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‘Da Culcha Table’ Conference Empowers V.I. Farmers with Critical Policy Insights and Cooperative Strategies

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‘Da Culcha Table’ Conference Empowers V.I. Farmers with Critical Policy Insights and Cooperative Strategies

A new addition to the annual Bush Cook Chef Cook event, a three-day agricultural conference was held Oct. 13-15 at the University of the Virgin Islands Great Hall on the St. Croix Albert A. Sheen Campus.

Themed “Da Culcha Table,” the conference was organized by Sejah Farm to eliminate the financial and logistical barriers that often prevent local farmers from attending off-island conferences. The goal was to bring experts, policymakers, and agricultural networks to the Virgin Islands so that more farmers could benefit from valuable information and connections.

Organizers sparked interest among farmers and the wider community in two main areas — cooperative development and agricultural policy awareness. Drawing on more than a decade of national networking, presenters and panelists delivered focused sessions addressing both topics, emphasizing their importance to the growth of the Virgin Islands’ agricultural industry.

Keynote Speakers and Presentations

Sen. Marise James opened the conference with a welcoming message to attendees, followed by remarks from Virgin Islands Agriculture Department Deputy Commissioner Billy Abraham on behalf of Commissioner Louis E. Petersen Jr., who later participated in a panel discussion.

Sen. Marise James shared special opening remarks as the secretary for intergovernmental relations and territorial affairs (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

Following an update from Policy Center representative Eloris Speight, attorneys Conisha T. Brumfield and Alicia N. Netterville of the National Policy Research Center led a session on County Committees, revealing that many farmers were unaware of the committees’ existence or their local representatives. Sejah Farm plans to collaborate with COC members to increase engagement and awareness.

Conisha T. Brumfield, policy analyst at the National Policy Research Center, explains about County Committees (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

A presentation by Thaddeus Dawson focused on community empowerment through property ownership and generational wealth, while Darrel K. Tennie educated farmers on agricultural taxes, business structures, and compliance.

“Somos Ají Dulce” representatives share about the movement to celebrate Puerto Rican culture, harvest, and cuisine. (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

Leo Perez, a St. John farmer, expressed his enthusiasm after the session. “I’m so excited and inspired. Just seeing something so small, so productive, and the outcome not just being about generating income but how much information was disseminated. It gives me hope,” he said.

Alicia N. Netterville of the National Policy Research Center, responding to a question from St. John farmer Leo Perez (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

Panel Discussion and Key Takeaways

A highlight of the conference was a panel discussion moderated by DaraMonifah Cooper and organized by Yvette Browne. The panel featured farmers, policymakers, and agricultural support professionals who discussed strategies for strengthening local food systems.

Panelists emphasized the importance of encouraging residents to grow food at home, bringing youth to farmers’ markets, and fostering a “buy local, eat local” culture. “We have to be able to assure the community that our local product is better than the imported,” said Dale Browne, co-owner of Sejah Farm.

Other suggestions included improved communication among farmers, better data sharing, and marketing strategies to strengthen local branding. Petersen highlighted the Agriculture Department’s ongoing radio program and branding campaign to promote locally grown produce.

Panelists also identified value-added opportunities such as processing, packaging, and branding products like teas, mangos, and livestock goods ranging from jerky to leather. Petersen noted that about 60 percent of livestock is wasted due to the lack of processing facilities and announced plans to establish value-added kitchens in both districts.

Funding, Infrastructure, and Youth Engagement

Brennan Washington, Southeastern Outreach coordinator for the Southern Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, encouraged farmers to pursue more federal funding opportunities, noting that many miss out due to limited grant-writing experience.

Brennan Washington of Southern SARE shares about open grant calls available to farmers, researchers, nonprofits and University students (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

Sejah Farm has received a CDBG grant for a three-phase infrastructure development project. “Marketing and scaling up postharvest handling is vital,” said Browne. “The Department cannot do everything in the current legislation.”

He brought up the example of 10 million dollars that “appeared to be sitting since 2018 and the commissioner was not even informed that the money was available from the American Rescue Fund.” Petersen has since sought after that, but the panelists agreed that the issue is how soon those funds can be drawn down on.

“If (Petersen) was informed that the money was there, there would not have a been an issue with keeping the abattoir open. The department would have also been able to scale up manpower and services. Until that money is drawn down, the worst-case scenario with 1.5 years remaining … If he doesn’t get the access within that time, how does that make him look?” said Browne.

Thaddeus Dawson explains heirs’ property challenges and potential solutions (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

When asked about youth involvement, Petersen said young Virgin Islanders have not seen examples of a thriving agricultural industry. “I can think of at least seven young Virgin Islanders who have been assisted and encouraged to go to school and not one of them have come home,” he said, noting the need to make agriculture more profitable and appealing.

Ben Burkette, Federation of Southern Cooperatives, during his presentation on Cooperative Development (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

Visiting farmer Ben Burkett of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives added, “Young people that grow up on the farm don’t want to farm, but those from northern states often want to intern on farms. With certain crops and markets, you can make a good living.”

Calls to Action

Panelist Neville James suggested revisiting the 1995 Resort and Casino Consumer Control Act to allocate a portion of casino revenues to agricultural funding.

Conference attendees agreed on the need for greater education, collaboration, and advocacy, emphasizing that empowering farmers could significantly reduce the territory’s 97% food import rate. Petersen referenced Puerto Rico’s 100-year history of cooperative work as a model for the Virgin Islands. “There is no way we can move forward without working cooperatively,” he said.

Staff of the UVI Agricultural Experiment Station demonstrate how to draw blood from livestock (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

The conference concluded with a tour of the UVI Agricultural Experiment Station, where Andrea Rios and her team demonstrated heat-stress research and humane livestock handling. Derris Burnett of Tuskegee University later conducted a USDA-certified goat preparation demonstration at Sejah Farm.

Community Response

Attendees described the conference as timely, informative, and inspiring. The Brownes expressed gratitude for the panel’s success, noting that the collaboration between local farmers, policymakers, and national representatives fostered a sense of unity and shared purpose.

All conference meals were prepared using mainly local produce by Local Harvest Café. (Source photo by Conch Shell Media)

To stay informed about Sejah Farm’s agricultural initiatives and future events, follow Sejah Farm of the Virgin Islands on Facebook.

Tropical Outlook: Melissa Forms in Caribbean Sea; Ultimate Forecast Path Still Uncertain

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Tropical Outlook: Melissa Forms in Caribbean Sea; Ultimate Forecast Path Still Uncertain
On Tuesday, the NHC was monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa in the central Caribbean Sea. The eventual forecast track remains uncertain. (Photo courtesy NHC)

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring Tropical Storm Melissa, which formed Tuesday in the Central Caribbean. Currently south of the U.S. Virgin Islands, the storm’s track remains uncertain, but Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands could possibly experience some impacts, including rainfall.

Tropical Storm Melissa

As the Source reported Sunday, the NHC had been tracking Tropical Storm Melissa — previously designated Invest 98L — for several days before it was upgraded Tuesday morning. Melissa is the 13th named cyclone of the 2025 Atlantic season and as of Tuesday evening was located about 300 miles south of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, moving west with winds near 50 mph.

Key Messages associated with Tropical Storm Melissa as of 5 p.m. AST on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy NHC)

“At 8:00 p.m. AST, the center of Tropical Storm Melissa was located near latitude 14.2 North, longitude 73.4 West,” according to an update from the National Hurricane Center on Tuesday evening. Melissa is moving toward the west near 15 mph. A decrease in forward speed and a gradual turn to the northwest and north is expected during the next few days. On the forecast track, Melissa is expected to approach Jamaica and the southwestern portion of Haiti later this week.

Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph with higher gusts. Gradual strengthening is expected during the next few days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 140 miles from the center, and the estimated minimum central pressure is 1003 millibars.

Due to the system’s proximity to several of the islands in the Caribbean, tropical alerts have been issued for the following areas:

“A Hurricane Watch is in effect for the southwestern peninsula of Haiti from the border with the Dominican Republic to Port-au-Prince, and a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Jamaica,” the NHC said.

 Where Will Melissa Travel?

 According to the NHC, forecasters are relatively confident in the trajectory of Melissa in the short term as it moves westward. However, the track of the cyclone becomes much more unclear later this week, due to various atmospheric conditions that will determine the eventual path of the storm.

AccuWeather graphic depicts possible scenarios for the track that Melissa may take. (Photo courtesy AccuWeather)

The NHC noted on Tuesday that Tropical Storm Melissa is expected to slow down and will likely curve northwest and then north over the next couple of days, passing close to Haiti and Jamaica by Thursday. After that, the forecast is more uncertain. Some models show Melissa turning northeast, while others keep it drifting west or stalling. Most forecasts suggest it will stay in the Caribbean through the weekend, and it is forecast to intensify into a hurricane.

On Tuesday morning, AccuWeather released information about Tropical Storm Melissa, noting that a large area of the Caribbean could experience some effects from the storm. AccuWeather warned that if the storm indeed stalls near islands in the western Caribbean, intense rainfall from the storm could cause serious impacts, including catastrophic flooding, particularly across Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Cuba, and portions of the Southern Bahamas.

“Steering breezes will sooner or later grab onto the storm in the Caribbean and pull Tropical Storm Melissa northward,” according to AccuWeather. “Areas from Hispaniola to Cuba and Jamaica are the initial population centers that would be first affected by the storm’s heavy rain, strong winds and building seas.”

“Even though Puerto Rico may be well east of the track of Melissa’s center, a plume of tropical moisture can still bring heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding and mudslides, which are the primary concerns for the Greater Antilles farther to the west. The islands in the northern Caribbean that will be affected the most by the storm will highly depend on when the storm begins its turn to the north,” the AccuWeather article continued.

The USVI and Puerto Rico have already received minor amounts of precipitation associated with Tropical Storm Melissa as of Tuesday morning, and this pattern is expected to continue over the next few days.

As of Tuesday, the USVI and Puerto Rico are expected to see between two and four inches of rain this week due to moisture associated with Tropical Storm Melissa. However, if the system remains farther west, the USVI and Puerto Rico will receive less precipitation. (Photo courtesy NHC and NWS)

“Outer bands from Tropical Storm Melissa, located south of Hispaniola, will continue to affect portions of southern and western Puerto Rico, resulting in heavy rainfall and strong thunderstorms,” the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said Tuesday. The NWS also shared the following statement regarding possible impacts across the region later this week.

“According to the official NHC forecast, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands most likely will receive between two and four inches of rainfall through the end of the workweek, primarily from Tropical Storm Melissa’s trailing moisture. However, if the system tracks farther west or away from the islands, rainfall totals and associated impacts would likely be reduced,” the NWS said.

“Uncertainty is still present in the forecast toward the end of the workweek due to different solutions of the final trajectory of Tropical Storm Melissa. Residents and mariners in Puerto Rico and the USVI should continue to monitor updates closely, as forecast adjustments are likely,” the NWS added.

Hurricane Expert Insight

The Source reached out to Alex DaSilva, AccuWeather’s lead hurricane expert, to learn more about potential tropical weather threats in the coming days.

Infrared satellite imagery obtained at 7:30 p.m. AST on Tuesday shows Tropical Storm Melissa moving through the Caribbean Sea. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

“I don’t think we can completely discount the potential for some indirect impacts across the USVI and Puerto Rico,” DaSilva said. “In fact, AccuWeather is forecasting a couple of inches of rain for Puerto Rico, because as the storm moves toward Jamaica and Hispaniola, there will be some southerly winds related to Melissa that cause upslope rainfall over Puerto Rico.

“While Puerto Rico won’t be in the core circulation of Melissa, the island will still experience effects that are connected to the storm. For the U.S. Virgin Islands, you might see some rain, but overall, it should stay under an inch. I don’t expect this system to be very impactful for the USVI, and I don’t see a realistic scenario where the core of the storm shifts toward Puerto Rico or the Virgin Islands,” DaSilva stated.

DaSilva noted that he does not expect very strong winds associated with Tropical Storm Melissa to affect the USVI. Still, he emphasized that rainfall may occur, and it may be heavy at times. He also added that some gusty winds could occur if thunderstorms affect the local islands.

“It’s possible that some loosely related outer rainbands could reach the Virgin Islands, as the storm has already disrupted the normal trade wind pattern, creating some southerly flow that can bring in moisture. You could see a few locally heavy downpours, but the more significant rainbands will stay from Puerto Rico westward. As for winds, you won’t see any directly tied to the storm’s core, just some locally gusty winds that could occur with passing showers or thunderstorms.”

Finally, DaSilva said that once Tropical Storm Melissa moves through the Caribbean, he does not expect any additional development in the coming days. However, a late-season storm affecting the eastern Caribbean could theoretically develop, and individuals across the region should remain prepared.

“In the short term, once Melissa moves away, I don’t see anything else developing in the eastern Caribbean,” DaSilva confirmed. “The Atlantic looks likely to go quiet for a week or two after this storm because of widespread sinking air associated with high pressure that will limit development. As we move into the second and third weeks of November, though, conditions could become more favorable again, especially in the western Caribbean, where we often see late-season development tied to the Central American Gyre area of low pressure,” he stated.

“Climatology suggests that after this storm passes, the eastern Caribbean is likely done for the season, though we can’t completely rule out another tropical wave. Overall, this is probably the main system for the next couple of weeks, but we could still see one more storm, possibly even another hurricane, later in November, most likely in the western Caribbean,” DaSilva concluded.

NOAA Global Tropics Hazards Outlook

A Global Tropics Hazards Outlook was released Tuesday, Oct. 21, by NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and the forecast tool provides insight into potential activity across tropical basins up to three weeks in advance.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its weekly Global Tropics Hazards Outlook on Tuesday, Oct. 21. After the passage of Tropical Storm Melissa, NOAA does not expect development across the Atlantic basin and Eastern Pacific basin in the coming weeks. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

Tropical activity is not expected across either the Atlantic basin or the Eastern Pacific basin during the “Week Two” outlook period, which runs from Oct. 29 until Nov. 4, or during the “Week Three’ period, from Nov. 5 until Nov. 11.

It is important to remember that this forecast is not guaranteed, and development may still happen as the forecast can change quickly. Additionally, a recent Tropical Outlook from the Source noted that the emergence of a La Niña weather pattern could influence storm activity for the rest of the hurricane season, which ends on Nov. 30.

During a La Niña cycle, the ocean waters across the equatorial Pacific Ocean cool significantly, affecting global weather. During La Nina, wind shear— a change in wind direction and velocity with height in the atmosphere — also typically decreases in the Atlantic Ocean. A reduction in wind shear can favor cyclone development. This pattern is the opposite of El Niño, a warming of the equatorial Pacific, which usually increases wind shear in the Atlantic Ocean, helping to rip apart storms and prevent hurricane formation and intensification.

Local Weather and Staying Informed

Finally, the NWS in San Juan is reminding residents and visitors of ongoing weather-related threats across Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Warm temperatures will continue to affect the region and may prompt additional heat alerts. Hazardous marine conditions with an elevated risk of rip currents are also expected as a northerly swell slowly subsides, while seas may remain choppy at times through the week due to thunderstorms and gusty winds associated with Tropical Storm Melissa that could reach the waters around the local islands. A Small Craft Advisory and a High Rip Current Risk will remain in effect for areas surrounding both U.S. territories until at least Wednesday.

The NWS has warned that hazardous seas will continue to affect the region, and several marine alerts remain in effect. (Photo courtesy NWS)

USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.

The local weather forecast for the U.S. Virgin Islands is also regularly updated on the Source Weather Page and VI Source YouTube Channel. Additionally, A weekly Tropical Outlook article from the Source will be published throughout hurricane season to provide in-depth updates.

Residents and visitors can find additional weather alerts and preparedness information from the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency.

Docket Watch: Judge Upholds Charges for Accused Rape Suspect

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Docket Watch: Judge Upholds Charges for Accused Rape Suspect
Alexander A. Farrelly Justice Center (Source photo by James Gardner)
Court documents detail an investigation leading to the arrest of a suspect on Oct. 20. (Source file photo)

A St. Thomas resident, accused in connection with a sexual assault first reported in May, made an initial appearance in Superior Court Tuesday. Documents filed at the time of his arrest described an encounter between a motorist and a female pedestrian that began with an exchange of words.

Defendant Harold Bruney was charged with first-degree rape, assault and disturbance of the peace involving threats. Magistrate Judge Paula Norkadis declared police had probable cause to uphold the charges and ordered Bruney to appear for arraignment Nov. 7.

The charging document filed in court said the alleged victim appeared at Zone A Police Command on May 12 to file a report. In a recorded statement, the complainant said she was walking toward her home in the Contant area when a pickup truck stopped nearby.

The report went on to say a male emerged from the passenger side of the truck, walked up and began asking her questions. Moments later, she said, as she tried to walk away, that person began aggressively touching her. “she noticed that the unknown male was behind her, he started touching her back with his hand and then began to inappropriately touch her body without her consent,” the statement said.

After giving her statement, police said the complainant then gave them a photo of the person she accused of assaulting her.

The report included a second account of the incident given to police several days later by a woman who said she was a friend of the complainant and heard the encounter on the street from her home. The witness called the tone of that talk “unfriendly.”

Court documents said investigators were able to gather additional corroborating evidence, leading to Bruney’s arrest on Oct. 20.

Joyce Marie McCleverty Dies

Mat Probasco
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Joyce Marie McCleverty Dies

In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Joyce Marie McCleverty of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands who passed away Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Joyce Mccleverty

She is survived by 

Husband: John E. McCleverty Jr.

Sons: Rasheed McCleverty, Osayande McCleverty, 

Bonus Son: Danny Kuvach

Grandchildren: Sharde’ Black, Rasheed McCleverty Jr., (Mother – Karen Stair – Hodge)

Ava McCleverty (Mother – Jordana Legget)

Bonus Grandchildren: Jaiden Kuvach, Serenity Kuvach, Azjani Kuvack Amari OsayendaKuvach, Kahwi Kuvach  (mother- Amber Kuvach

Great Grandchildren: Ariana and Aysia Petty, Glorie, Gianna and Courage Black

Grandson-in-law: Cobey Black 

Brothers: Angel Boschulte

Sisters: Brenda Henderson, Ingrid Hendricks-White, Magda Moolenaar Sr., Marla Moolenaar, Roslyn Moolenaar, Roxanne Moolenaar

Sisters – In – Law: Alicia Moolenaar, Joanne Fleming, Juanita Moolenaar, Monique McCleverty

Nieces: Aida Broquedio, Beatrice Boschulte, Brenicia Moolenaar, Charisse Moolenaar, Charisma Julian, Keisha Chesterfield, Keisha Green, Keinya Daniel, Keishell  Daniel, Jessica Bermudez, Jeanelle Moolenaar, Latoya Jennings, Lizette Turnbull Smith, MadgaMoolenaar Jr., Michele Boschulte, Monisha James, Naila Edwards, Narcisse Hairston, Natasha Moolenaar, Natrisha Moolenaar, Natricia Taylor, Rochelle Martin, Rashida Rahim, Shima Moolenaar, Tasida Kelch, Trisha Crawley, Vivian Newton, Wanda Moolenaar, Lalerah Rogers, and Dr. Yamilsa A. Roebuck

 Nephews:
Anibal Bermudez Jr., Bruce Moolenaar, Charles Bullock, Charles Moolenaar, Darryl Moolenaar, Derek Bermudez, Edward Bermudez, Elroy Roberts Jr., Hakim Tawoni, Halvar Martin, Hugo Moolenaar Jr., Jabari Moolenaar, James Fenner, Jeffrey Henderson, Jesse Moolenaar, Jonathan Moolenaar, Joshua Moolenaar, Kasim Andrews, Leroy Roberts, Malek Bascombe, Marlon Moolenaar, Michael Moolenaar, Miguel Angel Boschulte Jr., Phillip Bermudez, Roland Moolenaar Jr., Russell Moolenaar, and Vidal Green.

Cousins: Alicia Georges, Denise Georges, Dionne Georges, Joann Georges, Lecien Moolenaar, Lenelle Georges, Vernon Georges, and Winston Georges.

God Children: Drew Hugh (mother- Keima ), Genai Ravalier, Jay Commisong  , Xania Fleming

Special Friends: Adele Lake, Dollie Akintobi, Gregorio Ramos , Hazel Kelch, Sylvia Commissiong 

Also survived by the Akintobi, Baa,Black, Boschulte, Hodge,Krigger, Nelthropp, Offiniata, Romney, Smith, Walters Families

First Viewing will be held Wednesday, Oct. 22, 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.at  Turnbull Funeral Home

Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23 at Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral Tributes: 9 a.m. Mass: 10 a.m.

Interment Thursday, Oct. 23 at the Moolenaar Family Cemetery

Professional services are entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home.

Great Pumpkin Junior Duathlon Results

Mat Probasco
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Great Pumpkin Junior Duathlon Results

Despite a packed weekend schedule, parents and nearly two dozen young athletes made time to take part in the Great Pumpkin Junior Duathlon at Altona Lagoon Park on Sunday morning. The park provided a perfect backdrop for the run-bike-run race, which welcomed children of all abilities, ages 5 to 15.

Olivia Jones, age 5, as she crosses the finish line. (Submitted photo)

Organized by Junior Tri VI, the event featured several first-time participants who quickly got into the rhythm as they raced around the scenic lagoon course. Kids were rewarded with pumpkin-shaped goody boxes filled with fall-themed treats and stickers, while the top three finishers in each division received festive pumpkin medals.

The overall category winners were:

  • Ages 5–6: Orion Coursey
  • Ages 7–8: Hanako Sanders
  • Ages 9–11: Caitlin Kuczynski
  • Ages 12–15: Leonard Lamparter
Tahir Simmonds transitioning from bike to run (Submitted photo)

Organizers said the event was all about fun, fitness, and encouraging youth participation in multisport.

The Junior Tri VI Committee is already gearing up for the next race—the Fall Fling Splash ‘n Dash, a swim-run event set for Sunday, Nov. 16 at Bungalows. The event is open to children ages 5 to 15, with flotation aids available for beginner swimmers.

For more information or to register, families are encouraged to reach out to theresa@vitf.org or to call 340-513-2707.

Michael Kareem Marin Dies at 44

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Michael Kareem Marin Dies at 44

Michael Kareem Marin, aka “Pekean/Big Mike” of Estate Glynn, passed away on Oct. 12. He was 44.

Michael Kareem Marin

He was preceded in death by his father, Miguel “Bug” Marin; stepfather, Andres Lugo; and grandchildren, Jesus Rivera Sr., Theresa Monel, Juan Marin, and Luz Maria Ortiz.

He is survived by his mother, Nitza Rivera; grandchild, Juana M. Soto; daughter, Taylor Dawn; sisters, Albanitza Lugo, Maralyn Bermudez; nieces and nephews, A’Myaliz Dujon, Amare Dujon, Ace Dujon, Angel Sanchez, Robelto Sanchez; aunts, Lin Rivera- Ortiz, Maria Rivera Ortiz, Helen Chin; uncles, Eddison Rivera Sr., Jesus Rivers Jr, Telesforo Ortiz, Jose A. Marin, Aureliano Marin, Ruben Marin, Angel Marin; special Friends, Troy Aka Gizmo, Bully Navarro, Forito Ortiz; cousins and other relatives, Vanessa Rivera, Maralyn Bermudez, Gabriel Rivera, Tasha Gilmore, Jovanee Rivera, Jesus Rivera III, Vanelis Dominguez, Eddison Rivera, Angel Sanchez, Carleen Rivera, Julian Gilmore, Sophia Gilmore, Foro, Roberto Sanchez, Jessica Ortiz, Dalia Ortiz, Joseline Ortiz; other precious cousins too numerous to mention, other precious relatives and friends too numerous to mention, but each one is deeply loved and cherished.

Funeral service will be held on Oct. 30 at El Triumpho. Viewing will take place at 9 a.m., and the service will begin at 10 a.m. Interment follows at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Jacinth Heywood Dies at 57

Mat Probasco
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Jacinth Heywood Dies at 57

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Jacinth Heywood on Oct. 9, 2025 at the age of 57. 

Jacinth Heywood

Mother: Violet E. Henry

Father: Priestley Henry

Spouse: Alvin Heywood

Sisters: Cynthia Hodge, Jennifer Brown, Aurilly Henry, Hazel Henry-Heywood,                                        Eleen Henry-Petersen

Brothers: Junior Heney, Steven Henry, Huglyn Hnery, Priestley Henry Jr. 

Nieces: Debra Brown, Emekah  Hodge, Damelia Correa, Ayofemi Ferguson, Kishma Brown, Ayiesha Heywood, Nykisha Furguson, Shaharazad Donastorg, Shahara-Ann Donastorg

Nephews: Paul Peets, Onesimus Hodge, Aaron hodge, Junie Brown, Jarell Brown, Jabeli Addiso Henry, Jabal Arkeen Henry, Kareem Peets, Rasheem Peets, Osie Furgerson, Niah Henry, Ezikiel  Henry, Elijah Hnery, Arkeel Heywood, Arkeen Heywood, Achille Heywood, Albert Heywood Jr. Adisa Heywood, Ahmoy Heywood, Daniel Correa 

Sister-in-Law: Nora Henry, Jodie Henry, Anita Ross, Angela Heywood

Brother in Law: Wilbur Petersen, Achille Heywood, Albert Heywood, Darrel Heywood

Special Friends: Sheila Kiner, Dalia Mike

Great Nieces and Nephews: Elisa Correa, Denaiya Smith, Nakiya McDavis, Keyonna Evans, Joshua Parker, Clinton Whyte, D’Kari Marsh, Adonis Angol, Keemani Ford, Hughlyna Henry Ahssani Mustafa, Ahmari Smith

Other family and friends too numerous to mention 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral service on Friday, Oct. 24, at First Pentecostal Church – Donoe by pass at 10 a.m. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

Volmey Almeric Wallace Dies at 71

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Volmey Almeric Wallace Dies at 71

With deep love and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of Volmey Almeric Wallace on Sept. 26, 2025, at the age of 71 in Austin, Texas. Volmey was a true Virgin Islander and for the past six years his dream was to return home to St. Thomas. 

Volmey Almeric Wallace

Well, Volmey, you’re back home! 

Volmey was preceded in death by his parents, Lupercio Alvin Wallace and Cecile Daniel Wallace; his late brother, Rudy W. Wallace; his late sister, Joan Wallace Lynton; his late niece, Camisha George, and other family and friends too numerous to mention. 

He is survived by his sisters Dr. Phyllis L. Wallace and Dr. Lelia L. Wallace-Hackett; his nieces Keona Woodards, Porshia Hackett-Chidester, Celia Hackett, and Shaunamarie Chidester- Betz; and nephews Alex Hackett and Christian Chidester. 

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a funeral service on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 10 a.m. at the Frederick Evangelical Lutheran Church Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, VI. Interment is at the Western Cemetery #2. Funeral arrangement is under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

Conrad Prevost Dies at 88

Mat Probasco
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Conrad Prevost Dies at 88

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Conrad Prevost, 88, of Williams Delight, currently residing in Topeka, KS. 

Conrad Prevost

Conrad was born on the island of Dominica and later traveled to Antigua and then St. Croix, where he spent most of his life. He also spent time in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before his passing. Conrad was a pipe fitter and worked for years in the Hess oil refinery and later Hovensa. He enjoyed fishing, swimming, and cooking for his family and friends.

Conrad is preceded in death by his brothers, Dennis, John, Elie and Claytus; Sisters, Clarencia, Mida, and Dorothy. He is survived by his two brothers: Paul and George Prevost. His sons: Keith Roy, Conrad Jr and Clarance Prevost. Daughters: Cecilia Prevost, Claudia Prevost, Claricia Gautier and Maria Prevost.

Grandchildren: Emily Caul, Akeem Edwards, Jamila Edwards, Nethaneel Prevost, Lionel Gautier, Trent Welch, Ah’keel Prevost, Ah’keyra Prevost, Ah’koy Prevost, Ah’kuan Prevost, Ah’kari Prevost, Taaliyah Prevost, Alex Prevost, Josiah Prevost, Noah Prevost, Journey Prevost, Jonah Prevost, Zoey Prevost, Asa Prevost, Israel Prevost. 

Great Grandchildren: Ah’naeja Christian, Azari Edwards, Shamoi Francis, Ajani Baltmore, Assiah Caul, Massiah Caul, and LoveLee Caul. Conrad also has numerous nephews and nieces throughout North American and the Caribbean too many to mention.

Special Friends and Family Members: Eunice Arias, Octavio Del Villar, Maicol (Fonky) Beltre, Pedro De Los Santos (son-in-law).

Conrad lived a long life; he was tough, but he enjoyed helping those around him. Nevertheless, it brings great peace knowing he gave his life to Jesus Christ. Now, he is resting in the arms of his Savior. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the public viewing on Oct. 21, 10 a.m. CDT/11 am EDT at Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel and Cremation in Topeka, Kansas. Followed by a celebration of life ceremony at 11 a.m. CDT/12 p.m. EDT. For online viewing, condolences, or to share memories, please visit:

https://www.peacefulrestfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/conrad-prevost

Op-Ed: The Enduring French Influence on Virgin Islands History and Culture

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Op-Ed: The Enduring French Influence on Virgin Islands History and Culture
Scenic artwork depicting Frenchtown, St. Thomas, with the St. Anne Chapel sitting atop the hill in the center of the community. (Photo courtesy The French Heritage Museum)

The other day, while I was searching my office archive for information on fresh water fishes in streams of the Virgin Islands for a graduate student researcher from Clemson University, North Carolina, I came across some rare information about the ethnohistory of the French settlement on the island of St. Thomas during the Danish rule of these islands.

Olasee Davis
Olasee Davis (Submitted photo)

In the 16th century, the French privateers opposed Spain’s claim to the monopolization on all the islands in the Caribbean and wealth of the Antilles. However, by the 17th century, Spain’s power began to weaken as French settlements began to appear in several islands in the Lesser Antilles.

By the 1650s, the French were in possession of Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, and St. Croix, which was a French possession for 83 years. What is left of the French identity on St. Croix are a few estates names such as Montpelier, Bonne Esperance, and the like. Flamboy (flambeau) is a French term for the torch that was commonly used for catching lobsters at night around the rocky shoreline of St. Croix up until the 1960s.

Kribeshee was another French term for catching “gut lobster” or shrimp in the streams of St. Croix. Both words are no longer in use today, culturally, due to the traditional loss of catching lobsters along the rocky shoreline with a flamboy (flambeau) torch at night, and fishing for kribeshee in our once-flowing streams all year around. In a few places on St. Croix, French names have been renamed: Sandy Point from Pointe de Sable, Salt River from Riviere Salee, and several other names on the island.

Other cultural elements of the French are seen in the remnants of dance, music, or folk literature, which lingers to this day among older Virgin Islanders telling stories of long ago. However, the French Creole language didn’t survive on St. Croix, like other islands in the Caribbean such as St. Lucia and Dominica. However, on St. Thomas, the French dialect survived until recently, due to the generation gap of the older and younger French of the Virgin Islands. In other words, the French dialect, or Creole speaking, on St. Thomas has not been continually passed down as it once was years ago to the younger generations.

A fisherman sells fish to patrons in Frenchtown, circa 1941. (Photo courtesy French Heritage Museum/ Photographer Jack Delano, 1941)

In 1979, the late Dr. Arnold R. Highfield wrote a small book titled, “The French Dialect of Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands: A Descriptive Grammar with Texts and Glossary.” By profession, Highfield received his PhD in Romance Linguistics from Ohio State University. He also attended the universities of Madrid and Lausanne and contributed scholarly articles to several journals. Such a book he translated into English was, “Description of the Island of St. Croix in America in the West Indies,” written by a Danish man named Reimert Haagensen in the 1730s.

Almost 50 years ago, Highfield conducted a scientific survey on the ethnolinguistic history of the French community of St. Thomas. His research traces the history of the small village, or what was known back then as Carenage, a neighborhood in Frenchtown, or also known then as Gallows Bay on the west side of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Another settlement of French descent was on the North Side of St. Thomas. From what Highfield gathered in his research, the North Side French Creole is of the Lesser Antilles region of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Dominica, Trinidad, and St. Lucia, whereas the Carenage is clearly a dialect of Gallo-romance. From what I gather from the French research of St. Thomas by Highfield, the exact time French immigrants came to St. Thomas is not certain.

Some documents say 1865. Others say after 1870. Whatever the date was, it is well established that a small but steady stream of French immigrants migrated from St. Barthelemy to St. Thomas, with, eventually, the development as a linguistic community in the Virgin Islands. Why the migration of the French settlers from St. Barts to the Danish West Indies, particularly the island of St. Thomas? Without a doubt, St. Barts was the least important of the French possessions in the Caribbean.

It was a history of hardship for the French people on St. Barts. The island soil was extremely rocky for agriculture development. Then in 1656, the French people had a surprise attack and massacre by the Kalinago’s “Island Carib,” which forced settlers off St. Barts temporarily. In 1659, Phillippe de Longvilliers de Poincy, who once owned St. Crox, sent a second group of Frenchmen to resettle St. Barts. By 1664, the island inhabitants had grown from 30 men to 100. Linguistically speaking, Highfield believed this bit of evidence from the history of French on St. Barts is important in his study of the dialect among the French people on St. Thomas.

In his notes, Highfield stated, “the French community on St. Barts can be traced back directly to 1664 with little interference from the outside. Clearly, the form of French (i.e., French, and not Creole) spoken in St. Barts is the lineal descendant of the form of speech which prevailed there in 1664.” Nevertheless, by the beginning of the 19th century, people from St. Barts begin to migrate, particularly from a small community at Gustavia, which traded with other West Indies islands.

This trading, Highfield believed, gave some of them some idea of the outside world. As economic conditions on the island worsened by the mid-19th century, they began to entertain emigration for the first time. In 1871, France was in a war with Prussia. Thereafter, France’s economy collapsed. As a result, a small group from St. Barts decided to go elsewhere to provide for their families.

Because of the maritime trade between the Caribbean islands, St. Thomas became a major attraction for the poverty-stricken migrants from St. Barts, where they could find suitable employment in fishing and in agriculture. I have not yet touched the surface of the history of the French people on St. Thomas, especially their music, dancing, culture, religion, courtship practices, folklore, intermarriage with local Blacks, etc. A Part 2 will be coming!

— Olasee Davis is a bush professor who lectures and writes about the culture, history, ecology and environment of the Virgin Islands when he is not leading hiking tours of the wild places and spaces of St. Croix and beyond.

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