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Antonio “Tommy” Romeo Valentino Francis Dies at 59

Mat Probasco
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Antonio “Tommy” Romeo Valentino Francis Dies at 59

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of VIEMS Sgt. Antonio Romeo Valentino Francis AKA “Tommy”, on Nov. 10 at the age of 59.  He was born on St. Thomas on Dec. 25, 1964.

Antonio Romeo Valentino Francis

He is preceded in death by his mother, Anita Mercer Bonelli; his father, Hezekiah Francis; his sister, Judith Bonelli Johnson; and his brothers, Marvin “Breezo” Bonelli and Melvin Bonelli; his uncle, Howard Mercer; his aunt-in-law, Lillian Mercer; his nephew, Shemrad Isaac; his niece, Keshana Maxwell and his cousin, Monique Mercer.

He is survived by his sisters, Rosalie Bonelli, Joycelyn Bonelli, Juliet Bonelli Maxwell and Naomi Francis; daughter, Kemisha Francis; sons, Kamaal, Kamoui, Kamalee, Jmoy and Keyan-Jroy Francis; grandchildren, Kelecia, Kalaya, Ka’Myia, Ka’Myila, Ah’Myah Beaupierre, Kamalee II, Kamalee III, Oshun, Zaryia Francis, and J’Maila Francis Reinoso; mothers of children, Monica Brown and Carla Ritter; nephews, Rodney Thomas, James Newton, Gamal Johnson, Ishan and Jahudi Isaac; nieces, Deanne Springette, Sulayne Bonelli-Barrett, Yanique and Menisha Bonelli; sister-in-law: Verna Bonelli; cousins, Elston “Ricky” and Kevin Mercer, and many other great nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by special friends of the family, Antionette Peters, Carolyn Jackson, Dalis Goddard and family, I. Ashante Connor, Jolene Cartier, Keisy Reinoso, Maureen Jackson, Onija Thomas, Paulette Peters and family, Rasheem Richards, Rueben “Imay” Allamby and family, Shernella Thomas, Shernelle Tyson, The Petersen, Ritter and Warner families.

He also leaves behind the Fire Fighters, Emergency Medical Technicians and staff of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services where he served diligently for 22 years.

The first viewing will take place at the Omar Brown, Sr Fire Station on December 20, 2024, from 5 to 7 p.m.  A second viewing will be held at the Blyden Memorial Chapel on Saturday, December 21, 2024, beginning at 9 a.m. with the service to follow at 10 a.m.  Interment will be at the Western Cemetery.

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, Nov. 24, through Saturday, Nov. 30. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

Weather Holds for Postponed Liberty Day Gathering in Grove Place

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Weather Holds for Postponed Liberty Day Gathering in Grove Place
A bust of D. Hamilton Jackson presides over the Estate Grove Place park named in his honor on Saturday on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Liberty Day may have come and gone in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but that didn’t stop the Grove Place Action Committee from celebrating the life and legacy of David Hamilton Jackson on Saturday at the St. Croix park named in his honor.

The event was originally slated for Nov. 1, but an unfavorable weather forecast prompted organizers to postpone. Despite the delay, Raymond Williams — whose family has been putting the Liberty Day gathering together for decades — said there was no question about holding the annual celebration, which is also known as Bull and Bread Day.

“I’m 60 years old — there was only one time that we did not have it that I can recall,” Williams said. “And that was the first year of COVID, where you couldn’t do anything at all.”

The schedule change meant Saturday’s event was more sparsely attended than in years past. Noting that this was an election year, Williams said the event would normally draw two thousand people “campaigning, and stuff like that.” Planned speeches and performances also had to be scrapped.

Jahlequah Forde fixes a plate during a belated Liberty Day celebration on Saturday in Estate Grove Place on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Despite the subdued attendance, dozens of Virgin Islanders still turned out to enjoy the food and music and remember the contributions of D. Hamilton Jackson.

Born in 1884, Jackson would go on to publish the territory’s first independent newspaper, The Herald, in 1915 — after traveling to Denmark to petition against a law prohibiting the practice. Jackson also organized the Danish West Indies’ first labor union and advocated for the territory’s sale to the United States in 1917.

“I just want to keep encouraging our community to take our holidays more seriously and celebrate the holiday for its purpose and its intent,” Williams said before calling on educators to make sure they’re teaching younger generations about the people behind the holidays.

Williams also said that after hosting the event for decades, he was encouraged by younger people in the community who have stepped up to organize the Liberty Day celebration.

“We’re now stepping back and allowing some younger members in our community to take the forefront and take the lead,” he said. “So that was a nostalgic moment for me as well.”

WAPA Showcases Progress on Energy Reliability and Resilience During HUD Secretary’s Visit

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WAPA Showcases Progress on Energy Reliability and Resilience During HUD Secretary’s Visit
HUD Secretary Adrianna Todman meets with WAPA officials. (Photo courtesy WAPA)

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Adrianna Todman to its St. Croix Business Office Thursday for a comprehensive review of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded projects.

During her visit, WAPA provided updates on several vital initiatives designed to enhance the reliability and resilience of the territory’s utility infrastructure. Key projects discussed included the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Richmond Power Plant, tank stabilization efforts, and the development of renewable energy sources. Todman emphasized the importance of federal partnerships in addressing infrastructure challenges and supporting disaster recovery, according to the press release.

WAPA has achieved considerable progress in improving energy reliability and affordability, particularly through acquiring the Vitol propane terminal via the CDBG-Mitigation program. This acquisition enables WAPA to gain better control over its propane supply, reduce dependence on external operators, and ensure long-term fuel cost stability and reliability by 2025, the press release stated.

The authority is also advancing grid stabilization projects, which include the BESS at the Richmond Power Plant to enhance voltage regulation and outage recovery, as well as the Tank Stabilization Project, pending HUD approval for geotechnical studies and design, the release stated.

WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Today’s visit by Secretary Todman showcases the vital role that federal and local partnerships play in driving the success of infrastructure projects. We are proud to present our progress and are committed to leveraging these collaborations to provide reliable, sustainable services to the Virgin Islands community.”

Todman praised the leadership and expertise of WAPA’s team members, noting the role of the CDBG program in funding key projects such as renovations at the Richmond Power Plant and the Phase II Wärtsilä project in St. Thomas. WAPA continues to collaborate with HUD, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and other stakeholders to ensure the effective use of disaster recovery funds and the timely delivery of critical projects, the release stated.

In closing, Knight remarked, “It’s important to recognize the substantial progress the authority has made with federal and local support. The acquisition of the propane terminals—essential for the territory—has enabled us to access more efficient, lower-cost fuel and develop infrastructure under our control. For the first time, we will purchase LPG on the open market, providing greater flexibility and reliability for our customers. We are thankful for the opportunities this accomplishment brings to the territory.”

CMCArts Hosting Gala to Raise Funds for Museum Programs

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CMCArts Hosting Gala to Raise Funds for Museum Programs

After a sunset-soaked toast and dinner on the Frederiksted Strand, partygoers will adjourn to the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts for an auction to raise funds for museum programs and exhibitions on Nov. 30.

Sunset Soiree starts at 5 p.m. across the street from CMCArts featuring music on the Strand with Mek’s saxophone until the sun dips below the horizon. Guests will relax with drinks and dinner from the Chicken Shack until dark.

After the sun sets, silent and live auctions will take place beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Art Center’s courtyard. More than 50 items will be auctioned plus $100 surprise sacks. A cultural travel tour for two to Cuba, three nights at Sandcastles, and gift certificates for restaurants and retail shoppers will tempt bidders. Original art has been donated by local artists, including Niarus Walker, Sara Lee Hayers, Toni Lance, Shelley Silverlight, Cuban artist Choco and others.

Renowned artist Toni Lance oil painted “Being” on old 46 inches by 26 inches Indian wooden shutters and donated the artwork to CMCArts for the Sunset Soiree. (Photo courtesy Toni Lance)

“CMCArts is a treasure in our backyard allowing artistic expression to be encouraged, honored and celebrated – what a gift,” Lisa Lord-Price, CMCArts board member said.

After 8 p.m., DJ Chef Chevy will ramp up the excitement with disco sounds and dancing will commence.

Programs that will benefit from the fundraiser include the artist-in-residence program, Little Artist Days for children ages 2-7, and school youth field trips for public, private, and homeschool groups.

According to Lisa Mordhurst, CMCArts executive director, seven to nine exhibitions are installed annually and feature mostly local artists – a “primary mission program.”

Art by Cuban artist Choco will be included in the CMCArts Sunset Soiree auction Nov. 30. (Photo courtesy CMCArts)

“Art exhibitions are archival objects in their own right. They are important indicators of perception and appreciation of art and artists at a certain point of time. Through exhibitions, CMCArts is producing part of the national record and archives for the USVI by promoting and preserving the voice of the USVI. Arts, cultures and philosophy are the foundation of all the different aspects of our life and art exhibitions communicate the humanities to the world. They are living research and, by virtue, art exhibitions are our community classrooms,” Mordhurst said.

“Mi Hermana” a mixed media homage to women who celebrate Dia de Los Muertos by Shelley Silverlight will be auctioned at Sunset Soiree on Nov. 30. (Photo courtesy Shelley Silverlight)

Classes and workshops include CMCArts Children’s Parade Troupe, Kallaloo dance, stained glass instruction, textile dyeing, painting, and clay play.

Tickets to Sunset Soiree are available for $100 at cmcarts.org/events.

Sunset Soiree’s major sponsors include the Buccaneer Hotel, Bellows International and Island Saints, Sandcastles, The Market, Hibiscus Beach Hotel, TEAM Consultants, Plessen Healthcare, RapierMed, the Loops Foundation, the Hamed Family, and Susan and Barry Armstrong.

CMCArts is the only art museum in the territory and is open to the public, free of charge. There are various levels of membership available for access to programs, events, and discounts at the museum store.

Scientists from WHOI Partner with UVI To Create a Resilient Artificial Reef

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Scientists from WHOI Partner with UVI To Create a Resilient Artificial Reef
The team plans to embed nutrient-infused tiles in the concrete structure of an artificial reef. The structure will provide a solid foundation to plant juvenile corals and for coral larvae to settle on. (Colleen Hansel, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Could a multivitamin boost the health and resilience of coral reefs? Preliminary testing says “Yes,” the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announced.

Like humans, these critical ecosystems rely on nutrients in the surrounding environment. Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) have been lab testing nutrient-infused tiles to determine whether they would boost the immune system of corals, helping them withstand stressors like warming ocean temperatures that lead to coral bleaching, and better recover from extreme climate events such as hurricanes, according to the press release.

“We are studying how corals react when grown on substrates that have been infused with essential metal micronutrients, like manganese, zinc, and iron,” explained Colleen Hansel, a senior scientist and marine chemist at WHOI. “The rapidly warming waters coupled with an active hurricane season has made it difficult to conduct field trials of our substrates. But preliminary data collected during more than a year of lab experiments shows that corals that had the early benefit of multivitamins were more resistant and resilient to heat stress.”

The team plans to embed these nutrient-infused tiles in the concrete structure of a 20 sq. meter (216 sq. ft.) artificial reef designed by experts at the University of the Virgin Islands. The structure will provide a solid foundation to plant juvenile corals and for coral larvae to settle on, while the tiles will disperse essential nutrients and vitamins into the surrounding waters for them to absorb, building their resilience toward environmental stressors, the press release stated.

“The artificial reef we’re building is going in next to a natural reef that has been severely impacted by marine heat waves and extreme storm events,” explained Marilyn Brandt, a coral disease ecologist at the University of the Virgin Islands. “The artificial reef will protect the shoreline from storm surge and erosion while providing habitat for corals struggling from climate change as we work toward restoring natural reefs in the area.”

Preliminary data collected during more than a year of lab experiments shows that corals that had the early benefit of multivitamins were more resistant and resilient to heat stress. (Rachel Mann, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Field testing is still needed to ensure that additional environmental nutrients don’t cater to one specific type of coral or promote the growth of undesired or invasive species. Brandt, Hansel, and their colleagues hope utilizing these nutrient tiles, alongside an artificial reef structure, will create a diverse environment for reefs and species that rely on them, the release stated.

“It is important to create an ecologically sound, diverse coral reef,” Hansel continued. “We need to be sure an artificial reef looks and sounds as similar to a natural reef as possible. That doesn’t consist of just coral, but also sponges, anemones and other biogeochemical components of the reef ecosystem. These interactions and feedback are necessary to make the whole habitat healthy.”

Economic Crimes Unit Makes Arrest in Forgery Investigation

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Economic Crimes Unit Makes Arrest in Forgery Investigation

On May 16, the Economic Crimes Unit initiated an investigation into a forgery complaint, the V.I. Police Department reported.

The investigation revealed that Kadeem Harry was involved in an auto collision while operating the complainant’s vehicle. After this collision, he requested a duplicate copy of the vehicle’s Certificate of Title from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, St. Croix district.  He forged the complainant’s name on the title along with a Bill of Sale and notarized the documents indicating that the vehicle was sold to him. These documents were then provided to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and USAA insurance division, which helped complete the claims process, causing Harry to receive a check in the amount of $8,669.48, which was issued in his name, according to the police report.

As a result of this investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Harry. On Friday, Harry, 32, surrendered himself at the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was served his arrest warrant, advised of his rights, and placed under arrest without incident. Harry was subsequently booked and charged with forgery, passing or possession of forged bills or notes, obtaining money by false pretense, grand larceny, and access to computers for fraudulent purposes, the police report stated.

Bail was set at $20,000 for the alleged incident. Unable to post bail, Harry was remanded to the John A. Bell Adult Correction Facility pending his advice of rights hearing scheduled for Monday.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

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Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign

The Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety (VIOHS) has joined forces with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind residents and visitors to make responsible choices behind the wheel during the upcoming holiday season, according to a news release.

As part of a targeted enforcement initiative, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) will be conducting heightened DUI enforcement efforts from Monday, through Dec.31, the release stated.

This campaign coincides with the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, a time when traffic-related incidents often increase due to alcohol consumption. The Traffic Investigation Bureau in both the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix districts will focus on DUI enforcement along major territorial roadways, including but not limited to the following routes:

  • St. Thomas: Routes 30, 32, 38, & 40
  • St. John: Routes 10 & 20
  • St. Croix: Routes 70, 75, 66, 68, 62, & 82
Submitted graphic

According to the release, the officers will be conducting checkpoints and patrols to identify and apprehend impaired drivers in accordance with Title 20, Section 493 of the Virgin Islands Code. While the primary focus is on impaired driving, officers will also address other visible traffic infractions, including:

  • Unrestrained passengers in both the front and rear of the vehicle
  • Unregistered and uninsured vehicles
  • Tinted windshields and license plate violations
  • Additional safety violations that endanger road users

“Impaired driving is a serious threat to the safety of our roads, especially during the busy holiday season,” said Director Daphne O’Neal. “We are working with local law enforcement to ensure that the community remains safe and that individuals make responsible choices when celebrating.”

Celebrate Responsibly This Holiday Season— Drive Sober, Stay Safe.

The VIPD and the VIOHS are dedicated to promoting safe driving practices and reducing traffic-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Our mission is to ensure that every resident and visitor can enjoy our beautiful islands safely and responsibly. For more information, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving or to request a traffic safety presentation, contact the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety through O’Neal at daphne.oneal@vipd.vi.gov, Impaired Driving Coordinator K’ Tonya Petrus at k’tonya.petrus@vi.gov. You may also contact the office via telephone at (340) 513-5291 or (340) 772-3025.

Paradise Jam 2024 Opening Day Recap

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Paradise Jam 2024 Opening Day Recap
Liberty University #7 Isaiah Ihnen dunks the ball in his game against the University of Louisiana in game three of 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

The 25th rendition of Basketball Travelers Inc’s Paradise Jam started on Friday, with four men’s games at the University of the Virgin Islands Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center.

 Game 1 – Longwood 89 – UAB 81

The Lancers of Longwood University took on the Blazers of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in the opening game of the 2024 Paradise Jam men’s division. This game was close most of the way, as the lead changed hands 18 times, and the score was tied 23 times. The game was knotted at 76 with 2:55 left in regulation before the Lancers took control using a 13-5 run to secure the eight-point victory. Longwood was led by graduate student Michael Christmas with 15 points and Senior Guard Kyrell Luc with 14 points. UAB’s top performers were Senior Forward Yaxel Lendeborg, with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Junior Guard Ja’boori McGhee added 16 points and registered four assists for the Blazers.

Game 2 – McNeese 76 – Illinois St. 68

McNeese State Cowboys is coming off an impressive 2023-2024 campaign, during which they won 30 games and only lost four earning them a spot in the 2024 NCAA National Basketball Tournament. The Cowboys seized control of this game midway into the first half, enjoying a 15-point lead late in the opening frame. The Redbirds of Illinois kept the game close but could not put together a complete run to get them back into the game. Javohn Garcia led the way for the Cowboys with 16 points. Teammates Brandon Murray and Sincere Parker contributed 13 points each for the winning team. Ty Pence was the top scorer for Illinois State with 14 points.

The University of Louisiana #11 Koron Davis, scopes and scores in his game against Liberty University in game three of the 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J. Daniel)

Game 3 – Liberty 89 – Louisiana 69

The Liberty University Flames were blazing, shooting 18-24 from the field in the first half and 67.3 percent for the game. This game was never in doubt, as the red-hot Flames shot 50 percent from behind the 3-point line. Senior Guard Kaden Metheny led the way with 20 points, including four shots from distance. Four other Flames contributed 12 points each. Senior Guard Christian Wright was the game’s top scorer with 21 for the Ragin’ Cajuns for the University of Louisiana.  Koron Davis dropped 13 points for the Ragin’ Cajuns.

Game 4 – Kansas St. 83 – George Washington 71

#4 Jacoi Hutchinson of George Washington scores two of his game-high 19 points in his game against Kansas State University in game four of the 2024 Paradise Jam. (Source photo by Mark J Daniel)

In the final game of the evening, Kansas State Wildcats defense held George Washington to 25 percent shooting from the field in the first half. The Wildcats pounced out to a 19-point lead in the opening frame and coasted to a 12-point victory. Senior Forward David N’Guessan registered 17 points and grabbed nine boards for the Wildcats.  Junior Guard Dug Michael added 13 points for Kansas State. Sophomore guard Jacoi Hutchinson scored a game-high 19 points and stole the ball four times for George Washington. Rafael Castro, a red-shirt Freshman, scored 12 points for the Revolutionaries.

The tournament continues on Saturday, with two tournament games at the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center. Illinois State will play UAB at 4 p.m. Louisiana will take on George Washington at 6:30 p.m. The final game of the evening will feature the Charlotte Amalie High School Chicken Hawks against their rivals, the Ivanna Eudora Kean Dynamite Rays at 9 p.m.

WAPA Taps Anthony Thomas, Former DPP Commissioner and Mon Ethos VP, for Chief Administrative Officer

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WAPA Taps Anthony Thomas, Former DPP Commissioner and Mon Ethos VP, for Chief Administrative Officer
Property and Procurement Commissioner Anthony Thomas is peppered by questions from the Senate Finance Committee Friday. (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the V.I. Legislature)
Anthony Thomas, former Property and Procurement commissioner and vice president for cybersecurity firm Mon Ethos Pro Support, was appointed chief administrative officer of the V.I. Water and Power Authority on Thursday. (Photo by Barry Leerdam for the V.I. Legislature)

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority announced via press release Friday that Anthony Thomas, a former board member and commissioner of the Property and Procurement Department, was appointed the utility’s new chief administrative officer.

Four members of the authority’s governing board approved the appointment in executive session during a regular meeting on Thursday. One member abstained.

According to a WAPA press release, Thomas’s responsibilities will include purchasing, inventory control, property management and fleet management, and he will focus on “streamlining organizational processes, optimizing resources, and supporting WAPA’s mission to provide reliable and affordable utility services to the Virgin Islands.”

Thomas served as Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s Property and Procurement commissioner from 2019-2023. Earlier, he held positions as chief of staff for the V.I. Education Department and as district manager for the Akal Group, according to the press release. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree and is pursuing a doctoral degree in management in organizational leadership. Thomas served on WAPA’s governing board in 2019 and chaired the board in 2020.

“Anthony Thomas brings a proven track record of operational excellence and transformative leadership to WAPA,” Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Karl Knight said in Friday’s press release. “His extensive experience in both government and private sectors, as well as his familiarity with the policies and processes of WAPA, will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our operations and enhance our service to the community.”

Most recently, Thomas worked for Mon Ethos Pro Support, the cybersecurity contractor whose founder and former owner, David Whitaker, signed a plea agreement with federal prosecutors in March admitting to two counts of wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds.

An FBI investigation into Whitaker and members of the V.I. government came to light in June. Former V.I. Police Department Commissioner Ray Martinez and former Management and Budget Office Director Jenifer O’Neal resigned amid the federal probe.

Curtis Jones, MEPSVI’s chief technology officer, acquired the company in April. In September, Jones accused the government of punishing the company for its founder’s crimes when it abruptly canceled all of its contracts with the cybersecurity outfit — including one to install more than 900 cameras in territory public schools.

Thomas, who held the position of vice president of strategic alliance and contracts, confirmed to The Source on Friday evening that he had resigned from his position at the company.

“I appreciate the opportunity to use my skills and experience in support of creating a much more reliable, cost-effective authority,” he said.

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