Mary Josephine Landais Dies

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Mary Josephine Landais Dies
Mary Josephine Landais
It is with deep sorrow that the family and friends announced the passing of Mary Josephine Landais on March 17, at Roy Lester Schneider Hospital. Mary Landais is survived by her special friends: Denise Green, Mary Gumbs, Menolita Pratt, Olen Pratt, Pam Springette, Helen Hart, Debra Gottlieb, Julia James, Bernice Samuel, Janice Matthias and Judy Hobson. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral service on Wednesday, April 24, at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. the viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., with a service to follow at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay. 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 www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

FDA Issues Public Notification on S.W.A.G.: May Lower Blood Pressure to Dangerous Levels

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FDA Issues Public Notification on S.W.A.G.: May Lower Blood Pressure to Dangerous Levels
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a public notification on S.W.A.G., advising consumers against purchasing the sexual enhancement product sold across various websites and in some retail stores. The V.I. Department of Health is also advising the public not to use this product. According to the FDA, S.W.A.G. contains sildenafil, the active ingredient in the FDA-approved prescription drug Viagra, used to treat erectile dysfunction. This undeclared ingredient may interact with nitrates found in some prescription drugs such as nitroglycerin and may lower blood pressure to dangerous levels. Men with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart disease often take nitrates. In its public notification, the Food and Drug Administration strongly advises consumers to stop using this product immediately and throw it away, and to consult a healthcare provider as soon as possible if experiencing any negative side effects. The Food and Drug Administration is encouraging healthcare professionals and patients to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Download the form. Complete and submit the report online at: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form. Complete and return the form to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit it by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Eulita A. Jacobs Dies at 91

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Eulita A. Jacobs Dies at 91
Eulita A. Jacobs
Eulita A. Jacobs died on April 2 at the age of 91. Eulita A. Jacobs is survived by her daughter, Barbara Vanterpool; son, George Jacobs; sisters: Marlon Brooks, Evangeline Gruel, Ella Davis, Edris Hunter, and Grace Dew; nieces: Laverne Hendrickson, Donna Williams, Claudia Harley and Monique Davis. She is also survived by nephews: Keith Gruel, Conard Hunter, Frankie Hunter, Keith Gruel, Kenneth, Deans Williams, and Junie Davis; godchild, Almira Rogers; and St. John Adrian Senior Center friends: Edna Freeman, Abigail Hendricks, Irene Scatliffe, Ellen Thomas, Maggie Mathias, Earla Jackson, June Powell. The viewing will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at Nazareth Lutheran Church, St. John. Interment will be at Cruz Bay Cemetery, St. John, V.I. 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 our website at www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

Jalma M. Magras Dies at 90

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Jalma M. Magras Dies at 90
Jalma Magras
Jalma M. Magras died on March 28 at the age of 90. She is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Pastor Edward F. Magras. She is survived by her daughter, Claudette Magras-Greaux; son, Michael Magras; grandchildren: Claudia Greaux and Gregory Greaux; brothers: Edouard Bernier and Jean Bernier; sisters: Therese Felix, Emilienne Bernier and Maryze Charlezia; in-laws: Joe Felix, Raymonde Bernier, Georgette Bernier, Florville Bernier, Evelyn Bernier, Roy K. Magras, Florie Magras and Beverly Magras; daughter-in-law, Margarita Magras; and many nieces, nephews and other family members too numerous to mention. Arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home with services scheduled for 10 .m., Friday, April 26. Interment will follow at Western Cemetery No. 3. Flower purchases and tributes can be submitted at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com.

Consula Ursula Bastien Dies

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Consula Ursula Bastien Dies
Consula Bastien
Mother, grandmother and friend Consula Ursula Bastien has died. She was preceded in death by her father, Elis Laville; mother, Sinie Laville; brother, Herman “Baba” Laville; and her husband, Gilbert “GB” Bastien. She is survived by her sons: Lambert and Anthony Bastien; daughters: Merle Baron, Miranda Johnson, Desiree and Merlyn Bastien; sisters: Monique Thamas and Ruby Gaston; grandchildren: Nayhim Musson, Dania Bastien St. Hilaire, Donnie, Donte and Zack Bastien, Alganan, Marley, Shaunica, Denzel, Zidane, Tashimo and Nolwen Henderson, Tafari, Nafari, Jahfari, Mafari, Lafari and Safari Baron; great-grandchildren: Syier, Kyree, Jaiden, Jaxson, Jade, Safiyyah, Asim, Serenity, Mekhi, Mia and Shalissia; four nieces; five nephews; and three god children. She is also survived by close relatives and friends: Claudine Francis, Curly Blanc, Tony Toussaint, Veronica “Jojo” Williams in Dominica, Nurse Julien Proctor in Dominica, Father Regie in Dominica, Philomena Dupius in Dominica, Audrey Letang, Evans James, Lucia Pinard, Culbert Pinard, Neil and Denise James, Noreen Hector and Josephine Merrifield. Other friends and relatives include Pastor Jack Leatham, Holy Family Church family, K-Mart Tutu Park family, The Market (Plaza Extra) family, the Lavinier, Laville, Registe, Baron, Regis, Olive, Williams, Daniel, Proctor, Charles, Laupen, Letang, Henderson, Alexander and Dominique families, and the Pichelin, Belleview, Grandbay and Hagley communities. The first viewing will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at Turnbull’s Funeral Home The second viewing will be held at 10 a.m. followed by funeral services at 11 a.m., Friday, April 19, at Holy Family Church on Friday, April 19. Interment will be at Eastend Cemetery in Smith Bay, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Expressions of sympathy to the family may be made online at www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com. Professional services have been entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services, 3815 Crown Bay, Suite 10, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, 00802.  (Office 779-6565 and Fax: 779-6566)

CGL to Present Lecture on the D. Hamilton Jackson and Casper Holstein Collaboration

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CGL to Present Lecture on the D. Hamilton Jackson and Casper Holstein Collaboration
Casper Holstein (Source file photo)
The Caribbean Genealogy Library will host a lecture, entitled “D. Hamilton Jackson and Casper Holstein: Early Collaboration in Fighting for Political Reform 1921-1927,” that will take place at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 21, in-person at the library, with a virtual option for attending via Zoom. The presenter will be Elizabeth Rezende, Ph.D. In the years before the Transfer, two men rose to be leaders among their followers. They were both born in Christiansted of middle-class parents. David Hamilton Jackson (1884-1946) lived in the East End at East Hill School, and Casper Holstein (1876-1944) lived on Hill Street in Free Gut. While they each were born into prosperity, there were innumerable recently freed laborers that had been emancipated and were forced by the Danish colonial government to work and live on the plantations as impoverished cane cutters. Holstein, with his mother, migrated, as had thousands of others from the islands to New York to find greater opportunities for higher education, better jobs and living conditions. In New York Holstein met American-born Blacks who considered themselves superior and faced racism from whites that manifested itself in many ways, especially in getting a higher-paying job. The lives of Jackson and Holstein intersected in 1915 when Jackson was in transit to Denmark where he had argued for a free press on St. Croix and was granted a license. While there, he visited labor unions, talked about strategy with their leaders and spoke to the membership in open-air meetings. Jackson brought his new ideas to the New York diaspora, where he discussed and received their feedback in mass meetings. Jackson saw the agricultural workers on St. Croix suffering with low wages and poor living conditions, controlled by the planters whose actions were reinforced by the Danish autocracy. His experiences led to the formation of the St. Croix Labor Union. Holstein experienced the double standard of racism for Blacks in New York. They were shut out of housing, jobs and businesses.
D. Hamilton Jackson (Source file photo)
He formulated the Congressional Council in 1921 and brought its services to the islands. Over time, both organizations fought against injustices and for civil rights, which led to the quest for political rights for Virgin Islanders in the territory and in the United States. The lecture on April 21 at the Caribbean Genealogy Library follows both men to 1927 as they worked together, each with his respective organizations, to fight by writing protest letters and testifying before Congress. Information for this presentation is gleaned from selected newspapers on St. Croix and New York. Elizabeth ‘Betsy’ Rezende serves as president of the Society of Virgin Islands Historians and is a member of the St. Croix Friends of Denmark. She taught Virgin Islands history and English at the University of the Virgin Islands for over 28 years. She received her doctorate from Union Institute in Cincinnati, Ohio, and spent her post-doctorate year at the Center for Humanities and Social Sciences at Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. This lecture is open to the public and is $5 for non-library members. Contact the library at caribgenlibrary@gmail.com for more information and with any questions.

PSC Gains Valuable Insights During Randolph Harley Power Plant Visit on St. Thomas

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PSC Gains Valuable Insights During Randolph Harley Power Plant Visit on St. Thomas
Kevin Harrigan (wearing black hard hat), interim plant superintendent, pointing out the Wartsila signage at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, leads the Randolph Harley Power Plant tour with members of the Public Service Commission in St. Thomas. (Submitted photo)
Public Service Commission (PSC) commissioners and staff had the opportunity to visit the Randolph Harley Power Plant and Seven Seas Water Production Plant on Wednesday, April 10, on St. Thomas. During the visit, they gained invaluable insights into the intricate processes involved in generating power and producing safe water, as well as the ongoing efforts to maintain and repair older generation units among other major updates. The highlight of the tour was the presentation on the upcoming newer generation units, which promise to revolutionize the plants’ production capabilities and have a significant positive impact on the plants’ operations and the community. One of the key takeaways from the visit was the in-depth explanation of how drinking water is created from seawater through the Randolph Harley Power Plant partnership with Seven Seas. This innovative approach ensures a sustainable and reliable source of drinking water for community members. “We are excited about the upcoming newer generation units and the positive impact they will have on our ability to meet the growing demand for power in our community. This visit has reinforced our dedication to excellence and continuous improvement,” Kevin Harrigan, interim plant superintendent, at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority. “On behalf of the commission, we extend our gratitude to WAPA for their courtesy in providing the tour. It is always helpful to visit the facility when addressing the issues we deal with. The tour was very informative for everyone involved,” said Chairman Pedro Williams, PSC Commission chairman. The visit not only provided a comprehensive overview of current operations but also fostered meaningful discussions on future projects and collaborations. WAPA looks forward to continued partnerships and opportunities to showcase its commitment to efficiency, sustainability and community well-being. Visit WAPA’s YouTube page for a video highlighting the tour at https://youtu.be/KRZI7MTQg8M

Iva Tyson Dies

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Iva Tyson Dies
Iva Tyson
Iva Tyson died on April 4. She is survived by her daughter, Arlene Tyson; son, Andy Tyson; grandchildren: Shamir, Omari, Michael, Kyelle, Kezziah, Anaya, Nia, Jah’mil and Rheagan; great-grandchildren: Aiden and Cayden; brother, Franklin Thompson; sister, Roslyn Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, special church brothers and sisters, including her pastor, Rev. Will Woods; The viewing will take place at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 23, at Altona Baptist Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.

Mercedes Almeade Millington Dies

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Mercedes Almeade Millington Dies
Mercedes Almeade Millington
Mercedes Almeade Millington, also known as “Mama” or “Cedes,” of D. Hamilton Jackson Terrace died on March 23. She was preceded in death by her mother, Eureka Jackson; father, Ezekiel Millington; daughter, Neicia Millington; son, Delroy Millington; granddaughter, Renisha Millington; grandson, Tahmal Brinkley; sisters: Kathleen Lina and Dolores David; brother, Antonio Mason; and nephews: Tony Lima, and Ty David. She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie Petersen-Brinkley; adopted daughter, Shermaine Fawkes; sons: Ronald, Ray Sr., Eric and Brian Petersen, and Troy Millington; adopted son, Arthur Petersen Jr. Ph.D.; granddaughters: Raenelle Thomas, Tinisha Petersen, Sherifa, Kealia, Tay, Alayna, Amandi, Erica and Naniesa Petersen, Khalisha Smith, Delisha Millington, Kerriise Richards, Latoya Greenaway and Jasmine Toussaint; grandsons: Andreas Miller III, Rascine and Rasheed Thomas, Ray Jr., Jayden, Devin and Jeremiah Petersen and Delroy Millington; She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Reyquan Lewis, Ee’neicia Sanes, Ke’Nyla Herbert, Azarie, Anira and Any’sha Miller, Ne’Kiel Davis, Omani, Alahny and Shaynyra Gordon, Adonte Heskey, Ayvah Petersen, Kamiya, Rosai, Kascine and Amharie Thomas, Alarieon Thomas, Akeem, Akeel and Jahkeem Williams, Elijah, Arayian and Ariaiah Smith, Arrianna Ayoka, Na’Syria Howard, Declan Morris, Bernardis III and Le’Kaiyah Cruel, and Aiden and Keniise Pringle; sister, Sharon Christian; nieces: Lorraine Isles, Anita Lima, Raquel and Raven Christian; nephews: Geneo Lima, Austin David Jr., Rodney, Norman and Anthony Mason; great nieces: Christina and Noelle Johnson, Inarah; great nephews: Michael and Kyron Isles; daughters-in-law: Gretlyn Millington, Jerri Petersen and Maline Millington; son-in-law, Thomas Brinkley; and brother-in-law, Rafael Christian. Other survivors include special friends: Marilyn Christian and the Fawkes family, Claudette King, Andre Petersen, Chaselyn Simmiolkjier, Petra Huggins, Jose Velasquez, Pedro Parrilla, Tavia Lang, Mildred Davis, Latonya Nesbitt, Jasmine Parrilla,  Bernardis Cruel Jr., Albertine Quinones and family, Denise Thomas and family, Sonia Langel and family, Wilma Gidharry and the Gidharry family, Henry and Nesbitt family,  Arlene Penn and the Vallarde family, Graham family, Knight family, David family, Cotto family, Sherry Hendrickson and family, Brenda Charles and family, and the entire Redbrick Community family; as well as  other relatives and friends too numerous to mention. There will be a viewing held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., Friday, April 26, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.

Liberty V.I. Customers Demand Better Service

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Liberty V.I. Customers Demand Better Service
Public Service Commission holds a listening session for Liberty V.I. customers. (Photo taken by Diana Dias)

Liberty V.I. customers appearing before the Public Service Commission on Wednesday evening put out a call to action to address a laundry list of complaints against the company.

While at least 20 community members were expected to attend, in-person testifiers totaled about 10, while another five emailed testimonies that were read during the listening session.

 “We are having these listening sessions so that we can hear directly from customers what they are experiencing.  We see a lot of complaints on social media on a regular basis. Up to this week I saw a number of complaints, even though we mentioned the migration process was completed at the end of March. We are still seeing the complaints out there,” PSC Executive Director Sandra Setorie said Wednesday.

Some testifiers complained about having to spend three hours at the Liberty store and long call times, roaming charges when visiting the mainland, dropped wireless service when using a GPS while driving and businesses not being able to process credit cards because of poor service. One testifier said she must walk with a Mifi purchased from VIYA in order to get reception after changing her SIM card on several occasions.

Liberty V.I. announced on April 2, that it had concluded the migration process for its mobile customers.  Since then, there have been multiple complaints against the mobile company.

Sharing her concerns Wednesday, attorney Karabo Molyneaux-Molloy referenced the upcoming hurricane season. “If we are not having adequate coverage now with Liberty, what plan do they have to protect us during the hurricane season,” she said. “They are our only source of communication. I don’t know anyone else who has house phones anymore, especially the seniors. What’s going to happen when the season hits and it’s supposed to be a very active season?”

Resident Dedra Peterson Heath, who attended in person, and her daughter Imani Heath, tuning in by phone, spoke about not wanting to let go of their family plan with their U.S. Virgin Islands area codes. “I just want a phone to make calls,” said Peterson Heath.

Imani Heath, who lives on the mainland, had more of a concern given that she uses her phone services daily. “My phone number is the only phone number with a Houston area code. Being that it is now on the Liberty network when my doctor’s office tries to call me, they say the number is not working. I’m no longer receiving text messages from my daughter’s school because I believe what is happening is those platforms they are using are not recognizing the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico lines anymore,” she said.

“When we were told we were switching from AT&T to Liberty we were told it was going to be a seamless transition and I would have to beg to differ. I am trying to convince my parents for us to move back to AT&T. For me I cannot wait a year for it to be rectified because it is messing up my day to day,” Imani Heath added.

Liberty’s Country Manager Ravindra Maywahlall also submitted a letter on behalf of Liberty to put on the record.  The message, however, had a more positive and hopeful tone for the future.

“With the migration process now complete we have the opportunity to offer permanent enhancements to the customer experience.  This includes greater agility and flexibility in creating our own customized plans, offers and packages tailored to the V.I. market,” the letter read.

 “Some customers may have experienced temporary service interruptions usually resolved by updating the device operating system or restarting the device.  In some cases, it may have been necessary to change or reconfigure the device or have a SIM card change. To ensure the best migration experience possible, customers were urged to pay attention to the company’s communication which provided valuable information about the updates. Liberty worked tirelessly to address any unexpected hardware or software issues that can impact customers,” he said.

Maywahlall also referenced Liberty as the “most reliable mobile network in the U.S. Virgin Islands according to Virginia based testing company, Global Wireless Solutions.”

He also said that Liberty received top marks as the best network overall in St. Thomas and best voice and voice quality in St. Thomas and St. Croix.

PSC officials encouraged the public to continue submitting testimony to Kiara James on St. Croix at 340-778-6010 or Sasha Davis on St. Thomas at 340-776-1291.

“We are asking the public to not just share the complaints on social media.  We can document them and can in fact use them as part of our record, but we need customers to contact our staff so that our staff can register those complaints so that we can have concrete details and information to continue our investigation,” Setorie said.

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