On July 4, 2025, the Frederiksted waterfront will once again light up with adazzling fireworks display hosted by Our Town Frederiksted (OTF) and produced by VI Pyro LLC. Thisyear’s celebration will carry special meaning as the community honors the life of Jordan Jones, whogrew up in Frederiksted and whose life tragically ended too soon.
July 4, 2017 fireworks on St. Croix (Susan Ellis photo)
At the request of his family and friends, including members of the VI Pyro team, this year’s display willclose with a farewell tribute in Jordan’s honor. Having assisted VI Pyro with previous fireworks shows,Jordan played a quiet but important role in bringing joy to others through celebration. One minuteafter the conclusion of the main fireworks show, VI Pyro will launch the largest shell in their inventory,with Jordan’s ashes attached. As the shell bursts high above the Caribbean Sea, his remains will bespread over the waters that shaped his childhood, serving as a final and fitting goodbye.
“Our thoughts are with Jordan’s mom, Hope, and his family and loved ones,” said Shomari Moorehead,President of Our Town Frederiksted. “Jordan was more than a supporter of community events, he wasalso a part of them. We are honored to work with VI Pyro to give Jordan the send-off he deserves, overhis hometown, above the sea, surrounded by light.”
“This tribute is deeply personal to us,” said Russ Battiato of VI Pyro. “Jordan was part of our team. Thisfinal shell is a symbol of gratitude and remembrance.”
The July 4th celebration is free and open to the public. Community members are welcome to gatherwith respect and support as Frederiksted says farewell to one of its own.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of MiChille A. Turnbull on June 8, 2025 at the age of 61.
MiChille Turnbull
She is preceded in death by her husband: Cleve “Grapo” Turnbull
She is survived by: Mother: Eunice Ottley Petersen, Father: Everad Petersen, Daughter: Candeya S. Turnbull-Browne, Son: Caleve K. H. Turnbull, Grandchildren: Caheal H. Turnbull, Kaylen K. Browne, Camry K. Turnbull, Cameron H. Turnbull, Son–in–law: Kelvin E. Browne, Daughter–in–law: Yanelle C. Turnbull, Siblings: Ramona Lewis, Ronald Lewis, Melvin Otega Petersen, Maxine Petersen, LeVar Kennings, Maurice Petersen, Melissa Petersen
A celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 24 at All Saints Cathedral at 9:30 a.m.
The family request pink and pearls to be worn.
Interment: Private Burial
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
Educator Larry Sewer captured in the classroom at E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School. (Submitted photo)
Former St. Thomas educator Larry Sewer is being remembered as a dedicated military veteran, musician, and naturalist. Sewer died June 10 at the age of 83.
Most of all, he was remembered by his daughter as a parent who stayed engaged with his two children. Daughter Lo’An Lake said her father had a way of bringing people together and sharing thoughts that could enrich their lives.
In a nomination essay submitted to a 175th Emancipation Anniversary committee, Lake shared the reasons why her dad should be considered as a V.I. Living Legend:
“First Sergeant U.S. Army, Retired Lawrence R. Sewer is a retired educator and Virgin Islands native who lives and breathes the essence of our home. For three decades, he poured into his students, using VI history, culture, and agriculture to reinforce his teachings. As the author of The Virgin Island Child Poem, his words have inspired generations of V.I. children to operate in and pursue excellence with pride in themselves and their home,” she wrote.
There was also mention of Sewer’s work as a labor leader with the American Federation of Teachers, and his engagement with early efforts of the V.I. Constitutional Convention.
In his leisure time, he enjoyed Latin music and played conga drums. His quest for greater insights into the natural world also led the St. Thomian educator to attend an AIDS conference in West Africa in 2005.
A lifelong love of nature fueled his interest in science, and Lake said it helped Sewer choose education as his path to pursue. In the classroom, he also used his fluency with Spanish and English to help students learn English as a Second Language, although there was no formal program in the local school system at the time, Lake said.
“He created the piece to honor and celebrate the request of students at the E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School on St. Thomas. Now, almost 40 years later, this poem is still empowering Virgin Islands youth and creating a spark in the minds of our children,” Lake wrote in a 2016 article written for the Source.
Larry Sewer is survived by his life partner, Velma Abramsen; brothers, Alexander Joseph and Warren Claxton; sisters, Elise Kean and Abigail Casey; daughters, Loán Lake and Zenzilé Hodge; and grandson, Rafael Hodge.
Members of the Virgin Islands arts community are remembering the life of St. John master craftsman Avelino Samuel, who died June 7 at the age of 68. Samuel is one of two Virgin Islanders to have his work featured in exhibits at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Avelino Samuel poses before handmade quilt designed by his sister, Karen Samuel. (Submitted photo)
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. was among those paying tribute to a humble and dedicated artisan and educator who began his career as an Industrial Arts teacher at the Julius E. Sprauve School in Cruz Bay. After 30 years of teaching day classes and nighttime wood shop for community members, Samuel traveled the world conducting workshops.
“Avelino was more than an artist. He was a teacher, a mentor, and a quiet force for good whose work touched lives across the Virgin Islands and beyond. His talent for woodturning was matched only by his humility and his deep love for our culture and our people,” Bryan said. “From the classrooms of Julius E. Sprauve School to exhibitions around the world, Avelino carried the spirit of St. John with him. He taught us that beauty can come from simple things, and that craftsmanship, care, and community go hand in hand.”
Born in Coral Bay in 1956, to Willis and Doris Samuel, Avelino was one of their 10 children. Raised in a life of simplicity, he learned his craft by fashioning tools, toys and household objects at a time when mass-produced consumer goods on St. John were scarce. Samuel also enjoyed life along the shore as a free-diving fisherman, and could be seen along the shores of Hansen Bay scaling his catch from a bucket while seated under a sea grape tree.
As his craft evolved, Samuel added furniture making to his offerings. Many of those pieces — including a four-poster mahogany bed — became collectors’ items. Native woods — genip, mahogany, raintree, and white prickly — were the materials he worked with.
His frequent visits to symposia held by the American Association of Woodturners introduced him to some of the nation’s best lathe turners and woodworkers. Those associations also gave Samuel opportunities to share new works with audiences abroad. Some of his works were featured in a 2016 exhibition at the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts and Culture, alongside fellow Caribbean woodturner John Mascoll of Barbados. Years of dedication through teaching, spending time in the workshop, and forming friendships in the artisan community led to his pieces being featured in some of the world’s finest private and public collections, including at the Smithsonian Institution’s Renwick Gallery.
Local mahogany wood, red-stained and ebonized wood vessel by Avelino Samuel (Photo courtesy Bajo el Sol Gallery)
Many of Samuel’s later pieces belonged to a distinctive style of ornate hand-turned hollow vessels, for which he became increasingly known. “Avelino Samuel was an artist of extraordinary talent — his work transcended place and time, leaving a lasting impact both within our community and across the globe,” said St. John gallery owners Priscilla Hintz Rivera and David Knight Jr.
“For decades, he was an integral part of the Bajo el Sol Gallery family. As curators, he was a dream to work with — thoughtful, visionary, and deeply committed to his craft. It was a true honor to collaborate with him and to help share his remarkable artistry with the world.”
Family and friends say they will soon announce the time and place of a memorial service. Sisters Cicely and Karen Samuel posted a statement on their social media pages shortly after their brother’s passing:
We are deeply saddened to share that Avelino Samuel, devoted father, beloved brother, loving uncle, esteemed educator, and renowned wood-turning artist, passed away on June 7th … His mastery of native woods and hand-turned vessels showcased his artistry and vision, leaving a lasting imprint on all who admired his work. His legacy will continue to live on in the beauty he created and the lives he touched,” the sisters said.
“Information obtained through May indicates that the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season will have activity above the 1991–2020 average,” the CSU report said. “We estimate that 2025 will have 17 named storms (average is 14.4), 85 named storm days (average is 69.4), 9 hurricanes (average is 7.2), 35 hurricane days (average is 27.0), four major (Category 3, 4, or 5) hurricanes (average is 3.2) and nine major hurricane days (average is 7.4). The probability of U.S. and Caribbean major hurricane landfall is estimated to be above its long-period average. We predict Atlantic basin Accumulated Cyclone Energy (ACE) and Net Tropical Cyclone (NTC) activity in 2025 to be approximately 125 percent of their long-term averages,” CSU explained.
“We have maintained the same forecast numbers that we had with our April outlook,” the CSU noted.
Key Factors in Place for a Busy Season
While it’s impossible to predict precisely how a hurricane season will unfold, meteorologists and researchers base their seasonal outlooks on a combination of current atmospheric and oceanic conditions and decades of historical data to help project what could occur.
CSU uses statistical models and climatology as part of its hurricane season forecast. The red bar represents the number of expected cyclones during the 2025 hurricane season. (Photo courtesy CSU)
Forecasters closely monitor several key indicators, including sea surface temperatures and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation cycle, which encompasses the El Niño, La Niña, and ENSO-neutral phases and can significantly affect wind shear across the Atlantic Ocean. Experts also analyze forecasts for the West African Monsoon, which helps determine the frequency and strength of tropical waves emerging off Africa’s west coast. Many of these environmental signals appear favorable for tropical cyclone development this season.
“The tropical Pacific is currently characterized by ENSO-neutral conditions,” the CSU update explained. “Our best estimate is that ENSO-neutral conditions will likely persist throughout the hurricane season. Sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central tropical Atlantic are slightly warmer than normal, although not as warm as they were last year at this time,” CSU continued.
“A warmer-than-normal Atlantic combined with ENSO-neutral conditions typically favors an active Atlantic hurricane season via dynamic and thermodynamic conditions that are conducive for developing hurricanes, such as low vertical wind shear and increased upper ocean heat content,” CSU stated.
CSU June Outlook Details
The Source contacted Phil Klotzbach, Ph.D., a senior research scientist with the Department of Atmospheric Science at CSU, for additional details regarding the latest hurricane season forecast.
“The CSU forecast released on June 11 is the exact same as the CSU forecast released on April 3, and there have been no changes to predictions for storm counts, Accumulated Cyclone Energy, or landfall probabilities,” Klotzbach said. “The forecast has trended close to what we anticipated from our prior outlook, and I would say that, so far, we haven’t seen any massive surprises. However, the season is just getting underway, so there is plenty of time for surprises to happen,” he acknowledged.
Klotzbach noted that while sea surface temperatures are slightly cooler than in 2024, they are still well above average. The CSU report cited recent strong trade winds across the Atlantic Ocean as one of the reasons why the ocean temperature has not significantly warmed.
Sea surface temperature anomalies between mid-May and early June. Yellow, orange, and red colors represent warmer-than-average ocean temperatures. (Photo courtesy CSU and NOAA)
“Very strong trades in recent weeks across the Caribbean have led to significant anomalous sea surface cooling in that region. Strong trade winds lead to enhanced evaporation and mixing, favoring anomalous cooling. However, water temperatures across the Caribbean Sea remain somewhat above normal,” the CSU report stated.
“While the Atlantic is not as warm as last year, it is still generally warmer than normal across most of the Atlantic basin,” Klotzbach explained. “We aren’t able to say much at this long lead time if storms are more likely to form farther east or west in the Atlantic basin. Generally, since we expect ENSO-neutral conditions, we would expect to see relatively hurricane-conducive shear conditions in the Caribbean,” he said. “Consequently, we could see more storm activity in the western half of the basin, but there’s not a lot we can say this far out.”
Klotzbach shared further details about the ENSO-neutral pattern that is predicted to continue.
“Our best estimate is that we will likely have ENSO-neutral conditions given current and predicted wind patterns across the tropical Pacific,” Klotzbach said. “The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also gives a relatively high chance for ENSO-neutral conditions for August through October, the peak three months of the hurricane season,” he stated.
“We expect these ENSO-neutral conditions to lead to relatively hurricane-favorable wind shear conditions across the tropical Atlantic and Caribbean.”
When Could the First Atlantic Storm Form?
The Atlantic hurricane season, which began on June 1, has been relatively quiet thus far. Klotzbach shared thoughts on when the Atlantic basin could potentially see its first named storm of the season.
As of June 13, there is no cyclonic development expected across the Atlantic Basin over the following seven days. (Photo courtesy NHC)
“So far, we’ve had quite strong vertical wind shear in the Caribbean, which has reduced any potential storm formations in that region,” Klotzbach said. “Typically, the season is quiet in June and July, so having no activity through mid-June is quite common. Our first named storm in the Atlantic basin doesn’t form, on average, until June 20,” he noted.
Notably, while the Atlantic basin has been inactive, the Eastern Pacific basin has been busy with tropical activity. Several named storms have formed so far this year in the Pacific Ocean near the south coast of Mexico, and the National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring additional areas for possible development.
Weather Updates
Klotzbach shared predictions of tropical activity across the USVI, as well as advice for residents and visitors across the territory about hurricane season.
Residents and visitors across the territory are encouraged to monitor the National Hurricane Center forecasts closely. (Photo courtesy NOAA)
“There is nothing we can say specifically about the U.S. Virgin Islands, but we do have elevated landfall probabilities for the entire western Atlantic, given what we consider to be broadly hurricane-favorable large-scale conditions,” Klotzbach noted. “I would say to residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands that now is the time to prepare for the hurricane season. There are great resources out there for preparing, including information from Ready.gov,” he added.
USVI residents and visitors can find weather information from the National Hurricane Center, the National Weather Service, and NOAA. Additionally, the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency offers residents and visitors the opportunity to sign up for emergency alerts.
A new wellness center, Greater Changes, supporting mental and physical health, opens on St. Croix. (File photo)
Greater Changes, in collaboration with the Virgin Islands Housing Authority, announces the opening of Bright Path Wellness Center, located in the Marley Homes and Additions community on St. Croix.
The Bright Path Wellness Center provides culturally grounded, trauma-informed, and community-based services to reduce barriers to care, improve health literacy, and strengthen resilience across the island.
An extension of VIHA’s Bright Path program, which integrates housing, health, and opportunity to support long-term community development, the center operates in partnership with Greater Changes, a behavioral health organization known for its trauma-informed approach. Together, they work to close care gaps and deliver integrated mental and physical health support through wellness programming, education, and outreach.
“The Bright Path Wellness Center represents our shared vision with VIHA to make health services more accessible, culturally grounded, and responsive to the real needs of residents. We are building a wellness pipeline rooted in dignity, prevention, and empowerment”, said Tamara Mohammed, LPC, clinical director of Greater Changes.
The Bright Path Wellness Center will offer a range of services, including mental health counseling, physical health screenings, health education workshops, and community events. By promoting partnerships with other local organizations and healthcare providers, Bright Path serves as a central access point for care, enhancing the capacity for the early identification of health issues and providing continued support to best equip residents to lead healthy and fulfilled lives.
Emmanuella Perez-Cassius, VIHA’s director of Resident Wellness and Empowerment, believes that the Brighter Path Wellness Center has the potential to reshape communities in powerful ways. “This effort reflects our Bright Path approach, one that centers dignity, collaboration, and opportunity. By embedding care and connection in the community itself, we are improving the quality of life for every household, not just treating symptoms. We are helping residents to thrive,” Perez-Cassius said.
VIHA and Greater Changes invite the community to the grand opening of the Bright Path Wellness Center on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., where attendees can participate in free wellness screenings, visit resource booths, and participate in family-friendly activities.
For more information or to become a community partner at the Bright Path Wellness Center, please call 833-409-3474, ext. 3, or email brightpath@greaterchangellc.com.
A 32-year-old Ohio woman was arraigned Monday in federal court on drug trafficking and conspiracy charges after authorities discovered nearly four kilograms of marijuana in her checked luggage at Cyril E. King Airport, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Kesahia Davis was indicted on May 21 by a federal grand jury and formally arraigned on June 9 in the District Court of the Virgin Islands. The indictment charges her with one count of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, Davis arrived on St. Thomas on March 23 aboard a Spirit Airlines flight. Customs and Border Protection officers conducted a routine X-ray screening of checked baggage from the flight and observed anomalies in a bag consistent with marijuana. Officers allowed the bag to proceed to the baggage carousel and monitored who would retrieve it.
CBP officers watched Davis pick up the bag and walk toward the airport exit. They stopped her, confirmed her ownership of the bag, and escorted her to secondary inspection.
During the search, CBP officers noted the bag was locked. Davis stated she did not have a key. Officers used a TSA key to open the luggage and discovered approximately 3.89 kilograms of marijuana inside.
A California woman has been arraigned in federal court on charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy after allegedly arriving on a commercial flight to St. Thomas with two suitcases containing 20 kilograms of marijuana, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jaclyn Raquel Quiroz was arraigned June 9 in the District Court of the Virgin Islands following a May 21 indictment by a federal grand jury. The indictment charges Quiroz with one count of conspiracy to commit a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
According to court records, Quiroz arrived at Cyril E. King Airport on March 26 aboard a United Airlines flight. Customs and Border Protection officers scanned the checked baggage from the flight and identified two suitcases bearing her name that showed “anomalies” during x-ray screening. The officers noted dense contents consistent with marijuana.
The suitcases were placed on the baggage carousel, where CBP officers observed Quiroz retrieve both. Officers then stopped her and confirmed her identity with a California driver’s license.
Quiroz was escorted to a secondary inspection area, where officers opened the luggage and discovered several black vacuum-sealed packages concealed beneath towels. The contents tested positive for approximately 20 kilograms of marijuana.
Yeral Marrero Reynoso, 29, of the Dominican Republic, was sentenced Friday to 10 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 75 kilograms of cocaine and three firearms, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper.
Chief U.S. District Court Judge Robert A. Molloy issued the sentence following Reynoso’s conviction stemming from an August 2024 incident on St. John.
According to court documents, federal agents with Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, along with Border Patrol agents, were patrolling Haulover Bay around 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 28, 2024, when they spotted two men walking a trail toward the beach — one carrying an assault-style long gun. Minutes later, the men were seen returning up the trail carrying three black duffel bags toward a nearby parking area.
Agents then observed a lone gray Acura RDX leaving the area. With assistance from the Virgin Islands Police Department, they stopped the vehicle and identified the two occupants, including Rivera Palmer, as matching the suspects seen on the trail.
Inside the vehicle, agents recovered two assault-style rifles on the rear floorboard — both lacking serial numbers — and a Glock .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine on the driver’s side floor. Three duffel bags in the back of the vehicle contained 61 brick-like packages, which tested positive for approximately 75 kilograms of cocaine.
Francis Julien-Oquendo, born on August 12, 1973, passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 51. A beloved brother, uncle, and friend, Francis leaves behind a legacy of kindness, quiet strength, and devotion to his family.
Francis Julien-Oquendo
He is survived by his brothers James Julien, Nathan Acevedo, and Otmar Cabrera; his sisters Farrach and Jennifer Acevedo; his cherished nieces Asasia, Nyiieli, and Nahariya Benjamin, and Amhara Simmiolkjier; and his nephews Eleasah Benjamin, Ahsanne, and Ahmasai Simmiolkjier. Francis held each of them close to his heart and was a steady, loving presence in their lives.
Francis will be remembered for his gentle soul, thoughtful spirit, and unwavering love for his family. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Fly high brother!
May he rest in peace.
There will be a viewing on June 19 at Divine Funeral Services chapel from 3-5 p.m.
Family and friends will gather to honor and celebrate his life on Friday, June 20, at St. Patrick’s Church in Frederiksted. The viewing will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m.
Interment will follow at the Frederiksted Cemetery.
