home, exaggerating market conditions to create a false sense of urgency, or even suggesting you may owe back taxes.
Even promises to buy homes “as is” can be misleading. In some cases, buyers later back out of that pledge and demand repairs before completing the sale, leaving the seller responsible for costly fixes after all.
If you’re thinking about working with a “We Buy Homes” company, know the true value of your home, understand what you’re signing, and get legal advice before moving forward.
Learn how to spot and avoid scams with AARP Fraud Watch Network™. Suspect a scam? Call our free helpline at 877-908-3360 and talk to one of our fraud specialists about what to do next.
Officials with the Environmental Protection Agency speak with residents during a public availability session at the DPNR building in Tutu Mall on April 16 about ongoing cleanup efforts at the Tutu Wellfield Superfund site. (Photo by Finn Sharpless)
Federal and territorial officials outlined a major expansion of groundwater cleanup efforts at the Tutu Wellfield Superfund Site during a public meeting Thursday, detailing a new system designed to more aggressively address long-standing contamination in the Tutu area of St. Thomas.
The site, which spans roughly 108 acres from the Curriculum Center through parts of Anna’s Retreat and Estate Tutu, has been under federal oversight since 1995, when testing found industrial pollutants in both public and private wells. Officials from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said construction on an upgraded groundwater treatment system began in November 2025 and is expected to continue as new wells and equipment are installed.
“Our role is to serve you and to be accountable,” said Arshley ReyTorres, a community involvement coordinator with EPA. “We’re here to explain what we’re doing, listen to concerns and make sure people are not being exposed to contaminated groundwater while we clean it up.”
ReyTorres said the project is entering a new phase, while acknowledging its long history.
“There is more than 30 years of history at this site, but our commitment now is to strengthen relationships with the local government and move this cleanup forward,” she said. “We’re in a new phase of this project, expanding the treatment system so we can target the source of the contamination more aggressively.”
Officials said the expanded effort builds on earlier cleanup systems that were able to contain the spread of contamination.
The earlier remedy, based on two groundwater treatment plants, “would not clean up the groundwater in a reasonable amount of time,” EPA project manager Michael Grossman said. The new plan, adopted in 2021, triples system capacity and expands the extraction well network in an effort to take “a much more aggressive approach at the source of the contamination” at the Curriculum Center.
The contamination traces back to industrial activity on land now occupied by the Virgin Islands Department of Education’s Curriculum Center. In the late 1960s and 1970s, a textile and dry-cleaning operation used tetrachloroethylene, or PCE, a solvent commonly used in dry cleaning. The facility closed by the late 1970s, and the property was sold to the government in 1981.
In 1987, complaints about smells led to testing of nearby wells, which found chlorinated volatile organic compounds, including PCE, along with petroleum products in the groundwater. Officials responded by closing 18 wells, decontaminating affected cisterns, supplying residents with trucked drinking water and launching a long-term groundwater monitoring program. A detailed federal investigation in the early 1990s led to the site’s addition to the Superfund National Priorities List in 1995. It is the only Superfund site in the territory.
Geologist Rachel Griffiths said the site presents challenges typical of Superfund sites, which can lead to prolonged cleanup efforts.
“These are highly toxic, highly contaminated sites, and they’re often situated in complicated geologic areas,” she said. “Here, groundwater moves through small fractures in volcanic rock, so it’s very hard to target and very hard to treat.”
EPA officials said work at the site is now focused on building out the upgraded treatment system around the Curriculum Center.
Officials did not give a specific timeline for when groundwater is expected to meet federal drinking water standards, but said cleanup will continue for many years, even with the expanded system.
EPA’s Community Involvement Plan calls for additional public meetings and availability sessions as work progresses, along with fact sheets, online updates and coordination with local agencies, including the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Education Department.
Residents questioned how long people may have been exposed before the contamination was discovered in the late 1980s, with some describing neighbors and family members who developed cancer or other serious illnesses and asking whether those cases could be linked to past exposure. A parent also cited a recent asthma attack at a nearby school that students said was preceded by a noticeable odor, and called for clearer advance notice of drilling and construction near the campus, along with better coordination with school officials.
Residents said many people in the area still do not fully understand the extent of contamination or the status of cleanup efforts, and urged EPA and territorial agencies to strengthen communication through schools, online updates, and more direct outreach.
ReyTorres said the cleanup began after concerns raised by residents prompted an investigation, highlighting the role of community engagement.
“In terms of this project, it was raised because someone raised their voice and an investigation was done,” she said. “Many of the successes we see in environmental laws, regulations and even Superfund site designations happen because people in the community speak up and say, ‘This is happening, and something needs to be done.’ Our commitment is to strengthen those relationships so your voice continues to be raised and people continue learning about this.”
The Virgin Islands Department of Health released its 2025 Epidemiology Division Annual Report Thursday. (Screenshot of 2025 annual report cover page)
Painful and potentially deadly infections like COVID-19 and dengue fever were far less prevalent in the territory in 2025 than 2024, according to a new report from the Virgin Islands Health Department. A hand, foot, and mouth disease outbreak was quelled within months.
In 2024, the Virgin Islands reported at least 215 cases of bone-grinding dengue fever. Only 47 cases of the mosquito-borne illness were reported in 2025, according to the Epidemiology Division’s 2025 Annual Report published Thursday. Those numbers may be off, however, as only roughly 25% of people infected show noticeable signs of illness, the report said. Five percent will have severe reactions but less than 1% die.
From 770 COVID cases in 2024, the territory saw just 140 cases in 2025 — none fatal, according to the report.
Territorial Epidemiologist Dr. Esther Ellis credited proactive data collection and diligent interpretation with helping quell such outbreaks.
“Disease surveillance remains the cornerstone of effective public health practice. Through systematic data collection, analysis, and interpretation, we can detect emerging threats, monitor disease activity, and guide evidence-based interventions,” Ellis wrote in the report.
The first few months of 2025 were notable for a dramatic insurance of hand, foot, and mouth disease. From February to April, the Health Department identified 247 cases — 243 on St. Thomas and four on St. Croix — at USVI day cares and schools, the report said.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a common illness in children under five years old that can spread quickly in social settings, the report said. Symptoms are often mild, lasting for a week to 10 days, and can include fever, sore throat, mouth sores, and rash commonly found on the hands and feet.
It’s spread through direct contact with an infected person’s saliva, mucus, or blisters, respiratory droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze, contaminated surfaces, or contact with infected feces, such as changing diapers.
“To reduce the risk of infection, frequent hand washing and cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces and shared items (e.g., toys) are critical, the report said. “To contain the outbreak and prevent further illness, the VIDOH-EPI provided phone consultations and in-person visits for direct observation and infection control training at affected schools and day cares. Improved hand hygiene protocols and environmental cleaning efforts were recommended for all school and child care settings.”
Other infectious diseases, such as hepatitis, were lower year over year as well. There were four cases of acute hepatitis B and eight of hepatitis C in 2024, but two cases of acute hepatitis B and two of hepatitis C in 2025.
The flu hit the territory hard, however. In 2024, there were 99 confirmed cases of influenza in the Virgin Islands. In 2025, that number spiked to 378 cases. St. Thomas had the vast majority of flu cases, reporting 296 cases — or 78.3% of the territory’s influenza outbreak. St. Croix had 68 cases and St. John had 14 cases.
“This represents the highest case count recorded in the past five years,” the report said.
Another troubling increase was lead levels detected in Virgin Islanders’ blood. Four confirmed cases and one suspected case of abnormally high blood-lead levels were reported in 2024, which rose to nine confirmed, three probable, and three more suspected lead cases in 2025.
There is no safe blood lead level, especially for children. Even low levels of lead in blood are associated with developmental delays, difficulty learning, and behavioral issues, the reports said.
Of the nine confirmed cases, six were on St. Croix and three were on St. Thomas, the report said. Four were adults and five were children under five years old.
“Home assessments identified potential sources of lead exposure to be walls with chipping paint, ceramic/porcelain tiles, cooking pots, and ceramic kitchenware (e.g., plates). Certain businesses were identified to be higher risk of exposure to lead, including indoor shooting ranges,” the report said.
Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said the report “reflects our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health of all Virgin Islanders through evidence-based practice, strategic action, and strong community partnerships.”
Encarnacion highlighted not just infectious disease control, but also community wellness, youth health, and overall emergency preparedness as keys to combating health challenges.
“While we celebrate this progress, we also recognize the ongoing challenges we must address — particularly in chronic disease prevention, equitable access to care, and the expansion of mental health support. I extend my deepest appreciation to our dedicated public health professionals, our partners, and our community members for their resilience and commitment,” she wrote.
Two summer tourists found a dying kitten one desperately-hot Emerald Beach afternoon. A moment of heartbreak, an act of charity, a lucky break — two flights and a long car ride later — and Emerald the cat is in a forever home in Oregon’s high desert.
If you threw a bullseye into Oregon, you’d come pretty near the town of Bend. It’s a long way for an eight-lives-left Caribbean beach cat.
In 2025, Pets With Wings helped fly 239 dogs and 236 cats to the mainland. Visitors or Virgin Islanders trekking back and forth brought a little puppy or kitty in a carrier under their seat or escorted them from a cargo area. At their destination airport, someone from a local shelter picked the animal up: a quick goodbye, and the soon-to-be-someone’s-best-friend was off.
Pets With Wings sends unhoused USVI pets to mainland forever homes. (Photo courtesy Pets With Wings)
“Each flight is $150 per pet,” said Annette T. Zachman, treasurer of the all-volunteer Pets With Wings. “That’s just for the flight. There are vaccines, health certificates, and other things that are needed for their safe transport.”
There’s no charge, of course, to escort a pet, nor does it pay. But the organization is always in need of support. An upcoming event in May hopes for generous five-figure donations but has options as low as $75, Zachman said.
“Every person has an opportunity to fly off with a pet,” she said. “Send us your information and we’ll do the footwork. We’ll meet you at the airport. We’ll do everything we can to help make this a smooth sailing.”
The Purzycki family flew these three to New Jersey. (Photo courtesy Pets With Wings)
Back to that cat in Bend: “I get a call from the president of Pets With Wings. She got a call from some tourists that were down staying at Emerald Beach, down by the airport, freaking out, crying. They found this little super dehydrated — they thought it was dying — little black kitty. And I was like, oh God, it’s six o’clock, but OK. I go down there, meet them. She’s crying. It’s their 20th anniversary” Zachman said. “And I’m like, OK. So she hands me this little sick kitty through the car window. They go on about their way. But she says, let’s keep in touch because if anything, I love this cat.”
Zachman agrees to keep in touch, takes the cat home and nurses it back to health. A nonprofit, Pets With Wings is all volunteers. Zachman’s day job is as a hairdresser.
“So there’s a lady getting her haircut who’s talking about moving back to Oregon. She goes, well, we’re leaving next week, Tuesday. I said, well, would you be interested in, you know, transporting this little kitty? And she goes, ‘Sure. Why not?’”
The health certificate Zachman filled required a name for the cat found at Emerald Beach.
“And I’m like, I don’t know. Emerald. That beautiful green eyes. Jet black kitty. So his name is Emerald. Alright. Cool. She goes, ‘Well’ — and I told her the story about the couple — she goes, ‘Well, what’s the stone for the twenty year anniversary?’ And I look it up on my phone. It’s Emerald.”
Emerald flew to Portland and then, in a car with her new people, on a winding highway through the deciduous Willamette and Columbia confluence up into the coniferous Cascades, and on to the vast expanses of the high desert.
Antilles School marked a defining moment in its 75th anniversary year on April 11 with its “Lights. Legacy. Action.” Gala, an evening that brought together alumni, families, faculty, and friends in a powerful show of community support.Student volunteers, pictured here with Head of School Shannon Harris, lined the blue carpet coming into the Marcie Marin center and pretended to be paparazzi. (Submitted photo)From the opening moments on the blue carpet to a sneak-peak of the school’s 75th Anniversary documentary, the night reflected what has sustained Antilles for generations: a shared belief in the power of education and a community willing to invest in it.“Tonight is more than an anniversary,” Head of School Shannon Harris shared. “It is a moment to honor the generations who have shaped this community — and to recommit ourselves to what it can become. Seventy-five years is an incredible milestone, but the story is far from finished. Your presence and your generosity will help write what comes next.”Alumni from across the years attended the sold-out event. (Submitted photo)That message came to life throughout the evening, as close to 400 guests gathered not only to celebrate the school’s past, but to actively support its future. Through strong participation across ticket sales, sponsorships, the silent auction, and direct giving, the Antilles community pushed the impact of the sold-out event well beyond expectations.Organizers credit that success to the depth of engagement across every level of the community — from sponsors and donors to volunteers and attendees who showed up with enthusiasm and purpose.“This was a full community effort,” said 75th Anniversary Campaign Coordinator Karen Nelson-Hughes, also the parent of two Antilles alumni. “The energy in the room made it clear — people believe in this school, and they’re invested in where it’s going.”Photo boards and slideshows, picturing students and special moments over the past seven decades, were a main attraction in the room. (Submitted photo)The gala also highlighted the school’s enduring mission, first shaped by founding Head Deborah Finch and carried forward through decades of leadership, including the expansion of access and financial aid under longtime Head Mark Marin. Today, that commitment continues, with a focus on ensuring Antilles remains accessible to families across the Virgin Islands while preparing students for college, careers, and life.As the evening closed, the message was clear: the milestone may be 75 years, but the momentum is forward. With record participation and a renewed sense of purpose, Antilles School now looks ahead — building on a legacy that continues to grow through the strength of its community.
The V.I. Police Department and V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services recovered a body from the water near the Christiansted boardwalk Monday morning. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)
The V.I. Police Department has identified the man whose body was found in the water off the Christiansted boardwalk Monday as Barnet Valerie. He was 55.
VIPD spokesperson Glen Dratte said people on the boardwalk contacted 911 on Monday morning after noticing a body submerged in the water. Police and V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel responded, and the body was recovered with help from a marine unit. Dratte said an autopsy to confirm the cause of death will be performed next week.
“Based on our assessment so far, we think it was a drowning,” Dratte told the Source Friday. “But … next week, we’ll be able to get a confirmation.”
A St. Croix man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of the Virgin Islands.
Jahmar Frederick, 32, was sentenced Wednesday by visiting District Court Judge Timothy Savage. He will also serve three years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment.
According to court documents, on May 11, 2024, a Virgin Islands Police Department officer observed a Ford F-150 pickup truck without a license plate near Frontline Bar and Grill. The vehicle fled from the officer before losing control and sliding off the roadway.
Authorities said the driver, later identified as Frederick, pulled a ski mask over his face and fled on foot before falling and being apprehended. At the time of his arrest, Frederick was carrying a fanny pack containing a black Glock model 22 Gen4 .40 caliber firearm with a 30-round magazine loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition and one round chambered.
Frederick has prior convictions, including forgery and failure to report firearms obtained outside or brought into the Virgin Islands in 2018, and obtaining money by false pretenses in 2023.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Virgin Islands Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry prosecuted the case, according to the release.
Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., and Joseph Boschulte, president and Chief Executive Officer of The West Indian Company Limited, meet with cruise industry partners during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach, Fla. (Photo courtesy Tourism Department)
The U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism Department met with major cruise line partners at Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 to discuss itineraries, port operations, and the cruise experience across the territory, the department announced in a press release.
Officials held meetings with senior leadership from Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Silversea Cruises, Virgin Voyages, Disney Cruise Line, and Carnival Cruise Line. Discussions focused on planning and operations for St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John, according to the press release.
Targeted media meetings were also conducted with travel, lifestyle, and trade outlets to support ongoing coverage and maintain visibility across consumer and industry audiences. Conversations focused on the Territory’s cruise product, multi-island offering, and on-island experience, the press release stated.
U.S. Virgin Islands leadership in a meeting with cruise line partners during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026. (Photo courtesy Tourism Department)
“Seatrade is where we engage directly with our cruise partners on the decisions that shape itineraries and the overall cruise experience,” said Jennifer Matarangas-King, commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism. “This week, we had focused conversations with our partners and reinforced the role the U.S. Virgin Islands continues to play within their planning.”
The territory’s presence highlighted its multi-island cruise product. St. Thomas serves as the primary gateway, offering access to Charlotte Amalie, retail, and excursions. St. John offers a nature-driven experience through Virgin Islands National Park. St. Croix offers a cultural and historical experience centered on Frederiksted and Christiansted, the release stated.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, and Joseph Boschulte, president and Chief Executive Officer of The West Indian Company Limited, alongside a delegation of U.S. Virgin Islands tourism and cruise leadership, meet with cruise line executives during Seatrade Cruise Global 2026 in Miami Beach, Fla. (Photo courtesy Tourism Department)
The week began with a partnership event with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, highlighting ongoing collaboration between the territory and regional cruise stakeholders, according to the Tourism Department. On-site activations at the U.S. Virgin Islands booth included a curated cocktail program and a “Farm to Glass” experience featuring St. Croix-based mixologist KJ Richards. The booth also featured giveaways from the Tourism Department, the Virgin Islands Port Authority, and the Virgin Islands Lottery, the release stated.
For more information, visit www.visitusvi.com.
Ivan Felix Frazer, the beloved last-born son of Felix and Victoria Frazer, passed away on March 25, 2026, at the age of 49. Born on Sept. 20, 1976, in St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, Ivan was the cherished partner of Martha Lopez and a treasured member of The Lopez Family.
Ivan Felix Frazer
A good friend to all, Ivan was always quick with a smile, friendly, and selflessly there for those who knew him. In his career, he found deep meaning in the work he did and the people he helped, treating everyone with dignity and respect—his colleagues cherished working alongside him. He was happy and full of life, and remained a big kid at heart, building remote control race cars, playing video games, and cheering on his favorite basketball teams. He also had an eclectic taste in music that reflected his playful spirit. He learned the construction trade from his dad and was affectionately known as “Builder Bob” by a special few. Exceptionally smart and knowledgeable about random facts—a true “Jeopardy!” fan—he brought his quick wit and signature sarcastic humor to every conversation. An avid runner, he returned excitedly to his place of birth after nearly 30 years away, only to pass away a few days after arrival. One of a kind, Ivan was loved by everyone whose lives he touched.
Ivan will be deeply missed. He is also survived by his siblings: Paula Ettienne, Sybil Roberts, Ira Frazer, Irvin Frazer, and Judy Frazer; his nieces and nephews—Natisha, Randy Jr., Shamika, Elijah, Tori, and Rozira; as well as his aunts and uncles—Josephine Christopher, Marcella Joseph, Noelina Ryner, Dorianna Williams, Williamson, and Albert Maronie; numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, cousins, and the extended family around the world.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, April 24, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Williams Delight.
All are welcome to attend and honor Ivan’s memory.
