IEKHS Senior Selected for Jobs for America’s Graduates Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship

Darnell Birmingham, a senior at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School has been recently selected as one of the recipients of the 2024 Kenneth M. Smith Scholarship, the V.I. Education Department announced. Scholarship recipients are carefully selected from Jobs for America’s Graduates programs across the nation. Birmingham, a well-rounded and talented student, actively participates in various community activities and is involved in numerous school-affiliated organizations, according to the department.  

Amber Alert: T’Nasia Rios Reported Missing on St. Thomas Thursday

T’Nasia Rios, a 12-year-old Black female, was last seen on Thursday on Rhymer Highway, on St. Thomas, in the vicinity of McDonald’s, wearing a gray shirt and gray shorts. She is 5’1″ and 121 lbs. She has a light brown complexion, brown eyes, black hair and slim build. She resides in West Caret Bay.

T’Nasia Rios (Photo courtesy VIPD)

If seen, notify 911 or the Juvenile Bureau at 340-715-5541 and 340-626-0759.

Arrest Made in Sion Farm for Illegal Gun Possession

An illegal firearm was discovered by a K9 officer and a weapons and ammunition detection dog inside a vehicle in Sion Farm, St. Croix Wednesday, the V.I. Police Department reported. Officers of the Special Operations Bureau were on patrol in the area of Sion Farm when they observed two men who were sitting in a white Toyota Tacoma truck hastily exiting the truck and locking it, according to the police report. A K9 officer walked the area with his K9 partner, a weapons and ammunition detection dog, who gave a positive alert on the truck. The registered owner of the truck gave consent to search the truck, the police report stated. During the search of the vehicle, a Walter P .45 Caliber handgun was discovered inside the glove compartment. Jamal Roebuck stated that the gun recovered inside the Toyota Tacoma belonged to him, the report stated. Roebuck, 41, was subsequently placed under arrest for carrying of a firearm openly or concealed and possession or sale of ammunition. His bail was set at $50,000, police said.

Desmond Burroughs Dies at 83

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Desmond Burroughs
Desmond Burroughs of Lower Cayon, St. Kitts, has died. He resided in Estate Richmond, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. He was 83 years old. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ina Henrietta Burroughs; father, George Blanchette; sisters: Lillian and Wilhelmina Burroughs, Josephine Adams and Sandra Blanchette Castro; brothers: Joseph and Henry Burroughs; nieces and nephews: Angela Maureen Belle, Heather David, and Clive and Winston Burroughs; and grandson, Patrick McFarlande Jr. He is survived by his daughters: Rosalind McFarlande, Dora and Delita Burroughs; sons: Elvis Pinney Burroughs, and Donald and Deleno Burroughs; grandchildren: Henderson Payne Jr., Darnell and Shaakira McFarlande, Kevis, Trevis, Clayvis and Delvis Burroughs, Deleno Burroughs Jr., D’Myah Philbert and Azede Browne; and great- grandchildren: JahSani, JahMiyah and JahSacha Payne, Damir and Amari McFarlande, Alexander Trotman, Trenyah and Aniya Burroughs. He is also survived by sister, Loren Blanchette Herbert-Dillingham; brothers: Walford and Arthur Blanchette; nieces: Miranda “Dolly” Adelle Lewis (Canada), Hazel “Fathie” D. Riley (Montserrat), Shirley and Carolyn Adams (SK), Eulalie Vaughan, Joan Hinds, Heather and Janet Burroughs (UK); and nephews: Denzil Burroughs (STX), Derrick “Sonny” or “Grappy” Burroughs (USA), Grafton Adams (USA), Glenville Burroughs (SK), George and Trevor Burroughs (UK). Other survivors include friends: Bascome Phipps, Floyd Henderson, Delvin Williams, Paulette Hodge, Wanda’s Restaurant and staff, Cecil, Holly Stafford, Ruth, Makie, Ray Armstrong, Everton Prince, Blanche Daniel, Ellis John Hamilton and Otto; other family and friends abroad: Sarah Blanchette and family, the Burroughs and Tyson familes of Cayon, Peter Blanchette and family, Keywill Blanchette and family, Phillip family in Keys Village, Edgar Farrell of Lower Cayon and residents from Lower and Upper Cayon; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. There will be a viewing at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 2, at James Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.

V.I. Legislature Honors Michelle Smith at Perma Plaque Ceremony

Michelle Smith was awarded a Perma Plague by the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. (Source file photo)
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith was honored by the 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands at the Perma Plaque Ceremony. Resolution 1898: Bill No. 34-0380 — A resolution honoring and commending Michelle Mycah Leonie Smith for her outstanding performance in track and field and her contributions to the Virgin Islands community as a sports ambassador. Smith was introduced by Sen. Kurt Vialet, who acknowledged that since sponsoring the bill, Smith had achieved numerous additional significant milestones. Sen. Vialet also mentioned that the bill would require ongoing amendments for the next decade. Although Michelle was not present, her father, Keith Smith, mother, Mireille Sankatsing-Smith, and grandmother, Leonora Smith, accepted the Perma Plaque on her behalf. Keith Smith conveyed Michelle’s gratitude and appreciation for being acknowledged by the 35th Legislature and the Virgin Islands. Michelle Smith’s major accomplishments: NACAC U18 Champion (twice): Michelle Smith has clinched the title of North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) Under-18 Champion not once, but twice. Winning the 400m Hurdles and 800m. Michelle also set an NACAC Under-18 record in the 400m Hurdles, and she won a silver medal in the 100m Hurdles. Her consistent performance at this level demonstrates her prowess and determination. CARIFTA Games champion six times: Smith has won six gold medals in the CARIFTA Games, winning the 400m Hurdles and 800m double in the last three consecutive games. In her first Under-17 appearance, she also managed to set a championship record in the 400m Hurdles and win a silver medal in the 100m Hurdles. Smith’s medal total for the CARIFTA Games is seven, which is the highest total by any Virgin Islander.
Perma Plague being given to Michelle Smith’s family: (L-R) Sen. Samuel Carrion, Sen. Marise C. James, Sen. Novelle E. Frances Jr., Keith Smith Sr., Leonora Smith, Mireille Sankatsing-Smith, Sen. Kurt Vialet, Sen. Angel Bolques, Andrea Mshila, Sen. Franklin D. Johnson (Submitted photo)
Pan American U20 Championships Silver Medalist: Competing at the Pan American Under-20 Championships, Smith secured a silver medal in the 400m Hurdles. This achievement places her among the top athletes in the region and showcases her ability to perform on an international stage. Top 8 Finisher at the Pan American Games: In the highly competitive Pan American Games, Smith achieved a commendable 4th place finish. Her resilience and skill were evident as she competed against elite athletes from many countries. Top 8 Finisher at the World U20 Championships: Representing her nation, the Virgin Islands, at the World Under-20 Championships in 2022, Smith demonstrated her mettle by finishing 5th in the world as a 16-year-old, one of the youngest athletes competing in the championships. 5th place is the highest ranking a Virgin Islander has ever received in the World Under-20 Championships. The bill sponsors are Sen. Kurt Vialet, Sen. Genevieve R. Whitacker, Sen. Franklin D. Johnson, Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff and Sen. Milton E. Potter. The co-sponsors are Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr. and Sen. Samuel Carrion.

Five Charged Following DEA Undercover Drug Operation

A federal grand jury returned indictments charging Jamil Bell, 43, Peter Francis, 33, Niah Henry, 44, Anwar Lockhart, 41, and Kenson Plasimo, 43, with drug trafficking, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Thursday. According to court documents, between Dec. 5, 2023, and Dec. 7, 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Virgin Islands Police Department utilized an undercover agent to conduct purchases of cocaine and oxycodone pills from the defendants in the area of Red Hook, St. Thomas.

BVI Man Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling

Lorenzo Ortis Charles, 36, of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, pleaded guilty to smuggling aliens into the United States, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced Thursday. According to court documents, on Feb. 23, Customs and Border Patrol intercepted a vessel that departed Tortola, BVI and entered United States waters. The vessel, operated by Charles, had no navigational lights as it entered Leinster Bay, St. John. On board the vessel was five individuals who had no legal rights to enter the United States.

Charles James Dies

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Charles “Charlo” James died on April 13. Charles James is survived by his wife, Lorraine Todman James; stepdaughter, Keema Krieger; stepsons: Kowaun Donadelle and Komaj Donadelle; siblings: Vera Marie James, Alicia James Joseph, Brunilda James, Carmencita James and Leroy James; aunts: Genoveva Tirado and Raphaela C. Albany; and uncles: Angel Tirado, Marcial Tirado and Jose Tirado. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Doreen Rodgers, Aquita Sarauw, Mona Monell and Linda Todman; brothers-in-law: James Rodgers, Lawerence Sarauw, Barry Joseph, Orville Todman Jr. and Henry Todman; close relatives: the James family, Tirado family, Heyliger family and Joseph family; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, April 30, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Frederiksted. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery. Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.

Daniel B. Harrigan Dies at 85

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Daniel B. Harrigan
Daniel B. Harrigan of Virgin Gorda died on April 2 at the age of 85. He is survived by his wife, Jenny Coleman Harrigan; children: Enid Harrigan-James, Dean Harrigan and Natasha Harrigan; adopted children: Andrew Coleman, Sharmar Coleman and Saquan Coleman; stepchildren: Tshocha Coleman, Ramos Edward Coleman and Nefratia Coleman-Altamirano; and grandchildren: Chemyne Ible-John and Daren Ible. He is also survived by great-grandchild, Amaiya John; grandson-in-law, Kenny John; son-in-law, Rhudel James; brother-in-law, Fredrick Coleman; sisters-in-law: Lucia Harrigan, Iris Harrigan, Dr. Patricia Todman Rhymer and Ali Coleman; special nieces: Lynette L. Harrigan MBE, Rosalie Skelton, Sharlene Harrigan and Kimeli Rhymer-Hanley; and special nephews: Clayton Harrigan, Henry Harrigan, Ray Harrigan and Clive Harrigan. Other survivors are the Rhymer, Wheatley and George families of North Sound; as well as many more relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by the funeral services at 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 1, at the North Sound Methodist Church in Virgin Gorda. Interment at the public cemetery in North Sound.

Trevor Lionel Wheeler Dies

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Trevor Lionel Wheeler

Trevor Lionel Wheeler of Estate La Grande Princesse died on March 22.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph N. Wheeler; brother, Henderson Wheeler; and sister-in-law, Dolly May Wheeler

He is survived by his mother, Muriel I. Williams; brothers: Robert Wheeler, Anthony Wheeler and Joseph Wheeler; sisters: Marilyn Wheeler and Maureen Wheeler; nephews: Henderson Wheeler Jr., Robert J. Wheeler, Michael Wheeler, David Wheeler, Irvin Henry, Kevin Henry, Joseph Wheeler III, Anthony Wheeler Jr., Leon Wheeler and Hector Escalona.

He is also survived by nieces: Wendy Wheeler, Antoinette Wheeler, Tonia Wheeler, Alex-zondra Wheeler, Natasha Wheeler, Tiffany Wheeler, Tamyrah Wheeler, Teresa Wheeler, Tatyana Wheeler and Diana Rodriguez; brothers-in-law: Alfred Henry and Carl L. Potter Jr.; sisters-in-law: Stephanie Wheeler, Lois Wheeler and Martha Wheeler: ex-wife, Roslyn Christian; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

 A viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 9, at St. John Anglican Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.