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Blondelle V. Prince Hastings Dies

Mat Probasco
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Blondelle V. Prince Hastings Dies

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that we announce the passing of Blondelle V. Prince Hastings, better known as Helen, who departed this life peacefully on June 3, 2025.

Blondelle V. Prince Hastings

Funeral Service will be on July 23. Tributes at 9-10 a.m. Service is 10 a.m. at Memorial Moravian Church interment at Moravian Cemetery.

Blondelle V. Prince Hastings Preceded in death by her Parents: Fabian & Elizabeth Prince, Husband Hewlett Hastings Niece and Melanie Joseph.

Survivors Daughters: Claudia & Tashie Prince

Son: Sanjay Hastings Grand Children: Samantha Serrano Parrea, Samuel Serrano Jr., AJoy Francis, Sanjay Jr, Tray’Vonte, Trey & Leon Hastings Sisters: Jean Prince, Jennifer Prince, Norma Prince, Claudina Prince, Dornell Prince Crawford, Sherece Prince Britton, Cherrica Prince Griffith Brothers: David & Verdan Prince

Nieces: Natasha Henry, Sammia Prince, Dr. Shernore Prince, Kennisha Prince, Simone Southwell

Jamisha Pigott, Tekerra Pigott, Chanester Crawford, Ciamya Prince Griffith

Great Nieces: J’Seema Hendrickson, Kennadi Lockhart & Zoey Bullard Nephews: Kevin Smith, Kareem Henry, Kerry Prince, David Prince Jr., Sunil Prince, Alford Cochrane, Jaheel Anthony, Kaseem Hendrickson, Aleck & Ashon Bell, Dyquan Pigott, Javon & Micah Crawford, Kiah Prince Griffith, Elisha Britton, & Jaden Prince

Great Nephews: J’marr Robinson, Aiden Jackson, & Kmaal Mingo Close Friends: Oliver Mack & Genevieve Bachelor Aunt: Lorraine Gillard & Eurica Prince

God Children: Chucka & Kia Payne Daughter In-law:  Leah Hastings Son In-law: Byron Osborne

Grandson In-law: Derrick Parrea Brother In-laws: Andrew Crawford, Dwight Griffith, Brian Britton, Anselmo Bell.

Funeral arrangement entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Service.

Septic Disposal Fee Starts Aug. 14

Mat Probasco
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Septic Disposal Fee Starts Aug. 14

Effective August 14, 2025, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority will collect a septic disposal fee. This fee will be imposed on all septage received at VIWMA treatment plants from private sector companies removing and transporting wastewater from septic systems, portable toilets, and other privately owned wastewater treatment plant systems (e.g., treatment plants, sewer lines, pump stations, etc.).

The Septic Waste Disposal Fee is approved by the PSC and is calculated as follows: A Septage Waste Disposal Fee of $75.58 will be applied to loads of wastewater per 1,000 gallons.

COLLECTION POINTS

  • St. Thomas – Mangrove Lagoon Treatment Plant
  • St. Croix – Harold Thompson Treatment Plant
  • St. John – Cruz Bay Treatment Plan

FirstBank Opens Applications for Community Reinvestment Program

Mat Probasco
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FirstBank Opens Applications for Community Reinvestment Program

FirstBank is proud to announce the opening of its 2025 Community Reinvestment Program application period, which runs until July 30, 2025. This initiative aims to support nonprofit organizations that serve Low and Moderate Income (LMI) individuals, families, and communities across the USVI and BVI where FirstBank operates.

The program funds projects that directly align with the requirements of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) demonstrate a measurable impact within one or more of the following focus areas:

  • Education and Financial Literacy
  • Housing and Economic Development
  • Community and Social Development
  • Environment and Community Revitalization

“This program reflects our deep commitment to creating stronger, more resilient communities,” said Dina Perry-Malone, vice president and USVI retail banking and operations manager at FirstBank. “We look forward to supporting initiatives that promote economic development, community empowerment and long-term growth.

To be eligible, applicants must be recognized as a 501(c)(3) public charity by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and have a current Certificate of Good Standing from the Lieutenant Governor’s Office. Organizations seeking funding are encouraged to submit their proposals by the July 30 deadline. Disbursements will be made in August 2025.

For full application guidelines and to submit a proposal, visit: https://www.1firstbank.com/vi/en/about-us/firstbank-community-donation.html. All donation forms must be emailed to donations vi@firstbankpr.com for consideration.

Jet Ski Cocaine Smuggler Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

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Jet Ski Cocaine Smuggler Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison

A Puerto Rican man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison for his role in a 2021 cocaine smuggling operation involving jet skis between Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced.

Emanuel Rodriguez Rodriguez, 34, was sentenced Tuesday, July 7, to 121 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 25 kilograms of cocaine, according to a statement.

The charges stem from a Dec. 11, 2021, operation in which Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations agents observed four jet skis traveling from Culebra, Puerto Rico, toward the west side of St. Thomas. Each ski was operated by a single person. Agents watched the group land at Mermaid’s Chair beach, where they were met by four individuals on shore. Duffle bags were loaded onto the jet skis, which then sped back toward Culebra, the statement said.

AMO law enforcement vessels pursued the skis. One rider ran his jet ski onto a beach in Culebra and fled on foot, leaving behind a duffle bag containing 26 packages of cocaine. The remaining three operators were apprehended, it said.

Meanwhile, DEA, CBP, and Homeland Security Investigations agents responded to the Botany Bay Preserve community, where a red Jeep Wrangler had been spotted parked above the beach during the handoff. Agents stopped the Jeep as it approached the community’s gated exit and detained Rodriguez Rodriguez along with five other individuals. A Glock pistol was seen in plain view behind the driver’s seat, and a second, unserialized Glock was found in the center console, it said.

Ruth Anita Daniel Tyson Dies at 91

Mat Probasco
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Ruth Anita Daniel Tyson Dies at 91

Ruth Anita Daniel Tyson, a.k.a. “Mama Ruth/ MaRuth” of Hope and Carton Hill, passed away on July 6. She was 91 years old.

Ruth Anita Daniel Tyson

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Dennis Tyson; mother, Sarah Daniel; father, William Daniel; daughter, Maureen Tyson.

She is survived by her daughters, Olivia Tyson Richards, Eugenie Crispin, Algreta Browne; grandchildren, Rhea Johnson, Denali Georges, Sharde’ Richards, Yara Camacho, J’aime Richards, Abigail Prince, Amaya, Aziza and Aria Mathias, Julia, Juanita, Jeanine, Vanessa Crispin, Dave Jarvis, other grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren too numerous to mention; brother, Anderson Daniel; son-in-law, Gregory Richards;  nieces, Denise and Marylinda Daniel, Helen and Hilda Daniel, Margaret, Earnestine, Audrey and Rosetta Daniel, Beverly Williams, Joan, Mary, Cynthia and Janet Flemming; nephews, Calvin, Cecil and Virgil  Daniel, George, Esmond, Sinclair, Paul and Elroy Flemming, Cyril, Richard and David Daniel, Donald, Dexter and Lenny Daniel; special cousins, Eugenie John and Albertha Liburd; cousins and other relatives, Arlene and Andy Tyson, Marilyn Walters, Iota Prince, Bevern Sage, Rupert Sage, Mervin Tyson, Sandra, Bernadette, Collin, Sam Tyson, Yvette and Valarie Drew Sheila Tyson Wilson, Mario, Delbert, Wendell and Aubrey Tyson; special friends, Warren Georges, MaryAnn Flemming, Vincent James, Ursdale Stapleton, Joycelyn and Oyoko Bass, Verdis Browne, Angela Tuitt Smith, Edna Morton, Corene Lewis, Dawn Browne, Claristine Stapleton, Corretta Simon, The All For The Better Community Laurene McIntosh, Pastor Jerald Williams, Evril Powell and the Continuum care nursing and support staff, Dr. Jewel Owen and Dr. Carmen Cintron; other precious relative and friends too numerous to mention.

The funeral service will be held on July 22 at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Viewing will begin at 9 am, and the service will be at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

Sisters Arrested, Again, in Alleged Gas Station Assault

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Sisters Arrested, Again, in Alleged Gas Station Assault

Police arrested two St. Thomas sisters for allegedly ambushing another woman as she assisted an elderly man at a gas station Friday morning, according to court records.

Holding her young child, Anna Marie Hodge, 21, surprised the victim from behind at the Racetrack Gas Station in Estate Thomas with what police described as aggressive arguments. When the victim fled outside, Hodge allegedly “threw” the approximately-1-year-old child to the ground and came at the woman with her fists.

While the victim was being hit in the face and body, Hodge’s sister, 22-year-old Tynisha Marie Hodge, and another woman, accused child rapist Allaniyah Archibald, allegedly joined the fight, beating the victim to the ground. They were joined by an unidentified man who allegedly held the victim down while the others attacked, according to court records released Monday.

Someone went into the woman’s jacket pocket, removed her car keys, and threw them in dense bush at a nearby abandoned property, she told police. Then, Anna Hodge allegedly picked up a rock and slammed it down on the victim’s head, knocking her out. When she regained consciousness, she suffered some memory loss, nausea, and dizziness. She was also missing earrings valued at $268, according to court records.

Police said the gas station’s security cameras were not working.

The victim’s car had to be towed away as no one could find the keys. Police were able to find and arrest the Hodge sisters, who were scheduled to appear for their advice of rights hearings in V.I. Superior Court Monday morning on assault and related charges.

It was Anna Hodge’s third assault arrest in as many years and the second for Tynisha Hodge, according to court and police records.

In April 2024, Anna Hodge allegedly threw her then-1-month-old daughter in the backseat as she attacked her ex-boyfriend in a jealous rage, according to court records. She allegedly smashed the man’s telephone after reading messages with his current girlfriend. Hodge allegedly kicked a crack in his windshield, slashed his arm with a razor blade, and violently grabbed the steering wheel, nearly causing an accident. When he stopped the car, she allegedly picked up a stone and threw it against the man’s head.

Hodge denied the allegations.

Claiming a lack of evidence, Attorney General Gordon Rhea dropped assault and destruction of property charges in December.

In January 2023, Allaniyah Archibald called 911 to report a fight between two women at Oswald Harris Court. Police arrived to find Tynisha Hodge in a “heated verbal altercation” with a minor identified in court records as having the same initials as the victim in the alleged gas station attack.

The minor allegedly hit Hodge with a stick as police attempted to separate the two. Anna Hodge then allegedly rushed the girl, punching her several times in the head and body. As police struggled to restrain the combatants, Tynisha Hodge allegedly wriggled away and attacked the girl with punches and kicks.

With the help of bystanders, police were eventually able to break up the melee but, as police were leading the minor to a patrol car, Tynisha Hodge allegedly broke free, raced to the girl, and punched her in the back of the head, according to court records.

Charges against juveniles are generally not listed in public court files but the Hodge sisters were charged with assault and related offenses. Arrest records for Tynisha Hodge said she had not been observed drinking alcohol but was also not sober.

A month after the incident, prosecutors opted not to pursue conviction and dropped the case.

It was unclear if police were seeking Archibald for her alleged involvement in Friday’s gas station incident.

In October 2024, prosecutors filed eight charges against Archibald, including second-degree rape, unlawful sexual contact, child abuse, and incest, according to court records. Archibald was 27 and her alleged victim, her cousin, was a 16-year-old boy.

Jury selection for her trial is scheduled to start Sept. 29.

Archibald had been charged with domestic violence-related assault in July 2020 before the charges were dropped in January 2021, according to court records.

Judy Jackson Maynard Dies at 78

Mat Probasco
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Judy Jackson Maynard Dies at 78

With profound sadness, the family of Judy Jackson Maynard, of St. Thomas, U.S Virgin Islands, announces her passing on June 18, 2025. Judy was a God-fearing woman with a lovely personality and vibrant soul who touched lives wherever she went. 

Judy Maynard

She has left an indelible mark on her children, grandchildren, family, and friends that will be remembered and missed forever. A devout Christian, she is now walking forever with the Lord Jesus Christ. May her soul continue to live on in her loved ones as she rests in peace. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd E Maynard I, her sister Florise J. Newton, her mother Gladys Todman Jackson, and her father Elisha Jackson.

Judy is survived by two daughters, Raissa Maynard and Asaunta Maynard, and her son Lloyd E. Maynard II, her brother Oswin Jackson and his  wife Theresa, her sister Lenise Toussaint and her husband Orland, and her brother-in-law Roy Vernon Maynard, granddaughters, Jeneyah Maynard and Jaelah Maynard, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Her children would like to express sincere thanks to the loved ones, healthcare providers and faith families who have enriched her life, and to both Judkins Colonial Home (New Jersey), and Turnbull’s Funeral Home (St. Thomas, USVI) for excellent service and kindness.

 The 1st Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 4-6 p.m. @ Blyden Memorial Chapel. The 2nd Viewing & Tributes will be held Thursday July 24, 9-10 a.m. @ Christchurch Methodist Church (Market Square) *Service immediately following 10-11AM. The Interment will be at 12:00 p.m. in Memorial Moravian Cemetery (Hospital Ground)

**Livestream will be available.

Arrangements entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services. 

Evelyn Adams Rosario Dies at 58

Mat Probasco
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Evelyn Adams Rosario Dies at 58

Evelyn Adams Rosario, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on June 21 in Townsend, Delaware.

Evelyn Adams Rosario

Born on July 12, 1966, to Esperanza and Gregory Adams, Evelyn was the eldest of five children and spent her early years between New York City and St. Croix. She graduated from William H. Maxwell Vocational High School in Brooklyn in 1984, where she trained as a medical assistant and in medical billing and coding. After graduating, she moved to St. Croix to pursue a career as a legal assistant, working with many prominent attorneys on the island.

Evelyn married Eddie Rosario on December 19, 1987, and together they had two children: Eddie A. Rosario and Clarissa L. Rosario-Govia, and bonus daughter Taysha Rosario who were the joys of her life. A devoted Christian, Evelyn was known for her vibrant laughter, generosity, and deep devotion to her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Eddie Rosario; her parents, Esperanza and Gregory Adams; and her sister, Jocelyn Adams.

Evelyn is survived by her son, Eddie A. Rosario; her daughters, Clarissa L. Rosario-Govia and Taysha Rosario; Daughter-in-law Letysha Plaskett-Rosario; Son-in-law Akeem Govia and her grandchildren: Eleani K. Rosario, Jeanlyn L. Govia, Akeem J. Govia Jr., Isaiah E. Govia, Xavier L. Govia, Layla L. Govia, Eliel Rosario, Jeremiah Rosario, and Alyssa Weaver. She is also survived by her siblings: Gregory Adams, Joey Adams, Pernel Mitchell, and Daveta Adams. Additionally, she leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, relatives, and close friends too numerous to mention.

A viewing will be held on July 17th from 5 PM to 6 PM at Kingshill Funeral Home in Kingshill, St. Croix. The funeral service will take place on July 18th Viewing 9:00 am and  10:00 AM at Alpha y Omega in Strawberry Hill, with interment at Kingshill Cemetery.

Consider the Source With Adisha Penn

Source Staff
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Consider the Source With Adisha Penn

From Senate budget hearings to Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s call for a special session on Aug. 1 – host Adisha Penn recaps the biggest headlines of the week while our in-studio team gets behind the scenes at citizen healthcare protests on St. Thomas and St. Croix. There’s always something new on Consider the Source!

A Last-Minute Call, An Airline Saved: Inside Seaborne’s New Chapter

Source Staff
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A Last-Minute Call, An Airline Saved: Inside Seaborne’s New Chapter
Submitted photo

Darrell Richardson remembers exactly where he was when the call came. A friend — a retired airline executive — rang him up with a simple question: “Did you hear they’re selling Seaborne?”

He hadn’t. But within days, Richardson was on a flight to the Virgin Islands, pitching the opportunity to his most trusted investors. “I made one phone call,” he said in an interview with the Source Saturday. “Two days later, we bid.” And just like that, one of the region’s most iconic carriers — and the world’s only Part 121-certified seaplane operation — had a new owner.

For Richardson, now president and CEO of Seaborne Airlines, the challenge wasn’t new. He’s built a career out of turning around struggling carriers. After stepping in at Silver Airways following its 2010 bankruptcy, he rebranded the airline and led it into growth before retiring in 2013, long before its more recent financial collapse. “This is what I do,” he said simply.

This time, he wasn’t working alone. Behind the swift acquisition was the Leonite Fund, a New Jersey-based investment firm with a reputation for supporting small businesses poised for growth. Richardson had worked with them before, describing the relationship as one built on trust. “They’re probably my favorite investors when it comes to putting these types of packages together,” he said, adding that after calling to pitch the deal, they said yes immediately. “Two days later, we had the bid in.”

That confidence was echoed publicly. In the official sale announcement, Leonite Fund’s Chief Investment Officer, Avi Geller, praised Richardson’s ability to bring “tighter operations, reinvigorated team culture, and sustainable profitability.” With Richardson’s leadership and Leonite’s financial backing, Seaborne suddenly had what it hadn’t had in years: a clear path forward.

That path started immediately. Just days after the deal closed, Richardson was in the territory, riding the seaplane for the first time. “It was fantastic,” he said, still sounding awed by the experience. From airport gate agents to hotel staff, everyone he met had their own Seaborne story. “Everyone’s flown on that plane,” he said. “It’s part of the community.”

That sense of connection is exactly what he hopes to protect and grow. While the history and nostalgia tied to the airline are undeniable, Richardson knows sentiment alone won’t secure Seaborne’s future. Practical steps are already underway.

“There’s no break in service,” Richardson stressed. Flights will continue as scheduled, with the same familiar faces in the cockpit and on the ramp. But behind the scenes, change is already in motion: a full review of the fleet, pay raises tied to company growth, and a customer service training overhaul designed to restore the warm, welcoming experience Seaborne was once known for. “We need to get back to being the airline people are proud to fly,” he said.

At the core of Richardson’s strategy is Seaborne’s greatest asset: its coveted Part 121 certification. The rigorous federal standard required of major carriers like Delta and American sets Seaborne apart as the only seaplane operation in the world held to that level. “That means two engines, two pilots, and all the safety checks of the big airlines,” Richardson explained. “And that matters.”

For now, Seaborne’s twin-engine De Havilland Otters will continue flying between St. Thomas and St. Croix. But Richardson sees more on the horizon. He envisions expanding the fleet to four or five aircraft and restoring service to destinations across the Caribbean, including Vieques.

What makes the work personal is the people. His message to staff was clear from day one: “As we grow, you grow.” He knows the strain employees have carried through Seaborne’s years of uncertainty. Now, with Leonite’s support and a leadership team focused on long-term sustainability, Richardson is promising stability, opportunity, and a future. “We want to be part of this community. This isn’t just another airline to me.”

It’s a lesson Richardson learned at Silver Airways, where he guided the company from bankruptcy to industry awards before stepping away. “I know what it takes to rebuild,” he said. “And I’m not going to let Seaborne end up in financial trouble again.”

There’s a new slogan in the works: “Wings Over the Caribbean.” But for Richardson, it’s not just a tagline, but a commitment to safety, to service, and to the islands Seaborne calls home. And, the priority is simple: keep the planes flying, keep the service reliable, and rebuild trust, he said.

“We’re going to build something this community can be proud of again,” he said.

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