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Ellen Thedora Kent Dies at 100

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Ellen Thedora Kent Dies at 100
Ellen Thedora Kent

Ellen Thedora Kent, also known as “Mom,” of Lauderdale Lakes, Fla., died on Oct. 1. She was 100 years old.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Agustus Kent; mother, Ida Glassford; father, Herbert Benjamin; sons: James N. “Earl” Kent and Winston M. Kent; grandchild, Yvette I. Benjamin; sister, Emily Grant; brothers: Charles Almond, Wentworth Amory and Johnny Phipps; and daughter-in-law, Annette Bass Kent.

She is survived by her daughters: Minola Matthew, Mary M. Kent and Aneta A. Guishard; sons: Austin E. Benjamin, Steadroy A. Kent, Lloyd A. Kent and Doval L. Kent (Pastor); and grandchildren: Valencia I.C. Benjamin, Cameron J. Guishard, Vashti Oyamielen, Vanesti Bennett, Cameron P. Kent, Anjela Bacchus, Javella Browne, Virgil A. Kent, Bijorna Kent-Farquharson, Chad Kent, Za’heem T. Edwards, Dameon Govia, Babette Benjamin, Gloria Smith, Genesis Wade Walwyn, Allison Walwyn, Ranisha Kent, Renicia Kent, Devon Govia, Pastor Hesketh Matthew, Calvin Matthew, Tarsha Matthew, Carrissa Matthew, Kateisha Matthew and Andria Matthew.

She is also survived by great-grandchildren: Janelle Herbert, Janecia Matthew, Janaine Matthew, Travis Herbert, Tarik Searles, Calize and Camelle Matthew, Amir Bacchus, Jameel Bacchus, Raiana Browne, Raijae Browne, Daequoncia Matthew, Daeshan Matthew, Serenity Bennett, Jazmin Oyamielen, Kaiya Oyamielen, Durell Flintroy, Ehrin Flintroy, Genelle Booker, Jamiella Peterseon, Arielle Benjamin, Kadin Chance, Bryce Lane, Chadero Kent, Chaedyn Kent, Dameon Govia Jr., Madison Govia, Tyler Govia, Jordyn Govia, Suriyah Guishard, Zyirah Kent, Zaliyah Kent, De Miya Carter, Tahlise Connor, Dequann David, Adrian Augustin Jr., KyMahri Smith, Channing Hudson Jr., Demarion Carter and Tayvion Govia.

She is also survived by nieces: Iza Bernadine Samos, Bonnie Grant- Huges, Grace Grant, Eileen Hinnis, Beatrice Percival, Christine Wattley, Dorothy Warner and Alvis Charles; nephews: Nepo/Leroy Benjamin, Franklyn Grant, Lloyd Grant, Jim and James Bedford, Stanford Benjamin, Peter Grant, Gerard Charles, Eustus Charles, Rodney Charles and Lenox Bedford; aunts: Ida Burt, also known as “Aunty Baby” and “Aunty Sue;” daughters-in-law: Gloria A. Benjamin, Icilma I. Kent and Jacinta St. Clair; sons-in-law: Donald Matthew and Basil Guishard; granddaughter-in-law, Julie-Ann Govia; grandson-in-law, Maurice Oyamielen; and sister-in-law, Christmas “Chrisie” Amory.

Other survivors include special friends: The Inner Circle Prayer Group, Joan Browne, Jozette Matthew, Sandra Barbel-Ravariere, Carl and Elmona Miller,  Shakima Edwards, Central Seventh-day Adventist, Sabbath School Ext Group, Ushers and Prayer Group, Pastor Maurice and Claudette Andrews, Sharmin Natta, Pastor Wilmoth and Linda James, Tesser Archibald-Hazel and Anna Miller, Beulah Bruce, Peggy Nestor, Janet and Samarie, Estherlyn Walwyn, Akeema Browne, Harella Goodwin and Anetta Joseph; cousins and other relatives, Pastor Desmond James and family, Carlton and Iris Leonard Tyson and family, Veronica A. Huggins and family, also known as “Ellen,’’ Morisia Morrishaw-Kent, Cory and Lynn Kent and family; as well as other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20, at Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.

IRS Warns Taxpayers of Charity Scams Following Recent Hurricanes

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IRS Warns Taxpayers of Charity Scams Following Recent Hurricanes
Internal Revenue Service

In the aftermath of hurricanes Milton and Helene, the Internal Revenue Service today cautioned taxpayers of scammers who use fake charities to gather sensitive personal and financial data from unsuspecting donors.

Scammers commonly set up fake charities to take advantage of people’s generosity during natural disasters and other tragic events.

“Many people want to help survivors and their families by donating to charities,” said IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “Too often, criminals take advantage of would-be donors’ kindness by stealing money and personal information from well-meaning taxpayers. You should never feel pressured by solicitors to immediately give to a charity. It’s important to do the research to verify if they’re authentic first.”

Tax-Exempt Organization Search Tool

Those interested in making donations should first check the Tax-Exempt Organization Search (TEOS) tool on www.IRS.gov to help find or verify qualified, legitimate charities. With this tool, people can:

  • Verify the legitimacy of a charity,
  • Check its eligibility to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, and
  • Search for information about an organization’s tax-exempt status and filings.

 Tips to Avoid Fake Charities

  • Always verify. Scammers frequently use names that sound like well-known charities to confuse people. Fake charity promoters may use emails, fake websites or alter or “spoof” their caller ID to make it look like a real charity is calling to solicit donations. Potential donors should ask the fundraiser for the charity’s name, website and mailing address so they can independently confirm the information. Use the Tax-Exempt Organization Search tool to verify if an organization is a legitimate tax-exempt charity.
  • Be cautious about how a donation is requested. Never work with charities that ask for donations by giving numbers from a gift card or by wiring money. That’s a scam. It’s safest to pay by credit card or check — and only after verifying the charity is real.
  • Don’t share too much information. Scammers are on the lookout for both money and personal information. Never disclose Social Security numbers, credit card numbers or personal identification numbers.
  • Don’t give in to pressure. Scammers often pressure people into making an immediate payment. In contrast, legitimate charities are happy to get a donation at any time. Donors should not feel rushed.

The IRS also encourages individuals encountering a fake or suspicious charity to see the FBI’s resources on Charity and Disaster Fraud.

Claim a Deduction

Taxpayers who give money or goods to a charity can claim a deduction if they itemize deductions, but these donations only count if they go to a qualified tax-exempt organization recognized by the IRS.

U.S. Border Patrol Apprehends 11 Non-Citizens Off Coast of St. Thomas

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U.S. Border Patrol Apprehends 11 Non-Citizens Off Coast of St. Thomas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol and Marine Interdiction Agents apprehended 11 non-citizens from Romania, Brazil and the Dominican Republic traveling on a private vessel from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to Culebra, Puerto Rico, Sunday, the agency announced.

“Smuggling organizations exploit diverse routes and methods to introduce people or contraband throughout Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands,” indicated Reggie Johnson, acting chief patrol agent for the Ramey Border Patrol Sector. “We have the collective resolve to address illicit flows and protect our communities by collaborating with local and federal partners.”

On Sunday, Oct. 13, a crew of Marine Interdiction and Border Patrol agents on patrol found a vessel that was having mechanical trouble and was requesting assistance near Botany Bay, USVI. Inside the vessel, the agents found a group of 11 non-citizens who did not have documents to prove an authorized presence in the United States, according to the press release.

The agents transported the group consisting of two adult women and two adult men from Romania, two adult men from Brazil, and five adult men from the Dominican Republic to the USBP/ERO co-location facility at Crown Mountain for processing and removal, the press release stated.

U.S. Border Patrol analyzes and responds to any changes in migration patterns, particularly irregular migration outside of legal pathways and border crossings and works with our federal and international partners to combat human smuggling, the release stated.

The Ramey Sector is one of the twenty-one sectors spread out across the United States. Encompassing the U.S. territorial islands of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, it is the only Border Patrol Sector located outside the continental United States. The sector’s entire border area is made up of coastline, and its area of responsibility is made up of some 6,000 square miles of land and water, including the twelve-mile band of territorial water surrounding the Islands, it said.

For anonymous tips, contact 800-981-1313.

 

‘Why Me? Why Not You?’ — New Children’s Book Delights and Inspires

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‘Why Me? Why Not You?’ — New Children’s Book Delights and Inspires
“Why Me? Why Not You?: Salt and Sugar Want to Switch” by Lyscelle M. Welcome-Reyes (Submitted photo)

“Why Me? Why Not You?: Salt and Sugar Want to Switch” by Lyscelle M. Welcome-Reyes with illustrations by Lysca D. Welcome-Tenia and Michelle M. Cann-Callender is a children’s book that not only delights but also inspires. It stimulates the imagination, becoming like a school backpack that is taken everywhere the child goes, filled with endless possibilities and creativity.

This super engaging, unforced work of 31 pages is not just for children but for the whole family. It serves as a powerful intergenerational platform for storytelling, inviting everyone to participate and bond over the narrative. It iss a unique opportunity to create moments of connection and unity, strengthening the family bond through shared reading experiences.

This storyteller for the book made the tale exciting and a learning tool centered around the negotiating characters Salt and Sugar, who were curious about what made the other tick. In other words, they wanted a better understanding of their differences, not knowing they had more in common than what was so different. It is a rich educational journey, introducing word definitions, sentence construction, and an introduction to geography, functional science and storytelling interdependent skills.

The story begins with a conversation about the appearance of Salt and Sugar and how much they look alike, which brings confusion until they are tasted. How sweet and sticky would everything be if Sugar were used instead of Salt? The eyes of the precious characters light up. The honeybees begin playing the musical steel pans, trumpets and drums, while the sad eyes of the salty characters, like the crabs, fish and seaweed, demonstrate dissatisfaction if the Salt were to be removed from the sea.

In the book’s center, which begins the story’s climax, all the characters in the kitchen cupboard shout about their unique properties. For instance, Salt is known for enhancing flavors, while Sugar is loved for its sweetness. They also discuss how they are used and agree they cannot be replaced because they each have a unique gift.

As one approaches the book’s closing, one stumbles across the recipe corner, which not only provides fun things to prepare to munch on while reading but also adds an element of fun and engagement to the reading experience.

The author is a skilled educator, a product of the University of the Virgin Islands and a parent. She knows that through her writing and reading, there’s nothing better than participatory learning, especially for Generation Z. She included an attractive closing of a creative participatory, hands-on coloring book that not only entertains but also helps children with body coordination and learning about color concepts, making the learning process fun and engaging.

This book was also created to be included in the Core Collection in everybody’s personal and developing bookcase. That’s how Dr. Welcome-Reyes rolls! So, join the author by reading “Why Me? Why Not You?: Salt and Sugar Want to Switch?”Read the book aloud, pronounce all the new words, identify the colors and shapes, and arrive at your conclusion.

Critique by O.D. Alexander, a retired Saint Croix Central High School music teacher.  He has also taught at the Julius E. Sprauve School and Guy Benjamin School on St. John. He can be reached at od.alex1972@gmail.com

Repeat Offender Charged with Unlawful Gun Possession After Felony Convictions

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Repeat Offender Charged with Unlawful Gun Possession After Felony Convictions

Jahmar Frederick, 31, of St. Croix, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm after having been convicted of felony offenses, United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced.

According to court documents, on May 11, Virgin Islands Police Officers attempted
to conduct a traffic stop after Frederick was observed operating a Ford F-150 pickup truck with no license plate. Frederick fled from VIPD officers and ultimately lost control of his vehicle and slid off the roadway. Frederick then placed a ski mask over his face and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended. Officers recovered a loaded Glock Model 22 Gen4 .40 Caliber firearm after taking Frederick into custody. In 2023, Frederick was convicted of obtaining money by false pretenses, and in 2018, he was convicted of forgery, both felonies. If convicted, Frederick faces a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. A district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

John Austin Willett Woodley Dies at 92

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John Austin Willett Woodley Dies at 92
John Austin Willett Woodley

The family announces the passing of John Austin Willett Woodley, who passed away Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the age of 92.

John Austin Willett Woodley was born on February 6, 1932, in St. Kitts. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Tyson Willett, sons Sonny Woodley, Eugene Willett, and David “Will Pill” Willett, daughters, Frances “Rose” Willett-Monsanto, Delyn H. Willett, Oraine Willett-Harris, Sally Willett-Thompson and Claudia Ible-Morris, brother Norman Williams and sister, Mary Isaac, daughters in law, Shirley Woodley and Gloria Fernendez Willett, sons in law Vernon “Vern” Monsanto, Wilton Harris, and Jeffrey Thompson. grandchildren Ashon Woodley, Neanora Woodley, Vamen Woodley, Nouia Johnson, Reneice Niles, Ashima Willett-Degrasse, Tainisha Willett, Eugene “Chico” Willett, Sharissa Willett, Deshanna Willett, Zyire Willett, Ambo Monsanto, Ambi Blyden, Emile Monsanto, Elesha Monsanto, LeTishma Smith, LeCheea Smith, DeNique Jacobs, Kaheli Willett, Halima George, Hasina Harris, Hadiya George, Hanifah George, Afiya George, Hamadi George, Jamari Thompson, Jaimel Thompson, Jolyse Thompson, Jorell Thompson, Jamal Ible and Dareus Morris, (44) great grandchildren, (1) great great grandchild, nephews Paget Isaac, Terence Isaac, Kendall Isaac (deceased), Vance Davis and Randy McDonald, nieces Menelva Isaac, Idona Ewuloye, Marilyn Isaac, Vivienne Percival and Bereece Williams, special cousins the O’Loughlin family in St. Kitts and a host of relatives and friends.

The first viewing is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 2024, from 4-6 p.m., at Turnbull Funeral Home and Crematory Service. The second viewing will be on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 9-10 a.m., at St. Paul Baptist Church, Annas Retreat, with service to follow at 10:00 a.m. The burial will be at the Eastern Cemetery.

 

Arrangements Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.

Consider the Source with Adisha Penn

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Consider the Source with Adisha Penn

Double the guests this week as we learn more about Cancer Support Virgin Islands Rise to the Raise campaign, and sit down with Anthony Weeks to learn more about the newest developments in the St. Croix shipyard. Plus, host Adisha Penn recaps the biggest news highlights from the past week — there’s always something new!

Meet the Candidates | Carla Joseph

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Meet the Candidates | Carla Joseph

As we gear up for the 2024 Senate elections, it’s crucial to know where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to our community. To keep you informed, The Source has compiled a list of key questions on pressing topics affecting the Virgin Islands. The answers below are from St. Thomas-St. John incumbent Sen. Carla Joseph:

Why are you running for office, what are your qualifications, and why should voters choose you?

I am running for another term as your servant and Senator to continue to advocate for the needs of our community and to drive meaningful change in the Virgin Islands. I have a strong track record of supporting legislation that addresses vital issues such as economic development, family support, energy, healthcare, and veterans’ affairs. My experience as a Senator, coupled with my collaborative approach in working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors, prepares me to tackle the challenges facing our territory. Voters should choose me because I am committed to making decisions grounded in the needs of our citizens, advocating for policies that foster sustainability, empowerment, transparency and accountability.
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How would you address the high cost of living in the territory and the lack of affordable housing?

To address the high cost of living, my focus would be on promoting economic development initiatives that create jobs and increase wages, thereby empowering residents with the means to support their families. For affordable housing, we can utilize public-private partnerships to encourage the development of affordable housing projects. Additionally, I have authored legislation to prevent discrimination based on income sources, which can help ensure that more residents have access to secure housing.
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How would you improve the territory’s electrical grid and implementation of renewable energy?

Improving our electrical grid and implementing renewable energy solutions are priorities for me. I would advocate for increased funding and support for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to modernize and maintain the grid. Furthermore, I would push for collaborative efforts to develop a comprehensive renewable energy strategy that includes investments in wind, solar, and other sustainable technologies, ensuring that our energy future is both reliable and environmentally friendly.
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What would you do to expedite or improve the territory’s disaster recovery, which has dragged on for seven years now?

To expedite disaster recovery, I would advocate for streamlining processes within government agencies to ensure faster allocation of resources and funds. I would also establish a dedicated task force to focus exclusively on coordinating recovery efforts with community input, leveraging partnerships with non-profits, and ensuring that our residents are not left waiting for aid. Transparency and accountability will be key in regaining the trust of our communities.
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What reforms would you propose to ensure our children are receiving the public education that they deserve?

Reforming education requires a multifaceted approach. I propose increasing funding for schools to improve infrastructure, purchasing advanced teaching materials, and providing professional development for teachers. It’s important to foster a curriculum that is relevant to our community’s needs and invest in after-school programs that support at-risk youth. Additionally, I would emphasize the importance of parental and community engagement in schools to create a cohesive support network for our students.
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What are your solutions to address violent crime in the territory, especially among young men?

Addressing violent crime involves not only law enforcement but also prevention and rehabilitation. I would support initiatives that focus on youth empowerment through education, job training, and mentorship programs. By creating pathways to success for young men, we can reduce crime rates. Collaborating with community organizations to implement crime prevention programs will also be crucial to ensure that our neighborhoods are safe and thriving.
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How can the territory improve upon its tourism product while addressing growing concerns about over-tourism? Are we too reliant on cruise tourism and what can be done to bring more overnight visitors?

To improve our tourism product, we must diversify our offerings beyond cruise tourism. Promoting eco-tourism, cultural experiences, and wellness retreats can attract more overnight visitors. Investing in infrastructure to accommodate tourists, such as quality accommodations and attractions, is vital. We can also implement policies that regulate tourist numbers in a way that preserves our environment and community culture while maximizing economic benefits. Moreover, as new generations (Millennials and Generation Z) are now part of our workforce, we need to shift our tourism product to Recreational, Entertainment and Sports Tourism. This generation in particular spend time on money on experiences.
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What would you propose to better support people dealing with mental illness, alcoholism, addiction, and homelessness?

To better support individuals facing these challenges, we need a comprehensive approach. The 35th Legislature has increased funding for mental health services and addiction treatment programs. I will work collaboratively with our mental health professionals and community-based initiatives that provide access to services and support, including outreach programs. Collaborating with social service organizations to create transitional housing solutions alongside job training can help connect individuals with resources they need to reintegrate into the community effectively.
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What plans do you have to re-establish the libraries in the territory?

Re-establishing libraries involves advocating for funding and community support. I would propose a strategic plan to restore library services by seeking partnerships with local organizations and exploring grants dedicated to education and literacy. Libraries can serve as community hubs that provide access to information, technology, and services, which can enrich our residents’ lives and promote lifelong learning.
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How can we provide access to affordable healthcare for individuals and small businesses?

Access to affordable healthcare requires innovative solutions. I would support policies that encourage competition among healthcare providers to drive down costs, as well as expanding eligibility for programs like Medicaid. Promoting preventive care and wellness programs can also reduce long-term healthcare costs. For small businesses, providing incentives to offer affordable health insurance options to employees would help ensure that everyone has access to necessary medical services.
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Please tell us about any of your other priorities for the territory that are not addressed in the questions above.

One of my other priorities is enhancing the territory’s infrastructure. This includes not only roads and transportation systems but also broadband access, which is essential for education and economic development. By improving our infrastructure, we can better connect residents to opportunities, promote business growth, and enhance the overall quality of life in the Virgin Islands.
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And finally, if you could have one superpower to move the V.I. forward, what would it be and why?

If I could have one superpower, it would be the ability to unite our community with an unwavering sense of purpose and collaboration. This superpower would foster understanding and cooperation among diverse groups, allowing us to tackle our challenges collectively and effectively. When we work together, we unlock the potential for significant progress and can build a brighter future for all residents of the Virgin Islands. When we work together, the Virgin Islands win!

Our gratitude to all the candidates for their participation in this important series. Stay tuned as we share their views and priorities, helping you make an informed decision at the polls!

Whitaker Sentencing Hearing on Bribery, Fraud Charges Moved to April

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Whitaker Sentencing Hearing on Bribery, Fraud Charges Moved to April

At the request of the V.I. Justice Department and his attorney, David Whitaker has a new sentencing date, but exactly why is unclear as the motion seeking the change has been partially redacted “to protect sensitive information,” and a separate motion by the DOJ remains filed under seal for now.

Whitaker, the former owner of a cybersecurity company that did business with the V.I. government and became the focus of an FBI investigation, admitted to two counts of wire fraud and one count of bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds in a plea deal with prosecutors unsealed last month in V.I. District Court.

His sentencing hearing had been scheduled for Dec. 4 on St. Thomas, but on Friday the DOJ and Whitaker’s attorney David Cattie filed a joint motion to continue the hearing “to a date no sooner than September 1, 2025,” and requested that all deadlines associated with his sentencing be extended accordingly.

Judge Mark A. Kearney granted the request, in part, without prejudice and rescheduled the hearing to April 7, leaving open the possibility that a further extension could be granted “upon showing good cause.”

Additionally, the DOJ filed a motion for leave to file a sentencing document under seal.

Both parties now have until Wednesday to file memorandums “demonstrating particularized harm from disclosures” in that document — beyond two redacted sentences that are included in the separate motion for the extension of time — before restricting public access to the remainder of the document, Kearney ruled.

Kearney, a Third Circuit judge out of Philadelphia, was assigned to the case in September, replacing V.I. District Court Chief Judge Robert Molloy, which is not unusual in matters concerning the territorial government and its agencies.

The FBI investigation into the V.I. government’s contracts with Whitaker came to light in June, when agents seized the cell phones of then V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, who was subpoenaed to testify regarding the VIPD contract with Whitaker, the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office said at the time. Both Martinez and O’Neal resigned.

According to his partially redacted plea agreement, Whitaker’s bribery charge concerns money and favors he gave to a VIPD official identified as “Public Official One” in return for payment of outstanding invoices under his cybersecurity contracts with the department.

The bribes included financial assistance to a restaurant owned by a person whose name is redacted, in return for making sure Whitaker’s company’s outstanding VIPD invoices would be paid. In all, Whitaker provided at least $66,000 worth of bribes, including the purchase of restaurant supplies and equipment, trips from St. Thomas to Boston, and payment of cash to the person’s family, the plea agreement states.

One wire fraud charge stems from 12 surveillance devices Whitaker claimed to have found in V.I. government offices in a sweep he was hired to conduct in 2022 after a miniature spy camera was discovered at the Division of Personnel. In fact, he had planted them, according to the plea deal. He then billed the VIPD $130,195.10 for his “work.”

The other wire fraud count relates to false statements Whitaker made to the Small Business Administration to secure a potentially forgivable Paycheck Protection Program loan for $469,903 in February 2021, it said. The PPP was meant to help small businesses keep their workforces employed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A pre-sentence investigation is underway. However, according to the plea agreement, the bribery count carries a maximum of 10 years in prison and the wire fraud charges up to 20 years behind bars. Each charge also carries a $250,000 fine. Whitaker also could have to pay the government anywhere from $196,195 to a maximum of $666,098 if it is unable to recover the proceeds of his crimes, the deal states.

Whitaker is currently free on an unsecured $250,000 bond, has surrendered his passport and was ordered not to travel outside of Georgia, where he currently lives, except to visit his father in Coeburn, Virginia, or to attend court hearings in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

His long history of fraud has raised questions about how he was able to land government contracts worth more than $3 million. According to an expose of his escapades by Wired magazine in May 2013 that called him a “career conman,” Whitaker has been in and out of jail since he was first arrested for bank fraud and e-racketeering in 1997 when he was 22.

In 2008, he was nabbed in Mexico and returned to the United States to face a multicount fraud complaint of bilking customers out of more than $10 million by selling, but never delivering, electronic equipment. While on the lam south of the border, he allegedly made millions of dollars by selling black-market steroids and human growth hormones online. Facing 65 years behind bars on the fraud charges, Whitaker became an FBI operative in a sting that eventually saw Google fined $500 million for its role in facilitating online illegal drug sales. Whitaker subsequently got five years on the fraud charges.

St. John Cancer Fund Holds Community Block Party Saturday

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St. John Cancer Fund Holds Community Block Party Saturday
Cynthia Smith, her daughter Krista Kremer, and Kremer’s daughter Aria Morton wear pink shirts like those sold to raise funds for the St. John Cancer Fund. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)

The St. John Cancer Fund will hold its annual fall block party in Cruz Bay on Saturday from 6 p.m. to midnight, and everyone is invited.

Traffic will be diverted around the block near Woody’s and nearby restaurants and bars that are donating proceeds from special items on their menus to this year’s event.

Since 2012, Woody’s has been the site of the annual fundraising block party (except for years affected by hurricanes and COVID.) Todd Woodson, one of the original owners of the restaurant, created the event to raise money for one of his servers, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.

It’s one of those events that brings together all segments of the community during the month when people wear pink to show support for breast cancer awareness. Pink tee shirts with this year’s theme, “Lacing Up For The Cause,” will be on sale for $30.

Live music begins Saturday at 6:30 p.m. with singer/guitarist RC Sanders, followed by performances by Mother Goat featuring Jared Warren and Ernie Clendenin and RVP featuring Shikima Jones-Sprauve and Eric Provost.

Games and activities for children and adults will be held at the parking lot across from Woody’s, and family-friendly movies and will be projected on the wall at the Pelican Post.

Of course, there’s a raffle. Prizes include jewelry, gift certificates, and stays at Gallows Point Resort, Cinnamon Bay Campground, and Villa Eminence on High. (Where else but St. John would one of the most coveted raffle prizes be a truckload of water for your cistern, donated by B & C Trucking?) Tickets to the raffle are $25, or five for $100.

The event is one of two major fundraisers sponsored by the St. John Cancer Fund, which was established in 2013. Up until then, funds raised by the community in two Relay for Life events went to national organizations, according to Cynthia Smith, a board member of the St. John Cancer Fund.

Smith said event organizers decided to form a local organization to help St. John residents specifically because of the difficulties they faced purchasing health insurance and paying the costs of care off island. “We’ve raised more than a million dollars since our inception,” she added.

Since January 2024, more than 40 residents of St. John have received grants from the St. John Cancer Fund to help them pay for travel, medical expenses, and additional costs related to fighting cancer.

Smith was one of the founders of the St. John Cancer Fund. When she was ten, she lost her mother to breast cancer. “My mother died at the age of 34. That’s why I’m so passionate about this cause,” she said.

Other organizers of the event include Clarence Stephenson, Brenda Sonson, Tim Hanley, Krista Kremer, Adonis Morton, Lacey Pritchard, Ben Cox and Hank Slodden. Major sponsors include Love City Strong, Cinnamon Bay Beach and Campground and 340 Real Estate Co.

Raffle tickets will be on sale throughout the week at Pelican Post and Shani’s Beauty Salon; those who cannot attend the event but wish to make a donation can contact Cynthia Smith at 340-513-0514.

 

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