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Update: Martinez, O’Neal Guilty on All Counts

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Update: Martinez, O’Neal Guilty on All Counts

Dec. 11| 5.30 p.m.

Addressing the verdict in a statement Thursday afternoon, U.S. Attorney Adam Sleeper said public corruption “erodes trust in government and interferes with the provision of important services to the community.”

“These convictions show that those who violate the public trust, whoever they are, will be held accountable.”

Joe Rodriguez, acting special agent in charge of the FBI’s San Juan field office, said Thursday’s verdict “delivers a clear message: no one is above the law.”

“The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to rebuild public trust, which is the foundation of our democracy,” he stated.

Dec. 11 | 4:45 p.m.

A jury found former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former V.I. Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal guilty on all counts Thursday afternoon, concluding a week-long federal corruption trial. Martinez and O’Neal are the second and third former Virgin Islands government cabinet members to have been found guilty of accepting kickbacks this year.

Their sentencing hearing is slated for June 10, 2026. Martinez was directed to surrender himself to the court on Feb. 17, 2026, and will await sentencing behind bars.

The case went to a jury late Wednesday afternoon. After choosing a foreperson, their first acts were to request the “law document” — which U.S. District Court Judge Mark Kearney interpreted to mean a written copy of the jury instructions — and signal their intent to retire for the day before starting deliberations in earnest Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. They deliberated for approximately five hours before the court reconvened just before 2 p.m. and the foreperson read the verdict.

Martinez was found guilty of five counts of honest services wire fraud as well as bribery concerning federally-funded programs, money laundering conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice. O’Neal was found guilty of two counts of wire fraud, bribery and money laundering conspiracy.

Former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez leaves court Thursday afternoon after being found guilty on five counts of wire fraud as well as bribery, money laundering conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice. Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Honest services fraud, according to the U.S. Code, occurs when public officials “deprive another of the intangible right of honest services” by misusing their positions for personal gain. Each charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Bribery concerning federally funded programs carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if the exchange involves at least $5,000. Money laundering conspiracy is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, and each obstruction of justice count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

Martinez and O’Neal’s exact sentences will be up to a federal judge.

Former V.I. Management and Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal exits the Ron De Lugo Federal Building Thursday afternoon after a jury found her guilty on two counts of honest services wire fraud, bribery concerning federally-funded programs, and money laundering conspiracy. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

The pair was indicted by a federal grand jury in January after being accused of accepting payments and kickbacks from a former contractor and convicted felon, David Whitaker, who became a cooperating witness for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in September 2023. Prosecutors claimed Martinez helped Whitaker secure a nearly $1.5 million V.I. Police Department contract funded through the American Rescue Plan Act, which distributed hundreds of millions of dollars to help communities recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Whitaker testified this week to making various payments to and for Martinez.

After Mon Ethos was awarded the contract in October 2023, he inflated multiple invoices for Martinez and O’Neal to authorize in exchange for things like kitchen equipment for Martinez’s restaurant and tuition payment for his kids’ private school, as well as a security deposit for O’Neal’s coffee shop, Java Grande.

“It was all calculated, deliberate and corrupt,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse Amaro told jurors during the government’s closing statements. “And now, the responsibility to hold them accountable lies with you.”

This story will be updated.

Jenifer O'Neal arrives at federal court on St. Thomas Thursday morning, hours before a jury found her and co-defendant Ray Martinez guilty of bribery and wire fraud charges. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Jenifer O’Neal arrives at federal court on St. Thomas Thursday morning, hours before a jury found her and co-defendant Ray Martinez guilty of bribery and wire fraud charges. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

A jury found former V.I. Police Commissioner Ray Martinez and former V.I. Management and Budget director Jenifer O’Neal guilty on all counts, returning a verdict after approximately five hours of deliberations Thursday on St. Thomas.

Martinez has been convicted of five counts of honest services wire fraud, bribery concerning a federally-funded program, money laundering conspiracy and two counts of obstructing justice. O’Neal was found guilty of two counts of wire fraud, bribery and money laundering.

The charges against them stemmed from payments to Martinez from the government’s cooperating witness, former contractor and convicted felon David Whitaker. Later, prosecutors claimed, Martinez helped Whitaker land a $1.4 million V.I. Police Department contract funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. Whitaker testified this week that he inflated invoices for Martinez and O’Neal to authorize in exchange for various kickbacks.

Editor’s Note: This is a developing story and will be updated as details become available.

USDA Urges Travelers to Avoid Packing Pork to Help Prevent the Spread of African Swine Fever

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USDA Urges Travelers to Avoid Packing Pork to Help Prevent the Spread of African Swine Fever

Travelers from the U.S. Virgin Islands are being reminded to avoid packing pork products as a safeguard against the potential spread of African swine fever, a highly contagious disease that is deadly for pigs but not harmful to humans.

African Swine Fever

According to information from the United States Agricultural Department, “ASF is a contagious and deadly viral swine disease affecting domestic and feral swine of all ages. While properly prepared pork products are safe to eat, ASF’s deadly nature in swine could result in pork product shortages, disruptions to trade, and economic impacts. There is no treatment or vaccine, so the best way to protect pigs is by prevention.”

An educational USDA infographic explains the effects of African swine fever and shows the potential impact on the U.S. pork industry. (Photo courtesy USDA)

On Wednesday, the Source spoke to Fernando Lugo, an agriculturist who has been with the USDA for 23 years, about a protection zone for individuals traveling outside the territory. Lugo emphasized the importance of not transporting pork products to the U.S. mainland while an outbreak of African swine fever continues in the Caribbean region.

Lugo is stationed in the Dominican Republic, where he is positioned to help control the spread of the disease.

“I am in the Dominican Republic, working with African swine fever to control it, eradicate it, and help to prevent it from spreading to the United States and other countries in the region,” Lugo said.

“My main role has been always working with import and export and working with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service mission, which safeguards U.S. agriculture from the entry of any pests and diseases to keep our food in our plates ready to go and ready to eat.”

Can Humans Contract African Swine Fever?

ASF cannot be transmitted to humans. But while the virus is not a threat to humans, African swine fever can easily spread among domestic and wild pigs and is often fatal. There is no treatment or vaccine, and ASF poses massive risks to the food supply. Lugo noted that if ASF were to become established in the United States, the effects could lead to millions of swine deaths, pork shortages, and increased food prices.

A USDA graphic outlines four key steps travelers can take to help keep African swine fever out of the United States, including a simple reminder for holiday travelers: “Don’t pack pork when you travel.” (Photo courtesy USDA)

“People can’t get ASF, but they can play a huge part in how the virus spreads,” according to information online from the USDA. “That’s because it can live for a long time on clothing, shoes, and equipment. It can also spread through garbage feeding, vehicles, contaminated feed or water, infected domestic or wild pigs, and insects.”

Lugo provided additional details about ASF and its potential effects.

“ASF is a highly contagious virus that is currently killing pigs around the world, and it was detected in the Dominican Republic in July 2021,” Lugo said. “ASF is not a danger to human health, but it has devastating effects to the pork industry. If this virus is introduced and spread to the U.S., in a period of time of 10 years economic losses could reach a total of $74 billion,” he warned.

USVI and Puerto Rico Protection Zone

With ASF detected in the Caribbean, the USDA has established strict safeguards aimed at keeping the virus out of the United States, including designating a “protection zone” in 2021 that covers Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“The USDA issued a federal order to clear Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands as a protection zone,” Lugo explained. “That means that the movement of pork and pork products between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to the U.S. mainland is prohibited. We are encouraging all the passengers during this holiday season that when you travel, please don’t pack or ship any pork products.”

What Travelers Can Expect

Lugo reminded individuals that the protection zone is not a new addition for travelers, and agricultural checks are common at U.S. Customs and Border Protection. He said that individuals across the USVI and Puerto Rico should not expect delays at the territory’s airports.

An illustration showing examples of pork items that are not allowed in luggage when traveling, including fresh pork, homemade dishes containing pork, and other processed pork products. (Photo courtesy USDA)

Lugo advised that travelers simply refrain from packing any pork products and declare any items that may be packed within luggage. He also said that if any traveler visited a pig farm, that information should be shared. While several pork items are allowed, it is ultimately up to the discretion of authorities at airports regarding any food items passing through security.

“Canned pork products may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but are still risky to travel with,” Lugo cautioned. “If you arrive to the airport, please declare all items to a Customs and Border Patrol officer who’s going to take a final decision if it’s permitted or prohibited. In order to prevent that and prevent the ASF spread, it’s better that you don’t carry it, because all the products that are prohibited are going to be seized at the airport.”

 Looking Ahead

ASF remains active in the Dominican Republic, though Lugo said authorities there have made progress.

“The virus is still ongoing,” Lugo acknowledged. “We have a reduction of incidents of ASF in the Dominican Republic, but we still working very hard.”

USDA monitoring for ASF extends beyond the Caribbean.

“ASF was detected this month in Spain, and we keep working very hard to prevent its spread and to safeguard and protect our pork industry,” Lugo indicated.

As holiday travel increases, Lugo said prevention depends heavily on the actions of individual travelers.

By leaving pork products at home, declaring agricultural items, and following guidance from inspectors, travelers from the USVI and Puerto Rico can help keep ASF out of the U.S. pork industry. These measures will contribute to protecting farmers’ livelihoods, stabilizing food prices, and ensuring that holiday gatherings on both the mainland and the islands remain well supplied and safe for years to come.

Click here to view the interview between the Source and Fernando Lugo.

Former School Official Seeks Bail Reduction Ahead of Arraignment Friday on Child Sex Abuse Charges

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Former School Official Seeks Bail Reduction Ahead of Arraignment Friday on Child Sex Abuse Charges

Former assistant principal Clifton Boyd, arrested last month on child sexual abuse charges, has filed a motion for a bail reduction ahead of his arraignment Friday in Magistrate Court on St. Thomas, calling the current amount of $500,000 cash “punitive.”

Magistrate Judge Paula D. Norkaitis set Boyd’s bail at $500,000 at his advice of rights hearing Nov. 24, without the provision that he pay only 10%, meaning he would have to fund the full amount. In a motion filed Wednesday, he asked the court to reduce that figure to $100,000 and allow his release upon posting 10%, or $10,000.

“Since the advice of rights hearing, Boyd remains in pretrial detention because he is unable to raise the required” $500,000, according to the motion filed by attorney Clive Rivers, who notified the court on Monday that he will be representing Boyd.

“Boyd is not wealthy and cannot afford the current bond set by the Court as evidenced by his continued detainment and this motion for reduced bail. Specifically, unless Boyd and his family are independently wealthy, he would be wholly unable to post” a $500,000 bond, it says.

As evidence that he is not a flight risk, the motion notes that Boyd has lived on St. Thomas since 1972, has resided in the same home with his wife, Sharon Boyd, since 1990, and has “significant ties” to the community. Additionally, she would serve as his third-party custodian at their home in Caret Bay, it says.

It also notes that Boyd has no prior criminal record, was arrested on a warrant without incident, and his release would allow him “to adequately prepare for trial and his overall defense in this matter by assisting the undersigned with obtaining evidence including but not limited to witness testimony.”

Further, the motion states, in the Virgin Islands, “[a]ll persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties in the case of criminal offenses, except for first-degree murder or any capital offense when the proof is evident or the presumption great,” citing the Revised Organic Act § 3, which specifically prohibits “excessive bail.”

“Because Boyd is not charged with first-degree murder, he is entitled to have the Court set a reasonable bail and release conditions,” according to the motion, which also notes that “bail may not be used to punish a defendant or protect the community at large.”

Boyd is charged with two counts of second-degree unlawful sexual contact, first-degree aggravated rape, second-degree aggravated rape, and child abuse and faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison if convicted.

Boyd’s arrest Nov. 19 came two months after the Source first reported that multiple former students had accused him of inappropriate touching, grooming, and sexual misconduct dating back more than a decade, and followed a new complaint from a male student who told a school nurse at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on Aug. 22 that Boyd abused him while he attended Joseph Gomez Elementary School during the 2019–2020 school year.

At the time of the alleged assault, the student said he was in fifth or sixth grade, according to court documents. Subsequent encounters between the student and Boyd led to explicit sex acts behind a locked door in the principal’s office, they said.

After hearing the student’s account, the school nurse notified an administrator who, in turn, alerted police and Human Services Department.

Both VIDE and VIPD have said they are cooperating with federal and local authorities. It remains unclear how many complaints against Boyd were filed over his three decades in the district, or whether any were previously forwarded to police. The Source reported in September that a separate investigation — tied to the case of former Charlotte Amalie High School coach Alfredo Bruce Smith, now serving a 35-year federal sentence — was also pending, highlighting long-standing concerns about reporting gaps and the handling of misconduct allegations inside the territory’s schools.

Virgin Islands Attorney General Gordon Rhea has said that the investigation into Boyd is ongoing and appealed to the public to assist in whatever way they can by calling the CRIMESTOPPERS V.I. at 1-800-222-8477.

“Citizen tips are anonymous and are critical to the ongoing investigation,” he said after Boyd’s advice of rights hearing in November.

Miracle on Main Street Marks 31 Years of Holiday Magic Friday in Downtown Charlotte Amalie

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Miracle on Main Street Marks 31 Years of Holiday Magic Friday in Downtown Charlotte Amalie
Boats decorated in colorful holiday lights make their way through the harbor during the annual Lighted Boat Parade, a highlight of Miracle on Main Street.Photo sourced from the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce.
Boats decorated in colorful holiday lights make their way through the harbor during the annual Lighted Boat Parade, a highlight of Miracle on Main Street. (Photo courtesy St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce)

For more than three decades, Miracle on Main Street has transformed downtown Charlotte Amalie into a vibrant celebration of culture, community and Christmas cheer. The beloved event returns Friday with festivities from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., offering music, vendors, family activities and the unmistakable warmth of the Virgin Islands holiday season.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families along Main Street during the 2024 Miracle on Main Street celebration.Photo sourced by Melissa Bryan.
Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families along Main Street during the 2024 Miracle on Main Street celebration. (Submitted photo)

The tradition began 32 years ago, when downtown retailers, restaurateurs, bar owners and representatives of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce met to find ways to bring life back to Charlotte Amalie. From those early conversations came the Destination Downtown Committee, and among several proposed events, Miracle on Main Street quickly proved to be the one that resonated most with the community. Over the years, it has grown through creativity, collaboration and steady local support into one of the territory’s most cherished holiday traditions.

Festivities begin at 8 a.m. in Emancipation Garden, where visitors can explore local food, drinks, arts and crafts from vendors throughout the park. At noon, Main Street closes to traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall, giving shoppers and diners the freedom to move through the historic district at their own pace.

As evening approaches, downtown takes on the iconic holiday energy Miracle on Main Street is known for. At 5:30 p.m., stages and entertainment areas throughout the area come alive with reggae, jazz, quelbe, steel pan and other Caribbean rhythms. At the same time, the Children’s Village opens near Post Office Square, offering a fully free experience that includes bouncy houses, games, snacks and a visit from Santa. For those along the waterfront, the Lighted Boat Parade approaches the harbor around 7 p.m., creating one of the most anticipated moments of the night. Music and performances continue until 10 p.m., giving attendees ample time to dine, find gifts and reconnect with friends as they stroll through historic Charlotte Amalie.

Executive Director Joe Aubain says the tradition continues to represent the best of the season. “For over three decades the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce has produced an event that showcases music, dance, shopping, arts and crafts, culinary delights of all types and a true sense of community,” he said. “It is open to the public, fun for all ages and demonstrates the benefits of private and public sector partnerships.”

A banner announcing the 2024 Miracle on Main Street hangs above downtown Charlotte Amalie during last year’s event preparations.
A banner announcing the 2024 Miracle on Main Street hangs above downtown Charlotte Amalie during last year’s event preparations. (Submitted photo)

Miracle on Main Street draws a wide audience because it offers something for everyone. Some come simply to enjoy the atmosphere, while others take advantage of holiday discounts, special menus and extended hours offered by downtown businesses. The blend of food, music, shopping and cultural expression has long made it a hallmark of the Virgin Islands holiday season.

Aubain also emphasized the importance of collaboration in sustaining the event. “Events like this remind us what partnership can achieve. When the public and private sectors come together with a shared purpose, we create something meaningful for the entire community. Imagine how much more we could accomplish by continuing to work together,” he said.

He added that the heart of Miracle on Main Street remains tied to the joy of the holidays. “I personally think the holiday season and Christmas uplifts people and having Miracle during the season with all the sights and sounds helps make it a magical night,” he said.

Organizers say community support remains essential to sustaining the tradition, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those who wish to help keep the event thriving. The Miracle team is preparing a celebration they believe will once again meet and exceed expectations.

From its modest beginnings to its role today as a premier holiday event, Miracle on Main Street continues to embody the spirit of St. Thomas. It celebrates the people, the culture and the joy of coming together during the holiday season. On Friday, downtown Charlotte Amalie will shine once again with music, heritage and Christmas cheer, inviting everyone to take part in a tradition that has shaped the holidays for more than 30 years.

Public Defender Seeks Psychiatric Evaluation of Teen Charged in Dutty Heart Killing

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Public Defender Seeks Psychiatric Evaluation of Teen Charged in Dutty Heart Killing

The V.I. Public Defender’s Office has requested a court-ordered mental health evaluation of the teenager charged with killing Jordan “Dutty Heart” Jones in June on St. Croix.

In a motion filed Dec. 5 in V.I. Superior Court, Assistant Territorial Public Defender Dwayne Henry raised concerns that Angelo Javier Carmona “seems delusional and may not be in touch with reality” and noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has held that “indigent defendants are entitled to have psychiatric assistance if there is any indication that they are unable to cooperate in their own defense.”

Moreover, Henry said Carmona was 15 at the time of the alleged incident, and “has had a disruptive childhood, including his father being convicted of a domestic sexual offense.”

A psychiatric and psychological exam and evaluation would determine whether Carmona was competent at the time he committed the acts with which he is charged, has the mental capacity to understand the charges against him, “considering his young age,” and “whether he was suffering from a mental disease or defect at the time” of the alleged offenses,” according to the motion.

Henry asked that the V.I. Health Department’s Division of Behavioral Health, Alcoholism and Drug Dependency conduct the exam within 30 days, and that the cost be borne by the V.I. Justice Department.

Judge Venetia H. Velazquez had not ruled on the motion as of Thursday. Carmona’s next court date is a discovery conference scheduled for Jan. 7.

The charges against Carmona stem from a broad daylight shooting that occurred around 12:52 p.m. June 5 near the Christiansted Boardwalk. According to police, Jones was shot multiple times and later died at Juan F. Luis Hospital. A bystander who attempted to help Jones suffered a graze wound and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries, they said.

An investigation involving surveillance footage and witness interviews led to the Carmona’s arrest later that day. He was advised of his rights in Family Court June 6, and arraigned June 11 in V.I. Superior Court on St. Croix. The DOJ’s motion to transfer the case to adult court was granted June 25.

Carmona faces multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, reckless endangerment, first-degree robbery, unauthorized possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and possession of ammunition, according to court filings. He has pleaded not guilty.

The death of Jones, a beloved comedian, shocked the St. Croix community and prompted an outpouring of grief and outrage. This year’s July 4 fireworks show in Frederiksted was held in his honor, with the crowd observing a moment of silence in his memory before the last rocket launched — carrying his ashes.

Tourism Department Gives Christmas Gifts to Students at My Brother’s Workshop

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Tourism Department Gives Christmas Gifts to Students at My Brother’s Workshop
Santa gives a student from the Joseph A. Gomez Elementary School a gift. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Children were greeted by Santa and elves on Wednesday for the annual gift giveaway by the Tourism Department. Hosted at My Brother’s Workshop on St. Thomas, 200 children were provided with gifts for the holiday season!

Students ages 4 to 12 from the Bowsky Elementary School, Joseph Gomez Elementary School, and the V.I. Resource Center for the Disabled were in attendance for the event. Once they arrived by shuttle, courtesy of the School Bus Inc., they were excitedly greeted by dancers and a moko jumbie.

Girl students from the Joseph A. Gomez Elementary School excitedly line up to collect their gifts from Santa. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

“This is a yearly event that we do to give back,” said Nicole George-Petersen. She is the Director of Visitor’s Experience for the Department of Tourism. “I have been working with the Department of Tourism for 18 years and this event has been going on since before I came.”

The Tourism Department collaborates with the Florida Cruise Association to host the event annually. This year, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, one of the world’s largest cruise ships, worked with the Tourism Department to bring the event to life.

Yvonne E. Milliner Bowsky Elementary School first grader, Colin Graham, and his teacher Ms. Tamika Liburd, stand together after he receives his gift. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Icon of the Seas’ hotel manager, Pietro Del Grande, said, “We are very excited to help. We have participated in other events in the Caribbean.”

When asked about their contribution, Del Grande said, “Our role is to come and support. We provided the Santa, elves, giving and distributing the gifts.”

Ms. Liburd’s first grade class at the Yvonne E. Milliner Bowsky Elementary School. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Diamonds International also partnered with Tourism to conduct the event.

“In partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, we provided all the toys,” said Linda Meyer, a representative for Diamonds International. “We had the gifts sent in on Tropical and we wrapped 210 gifts for boys, girls, and special needs students.”

Kelsey from Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative talks to a student about conch shells. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Home Depot, Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative, the VI Children’s Museum, and Face Canvas were businesses that collaborated to provide items, educational, and recreational activities for the children. After collecting gifts from Santa, students were able to walk to different tables and see what each organization had to offer.

Kelsey from Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative shows a sparrow hawk to students. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Amber McCammon at the VI Children’s Museum said she brought items to show students “how to use a compass to find Santa at the North Pole,” and activities that focused on symmetry, math, and science.

Amber McCammon from the VI Children’s Museum stands near her math and science activities for the children. (Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Once the gifting was completed, the students ate lunch at the workshop before heading back to school.

“They have hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and veggie burgers with a side of fries or chips,” said George-Petersen. Students also had a selection of water and assorted juices to choose from.

When asked if they would want to participate again in the future, representatives from Royal Caribbean and Diamonds International said yes.

“I do! The children are so animated and excited. We will keep it going,” Meyer said.

Colleen Smithen of Face Canvas paints flowers on a student’s face during the gift giveaway. ((Source photo by Adisha Penn)

Del Grande, who has been working with Royal Caribbean for 17 years, also said he hopes to come back to St. Thomas for the event.

“I love St. Thomas. It’s a beautiful island,” he said.

“This is an event that we do to give back,” said George-Petersen.

This event was a collaborative effort for the Tourism Department. More information about the Tourism Department can be found on their website.

Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Completes Its First Marine Apprenticeship Program

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Future Job Skills of Tomorrow Completes Its First Marine Apprenticeship Program
Graduates, center, and supporters of the Future Job Skills of Tomorrow marine industry program. (Photo by Rueben Fenton)

Future Job Skills of Tomorrow held their second ceremony of completion Friday, celebrating three young adults who took advantage of an opportunity to develop a craft in shipbuilding.

“The event was excellent,” said Rueben Fenton, founder and director of the nonprofit. Over the summer, the organization completed its first program in golf course maintenance.

The graduation was held at the Palms at Pelican Cove. Program supporters like Sens. Novelle Francis, Hubert Frederick, Angel Bolques, and a representative from Delegate Stacey Plaskett’s office attended. More supporters, Chris Hanley and Kenny Tucker from the St. Croix Marine Center, Karl Petersen of Sea Sprout Design, LLC, and Tim Murphy from the American Boat and Yacht Council were present as well.

This was the first time the organization conducted its boatbuilding/maintenance program. It consisted of a lecture and hands-on portion.

“So we did a classroom first and then we rolled over to the Marine Center,” said Fenton. They basically worked in and with the professionals at the boat yard. They were able to assist with some of the engines, they did sanding on some of the boats, they did patching, they did spraying. Basically it was a comprehensive on the job training.”

Though nine students began the program, only three were able to remain steadfast and complete their training. The students, Zion Chevubin, Eduardo Fajardo, and Jayvyn Brooks, ranged between 19 and 21 years of age. They completed four months of classroom and four months of on-the-job training and received certificates from Future Job Skills of Tomorrow, the St. Croix Marine Center, Sea Sprout Design, OSHA, and for CPR and fire safety.

“Our federal partners are happy with that because it was a pilot program,” said Fenton, of the students.

From left, Zion Chevubin, Eduardo Fajardo, and Jayvyn Brooks graduated from the Future Job Skills of Tomorrow shipbuilding. (Photo by Rueben Fenton)

When asked if any of the students were looking forward to pursuing a career in boat maintenance after completing the program, Fenton replied that two showed interest.

“Two of them showed interest in pursuing and trying to get employment in that area, possibly with marinas around the island. We’re waiting to see what decision they’re going to make,” Fenton said.

Future Job Skills of Tomorrow partnered with the St. Croix Marine Center and Sea Sprout Design, LLC for the program. The program is centered on creating a career path for 18-24-year-olds in the marine industry. Fenton said that there are future plans to bring the program to St. Thomas and St. John.

“That’s in the works. We’re basically trying to get it solidly built on St. Croix and then we will look to go on St. Thomas,” he said. “The big elephant in the room is the funding to put this program on.”

Fenton said the program cost about $400,000. Ideally, it would cost $1 to $8 million to operate programs in both districts.

“The next goal is to have a training facility on St. Croix,” said Fenton. He is planning to create a marine trade school.

Another marine class will be scheduled for next year and Fenton said programs around solar energy and construction are anticipated.

“We are an entity looking at bringing young adults into demand area skills to get some training, basically to get good wages,” he added. “Future Job Skills is grounded in the belief that mastery is achieved both in the classroom and on the job.”

Fenton thanked everyone for their support, and program partners, the U.S. Department of the Interior and VI Liberty.

For more information on the program, email reubenfenton20@gmail.com or call 340-201-3292.

Five Teachers Selected as St. Croix District Teacher of the Year Candidates

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Five Teachers Selected as St. Croix District Teacher of the Year Candidates
Teacher of the Year candidates (Submitted photo)

The Virgin Islands Department of Education has named five educators as candidates for the 2025 – 2026 St. Croix District Teacher of the Year. The department described the group as professionals who demonstrate instructional excellence, leadership, and a strong commitment to student achievement.

“Each of these educators represents the best of our public education system. Their passion, innovation, and dedication uplift our schools, empower our students, and strengthen our community,” Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington said in a press release.

The candidates are:

Adreian Sato, St. Croix Central High School
Sato serves as the Department Chairperson for Special Education and as a ninth-grade resource teacher. He has 11 years of teaching experience and is known for collaborating with teachers, families, and administrators to support compliance, student growth, and academic success.

Teacher of the Year candidate Adreian Sato of St. Croix Central High School (Submitted photo)

Jayson Arcilla, Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School
Arcilla teaches eighth-grade science and social studies. He has taught for 10 years and coaches the school’s Science Bowl and Junior Solar Sprint teams. His instructional approach encourages inquiry and problem-solving.

Teacher of the Year candidate Jayson Arcilla of Pearl B. Larsen PreK-8 School (Submitted photo)

Joanie Phillip, Ricardo Richards Elementary School
Phillip is a sixth-grade English language arts teacher who began her career in 2008. She serves as a union representative for the American Federation of Teachers Local 1826 and also teaches in the St. Croix Adult Education Program, supporting adult learners working toward academic goals.

Teacher of the Year candidate Joanie Phillip of Ricardo Richards Elementary School (Submitted photo)

Ronda Campbell, St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center
Campbell joined the department in 1997 and teaches business at CTEC. She has been instrumental in developing the School-to-Work Program, which connects students with internship opportunities in local businesses.

Teacher of the Year candidate Ronda Campbell of St. Croix Career and Technical Education Center (Submitted photo)

Jennifer Novero-Gantan, St. Croix Educational Complex High School
Novero-Gantan is an International Cultural Exchange teacher who instructs 11th-grade trigonometry and AP calculus. She works with the Mathematics Department to create a data-driven instructional cycle focused on assessment and improvement, preparing students for college-level academics.

Teacher of the Year candidate Jennifer Novero-Gantan of St. Croix Educational Complex High School (Submitted photo)

VIDE stated that one of the five educators will be selected as the 2025 – 2026 St. Croix District Teacher of the Year and recognized at the annual ceremony later this school year.

Traffic Light Outage at Mandela Circle

Mat Probasco
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The Department of Public Works is informing the community of a traffic light outage at the intersection of Edward Wilmoth Blyden Boulevard and George Francis Drive (aka Nelson Mandela Circle) on St. Thomas. The department is aware that the traffic light is currently offline for needed repairs.

Motorists are asked to traverse the area with extreme caution and utilize the rules of a four-way stop, which goes into effect when traffic lights at an intersection are inoperable. In a four-way stop, all drivers must stop at the intersection, then proceed in the order they arrived.

The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience as it works to improve road conditions throughout the

Vadis Uldine Nibbs Springette Dies

Mat Probasco
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0
Vadis Uldine Nibbs Springette Dies

Vadis Uldine Nibbs Springette

Vadis Uldine Nibbs Springette

Mother: Belbeana Gerda Venzen Turnbull (Deceased)

Father: David Warren Nibbs (Deceased)    

Husband: James Walter Springette (Deceased)

Children: Beryl Myrl Todman, Ethlyn (Pam), Kenneth (Abu), Keith (Ronnie), and James Springette

Grandchildren: Rashid, Jasmine, Kenneth, Jr., Kiante, Kennysha, Desmond, Janelle, and Omar Springette; Tasha Todman Hart, Wilford, Jr. and Brian Todman; Jarell Mason; Juante John; Trisha Benjamin Simon

Great-Grandchildren: LéSean and Leah George; Cara Mason; Xaiden and Xaion Todman; Kyelle Francis; Tadin; Emperor and Noah Springette; JHY’Mtha James; ADeja Harvey; Tamaya Simon

Brothers: Alvin Nibbs; Paul Georges; Alphonse Amey (Deceased); Thomas, Adolbert “Dolly”, and Raymond “Ray” Turnbull

Sisters: Adina Icena Turnbull and Helen Agatha Phillips (Deceased)

Sister-in-Law: Dorothy Nibbs

Nieces And nephews too many to mention.

First Viewing

Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home

Candlelight Vigil

Thursday, Dec. 18 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Emancipation Garden

Second Viewing

Friday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Christ Church Methodist, Market Square

Funeral Service

Friday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Christ Church Methodist, Market Square

Burial at Western Cemetery No. 1

 

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