Cane Roots Art Gallery welcomed summer on St. Croix with the second annual “Bridges” exhibit on Saturday. Several artists from the Virgin Islands and those abroad were featured in celebration of the summer solstice and Juneteenth. Through paintings, sculptures, and photography, the exhibit explores the connections between Caribbean and continental U.S. art.
Virtue of the Week – Love
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Love
Love is at the center of our being. It is the vital force that gives us energy and direction. It connects one heart with another. Love is irresistible passion and affection for a person, a place, an idea, or for life itself. Love is having a deep connection to someone or something, with detachment and free from expectation. Love thrives on acceptance and appreciation. Nurtured by commitment and seasoned by gratitude, love is our greatest gift.
Quote: “There is no disguise which can hide love for long where it exists, or simulate it where it does not.” -La Rochefoucauld
The Practice of Love
I allow myself to connect deeply.
I commit myself wholeheartedly.
I show love through acts of gratitude.
I am tactful and patient with what I love.
I am willing to make sacrifices for what I love.
I invest myself in what I love in life.
Questions for Discussion
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project, and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form. Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.
About the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter
Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage, and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtues skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit virtuesproject.com.
36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Calendar, June 23–July 4
MONDAY, JUNE 23, 2025
Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs, and Consumer Protection has scheduled a meeting for Monday, June 23, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands to provide updates on the following agencies:
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Bill No. 36-0090 An act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 200m to declare the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as the Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Antonio Emanuel, Director, Office of Gun Violence Prevention
Honorable Mario M. Brooks, Commissioner, Virgin Islands Police Department
Bill No. 36-0097 A resolution commending the National Conference of State Legislatures (“NCSL”) on its 50th anniversary and recognizing the NCSL for its commitment to the legislative institution.
BLOCK II 11:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0012 An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 to streamline the GERS disability annuity approval procedures and for other related issues.
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System
Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System
Bill No. 36-0066 An Act amending title 29 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 by adding a section 928a providing that all officials and employees of the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority and its wholly owned subsidiaries must be members of the Government Employees
Invited Testifiers:
Mr. Angel E. Dawson, Administrator, Government Employees Retirement System
Mr. Dwane Callwood, Board Chairman, Government Employees Retirement System
Honorable Kevin McCurdy, Commissioner, VI Public Finance Authority
Mr. Nathan Simmonds, Director of Finance & Administration, Public Finance Authority
Mr. Stephan Adams, President & Chief Executive Officer, ViNGN
TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.
VI Energy Office
Kyle Fleming, Director
BLOCK II 1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
VITEMA
Daryl Jaschen, Director
BLOCK III 3:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.
VIFEMS
Antonio Stevens, Director
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2025
Committee on Rules and Judiciary
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Rules and Judiciary has scheduled a hearing for 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following legislative measures:
BLOCK I 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Bill No. 36-0032 An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, chapter 111, section 3080 by limiting the salary amount used to compute the service retirement annuity for the Governor and the Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 36-0062 An Act approving the lease agreement between the government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a portion of the telecommunications tower located on Parcel R-22 of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas.
Bill No. 36-0098 An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Caribbean Buzz, LLC for a portion of Remainder Parcel No. 3B Estate Susannaberg, 17A Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands for the purpose of operating and managing a helicopter transportation service at the existing helipad and for other permitted purposes.
BLOCK II 11:30 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0024 An Act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 85 by adding section 1710 declaring
a person incapable of consent to sexual relations while the person is in police custody.
Bill No. 36-0027 An Act amending title 5 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, part I, chapter 311, by enacting Jah’niqua’s Law requiring a defendant to pay restitution in form of child maintenance if the victim of the offense was the parent or guardian of a minor child or dependent and if the defendant was convicted of negligent homicide by means of a motor vehicle, a violation of the title 20 Virgin Islands Code, section 504, while under the influence of or affected by intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs; or was convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicating liquors or controlled substances, a violation of title 20 Virgin Islands Code, section 493, which results in an accident that causes the victim to become disabled or totally and permanently disabled.
Bill No. 36-0031 An Act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter IV, section 1073 to exempt a public safety agency or privacy safety entity from liability for acts of negligence in the operation, administration or maintenance of a 911 service unless the acts are committed in a grossly negligent manner or are committed with willful intent
Bill No. 36-0057 An Act amending title 5 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 314, section 3733, subsection (a) to require automatic expungement of the arrest record and complaint or information when the accused has been acquitted
LUNCH 1:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.
BLOCK III 1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0035 An Act amending title 15 Virgin Islands Code, article V to allow the Governor of the Virgin Islands to implement the federal mandate of the Stephen J. Beck, Jr., Achieving Better Life Experiences, which provides for the establishment of savings accounts for persons with disabilities.
Bill No. 36-0043 An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part VI, chapter 53, subchapter IV, section 1481 by increasing the penalties for violation of sanitation laws.
Bill No. 36-0050 An Act repealing and reenacting with amendments title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 20, relating to the regulation of the profession of social work and social workers
Bill No. 36-0051 An Act amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 20 by establishing the Virgin Islands Board of Social Work Licensure.
BLOCK IV 3:00 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Bill No. 36-0029 A Resolution honoring and commending Sonya Hough, the creator of the St. Croix “Crucian” Hook Bracelet and proprietor of one of the first hand-wrought jewelry stores in St. Croix.
Bill No. 36-0007 A resolution honoring and commending James Sasso for distinguished service in the mortuary and funeral service industry.
Bill No. 36-0064 An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111, section 3093 to align the disbursement and spending limitations of funds allotted to public schools from the Education Initiative Fund with the realities of academic planning, ensuring that funds are used to maximize student success
THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
10:00 A.M. Public Service Commission
12:00 P.M. LUNCH
1:00 P.M. Department of Labor
3:00 P.M. Division of Personnel GESC/OCB
FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2025
Regular Session
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
MONDAY, JUNE 30, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Monday, June 30, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in
the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
10:00 A.M Office of the Adjutant General
12:00 P.M. LUNCH
1:00 P.M. Office of Veterans Affairs
3:00 P.M. Department of Education
TUESDAY, JULY 01, 2025
Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance
10:00 A.M.
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall
The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance will meet on Tuesday, July 01, 2025, 10:00 A.M. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.
10:00 A.M. Bureau of Motor Vehicles
12:00 P.M. LUNCH
1:00 P.M. Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation
3:00 P.M. Department of Property & Procurement
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.
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
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.
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.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Silvio Garcia on May 30, 2025 on St. Croix.
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
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 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
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.
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.
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