Get ready to cheer on your favorite student-athletes at the 2025 Laura Isaac Softball Tournament, happening April 24-27 on St. Thomas. This exciting four-day event brings together top teams from across the territory for a spirited competition in celebration of sportsmanship, teamwork, and athletic excellence.
Participating Schools:
John H. Woodson Jr. High School – STX
St. Croix Educational Complex High School – STX
Charlotte Amalie High School – STT
Ivanna Eudora Kean High School – STT
Game Schedule & Locations:
Thursday, April 24th – 5:30 pm at Frenchtown Ballpark
Friday, April 25th – 4:00 pm at McBean Ballpark
Saturday, April 26th – 12:00 pm at Griffith Ballpark
Sunday, April 27th – 9:00 am at Griffith Ballpark
Join us in supporting our student-athletes as they swing for victory in this unforgettable tournament! Bring your school spirit, wear your team colors, and let’s make this event a home run!
With less than two months left before the start of the 2025 Global Sustainable Islands Summit co-hosted by Island Innovation and the Government of St Kitts and Nevis, preparations are well underway across the Twin Islands. The summit includes specialized Forums aimed at empowering island communities and highlighting local projects having a global impact: the Island Youth Forum (May 25-26, St Kitts), Geothermal Energy Forum (May 26, Nevis), and the 1st Forum on Access to Climate Finance for Sub-National Island Jurisdictions (May 30, Nevis).
Since the first set of high-level government representatives and international experts were announced in March, the following speakers have been confirmed:
●Hon. Albert Bryan Jr., Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands
●Hon. Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Governor, Guam
●Fernando Clavijo, President of the Government of the Canary Islands
●Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President & Minister for Ecology & Natural Resources, Government of Azerbaijan
●Vanessa Toré, Director of Foreign Economic Cooperation, Ministry of Economic Development, Government of Curaçao
●Lavern Mcfarlane, Senior Economist, Chief Underwriter, CARICOM Development Fund
●D’Jamila Ward, Regional Director, Commonwealth Caribbean, Department for Business and Trade, British High Commission
●Dr. Mohammad Rafik Nagdee, Executive Director, The Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency
●Prof. Daniel Kammen, Chair, Energy and Resources Group, UC Berkeley
Over 300 attendees are expected to partake in the Summit and its Forums, where island stakeholders will discuss the latest developments in sustainability, and how islanders can leverage them to build a prosperous future. To increase accessibility to the Summit, organizers have partnered with island-focused development fund Our Shared Ocean, and the UNFCCC’s Youth for Capacity programme to sponsor the participation of 20 young people working in advocacy, research, and policy in Small Island Developing States around the world.
The family of Ras-I Aluja Bramble, aka “Livingston Bramble,” age 64, is sad to announce his passing on March 22.
Ras-I Aluja Bramble
He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Robertson Bramble; brother, Frederick Bramble; Sister, Eurydice Bass-Phillipde; nephew, Khalid Gaishard.
He is survived by his mother, Carmen Viola Bass; daughters, Rashan Noel Bramble, Acacia Bramble Harding, Karissa Carmen Bramble; sons, Aluja Shanoy Bramble, Livingstone Akim Bramble; grandchildren, Jaidyn Twila, McAlindon, Empress Shanijah, Charlene Bramble, Shanoy Jahkai Livingstone Bramble; Jahkobi Jeremiah Bramble, Elias Elijah Carter, America Joylynn Fitterer; sisters, Portia Bramble-Springer, Trisha Crooke, Hollie Bramble, Sandra Bramble-Cole, Delva Bramble, LaVerne Bramble Anthony; brother, Michael Bramble; nieces, Marissa Bramble, Shermaine Sringer, Gayle Phillip, Sherisha Springer, Shondella Crooke, Shanikah Crooke, Shekishma O’Reilly, Shotondra, Charles, Shontrice Marcus, Shekyra Marcus, SheCouya Marcus, Shaelien Marcus, Rasheedah Anderson, Shorondah Anderson, Rashondah Anderson, Rashaunah, Jahqueen Anderson, Chynna Anderson, Anthea Phiilip, LaVerne Thomas, Akeila Phillip, Connie Somersall; nephews, Michael Bramble Jr., Frederick Bramble, Sheldon Springer, Shoy Springer, Shakeme Bramble, Shakeil Crooke, Shawki Reid, Wayne Marcus, O’neal Marcus, Ajamu Anderson, Jahcambi Anderson, Jahlove Anderson, Shane Bramble, Anthony Mahone, Mike Navarro Jr., Devon Anderson II, Japan Anderson, Sherman Phillip, Jermaine Thomas, Vandell Thomas; aunt, Violet Bass, Joycelyn White,-John, Enid Maximae; uncles, Albert Bass, Orpheus Bass, Alfred White, Anderson White; brother-in-law, Stephen Anthony; special friends, Carl Creech, Ed Murphy, Bonnie O’Hare; other special relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on April 24 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 416 Custom House St, Frederiksted, 00840. Service begins at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Our family is saddened to announce the passing of James Pemberton Sr. We invite you to join us in celebrating his life. The funeral service will be held at Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church in St. Croix, on April 23. Viewing, tributes, and eulogy begin at 9 a.m., with service starting at 10 a.m.
James A. Pemberton Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene Pemberton; sons, James A Pemberton Jr, Courtney Thompson-Pemberton (Neirda Thompson-Pemberton); daughter, Jaynelle Pemberton; grandchildren, James III (Jessica), Kai and Malaquias Pemberton, Madelyn Castillo (Jorge Castillo), and Joah Francis; great-grandchildren,Violet, Ivory and Thea Pemberton; brothers, Roy A. Pemberton Sr. and Shayne A. Pemberton; sisters, Norma Llanos, Marie Dorette Miller and Beatrice Pemberton; sister-in-law,Aloma Blake; brother-in-law, Clinton Tutein; nephews, Ignacio Llanos Jr., Robert Llanos Sr., Roy A. Pemberton Jr., Donovan L. Pemberton, Devin Pemberton, Tariq Pemberton, Arthur Alexander Pemberton Jr., Dr. Clayton Knight and David Blake; nieces, Maurecia “Zulema” Llanos, Arthresia Pemberton, Afiya Al-Fayiz, Hester Noble, Vivique Pemberton, Jevaughna Pemberton and Shayniece Pemberton; great nieces and great nephews, Linda, Ignacio III, Anthony, and Veronique Llanos, Reniece Lake, Robert Llanos Jr and Leandra Lucien, Kristle and Mandisa Casey, Xavier, Chardeneigh and Javier Pemberton, Madison Ione Miller, Jovante Silverio, Joziah Potvin, Jenesa, Jaychel and Jahnyra Regis, Jahny and Jazlynn Fleming, Imani Al-Fayiz, Haden, Nicaila, Eurese and Hilton Lake III and Eli Mathis, and Kennedy Pemberton; great-great nieces and nephews, Jah’Marley, Jahmel and Kayleah Claxton, Tiannie , Tionn, Miah and Kamron Llanos, Analina, Aubrey and Anthony Llanos Jr, Emmanuel Caldwell; cousins, Alice, Natasha and Anissa Moody, Almeric Hendricks, Aimery Proctor, Donna, Anthony, Trevor, and Khalim Valery, Rafael Gonzalez, Andrew Williams, Berisa Miller, Eleanor Pemberton Mason, Henrique Jr., Ryan and Mark Mason, Violet DeLaGarde, Denise and Laurissa D. Ellis, Ivy Henneman-Greenidge, Reuben Irwin, Olaf, Samuel, Lawrence, Kai and Owen Henneman, Velma, Roy, Rudy and Rooney Williams, Lorma, Wilfred Jr., Melvin Sr. and Myron Allick, Trisha, Daria, Maurice and Terrence Byron, Lucinda, Ray and Craig Pemberton, Myrna Koyi, Delores Rambajan, Sonia Stanley, and Iris Sebastian; special friends and families, Nydia Peroza Pemberton, Andrea Dubois, Anna Wright Pemberton and Family, Nathaniel Lee, Anselmo Cruz, Edward Hunter, Darrell Bartley, Rawl Watson, Elroy Harrison, Henry Jopo Knight, Antonio Sanchez , Victor Simmiolkjier and family; Encarnacion, Llanos, Hillside Families: Petersen, Hendricks, Evans, Bascombe, Clenance, Finch, Benjamin, Pedersen, Moorhead, O’Reilly, Morteon, Motta, Canton, Mcfarlane, Clendenin, Canegata, Verderber, Bartlette, Krieger, Jacobs, and Acosta; Lisa Magras, Janet Sergent, Peroza Family, Harrigan Family, Lynch Family, Pennick Family, McAlpin Family, Judge Harold Willocks and family, Grigg Family, Mario Golden Sr and St. Croix Car Racing Association; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Professional Funeral Services Provided by James Memorial Home, Inc.
We welcome you to share your tributes, photos and memories of James. Please email them to pemberton@thepbfgroup.com.
Lucinda Veronica Joseph Olivari of #33 Tipperary, passed away on April 12.
Lucinda Veronica Joseph Olivari
She is preceded in death by her spouse, Rafael Olivari; mother, Salome Naomi Thomas Reid; and father, Zephaniah Joseph.
She is survived by her children, Barbara Willock, Alvah Guishard Sr., Darwayne Willock, Danisia Willock, Douglas Willock, Wendy-Ann Frazier, David Willock, Darnell and Danielle Willock, Susanna Willock, Sean Willock; grandchildren, Avah Guishard Jr., Amari Guishard, Ajani Giushard, Nydrell David Jr., Joshua Sergeant, Jashaun Sergeant, John Gilbert, Arianna L. Frazier, Aniyah N. Frazier, D’Zahriee Willock, Deja’Nay Willock, D’Mauri Willock, D’Lahnie Willock, Adjani J. Willock, Aubriana N. Willock, Giovanni Willock, Zenobiya Willock; great-grandchildren, Legasy Guishard, Cairo David, Chozen David, Conan David, Ava Sergeant, Aria Sergeant; sisters, Angela Emmanuel and family of St. Thomas, Casandra Jarvis and family of Antigua, Dawn Henry and family of New Jersey, Maria Morrissey and family of Antigua, Emilia Reid and family of St. Thomas; brothers, Franklin Smith (deceased) and family of Antigua, Everton (aka Scott) Randolph and family of St. Thomas, Malcom Reid, and family of Texas, Jefferson Reid, and family of Antigua; other relatives, too numerous to mention, including aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, cousins, adopted daughters, and sons; close friends, Barbara-Jean Brown. Special thanks to the staff at Continuum Care.
Homegoingservice for Lucinda Joseph Olivari is scheduled for April 28, at #501 Sunny Acres Seventh-day Adventist church. Viewing begins at 9 am with service starting at 10 am. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
Request: The family requests attendees wear shades of beige and browns.
Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
Police received calls of gunfire at a Frederiksted apartment complex on Monday night. Edna Smith, 49, was found dead on the sidewalk, the VIPD reported. (Photo courtesy VIPD)
Police responded to multiple calls about gunfire at the Louis E. Brown Apartments on St. Croix around 8:15 p.m. Monday, finding a 49-year-old woman shot to death.
Edna Smith, 49, was found on the sidewalk near the Melvin Evans Highway apartments’ parking area, a Virgin Islands Police Department spokesperson said. Smith was unresponsive when emergency medical technicians arrived.
Smith’s death marks the territory’s 10th homicide of 2025, and the seventh for St. Croix, according to the Source Homicide List.*
Police asked for anyone with information about the killing to call the tip-line at 340-778-4950, or 911.
*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.
Appointed by Pope Francis in 2021, Bishop Jerome Feudjio set out for a pilgrimage in Rome Monday on the day Pope Francis died and may be present for a historic funeral. (Photo courtesy Catholic Diocese of St. Thomas website)
Followers of the Catholic faith worldwide woke up Monday to news of the death of Pope Francis. And as the word of his death spread around the world, the leader of Catholics in the Virgin Islands was headed for the airport and a flight bound for Rome.
As he waited for a connecting flight in Atlanta Monday night, Virgin Islands Bishop Jerome Feudjio said he spent time coordinating church services to honor the pope back home in the territory starting Tuesday.
Francis, 88, died in his residence at the Vatican early Monday morning, the day after he greeted thousands of visitors celebrating Easter Sunday in Vatican City. At that time, the pontiff was recovering from a lengthy hospital stay to treat a respiratory ailment.
The official cause of death was described as a stroke that eventually led to heart failure, according to a statement released Monday afternoon.
“I’m taking 93 Virgin Islanders with me; we are going for the Jubilee,” the bishop said. Elvis Nsaikila, director of communications for the St. Thomas Catholic Diocese, called the pilgrimage a preplanned activity.
But, Nsaikila said, the timing of that pilgrimage may lead some of those travelers to the scene of the pope’s last rites. “Some of them may be present for this historic moment,” the spokesman said.
The official date for Pope Francis’ funeral has not been announced yet. “The funeral will be between the 25th and the 27th of April,” Feudjio said.
Back in the territory, church officials were reaching out to Catholic Churches on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John — nine in all. As of Monday night, plans were being finalized for services to honor the late church leader. The bishop directed the faithful to contact their local parishes for further details.
Church bells at all Catholic Churches are directed to ring at midday Tuesday.
Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected to lead the Catholic church on March 13, 2013. “He was focused on bringing the church back to its mission — keeping an eye on charity and the marginalized, and encouraging members of the church to work together,” Nsaikila said.
A conclave of cardinals is expected to convene shortly after Pope Francis is laid to rest and begin the process of choosing a new leader for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Other V.I. faith leaders also paused to reflect on the life and works of the late Pope Francis. “Although they may not be Catholic I’m sure some of them were following the life of this exalted man,” said Moravian church parishioner and culture bearer Glen Davis. “I really appreciated him because despite his exalted nature he always had the common touch.”
And Baha’i spokesman Rod Clarksen offered condolences on behalf of the V.I. congregation.
“The Baháʼí community of the Virgin Islands offers its deepest condolences to the Catholic community and all those saddened by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis. We recognize his years of outstanding spiritual service and leadership, and we pray for the comfort of his followers during this time. We pray for his continued progress in the spiritual realms and that his legacy inspire continued efforts towards greater compassion, peace, unity, and goodwill among all people,” Clarksen said.
This year, four generations of family members came together on the beach, continuing a legacy that’s as much about honoring the past as it is about shaping the future. (Photo courtesy Troy Mason)
As the first rays of sunrise lit up the shores of Frederiksted on Easter Monday, the golden glow signaled more than just the start of a new day — it marked the closing of a cherished weeklong tradition for one St. Croix family and their extended camping community.
A time-honored Crucian Easter ritual, beach camping is a celebration filled with bonfires, beach games, storytelling, cooking, and plenty of laughter. For Keffanie John and her family, this tradition has spanned over two decades.
“Camping has been a tradition in my family for 20 years. It started with my father,” said John, who welcomed us to her vibrant beachfront campsite nestled between Dorsch Beach and the pool area in Frederiksted. There they were breaking down tents, cleaning up the beach and packing up vehicles to head home.
Now, John has continued the tradition with her daughters, Kshylah Friday Ventura and D’Andra John, who proudly help carry on the legacy.
“Over the years, we would have family and friends join us — and they enjoy the Easter season just as much as we do,” said John. “We start setting up a week before, putting down one thing each day. By the Monday of Easter week, we’re here full time. I’ll get up in the morning, go to work, and come right back here. It’s the joy on everybody’s face, especially at night with the sea breeze. It’s the joy of enjoying our island.”
For Friday Ventura, the experience is all about family bonding and creating lasting memories.
“Every year, my kids look forward to camping,” she said. “They love spending time with their cousins — fishing, playing games, swimming, walking down to Sandy Point. It’s just about having fun.”
The younger family members pitch in with cooking, collecting firewood, and helping around the campsite. (Photo courtesy Troy Mason)
Ventura’s favorite part of the week is the Easter Sunday feast. “We usually go big,” she said.
The menu this year included ribs, chicken, fish, shrimp kebabs, saltfish rice, curried crab, goat water, conch and shrimp pasta, and saltfish cakes. Family and friends gathered to eat, dance, and enjoy music from a live DJ.
A delicious saltfish plate ready to enjoy. (Photo courtesy Troy Mason)
Her sister, D’Andra, sees the tradition as something deeper. “For me, it’s about preserving culture, togetherness, and doing something outside the norm. You can throw a party in your backyard, but camping on the beach? That’s a whole different vibe.”
The younger family members pitched in with cooking, collecting firewood, and helping around the campsite.
“The kids did a lot of the cooking,” said John. “They’ll be the ones to carry this on, and we’ll eventually relax.”
Family friend Troy Mason, who joined the festivities, said camping also reconnects people in unexpected ways.
“I grew up with them — we’re still family,” Mason said with a smile. “What I love about camping is that it helps you realize who your family is. Sometimes you don’t know someone’s your cousin until you come out here and see how family multiplies. Our parents used to say, ‘One, one fills the basket.’ Everybody brings something, and before you know it — it’s a party.”
Their campsite is also well-established. “People know this is our spot. If we’re late, no one touches it,” said Brown.
They still use the booth built by John’s late father, equipped with a grill, coal pot, deep freezer, and even a stove — though most of the cooking happens outdoors. “He said, ‘I’m going to make this as comfortable as possible,’” recalled John.
This year, four generations of family members came together on the beach, continuing a legacy that’s as much about honoring the past as it is about shaping the future.
Nearly 800 Air National Guard members from 10 units across the country are participating in Operation Maverick’s Armistice, a large-scale agile combat readiness exercise taking place Monday through Thursday at the Air Dominance Center in Savannah, Georgia, and airfields throughout the Sea of Antilles region.
Led by the 192nd Wing of the Virginia Air National Guard from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Hampton, Virginia, this marks the fourth iteration of the Operation Maverick’s Armistice training series. Participating units come from Virginia, Georgia, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the press release.
OMA is designed to test and validate critical warfighting capabilities needed to operate in contested environments. The exercise incorporates agile operations involving KC-135, KC-46 and C-130J aircraft supporting missions such as offensive and defensive counterair, maritime interdiction, and combat search and rescue. These missions will be supported and executed using F-22, F-35, P-8 and E-2D aircraft, while a ten-wing combined air staff maintains accountability and strategic control, the press release stated.
“This exercise will test each unit’s ability to identify problems, improvise, adapt and overcome,” said Lt. Col. Lawrence Dietrich, OMA exercise director. “We are delegating execution authorities and operational control down to the lowest levels in wartime units of action enabling rapid decision making striving for mission progress rather than stagnant forces waiting for direction.”
OMA continues to increase in complexity and scope with each iteration. For this exercise, forward pre-positioned logistic support and personnel have been reduced to zero. The concept is to demonstrate that Air National Guard units can deploy, execute combat operations, and withdraw without prior buildup, avoiding detection and maintaining a low signature in contested theaters, the release stated.
Michelle Smith celebrates after winning gold in the under-20 girls’ 400-meter hurdles at the 2025 CARIFTA Games on Sunday in Port of Spain, Trinidad. (Submitted Photo)
The United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands both sent small delegations to the annual Caribbean Free Trade Association Games held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. Still, both teams are making their mark on this international athletic event, including Michelle Smith, who won her fourth straight gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles.
Smith is already a highly accomplished athlete at these games. She is the current record holder in the girls under-17 400-meter hurdles. She won gold in her final year competing at the under-17 level in this event in 2022. Moving up to the under-20 level, Smith captured gold for the next two years. She has also won three gold medals in the 800-meter race and a silver medal in the sprint hurdles. Smith was seeking her fourth straight gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, and the world No. 1 in this event did not disappoint, crossing the finish line a comfortable 2 seconds ahead of the field. Her 56.60 time was not quick enough to break the girls under-20 400-meter hurdles CARIFTA record, but earned her a seventh CARIFTA gold medal, eighth overall.
The USVI’s Safiya Prasad competed in the under-17 400-meter hurdles and finished sixth in a time of 1:09.15. The USVI also entered teams in the boys’ under-20 4X100 relay and the girls’ under-17 4X100 relay. Micah Dominque, Kennedy Coggins, Juvante Hurst, and Jah’quan Creque finished in seventh in a time of 44.02 in the boys’ under-20 relay. Faith Eatmon, Safiya Prasad, Aminah Prasad, and Charlise Morris were the sprinters for the girls’ under-17 team, who crossed the finish line in eighth place.
The BVI’s Savianna Joseph finished fourth in the girls’ under-20 shot put with a throw of 13.52 meters. Romeena Davis finished seventh in the same event with a best throw covering 10.09 meters. The BVI registered for three relay events. Logan Macayla, MKenzil Crabbe, Deneil Clarke, and Sam’Asia Leonard finished sixth in the girls’ under-17 4X100 in a time of 47.52. The BVI entered a girls’ and a boys’ team in the under-20 4X100 relay races. Cristal Daly, Taryn Augustine, Shannia Johnson, and Shyra Stoutt made up the girls’ team. Mario Carter, J’Den Jackson, Shaumal Donovan, and Latriel Williams took the track for the boys. They both crossed the finish line in seventh place.
Paul Hewlett from the BVI competed in the decathlon. He placed eighth overall with a combined score of 4952 points. The eecathlon is a 10-event athletic competition that includes running and field events. On day two, Hewlett finished seventh in the discus throw, pole vault, and 1500-meter run; eighth in the shot put; and ninth in the javelin throw. A’sia McMaster of the BVI competed in the heptathlon, a seven-event athletic competition. McMaster finished third in the 100-meter hurdles, fourth in the shot put, and fifth in the high jump. This was the first day of the heptathlon.
Reagan Uszenski after her race Sunday on day two of the CARIFTA Games in Port of Spain, Trinidad. (Submitted Photo)
In the pool, USVI’s Reagan Uszenski and Riley Miller had medal-winning performances. Uszenski picked up her second gold medal of these games by winning the girls’ 13-14 200-meter freestyle at 2:09.37. Later, she earned a silver medal in the girls’ 13-14 50-meter butterfly at 29.11. Miller also added a gold medal to her collection by winning the girls’ 15-17 50-meter butterfly at 28.05. She finished third in the girls’ 15-17 100-meter backstroke in a time of 1:05.85.
Kaeden Gleason capped off the USVI medal count for day two with a bronze in the boys’ 15-17 400-meter IM at 4:47.30. At the end of that race, Gleason outreached his teammate Daryan Maynard, who finished fourth, 0.09 seconds behind Gleason. Maynard also competed in the boys’ 15-17 100-meter backstroke, finishing fifth at 1:01.29. Gleason also competed in the boys’ 15-17 200-meter freestyle. His time of 1:57.52 earned him a seventh-place finish. On day one of these games, Zion John Baptiste was 0.05 seconds away from third place in the boys’ 13-14 backstroke. Day two, John Baptiste was 0.03 away from the podium in the boys’ 13-14 100-meter backstroke at 1:03.87, earning him fourth in the event.
The event continues Monday in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The National Aquatics Center in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. (Submitted Photo)
