Home Blog Page 211

The Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed for 2025 Red Kettle Campaign

Mat Probasco
-
0
The Salvation Army Bell Ringers Needed for 2025 Red Kettle Campaign

The familiar sound of ringing bells and the sight of red kettles will soon return to St. Thomas as The Salvation Army launches its annual Red Kettle Campaign, beginning the day after Thanksgiving. The organization is calling on volunteers from the island community to help bring hope and assistance to those in need this Christmas season.

Salvation Army is in Market Square on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Bethaney Lee)
Salvation Army is in Market Square on St. Thomas. (Source file photo by Bethaney Lee)

The Red Kettle tradition dates back to 1917, when a Salvation Army officer in San Francisco used a soup pot to collect donations to feed the hungry. That same year, The Salvation Army began its ministry on St. Thomas, continuing more than a century of service to the island’s most vulnerable residents.

Tom Bolt, Chair of the St. Thomas Advisory Board and longtime bell ringer, encourages others to take part in this beloved holiday tradition. “It’s truly the best thing about the Christmas season,” he shared. “The joy, smiles and community spirit experienced while ringing the bell remind us of what Christmas is really about—helping those most in need in our island community.”

The Salvation Army is seeking individuals, families, and community organizations to volunteer for two-hour shifts, Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Bell ringers can choose from six convenient locations: K-Mart at Tutu Park Mall, PriceSmart, The Market at Tutu Park Mall, Walgreens, and Cost-U-Less. Two volunteers per time slot are encouraged, and all necessary materials will be provided by The Salvation Army.

“Every ring of the bell represents hope for someone in need,” said Major Mig Lavenbein, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army St. Thomas Corps. “Your time at the kettle helps us provide food, shelter and support for the poor, the homeless and the elderly throughout our community.”

To volunteer or learn more, please contact Major Tim Lavenbein at (215) 510-8440 or email tim.lavenbein@use.salvationarmy.org.

Join the tradition. Ring the bell! Be part of the reason hope marches on this Christmas.

Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation Celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week

Mat Probasco
-
0
Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation Celebrates Nurse Practitioner Week

On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation hosted a special event at its newly opened Rural Health Clinic in Sunny Isles to honor the dedication and impact of nurse practitioners serving the St. Croix Community. 

The celebration was part of National Nurse Practitioner Week, observed across the United States from November 9-15 and officially recognized in the U.S. Virgin Islands through a proclamation by Governor Albert Bryan. The week highlights the vital role nurse practitioner play in delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care in communities nationwide. 

Thomas Chad McDannel, Robin Hughes, Lisa Gay. (Submitted photo)

Attendees included members of the Virgin Islands Nurse Practitioner Organization and Board Members of the Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure—Elizabeth R. Dumas, Christi Hopkins, Niati Salmon, and Makeda Kamara—and nurse practitioners from the Rural Health Clinic, including Lisa Gay, Carie Landrum, Thomas Chad McDannel, and Robin Hughes.  Robin also serves as the Virgin Islands representative for the American Association of Nurse Practitioners.

Guests enjoyed light refreshments, connected with fellow nurse practitioners in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and received tokens of appreciation in recognition of their service and commitment. The event served as a meaningful occasion to honor their dedication and the lasting impact they have made in the community. 

The celebration also showcased the new Rural Health Clinic facilities, reinforcing the clinic’s commitment to expanding access to care for all members of the community. Through events like these, the Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation continues to champion the work of nurse practitioners and their essential role in strengthening healthcare across the territory. 

The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation remains steadfast: Your health is our mission.

Meet “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” Artists

Mat Probasco
-
0
Meet “I Am David Hamilton Jackson” Artists

The Department of Planning and Natural Resources invites the community to celebrate creativity and history at a special after-hours reception honoring participating students and teachers on Wednesday, Nov. 19, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the fifth annual “I AM DAVID HAMILTON JACKSON” Student Art Exhibition, hosted at the Fort Frederik Museum. 

St. Croix Central High student’s 2021 portrait of David Hamilton Jackson. (Photo courtesy of Sayeeda Carter, painting by Trenyce Swanson)

This year’s exhibition showcases symbolic self-portraits and written reflections by students of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, guided by art teacher Danica David. 

Using photography and AI-driven digital collage techniques, students reimagined themselves in Jackson’s era—immersed in the transformative energy that shaped Virgin Islands history. Each piece is accompanied by a personal affirmation beginning with “I am David Hamilton Jackson,” connecting Jackson’s courage and integrity to the students’ own aspirations as changemakers. Ms. Davids’ students will also be reading their writing/artist statements.

Additional works—including digital art, poetry, and essays—created by students under the guidance of Ms. Cleone Lynch further enrich the exhibition.

Mr. Percival Edwards from Farmers in Action will be the keynote presenter, sharing his immense knowledge about David Hamilton Jackson and his impact on labor organizing. 

The exhibition is free to attend during the special reception and will remain on display during regular museum hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. General admission is $10, with free entry for students under 18 and a $5 discounted rate for Virgin Islands residents.

For more information, please contact: Amy Parker DeSorbo, DLAM Director: amy.desorbo@dpnr.vi.gov or Monica Marin, DLAM Chief Curator: monica.marin@dpnr.vi.gov or call Fort Frederik Museum: 340-772-2021.

Traffic Changes For UberSoca Parade on 5-Ship Wednesday

Mat Probasco
-
0
Traffic Changes For UberSoca Parade on 5-Ship Wednesday

The Virgin Islands Police Department is pleased to welcome the UberSoca Cruise to St. Thomas on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The UberSoca cruise is one of five ships scheduled to call in St. Thomas Wednesday.

Norwegian Encore (Photo courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line)

As thousands of revelers arrive on island, we encourage our community to join us in showing our visitors the warm hospitality and vibrant spirit the Virgin Islands are known for.

A parade/tramp is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., departing from the WICO dock and traveling westbound along Edward Blyden Road onto the promenade. Participants will turn around near the police station and return to the WICO dock using the westbound lane. The event will conclude with a food-fair-style celebration.

Motorists are strongly advised to use alternate routes when traveling westward during these hours due to anticipated traffic delays.

Community & Visitor Safety Reminders

The VIPD urges everyone, residents and visitors alike to enjoy the festivities safely and responsibly:

• Stay hydrated, especially while walking or dancing in the sun.

• Drink alcohol responsibly and know your limits.

• Do not drink and drive; designate a sober driver or utilize taxi services.

• Follow all traffic and crowd-control instructions issued by police and event personnel.

• Keep personal belongings secure and remain aware of your surroundings at all times.

• Respect fellow revelers so the event remains enjoyable for everyone.

The Virgin Islands Police Department will have increased patrols along the route and surrounding areas to ensure a safe and orderly event.

Bomb Threat at Lockhart K-8 School

Mat Probasco
-
0

There has been a bomb threat at Lockhart K-8 School.

The Virgin Islands Police Department is currently on the scene.

All students are safe, and parents do not need to pick them up at this time. Students are being kept in a secure location as authorities work to ensure the area is safe and provide an all clear. We will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Mango Tango Art Gallery Presents: “Gone but Not Forgotten,” Opening Saturday

Mat Probasco
-
0
Mango Tango Art Gallery Presents: “Gone but Not Forgotten,” Opening Saturday

Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the correct date of the exhibit opening. It will be held on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Mango Tango Art Gallery proudly opens its soulful commemorative exhibition, “Gone but Not Forgotten,” on Saturday, Nov. 22 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The evening will celebrate three beloved artists—Kathy Carlson, Max Johnson, and Smokey Pratt—whose lives and works shaped the creative spirit of the Virgin Islands.

“Refreshments” by Max Johnson (Submitted photo)

Guests will enjoy an inspired night of art, appetizers and spirits under the Caribbean sky, and live music by Neko Crush in the gallery’s spacious parking area.

Though each artist brought a distinct voice to the Caribbean art scene, Carlson and Johnson explored strikingly similar themes. Their lush floral paintings captured the vibrancy of tropical blooms, while their travels throughout the Caribbean inspired portraits of islanders drawn from life and memory. Both artists hailed originally from the East Coast and sketched daily, transforming visual notes into studio masterpieces. Johnson also painted cherished New England vacation landscapes from Vermont and Maine.

Kathy Carlson, a deeply respected educator, devoted much of her life to teaching, including five influential years teaching math at Antilles High School in St. Thomas. Max Johnson enjoyed a celebrated career in advertising with J. Walter Thompson, refining a visual storytelling style that remained evident throughout his paintings.

Both artists studied at the historic Art Students League of New York and maintained lifelong artistic practices. Johnson passed away in 1999, and Carlson in late 2013, leaving behind rich creative legacies.

Smokey Pratt arrived in St. Thomas in 1980, first captivating island audiences as a chef in several acclaimed restaurants before joining his wife in operating Mango Tango Art Gallery, mastering picture framing in service to the business. Pratt was also a beloved local musician, performing flute and harmonica with John Brittain in the well-known blues duo 2 Blue Shoes, which held a memorable decade-long Friday night gig at Betsy’s in Frenchtown.

When not framing or performing, Pratt immortalized daily life and observations through humorous, tender cartoons. Encouraged by artist Don Dahlke, he grew into a gallery favorite, showing work in group exhibitions for many years. Pratt passed away in 2013, yet his whimsical reflections and soulful presence continue to inspire.

“Gone but Not Forgotten” will remain on view for one month at Mango Tango Art Gallery.

For more information, visit mangotangoart.com or call 340-777-3060.

UVI Lady Buccaneers Fall 65-50 at Philander Smith

Mat Probasco
-
0
UVI Lady Buccaneers Fall 65-50 at Philander Smith

The University of the Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball team fell 65-50 at Philander Smith University at the Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday Afternoon. 

Diara Parsons dribbles at midcourt. (Submitted photo)

The Lady Buccaneers faced an early setback, trailing 12-4 in the first quarter. However, a 7-0 run brought them back into contention, narrowing the gap to just one point. The Lady Panthers managed to score the final basket of the period, securing a 14-12 lead.

Despite gaining momentum heading into the second quarter, the Lady Buccaneers struggled to contain their opponents’ offensive efforts, allowing Philander Smith University to extend their lead to nine points by halftime, with a score of 34-25.

The deficit widened in the second half due to a sluggish third quarter for the Lady Buccaneers, putting the game out of reach. Although they outscored their opponents in the fourth and final period, the lead was too large to overcome.

Senior Kashay Bass recorded her second straight double, finishing the game with 16 points and 17 rebounds.

Bass has now scored in double digits in five consecutive contests. The six-foot rim protector would also tally three blocks in the matchup Junior guard Khaleii Robertson-Mack added 12 points to the Lady Buccaneers’ offense, while junior guard Atalia Thomas excelled defensively with four steals.

The Lady Buccaneers will return to action on Dec. 1 as they travel to Brunswick, Georgia, to face the College of Coastal Georgia. The following day, the team will compete against Brewton-Parker Christian College in Mount Vernon, Georgia, to conclude their road trip before returning to the Virgin Islands.

Buccaneers Come Up Short at Philander Smith in a Tale of Two Halves 

Mat Probasco
-
0
Buccaneers Come Up Short at Philander Smith in a Tale of Two Halves 

The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers fell short in their matchup against Philander Smith University, losing 80-71 at the Mims Gymnasium in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Saturday afternoon.

The UVI Buccaneers fell short in their matchup against Philander Smith University. (Submitted photo)

UVI started strong, setting the pace from the tip-off. The Buccaneers surged to a 20-12 lead midway through the first half, asserting their dominance early. They shot 47.2% from the field and 30% from three-point range in the first half. Senior guard Khari Person led the team with 11 points in the first half, helping the Buccaneers secure a 39-31 lead at halftime.

The Buccaneers maintained their momentum early in the second half, with junior Chad Molloy hitting a threepointer to extend their lead to 49-35, the largest of the game. However, a defensive lapse allowed the Panthers to go on an 11-0 run, narrowing the gap. Philander Smith University took its first lead at 56-55, and although the Buccaneers briefly regained the advantage, they struggled to distance themselves from the home team. The Panthers reclaimed the lead at 70-69 with just over two minutes remaining and successfully held off the Buccaneers’ final efforts to secure victory.

“We didn’t get the result we wanted, but this game serves as a valuable benchmark for our team,” said head coach Kevin Sheppard. “We controlled the game until the final four minutes of the second half. Our performance was strong across all statistical categories. The key difference was the turnovers, particularly late in the game, which gave them extra opportunities. Overall, I am proud of our performance. We have areas to improve, but this game against a championship-caliber team demonstrates that our Buccaneers also possess that championship potential.”

Person was the Buccaneers’ leading scorer, finishing the game with 14 points. Juniors Sebastian Dokum, Devin Binyard, and senior Eliyah Stevens were the three other buccaneers scoring in double figures with 13, 12, and 10 points, respectively. 

The Buccaneers will now turn their attention to their upcoming opponent, as they conclude their two-game road trip against Champion Christian College. This matchup will take place at the Champion Community Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Monday.

USVI Women Are Golden

Source staff
-
0
USVI Women Are Golden
USVI Women’s Team Picture, Champions of the 2025 Caribbean Women’s Championships. (Submitted photo)

The United States Virgin Islands Senior Women’s Basketball Team ended the International Basketball Federation 2025 Caribbean Women’s Championship with their best offensive output of the tournament, earning them a hard-fought 105 – 81 victory over the Bahamas.

The USVI women used their suffocating defense to win their first three games of this event. On Sunday, they truly showed their superior talent by finding their offensive touch when needed. The Bahamas had a full day of rest coming into this final game, whereas the USVI women had played for four straight days.

USVI Women huddle up for a golden picture. (Submitted photo)

The USVI Imani Tate set the tone by making two early three-point shots in the first minute of the game. The Bahamas Lashanna Higgs responded with a two-point and a three-point field goal. The Bahamas tied the score at 16, but the USVI ended the quarter on a 13–3 run. Anisha George took over the game in the second quarter, scoring 12 of her 26 points in that frame. The USVI had a 56 – 44 halftime lead.

The Bahamas made runs in the second half, but the Virgin Islands ladies always had an answer. J’Naya Ephraim, Victoria Hamilton, Natalie Kleeman-Day, Lanese Bough, Tate, and George all came up with timely buckets when needed in the second half.

J-Naya Ephraim of the USVI takes a shot in her game against the Bahamas. (Submitted photo)

George scored 26 points and collected 21 rebounds for the gold medal team. Teammate Tate ended with 22 points. The Bahamas, Latisha Higgs, and Valerie Nesbitt were impressive on offense, scoring 37 and 32 points, respectively.

The USVI women demonstrated they were the superior team in this competition. They relied on their depth, as Coach Tajama Ngongba rotated players freely while maintaining a high level of efficiency. This will prove valuable as they advance to the 2026 Centrobasket Women’s Championship Tournament. Guyana and the Bahamas will also participate in next year’s event.

USVI Anisha George accepts MVP Trophy. (Submitted photo)

Anisha George was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, averaging 19 points and 9.3 rebounds a game. The other players selected for the all-tournament team were:

Valerie Nesbitt – Bahamas

Tiffany Reynolds – Jamaica

Amisha Ramlall – Guyana

Joy Brown – Guyana

St. George Village Botanical Garden to Light Up for the Holidays

Source staff
-
0
St. George Village Botanical Garden to Light Up for the Holidays
The Holiday of Lights at St. George Village Botanical Garden will run from Dec. 5 through Jan. 4. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)

Special holiday events are coming to the St. George Village Botanical Garden from Dec. 5 through Jan. 4, as the Garden of Holiday Lights makes its debut. It will be a vital fundraiser for general operating expenses along with Mango Melee.

Colorful, twinkling lights will deck the garden along with artwork from local schools for the enjoyment of all ages as they stroll along the paths.

Hanging lights from a lift, Santa’s elves place beautiful lights high on a tree. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)

Opening night is Friday, Dec. 5, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Cocktail Walk will feature holiday cocktails, local cuisine, steel pan music, and the We Dey Yah Quadrille dancers. The silent auction will feature two traditionally decorated Christmas trees, along with other great items. The auction has received donated items from more than 30 local entities. Enjoy bidding for jewelry, hotel stays, food, spirits, adventures, and much more. Limited tickets are available on Eventbrite.

Santa’s secret helpers work to create a beautiful Christmas tree. (Photo submitted by Sarah Brady)

 

Children’s Night will be Friday, Dec. 12. Santa will be available for photos with children and families. Also featured will be stories read by the Children’s Museum, local choirs performing holiday carols on the historic Manager’s House deck, a cash bar, and lite bites.

The SGVBG gift shop holds locally created wonders for holiday shopping. (Source photo by Linda Morland)

The Garden of Holiday Lights can be enjoyed on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays beginning Dec. 5 until Jan. 4. Admission for all nights, except Dec. 5, is $10 for Adults, $5 for children, and those under 5 are free. The gift shop will be open with an array of locally made items perfect for holiday shopping. Parking inside the garden gate will be free.

1...210211212...13,076Page 211 of 13,076

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here