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Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute Brings ‘Fashion Wonderland’ to Coral World

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Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute Brings ‘Fashion Wonderland’ to Coral World
DaShaun Prince, Samantha Nieboer, Karen Lee, Kyla Bailey, J’Liyah Febres, Aminisha Bailey, and Chalaine “Gemini” Barry attend the IMTA convention in 2024. (Photo courtesy Chalaine Barry)

In less than two weeks, Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute will razzle and dazzle attendees during their first Fashion Wonderland, Fashion and Food Festival, which will be held at Coral World Ocean Park on March 1.

Business owner Chalaine Barry conceptualized the event because she said, there are “two things that I like, fashion and food.” She is using the event as a fundraiser to assist her models in participating in the International Model Talent Association (IMTA) convention in New York this summer.

“This event is a fundraiser, and I’m just trying to create a family event,” said Barry.

Barry said this is the first time she has put on a fashion show at a food festival. Before, she held two fashion shows at the Virgin Islands Montessori School and Peter Gruber International Academy. But this year, food and fashion are the focus.

Attendees at the event can also look forward to face painting, toy, candle, crochet, skincare, and clothing vendors. Food enthusiasts can look forward to items such as pates, soup, oxtail, and chicken dishes. A DJ will also be there to keep attendees entertained. And for all the vendors, Barry said they are providing a marketing gift for those who participate.

“We’re helping each small business because we’re going to help each of them create a 30-second video that I’m going to provide for them to help their businesses grow and use for social media. So that’s our give back to the vendors,” said Barry.

Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute models show off their awards. (Photo courtesy Chalaine Barry)

Interested persons can purchase tickets from Sole to Soul and Anoush 242 Gallery. Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for children under 18.

This year, Barry’s models range from 16 to 30 years of age.

When asked what inspired her to start her business, Barry, who also owns Gemini Photography VI, said she got the idea to start her businesses from friends.

“I got my marine biology degree and I wasn’t finding a job and I didn’t want to go back to Coral World because I didn’t meet some of the qualifications for like, lifting stuff up,” she said.

She added that her friends sat her down to get her business license. She went back to school for photography, and after graduating in 2014, she opened Gemini Photography VI.

Barry said she was inspired to open Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute after photographing models at events.

“And then taking pictures at different modeling shows, and [seeing] the girls being ill-prepared, and seeing that nobody was training them, that’s where my modeling company came from,” Barry said.

Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute models during an IMTA competition in 2024. (Photo courtesy Chalaine Barry)

Barry added that she wasn’t “a big person on modeling at the time”; however, she “wanted girls and guys to represent themselves better. So I just worked on public speaking and all kinds of stuff like that.”

Barry says the models she worked with further encouraged her to look into the IMTA, an organization that hosts conventions for models, actors, dancers, singers, and songwriters.

“Because modeling is not such an important industry here in the Virgin Islands, they’re going to the army, they’re going to college, and they never follow through,” she said, highlighting that persons in the territory usually seek careers other than modeling.

Barry says Faces of Gemini Modeling Institute is the only accredited school in the Caribbean right now. She hopes her models will travel to Paris and Anguilla this year. She added that they have participated in Summer Sizzle on Tortola and St. Croix for Jason Gardener’s VI Model of the Year, and last year, they competed on Anguilla.

Of the upcoming event, Barry said she is “excited for everyone to come out and have a good time.”

For more information, Barry can be contacted via WhatsApp at 340-998-4030 or by Facebook Messenger at https://www.facebook.com/FacesofGeminiModelingInstitute/.

Barry also noted that her organization is open for boys and girls to register. Donations are accepted through PayPal via her contact phone number. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Virgin Islands Children’s Museum.

“It’s not just a fundraiser for us, but we’re also giving back a little bit to the community,” Barry said.

Augustin Augustin Dies

Mat Probasco
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Augustin Augustin Dies

The family of the late Augustin Augustin is saddened to announce his passing on January 29, 2025.

Augustin Augustin

Augustin is survived by his Daughters, Natacha Augustin and Olinger Augustin, Sons, Melvin Braville and Emerson Toutouyoutte, Grandchildren, Jah’Lik Francis, Jah’Keyla Francis, Emala Alexander, Anderson Larcher, Tennison Larcher, Blair Chandler, Teadius Langelier, Emma William, Iverson Tobie, Paulette Tobie, Tanya Aschnelle Augustin, Quan Joseph, Isha Dela Anderson, Merlisha Shania Anderson, Shanel Nisha Thomas, Terezia Angellyna Raymon, and Zayne Jasper Jacob, Brothers, Joseph Augustin, Charles Taliam, Wilbert Augustin, and Anthony Taliam, Sisters, Catherine Taliam and Philista Eugene, In-Laws, Jasmine Augustin-Roundtree (Daughter-in law), and (Sisters-in law), Maryanna Augustin, Lucy Taliam, and Christina Emmanuel.

There will be a family and friends viewing scheduled to be on Feb. 26 at Divine Funeral Services Chapel in Peter’s Rest from 4-6pm.

The funeral service is scheduled on Feb. 28 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 42 Barron Spot Hill. Viewing starts at 9:00 AM. Service starts at 10:00 AM.

Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional Services Entrusted to Divine Funeral Services & Crematory

Elisha “Lisha” Frazer Dies

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Elisha “Lisha” Frazer Dies

With a heavy heart The Frazer family is saddened to announce the death of their patriarch Elisha “Lisha” Frazer, of St. Thomas and Little Apple Bay, Tortola, who passed away in Coral Springs, Florida on February 1, 2025.

Elisha Frazer

He is survived by his wife of 60 years Sylvia Frazer, Children, Shirlene Robinson Smith, Kenmore “Peace” Frazer, Colleen Frazer Brooks, Maureen “NickNick” Frazer, Lesmore “Bert” Frazer.  Grandchildren Shurelle Smith, Clarence Smith, Jr., Josiah Frazer, LaDonna Donovan, LaKesha Brathwaite Bright, LaKeema Brooks, Elvin Brooks, Jr., Shantel Richards Gurdat, Shanice “Niecey” Richards, Shanee Richards, Destiny Frazer, Jaylen Frazer, and Jamal Frazer, Great Grandchildren, Clarence Smith, III, Jacari Frazer, Kinsley Frazer, Jayden Haisley, Taelynn Bright, Terry Bright, III, LaTasia Lee, Lynasia Lee, Daequari Lee, Demetric Lee, Travis Eline, Jr., Tra’Naria Eline, Camari Brooks, Kymoni Brooks, Jaylen Brooks, Shante Browne, Shayne Gurdat, Shayna Gurdat, Shamar Gurdat, Zhanela and Zhalana Johnson.

Son in Law, Edward Brathwaite, Sr., Grandsons in Law, Raju “General” Gurdat, Terry Bright, Jr., Granddaughter in Law, Brittany Smith, Adopted Sister Alma Frazer Fahie, Brothers in Laws, Elliot “Humphrey” Leonard, Welmon “Doggy” Smith, Arthur Williams, Sr., Sisters in Laws Lorraine Smith, Marline Callwood Williams, Dawn Callwood, Nieces, Emmy Smith, Adel Jennings, Ona Parsons, Gloria Hodge, Irena “Rena” Rivera, Muriel Fraser, Millicent Frazer, Nephews, Allen Cameron, Wilmon Cameron, Walton “Blow” Cameron, Eldred Hodge, Bentley Hodge, Allan Phillip, Claudius Frazer, Jr., Melvin Frazer, Decendants of the Late, Zelma and Edna Stoutt, Pedro, Wellington, and Liston Cameron, Eileen Thomas, God Children, Shirline Smith, Shona Worrell, Special Friends, Dave “Cannon” Richards, Melcena Smith & Family, Alvin Washington & Family, Bernice Potter, Izola Leonard, Marriet & Gregory Smith, Lyndel Turnbull, Izetta Hodge & Family, Othelia Benjamin, Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Glenda Lafong, Johnny Henley, Buddy Kennings, Pastor Gloria George, Gloria Leonard, Floyd & Edith “Kizzy Bassue, Elizabeth “Chocolate Lady” Watkins, Joylyn Dixon, Sandra Potter, Iris Jones, Trinity Methodist Church, Living Word Family Ministry, Hillside Village Community, Family of the Late Hugh Smith, Eugenia Thomas, Carol Benjamin, Louise Morris of St.Kitts, Chanda Augustine, Beverly Bastian, Esther Aberdeen, Andrew “Animal” Monsanto.

First Viewing will take place on Thursday, March 6 at Blyden Memorial Chapel from 4 – 6 p.m.

First Funeral Service:

Friday, March 7, 2025 viewing from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Living Word Family Ministry, Smith Bay, St. Thomas.  With service at 10 a.m.

Second Funeral Service:

Saturday, March 8 viewing from 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill Methodist Church, Tortola, BVI.  With service at 11:00 a.m.

Interment at the Cappoon’s Bay Cemetery

Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to: Turnbull Funeral Home, St. Thomas and Davis Funeral Home, Tortola.

Virtual Humanities Showcase March 12

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Virtual Humanities Showcase March 12

In celebration of Virgin Islands History Month, observed annually in March since 2006, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands as the Humanities Council of the Virgin Islands is proud to present the third Virtual Humanities Showcase. This event highlights the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Virgin Islands through projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The showcase will take place on Wednesday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m. AST via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.

During the showcase, the nine CFVI humanities project grantees listed below will present their work, demonstrating the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives in preserving and promoting Virgin Islands culture. To explore these projects and others, visit cfvi.co/NEHprojects2024.

  • American Ancestors – Using Genealogy to Teach Inclusive History: U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – Dance is a Universal Language
  • Center for Educational Growth, Inc. – Film Over Gun Violence
  • Fireburn Heritage – Virgin Islands ABCs Initiative: Cultivating Cultural Literacy in VI Youth
  • St. Croix Montessori School – Increasing Educational and Cultural Literacy through Library Sciences for St. Croix Montessori Students
  • Ten Sleepless Knights – Bamboula/Bomba Documentary Film
  • University of the Virgin Islands – Collaboration and Conversations: Connecting Virgin Islands Historical Collections and Community Knowledge to an Emerging Generation of Humanities Scholars
  • University of the Virgin Islands – The Unbreakable Film Academy
  • Virgin Islands Architecture Center for Built Heritage and Crafts – VIAC Old Barracks Neighborhood Storytelling Project – Phase 2

“This showcase is an opportunity to witness firsthand the meaningful contributions of our Virgin Islands nonprofit community to local humanities programming,” said CFVI President, Dee Baecher-Brown. “The impressive range of projects reflects a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the stories, traditions, and intellectual achievements that shape our unique identity.”

To register, visit cfvi.co/Showcase2025. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the event.

Since forming its partnership with NEH in 2020, CFVI has awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants to community organizations across the U.S. Virgin Islands, supporting a broad array of humanities programming and activities.

For questions or more information, please contact CFVI’s Director of Grants and Programs, Beth Nuttall, at bethn@cfvi.net.

Tune In As USVI U-20 Women’s National Team Plays Puerto Rico At 4 p.m.

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Tune In As USVI U-20 Women’s National Team Plays Puerto Rico At 4 p.m.

USVI U-20 Women’s national team will commence their World Cup qualifiers against Puerto Rico. Thursday at 4 p.m. at Estadio Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium

STREAMING NETWORKS: Disney+, FS2, Fox Sports, and Tubi. (Please check local listings as streaming platforms may vary by region.)

USVI U-20 Women’s team

Mosi Malik Mckie Dies at 31

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Mosi Malik Mckie Dies at 31

It’s with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Mosi Malik Mckie on Jan. 25, 2025, at the age of 31. 

He was a loving, talented, considerate and creative son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and dear friend. He also was an avid lover of animals and plants as well as a masterful fashion designer. 

He was survived by his mother Stephanie “Gucci” Joseph and Michael “Sabba” Mckie and his grandparents, Patricia Joseph, Pauline and step grandfather Manel Benitez, siblings: Annakiya Mckie, Sekhomi Mckie, Esenja Joseph, Mukhwan Joseph, and Keeto Joseph. Elijah, Kyree, Makenzie Mckie, Zya; Nell and Ezra Carty, aunts: Marcia Murrell, Gynah Guishard-Henry, Ashaki Christian,Valorie Murrell, Leanise Murrell. Great aunts: Franciisca Murrell, and Neptune family, Marion Lynch-Esassason, Shirlene Lynch, Yvonne Lynch-Dean, Dian Phillip, Jennifer Lynch. uncles: Alexander “Mondie” Murrell, Kim “Sugarbear” Murrell, Leroy Joseph, Manuel Benitez Jr. Great Uncles: Verne Lynch Sr, Marvin Clarke, Stearoy Phillip, Leopold Sprauve. Cousins: Tafari Delsol and family, Osei Delsol and family, Sulaimani Abraham, Dominique Murrell, Miracle Murrell, Kim “Lil Bear” Murrell, Kayden and Kalece Murrell, Lucilla Fisher and family, Denequa, Dwayne, Kamalie, De’Janique and Denae Lynch, Dion Whyte, Kevin Stridiron, Maurice and Johnaton Clarke and family, Harold Lynch III. Sprauve and Lynch Lynch family. Godparents Terry and Guy “Demus’ Henry, Gary Richardson. Goddaughter: Yara Watson. Other Relative: Tenequa Tapia-Dugan, Matilda Hughesw and family, Idonna Browne, Shanekka Todman, Odette Brin, Vanessa Joseph, Chelsea Cornell, Kimani Christian, Ricardo and Malik Mitchell, Kimo Bonelli, Henneman family, Foy family, Ible Family, Creaque family.

He is also survived by a host of special friends: Yeidi Offord, Cora “Coco” Hamilton, Michael Vante, Jesherun Joseph, Craig Richardson, Xenecia Farrell, Anika Hamilton, Imani Richards, Cadesha Brathwaite, Vakai Gumbs, Sanna Richardson, Shaquille Ralph, Julian Smith, Germaine Callwood, Janet Prosper, Devin Osorio Famillia de México, SCAD family, Avalon family, The CAHS family of 2011, Mr. Corbett JOVIC Class of 1994, and other friends too numerous to mention.

The memorial service will be held at Turnbull Funeral Home. The Family request anyone in attendance to please wear FESTIVE and BRIGHT COLORS. Please NO BLACK CLOTHING. Funeral is under the care of Turnbull Funeral Home and Crematory Service.

Cancryn Pump Station Down; Avoid Standing Water

Mat Probasco
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Cancryn Pump Station Down; Avoid Standing Water

The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the public that the Cancryn pump station is currently offline but undergoing repair. This situation may lead to sewer system issues. VIWMA advises residents to avoid standing water in any affected areas.

The VIWMA is diligently working to complete the necessary repairs. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter. 

For more information contact the Division of Wastewater at 340-715-9151 or Communications Management at communications@viwma.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter

Broken Water Main Closes Emile Milo Francis Memorial Drive

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Broken Water Main Closes Emile Milo Francis Memorial Drive

Please be advised that Emile Milo Francis Memorial Drive near Linquist Beach will be closed Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This closure is necessary to replace a broken pole and reinstall the power lines in the area.

Jury Selected in First Woodpile Cases Trial

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Jury Selected in First Woodpile Cases Trial
Jury selection concluded Wednesday for the trial of former V.I. Housing Finance Authority Executive Darin Richardson, who was first indicted last summer for his alleged part in a $4.3 million disaster recovery fraud. (Shutterstock image)

A federal judge will hear opening arguments Thursday in the trial of a former V.I. Housing Finance Authority executive who was charged last summer in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar disaster recovery fraud.

Jury selection began Tuesday morning and concluded Wednesday afternoon with the empaneling of 12 jurors and three alternates. U.S. District Judge Wilma Lewis told the jurors that the trial is estimated to take 9-10 days. She directed them to refrain from discussing the case with anyone during recesses and avoid news coverage of the case and trial.

Darin Richardson, former chief operating officer at VIHFA, was originally indicted alongside former V.I. Education Department Maintenance Director Davidson Charlemagne and his wife, Sasha Charlemagne, on charges of making a material false statement to a federal investigator and criminal conflict of interest. In September, Lewis agreed to sever Richardson’s case from that of the Charlemagnes, who are charged with different crimes.

Prosecutors further charged Richardson with bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and money laundering in a superseding indictment filed in December. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to the original indictment, Richardson led the evaluation committee that awarded a nearly $3 million, three-year contract to Island Services Group — or ISG — in January 2021 to manage and store disaster recovery lumber. ISG subcontracted the work to the Charlemagnes’ company, D&S Trucking.

Richardson increased the value of that contract to more than $4.3 million over the next year — even though, prosecutors alleged, no actual work was being done. Instead, the lumber was stored outside and rent-free at the shuttered Alexander Henderson Elementary School on St. Croix.

The original charges against Richardson stem from a $107,000 payment he received from ISG principal Morris Anselmi in February 2022. Richardson later participated in a voluntary interview with a special agent from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department’s Inspector General’s Office, during which he claimed he had recused himself from all matters related to ISG.

After the jurors were dismissed for the day Wednesday, prosecutors called that special agent Jamila Davis — now assistant special agent in charge of Florida and the Caribbean in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Inspector General’s Office — to testify Wednesday evening amid efforts by Richardson’s attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, to exclude a memorandum of that interview from being shown during the trial.

Davis said Wednesday that Richardson was not the target of any investigation at the time of the interview. Rather, she’d sought a meeting with him after hearing that he had left VIHFA “abruptly” because she thought he might be able to shed light on suspected wrongdoing at the agency.

“In this situation, Mr. Richardson really just talked, and I took notes while he was talking,” she said.

Davis said the interview was not recorded but that she took abbreviated notes and typed those up in a memo, which prosecutors entered as evidence in the upcoming trial. Davis indicated that standard procedure is to scan and upload copies of the notes into a shared folder and shred the originals at the conclusion of an investigation.

The government has been unable to produce the original notes, and John-Baptiste argued in a motion filed last week that their failure to produce them constituted a violation of the so-called “Brady rule,” which requires prosecutors to disclose any material that could be exculpatory. On Wednesday evening, John-Baptiste argued that the notes could contain more detailed information about Richardson’s recusal timeline — and that they could have been destroyed for that reason.

According to exhibits attached to the government’s opposition to John-Baptiste’s motion, Richardson emailed VIHFA’s then-Executive Director, Daryl Griffith, on Feb. 14, 2022, notifying Griffith of the conflict of interest and recusal from all matters related to ISG. The message was sent on the same day Anselmi sent Richardson $107,000 and exactly one year before Richardson’s sit-down with Davis.

Lewis did not rule on the matter Wednesday, and the court recessed until Thursday morning.

A heavily redacted copy of the memorandum of interview was filed in U.S. District Court in August. Prosecutors filed an unredacted version alongside their opposition to Richardson’s attorney last week. According to Davis’s account, Richardson “acknowledges that the employees of ISG have never had any regular work to do because the VIHFA construction projects have not been initiated as originally intended.” Further, he “stated he feels partially responsible for not taking the necessary steps to limit payments to ISG for work not actually being performed.”

“No one thought to do that,” he said, according to Davis, who added that Richardson characterized it not as fraud but as a wasteful oversight.

According to the memo, Richardson went on to excoriate emergency management consultants Witt O’Brien’s. At one point, Richardson said he didn’t think it was a violation of ISG’s contract to bill VIHFA for an hourly wage higher than what was being paid to employees or contractors and stated, “It’s the same thing that Witt O’Brien [sic] does.”

“The only time RICHARDSON has felt pressured to do something that he was not comfortable with,” Davis wrote, “was when he was asked to sign a Witt O’Brien (WOB) Work Plan. This request was made by Adrienne WILLIAMS-OCTALIEN, VIHFA Office of Disaster Recovery. RICHARDSON was asked to sign the WOB Work Plan while Daryl GRIFFITH was on vacation or otherwise unavailable. RICHARDSON refused to sign the document. If he would have approved the work plan, it would have made it appear that WOB performed work for the VIHFA that could be billed under the WOB Contract with the VI Public Finance Authority (PFA). WILLIAMS-OCTALIEN told RICHARDSON that Governor BRYAN will be upset by RICHARDSON’s refusal to sign.”

Richardson described Witt O’Brien’s as “controlling” everything in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the memo, and said they were benefiting from all of the federal funding awarded to the territory in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.

“WOB is being overpaid for its services or work that could easily be done by USVI departmental employees,” Davis wrote. “RICHARDSON thinks this is incompetence on the part of USVI executive leadership.”

The Dressing Room 2.0 Makes a Bold Comeback: A Fresh Look, A New Era of Style

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The Dressing Room 2.0 Makes a Bold Comeback: A Fresh Look, A New Era of Style
After closing because of the pandemic. The Dressing Room 2.0 made its official relaunch on Feb. 9. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The Dressing Room 2.0 is back and ready to help women on St. Croix make a bold fashion statement for any special event. Owner Sativa “Tiva” Williams said, “It’s not called the dressing room by accident, this is literally the dressing room, where you come and get dressed.”

Located just above Thomas Bakery in Castle Coakley, The Dressing Room 2.0 has everything needed to prepare for a special event, a night out in town, or a date. It offers a variety of items, including pantyhose, shades, earrings, necklaces, jeans, matching sets, lip exfoliators, lip gloss, tweezers, and more.

At The Dressing Room 2.0, guests can book appointments for specialties such as hair braiding, brow tinting, lash extensions, and small tattoos.

Store owner Sativa “Tiva” Williams is excited about what’s in store for the relaunch of The Dressing Room 2.0. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

“I just want to make sure that I am able to cater to every body type and fashion sense,” said Williams. “I want to make sure that when you walk through the doors of The Dressing Room you are able to feel like we are able to cater to you. It’s a special place, it’s like a safe haven for women and soon men. You are able to come in and find anything you want to wear.”

Williams said that she was forced to close during the pandemic, but the relaunch signified something personal for her. “I wanted to make sure I am able to tackle the areas where we fell short,” she said.

The Dressing Room 2.0 caters to sizes extra small to 4X. Williams has always been very passionate about clothing — so passionate that her family even comes to her to get styled and dressed.

The Dressing Room 2.0 offers an array of sizes from extra small to 4X. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

“How I decided to get into the actual The Dressing Room business was my husband would always tell me I’m always spending money on clothes. So, I was like let me open it up. I always wanted a place where I felt safe and comfortable shopping. I opened up this idea in my mind and brought it to life and brought my fashion tips to people,” she said.

Locals will also be pleasantly surprised at the affordable pricing. At the store’s relaunch on Feb. 9, Williams said, “I am in the community. I want to make sure we can dress fashionable but affordable.”

In celebration of the relaunch, complimentary cocktails and mocktails were provided to guests. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The Dressing Room 2.0’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from noon to 6:30 p.m. When entering the store, make sure to ask about their VIP list. With a membership, there are options to schedule shopping and special percentages off items in-store and other services.

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