The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas hosts an evening of the music and poetry of Leonard Cohen, presented by Cantor Deborah Zecher. Leonard Cohen was a Canadian songwriter, singer, poet and novelist.
The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas Synagogue (Submitted photo)
His work explores themes of faith, morality, isolation, redemption, love, desire and loss. He worked in several genres of music including folk, rock, pop and country. His song Hallelujah, among many, is well known. The program combines readings of his poetry related to his songs. Cantor Zecher joins the congregation for the High Holy Day Day Services, which begin Monday Sept. 22.
Date: Sunday Sept. 28
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Venue: Lilienfeld House on Synagogue Hill
RSVP to info@synagogue.vi, for planning purposes. There is no charge.
Like an infinite cycle, within the circle of fifths
Your memory lives, your spirit uplifts
Those of us who had, even a moment with you
Know we witnessed a blessing, as you channeled it through
With a teacher’s guiding grace, you firmly struck the chord,
each lesson played like notes restored,
improvised wisdom, cool jazz refrain,
a melody carried through sunshine and rain.
Knowing eyes, that praised and scolded silently
Your determined whisper could cut sharper than a deep paper cut, invisibly
Shoes that said don’t mess with me
And statement hats that topped it all off with surety
On the court of life, you served with care,
an ace of kindness, beyond compare.
At match point moments, love stood tall,
proving service was your greatest call.
On the green of days both long and done,
you lived each round until a hole in one.
Your drive was steady, your aim was true,
a par of faith carried us through.
Devoted son, with roots so deep,
a husband’s promise you did keep.
A father’s laughter, a friend’s embrace,
a heart that swung with timeless pace.
Beloved teacher, community’s pride,
we continue to celebrate you far and wide.
In every chorus, in every cheer,
your rhythm of love still plays clear.
And so we gather, as our voices blend,
to say with joy, as community, family and friends
in this bookending, we comprehend:
“Your song began, and it will never end.”
It is culturally customary to call certain elders Uncle or Auntie, out of respect and endearment.
A common practice in various genres of music, “bookending” is a songwriting technique where the first few lines or musical theme of a song are repeated or reprised at the very end to create a sense of completion, like a full circle or framing device. This technique, which can apply to lyrics, melody, or both, helps to make a song more memorable and reinforces its core message by establishing it at the beginning and providing a full-circle resolution at the end.
The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare, proudly announces the opening of the Rural Health Center in Sunny Isle. This expansion makes a broader range of essential healthcare services available to the community — all under one roof.
An exam room at the new Sunny Isles location. (Submitted photo)
Thanks to generous private donations, the new Rural Health Center will begin seeing patients on Sept. 22, 2025, offering:
Primary Care Services – preventive care and chronic disease management
Walk-in Care – same day, walk-in services for non-emergency needs
Mental Health & Counseling – emotional and behavioral support (coming soon)
“Healthcare is a critical factor that directly impacts the quality of life for all of us here on St. Croix,” says Aminah Saleem, board member, patient advocate and community awareness liaison. “Access to timely and affordable medical services remains and significant challenge. Recognizing this need, the VIHCF is committed to expanding healthcare access through community-based solutions.”
Beginning September 22, patients can call 340-202-0084 to schedule an appointment — or simply walk in for care at the Sunny Isle Shopping Center, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
As a non-profit, VIHCF reinvests its resources directly into patient care and community health initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and access for all. The new Rural Health Center is expected to significantly expand vital health and wellness services to St. Croix residents.
This expansion follows the successful launch of the VIHCF Renal Center earlier this year. Opened on January 3, 2025, the state-of-the-art, 13-chair dialysis unit has served nearly 40 patients to date. The Renal Center provides comprehensive outpatient in-center hemodialysis, kidney disease management, and innovative telehealth services — all dedicated to improving kidney health and enhancing patients’ quality of life.
Saleem goes on to say, “The establishment of the Rural Healthcare Center marks our second major initiative to deliver high-quality, accessible care, especially to underserved populations. As a nonprofit organization, we are dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities, reducing barriers to treatment, and improving overall community well-being. This expansion reflects our mission to ensure that every resident—regardless of income, geography, or background—has access to the healthcare they deserve.”
The Virgin Islands Healthcare Foundation remains steadfast: Your health is our mission.
The University of the Virgin Islands’ Reichhold Center for the Arts (RCA) Sessions on the Floor is back for a bold new season, continuing its mission to spotlight local talent in ways that challenge, inspire, and entertain.
Singer Lorna Freeman (Submitted photo)
The season kicks off Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center with the beloved songstress of the Virgin Islands, Lorna Freeman, accompanied by the Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra and other special guests.
Freeman, a powerhouse vocalist, is celebrated for her soulful interpretations and captivating voice. With a rare four-octave range, she effortlessly glides from rich, velvety lows to soaring, crystalline highs. Her performances blend Caribbean rhythms with contemporary flair, offering both technical mastery and emotional depth.
“This concert exemplifies the exceptional artistry that Lorna Freeman brings to every performance,” said RCA Director, Denise Humphrey. “She will sing across different genres that showcase her versatility and extraordinary vocal range. Paired with the Rising Stars, the performance will be a one-of-a-kind collaboration you won’t want to miss.”
The Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra, a vibrant ensemble of young musicians recognized for their skillful steel pan performances and infectious energy, has been an institution in the Virgin Islands since the 1980s. The group’s dedication to youth empowerment and education, musical excellence and cultural preservation has earned acclaim across the territory and beyond.
RCA Sessions has built a reputation for pushing artists beyond their comfort zones, encouraging experimentation, collaboration and artistic growth. This season promises to continue that tradition, with each show designed to stretch the boundaries of performance and creativity.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour at 7 p.m., followed by the show at 8 p.m. at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus. Tickets are available online at https://www.uvi.edu/reichhold/rca-sessions.html and at the door. Court seating is $75 per person, with bleacher seating tickets at $35 per person. Discounted tickets are available for students (all ages) including UVI students, faculty and staff at the UVI Bookstore.
Virgin Islands Sports Ambassador Michelle Smith made her senior World Athletics Championships debut in Tokyo, Japan, competing in the Women’s 400m Hurdles on Sept. 15. Racing in Heat 1, Lane 1, Smith finished 6th with a time of 56.00 seconds, behind World Leader and winner of the heat Femke Bol from the Netherlands.
Michelle Smith in Tokyo. (Submitted photo)
Although she did not advance to the semi-finals, Smith’s performance capped off a remarkable and successful season. As the VI Sports Ambassador and a freshman at the University of Georgia, she:
Won 2 gold medals in the CARIFTA Games, 400m Hurdles and 800m.
Set a Virgin Islands National record, UGA school record and world-leading time of 54.56 seconds at the Florida Relays.
Earned SEC runner-up honors in the 400m hurdles and the 4*400m
Earned the SEC Freshman of the year award
Won bronze at the NCAA Championships in the 400m hurdles and gold in the 4*400m
Part of UGA’s SEC Championship winning team
Part of UGA’s first-ever NCAA National Championship winning team
Ranked #1 in the World Under 20 in the 400m Hurdles for 2025
#4 Fastest athlete ever recorded in the Under 20 – 400m Hurdles history in the World
Claimed silver at the World University Games in Germany
Claimed silver at the Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay
Smith’s participation in Tokyo marked a major milestone in her transition from junior to senior international competition. At just 19 years old, she continues to inspire with her poise, talent, and determination.
Her journey this season reflects the growing strength of Virgin Islands athletics on the world stage, and her future remains incredibly bright.
The Virgin Islands Track and Field Federation sincerely thanks the Virgin Islands Olympic Committee for their steadfast support and commitment to the advancement of athletics in the Virgin Islands.
VIOC’s dedication has played a vital role in empowering our athletes, enhancing our development programs, and enabling meaningful international representation—most recently at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Formerly known as Pre-Accelerate VI, the USVI Idea Incubator—an initiative of the UVI Research and Technology Park—is now accepting applications for its fall 2025 cohort. The free, 15-week program provides ambitious Virgin Islanders with a step-by-step framework for launching and growing a web or mobile app—without needing a software background.
Amali Krigger, founder of Lentil App pitches his startup at the 2024 Tech Beach Retreat Founder Showcase. Lentil is a 2023 cohort member of the USVI Idea Incubator. (Submitted photo)
Designed to onboard aspiring founders into the tech startup world, the USVI Idea Incubator delivers training in product development, startup best practices, and tech business fundamentals. Beginning on Oct. 30, the program includes weekly virtual sessions, along with in-person engagements during the first and final weeks.
“This program was heaven-sent at the perfect time in my app journey. The training empowered me with exactly what I needed in order to bring my app to life. I went from knowing nothing about app development to feeling like nothing is impossible in this space despite not having a software background,” said past program graduate Steve Lowe, Founder of MyEstateShieldVI.
The program’s framework has been described as, “… a bridge to opportunity,” by billionaire philanthropist and investor Robert F. Smith, who has long championed inclusive entrepreneurship nationwide.
“Supporting local entrepreneurs is a key part of our mission here at the RTPark,” adds Amanda Spann, Entrepreneurship Program Manager at RTPark. “A major barrier for non-technical founders is simply not knowing what they don’t know. The average first-time founder loses over $50,000 in inefficiencies, missteps, and wasted time trying to figure things out. The Idea Incubator was launched to bridge that gap—to flatten the learning curve, reduce unnecessary costs, and provide a roadmap that allows Virgin Islanders to confidently bring their ideas to life.”
Participants will be immersed in workshops, webinars, and one-on-one mentoring to help them validate ideas, refine business models, launch products, and polish their pitch.
By the end of the program, founders will:
• Improve their understanding of startup best practices
• Validate their idea with customers
• Expand their network to include successful founders and investors
• Enhance their professional brand
• Refine their business model and revenue streams
• Become more proficient at pitching their startup to potential co-founders, accelerators and customers
• Map out a plan for the next year of growth
“The USVI Idea Incubator is a launchpad for the next generation of Virgin Islands innovators,” said Eric Sonnier, Executive Director at RTPark. “As we work to build an inclusive and sustainable tech ecosystem in the territory, we recognize that access to education, mentorship, and networks is absolutely critical. This incubator helps close that gap and creates a community of entrepreneurs who are equipped not just to dream big, but to execute at scale.”
Who Should Apply:
• Are currently based in the US Virgin Islands
• Have a startup idea or business concept that can be delivered and deployed as a web or mobile app
• Have an innovative tech or tech-enabled business idea that addresses a USVI challenge or can scale globally
• Are a passionate, aspiring founder willing to dedicate 10+ hours per week to work on your business
• Consider yourself committed, ambitious, and disciplined enough to meet weekly milestones and complete the program
• Have a reliable and stable internet connection, as the program will primarily be conducted online
Additional Requirements:
• No professional services i.e. consulting
• Idea has generated less than $50,000 in revenue to date
• Idea has raised or received less than $100,000 in total investment (e.g., equity, convertible notes, government grants, academic grants)
• Commitment to Accelerate VI Code of Conduct & Attendance Policy
To apply, visit https://uvirtpark.net/incubator. Applications must be received by Oct. 10 at 11:59 p.m. AST.
About the UVI RTPark
The University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park (UVI RTPark) is a specialized economic development organization committed to attracting and supporting technology and knowledge-based businesses in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Through incentive programs, strategic partnerships, and workforce initiatives, RTPark strengthens the region’s innovation economy and creates sustainable community impact.
As the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission marks its 30-year anniversary, it reminds patrons to gamble responsibly. (Shutterstock image)
September is Responsible Gaming Education Month, a time when the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission joins the American Gaming Association, the premier national trade group for the U.S. casino industry, and other partners, in promoting awareness and education of responsible gaming. The Commission emphasizes the importance of fostering a safe, informed and responsible gaming environment for all patrons. The key principles of responsible gaming are:
Set a budget and stick to it.
Keep it social and keep it fun.
Know the game and know the odds.
Don’t chase losses.
Play with trusted, licensed operators.
Marvin Pickering (Submitted photo)
The U.S. casino industry is a strong supporter of independent academic research on responsible gaming and problem gambling treatment and has contributed $10 million in the last five years to these efforts. The funds are used to develop and implement responsible play practices and to train employees to monitor and assist patrons who require assistance. The industry makes this investment because it recognizes that problem gambling results in significant societal and economic harm. As of December 2023, problem gambling in the U.S. had an estimated cost of $8 billion annually in criminal justice and healthcare spending, job loss, bankruptcy, and other adverse consequences. Most of the $100 million spent in 2024 to combat problem gambling came from taxes paid by the casino industry.
Since the enactment of the Virgin Islands Casino and Resort Control Act of 1995, the Commission has established an effective framework for the legal casino industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Our casino operators are an important component of the local economy as they create hundreds of jobs and generate substantial tax revenues used to support schools, hospitals and health care facilities, sports and youth programs, and other public services, thereby relieving the general fund of a portion of those costs and enhancing the life of all Virgin Islanders. These casino operators also promote responsible gaming by disseminating information through on-site signage and media advertising and by training their employees in problem gambling awareness.
The Commission receives 1% of the annual taxes of approximately $2.4 million paid on gross revenues by legal operators to fund programs to treat and prevent gambling addiction. The Commission has directed these monies and other significant resources toward a variety of initiatives, including strengthening the Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program; launching www.playwisevi.org, a website on responsible gaming and problem gambling disorder information; entering a Memorandum of Understanding with the Virgin Islands Department of Health to fund the training and certification of counselors employed with the Behavioral Health Division in the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction; and on June 4, 2025, in Nashville, TN, at the annual conference of the North American Gaming Regulators Association, a national nonprofit group of gaming regulators exchanging regulatory information and techniques, presenting a panel showcasing the Commission’s efforts to build culturally sensitive outreach programs.
Over the years, we have been assisted in delivering our responsible gaming messages through appearances on Analyze This hosted by former Sen. Neville James on WTJX FM radio; Pass It On hosted by former Sen. Roosevelt David on WSTA AM radio; and the Big Phat Morning Show on Isle 95 FM radio. We have had guest editorials published in The Virgin Islands Daily News and our signage and other material posted and distributed by our licensees at the casinos. We thank all of them for understanding the importance of making sure the gambling public in the U.S. Virgin Islands remains educated and aware of responsible gaming.
As the Commission celebrates its 30th anniversary and moves boldly into the 21st century with the work begun at the Internet Gaming and Internet Gambling Summit held on July 31, 2025, for the realization of internet gaming in the Territory, we remain committed to responsible gaming education. The Honorable Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. stated in his proclamation dated Aug. 26, 2025, recognizing September 2025 as Responsible Gaming Education Month, “[t]he Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, as the licensing and regulatory authority for the local casino industry, is committed to promoting responsible gaming education because the industry’s long-term success depends on informed, responsible, educated players who view gambling as a form of entertainment.” The Commission stands firm on that commitment. We encourage Virgin Islanders and visitors alike to continue patronizing the casinos licensed and regulated by the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission, and to always Game Responsibly!
— Marvin Pickering is the chairman and chief executive officer of the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
Hannibal “Mike” Ware addresses the public during a Government House briefing Monday on St. Thomas after being appointed to lead the V.I. Waste Management Authority. (Screenshot from V.I. Government House Facebook livestream)
Virgin Islander Hannibal “Mike” Ware’s appointment to lead the V.I. Waste Management Authority was announced by Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel, who chairs the WMA board, during a Government House briefing Monday on St. Thomas.
Ware previously held the position of inspector general of the U.S. Small Business Administration, where he oversaw billions of dollars in federal funds. He was one of several inspectors general fired immediately after President Donald Trump resumed office. Ware, who also served as the chair of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, questioned the legality of the firings in a letter to the White House Office of Presidential Personnel.
“At this point, we do not believe the actions taken are legally sufficient to dismiss Presidentially Appointed, Senate Confirmed Inspectors General,” he wrote at the time.
On Monday, Ware said that when he “heard the governor’s call for Virgin Islanders to return home to contribute to the positive development of our territory, something pulled at my heart that I could not quite shake.” Ware said he was “far too young, far too fly, far too gifted” to waste his days on golfing, traveling, and sleeping in.
“I’ve been receiving some very lucrative offers from private companies seeking to utilize my expertise and credibility to lobby and consult,” he said. “While it would seem that that would be the natural transition for someone with my executive experience and reputation — and to be frank, it probably would have put my family and I in a pretty good financial position — that work didn’t seem like it would be rewarding or fulfilling to me at this point in my life. People think about jobs. I’m thinking about purpose.”
Before introducing Ware, Gabriel thanked WMA employees and interim Executive Director Daryl Griffith, whom he said: “handled the challenge, I think, with the stewardship that was required.”
“I cannot thank Daryl and his team enough for all that they’ve done to keep the authority not only afloat, but making progress through the last months and through the months ahead,” Gabriel said before introducing Ware as a “change agent” who is “no stranger to this territory.”
“Mr. Ware … brings with him decades of experience working on the federal levels, local levels and state levels, and we know that he will be the person to shepherd us in the authority for years to come,” Gabriel said. “As everybody knows, we have over $3 billion of federal grants available to us. We have a lot of local money available to us to address the challenges that face the authority every day, and we know that Mr. Ware — in addition to the men and women that serve in the department, in the Waste Management Authority — are up to the challenge.”
