Police arrested 23-year-old Charlie Camacho early Wednesday on outstanding charges of burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and grand larceny, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Members of the Criminal Investigation Bureau and Special Operations Bureau were executing a search warrant in an unrelated case around 4:30 a.m. when they encountered Camacho inside the home, according to the police report.
Camacho was taken into custody on a warrant issued by the Superior Court, the police report stated.
His bail was set at $25,000. He was booked, processed, and remanded to the John Bell Adult Correctional Facility, pending his advice of rights Hearing scheduled for Thursday, in Superior Court, the department said.
Federal prosecutors are asking a judge to sentence Darin Richardson, who was convicted in March on charges related to mismanagement of disaster recovery materials and other crimes, to a substantial term of incarceration in a sentencing memorandum filed last week. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The U.S. Attorneys’ Office asked a federal judge last week to sentence Darin Richardson to a term of incarceration longer than the 21-27 months recommended by sentencing guidelines.
“This range, while instructive, does not prohibit the Court from imposing a higher sentence — particularly given the defendant’s conviction on an additional territorial offense that carries a statutory maximum of five years’ imprisonment,” prosecutors wrote in a sentencing memorandum filed in U.S. District Court last week.
A jury in March found Richardson guilty of criminal conflict of interest, making material false statements to a federal agent, bank fraud, making a false statement on a loan and credit application and money laundering. The verdict came after a nearly two-week trial during which prosecutors argued that Richardson received a $107,000 kickback for improperly awarding a warehousing contract to manage lumber earmarked for disaster recovery projects — and that he later lied on a home construction loan application.
“The federal fraud and false statement convictions are intertwined with a territorial conflict-of-interest conviction, a charge grounded in local law and rooted in his abuse of executive authority for personal financial gain,” the government wrote. “That local offense, by statute, carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, reflecting the Legislature’s understanding that public corruption poses a serious threat to the integrity of government institutions.”
Richardson was arrested last June alongside contractor Davidson Charlemagne, former maintenance director for the V.I. Education Department, and Sasha Charlemagne, who together ran the company that received the contract. The Charlemagnes have not yet gone to trial. Richardson’s sentencing hearing was originally scheduled for July, but it was delayed multiple times due to scheduling conflicts and so that Richardson’s attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, could represent business owner Benjamin Hendricks in a separate fraud trial involving public officials and federal funds on St. Thomas.
John-Baptiste argued for a sentence of probation in a sentencing memorandum filed by the defense in early July. In last week’s filing, the government argued against leniency given Richardson’s role as chief executive of a semiautonomous government agency at the time he committed some of the offenses.
Richardson, they wrote, “is not a man without opportunity, education or professional success. He served nearly a decade as the COO of the VIHFA, an agency entrusted with managing critical housing initiatives and administering substantial federal funds. He occupied the second-highest-ranking position in the agency, supervised various departments, and held decision-making authority over contracts and personnel. He was not a low–level employee who misunderstood his role — he was the individual others looked to for guidance on policy, compliance and integrity.”
Prosecutors argued that the sentence “will speak beyond this courtroom.”
“It will speak to government employees across the Virgin Islands who may be tempted to cut ethical corners,” they wrote. “It will speak to the public, who are watching closely and waiting to see whether justice will be done.”
Virgin Islands Port Authority board members review financial gains and ongoing airport and marine construction projects during their monthly meeting.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority reported stronger-than-expected financial results and advanced several major infrastructure projects during its governing board meeting, according to officials and documents presented at the session Wednesday.
The authority posted an operating profit of $5.3 million for the fiscal year to date, surpassing an anticipated operating loss of $1.1 million, Chief Financial Officer Anna Mauricia Penn told board members. The Marine Division recorded a $7.3 million operating gain, more than double its budget expectations, while the Aviation Division’s $2.3 million operating loss was significantly less than the projected $6.6 million deficit.
“At the end of June, there were a total of 1.6 million cruise passengers, an increase of 204,000, which is 40% above last year,” Penn said, highlighting a key driver of the authority’s improved revenues.
The authority’s accounts receivable as of June 30 stood at $30.8 million, with efforts underway to revamp reporting and collections processes. Spirit Airlines remains the largest aviation tenant, with $878,000 in accounts receivable, of which $573,000 is past due.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority oversees the territory’s airports and marine terminals, managing significant capital investments and supporting economic development. Officials said the authority’s financial health remains strong, with net assets standing at $229.8 million.
VIPA is also moving forward with its public-private partnership (P3) process, which involves regular coordination with consultants and stakeholders. “Staff and I continue to meet and work with our consultants as we navigate through the P3 process. The VIPA Team conducts weekly meetings and is working diligently with all parties involved to ensure that we are on the right path,” Executive Director Carlton Dowe reported in the Executive Director’s Report released today.
VIPA is making significant progress on the Crown Bay Development Project through ongoing collaboration with Royal Caribbean and CTI. “Staff and I had a working meeting with representatives from Royal Caribbean/CTI, virtual and in-person, as we continue to work feverishly on the Crown Bay Development Project,” Dowe said.
The recent passage of Tropical Storm Erin had minimal impact on VIPA’s operations. “The agency fared well with no reports of any major damages to our facilities territory-wide,” Dowe said.
In addition to development and storm response, VIPA has maintained active engagement with airline and federal partners. Staff met with representatives from Southwest Airlines for a walk-through of port facilities, and according to Dowe, “constructive dialogue with the airlines on both CEKA and HERA,” referring to the Cyril E. King Airport and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
The VIPA governing board approved a series of major contracts, project changes, and grant authorizations at its Aug. 20 meeting, advancing critical infrastructure and operational improvements across the territory.
In the St. Thomas and St. John district, seven active construction projects are underway with $70.5 million obligated, including the completion of a new parking and transportation center and ongoing apron replacements at the Cyril E. King Airport. On St. Croix, eight projects totaling $44.6 million are in progress, with work continuing on the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport apron rehabilitation and marine terminal improvements.
The board ratified a poll vote authorizing an equitable adjustment agreement with AT Construction Solutions for flood damage recertification at the Gordon A. Finch Marine Cargo Building. The agreement, not to exceed $65,973, addresses repairs following recent flood damage.
The board also ratified a poll vote approving the execution of a Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program grant for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. The grant will fund runway rehabilitation and is part of ongoing efforts to upgrade aviation infrastructure in the territory.
The board approved a change order for the ongoing demolition of the former Beachcomber Hotel on St. Thomas, awarding DCM Corporation an additional $89,000 to install new security fencing and repair damaged sections of the existing perimeter. The additional funding was authorized after contractors discovered that large segments of the original fencing were missing or damaged, raising concerns about unauthorized access to the site during and after demolition.
“The contractor has demolished the majority of the major structures and debris has been removed from the site. So we are expecting this project will move to close out once it’s completed, next month,” said Preston Beyer, the authority’s director of engineering.
The board also approved two significant contracts for airport maintenance. Highlight Airfield Services was awarded a $460,740 contract for runway rubber removal and taxiway edge line cleaning at Cyril E. King Airport. For Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, a $995,728 contract was awarded to Virgin Islands Paving Inc. for runway rubber removal and restriping of airfield markings. The board determined that the lowest bidder for the latter project was not eligible due to licensing issues.
Additionally, the board received updates on lease agreements, including the execution of a lease with Global Solutions LLC for a proposed hotel development on St. Croix. “We have sent correspondence to the tenant, requested a timetable from them as to the development and their financing,” Dowe said, noting the board’s ongoing oversight of the project’s progress.
The VIPA board has approved an amendment to its lease agreement with the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority after a review found the landfill operation was using more land than previously documented.
The investigation determined that, beyond the original nine acres, an additional 38 acres had been occupied, bringing the total leased area to 47 acres. The updated lease now reflects the actual land in use and aligns with fair market value assessments.
Under the revised agreement, the Waste Management Authority must pay $1.1 million to the Port Authority within six months. A further $3.6 million penalty, accrued under a previous agreement for missed landfill closure deadlines, will be deferred if all project milestones are met by August 2028. Should the authority fail to meet these milestones, the penalty will become immediately due and a daily fine of $1,000 will be reinstated, as established in a 2012 agreement.
The changes were made to comply with Federal Aviation Administration requirements, which prohibit the diversion of airport-related revenues to other government uses. Officials said the revised lease and penalty structure are designed to ensure federal compliance and protect the Port Authority’s eligibility for future funding.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority board also approved a series of policy updates and financial measures. Actions included revisions to employee compensation and travel policies, authorization to publish proposed changes to marine rates and hold public hearings, and the creation of a Contract Administrator position. Temporary employees will now receive holiday premium pay in line with central government practices.
The National Hurricane Center continues to monitor Hurricane Erin, located just off the U.S. East Coast, while also tracking two additional disturbances across the Atlantic basin as the hurricane season stays active.
Hurricane Erin is expected to cause gusty winds, choppy seas, and dangerous rip currents across the U.S. East Coast (Photo courtesy NHC)
As of an update at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the NHC reported that Hurricane Erin was about 335 miles south-southeast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, moving north with maximum sustained winds of 110 mph as a Category 2 storm. While Erin’s core is forecast to remain over water, forecasters said it could regain Category 3 strength as it tracks north. The storm’s large size could bring gusty winds, rough seas, and dangerous rip currents to much of the U.S. East Coast. Tropical weather alerts are in effect for parts of North Carolina, Virginia, as well as Bermuda.
Two Storm Systems Brewing in the Atlantic
Closer to the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, the National Hurricane Center is monitoring Disturbance #1, a tropical wave in the central Atlantic with a low chance of development over the next 48 hours and a moderate chance within seven days. Farther east, Invest 99L is also being tracked, with a moderate chance of formation in both the short- and long-term outlooks. An “invest” is an area the NHC designates for closer investigation due to its potential for tropical development.
The NHC is currently monitoring Hurricane Erin and two additional areas across the Atlantic basin. (Photo courtesy NHC)
“A tropical wave located several hundred miles east of the Leeward Islands continues to produce a broad area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms. Environmental conditions appear conducive for gradual development of this system, and a tropical depression could form by this weekend while it moves near or to the north of the northern Leeward Islands,” the NHC said.
A tropical depression is defined by the NHC as “a tropical cyclone with maximum sustained winds of 38 mph or less.”
The NWS in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is closely monitoring Disturbance #1, which may develop and pass close to the local islands. (Photo courtesy NWS)
The NHC also shared information about Invest 99L:
“Satellite-derived surface wind data from earlier on Wednesday revealed that a concentrated area of showers and thunderstorms located several hundred miles southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands lacks a closed surface circulation,” the NHC said. “Environmental conditions appear marginally favorable for additional development over the next day or so while the system moves west-southwestward at around 15 mph, and a short-lived tropical depression could form. By the end of the week, environmental conditions are expected to become unfavorable for further development,” the NHC predicted.
National Weather Service Information
In a Wednesday afternoon update, the National Weather Service in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said it was relatively confident that Disturbance #1 may pass northeast of the local islands. Even so, meteorologists noted the system could still bring increased rainfall and thunderstorms, along with a risk of flooding, and the forecast could still change.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released its weekly Global Tropics Hazards Outlook Tuesday. NOAA highlighted areas near the western Caribbean and within the Main Development Region — the zone between the west coast of Africa and the Caribbean — as having increased chances for tropical activity at the end of August and into September. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“The latest computer forecast guidance continues to suggest that Disturbance #1, the strong tropical wave monitored by the NHC, should move to the northeast of the local islands on Saturday,” the NWS said.
“This wave will shift the winds from the north, with plenty of moisture reaching Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to stream into the region, maintaining an elevated risk of flooding and a limited risk of lightning.
“Residents are advised to continue monitoring updates, as any changes in the tropical wave’s potential development or track could significantly shift the areas experiencing the heaviest showers and thunderstorms, potentially leading to flooding,” the NWS cautioned.
VITEMA Director Reminds Residents to Stay Prepared
On Wednesday, Daryl Jaschen, director of VITEMA, reminded USVI residents that an emergency supply kit is important to have throughout hurricane season. (Photo courtesy VITEMA)
Jaschen said that while the two tropical waves in the Atlantic do not currently pose a major hurricane threat to the territory, residents should be prepared to manage on their own for five to 10 days after a storm. He noted that hurricanes can disrupt supply chains into the Virgin Islands, including shipments of fuel needed to power the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority.
He assured residents that VITEMA can open storm shelters if needed during an emergency and advised individuals to assemble an emergency supply kit and create a clear communication plan with family and friends in case services are disrupted.
Jaschen also stressed safety, reminding the public that generators should never be used indoors and encouraging households to keep medications, water, nonperishable food, and cash on hand in the event of extended power outages.
Finally, Jaschen encouraged residents to sign up for VITEMA emergency alerts through the agency’s website.
In its latest update, NOAA said that once Disturbance #1, currently near the Leeward Islands, moves away over the next week, conditions for storm formation may briefly become less favorable before ramping up again at the beginning of September.
“The NHC is monitoring Disturbance #1 over the central Atlantic that has a moderate potential for development over the next several days,” the NOAA update explained. “Should this system develop, it would be located somewhere over the western portion of the Atlantic basin at the start of the ‘Week Two’ outlook period, which runs from Aug. 27 until Sept. 2,” NOAA said.
“Following this system, environmental conditions are forecast to become somewhat unfavorable for additional tropical cyclogenesis across the Atlantic Main Development Region for several days to a week,” NOAA explained.
However, NOAA added that in early September, additional tropical waves are expected to again move off the west coast of Africa, some of which could organize into tropical systems. The agency highlighted both the western Caribbean and the Main Development Region — the zone between Africa and the Caribbean — as areas with increasing chances for activity in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Pacific basin, which has been active recently, is also expected to experience an elevated risk for cyclonic development in the coming weeks.
Local Weather Forecast Information
The climatological peak of the hurricane season of mid-September is fast-approaching, and it is crucial to remember that the forecast can change very quickly. USVI residents and visitors are encouraged to continue to remain prepared. Weather information is available from the NWS, the NHC, and NOAA.
Top police officials and the V.I. government’s chief negotiator said they believe a spike in absences by unionized officers was linked to contract negotiations now underway (Source file photo by Linda Morland)
The judge who heard government demands for sanctions against unionized police officers at an August bench trial is expected to rule by the end of the month. Police Commissioner Mario Brooks was among the witnesses who testified about an apparent job action taken in June by members of the Police Benevolent Association, Local 816.
Government witnesses testifying before Superior Court Judge Sigrid Tejo said daily operations at some police commands in St. Thomas-St. John were disrupted by absences in the ranks between June 15 and June 19. “Officers began calling in sick, and according to the V.I. Code, that action constitutes a strike,” said Justice Department attorney Eric Chancellor.
Chancellor, speaking on behalf of the V.I. Police Department, asked the court to issue an injunction against similar actions in the future. Brooks said he sought a temporary restraining order against the union and its leadership after seeing a copy of a letter issued by Local 816 President Joel Browne Connor.
Connor told his members it was their duty to report for work as scheduled but in the same letter, he commended the membership for demonstrating courage and commitment.
Brooks and Joss Springette from the Office of Collective Bargaining said the union is currently negotiating a new contract. “The current contract has expired and negotiations over a new contract are still underway,” Springette said.
Tejo ordered both sides to submit closing briefs in writing. Attorney Tonya Saafir, representing the union, said the government’s witnesses failed to prove there was any organized job action or that any such action was directed by leaders of Local 816.
“Plaintiffs failed to prove deliberate and concerted action,” Saaffir said. “Sporadic sick calls, without proof of coordinated intent, do not satisfy the statutory definition.”
The union is asking the court to dissolve the restraining order and deny the request for an injunction. In an order issued Aug. 14, Tejo said the order would remain in effect up until Aug. 29.
St. Thomian amateur super heavyweight boxer, Ke-ion Gabriel, poses with championship belts from the 2025 Fortified Annual Throwdown and Irving Police Athletic League End of Summer Bash. (Photo courtesy Ke-ion Gabriel)
St. Thomian super heavyweight Ke-ion Gabriel turned personal tragedy into boxing triumph, capturing two championship belts in Texas to improve his amateur record to 7-1 ahead of his Nov. 8 bout at Border Wars 17 in Atlanta.
The basketball courts at Paul E. Pearson Gardens have seen countless young athletes chasing athletic dreams, but for Ke-ion Gabriel, his true calling was waiting just steps away— behind the walls of the I Believe I Can Fly boxing gym.
“I used to play basketball out there all the time,” Gabriel reflects. “I had no idea my destiny was waiting right behind me.”
Today, that destiny is becoming clearer with each powerful punch. The amateur super heavyweight recently returned from Fort Worth, Texas, with two championship belts and a 7-1 record, proving that sometimes life’s greatest victories come from its most challenging moments.
Gabriel’s journey into boxing began in 2022 after losing a close friend to gun violence. “I knew I couldn’t become a product of my environment,” Gabriel said. “I needed a way out, so I went with boxing.”
For Gabriel, the sport became more than just physical training — it became a spiritual anchor. Grounded in his faith, he views boxing as both a path to personal redemption and a platform for inspiring others facing similar struggles. “It reminds me that God can take you out of any situation,” he explains. “It’s not up to anyone else.”
Three years into his boxing career, Gabriel is relentlessly pursuing success in the ring. “I’m always checking USA Boxing for sanctioned fights to build up my record,” Gabriel explains. “It doesn’t even matter where it is
Most recently, Gabriel landed in Fort Worth, where he connected with renowned boxing coach Shug Dorsey. Their first meeting was anything but conventional.
“I met him at the gym in St. Thomas when I first started boxing, and I just trash-talked him the whole time,” Gabriel laughed. “The rest is history.”
Under Dorsey’s guidance, Gabriel discovered a coaching philosophy that matched his own hunger for improvement. “He knows what he’s talking about, and he doesn’t sugarcoat anything,” Gabriel says of his mentor’s no-frills approach.
The preparation for Gabriel’s recent Texas competitions was nothing short of grueling. “Coach Shug had me running seven miles a day, eating quinoa and drinking kale smoothies,” Gabriel recalled.
The strict regimen paid dividends when Gabriel stepped into the ring for two crucial bouts. On Aug. 9, he competed in the Fortified Annual Throwdown, followed by the Irving Police Athletic League End of Summer Bash on Aug. 17.
In his first bout against Demetrius Ward, Gabriel’s power was on full display as the referee stopped the contest following a series of devastating blows that left Ward unable to defend himself. His second victory came against Wesley Watt in a three-round battle that Gabriel won by unanimous decision.
Gabriel (left) poses with Coach Shug Dorsey after a unanimously decided victory at the Fortified Annual Throwdown. (Photo courtesy Ke-ion Gabriel)
As Gabriel’s star continues to rise in the boxing world, he hasn’t forgotten the young people still navigating the same streets where his journey began. His message to Virgin Islands youth carries the weight of lived experience and hard-earned wisdom.
“Be a leader, not a follower,” Gabriel urges. “Don’t be afraid to stand out.”
It’s advice that Gabriel himself has embodied, transforming from a troubled teen with untapped potential into a boxer with championship hardware and an inspiring story of resilience.
Gabriel is scheduled to compete next at Border Wars 17 on Nov. 8 in Atlanta, Georgia, as he continues building his amateur record.
Nykole Tyson speaks with Central High female students, alongside the Office of Gun Prevention, about conflict resolution, positive decision making, navigating high school and preparing for the future. (Photo courtesy Make It Happen Foundation)
The Make It Happen Foundation will host its inaugural T-Off-4 Tuition Golf Benefit, a two-day fundraising event to support Virgin Islands high school students pursuing higher education and vocational certifications.
The event kicks off with a cocktail party on Saturday, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Carambola Golf Club, followed by a Golf Tournament on Sunday, beginning at 9 a.m. The cocktail party is open to the public.
“We are thrilled to bring the community together for this exciting event, where every swing of the golf club and every raffle ticket purchased directly supports Virgin Islands students in achieving their educational and career goals,” said Nykole Tyson, board chair of the Make It Happen Foundation. “The generosity of our sponsors and participants will have a lasting impact, providing critical financial resources that help students succeed,” she said.
The idea for the fundraiser began last spring when a University of the Virgin Islands student faced unexpected financial challenges midterm. Realizing that others might experience similar setbacks, Tyson envisioned an event to provide emergency financial support. With encouragement from Bruce Claridge, manager of Cost U Less, the idea quickly became a reality. Tyson explained that the funding will not only support college expenses but also trade certifications.
“I realized that some may not want to go to college. There are still needs, and they can make a great living in the trade profession. I wanted to be able to assist students in defining their career track specifically in the trade field,” she said.
Cocktail party tickets are $50 and include one drink ticket, light refreshments, live entertainment, and entry into a raffle for prizes such as a 65-inch TV, dinner, or jewelry gift certificates. Golf Tournament registration is $175 per player and includes an embroidered golf shirt, swag bag, breakfast snacks, lunch buffet, and entry into the raffle for a generator.
Proceeds will fund scholarships for students pursuing both college degrees and vocational certifications. Various sponsorship packages are also available, giving businesses and individuals an opportunity to support students while gaining visibility. Sponsorship details and ticket purchases are available at makeithappenfoundation.org under the events section.
Nykole Tyson shares career advice and life skills with Free Will Baptist students. (Photo courtesy Make It Happen Foundation)
The Make It Happen Foundation, formed in 2023 and officially recognized as a 501(c)(3) in May 2025, is dedicated to youth mentorship and empowerment, a mission Tyson has personally championed since 2008. She also hosts a weekly radio show, I’m Making It Happen, on 103.5 FM, along with a television program that broadcasts on four networks across 19 countries and five Canadian provinces.
“I started on Facebook, and it branched out. I like to highlight individuals making it happen, and through those stories, it inspires viewers and listeners that they too can make it happen,” she said. Her commitment to service extends beyond youth; Tyson has also rescued and rehomed more than 30 dogs and counting. “All of us want the same thing, and I feel like if one of us hurts, all of us hurts in some way. If I can help one child who then helps another, that is my interest.”
After a family tragedy, Tyson returned to St. Croix for a brief visit and found comfort in the slower pace of island life. “After my brother was killed, I needed a break and came home for two weeks. I fell in love with St. Croix for the first time and appreciated the slower life. Just people acknowledging my presence and the food meant a lot,” she recalled.
Encouraged by her grandmother’s advice, “If you are willing to come home, come home. If you don’t like it you can always go back.” Tyson decided to settle on St. Croix. “I felt like, why can’t I make it happen in my own home, when people come here and make it happen? Why can’t I make it successful from where I am?” she said.
Sponsors of the event include Cost U Less, West Indies Company, Bellows International, Captain Morgan, High Noon, NT Media, I’m Making It Happen, Star Light Promotion, Deep End Restaurant, VI Lottery, NAPA, Office of the Governor, Public Finance Authority, Cane Bay Partners, J. Benton Construction, Bates Trucking, Trash Removal & Water Delivery, Jolly Rogers Tees, Department of Tourism, Reef Broadcasting Stations, WJKC, VI Regulated Waste Management, Vacation St. Croix, Antillean Engineering Inc., Alternative Real Estate, McChain Hamm & Associates, Carambola Golf Club.
For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or to purchase tickets, visit makeithappenfoundation.org or call 857-575-2865.
This summer, the University of the Virgin Islands’ (UVI) Navigating Home program provided valuable workforce fellowship opportunities for two Virgin Islands youth, offering new ways for recent graduates to build STEM careers while contributing to the local workforce.
Designed for early-career professionals from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Navigating Home offers both short- and long-term placements that combine hands-on experience with mentorship from UVI, nonprofits, agencies, and local partners.
“These fellowships create career pathways in STEM for Virgin Islanders,” said Dr. Kristin Wilson Grimes, project lead at UVI’s Center for Marine and Environmental Studies. “We’ve built strong partnerships over the years, and placements through DPNR and other local organizations often lead to full-time jobs—our long-term goal.”
The program is focused on bringing back, training, and retaining Virgin Islanders with Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees who are committed to contributing to the future of their home islands.
One of this summer’s fellows, Gidal Williams, graduated from St. Croix Educational Complex and the University of the Virgin Islands. At UVI, he is mentored by Dr. Lauren Olinger and Doug Wilson, where his work blends technology with ocean science. His fellowship involves researching Sargassum drift to understand how it reaches the Virgin Islands, developing computer code to simulate its movement based on ocean currents and wind, and repairing UVI’s Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) used in oceanographic data collection. “This experience has been both challenging and rewarding,” Williams said. “It’s given me significant learning opportunities while contributing to UVI’s marine research capacity.”
Meanwhile, Marissa Bornn, a graduate of VI Montessori School & Peter Gruber International Academy and Princeton University, served as a Conservation Fellow with Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative. Her fellowship fully immersed her in coral restoration. She assisted with coral husbandry, maintenance of land-based and in-water nurseries, health assessments, and future outplanting to reefs around St. Thomas and St. John. She also contributed to monitoring data collection, restoration planning, and the care of herbivorous invertebrates. “Every day in this fellowship was a dream come true,” Bornn said. “I got to dive in my home waters of the Virgin Islands, work hands-on with corals, and learn from brilliant and inspiring people.”
This summer’s fellowships highlight how powerful it can be to engage young Virgin Islanders in real-world projects that both grow their careers and strengthen the resilience of the islands.
A limited number of short-term fellowship positions are still available. To learn more about the Navigating Home program or to apply, visit www.navigatinghomeproject.com.
The Navigating Home program is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Robert Joseph Bryan on Aug. 5, 2025 at the age of 62 at his residence.
Robert Joseph Bryan
He is survived by his brother David Bryan. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mass of Christian burial on Thursday, Aug. 21, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Viewing begins at 9 a.m. with Mass to follow 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, directions, or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com
Elder financial exploitation is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the Virgin Islands, robbing older adults of their savings, independence, and dignity. Financial professionals are on the front lines of this crisis, uniquely positioned to detect, prevent, and respond to fraud before it devastates lives.
Zoimé Álvarez Rubio, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association (ABPR) joins AARP VI and VI Department of Human Services as the featured presenter for the second Elder Justice Summit. (Submitted photo)
On Aug. 21, AARP Virgin Islands and the VI Department of Human Services will host Part 2 of the Elder Justice Summit 2025, a gathering designed specifically for financial professionals and our partners in law enforcement, legal services, and government. This summit is more than a discussion—it is a coordinated effort to build strategies that will protect our most vulnerable residents.
The key speaker will be Zoimé Álvarez Rubio, Esq., President & Chief Executive Officer of the Puerto Rico Bankers Association (ABPR). Álvarez Rubio is widely recognized as a leading voice in Puerto Rico’s banking industry, actively participating in various local and national forums. Her commitment is reflected in her involvement on the boards and advisory councils of key organizations, including the Puerto Rico Business Emergency Operations Center (BEOC), the Advisory Council of the Puerto Rico Housing and Human Development Trust (FIDEVI), and the Board of Directors of the Affordable Housing Fund of Puerto Rico (AFHPR). She also serves on the Advisory Council of the School of Business at the Universidad del Sagrado Corazón and was appointed Regional Representative to the American Bankers Association’s Executive Alliance Committee.
Dedicated to combating financial fraud and advancing female leadership in the industry, Álvarez Rubio leverages her experience to educate the public on critical financial topics. She has been a featured speaker at numerous events and has shared her insights through articles and interviews in specialized media, including the ABA Banking Journal. Her contributions have also been recognized by the Puerto Rico Mortgage Bankers Association.
Álvarez Rubio will be joined by fellow presenters: Commissioner Averil George, VI Department of Human Services; Pamela Toussaint, Associate State Director of Advocacy and Outreach for AARP Virgin Islands; and Heather Richardson-Henry, Acting District Manager of Adult Protective Services, DHS. The event will also include a panel discussion and community dialogue moderated by Attorney Paul Greenwood, featuring G. Diane Francis, Regional Risk Manager of First Bank Virgin Islands; Keisha Richards, Chief Executive Officer, St. Thomas Credit Union; Troy A. de Chabert-Schuster, State Director of AARP Virgin Islands; and Beth Russo, Esq., AARP Government Affairs Director.
Designed for early-career professionals from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Navigating Home offers both short- and long-term placements that combine hands-on experience with mentorship from UVI, nonprofits, agencies, and local partners.
