Peggy Marie Franco Dies at 54

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Peggy Marie Franco Dies at 54
Peggy Marie Franco
Peggy Marie Franco of Larraine Village transitioned into eternal peace on June 10. She was 54 years old. She was preceded in death by her uncles: Francisco Santiago and Raymond Santiago. She is survived by her spouse: Luiz Alejandro; mother, Maria Santiago Feliciano; daughters: Lourddisa Alejandro, Neissa Alejandro-Goodwin and Luisa Alejandro; son, Ruiz Alejandro; grandchildren: Rahsheen Allen Jr., Neh’mara Allen, Sha’laya Hernandez, Akia Richards, Jah-Heim Arthurton Jr. and Mah’liya Goodwin; sisters: Soraida Franco-Pilgreen and Barbara Maximin; and brother, Tuskani Franco. She is also survived by nieces: Nagh’Aree Franco and Shanel; nephews: Tuskani Franco Jr., Tito Franco and Jahseem Alexander; great-nieces: Angie Smith and Shalaya Bullock; great-nephews: Jayden Ragland, Jamir Ragland, Rashard Smith and Jayceon Ragland; aunts: Niomi Santiago, Thelma Santiago, Ana Santiago Foots and Debra Santiago; uncle, Roberto Santiago; and sons-in-law: Maurice Goodwin, Onur Guneren and Jah-Heim Arthurton Sr. Other survivors include sisters-in-law: Keisha Pilgreen and Aida Franco; godparent, Marisela Gonzales; special friends: the Emma Ayah Miller family, the Maria Henandez family, Yamaris Santos and Valcina Quashie; cousins and other relatives: Marisela, Marco, Belen, Julio Sion Farm family, numerous aunts, uncles, Franco N.Y. family, the Lilliana Belardo De’Oneal family, Genoveva Tirado and the Jenny family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Thursday, June 20, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Interment will be at Federiksted Cemetery.

Esmie Idona Maynard Dies

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Esmie Idona Maynard Dies
Esmie Idona Maynard
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Esmie Idona Maynard of Croddock Road, Charlestown, Nevis. Esmie passed away on May 7, at her home on St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed. She is survived by her daughter, Burnet (Bonnie) Williams; grandsons: Rydell Williams and Calvern Williams (resides in the United States), Keshaun Williams (resides on St. Thomas) and Ricky Williams (resides on St. Kitts); and granddaughters: Sandra, Keyonna and Kayshaunna Williams (resides in the United States). She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Shawnia, Sheniqua, J’Neale and Jabarri Williams, Shantecia, Makhai, Khailon and Emmri Daniel and Se’Kari Williams; granddaughter-in-law, Tiniece Williams; as well as many other relatives and friends at home and abroad, including the Maynard family at Jessups Village in Nevis. The first viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m., Thursday, June 20, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. The second viewing will be held at 9 a.m., from 9-10 a.m., Friday, June 21, at Nisky Moravian Church on June 21. A Celebration of her Life will begin after the viewing at 10 a.m., in Nisky Moravian Church. Interment will be at the Smith Bay Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring her memory. In this time of sorrow, we find comfort in cherishing the memories of her kindness and laughter. May she rest in peace, embraced by the everlasting love she shared with us all. 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

Delroy C. Christian Dies

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Delroy C. Christian Dies
Delroy C. Christian
Delroy Charles Christian, better known as “Kimini,” died on May 12 in Florida. Delroy was preceded in death by his mother, Ann V. Benjamin; father, Charles M. Christian; son, Bomani K. Christian; sisters, Doreen Irish and Linda Christian; and brother, Kenneth Andrew. He is survived by his companion, Joy Williams; daughter, Ashaki Christian-Ortiz; sons: Kimani and Rudo Christian; son-in-law: Jose “Lell” Ortiz; adopted daughter, Meagan DeCosta; adopted sons: Lester Stanislas, Tyrone and Troy DeCosta, Granville “Ajahie” Simmonds, Richard “Boyie” Isles, Jermaine Mulley, George King, Delroy “Burger” and Sammy Deterville,  Artwell Hughes and Dexter Arthurton; and grandchildren: Ah’Zariah and Asarheem Benjamin, Ahniyah Haywood, Ah’Celia and Jahllyjah Ortiz, Lajessia, Brianna, Kailah, Kylee “KC” Jalani, Malakai, Bomani, Omani, Charisma, Aliyah, Amera and Kymani Christian. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Miya Henry, Annalise Benjamin and D’Naesia Garvey; sisters: Marilyn Christian and Margarita Heywood; brother, Roy Christian; nieces: Deborah and Lorelle Irish, Shermaine, Jacqueline and Kalia Fawkes, Debbie and  Valerie McIntosh, Linique “Nikki” George, Rashida Smart,  Marie and Christine Danielson, and Monica Joseph; and nephews: Alvis “Pinky” Irish, Craig “Dopie,” Ray “Bigga,” Neal “Bluff” and David Fawkes, Raheem “Papi” and Ramar “Chico” Smart, Christian “Masul” Danielson, Michael “Mikey” Williams and Charles “Richie” Richards Jr. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Delarie and Sherline Williams-Nathaniel; special cousins: Anita Nibbs, Patsy Flynn and Donna-Marie Flynn Osborne: and special family: Charles and Geralda “Gerry” Farrell, Thema Macedon, Celina Riviere, Jamalia Lockhart, Nyisha Richards, Veda Emmanuel, Sylvia Granville, Shinell Suarez and family, Sarah Harvey and family, Angeline R. Williams and Walton “Selah” Macedon. Other survivors include special friends: Charles Nibbs, Lloyd “Born To Kill” Christian, Milton “Moon” Henry, Warren “Aginie” Smith, Johnny “Yaya” Pimentel, Butch “Indingo” Davila, Fern McAlpin, Clinton “Coco” Simmonds, Clifford Powell, Wayne “Tex” Harrigan, Angela “Imini” Sheen, Delroy “BG” Graham, Ronald “Shango” Allick, Gustave “Leche” Simmonds, Sherry Poree, Jenelle Connor, Gary “Flour” Thomas, the Christian family, the Armstrong family, the Henry family, the Edney family, the James family, the Lendhart family; the Peppertree Terrace Community; and other family and friends too numerous to mention. A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m., on Thursday, June 27, at Kingshill Cemetery.  Interment will follow.  

Forestry Inventory of the U.S. Virgin Islands Begins on St. John

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Forestry Inventory of the U.S. Virgin Islands Begins on St. John
On the island of St. John, a Hollander Duurioo by name, who acquired the adjacent tract of land, found a large grove of Cinnamon trees. (Pimenta racemose) growing on the property. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
On the island of St. John, a Hollander Duurioo by name, who acquired the adjacent tract of land, found a large grove of Cinnamon trees. (Pimenta racemose) growing on the property. (Photo by Olasee Davis)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis Program (FIA), in partnership with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA), has resumed the fourth forest inventory of all three U.S. Virgin Islands. The inventory is part of a federal effort to collect, analyze and report information on the status and trends of America’s forests. This year’s inventory began on St. John on Monday, June 17. The inventory will then continue to St. Thomas and St. Croix in July and August, respectively. The FIA program was established in 1928 and is the only comprehensive field-based inventory of all forest ownerships for each of the 50 states and U.S. territories. The data collected is utilized by natural resource managers to promote the health and long-term sustainability of the nation’s forest lands. The fieldwork will be done by an expert team of biological scientists in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Forestry (IITF) and the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture (VIDA) Forestry Department. Information from the inventory will be useful for assessing the sustainability of forest ecosystem management practices, evaluating wildlife habitat, and supporting forest planning and decision-making. The team will collect information on how much forest exists, where it exists, who owns it and how it is being used. The team will also collect data and track changes on how the trees and other forest vegetation are growing and how much has died or been removed in recent years. Belinda Ferro, an ecologist with the Southern Research Station’s FIA program, is coordinating these efforts. “The inventory is an efficient and effective way to capture forest dynamics and changes,” said Ferro. “Our goal is to help residents, legislators and agencies understand the uniqueness of island ecosystems and the significant ecological changes they have been experiencing in recent years. Reports on forest conditions will distill information about the current situation and latest trends along with what the future might look like if trends continue unchanged.” Preston Brooks, VIDA Urban and Community Forestry coordinator, also shared his enthusiasm for this joint effort, stating, “With the threat of climate change looming, it is more important now than ever to inventory our forests. We must learn what trees we have and what resources can be gleaned from them to address this issue and so much more, especially in a tropical climate. We hope to use this information to better the lives of all U.S. Virgin Islanders.” After the forest surveys are completed, the information will be analyzed and published in a 5-year report by the Southern Research Station. The information will also be available for downloading from the Forest Inventory and Analysis website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/programs/fia. A team will return every year to remeasure and track changes in forest cover, land use patterns, and biological diversity. This data will aid resource managers in making more informed decisions based on the most current state of the forests, including damage from hurricanes, loss to development and the effects of climate. For more information, contact Belinda Ferro at 865-862-2091 or Belinda.Ferro@usda.gov or Preston Brooks at 340-778-0997 ext. 3314 or Preston.Brooks@doa.vi.gov.

Public Works Reminds Candidates of Necessity of Campaign Advertising Permits

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Public Works Reminds Candidates of Necessity of Campaign Advertising Permits
The organization’s poster campaign is giving students the chance to engage in the political discussion.
The Department of Public Works (DPW) reminds candidates that an advertising device permit is mandatory to place signs in public and private locations within 50 feet of the center line of any public roadway in the Virgin Islands. Signs are only allowed in V.I. Department of Public Works designated locations, which are listed on the advertising device permit application or approved private locations. Advertisers interested in placing signs on private property must provide the department with written approval from the location’s owner. The department will request that the applicant remove any signs found to be in non-compliance. If DPW is forced to remove the signs, it will cost $150 per sign.

UVI Free Tuition Scholarships Now Available for Part-Time, Online Students

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UVI Free Tuition Scholarships Now Available for Part-Time, Online Students
University of the Virgin Islands graduation banner (Submitted photo)
The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is excited to announce that part-time and online students are now eligible for the Free Tuition Scholarship program thanks to new legislation that expands eligibility criteria to include more Virgin Islands residents seeking their first undergraduate degree. In addition, new UVI policies have been implemented to help students maximize financial aid through the scholarship program and other supplemental sources, including federal, private and local awards. New students are encouraged to apply to UVI now for the 2024 fall semester. “We are extremely pleased with the recent legislation that makes it possible for more Virgin Islanders to achieve their dream of a college education,” said UVI President David Hall. “I would like to thank members of the 35th Legislature for their support and specifically Sen. Samuel Carrión for sponsoring Act No. 8814 that extends the free tuition benefits to a wider population. Furthermore, I would like to recognize the important role of the UVI Board of Trustees in making the necessary policy and procedural changes quickly so that students can take advantage of the benefits right away.” To qualify for the Free Tuition Scholarship, students must be graduates of a USVI high school they attended for three or more years; have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher in high school; be seeking their first undergraduate degree (associate or bachelor’s); enroll as at least a part-time (six or more hours per semester) student; and be a current resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Students are eligible whether they graduated from a private, public or parochial high school, regardless of age, graduation date or household income. “The new legislation opens the door to so many Virgin Islands residents for whom part-time or online studies are the only viable option due to work schedules or family obligations,” said Louis Gaubatz, vice provost of Enrollment Management at UVI. “This is an incredible opportunity, especially for individuals already in the workforce looking to earn a college degree and advance their careers. “We are also encouraging current students to contact the Registrar’s office or a member of the enrollment team to check for eligibility under the expanded criteria.” An important aspect of the UVI policy changes is how the Free Tuition Scholarship is administered. When an eligible student applies to UVI, the UVI Office of Financial Aid will now apply the Free Tuition Scholarship funding first towards the cost of tuition. If students require supplemental financial aid to cover expenses such as room and board, books and other fees, that financial aid, whether federal (FAPSA), private or local awards, will be applied after the Free Tuition Scholarship funding. “This is an important policy change that essentially allows students to maximize the financial aid they receive to cover as many college-related expenses as possible,” explained Gaubatz. “Since the Free Tuition Scholarship program covers strictly tuition, students can unlock the ‘Plus’ part of the program by applying for federal aid through the FAFSA, to cover non-tuition expenses. And students who, for whatever reason, do not want to apply for financial aid, can still receive the Free Tuition scholarship.” The program, also known as the Virgin Islands Higher Education Scholarship program, was created through a legislative act introduced by Lt. Gov. Tregenza Roach while serving as senator in the 32nd Legislature. Signed into law in 2019, the Free Tuition Scholarship is funded by the V.I. government to make attending college more affordable for more Virgin Islands residents. The ensuing Act No. 8814, which expands eligibility criteria, was passed in April 2024. For more information about the Free Tuition Scholarship program, visit https://freetuition.uvi.edu. To apply to UVI, visit www.uvi.edu. For more information or to apply to UVI Online, visit www.online.uvi.edu. For media inquiries, contact pr@uvi.edu.

PFA and ODR Questioned About Projects and Spending

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PFA and ODR Questioned About Projects and Spending
Adrienne Williams-Octalien, director of the Office of Disaster Recovery, said it would need more money next year. (Photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)
Nathan Simmonds, director of Finance and Administration at the Public Finance Authority, testified Tuesday that the authority’s budget for fiscal year 2025 was $27.42 million, a 40 percent increase, or $7.84 million, over fiscal year 2024. He said this was due primarily to increased funding required for the Office of Disaster Recovery, a Public Finance Authority subsidiary division. Adrienne Williams-Octalien, director of ODR, also testified at the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance hearing. She testified that for FY 2024, ODR’s total operating expenses were just over $10 million and were funded by $2.5 million from the General Fund and $7.6 million from federal disaster grant programs. However, she said ODR would need almost $16 million this year “as the territory sets out to launch the new comprehensive territorial recovery strategy — Rebuild USVI and tackle more complex projects.” She said the proposed budget supports including a specialized project management office. Federal reimbursements would fund $12 million of the ODR budget through FEMA and HUD disaster programs. She said 34 recovery projects were completed in 2023, including the successful territory-wide training initiative, Skills for Today, the WIC building at the Knud Hansen Complex on St. Thomas, and the Elaine Sprauve Public Library on St. John. Committee Chair Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory was concerned about a project that had not progressed much. The EnVIsion Tomorrow Homeowner Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program has been under criticism almost since its inception in 2020. The program is to repair and rebuild homes damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. Williams-Octalien testified that 30 homes had been completed and $44 million of the $245 million obligated to the program had been spent. Frett-Gregory said, “That is a lot of money. A lot more Virgin Islanders should have been helped.” At the meeting, senators also expressed concerns about the funds allocated to the Government Employees’ Retirement System Rescue Plan. The plan was based on the territory receiving back from the United States $13.25 for each proof gallon of rum sold stateside. However, for the last two years, the territory has only been receiving $10.50, and Simmonds said there is no indication it will be raised in the upcoming year. He said the government covered the shortfall to GERS in the first year but not in the second year. He said he expected it to be larger in the upcoming year. This year, the shortfall was $34 million. Frett-Gregory said it was a critical issue, and Congress needed to act to get the sum back up to $13.25. Simmonds said Congress “is caught in dysfunction.” Williams-Octalien said ODR had successfully increased its original funding projections from $8 billion to $15 billion. Notable projects include Roy Lester Schneider Hospital, which will receive $1 billion; Charlotte Amalie High School, which will receive $402 million; St. Croix Central High School, which will receive $248 million; John H. Woodson, which will receive $188 million, and Charles H. Emmanuel, which will receive $100 million. Simmonds was questioned about the award of a contract for Turnaround Management Services for the Water and Power Authority to Ernst & Young. Sen. Carla Joseph wanted to know if Ernst & Young was an independent enough firm since it has worked with WAPA before. Simmonds said the firm receiving the contract was independent from the one that had previously worked with WAPA. Senators Marvin Blyden, Dwayne DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Novelle Francis Jr., Frett-Gregory, Javan James, and Carla Joseph attended the meeting.

V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe Retains Counsel Amid False Reporting Allegations

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V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe Retains Counsel Amid False Reporting Allegations
(Shutterstock image)
V.I. Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe has retained legal counsel following false reports by another media outlet claiming he was the target of a federal investigation and had been asked to surrender his cell phone. Amid a series of arrests and the resignation of high-ranking government officials, rumors of further detentions are rampant. However, Dowe clarified on Monday and Tuesday that he is not among those under investigation. “I refuse to believe you, as a media personality, are that intellectually lazy or inept that you will not check or verify information before publishing such a story you very well know will likely defame Mr. Dowe in his personal and professional life. For your information, Mr. Dowe has received no communication whatsoever from any federal or local government agency or official, nor were his phones or computer devices confiscated or searched by any agency of any government,” attorney Martial A. Webster stated in a letter sent to V.I. Free Press President John McCarthy on Tuesday after the outlet published a piece implicating Dowe earlier that morning. Claims implicating Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. were also refuted by Government House’s communications team. When asked to confirm whether more names would be released, Federal Bureau of Investigations Special Agent and Public Affairs Officer Limary Cruz-Rubio stated Tuesday that the agency does not confirm or deny who is involved in active investigations to preserve the integrity of the process. She did acknowledge, however, that information from community members has been crucial in prompting the FBI to investigate and build its cases. “We are grateful for the trust that has been put in us,” Cruz-Rubio said. “We assure you that as long as the public keeps doing that, we are going to keep doing what we’re doing to give the Virgin Islands the normalcy and justice it needs. We are active, we are moving — sit back and watch.” She added that tips can be submitted to 787-987-6500. Recent arrests announced by the U.S. Attorney’s Office include V.I. Education Department Maintenance Director Davidson Charlemagne and his wife, Sasha, indicted on charges of government program fraud, wire fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Additionally, former Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Chief Operating Officer Darin Richardson faces charges of criminal conflict of interest and making materially false statements. Court documents reveal these charges stem from a two-year investigation into a VIHFA contract for storage and management of wood shipped to the territory for reconstruction following hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. In the wake of these arrests, Government House confirmed the resignation of Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal on Monday, and Bryan also called for the resignation of V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez. Federal agents seized both Martinez’s and O’Neal’s personal cell phones over the weekend. O’Neal was served a subpoena in Orlando to testify regarding the contract between the Virgin Islands Police Department and Mon Ethos Pro Support. Public spending records indicate that the U.S. Virgin Islands government has paid $3.31 million to Mon Ethos Pro Support since August 2022, including $1.7 million from the Office of Management and Budget and $1.5 million from the Virgin Islands Police Department. A central concern is whether there was any personal gain for public officials connected to this contract, financed in part with federal relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Commissioner of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Calvert White also had his phone seized as federal agents investigate all Mon Ethos contracts, including a $1.8 million deal for surveillance cameras at the territory’s parks and DSPR facilities. Bryan stated on Monday that he has not yet asked for White’s resignation. The Source is committed to continuing to report fairly and accurately on the ongoing investigations and will uphold its standards as further developments are announced.

DPNR Invites Public to Final Round of Land and Water Use Plan Town Meetings

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DPNR Invites Public to Final Round of Land and Water Use Plan Town Meetings
DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, pictured during a Senate hearing, said Land and Water Use planners have sought public engagement throughout the development process. (File photo courtesy V.I. Legislature)

Close to a year and a half since efforts began, officials at Planning and Natural Resources say they are close to completing a land and water use plan for the Virgin Islands. But before submitting the final draft to the approval process, DPNR officials are inviting the public to a round of public meetings.

Talk about creating a plan to properly manage land and water use has been going on in the territory since the late 1980s, but the effort to create a comprehensive plan had not moved much towards action.

The upcoming meetings are being billed as the last invitation for public review and public comment. A statement released last week said officials hope to present a broad overview along with goals and policy directions. If approved and adopted, planners say they hope to deliver a “to-do” list for the government, stakeholders, and the community. “This is a framework, this is a plan that will guide development for the future,” said DPNR Public Information Officer Jamal Neilsen.

Soliciting public input as part of plan development has been an active element since the first round of meetings. Close to 600 residents participated in five town hall meetings held in early March 2023.

From those meetings, officials at DPNR were able to recruit about 90 volunteers to work with consultants putting the plan together. The consultants did not live in the Virgin Islands, said DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, so having the input of island residents helped them tailor a plan specific to the Virgin Islands.

“They were still working (through) the first week in June,” the commissioner said, adding that those volunteers may be pressed into service again after this final round of land plan meetings.

“If there is a lot of public comment that comes in, we may have the planning groups meet again to help us sort things out; if there is not a lot of comment, then basically we’re good to go,” Oriol said.

Those who wish to seize the opportunity can join the land plan town meetings set for June 24 at the Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John, June 25 at Victor’s Hideout on St. Thomas, and June 27 at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on St. Croix.

Each meeting is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Presenters plan to introduce four topics: Making Better Land Use Decisions; Protecting Our Natural Resources; Preparing for a Sustainable Future, and Living and Thriving Together.

From there, officials say they hope to promote one last round of public strategy sessions. “Everyone is encouraged to provide more detailed feedback through the online survey at www.PlanUSVI.com, which will remain open through July 26, 2024,” Nielsen said.

Once the hearings conclude and the comments are evaluated, Oriol said the plan will go to the Legislature for passage. If lawmakers approve, the plan can then be signed into law.

Little League Continues to Encourage More Baseball

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Little League Continues to Encourage More Baseball
A Little League opening ceremony welcomed all the teams from St. Croix and St. Thomas of all divisions who went head-to-head. St. Thomas ended up winning all divisions. (Photo courtesy Trissision Productions)

The Territorial Championships last weekend marked the start of an exciting period for Little League in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Elmo Plaskett East Little League held the Championships at the Rudy Krieger Ballpark on St. Croix on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Teams from the 6 to 8 division, 9 to 10 division and the 11 to 12 division battled it out over the weekend. In the end, St. Thomas swooped all three divisions of the championships, and the winners will move on to play the Caribbean Little League Tournament in Curacao on July 14–21.

The St. Croix team put up a good fight, winning Friday’s game in the 11 to 12 division, but St. Thomas came back, winning Saturday and Sunday’s finale. (Photo courtesy Trissision Productions)

“In the sense of framework and the pillars of a child’s life and as it matriculates throughout adolescence and adulthood, it is important to have those disciplines and interpersonal skills,” President of the Elmo Plaskett Little League, Denis Lynch, said about the importance of Little League.

“Those relationships support through team building, having parents around, having coaches around it sprinkles more information and would get them to that higher level that we are aspiring to push them to,” said Lynch.

Children huddle on the pitcher’s mound from the St. Croix 11-12 division. (Photo courtesy Trissision Productions)

Back in January, the Source interviewed Lynch, who mentioned that there were many exciting developments in store for Little League in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Some of those upcoming events to promote Little League include a “12U Youth Baseball & Adult Softball” Tournament on July 5 to 7. Some of the players in the 12-Youth Division will also participate in the Santo Domingo Baseball Classic in the Dominican Republic from July 31 to Aug. 6 and travel to Vieques from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Other events to look forward to are “King of the Diamond” on Oct. 11 to 14, which will host a Youth 13 Tournament.

The St. Thomas team will now move on to both the Latin America finals and the Caribbean finals. (Photo courtesy Trissision Productions)

For a full recap of the weekend’s events, click here.

Sponsors for the event included Bellows Int’l, West Indies Corp., The Market, Pivot to Success, Inc., Elroy Bates, Mumba Rivera, Da Vybe 107.9FM, The Big Phat Morning Show, Senate President Novelle E. Francis Jr. and the 35th Legislature.

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