A 20-year-old man was arrested Monday after police said he threw rocks at a home, damaged a vehicle with a knife and later damaged a police vehicle while in custody.
Officers responded at approximately 10:44 a.m. Monday to a report of a male causing damage to property in Estate Mariendahl on St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
Police met with the complainant and her sister, identified as the suspect’s partner. The complainant told officers that around 10 a.m., she arrived at the residence and heard J’Lorn Henley shouting about the whereabouts of his phone before he began throwing rocks at the house, according to the police report.
The complainant said she saw Henley searching her sister’s black Acura for his phone. When he could not find it, he went to the porch door and banged on it until it cracked, police said.
She also reported seeing Henley holding a knife, which he allegedly used to damage the hood of the black Acura and slash the right front tire of the complainant’s vehicle, the police report stated.
Henley, 20, was later located and detained by officers and was positively identified as the person responsible for the property damage, according to police.
While in custody inside a police vehicle, Henley damaged the vehicle’s door, rendering it unable to close properly, the report stated.
Henley was arrested, booked and processed. He was charged with disturbance of the peace, destruction of property, DV, and destruction of government property. He was transferred to the Bureau of Corrections to await his advice of rights hearing.
Due to the domestic violence statute, Henley was not granted bail, police said.
Review and revision of the draft V.I. constitution was completed Jan. 30, said a member of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)
Months of work to review and revise a draft constitution for the U.S. Virgin Islands concluded Jan. 30. An official serving on the Sixth Constitutional Convention recently outlined the next steps that could lead to approval by the government and adoption by the territory.
Sixty-two years have passed since the first attempt to establish a constitution for the territory in 1964. That effort, along with subsequent conventions, has faced the challenge of drafting a document that reflects the concerns of Virgin Islanders while meeting standards acceptable to Congress and the White House.
“The draft was completed on January 30th; we had a plenary session on January 31. It’s now in legal counsel for 30 to 45 days,” said convention Secretary Imani Daniel. “It will come back to the committee for us to work through his legal notes in 15 to 30 days which means (sic) the end of April, May we’ll be able to release it to the public.”
Six standing committees worked for 10 months to review and revise wording from the previous convention to cover, among other things, government structure, human rights, finance and public services, V.I. culture and heritage. As the October completion deadline bore down on those efforts, delegates petitioned the 36th Legislature to grant the convention more time to complete its work.
Lawmakers passed Bill No. 36-0201, which Gov. Albert Bryan later signed into law as an Act. No. 9060 — extending the date for submitting the draft to Feb. 28, 2027.
The measure also sets a referendum date of July 3, 2027, for the public to accept or reject the draft at the ballot box.
The Metropolitan Detention Center in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, located about six miles west of San Juan, near the Fort Buchanan U.S. Army base. The facility currently houses 1,088 inmates, male and female. (Image courtesy Federal Bureau of Prisons)
Ray Martinez must self-surrender to the United States Marshal Service by 10 a.m. Friday to await sentencing on federal bribery and money laundering charges at MDC Guaynabo in Puerto Rico, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney ordered Wednesday, rejecting claims that the former police commissioner requires medical treatment the prison system cannot provide.
Former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez walks toward the federal courthouse during his trial in December on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Martinez had sought to delay his surrender until his sentencing date in June in a motion his attorneys filed last Friday, claiming he has a root canal scheduled May 7, followed by a crown replacement two weeks later, and is “experiencing symptoms consistent with a kidney infection, including frequent urination, blood in urine and bad pains,” with a renal ultrasound scheduled for Feb. 23.
United States Attorney Adam Sleeper questioned the veracity of those claims and noted that upon Martinez’s conviction following his jury trial in December the government agreed not to seek detention pending sentencing June 9 because he agreed to self-surrender on Feb. 17.
Following a Zoom conference with the prosecution and defense last Friday afternoon to discuss the 11th hour motion, Kearney ordered that both sides file supplemental memoranda by noon Wednesday addressing dental care availability at MDC Guaynabo and the government’s position regarding a short delay to allow Martinez to undergo the renal ultrasound Feb. 23.
The government filed its memorandum Wednesday morning before the deadline but there was nothing on the docket from Martinez’s court-appointed attorneys, Miguel Oppenheimer and Juan F Matos-de Juan of Puerto Rico.
According to the DOJ’s memorandum, the medical director at MDC Guaynabo said arriving inmates undergo a comprehensive intake screening and medical evaluation that includes a dental examination, the facility has a dentist on site and can also coordinate renal ultrasounds through offsite radiology appointments through the Comprehensive Health Services Corporation.
“If, once the defendant has been admitted to MDC Guaynabo, it appears he is unable to receive necessary medical treatment through these established procedures, a motion can be filed requesting that he be transferred to the federal facility in Butner, North Carolina,” which includes a federal correctional institution, a low security correctional institution, a federal prison camp, and a federal medical center, the DOJ said.
Moreover, “all parties had originally agreed on a self-surrender date of February 17, 2026 as an alternative to immediate remand upon conviction. Had the United States known the defendant would attempt to delay this self-surrender on the eve of the agreed upon date, the United States would have moved for detention immediately upon conviction given the specific facts of this case and the defendant’s conduct,” according to the memorandum.
Shortly after noon Wednesday, Kearney ordered Martinez to self-surrender by 10 a.m. Friday, which will allow the U.S. Marshal Service to transport him directly to MDC Guaynabo.
Martinez and former V.I. Office of Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal were found guilty of wire fraud, bribery and money laundering charges Dec. 11, concluding a weeklong federal corruption trial. O’Neal is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11. Both have filed motions for judgments of acquittal and new trials.
Community members at a work session and public open house with members of the Virgin Islands Port Authority. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Residents pressed the Virgin Islands Port Authority on pier access, flooding, and broader town concerns during a Frederiksted waterfront master plan meeting Tuesday on St. Croix.
Community members were welcomed to a work session and public open house with members of the Virgin Islands Port Authority at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Cruise Lounge. VIPA has begun the public phase of its Frederiksted Waterfront Master Plan, but what was intended as a planning discussion about the waterfront quickly expanded into a broader conversation about the future of Frederiksted itself.
VIPA officials and consultant Scott Lagueux of Moffatt & Nichol met with residents, business owners, and elected officials to gather feedback as the agency develops a comprehensive road map for improvements along the Frederiksted waterfront. Officials stressed that the project is still in its early stages and that no final decisions have been made.
VIPA officials and consultant Scott Lagueux of Moffatt & Nichol met with residents, business owners, and elected officials to gather feedback as the agency develops a comprehensive road map for improvements along the Frederiksted waterfront. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Monifa Bradley, VIPA’s public information officer, welcomed attendees and said the purpose of the meeting was to gather ideas, constructive criticism, and community input to help shape a vision that reflects Frederiksted’s needs and aspirations. Civil engineer Mojania “Moe” Denis, a Frederiksted native and member of the VIPA team, emphasized that the master plan is a framework for future action and not a finished design.
“Nothing is set in stone,” Denis said, noting that economic growth, environmental concerns, and cultural preservation must all be considered.
Board president of Our Town Frederiksted Shomari Moorehead questioned whether focusing on the waterfront alone would truly revitalize Frederiksted. Other residents questioned if improving the pier area without addressing abandoned buildings, deteriorating infrastructure, and flooding within the town would do little to improve daily life for residents. One resident warned that beautifying the waterfront while the rest of town remains neglected would not solve deeper issues. Moorehead questioned whether nonprofit organizations, churches, and community groups had been sufficiently engaged early in the process.
Board president of Our Town Frederiksted, Shomari Moorehead, questioned whether focusing on the waterfront alone would truly revitalize Frederiksted. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
VIPA officials responded that the project’s scope is defined by jurisdiction and funding. The Legislature appropriated $5 million as a starting point focused primarily on the waterfront and adjacent areas near the pier. Officials acknowledged that broader town issues exist but said VIPA must operate within its authority while coordinating with other government agencies where possible. They also committed to holding the next public meeting in Frederiksted after venue challenges required the first session to be held at the cruise ship facility.
The most contentious portion of the evening centered on public access to the pier. Residents described fishing, walking, and swimming off the pier as long-standing traditions and expressed frustration that access is now restricted. Some questioned why the pier remains closed to the general public even when cruise ships are not docked. Business operators also raised concerns that new access requirements, including Transportation Worker Identification Credential requirements in restricted areas, could negatively affect local workers and small tour operations.
Mervin Constantine, VIPA’s St. Croix marine manager and Port Facility security officer, explained that the authority must comply with federal maritime security regulations under 33 CFR Part 105. He said the cruise pier operates under an approved security plan that includes restricted areas and access controls, and that noncompliance can result in significant penalties. Constantine stressed that the restrictions are not arbitrary but mandated by federal law.
Community members pushed back, asking whether federal rules could be modified or applied differently in the Virgin Islands. Some suggested exploring options that would allow public access during periods when ships are not present. Others proposed constructing a separate public pier dedicated to fishing and recreation if full access to the cruise pier cannot be restored.
Lagueux said the team would examine whether any middle ground solutions exist, while cautioning that U.S. federal requirements are typically stringent. He said the master plan would explore possibilities without making promises that cannot be fulfilled.
Beyond pier access, residents raised practical concerns about restroom availability along the waterfront. Several speakers noted that when the dock area and nearby facilities are restricted or closed, vendors, workers, and visitors have limited access to public restrooms. Some suggested redesigning the layout of gates and public access areas so that restroom facilities remain available without requiring restricted access credentials. VIPA representatives indicated a willingness to meet with stakeholders to explore potential design solutions.
Flooding and drainage were also significant concerns. Property owners described recurring flooding along Strand Street and said clogged drains and runoff contribute to the problem. One business owner recounted clearing drains in the early morning hours during heavy rains to prevent water from entering their building. Another resident pointed to Pan Bush Gut and a damaged bridge as both a visual blight and a hazard that could worsen flooding during severe storms. VIPA officials said discussions have been held with the Public Works Department and that federal approvals have been secured to address bridge repairs.
Cultural preservation and historical interpretation were also emphasized. Residents urged planners to tell Frederiksted’s full story, including its role in emancipation, labor struggles, and earlier eras of trade and enslavement. Some called for reenactments, walking tours, and enhanced use of the fort and surrounding areas as cultural anchors. Speakers stressed that development should not erase heritage or prioritize tourism at the expense of community identity.
Frandelle Gerard, executive director at Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism, Inc., voices her concerns. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Throughout the meeting, elected officials underscored the importance of cruise tourism to Frederiksted’s economy. Some officials present included Sens. Clifford Joseph, Kenneth Gittens, Kurt Vialet, Hubert Frederick and Novelle Francis Jr. As debates continued, Gittens urged residents to see the waterfront investment as a starting point for broader economic growth. Gittens said the recent increase in cruise ship calls to Frederiksted represents an opportunity to expand local business activity and create jobs.
“We really need to push Frederiksted,” Gittens told the audience. “The more people that come, the more development you’re going to have.” He pointed to tour operators, taxi drivers, vendors, and small businesses that benefit from cruise traffic, arguing that enhancing the waterfront experience strengthens Frederiksted’s competitiveness in the Caribbean market. “This is economic development,” he said. “This is jobs.”
Vialet echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that the funding was intended to jump-start improvements in the areas where cruise passengers arrive and spend time. He noted that Frederiksted’s port has become a growing cruise destination and said maintaining that momentum is essential.
“If we don’t plan this properly, somebody else will plan it for us,” Vialet said, urging collaboration rather than division. He stressed that the investment is meant to improve accessibility, enhance the beach area, and strengthen the visitor experience while keeping the community at the center of the process. “We’re trying to build a product,” he said. “But this product has to work for St. Croix.”
Lagueux explained that the master plan represents roughly five to 10% of a traditional design process and will ultimately include cost estimates, project phasing, potential funding sources, and recommended implementation strategies. He said future meetings will present concept options for community review, and he encouraged residents to complete surveys distributed at the meeting or online.
In closing, Denis urged attendees to use the process to think creatively about solutions rather than focus solely on existing problems.
“We understand there are constraints,” she said, encouraging residents to imagine new possibilities for recreation, vendor space, cultural programming, and waterfront access within regulatory limits.
The next community meeting is expected to be held in Frederiksted, where residents will have another opportunity to review proposals and continue the conversation about how best to balance economic growth, public access, environmental resilience, and the long-term future of the town.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. addresses federal officials during the 2026 Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting at the U.S. Department of the Interior in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy Government House)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Wednesday called for targeted federal action on shipping rules, labor access, disaster recovery funding and health care policy during the 2026 Interagency Group on Insular Areas meeting at the U.S. Department of the Interior, Government House announced in a press release.
Bryan told federal officials that policies affecting the U.S. Virgin Islands should reflect that the territory is part of the United States and not treated as a foreign destination when rules are drafted, according to the press release.
A key focus of his remarks was restoring the de minimis exemption for shipments to the territories. The exemption allows low-value shipments to enter without added duties and certain processing fees, which Bryan said helps keep costs down for residents ordering goods that are often unavailable locally, the press release stated.
“When that exemption is restricted or removed for the Territories, the impact is not theoretical,” Bryan said. “It shows up in the price of school supplies, household items, clothing, small tools, and other essentials that Virgin Islands families often have to order from the mainland.”
Bryan said efforts to curb abuse by foreign shippers should not include the Virgin Islands, where residents are American consumers buying from American companies, the release stated.
He also urged changes to allow the Virgin Islands to use H-2B visas for skilled construction workers, citing workforce shortages as a barrier to rebuilding. The territory’s H-2 B program is currently limited to entertainers and athletes, the release stated.
“We don’t need entertainers and athletes, we need able hands to help rebuild as soon as possible,” Bryan said.
Bryan emphasized preserving the federal disaster recovery cost share waiver, which reduces the territory’s required local match for FEMA-supported projects, the release stated.
“That waiver makes rebuilding possible,” Bryan said. “Without it, schools stall. Hospitals stall. Power infrastructure stalls.”
On health care, Bryan renewed calls for equitable Medicaid treatment and continued federal support to expand services locally and reduce the need for residents to travel off island for specialty care, according to the release.
“A stronger health care system is about more than facilities,” Bryan said. “It is about expanding what we can offer, strengthening staffing, and making sure people can get timely, quality care without leaving their community.”
Bryan also thanked federal partners for permanently setting the rum cover over at $13.25 per proof gallon, which he said provides long-term revenue certainty for the territory, the release stated.
“That permanency eliminates the annual legislative cliff that has destabilized our fiscal planning for decades,” Bryan said.
As a child, I was fascinated by comic books and horror movies. Comics defined a world of the fantastic where villains schemed to rule the entire world and the heroes were always there, no matter what the odds or personal cost, to foil their evil plans. A common theme, yet one as noble as the Knights of the Round Table. Horror movies were scary, especially at the old drive-in theater. Frankenstein, Wolfman, Dracula, the Invisible Man, I got. Because I always knew who the monsters were and that no matter how many times they shambled back, the heroes would always find a way to put them back down.
However, the blatant, unimaginable horror of a man like Jeffrey Epstein, I don’t get. I can’t seem to wrap my head around how such a vile man could exist, much less wield worldwide influence centered on the debasement of children. I am shaken to my soul that this real-life monster was enabled to operate in the Virgin Islands with such impunity that he brazenly challenged authority when his will was not immediately obeyed.
But those matters, distasteful as they may be, are now given to history. But those of us of and on these beautiful islands face a future dilemma far greater and further reaching than Fountain Valley ever created. Our most pressing concern has become the question of, “Where goes the Virgin Islands from Epstein?”
We are all, in the eyes of the world, complicit in enabling this malevolent man and the terrors he visited on so many for so long. Whether our complicity is true or not, it doesn’t matter now. We have been tried in the court of public opinion and found wanting. No amount of moko jumbies, steel pans or smiling quadrille dancers will ever be enough to erase that smear from the eyes and minds of the world. Harsh though it may be, we must own what happened here and stop the gaslighting, half-truths, and spin. We must demonstratively become better at protecting our vulnerable populations and stop wasting our energy debating half-truths and spin.
My suggestions are few and are not meant to be comprehensive. There must be an independent commission formed to investigate the truth of what happened and how it happened. This commission should comprise experienced law enforcement personnel, social service workers, lawyers, and immigration experts and should conclude with meaningful, in-depth solutions. Our legislators must research best practices across the nation and devise the harshest penalties for those found guilty of sexual assault and trafficking. We must educate parents, school officials, medical professionals, counselors, coaches, and others on the signs of abuse. We must be prepared to not only treat, but to prevent this abuse from ever happening in our islands without severe consequences.
Epstein will not disappear from the eyes of the world any time soon. As with a different Jeffrey (Dahlmer), his story is too fantastical, too twisted to not pick at the scab. Untying that knot from around our throat won’t be easy, nor will it happen immediately. However, if we are honest and intentional about changing this perception of being a willing and eager partner to pedophiles, it can happen. I know we can and must turn this corner. After all, if Germany can move forward from their monstrous past to become a respected partner on the world stage, then so can we.
— Former Sen. Emmett Hansen, St. Croix
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
Virgin Islands-born fashion designer Igdalyah Pickering has announced a new collaboration with GAP and Harlem’s Fashion Row, marking a significant milestone in her emerging career. The denim collection, which draws directly from Pickering’s Caribbean heritage, will launch internationally across seven countries.
The collection represents a partnership between Pickering, GAP, and Harlem’s Fashion Row, an organization dedicated to supporting designers of color. Pickering previously received HFR’s Bob Marley One Love Grant, which helped facilitate this opportunity. The collection will be available in seven countries: the United States, Japan, the Middle East, the Czech Republic, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom.
Igdalyah Pickering poses in her Caribbean-inspired maxi dress in Cruz Bay, St. John. (Photo courtesy Akijah Estridge and Dante Moron)
Pickering is a fashion designer originally from the Virgin Islands, now based in the United States. Her design approach is rooted in her Caribbean upbringing, with particular influences from the Virgin Islands and St. Lucia, where her grandmother sewed school uniforms.
According to Pickering, her creative process begins with personal memory and emotional connection to place. She draws from her experiences in the Virgin Islands and St. Lucia, specifically citing color, texture, light, and movement as foundational elements. “Fashion runs in the family, with my mother sewing and altering clothes throughout my childhood. I would reconstruct denim pieces from brands like Old Navy, experimenting with fabric and form before I eventually pursued fashion design,” Pickering said.
Pickering notes that sustainability informs her design choices. She cites the fashion industry’s impact on the Caribbean region, particularly as climate change adversely affects island communities, as motivation for intentional material use. Her approach involves reworking and reimagining fabrics rather than creating waste.
Igdalyah Pickering models her denim matching set on site at GAP photo shoot. (Photo courtesy GAP Photographer Joshua Kissi)
Pickering identified color as her primary creative requirement for the collaboration. Working within denim’s traditional blue palette, she introduced a washed turquoise-teal shade inspired by Caribbean water. GAP supported this direction during the initial meetings. The collection also incorporates green thread, which Pickering describes as referencing the color shifts visible beneath the ocean’s surface.
When asked about working with a major brand while maintaining her design identity, Pickering emphasized that established creative grounding makes collaboration possible without compromising vision. “The key is knowing who you are before you walk into the room. Once you are grounded in your voice, collaboration becomes expansion instead of compromise,” Pickering said.
Igdalyah Pickering models white and pink floral cocktail dress that she designed. (Photo courtesy Nivea Weeks)
HFR provided infrastructure and support throughout the partnership process. Pickering credits the organization with creating access for designers of color and facilitating connections with global brands like GAP.
This collection’s international launch means Pickering’s work will reach consumers across multiple regions and continents. “For young designers back home, I hope they see that where you come from is not a limitation, it’s our advantage. Our culture is powerful,” Pickering said.
Pickering’s earlier work includes “A Walk Through My Island,” a collection exploring Caribbean identity through fashion. Her collaboration with GAP represents her highest-profile partnership to date and one of the organization’s most notable brand collaborations supporting emerging designers.
A party to celebrate the album “Raft Up” will be held at the St. John School of the Arts on Feb. 28. (Submitted photo)
Good Duck Records is celebrating the release of its first album featuring 16 groups from St. John at a party at the St. John School of the Arts on Saturday, Feb. 28. Live music starts at 6:30 p.m.
The album “Raft Up” is a compilation of individuals and groups who have made recordings at Allen Clapp’s Coral Star Studios in Coral Bay over the last couple of years. The performers cover a wide range of genres, including steel pan, reggae, rock and indie music.
The wealth of tracks led Clapp and keyboard player Jared Warren to wonder how best to promote the many diverse and talented musicians on St. John.
Jared Warren and Allen Clapp are launching the album “Raft Up” to “lift up the whole St. John music scene.” (Submitted photo)
“The music industry is a challenge,” said Warren. “It costs an incredible amount to get a recording made and then distributed. “You can put something on Spotify, and something might happen, but you have to spread the word. Record labels do this by taking (money) from the artists.”
Warren and Clapp decided to team up and form a nonprofit to serve musicians and ended up becoming a division of the Music Masters Collective based in New York.
“They do amazing work,” said Warren. “They have camps. They help launch kids in the music industry.” They also sponsor events by well-known performers like Nathalie Merchant, Todd Rundgren, Steve Earle, and Julian Lage. With the release of the album, “We’re hoping to lift up the whole St. John music scene,” Warren said.
More than 50 St. John musicians perform on the new album from Good Duck Records. (Submitted photo)
“Raft Up” features Warren’s band, Mother Goat, Addis Revolution, Housewives of St. John, Love City Pan Dragons, Erin Hart, Terre Roche, Eva and Mark, the Magnie Family, and many others. More than 50 people contributed their talent. The album will be available on streaming apps on Feb. 27. CDs can be purchased at the event for $20.
At the party, different artists will perform sets of their music. Food a drink will be for sale. Admission is $10, and tickets are available in advance at the St. John School of the Arts website.
Acting Governor Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. has ordered that all Virgin Islands flags be flown at half-staff at Government House and on all public buildings from Thursday, Feb. 19 to sunset on Thursday, Feb. 26, in honor and remembrance of The Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr., prominent civil rights leader, political activist, and ordained minister.
Flags at Half Staff at the Legislature building on St. Croix. (V.I. Source Photo by Diana Dias)
Widely regarded as one of the most influential activists of his era, Jesse Jackson, Sr. was a national and iconic figure who championed the rights of all people, and, in particular, civil rights for the poor, underprivileged, and underrepresented of this country. He was known for taking an active stance against police brutality, against institutionalized racism, and the oppression of all people of color.
Having worked alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, Jesse Jackson, Sr. became one of the most prominent civil rights leaders of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Over the course of his career, he led a movement to bring America’s increasingly diverse population together, with a message that centered on poor and working-class citizens. After his presidential runs in 1984 and 1988, Jessee Jackson, Sr. subsequently positioned himself as an elder statesman within the Democratic Party.
Jesse Jackson, Sr. passed away on February 17, 2026. As a tribute to his many contributions to Civil Rights Movement and for being a champion for justice and equality, Acting Governor Roach has called upon all residents to pause in remembrance as the flags are lowered to honor the life and service of this extraordinary leader.
Funeral arrangements will be held on Feb. 26 at Lord God of Sabaoth Lutheran Church. Viewing begins at 9 a.m., with service at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.
