The family of the late Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott is saddened to announce her passing on April 12, 2025.
Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott
She is survived by her Daughter(s): LaVerne Walcott, Lesa Walcott; Son(s) Lorenzo Walcott Jr; Grandchildren(s): Raqaun Bennett, and Alicia Slusher; Brother(s): Tyrone Thompson; Sister(s): Annabelle Lockhart, Sandra O’Brian, and Olive Jensen.
Memorial service will be held on July 17,2025, at Anglican Church in Christiansted, Service begins at 9:30am.
Interment will follow at Gallows Bay at 12:00 noon for the scattering ashes of Jean Marjorie Thompson Walcott.
More than 1,100 no-cost veterinary services—valued at more than $127,000—were delivered to residents on St. Thomas through the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) Innovative Readiness Training (IRT) Program, according to the final report delivered to the VI Department of Health this week.
Military veterinarian Maj. Christine Bui examines a pet dog during the comprehensive care pet clinic held June 16-27, at the Humane Society of St. Thomas. (Submitted photo)
A 20-man IRT team of military veterinarians, technicians, preventative medicine and food safety specialists, deployed to St. Thomas and conducted a two-week training mission, June 16-27, to provide comprehensive pet care in partnership with the VI Department of Health and the Humane Society of St. Thomas.
“We are deeply grateful to the service members of the IRT Program for their invaluable contribution to public health and animal welfare during the two-week mission on St. Thomas,” said VI Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion. “This has been a true demonstration of service and partnership. Access to veterinary care is limited for many residents, and this mission not only filled that gap—it did so with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to improving lives.”
“Our gratitude extends to the Humane Society of St. Thomas which allowed the IRT to utilize their facilities for this mission. We could not have done it without them,” Commissioner Encarnacion said.
The military veterinary team performed 443 wellness exams, administered 534 vaccinations, and completed 181 spay and neuter procedures at the Humane Society of St. Thomas — representing a total cost savings to the community of $127,480.
These services addressed critical gaps in veterinary care while offering hands-on mission training to the 20 military personnel representing the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
In addition to enhancing public health outcomes, the IRT mission helped military service members build real-world skills in a joint-service environment, including leadership, coordination, and veterinary surgical care. The total estimated value of services provided in this year’s veterinary mission—including labor, materials, and equipment— is approximately $1.7 million.
The 2025 mission included service members from the 7354th Veterinary Detachment, 49th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, 4th Civil Affairs Group, and the 402nd Civil Affairs Battalion. Their efforts align with the IRT’s vision: to deliver high-impact veterinary care that strengthens animal welfare, supports public health, and fosters enduring civil-military bonds.
“Public health extends to the animals in our care,” said Dr. Tai Hunte-Ceasar, Chief Medical Officer for the VI Department of Health who coordinated the mission alongside the IRT team. “This mission helped protect both pets and people, especially in communities where veterinary access is limited. The services provided were also impactful in addressing the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the community.”
“We look forward to future missions that serve even more residents—including those on St. Croix and St. John,” Dr. Hunte-Ceasar said.
In addition to providing veterinary care, the IRT team actively engaged with the community—making a presentation to the Boys and Girls Club and meeting with local businesses and government agencies to discuss ways to better support the Territory.
The overarching vision is “to be a trusted force for health and services in the USVI, delivering high-impact veterinary care that strengthens animal welfare, supports public health, and builds enduring bonds between military personnel and the local community,” said Maj. Christine Bui, veterinarian and Officer-in-Charge, during a Distinguished Visitors Day luncheon held on June 26 to brief military and community partners on the mission’s successes.
This marks the third IRT mission to the U.S. Virgin Islands in as many years. In August 2023, a small medical team supported the department’s pediatric clinic with back-to-school physicals and immunizations. In June 2024, the IRT deployed approximately 300 military medical professionals to provide basic medical care to residents across the territory — delivering an estimated $2.25 million in healthcare services to the community.
As July unfolds, St. Croix prepares to celebrate vibrant community events such as Jump Up, Mango Melee, and Tart Wars. The Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) reminds all vendors that a fire safety inspection and an approved Special Event Inspection Application are mandatory for participation, regardless of the type of items being sold.
Whether you plan to sell food, drinks, clothing, crafts, or other merchandise, every vendor is required to submit an application per event and pay the associated $50.00 fee before the deadline.
Upcoming Events & Vendor Deadlines:
• Jump Up – Friday, July 11, 2025 (Christiansted)
Application Deadline: Thursday, July 10, 2025
• Mango Melee – Sunday, July 13, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, July 11, 2025
• Tart Wars – Saturday, July 19, 2025
Application Deadline: Friday, July 18, 2025
How to Apply and Prepare:
1. Fill out and Submit a Special Event Inspection Application:
• Applications are available at the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix.
• Complete and return the form with the $50.00 application fee by the chosen event’s deadline.
2. Prepare for Your Safety Inspection:
• Once your application has been processed, the VIFEMS St. Croix Prevention Team will schedule a visit to conduct a safety assessment at your vending location.
3. To Successfully Pass Inspection and Receive Approval:
• All vendors must have a certified ABC fire extinguisher present at their vending area.
• Vendors using deep fryers must also have a Class K fire extinguisher.
• All gas tanks will be inspected to ensure compliance.
VIFEMS appreciates the cooperation of all vendors in planning ahead, meeting the safety requirements, and helping to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike.
For questions or further assistance, please contact the VIFEMS Administrative Office on St. Croix at (340) 773-805
Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announces that the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) is conducting a survey to gather feedback from recreational kayakers on potential locations for future adaptive kayak launch installations.
Kayakers listen to tour guide Ty McRae as he speaks about ecosystems and the history of Salt River National Park. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
As part of its commitment to making outdoor recreation more inclusive, DFW is working to expand access to kayaking for all Virgin Islanders. The division plans to install ADA compliant adaptive kayak launches, designed to accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. These new access points aim to ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy the benefits of kayaking, regardless of physical ability.
The survey will help DFW identify both current kayaking hotspots and promising new sites throughout the territory where safe, accessible infrastructure can be developed.
To participate in the survey, visit: https://forms.office.com/r/NpBte05XzX or scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at (340) 773-1082 (St. Croix), or visit the DPNR website at www.dpnr.vi.gov
Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention are asking all Virgin Islanders to engage in a public meeting of its Standing Committee on Human Rights on Wednesday, July 16.
Members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention. (Photo by Barry Leerdam)
The committee will review proposed revisions to bedrock articles from the Fifth Constitutional Convention, including:
Article I – Bill of Rights
Article IV – Suffrage and Elections
Article X – Youth
Article XVI – Initiatives, Referendums, and Recalls
Article XVII – Political Status Advisory Commission
The virtual meeting is scheduled between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16.
The Committee on Human Rights is requesting the community’s presence to participate in the process as we work toward crafting a document that will not only govern but serve the interests of all Virgin Islanders.
The submission of statements for the record should be addressed to the Chair and Vice Chair of the Committee. Please forward to:
visixthconstitution@gmail.com, stedmannhodge@hotmail.com and rudelhodge@gmail.com
The members of the Standing Committee on Human Rights are:
We regret to announce the passing of Cyril Abraham, affectionately known as “Billy” or “Bolly,” originally of Dominica and a longtime resident of St. Thomas.
Cyril Abraham
He departed this life on May 30, 2025, at the age of 70.
He is survived by his wife Davina Abraham; daughters Hermia Cyrilla Page and Mahalia Abraham; son-in-law Charles Page; grandchildren Malachi Page, Malia Page, and Jovanny Harrigan; siblings Cynthia Abraham, Rosemary Francis, Errol Abraham, and Cyrilla Judith Abraham-Sullivan; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Jean-Jules and Clementina Abraham; brothers Sylvester and Baptiste Abraham; and sister Maria Abraham-Velinor.
Viewings will be held on Thursday, July 17 from 4–6 p.m. at Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Friday, July 18 at 9 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, with the funeral to follow. Interment will be at Smith Bay Cemetery. Attendees are asked to wear yellow or blue.
Funeral arrangements are by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services.
It is with heavy hearts and sadness that the family announces the passing of Faustin Adrien Brooks, AKA “ATAM” died Sunset: June 21, 2025.
Faustin Adrien Brooks
Funeral Service will be on Thursday, July 17 Viewing 8:00am to 10:00am Service 10:00am atAgape Seventh Day Adventist Church Interment: Eastern Cemetery
The former Limetree Bay refinery on St. Croix will undergo a second EPA-approved cleanup to remove leftover liquefied petroleum gas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Federal regulators have approved a second round of chemical removal at the former Limetree Bay refinery on St. Croix — this time targeting liquefied petroleum gas still stored in two process units and an ISO container. Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation, which owns the site, will carry out the work under federal oversight.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the decision Tuesday evening during a virtual town hall, paving the way for cleanup operations to begin later this summer. The effort is governed by a new Administrative Order on Consent — a binding agreement that defines how the remaining LPG must be removed, monitored, and disposed of. The EPA determined that these units were omitted from earlier reports due to a clerical error discovered after a site inspection in September 2023.
LPG — a flammable mix of propane, butane, and other hydrocarbons — is essential in crude oil refining, used to separate feedstock into lighter fuels like gasoline and diesel. Under the approved plan, Port Hamilton will transfer the LPG in batches to a thermal oxidizer, where it will be vaporized and destroyed at high temperatures. Any leftover sediment with trace mercury will be collected, sealed in drums, and removed off-island. To safeguard public health, continuous air monitoring will test for mercury vapor, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.
This action marks the second round of chemical removal since Port Hamilton took over operations. The first, completed in 2023 under full EPA supervision, removed roughly 26,700 gallons of LPG, along with more than 327,000 gallons of amine solution and 8,400 gallons of anhydrous ammonia. That three-month cleanup included vapor degassing, carbon scrubbing, and shipment of waste off-island.
EPA officials emphasized during this week’s town hall that refinery operations remain not imminent, and no formal “notice of intent” to restart has been filed. Under the terms of an agreement between EPA and the previous operator of the refinery, Port Hamilton must submit that notice at least 90 days before resuming operations. It would also require new permits, further reviews, and community notifications. Both the EPA and Port Hamilton have confirmed that this process remains unchanged, and that filing the notice would be the final step in that sequence.
Still, the chemicals being removed — particularly LPG — are crucial for refining. If Port Hamilton does restart, it will need to repurchase and reintroduce those materials. In public filings and correspondence, the company has said it entered into both the 2023 and 2024 cleanup orders voluntarily and without litigation, and that the work aligns with its long-term plans to bring the facility back online and restore well-paying jobs on St. Croix.
With EPA approval in hand, the company is now set to mobilize contractors and equipment. The thermal oxidizer — permitted earlier this year by the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources — will be central to the work, which is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks once it begins.
After cleanup, Port Hamilton will file final documentation confirming compliance with the administrative order. While no restart date has been announced, this second chemical removal clears another hurdle in meeting the conditions necessary for a future reopening. EPA officials say they will continue to monitor every aspect of the process to ensure safety for workers and surrounding communities.
Senator-at-Large Angel L. Bolques Jr. has formally answered an ethics complaint lodged by the Legislature’s Committee on Ethical Conduct, setting the stage for a public hearing later this month that could determine whether the first-term lawmaker faces disciplinary action.
According to a brief statement released Wednesday by the committee, Bolques submitted his response through legal counsel, meeting the next procedural step in the case. The complaint, filed June 17, outlines alleged violations of the Legislature’s internal Code of Conduct, though specifics have not been made public.
The committee now shifts to scheduling a hearing, where both Bolques and committee members will be able to present testimony and evidence. It’s the first formal proceeding under the committee’s recently revived authority, and the outcome will ultimately be decided by the full body of the Legislature once final recommendations are made.
It’s a process steeped in internal rules and protocol, but with public implications, especially for a senator who has steadily expanded his legislative portfolio over the past two years. Bolques, who was appointed in 2022 to fill a vacancy and later won his seat outright, chairs the Committee on Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports and Parks and serves on several others, including Rules and Judiciary.
While the Committee on Ethical Conduct has kept its proceedings close to the chest, Tuesday’s release emphasized its commitment to fairness and transparency. “The Committee remains committed to a fair, transparent, and impartial process, and will continue to uphold the ethical standards expected of all members of the Legislature,” the statement read.
The complaint comes at a time when the Legislature has been under growing pressure to improve internal accountability. The Committee on Ethical Conduct, formed under the 36th Legislature, was designed to address that demand head-on, with powers to investigate and recommend consequences ranging from a formal reprimand to censure.
A date for the hearing has not yet been released, but legislative staff said it will be held before the end of the month. Once the hearing concludes, committee members will deliberate privately before bringing their recommendations to the Senate floor for a final vote.
Coach Justin Turner stands with U.S. Virgin Islands campers and coaches at the close of the She Hoops Island Showcase. Founded in Dallas, She Hoops is on a mission to provide elite training opportunities for girls who are ready to compete at the next level. (Photo courtesy She Hoops)
The Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on the University of the Virgin Islands’ Orville E. Kean Campus pulsed with energy this past weekend as girls from across the territory gathered for the She Hoops Island Showcase.
The camp, founded and led by Dallas-based coach Justin Turner, brought pro-level training and intention to St. Thomas, proving once again that high-caliber basketball experiences don’t always require a plane ticket.
For local mother Etoya Brown, watching her daughter Lia Brown lace up for Sunday’s games was a proud moment. “We heard about the camp through a friend from The Process,” Brown said, referencing the respected local basketball program known for building players with both grit and good character. “The recommendation made it a no-brainer —and She Hoops didn’t disappoint.”
Players go head-to-head during live drills at the She Hoops Island Showcase, held at the Elridge Blake Sports & Fitness Center on UVI’s Orville E. Kean Campus in St. Thomas. The camp focused on building technical skill, composure, and confidence on and off the court. (Photo courtesy She Hoops)
Brown, a rising junior, came into camp with big dreams, eyeing programs like the University of Central Florida and the University of Connecticut. She left feeling reassured about her path, “Now I have drills I can work on by myself,” she said. “This definitely gave me more hope and self-confidence.”
That confidence is at the heart of what Turner envisioned when he launched the organization five years ago. His mission is to equip young athletes — especially girls — with the skill, composure, and visibility to succeed at the next level. “These girls are just as gritty, technical, and skilled as the boys,” Turner said. “They just need the opportunities.”
More than a showcase, the camp served as a gateway. Turner carefully evaluated each player and will share his write-ups with coaches across his growing network. His goal is to create ongoing pathways for players in the U.S. Virgin Islands — whether they want to go pro or simply reach their personal best.
“If you’re always ready to perform, it takes the pressure off,” Turner said, underscoring his message of preparation, presence, and confidence. “You’re not the only one trying to be the best. You have to find your advantage and maximize it.”
She Hoops founder Justin Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper observe player development during the Island Showcase. Their connection and shared vision made the St. Thomas event possible, bringing new opportunities to local athletes without them having to leave the territory. (Source photo by Amara Stokes Gilbert)
Turner’s passion and investment didn’t stop on the court. He spent his free time Saturday immersed in the local culture. “I hopped on the safari and just explored the island. I wanted to see some of what makes the players who they are — get to understand them a bit better.”
The connection that brought She Hoops to the Virgin Islands began in Dallas, where Turner and UVI Women’s Basketball Head Coach Stephanie Cooper first met. It was Cooper’s vision and outreach that made this showcase possible. “We have the talent right here,” she said. “And now we’ve got the coaches. Why not pour into it?”
Special thanks were extended to Coach Wayne Harvey, the University of the Virgin Islands, Coach Mo Wells, Mr. Elridge Blake, and the people of St. Thomas and the U.S. Virgin Islands who made this weekend not only possible, but unforgettable.
For more on future showcases and opportunities, visit SheHoops.org.
