The Virgin Islands Police Department advises the public of the following parking restriction that will be enforced during the Soup For Your Soul event on Sunday, Dec. 21.
NO PARKING will be allowed on Strand Street, Frederiksted from the intersection of Strand Street and King Cross Street (Frederiksted Hotel) north towards the intersection of Strand Street and Market Street (FirstBank) from 12 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Any vehicles found in the restricted area would be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense
The newly-created Second Amendment Section of the federal Justice Department filed a lawsuit Tuesday claiming Virgin Islands gun laws were unconstitutional. (Shutterstock image)
The federal Justice Department filed a lawsuit Tuesday against the Virgin Islands government, claiming the Virgin Islands Police Department and its Commissioner Mario Brooks were violating would-be lawful gun owners’ constitutional rights.
The suit, filed in Virgin Islands District Court, said VIPD caused abnormal delays in processing gun permits and required unreasonable conditions for permit approval. The suit claimed Virgin Islands firearms laws were almost identical to laws of other municipalities that had been struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in recent years.
“VI Defendants have continued to obstruct and systematically deny law-abiding American citizens this fundamental right by systematically delaying the processing of applications and imposing unconstitutional conditions on the exercise of this constitutional right,” according to the suit. “The conduct by the USVI, the VIPD, and defendant Brooks has rendered the constitutional right to keep and bear arms a virtual nullity within the United States Virgin Islands territory.”
Government House said they were aware of the suit and took the allegations seriously.
“The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to protecting constitutional rights while maintaining public safety, and we will address the allegations through the legal process,” Government House spokesperson Richard Motta said in a written statement.
“The Department of Justice will evaluate its merits when served,” Motta said earlier in the day.
Reached by telephone, Kosei Ohno, founder of Virgin Islands Safe Gun Owners, applauded the suit. Ohno, owner of Crown Bay Marina, claimed in a similar lawsuit in March that the USVI government, VIPD, and Brooks had unfairly denied his application to renew a concealed carry permit for two handguns. He’d gotten the permit in 2018 and successfully renewed it in 2021.
In 2024, VIPD required Ohno, a Washington State resident, to acquire a Virgin Islands driver’s license before it would issue the permit, he claimed in the suit. Ohno, who has a concealed carry license from the state of Washington, argued he needed the weapons to defend himself from several recent attacks by former employees.
Ohno said VIPD had created an opaque set of capriciously applied policies for legal gun ownership.
“I discovered that they were operating outside of the rules of what was promulgated and what the laws of the Virgin Islands were in itself,” Ohno said. “That was the impetus for forming the Virgin Islands Safe Gun Owners. We’re law-abiding citizens who are not the ones who commit crime on the streets, yet the police were treating us in a way as criminals unfairly.”
Ohno said his group had more than 200 members, including people in both island districts. He said VISGO members are predominantly Virgin Islands residents.
The federal government’s suit originated from the Justice Department’s newly-created Second Amendment Section, which the Firearm Industry Trade Association described as a countermeasure to previous White House initiatives toward gun control.
“In other words, for the first time, the Civil Rights Division is directed to treat the Second Amendment as what it is: a civil right deserving active protection, not a second-class right that must constantly give way to regulatory experimentation,” the association cheered on its website.
Although President Donald Trump signed an executive order to specifically protect the right to bear arms in February, the special Justice Department initiative didn’t swing into action until December.
The push comes as the Trump administration took a dramatically different course on other civil rights, labeling many initiatives meant to reduce racial, gender, and disability inequities as unfair.
Adam Sleeper, the territory’s Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney, said the Virgin Islands’ firearms licensing laws and practices were inconsistent with the Second Amendment.
“This lawsuit seeks to uphold the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” Sleeper said in a written statement.
Florida-based Second Amendment advocate Luis Valdes cheered the federal Justice Department’s announcement Tuesday. Valdes, Southeastern Director of Gun Owners of America, said it was a long time coming.
“Gun Owners of America is extremely proud that the Department of Justice is finally getting involved in the fight in the Virgin Islands,” Valdes said.
Rules restricting legal Virgin Islands gun ownership to Virgin Islands residents were unfair and threatened the 2004 Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, which allows qualified active and retired police officers to carry concealed weapons even when otherwise prohibited.
Ohno also took umbrage with the cost of registering a firearm in the Virgin Islands: $150 per gun.
“There’s nowhere in the country who charges by the gun. And that’ll be an example of — overly burdensome example — to try to penalize law-abiding citizens without making a difference in the underlying crime activity that occurs in the streets,” Ohno said. “We are not the problem.”
The Virgin Islands’ attempt to limit firearm ownership was a prime example of the tyranny that necessitated the Second Amendment, he said.
“It’s about self-defense—and that includes, in cases like this, protection against an overreaching government,” Ohno said.
— Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify some comments by Kosei Ohno, founder of Virgin Islands Safe Gun Owners, including that the organizations members are predominantly residents of the Virgin Islands.
Officials and contractors break ground on the Dr. Donna Christensen Health Center, to be constructed on the site of the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex, Tuesday morning on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Officials and contractors kicked off construction on the Donna M. Christian Christensen MD Health Center with a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning on St. Croix.
The new public health center is being built on the site of the former Charles Harwood Memorial Complex, which was heavily damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria and demolished in phases during 2023 and 2024.
“For nearly three quarters of a century, the site has been a symbol of service, care and community,” V.I. Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said Tuesday. “For countless families on St. Croix, this was a place where a child entered the world, where a parent received comfort, where a loved one found help and, eventually, where public health made its presence felt in every life.”
The rebuild is being headed by a joint venture of contractors J. Benton Construction and Consigli Construction. During Tuesday’s ceremony, James Benton said the 117,000 square-foot facility “will equip residents, families and health care providers with the modern, state-of-the-art health care resources that our island so desperately needs.” Steve Jackson, principal of Flad Architects, said the inspiration for the facility’s design was “grounded in the culture, history and spirit of the island.”
Ceremonial hard hats bear the name of the contractor selected to build the Dr. Donna Christensen Health Center during a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
“In the essential mission of serving the health needs of the community, we worked to intentionally create a building that feels rooted here, one that belongs here in St. Croix,” he said. “You will see that reflected in the materials and the design language — the use of limestone, bright and vibrant colors, patterns inspired by madras. These elements are not decorative afterthoughts; they are meaningful expressions of identity, pride and place.”
Senate President Milton Potter honored Dr. Donna Christensen as a “pioneering daughter of the Virgin Islands whose distinguished career and timeless advocacy elevated health care as both a right and a responsibility.”
“She taught us that the true measure of a society is found not in wealth or prestige, but in how well it nurtures and cares for its people,” he said. “Health care, at its core, is the great equalizer. It is where compassion meets science and where dignity meets action. It affirms that every life — regardless of circumstance — is worthy of care, healing and hope. And when a community invests in health care, it invests in the strength of its future.”
Sen. Novelle Francis Jr. presents the V.I. Medal of Honor to Dr. Donna Christian Christensen during a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
One person attending Tuesday’s groundbreaking was able to speak directly to the legacy of care provided by those who worked at the Charles Harwood Memorial Complex. Pauline Edith Canton, 94, told the Source that she was a former associate director of nursing at the medical center.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority board during their meeting on Monday in St. Croix. (Screenshot from Zoom meeting)
During Monday’s Virgin Islands Port Authority Board meeting, the board voted to approve a flight route incentive between St. Thomas and Dominica, several contract service agreements, and issue an insurance renewal for their cyber insurance.
Early in the meeting, the board approved an application from Corporate Flight Management, Inc., doing business as Contour Airlines, to participate in a flight incentive program. Contour Airlines operates a route between the Cyril E. King Airport and the Douglas-Charles Airport in Dominica. In the agreement, landing fees will be waived as an incentive for the airline. According to Jerome Sheridan, territorial airport manager, services officially began between the two territories on Sept. 24.
“They have indicated that it is looking very promising, that’s why we have the incentive so that, in a given time, not forever, they can come on their own,” said Executive Director Carlton Dowe.
Board member Celestino White inquired about the possibility of additional routes with the airline to destinations like St. Kitts, Nevis, Anguilla, and Antigua.
“As a matter of fact, tomorrow corporate is supposed to be in the territory as a result of our direct communication to them to discuss other services,” replied Dowe, who mentioned the possibility of a route to St. Croix.
Members Willard John, Kevin Rodriguez, Leona Smith, Jennifer Matarangas-King, Gordon Rhea, and White unanimously approved.
In more business, the board voted unanimously to renew their cyber insurance for $45,410. According to Anise Hodge, deputy executive director, “In comparison to the premiums of 2025, VIPA Cyber premiums has decreased overall to a total of $45,410, or a five percent decrease,” who added that insurance limits remain at $1 million.
Additionally, the board ratified a Nov. 26 poll vote authorizing a cooperative service agreement with Michael Baker International to retain the aviation division’s aviation compliance manager at a cost of $143,191.98. The agreement is extended from Jan. 1, 2026, to June 30, 2026. The board also, through a poll vote, authorized Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for emergency asphalt repair at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in an amount not to exceed $2,102,030.15. According to the authority, funding will be provided by the United States Air Force. The costs are associated with the airfield asphalt apron rutting, observed by the United States Air Force.
Regarding engineering, the authority has seven active construction projects in the St. Thomas-St. John district with five in their closeout phases. The projects’ total is $96,473,727.97. The projects are the CEKA Parking & Transportation Center, Taxiway A West Reconstruction, CEKA Selective Slab Replacement, Air Alliance Building Interior Build Out, LLB Ferry Terminal Improvements, Beachcomber Demolition, and the CEKA Runway 10-28 Rehabilitation.
On St. Croix, there are seven active construction projects totaling $44,237,811.01, with two in their closeout phases. They are the HERA Apron Rehabilitation, Gordon A. Finch Marine Cargo Building, HERA RWY 10-28 Shoulder and Electrical Vault, HERA TWY A and B Rehabilitation, Fredriksted Tender Landing Pier, Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Transshipment Center Generator Modification, and the Seaplane Long Term Environmental Monitoring.
“With this height of the season coming up now, we have a lot of landing and taking off, what is happening as far as assuring that the surface stays intact?” questioned White, of the St. Thomas airport runway.
“We have a maintenance crew that does take care of the maintenance issue that we do have here,” replied Sheridan. He also added that there are plans to “go through a full fledged runway rehab.”
In other news, the board unanimously voted to approve a contract with NV5, Inc. for on-call topographic, property, and metes and bounds surveying in the St. Thomas- St. John district and the St. Croix district. The board also unanimously voted to approve a contract with Charles Electrical Services, LLC, for on-call electrician services for the authority’s administrative buildings, properties, aviation, and marine facilities in both districts and with Continental Construction and Engineering, LLC in the St. Croix district. Lastly, the board voted to enter a contract with Tropical Fencing, LLC, to remove and replace the perimeter fencing at the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Container Port on St. Croix.
Additionally, Chief Financial Officer Anna Penn shared that “VIPA incurred a $1.3 million dollar operating profit,” as of Oct. 31.
During executive session, the board approved the ground lease with Crown Bay Destination LP, a subsidiary of Cruise Terminals International. The lease was negotiated with Royal Caribbean Group for the Crown Bay District redevelopment project. Also during executive session, the board granted permission to the executive director to execute Addendum No. 4 to the amended and restated pier usage agreement.
Board members Willard John, Kevin Rodriguez, Leona Smith, Derek Gabriel, Gordon Rhea, Jennifer Matarangas-King, and Celestino White were present.
Large crowd waits in line patiently to enter the Government House on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and the Bryan-Roach administration concluded the territory’s annual Governor’s Children’s Christmas Parties Monday night with a festive celebration at Government House on St. Croix, where thousands of children and their families gathered for music, holiday cheer, and the distribution of gifts.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Tourism Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington greet visitors on Monday evening. (Source photo by Diana Dias)St. Croix Administrator Sammuel Sanes poses for a quick picture in front of the Government House. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The St. Croix celebration marked the final stop in a three-island series that brought Christmas joy to children across the territory. The festivities began on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Havensight Mall on St. Thomas, followed by a celebration on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park in Cruz Bay, St. John.
Government House on St. Croix decorated for the holidays. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Children ages 12 and under received age-appropriate gifts at each event, while families enjoyed food, music, and seasonal entertainment in a safe and welcoming environment. Several government agencies also participated, distributing additional gifts and treats throughout the celebrations.
Santa Claus shares a joyful moment with a child during the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Party at Government House on St. Croix, where thousands of children received gifts. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Rohmani Rawlins, with a gift in his age category, smiles. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In a press release, Bryan emphasized the importance of the annual events for families across the Virgin Islands.
“These nights are about our children and the simple, powerful reminder that our community shows up for them, every single time,” Bryan said. “Thank you to every parent, grandparent, auntie, uncle, and neighbor who came out to share in the spirit of the season. Thank you to our sponsors for stepping up, and thank you to the volunteers, Government House staff, our partner agencies, and the dozens of Bryan-Roach supporters who gave their time and energy to make these events a resounding success.”
Some elves greet visitors as they enter the Government House on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Bryan also expressed appreciation for the patience shown by families in Christiansted, where turnout surged throughout the evening.
Dancers perform at the entrance of the Government House. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“On St. Croix, the line at one point wrapped more than two blocks in Christiansted,” Bryan said. “Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., and I are grateful for the patience and good spirit of everyone who waited. That kind of turnout says something beautiful about our community and how much these moments mean to our families.”
Volunteers sort and distribute wrapped gifts during the Governor’s Children’s Christmas Party at Government House on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)Children were able to see the inside of a fire truck during the Governor’s Christmas Party. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Government House extended special thanks to the agencies, staff, and volunteers who helped coordinate logistics, traffic flow, safety, and gift distribution, as well as the community sponsors whose contributions helped power the celebrations on all three islands.
A St. Croix woman was arrested after police said she assaulted her boyfriend and a second man during two separate disputes on Monday, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
According to the Virgin Islands Police Department police report, the 911 Emergency Call Center received a call about a domestic disturbance at a residence in Estate Clifton Hill at about 6:39 a.m. Monday. Patrol officers were informed that the suspect, Lauren Rice, physically assaulted her boyfriend and later confronted another man.
A detective with the Criminal Investigation Bureau investigated the incident and determined that Rice and the complainant argued the night before. Police said the argument became physical when Rice struck him on the head, leaving visible injuries.
Police said another dispute occurred the next morning, during which Rice prevented the complainant from leaving for work. A co-worker arrived to pick him up, but Rice argued with him, spit at him and attempted to assault him.
Rice, 36, was arrested on assault third domestic violence and simple assault and battery. Police said no bail was set under domestic violence law. She was booked and taken to the John Bell Correctional Adult Facility pending her advice of rights hearing.
A Spirit Airlines airplane on the tarmac at the Cyril E King Airport on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Mat Probasco)
Spirit Airlines announced an “anniversary sale” Tuesday to mark 20 years of flying to St. Thomas, with fares starting at $119 one way to the continental U.S. in the new year.
Spirit is the only carrier currently flying nonstop from St. Thomas to two Florida destinations — Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, the latter of which also has flights to and from St. Croix, according to a press release announcing the sale. “Plus, travelers can take advantage of easy one-stop connections this winter from St. Thomas to up to 11 destinations through Fort Lauderdale and up to 16 destinations through Orlando,” it said.
The $119 one-way fares include taxes and fees and must be booked by Dec. 21, 2025, and are valid for travel from Jan. 13 through March 4, 2026, with some blackout dates on Jan. 19 and Feb. 12-17, the release stated.
“For two decades, we’ve offered an affordable and reliable travel option between the U.S. Virgin Islands and the continental U.S.,” said Andrea Lusso, vice president of Network Planning at Spirit Airlines. “Celebrating 20 years in St. Thomas is a milestone for us and a testament to the incredible support of our airport partners and the community who have embraced our high-value service over the years.”
The fare sale comes as the budget airline is undergoing a “comprehensive restructuring” after filing voluntary petitions for Chapter 11 in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in August.
During the restructuring, Spirit said flights will operate normally and customers can use tickets, credits and loyalty points.
Malina Oscar a.k.a. “Maldo” of Estate Cane, transitioned into eternal life on Nov. 26, 2025 in Florida. She was 66 years old.
Malina Oscar
was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph H. Oscar; Son, Tony Oscar; Mother, Marie E. Charlery; Father, Jerome Charlery.
She is survived by her daughter, Sherlene Oscar; Step-Son, Sylvester Oscar; Grandchildren, Tyra Oscar-Garrison, Jayda Oscar; Great Grandchildren, Kaiden A. Oscar-Garrison, Azarye H. Carr; Sisters, Vita Samuel, Cecelia Charlery, Newwella Charlery; Brothers, Hendricks Charlery, Raphael Charlery, Robert Charlery; Nieces, Sophia Samuel, Yolanda Samuel-Deterville, Michelle Samuel, Saharon J. Joseph, Jayde Nielsen, Amy Charlery, Alecia Charlery, Maria Charlery, Romana R. Charlery, Pearl Charlery, Nicole D. Fregeste; Nephews, Peter Samuel, Janoy Nielsen, Kervin Marc, Ernest Marc, Alysius Charlery, Erwin Charlery, Earl Charlery; Sister-In-Law, Rosule Charlery, Cynthia Sinaise; Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, Dec. 19 at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Viewing will begin at 9 a.m.with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Lucy Clarence Baker passed away on Dec. 3, 2025, on St. Croix.
Lucy Clarence Baker
Lucy was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph W Baker (Joe the Tailor); father, Joseph Clarence; and daughters, Monica John.
She is survived by her mother, Catharina Guy Clarence, daughter, Chipo Jennifer Baker Afamefuna, sons, Franklyn Baker, Martin Baker, Wayne Joseph Baker, Michael Wicliffe Baker, with numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and friends throughout the community.
Family viewing will be held at the James Memorial Funeral Home Chapel on December 17, 2025, from 3:00 pm- 5:00 pm.
Funeral Arrangements are set for December 18, 2025, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, at #42 Estate Barren Spot, St. Croix, 00820 USVI.Viewing at 9 am and service at 10 am. Internment: Lucy C Baker will be laid to rest in St. George’s, Grenada.
For Tributes: To Lucy Baker, please submit them to Michaelusvi@yahoo.com by December 16, 2025, for submission.
With deep sorrow and heartfelt remembrance, the family of Richard M. Jarvis announces his passing on November 27, 2025. Born on July 13, 1960, Richard lived a life marked by strength, resilience, and devotion to his family. He will be remembered for his presence, his love for those closest to him, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him.
Richard M. Jarvis
Richard leaves to cherish his memory his beloved daughters, Jesel Jarvis and Jacintha Jarvis; and his treasured grandchildren, J’quan Isaac, J’mourie Isaac, J’malie Isaac, and Asheeva Isaac, who were a great source of pride and joy in his life.
He is also survived by his brothers, Charles Byers, Thomas Jarvis, Claire Ryan, Richard Lewis, and Auckland Lewis; his sisters, Janet Benjamin, Angella Jarvis, Fernella Isaac, and Maria Martin; and his loving aunts, Fernella Joseph, Margaret-Rose Southwell, Iristine Petty, and Gwendolyn Davis.
Richard is further survived by his in-laws, Suzette Byers, Lorraine Jarvis, Jessie Lewis, and Emelda Lewis, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends too numerous to mention, all of whom mourn his loss and celebrate his life.
Though he has transitioned from this earthly life, Richard M. Jarvis’s memory will live on through the love he shared and the lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Professional services are entrusted to Divine Funeral Services and Crematory.
