Isaiah E. Joseph
Isaiah E. Joseph, also known as “Ziah,” of Mutual Homes died on Monday, May 6. He was 68 years old.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Joseph; son, Aaron Joseph; brother, Henderson Joseph; aunts: Mavis Charles and Edris McFarland; uncles: James Weatherill and Selwyn Weatherill.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila Joseph; mother, Evelyn Joseph; daughter, Anna-Maria L. Joseph; sons: Romeo Jospeh, Akeem Joseph, Isaiah E. Joseph Jr., Antonio Joseph, Azayah Joseph and Jeremiah Joseph; and grandchildren: Latanya Knowles, D’Quandre Williams, Arianna Joseph, Marie Anna Joseph, Anna Marie Joseph, Aaron Joseph Jr., Jayla Joseph, Azai Joseph, Ni’Zoia Joseph, Amazia Joseph, Akemo Joseph, Akyra Joseph, Akeelah Joseph, D’vonte Joseph, D’Andre Joseph and Noah Joseph.
He is also survived by great-grandchild, Je’Nora Antoine; sisters: Jean Kathleen Joseph and Cerene Jordan (adopted sister); brothers: Bradley Joseph and Melrose Joseph; nieces: Colleen Delva, Merlyn Bryant, Alicia Joseph-Tucker and Kathleen Edwards; nephews: Clinton Joseph, Herson Archibald, Julian Joseph and Rasheem Joseph; aunts: Sarah Thomas, Jenita Kelly, Blondell Weatherill and Mignonette Coates; uncle, Henderson Weatherill; and sisters-in-law, Verna Joseph, Alice Stevens and Maris Stevens.
Other survivors include godchild, Collette Barnes; special friends: George Matthew, William Massiah (Willie), Cynthia Desouza, Rell Southwell, Bad Company and family, Sparrow, Butters, Dave, Tony, Little, Toya, Pick, Bobby, Kema, Ricky, the Simon family, Money, the Forde family, Lendell, Linda Joy Hughes (Dodo), JeanP Laviscount, Debbie Christopher, the Charles family, the Jeffers family, Jeanne Payne, Elizabeth, Kathleen, Mary, Julia, Roma, Winston, Derima, Kiana, Puppa Iry, Christolyn, Iris, Ireneus Stanislaus and the Mutual Homes family; as well as many other friends and relatives too numerous to mention with LOVE.
The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Sunday, June 2, at Central SDA Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Monique Simon (Submitted photo)
When Monique Simon steps into her new position as the general manager of Magens Bay on Monday, the big change for Simon will be she’ll be spending seven days a week at the place she calls a “vital part of my being,” not just weekends and holidays.
Magens Bay Authority announced her appointment in a press release earlier this week.
Her extensive management experience and proven track record in key leadership positions at the Water and Power Authority and Justice Department make Simon “well-positioned to lead the Magens Bay Authority into its next phase of growth and development,” the release stated.
In her new capacity as general manager, Simon will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Magens Bay’s operations, including visitor services, conservation efforts, and infrastructure development.
She will work closely with the board of directors, staff, and stakeholders to uphold the Authority’s mission of preserving and promoting Magens Bay as a premier destination for residents and visitors alike, the release noted.
Simon is also committed to upholding the provisions and vision of Arthur Fairchild, who deeded the original 58 acres that became Magens Bay Park to the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity in 1947, she said.
“I grew up on that beach.”
In her many roles throughout the Virgin Islands Simon has left behind “a proven track record of driving operational excellence and promoting sustainable tourism practices through retail management and government operations,” the release said.
“I am honored and excited to join the Magens Bay Authority as general manager,” she said, adding, “Magens Bay holds a special place in my heart and the hearts of many, and I am committed to building upon its rich legacy while implementing innovative strategies to ensure its sustainability and continued success.”
She is well-versed from her previous positions in government operations, fostering community engagement, and implementing strategic initiatives to promote environmental stewardship.
Simon is a veteran of the U.S. Navy, is a Certified Public Manager and she holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of the Virgin Islands.
“Magens Bay is where I go for my solitude and physical activities. I’ll never get
sick of it,” she said.
Police, joined by other first responders, took a somber journey through the roads of St. Thomas to honor the fallen. This Wednesday, May 15 was observed as Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day across the U.S.
A motorcade from Eastern Cemetery to Western Cemetery to the Alexander Farrelly Justice Complex was held as part of the 2024 Police Week events on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. Six officers from St. Croix and nine from the St. Thomas-St. John district were remembered with flowers, prayers and a wreath cast on the waters of the Charlotte Amalie Harbor.
Deputy Police Chief Clayton Brown and former Deputy Chief — now Sen. Dwayne DeGraff — lead a wreath-laying ceremony on Veterans Drive. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
At the justice complex, Police Lt. Deborah Hodge thanked the officer from St. Croix who created commemorative tiles for each of the day’s honorees. The most recent one was St. Thomas-St. John Detective Delberth Phipps Jr. who died in an armed confrontation on July 4, 2023.
Nine commemorative plaques displayed at Farrelly Justice Complex on Wednesday afternoon. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Deputy Police Chief Clayton Brown said Phipps’ family was in Washington, D.C. at a national ceremony honoring officers from across the United States. “This year there will be 284 new names added to the memorial. Sadly, one of the names will be one of our own,” Brown said.
But the family of Officer Colvin Geroges — who died in 2012 — was among those gathered on Wednesday. His mother accepted a bouquet of flowers in her son’s honor. Also accepting flowers was Gail Callwood, cousin of Richard Callwood for whom the police command at Farrelly complex is named.
She pointed to his picture. “Did you ever see a big teddy bear? He was the sweetest, gentlest person you ever met,” she said.
The names of those honored on Wednesday included:
Police Detective Delberth Phipps Jr.
Police Officer Colvin Terrance Geroges Sr.
Police Officer Ariel Frett
Deputy Marshall Randy Arnaldo Stephens
Police Officer Steven Hodge
Police Officer Richard N. Callwood
Patrolman Alan Williams
Patrolman Rudel Albert Parrott
Patrolman Leroy Alvaro Swan
Lionel Emanuel Issac
Police Officer Akeem Basil “Teddy” Newton
Police Officer Cuthbert Ezekiel Chapman
Police Officer Dexter L. Mardenborough
Patrolman Wilbur Horatio Francis
Patrolman Patrick Emmanuel Sweeney
Patrolman Leopald Emanuel Fredericks, Jr.
Sen. Dwayne DeGraff recalled his 26 years serving with the VIPD. He said he knew a few of the names on the list as people he worked with side by side, and that Phipps’ father and Geroge’s aunt were his classmates at Charlotte Amalie High School. “When we look at it, the community is so small we are all connected to one another,” DeGraff said.
The ceremony ended with lit candles and a moment of silence.
Police gather in silent reflection on Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Republican leaders said Wednesday they had no idea their successful lawsuit meant 2024 primary elections were in limbo. (Screenshot of District Court Opinion)
Virgin Islands Republican leadership said Wednesday it was taken by surprise when the Supervisor of Elections announced a normal primary election was not possible because of a lawsuit filed by the Republican Party in the Virgin Islands leadership.
John Yob, chairman of the Republican Party in the Virgin Islands, said Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes’ testimony at the Legislature Monday was the first he’d heard that the District Court ruling made a primary election impossible without a new, curative law.
Republicans had sued in August 2022 to get government interference out of their internal party decisions, claiming it violated their First Amendment rights. They won. Jan. 10, District Court Chief Judge Robert Molloy ruled eight provisions of the Virgin Islands Code covering elections were unconstitutional.
Yob said the political party had been unaware of the downstream effects of their legal action for the 124 days between Molloy’s ruling and Fawkes’ appearance at the Senate.
Tuesday, Republicans said they planned to hold their own, privately-run primary but were yet undecided on the process. How candidates would register, how and where voting would take place, and how votes would be counted, were all open questions, Yob said.
“Unfortunately we were not aware of the position of the Board of Elections until 48 hours ago so we are still making determinations regarding the specifics of the system the party will use to nominate candidates,” Yob wrote by text message.
Yob did not say if the party had existing bylaws for such an arrangement nor if he’d been in touch with national party leadership, but said a special meeting of the Republican State Committee was being called to authorize the primary process.
He wrote to Fawkes and Board of Elections Chairperson Alecia Wells Tuesday asking they confirm the chosen candidates would be on the general election ballot and be the only ones listed as Republican.
Yob set a 5 p.m. Friday deadline for Fawkes and Wells to reply. But as of late Tuesday, neither had seen Yob’s email. The message to Wells had been sent to an incorrect address. After being alerted by the Source, Fawkes wrote at 10:23 p.m. to say she’d found the message in her junk mail folder.
As of April, there were 994 registered Republicans active in the U.S. Virgin Islands, 615 on St. Croix, 345 on St. Thomas, and 34 on St. John, according to Election System of the Virgin Islands. That’s less than the 20,149 registered Democrats and 7,918 voters who did not affiliate with a party but more than the 771 people who listed their party as the Independent Citizens Movement.
Some senators and Elections officials said removing public funds from intra-party elections was a good thing, despite the messy timing. Fawkes estimated each primary election cost about $250,000.
Elections Board member Harriet A. Mercer told Source readers Tuesday that the Legislature and attorney general’s office had been slow-footed in addressing problems in old elections laws. Elections offices were bound by the law while legislators made laws and the attorney general interpreted and enforced laws.
“This is not rocket science,” Mercer wrote. “Let every party pay for its own primary — as long should have been the case — because the law never said that the people in general should be doing so.”
In the meantime, the Elections office was still taking nominations for various positions. Fawkes had said in her testimony Monday — urging action by lawmakers — that Elections representatives were continuing as if the primary were like any other.
Image: Amari Bodley, Central High School, NAF Business Academy receives certification standing next to Christopher Brooks, WAPA District Safety Manager, at the Senior Presentation on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center VI Cardiac Center conference room. (Submitted photo)
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (Authority or WAPA) proudly announces the successful completion of the National Academy Foundation Academy of Business internship program by a group of talented interns from Central High School.
Throughout the internship program, these dedicated students showcased their passion for learning and their commitment to excellence while gaining valuable hands-on experience in various departments of WAPA. Under the mentorship of several members of the team, they immersed themselves in real-world projects, contributing fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the organization.
The National Academy Foundation Academy of Business internship program provides high school students with the opportunity to explore different career paths, develop essential skills and build professional networks. By participating in this program, the interns from Central High School have demonstrated their readiness to excel in the workforce and make meaningful contributions to their community.
“We are immensely proud of the interns from Central High School for their outstanding dedication and hard work during their time with us,” said Brenda Aloyo, acting director of Human Resources at. “Their enthusiasm and willingness to learn have been truly inspiring, and we have no doubt that they have bright futures ahead of them.”
“We are so excited to have the Authority as one of our partners giving students the opportunity to partake in these internship experiences,” Jennifa Mohammed-Parrilla, Business Education Teacher and Department Chair National Academy Foundation Academy of Business Site Coordinator. “We look forward to partnering with the various employers including the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.”
As they move forward in their academic and professional journeys, the Authority extends its heartfelt congratulations to these interns on their accomplishments. The organization remains committed to supporting the next generation of leaders and fostering opportunities for growth and development within the community.
To watch the video of some of the Central High School students sharing their experience during the internship at WAPA, visit WAPA’s YouTube page.
The “Bridges” Exhibit crosses the artistic gap between the Caribbean and the Americas with an opening reception at Cane Roots Art Gallery on the last Art Thursday of the season. The downtown Christiansted art museum will be open from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gallerist Sonia Deane shared her insight with the Source on this “inaugural” exhibit that has been in the works for a couple of years and is finally “giving birth to something I conceived a very long time ago.”Sonia Deane (Submitted photo)“During the time between my Guyanese heritage, going to New York and being strongly influenced by African American art, and arriving in the Virgin Islands, I saw the initial merge of the arts through my concept of bridges,” Deane said. According to Deane, the designs patrons will view will be promoted eventually as the “Bridges” concept. It will be moved to other places in the Americas, South America, [Guyana at the top, where Deane was born], and other parts of South America, [Surinam, where Deane’s mother was born], maybe Brazil, and other parts of the Caribbean, especially in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, [where Deane especially loves the arts], and the heavy influences of art that she likes coming out of the Americas. Deane noted this inaugural opening on the last Art Thursday of the season and, going forward for five months through October, will continue each year.“There will be a ‘Bridges’ exhibit every year, and every year it will be curated by someone different – a Crucian-born curator, one from North Carolina, or another from Guyana. It will be extended out from these visionaries to bring their ideas forward,” Deane said.Deane’s idea of “Bridges” will allow art to be exchanged during the five months. An artist can pull a piece of art out that may have been sold or not…and bring in a new or different piece. This will allow for an exchange of art and artists. Different artists can come in and bring their new work, and the artists’ talks will resume with each rotating artist. Eleven artists are showing in this inaugural exhibit and six of the artists are featured in this story. Going forward, the “Bridges” series will continue with a look at other participating artists through the month of October. Ransome – was born in North Carolina and moved to New Jersey as a teenager. He graduated from Pratt Institute and was a tenured professor in the School of Visual Performing Arts at Syracuse University before retiring to pursue his dreams of being a studio artist. He received his MFA in Studio Arts from Lesley Institute.Cunningham Boys, acrylic on wood panel by Ransome (Source photo by Elisa McKay)John Obafemi Jones – likes the idea of merging painting with drawing. His style combines the mediums, techniques, and discarded materials. Colorful squiggly lines and marks are key visual elements in his work and provide pathways for expressionistic mixed media paintings. “From beginning to end, the process of bringing shapes, lines, and colors together to the point where a work is born is quite challenging, yet magical and mysterious.”Lean on Me. Mixed media by John Obafemi Jones (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Adrienne Smith – “My mom’s creativity influenced me. I was fascinated by her handwriting and sign-painting skills for our town grocery store. Moving to St. Croix from Oregon in late 2021 provided the push I needed to fully embrace my artistic identity.” Smith dove into photography, painting and drawing, digital art, abstract art, realism and illustration, and lately, traditional art. Maria Banwaree of Unique Art Studio & Boutique in Christiansted hosted Smith’s first solo exhibit in February, “Poultry Profiles: The Coop Collection.” “I am so thankful to Maria for taking me under her wing, to encourage and support me as an artist.”Regina and Randall. Mixed Media, colored pencil and pen by Adrienne Smith (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Bai – “I have been painting faces and figures throughout my career as they are part of an ongoing journey of which neither I nor the viewer will ever tire. The foundation for my portraits comes from the African Mask. As a child, I remember the visual impact it had on me and remains strong in my retainable memory to this day. The mask forces a response from the viewer, whether a primitive or contemporary response. Colour is the symbol I use to reflect the emotional stages through which we as humans experience – reds for the violent past, blues, greens for the peace to come, and yellow and oranges for the bright future ahead. The latter is not guaranteed in my paintings. However, I think it is attainable in life.”Island Man with Headscarf. Mixed media, acrylic and oil stick by Bai (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Tralice Bracy – is a photographer who takes a simple look at pool toys, focusing on the beauty of light, color, and form. Bracy looks for Motifs of Design (like circles, spirals, and squares) to reveal themselves as reflections in the water. The intention behind this photographic series is to document the presence of light inhabiting space, for a sense of simultaneity to emerge as an enriched form. The beauty of light, form, and composition is a constant focus in this series. “When it Feels Just Right” Photograph on Aluminum by Tralice Bracy (Source photo by Elisa McKay)Stanley Greaves – “The practice of art is the dialogue between experiences, thought, vision and proven ability that should provide lessons for living – to the artist first of all, who needs to recognise them through ‘conversations’ with the work.”“Black Bird.” Pen and ink, acrylic, and gold leaf by Stanley Greaves (Source photo by Elisa McKay)“Bridges” opening reception will be held on Art Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Fridays, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.For more information:canerootsartgallery.comGallery: 340-718-4929
Three friends, Justin Smith, Eric Robinson, and Addison Griffin, started the Lion Haven after-school program in 2021. (Photo courtesy Justin Smith)
Lion Haven has been around for three years, and in that short time, the non-profit organization has engaged dozens of young people, from ages 6 to 18, from across the island of St. Croix with after-school activities. The organization will host the St. Croix Wine Walk on Saturday to raise funds for the program.
Lion Haven was started in 2021 by Justin Smith, crisis counselor Addison Griffin, and Eric Robinson, a jujitsu coach. They wanted to create a non-profit with features like the YMCA, including a variety of after-school programs. Griffin and Robinson are still involved with Lion Haven.
Smith, now the principal officer and executive director, played college and professional football – including the Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers – before moving to St. Croix. He then worked at Island Therapy and taught middle and high school classes for five years at AZ Academy. During that time, he learned about the need for after-school activities and life-skills education, especially for at-risk youth.
“Our goal was to build a centralized YMCA community center – a safe place to become the best version of themselves,” Smith told the Source.
The first 12-week program included jujitsu, cross-fit training, tutoring, therapy, and snacks. Since then, the center has held pottery, cooking, and dancing classes and regular after-school tutoring sessions. Additionally, 340 Cross Fit and Beeston Hill Health Club have held jujitsu classes for boys and girls, and Leatherback Brewery has football games once a week.
Administrators and Lion Haven participants after a jujitsu class at 340 Cross Fit. (Photo courtesy Justin Smith)
After Smith met Sie Lloyd at the Mon Bijou Community Center, a partnership was formed and Lion Haven found a home – for now – and most of the activities are held there.
While running the program is a full-time job, Smith is also writing grants with the goal of finding a permanent location. He hopes to continue a woman’s self-defense class and a summer camp with the V.I. equestrienne
Lion Haven is supported by the business community, including the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands, Cane Bay Partners, and Leatherback Brewing, who host the annual point-one-mile fun run.
The St. George Village Botanical Gardens is hosting the Wine Walk with support from Bellows International and Prestige Wine Group. There will be five pairing stations with food and wines to be tasted at each and the “little master chefs” of Lion Haven will sponsor one of the stations.
The name of the organization, Lion Haven has meaning: Smith said the group is providing a safe place – a haven – for strong young people – lions.
“It’s a safe place for young people who don’t know what power they have,” he said.
For more information, visit Facebook or www.lionhaven.org.
Although the regular school year may be coming to a close, the St. John School of the Arts is launching two new free programs for youngsters as part of their community arts outreach.
The first is a four-day course on photography – using real cameras, not phones – taught by photographer/videographer William “Bill” Stelzer. Classes will be held on Thursdays and Fridays, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on May 23 and 24 and on May 30 and 31. Children ages nine and up are welcome to attend. Space is limited.
Students at SJSA collaborate on an art project. (Photo courtesy St. John School of the Arts)
As with all programs, registration can be completed online at the school’s website or by calling 340-779-4322.
Beginning June 10, the St. John School of the Arts is offering Telling Tales: The Art of Storytelling, a summer camp for children ages six through 13 that combines art, music, drama, dance and traditional Caribbean storytelling.
“The students will begin the camp by planting a seed to symbolize the values instilled throughout the two-week session,” said Jeune´ Provost, executive director of SJSA. “We pay homage to the tradition and preserve it.”
The school offered a similar program last summer, but Provost said each year is unique as the children develop a story and turn it into a play. Instructors this year include Lisa Penn, Shira Sofer, Bibiana “Miss Bibi” Fabbi, and Susan Nicholas.
The camp day begins at 8 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. Snacks are provided but lunch is not. Space in this free program is limited, so parents are encouraged to register their children at their earliest convenience.
As the year winds up, students who have been taking classes at the St. John School of the Arts will be showcasing the work they’ve done this term, and the public is invited to attend. It’s an opportunity for students to take a deeper look at their own work and get feedback, according to Provost.
Presentations begin at Mongoose Junction on Thursday at 4:30 p.m. with a display of beading and jewelry making. On Saturday at 6 p.m., students taking classes in sewing and design will present a fashion show, and students in Caribbean movement and vocal classes will perform.
A student works on costume at the St. John School of the Arts. (Photo courtesy St. John School of the Arts)
On May 20 and 21, tumbling and creative movement students will showcase their work in the SJSA’s performance space from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. And on May 23 at 5:30 p.m., piano and guitar students will give an informal recital at the school.
Finally, the school is still accepting members for “Budding Artists,” this year’s carnival troupe entry for the July 4th Festival. Rehearsals and costume construction begin June 19. Participants will meet at the school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The fees are $75 for children and $100 for adults.
Jeune´ Provost leads the St. John School of the Arts carnival troupe on July 4, 2023. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)
A police officer was assaulted on St. Croix while responding to a domestic violence incident, the V.I. Police Department reported.
On Sunday, at about 2:33 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received reports of a domestic disturbance in the Candido Guadalupe Housing Complex. Upon the arrival of the initial responding officer, the victim informed him that her partner, Joseph A. Ramirez, had damaged property in her apartment, according to the police report.
While the officer was investigating the matter, Ramirez entered the home and assaulted the police officer. The complainant, along with a good Samaritan, aided the officer. However, Rameriz assaulted the officer again, this time causing injury. Additional officers traveled to assist and were able to subdue Ramirez and place him under arrest, the police report stated.
Ramirez, 37 was arrested, and charged with attempted murder and assault in the third
degree and advised of his Miranda Rights. He was booked and transported to the John Bell
Correctional Facility after he did not pay the $100,000 bail. He remains incarcerated pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.
Gladys Williams-Broome
Gladys E. Williams-Broome died on April 27 at the age of 97.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents: Clifford and Hilda Williams; maternal uncles: Charles and Jacob Hendricks; maternal aunts: Mary Normil, Ena Stevens and Zephra Hendricks; siblings: Maude, Edmond, Doris, Eric and Evan Williams; and daughters: Alpha B. Broome and Alexia B. Gibson.
She leaves to mourn her granddaughters: Louise R. Emanuel (NY), Corine E. Emmanuel and Loraine R. Jones (NY); great-grandchildren: Di’Milo A. Jones (NY), Omar J. Emmanuel, Xavier D. Whitley (NY) and Sherin A. Emmanuel; great-great-grandchildren: Korii R. Stewart, Xilee P. Martin-Whitley, Niara A.A. Connor and Xavier Jr. D. Martin-Whitley; nephews: Darryl, Dennis, Desmond, Lesroy and Lenroy Williams; nieces: Hilda Williams, Geryl Warner and Ericka Williams; and a host of relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 17, at the Blyden Memorial Chapel, with the viewing at 9-10 a.m. and services beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Western Cemetery No. 3.
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