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Young Musicians Debut with Youth Orchestra Friday

Mat Probasco
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Young Musicians Debut with Youth Orchestra Friday

Over 30 children, ranging in age from 7 to 17, joined the Partners for Strings’ 2025 Youth Orchestra Afternoons in the Summer.  The four-week summer program concludes on Friday, June 27 with a performance at the Emancipation Garden Gazebo at 5:30p.m.  

Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra assistant principal violist, Gerson Medina, instructs violin students (L-R) Maliah Mitchell, Isabella Thomas, Brooklynn Craker, Jaden Saurel, and others during special 2-week Elevation Workshops held for participants in the Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra Afternoons in the Summer. (Submitted photo)

Family, friends, and the community are invited to this free event to debut all the new recruits and some current members of the Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra.

Partners for Strings, Inc. (PFS) is a 501(c)(3) organization that runs the Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra–a free, year-round after-school music education program for at-risk youth ages 6 to 17.  Founded by Gloria Gumbs in 2020, PFS offers training in orchestral instruments—including strings, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and steel pan at G-Clef Music Academy in Mandela Circle on St. Thomas. G-Clef, established in 2011, is a year-round music school that provides private music lessons for all ages.  It is the location where the weekly after-school orchestra sessions are being held. In 2021, PFS established an Alliance Partnership with Miami Music Project, one of the largest socially transformative music initiatives in the United States.  PFS recently travelled to Miami to perform at Miami Music Project’s annual unCLASSICAL concert, where the youth orchestra premiered the U.S. Virgin Islands’ cultural sounds of Quelbe Music.

PFS annually holds its Youth Orchestra Afternoons in the Summer during the month of June to allow youth who are interested in joining the orchestra a chance to learn how to read music and start playing an instrument.  The summer program takes place on weekdays, Tuesdays through Fridays (no Mondays) in the afternoons.  Participants of all levels are learning how to play the violin, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, steel pan, drums and various other percussion instruments.  The program entails music theory, sectional workshops, fun activities, and culminates with a performance event!  PFS also added a free bonus feature for all the violin students. A two-week Musician’s Elevation Workshop was led by Gerson Medina, professional violinist and the assistant principal violist with the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra.

“It has been a delight to see the smiles and the energy of our young summer students.  Each of them are eager to show the music that they’ve learned, as well as perform in our youth orchestra for the very first time,’ said Gloria Gumbs, President and Program Director of Partners for Strings,Inc.  ‘Besides our amazing parents/guardians, Teaching Artists, Teaching Assistants, interns, and board of directors; an applause with many thanks goes to several additional supporters of this year’s Partners for Strings’ Youth Orchestra Afternoons in the Summer.  They include:  Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra, Gerson Medina, Thriving Charity Advocates, J. Benton Construction, LLC, Discover Fund Management, LLP, Cutlass and Cane Caribbean seafood, The Lost Turtle Gallery, MSI, St. Thomas Reformed Church, Bunker Hill Hotel, VI Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, VI Housing Authority, and Street Level VI,” concluded Gumbs.

For more information about the Partners for Strings Virgin Islands Youth Orchestra, call (340) 228-1126 or visit www.partnersforstrings.org

Helena Maud Francis Dies

Mat Probasco
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Helena Maud Francis Dies

The family of the late Helena Maud Francis family  is saddened to announce passing on May 28, 2025.  

She is survived by her Daughter: Leone Laplace; Sons: Clayton Francis, Philip Francis, & Winston Francis; Grandchildren: Ann-Marie Lanclos, Alleone Laplace, Sharoya Francis, Shanika, Newton, Serena Francis, Shana Francis, Colleen D’Esposito, Mario Laplace Sr., Alphonse Laplace, Philip Francis Jr., Clayton Michael Francis, Ronald Winston Francis Jr., Dillon “TJ” Francis, Keano Francis; Great-Grandchildren: Zahnaé Laplace-James, Sky Lanclos, Mariana Laplace, Mia Laplace, Jazmyne Laplace, Arcadia D’Esposito, Angelina D’Esposito, Zyhalda Francis, Zoriyah Newton, Kadisha Harry, Ares Laplace, Mario Laplace Jr., Jayden Laplace, Mario Laplace III, Adriano D’Esposito, Johnny D’Esposito, Ganton Francis, Shamoi Francis, Kadeem Harry, Malah’Kia Francis; Great, Great-Grandchildren: Zaydan Laplace-Corley; Nieces: Maureen Ramsingh, Yvette Willocks, Vera Joseph, Rovilia Ward, Clara Smithen, Elva Freeman, Lenore Smithen, Sandra Smithen, Cecelia Smithen, Ancil Smithen, Doreen Smithen, Lornette Smithen, Yvonne Isles, Joan Smithen, Norlene Smithen, Vanessa Smithen, Deserie Williams, Veronica Smithen; Nephews: Earl Smithen, Earl Freeman, Maurice Lecointe, Randolph Smithen, Jerry Orielly, Edread Stanley, Paul Stanley, Rodney Stanley, Mervin Smithen, Oren Ward, Charles Isles, Dave France, Vincent France, Winston Smithen, Dexton Smithen, Raymond Smithen, Mahlon Smithen, Elwin Smithen; Sister-In-Law: Maria Smithen; Son-In-Law: Alwyn Laplace; Daughters-In-Law: Tracelyn Francis, Edith Francis; Special Family Friends: Bernadine Cole, Lornette Cole, Lientine Cole, Iris Crump, Chesmore Crump, Herb Crump, Eustace Crump, Loretta Jarvis, Aaron Henry, Ivan Caines, Hyacinth Flemming, Lucina Stevens, Eldina Henry, Cynthia Liburd, Mercia Wallace, Elmo & Vera Liburd, Gloria Liburd, Sylvia Ward, Jerome Williams, Simeon Hendrickson, Norbert Joseph, Yvonne Isles, Elaine Lynton, Marguerite Sutton.

A friend and family viewing will be held on June 23, at Divine Chapel, 129 Peter’s Rest, between 3-5 p.m.  

Her funeral service will be held on June 24, at Frederiksted Wesleyan Holiness Church, #191 Estate Two Brothers, viewing at 9am, service at 10 a.m.   

Interment follows to the Kingshill Cemetery.

Lt. Gov. Roach Out of Territory for Insurance Conference

Mat Probasco
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Lt. Gov. Roach Out of Territory for Insurance Conference

Lieutenant Governor Tregenza A. Roach leaves the Territory today to attend the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Mid-Year Roundtable meeting in Big Sky, Montana. The NAIC organization is responsible for establishing insurance standards and serves as a primary lead for regulatory oversight of the insurance industry.

As Lieutenant Governor Roach has been Acting Governor since Governor Albert A. Bryan, Jr. left the Territory on official business on June 13, 2025, Department of Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy will assume the role of Acting Governor.  Senate President Milton E. Potter will continue as Acting Lieutenant Governor in throughout the period of Governor Bryan’s and Lieutenant Governor Roach’s absence.

In his capacity as the Commissioner of Insurance for the U.S. Virgin Islands, Lieutenant Governor Roach serves as a member of the NAIC Southeast Zone. The NAIC provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. Lieutenant Governor Roach currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Southeast Zone which includes fourteen of the Southeast states, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.

The Lieutenant Governor’s participation at annual NAIC conferences and meetings is fully funded by the NAIC. Scheduled throughout the year, meetings are held primarily in the Spring, Summer, and Fall where participants discuss state affairs, receive updates on federal policies, climate risks and their impact on the industry, and other regulatory matters.

Lieutenant Governor Roach will return to the Territory on Friday, June 27, when he will resume the role of Acting Governor until Governor Bryan’s return on June 29.

Silvio Garcia Dies

Mat Probasco
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Silvio Garcia Dies

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Silvio Garcia on May 30, 2025 on St. Croix.

Silvio Garcia

Silvio Garcia is survived by: 

His domestic partner*: Hilarie Henry

Children: Murrica Garcia-Adams (daughter) Shawn Garcia (son)

Shamoi Garcia (son) 

Daughter-in-law: Renee Daley

Grandchildren: Sylvio Garcia III (grandson)

Reana Garcia (granddaughter) Adjahni Garcia (grandson) Ta’Waii Adams (granddaughter)

Siblings: Juana Garcia (sister)Raul Garcia (brother) 

Sister-in-law: Beverly Garcia, Rudelina Garcia 

Brother-in-laws: Cordell Henry, Rudyard Henry, Omar Henry, John Henry, Radburn Henry, Hillel Henry, and Orel Henry

Nephews: Kenneth Gilead, Roland Krigger, Jr., Jose Garcia, Franky Garcia, Roberto Garcia, Carlos Garcia, Marcus Garcia, Liston Lewis, Jr., Clarence Hammett,Roberto Garcia, Rafael Garcia, Rodney Garcia, Raymond Garcia, Darryl Garcia, Paul Garcia, Randy Hodge Jr., Afiba Hodge

Nieces: Anna Garcia, Nancy Parker, Roxanne Lewis, Gail Ann Homer, Rakisha Donadelle, Tameeka Garcia, Roxanna Tesley, Brenda Garcia-Crawford, Yashima Hodge Springette, Shermeka Hodge, Deborah Harris, Alicia Acosta, Rea Garcia, Rochelle Garcia, Karla Mc Crea, Raquel Garcia

Preceded in death by his father, Pablo Garcia, and mother, Mercedes Rios-Garcia, his son, Sylvio “Tokie” Garcia, Jr., siblings, brothers Julio Concepcion Garcia, Pablo Garcia, Jr. Franklin Garcia Ofelio Juan Garcia; and sisters, Maria Garcia, Anna Garcia, Paula Garcia 

*Special Friends: Mr. Berry, Mr. Martinez Amaro Garcia, Isabela Reyes , Kenneth Mahoney, Omar B.U. Henry, Beatrice Wallace, John Parris and other friends too  numerous to  mention. Extended Family & Friends: Camacho, Serrano, Clendenin, Rhymer, Rivera, Francis, Encarnacion, Callwood, Rios, Morales, and the rest of the Garcia Family Great niece and nephews too numerous to mention 

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend first viewing on Thursday, June  26 at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 27 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Viewing begins  at 9:00am  with service to follow at 10 a.m. Burial Western Cemetery #1. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Centers of St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com

Floresia Avilda Henley Dies at 91

Mat Probasco
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Floresia Avilda Henley Dies at 91

It is with profound love and sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Floresia Avilda Fahie Henley, 91, who died on May 22, 2025 at her home in St. John.

Floresia Henley

Floresia was the daughter of the late Emile (Massa) Fahie and Hilda Margarita Callwood Fahie. She was preceded in death by her husband, Conrad Henley.

She is survived by her daughter Juel E. Smith; adopted sons Terrance Barry Oliver and Rev. E. Brian Seymour: grandchildren Nakio Damien Smith, Nefertiti Williams, Emperor (Hassan) Williams, Aliyah Buchanan, Tyler Oliver; great grandchildren, Bianca S. Smith-Washington and LaRon Glover, Jr.; siblings, Gwendoyln Douglas, Rhonda Francis and Francena Rawlins; good samaritan, Orville Brown; adopted daughter, Lecia “Susie” Smith; nephews, Colvin Mactavious,  Kenny Mactavious, Roger Fahie, Sheldon Fahie, Dariel Charleswell, Rapheal Charleswell, Riel Charleswell, Ishmael Harrigan, Loryiel Harrigan-Charleswell; nieces, Merle Freeman, Myrthlyn Freeman, Marilyn Maduro, Muriel Christopher Charleswell; adopted niece, Golda Hermon and Family; special cousins, Willis Fahie, Sr. and Ruthan Fahie; cousins, Elodia Weekly, Elaine Fahie; godchildren, Leslie Scatliffe, Sr., Loryiel “Lala” Harrigan Charleswell, Ron Callwood, Lucien Sylvester, Kafar Smith, Dwight Thomas, Sr., Feliciana Oliveri; friends, Bernice Mahoney Boynes, Brenda Brown, Muriel Callwood, Sherman Chinnery, Gwenda Dagou, Stafford Dagou, John Donaie, Edwina Dore, Marilyn Francis, Sandra Frett, Beverly Hendricks and Family,  Marilyn Hendricks Laware, Emily Meade and Family, Geneva Paris, Zida Paris, Lucinda Parsons and Family, Merrilyn Rogers, Helen Seymour, Ashley Thomas, Dean Thomas, Sr., Bernice Turnbull,  David and Thelma Williams. Many other family, loved ones, and friends too numerous to mention.

Relatives and friends are respectively invited to attend her funeral service that will be held on Friday, June 27 at the St. John Methodist Church in Cruz Bay, St. John. Viewing and tributes will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the service at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cruz Bay Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals and Cremation Center of St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix. For online condolences or to share a special memory, visit www.hurleydavisfuneralhome.com 

Three Dead, Three Injured in Back-to-Back Weekend Shootings

Source Staff
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Three Dead, Three Injured in Back-to-Back Weekend Shootings

A deadly weekend unfolded across the territory with a wave of gun violence that left three people dead and three others injured, including a 14-year-old boy, in separate shootings on St. John and St. Croix.

Shortly after 1:30 a.m. Sunday, chaos broke out in Cruz Bay, St. John, as police responded to two shooting scenes within minutes of each other.

The first call came from the Penn Trucking area, where officers and bystanders reported a male shot. Moments later, ShotSpotter and multiple citizens reported more gunfire near the Roundabout, this time involving a silver vehicle. Officers already on the first scene reported hearing the second round of shots in real time.

Two victims from the first shooting were taken to Myrah Keating Clinic, then transferred to Schneider Regional Medical Center. One has since been released, while the other remains hospitalized in stable condition.

At the second scene, emergency responders found two men dead inside the vehicle: 23-year-old Lee Joseph Christian and 28-year-old Jordan Brierley Clendinen, both of St. John. The double homicide marks the first two homicides in 2025 for St. John, according to the Source Homicide List* and has left the close-knit island community reeling.

The violence began earlier Saturday night on St. Croix, where a 29-year-old man was gunned down in Grove Place, and hours later, a 14-year-old boy was shot multiple times while walking home.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., VIPD’s ShotSpotter system picked up multiple gunshots near Cozy Corner, and police soon discovered a man fatally wounded. He was later identified by family as Dasha Graham, 29.

Then at 11:03 p.m., a barrage of 30 rounds rang out near the John F. Kennedy housing community. A 14-year-old, struck several times mostly on the left side of his body, managed to call 911 himself before collapsing. He was transported by ambulance to Juan F. Luis Hospital, where he remains in recovery and is expected to undergo surgery.

There has been no official confirmation that the shootings are connected, but the territory-wide surge in gun violence has heightened concerns across the Virgin Islands and placed added pressure on law enforcement.

Police urge anyone with information to contact: Emergency 911; VIPD’s Criminal Investigation Bureau – St. Croix at 340-778-2211 or St. Thomas-St. John at 340-774-2211; or Crime Stoppers USVI at 800-222-TIPS (8477). All information is confidential.

*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Marelise Beach
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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, June 22, through Saturday, June 28. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

VIPD Investigates Homicide of 29-year-old Man in Grove Place

Marelise Beach
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VIPD Investigates Homicide of 29-year-old Man in Grove Place

A 29-year-old man was shot and killed Saturday evening in Grove Place, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department.

At approximately 6:15 p.m., the 911 Emergency Call Center received an alert from ShotSpotter regarding multiple gunshots fired in the vicinity of Cozy Corner in Grove Place, according to the police report.

Shortly after, a caller reported that a male may have sustained injuries as a result of the discharging of gunshots. The male succumbed to his injuries and was identified by a family member as Dasha Graham, the police report stated.

His death marks the ninth homicide of 2025 on St. Croix, and the 17th for the territory, according to the Source Homicide List.*

The investigation is ongoing. The Virgin Islands Police Department urges anyone with any information on this crime to contact 911, the Criminal Investigation Bureau at 340-778-2211 or Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS). All tips will be kept confidential.

*The Source Homicide List is a chronological log of the homicides recorded in 2025 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, as reported by the VIPD. Cases are broken down by island. While this listing is based on VIPD reports, the Source does not include suicides or vehicular homicides in its listing, which the police and some other media do. This can lead to a discrepancy in the number of incidents reported.

Committee on Government Structure Reviews Role of Legislature

Marelise Beach
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Committee on Government Structure Reviews Role of Legislature
Delegates Daniel, Ross, and Silverman in session on Saturday. (Submitted photo)

Members of a Sixth Constitutional Convention committee debated the role and responsibilities of elected officials at a committee hearing held Saturday on St. John. The goal of the Committee on Government Structure was to review and propose revisions for Article 5 in the draft created by their predecessors from the Fifth Convention.

Committee Vice Chair Imani Daniel, Chairman Rupert Ross, and St. John Delegate David Silverman led the five-hour session from the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall in Cruz Bay. Other committee members — Usie Richards, Lilliana Belardo De O’Neal, Devon Carrington, and Ronald Russell — and non-committee delegates joined in by way of live stream video.

The time was used to review the language contained in 16 sections covering the role and function of the V.I. Legislature. A few of those engaged in the discussion were once V.I. lawmakers, including the committee chair and two former Senate presidents — Richards and Russell.

Vigorous debate began from the outset, with members sharing opinions on an informal poll proposed by the vice chair. The poll was made up of several questions to include: how many seats in the Legislature; whether to keep, eliminate, or increase the number of at-large seats; if lawmakers should serve in sub-districts; the length of lawmakers’ terms; constraints on party affiliations, and whether there should be term limits.

“I don’t think this committee is going to come to a consensus. I think this is going to go to plenary,” Daniel said. The next general — or plenary — session of the convention is expected to take place in July.

Russell and others urged the body to open the debate to the public. “I think we need to go into full discussion with the public,” he said.

Responses to the poll varied; on some questions, they varied widely. Ross asked delegates at the Saturday session to keep open minds. He reminded his colleagues that the goal of the sixth convention was to forge a governing document that was both flexible and acceptable enough to the public that they would vote in favor of adoption.

“If we don’t get the vote, you don’t get the document you want,” Ross said.

When the government structure committee reconvenes, they are expected to review the section covering the executive branch. The public is invited and encouraged to attend in person or virtually in order to gain a working knowledge of the document that may one day be the V.I. law of the land.

Third Annual Pate Festival Returns to St. Croix With Flavor and Culture

Source staff
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Third Annual Pate Festival Returns to St. Croix With Flavor and Culture
Virgin Islands Pate Festival sign for 2024 (Source photo by Diana Dias)

On Sunday, the Agriculture Fairgrounds on St. Croix will come alive with the sights, sounds, and flavors of the third annual Virgin Islands Pate Festival, presented by SMT Enterprise and Laced Legacy.

The Pate Festival has grown into a celebration of local culinary talent, cultural pride, and community togetherness. One of the founders and organizers, Rhyno Brand, explained that while the event is currently based on St. Croix, the long-term vision is for it to grow across the territory, which is why they proudly call it the Virgin Islands Pate Festival.

“The thought process behind it was that a lot of times you ask yourself, ‘Where can I get a good pate?’ There were places like Rosa’s and other small mom-and-pop shops,” Brand said. “We wanted to take it further — create a festival that celebrates our culture, brings culinary artists under one roof, and gives people a reason to come out and enjoy food, entertainment, and tradition.”

Festivalgoers can look forward to culinary competitions featuring the best meat-filled pate, seafood pate, and veggie pate, along with a coveted People’s Choice award. Top chefs and vendors from St. Croix and throughout the territory will showcase their take on the beloved local dish, competing for bragging rights and community acclaim.

Beyond the food, the event also serves as a platform for honoring the people who’ve left an impact on local culinary culture. This year’s tributes include the late Randy Randall Lucian James, affectionately known as Randy Patrick, and Naicha Mintas, owner of 340 All in One. James, who died last year, was known for his skill and presence in the culinary world, while Mintas was a longtime vendor who had planned to participate again this year before her unexpected death. A special tribute will be set up at her booth space, where attendees are welcome to donate toward her funeral expenses and offer support to her family. “She was one of our beloved vendors and such a positive light,” Brand said.

In addition to the food and tributes, this year’s festival will feature the unveiling of the new Pate Festival sign, designed by Dynasty Consultants V.I., and the debut of the festival’s official pate mascot. For families, the Field of Fun will provide free activities and entertainment for children, creating a welcoming space for all ages.

Food vendors showcase their best in pate at the pate festival this year, which is set to be even bigger and better. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

The day will also be filled with music, cultural performances, and entertainment from across the territory. The stage will feature Deh Brand, Bootlegacy, MC Bogle, DJ Felix, No Problemo, Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, Pollo Bass Covers Live, Controversy, and more. The Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies will also perform, bringing their vibrant cultural presence to the event.

Admission is free for children under five, $5 for kids, and $10 for adults. A heartfelt thanks was also expressed to Shenel Moorehead, Brand’s wife, for her tireless dedication to keeping the event together, along with gratitude to Robert and Annie Evans for their support behind the scenes.

“It’s up to us to be cultural bearers – to keep tradition alive and make it our own,” Brand said.

This year’s Pate Festival is made possible by sponsors including One Communications, Crucian Gold, Neighborhood Pharmacy, IB Designs, Twin City Dental, Cruzan Rum, WSTX 970AM and FM100, 103.5 The Reef, KSS Sounds, Das Ya Car Rental, Blue Mountain Water, Foodtown, Plaza Extra East, Hooked on Life Charters, Island Thyme Charters, and West Gyul.

With music, food, culture, and community all in one place, the 3rd Annual Virgin Islands Pate Festival promises a day full of flavor, fellowship, and pride.

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