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Virgin Islands Police Department Announces Police Week 2026 Observance

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Virgin Islands Police Department Announces Police Week 2026 Observance

The Virgin Islands Police Department announced in a press release that it will be joining law enforcement agencies nationwide in commemorating National Police Week 2026, honoring and paying tribute to the officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

According to the release, observances will take place throughout the territory from May 11 through May 17.

Schedule of Events

St. Croix

Monday, May 11
Community Meet and Greet Luncheon
1 p.m. – until
The Police Pavilion

Tuesday, May 12
VIPD & Elementary Bowlers Showdown
6 p.m. – until
Bowling Alley

Wednesday, May 13
Elementary School Outreach – Operation Freeze Tag
12 p.m. – until
Alfredo Andrews Elementary School

Thursday, May 14
Reminiscing with Retirees
7 p.m. – until
The Police Pavilion

Friday, May 15
Motorcade / Peace Officers Memorial / Vigil

  • Motorcade Line-up: 7:30 a.m.
  • Memorial: Immediately following motorcade

Evening Vigil: 6 p.m. – until
Verne Richards Memorial Park, Strand Street
Lantern personalization will be available for a $10 donation as part of a fundraiser.

Saturday, May 16
CIB Closeout Pig Roast
12 p.m. – until
Vincent Mason Pool

Sunday, May 17
Community Outreach Event
12 p.m. – until
Leatherback

St. Thomas

Sunday, May 10
The Gathering of Grace
10 a.m. – until
Living Hope Cathedral

Monday, May 11
Frosted and Fabulous
7 p.m. – until
The Cove (Waterfront)

Tuesday, May 12
The Candle Bar Experience
7 p.m. – until
The Meeting Place (Frydenhoj)

Friday, May 15
Rolling in Remembrance
2 p.m. – until
Motorcade from Eastern Cemetery to Griffith Ball Park

Saturday, May 16
If You Think You Can Sing Better Than the Police
7:00 p.m. – until
Heading East – St. John

The VIPD invites active and retired law enforcement officers, as well as community members, to participate in Police Week.

According to the release, Police Week was established in 1962 following a proclamation from President John F. Kennedy. The observance has grown into a nationally recognized tradition, bringing together thousands of law enforcement officers, survivors, and supporters each year.

For additional information on Police Week 2026 activities, contact the VIPD at (340) 712-6062 or (340) 514-8006.

Remembering Cleave McBean; A Military Leader Who Wore Many Hats

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Remembering Cleave McBean; A Military Leader Who Wore Many Hats

Former V.I. National Guard Adjutant General Cleave A. McBean Sr is being remembered as a career military servicemember, ready to take on a leadership role when called upon. Born on April 18, 1948, McBean died April 23 at the age of 78.

The death of former V.I. Adjutant General Cleave A. McBean Sr. was posted to the National Guard Facebook page on Friday. (Photo from Facebook)

McBean assumed the role of leader of the Guard in June 2000, replacing Adjutant General Mario A. Romney. At the Government House installation ceremony, then-Gov. Charles Turnbull called McBean “hardworking, diligent and a courteous person.”

Over the years since joining the military in 1977, McBean took on several and various roles, from signal platoon leader, to training officer, to field service company commander, and senior instructor at the V.I. National Guard Academy, to battalion commander, military support officer, and deputy territorial area commander of the V.I. Army National Guard.

That background served him well when, in 2000, the new adjutant general played a dual role as both head of the Guard and executive director of the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency. Current Adjutant General Kodjo Knox-Limbacker praised his predecessor for setting “the standard for the integrated civil-military readiness we strive for today.”

McBean retired after 29 years of service on Dec. 31, 2004, making way for the appointment of Col. Eddy Charles.

Funeral services are scheduled for May 22 at Holy Family Church in Anna’s Retreat at 9 a.m., followed by interment at the Eastern Cemetery in Smith Bay.

PSC Seeks Public Input on a Draft Report for St. Thomas–St. John Ferry Rates

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PSC Seeks Public Input on a Draft Report for St. Thomas–St. John Ferry Rates
The Public Services Commission is seeking public comment on a draft report reviewing ferry rates and service between St. Thomas and St. John. (Source photo by Amy H. Roberts)

The Virgin Islands Public Services Commission is calling on residents to comment on a draft hearing examiner’s report on ferry rates and service between St. Thomas and St. John.

Symra Hendrickson, public communications coordinator for the PSC, said the commission opened the investigation to review ferry rates and service between Red Hook and Cruz Bay and between Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay.

“The Public Services Commission is required to investigate the rates and services of the utilities that we regulate at least once every five years,” Hendrickson said. “We’re conducting a rate investigation on that ferry service.”

As part of the process, the PSC hired a hearing examiner, who conducted his own investigation into the St. Thomas–St. John ferry franchise. Public hearings were held, and the examiner has now given the commission a draft proposal.

“He conducted his own investigation. We held public hearings, and we originally asked the community to provide us with commentary,” Hendrickson said. “Now he has given us a draft proposal, and now we’re just asking the public to comment on it.”

The draft report outlines the hearing examiner’s findings, what he recommends to the PSC and what actions the commission should take, Hendrickson said. Residents are being encouraged to review the draft and submit comments before the examiner prepares a final report and recommendation for the commission.

Hendrickson said all ferry rates are still under review and that no rates have been changed at this time. “Everything is still under review. No rates have been changed at this time,” she said.

Residents can comment not only on rates but also on the ferry service and any other concerns about the St. Thomas–St. John routes, Hendrickson said.

“It just shows his findings, what he recommends to us, what actions we should take,” she said of the report. “We just need the public to let us know what they think, if they agree, if they disagree, what other options we should look into.”

The PSC is encouraging residents to submit comments by May 13, though Hendrickson said feedback submitted afterward can still be considered as the process continues. She noted the May 13 deadline is intended for comments to be included in the hearing examiner’s current review process before a final report is prepared.

“After May 13, I don’t want people to think that it’s the end all be all,” she said. “If after May 13 you still want to submit a public comment, you still can.”

After the current comment period closes, the PSC will submit all public feedback to the hearing examiner, who will go back and adjust his draft before preparing a final report and recommendation for the commission.

Hendrickson said public participation is especially important because ferry transportation directly affects daily life for many Virgin Islands residents.

“We’re looking for public comment because it affects the public. That’s just the long and short of it,” she said. “Students ride the ferry. Commuters ride the ferry. There are people that travel from St. Thomas to St. John for work. There are people that own businesses in St. John that have to utilize the ferry every day.”

Residents can review the draft report and submit comments by email at psc.info@psc.vi.gov, by mail to P.O. Box 40, St. Thomas, VI 00804, or through links posted on the PSC’s website and Facebook page.

Fraudsters Targeting Healthcare Providers

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Fraudsters Targeting Healthcare Providers
The Health Department warns against engaging with would-be fraudsters making phony license-suspension calls. (Source photo by Mat Probasco)

Would-be fraudsters have called Virgin Islands doctors and other healthcare providers falsely claiming their licenses have been revoked, the Virgin Islands Health Department warned Friday.

Using caller ID trickery, the scammers were able to make the bogus calls appear to have come from the legitimate Health Department phone number, 340-718-1311, Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion said.

The trickery, called spoofing, was reported by several healthcare providers Thursday. In truth, the Health Department has not revoked any licenses and is not making these calls, Encarnacion said.

“We want to be very clear: the Department of Health is not contacting providers by phone to threaten or take immediate action against their licenses,” said Encarnacion in a written statement. “These calls are fraudulent. We urge our healthcare professionals to remain vigilant, protect their personal and professional information, and report any suspicious activity immediately.”

The department advised all licensees and healthcare organizations not to provide personal, professional, or licensure information over the phone; not engage with or respond to suspicious callers; hang up immediately; and report the incident to Renise James, the acting director of Licensure at Renise.James@doh.vi.gov.

Actual, official communications regarding licensure actions are conducted through formal written correspondence and verified Health Department channels, Encarnacion said.

“The VI Department of Health is actively investigating these reports and working with appropriate partners to address the issue. Additional updates will be shared as more information becomes available,” she said in the statement

Lowry Hill Site on St. Croix Added to Territorial Parks Portfolio

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Lowry Hill Site on St. Croix Added to Territorial Parks Portfolio
The Territorial Parks and Protected Areas division of the V.I. Planning and Natural Resources Department announced Thursday its acquisition of 53 acres of undeveloped land on St. Croix’s southeastern shoreline. (Photo by Dan Mele Photography)

Fifty-three more acres of undeveloped land on St. Croix’s southeastern shoreline will be preserved for current and future Virgin Islanders to enjoy, the VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources and its Territorial Parks and Protected Areas division announced this week.

The land acquisition was funded through a $69 million Climate Resilience Regional Challenge grant administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which covers activity across watershed and coastal improvement plans, climate-resilient land conservation and park development, and education and workforce development. The Lowry Hill site purchase on St. Croix follows the government’s $17.5 million purchase of 2,469 acres in the Maroon Ridge and Annaly Bay area and its $5.6 million acquisition of 140 acres overlooking Perseverance Bay on St. Thomas.

Environmentalist and educator Olasee Davis noted that the preservation of sites like Lowry Hill, which connects to the Great Pond watershed, can have significant downstream effects for local fishermen and others. TPPA Director Kristina “Kitty” Edwards told the Source Friday that the grant also covers the management plans for the sites they’ve acquired. That’s important, she said, “because we are spending this money to bring properties into our management and we want to make sure that they are managed properly in perpetuity.”

“So we will be working with a contractor to develop park unit management plans, looking at usage zones, doing public input, researching the history of all of these properties,” she said.

Of the overall effort to build out a territorial park system, Edwards said her division’s motto is “VI parks for VI people.”

“If we take care of ourselves first and make an amazing park system for us, it’s going to be amazing for everybody,” she said, adding that the work is about protecting not just the land, but also culture and history. “‘Culture’ is right up until today. And so that is looking at past uses, current uses, future uses — where we are really looking holistically at how we as Virgin Islanders use our land and want to use our land in the future.”

VIPD Honors Student Cadets at St. Croix Ceremony

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VIPD Honors Student Cadets at St. Croix Ceremony
Cadets display their certificates during the Virgin Islands Police Department Cadet Program graduation ceremony Thursday at the St. Croix Educational Complex. (Photo courtesy VIPD)

The Virgin Islands Police Department recognized student cadets Thursday during its third Cadet Program ceremony at the St. Croix Educational Complex, VIPD announced in a press release.

The Thursday event celebrated students from St. Croix Educational Complex and St. Croix Central High School who completed the program, which introduces high school students to careers in law enforcement and community service, the press release stated.

The cadet program provides training, mentorship, and hands-on experience in public safety while promoting discipline and leadership skills. Participants may be considered for employment with the department once they turn 18 and meet requirements for entry into the police academy, the release stated.

The initiative is a partnership between VIPD and the Department of Education’s 21st Century Program, the release stated.

The department also announced its next cadet graduation ceremony is scheduled for May 18 on St. Thomas and will include students from Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.

For information about the cadet program, contact the VIPD Office of Community Affairs at 340-774-2211.

Hearts in Service to Honor 5 Exceptional Mothers at Annual Motherhood Luncheon Sunday

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Hearts in Service to Honor 5 Exceptional Mothers at Annual Motherhood Luncheon Sunday
Hearts in Service Association will honor five exceptional mothers for its 22nd annual Motherhood Luncheon on Sunday. Honorees are, top row from left, Anique Harrigan, Annette Hendrickson, and Gloria Gumbs. Bottom row, from left, are Cheryl Thomas and Louise Jennings. (Submitted photo)
The Hearts in Service Association will honor five exceptional mothers for its 22nd annual Motherhood Luncheon on Sunday. Honorees are, top row from left, Anique Harrigan, Annette Hendrickson, and Gloria Gumbs. Bottom row, from left, are Cheryl Thomas and Louise Jennings. (Submitted photo)

Hearts in Service Association, a nonprofit organization serving the community in vital areas of need since 2004, will host its 22nd annual Motherhood Luncheon on Sunday, honoring five women in the Virgin Islands community.

The luncheon is scheduled for 1 to 5 p.m. at New Victor’s Hideout in Sub Base on St. Thomas with keynote speaker Sen. Carla J. Joseph.

Since its founding in 2004, HISA has operated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that is dedicated to supporting the social and economic well-being of individuals experiencing homelessness, youths that exited the foster home system, and high-risk families impacted by poverty, unemployment, limited affordable housing, family disruptions, victims of domestic violence, veterans, and restricted access to healthcare, according to a press release announcing the event.

Five exceptional mothers who have profoundly influenced many lives will be recognized during the luncheon. The theme for this year is “Mothers of Faith and Love,” which highlights mothers whose humility, perseverance, faith, love, courage, and sincerity inspire the entire community, the release stated.

This year’s exceptional mothers to be honored are:

  • Gloria Gumbs
  • Anique Harrigan
  • Annette Hendrickson
  • Louise Jennings
  • Cheryl Thomas

“The annual Motherhood Luncheon serves as one of the association’s most significant fundraising events of the year,” according to the release. “This program will showcase each honoree’s remarkable stories, emphasizing their influence, dedication to raising and nurturing children, and steadfast commitment to the community. Mothers are the cornerstone of any society, government, and economy, working tirelessly to improve the quality of life for others. Their role is one of unparalleled selflessness and care, and nothing compares to a mother’s compassion and love.”

Sunday’s event is also dedicated to supporting initiatives related to HISA’s transitional housing facility, as well as covering other service-supportive costs.

“Currently, HISA has built three transitional homes for the homeless that are currently occupied. Our goal is to build a One-Stop Transitional Housing Facility at a cost of $4 million and to renovate and operate a one-stop centralized outreach center at a cost of $1.7 million,” said Beverly Stephens-Samuel, HISA’s executive director.

Homelessness is not only individuals who we see at Emancipation Garden, on the Waterfront, or around the island, but individuals and families who temporarily reside in the homes of other family members and friends, the press release noted.

“Please bring out your family to this important fundraising event. Children bring out your mothers and grandmothers, husbands bring out your wives to celebrate motherhood. Whether you purchase a Mother’s Day event ticket, advertise in our Commemorative Booklet, or help as a patron, your SUPPORT of this event is essential to achieving our cause and helping Virgin Islands families,” it said.

HISA organizers are also encouraging businesses to support the event by sponsoring a mother or a woman who represents the role of a mother to attend the event. Businesses can also donate funds directly to the organization.

Tickets can be purchased at the following outlets: Sweet Stick Party Supply Store in Barbel Plaza; Sole to Soul Shoe Boutique on Store Taver Gade, downtown; the Hearts in Service Association office in Fosters Plaza, and the Honorees.

Adults must purchase their tickets from the honorees and the outlets. Ticket prices are $80 for adults. Please purchase tickets for children under 12 ($45) at the door.

For further information on the Mother’s Day Motherhood Luncheon or for more details on HISA, contact Beverly Stephens-Samuel at 340-690-4313 or Sophia Archibald at 340-998-2733.

Francisca Navarro Dies at 94

Mat Probasco
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Francisca Navarro Dies at 94

With profound love and heartfelt sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved Francisca Navarro, who departed this life on April 25, 2026, at the age of 94 years.

Francisca Navarro

Francisca was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth, strength, and kindness touched the lives of many. She will forever be remembered for her unwavering love for her family and the cherished memories she created throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Juan Navarro and Rosario Mercado-Navarro; her son, Jesus Rivera Sr.; grandchildren, Mario Morales Jr., Carlos Rodriguez, and Orlando Rodriguez; sisters, Fidelina Navarro, Feliciana Encarnacion, and Juana Navarro; brothers, Gaspar “Pin” Navarro, Rosario “Guacho” Navarro, and Eugenio “Geño” Navarro.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories her loving daughters, Guillermina Rivera, Lydia Esther Encarnacion, and Sol Raquel Morales; sons, Guillermo Rivera and Rogelio Rivera; grandchildren, Ivia I. Rivera, Guillermo Rivera Jr., Jesus Rivera, Jonathan Rivera, Jesus Rivera Jr., Roberto Rivera, Jose Luis Rivera, Ricardo Rivera, Guillermo Rivera, Ismael Rivera, Rosaria Rivera, Rogelio Angel Rivera Jr., Mercedita Elbita Rivera, Miguel A. Encarnacion Jr., Hector Encarnacion, Leticia Encarnacion, Alejandro Encarnacion, Javier Encarnacion, Jose M. Ayala, Milagros C. Morales, Nancy Matias, Luis M. Morales, David Morales, Jonathan Morales, Marisol Cancel, Nelson Rodriguez, Wanda Rodriguez, Hector Rodriguez, and Lucy Rodriguez; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Ramon Navarro and Saturnino “Satun” Navarro; daughter-in-law, Marciana “Chana” Rivera; son-in-law, Miguel A. Encarnacion; sister-in-law, Fidelina Navarro; and brother-in-law, Gregorio Encarnacion, along with many other relatives and dear friends.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend a viewing on Friday, May 15, at Divine Funeral Services, 129 Peter’s Rest, Christiansted, VI 00820, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 16, at Iglesia Pentecostal Jehova Justicia Nuestra, #134 Clifton Hill, Kingshill, St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00850. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Francisca’s love, wisdom, and beautiful spirit will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in eternal peace.

Cleave Antonio “Van Cleve” McBean Dies

Mat Probasco
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Cleave Antonio “Van Cleve” McBean Dies

It is with a heavy heart and profound respect that Maj. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker, the adjutant general of the Virgin Islands National Guard, joins the ranks of our soldiers, airmen, and the entire Virgin Islands community in mourning the passing of former Adjutant General Maj. Gen. (VI) Cleave Antonio “Van Cleve” McBean. 

Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Cleave Antonio “Van Cleve” McBean

Gen. McBean embodied the spirit of the “Guardian of the Eastern Front,” a motto that echoed throughout his storied 29-year military career and served as a blueprint for leadership within our organization. Beginning his service during the Vietnam era, he joined the VING as a Sergeant in 1977, his grit and professionalism propelled him through the ranks, culminating in his appointment as Adjutant General in 2000.

“Today, the Virgin Islands National Guard stands on the shoulders of a titan,” said Maj. Gen. Kodjo S. Knox-Limbacker. “General McBean was a visionary leader who understood that the strength of our Guard lies in its people. He was a ‘soldier’s soldier’ who transitioned from the non-commissioned officer corps to the highest levels of command with humility and a relentless work ethic. His dual role as Adjutant General and Executive Director of VITEMA set the standard for the integrated civil-military readiness we strive for today.”

General McBean’s influence is visible in every corner of our force. From his early days as a signal platoon leader to shaping leaders as an instructor at the V.I. National Guard Academy, he was a dedicated mentor. He often credited his own growth to the guidance of legends like Gen. Rudy Francis and Gen. Robert Moorhead, and he made it his mission to ensure the next generation of Virgin Islands officers and enlisted personnel were equally prepared to lead.

“On behalf of the men and women of the Virgin Islands Army and Air National Guard, I extend my deepest condolences to the McBean family,” added Knox-Limbacker. “We have lost a brother-in-arms, a mentor, and a friend. We will continue to carry his torch of selfless service, ensuring that his legacy remains a permanent part of our Guard’s history.” 

In accordance with the proclamation issued by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., the Virgin Islands National Guard will fly its colors at half-staff in honor of a leader who gave his all to the territory and the nation. May he rest in peace.

Funeral services for retired Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Cleave Antonio “Van Cleve” McBean Sr. will be held May 22 at Holy Family Church. Tributes will begin at 9 a.m., followed by funeral services at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Smith Bay Cemetery, East End. Community members wishing to share memories, photos, or tributes honoring General McBean’s life and legacy may submit them to GeneralCleaveMcBeantributes@gmail.com.

Isabel Velasquez Torres Dies at 90

Mat Probasco
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Isabel Velasquez Torres Dies at 90

Isabel Velasquez Torres, of Estate St. John, passed away on April 27. She was 90 years old.

Isabel Velasquez Torres

She was preceded in death by her mother, Juana Rivera; father, Ramon Velasquez; siblings, Cecilio “Cily” Velasquez, Petra “Manita” Velazquez, Ruperto “Berto” Velazquez, Marcelo Velazquez, Celestina “Tina” Velasquez, Felipa “Fela” Velasquez, Hermenegildo “Ching” Velasquez, Felecita “Feliza” Velasquez, Eugenio “Jeno” Velasquez, Daniel “Cano” Velasquez, Urpiano Velasquez, Cruz “Crucita” Velasquez, Zenon Velasquez, Maximiliano “Maci” Velasquez.

She is survived by her daughter, Isabel Torres Nielsen; son, Luis Antonio Torres; grandchild, Luis Neftaty Torres; grandchild, Isabel Alejandra Torres; adopted grandchildren, Oumbashi Petersen, Temis Petersen; sister, Angelita Rios; brother, Domingo Velasquez; nieces, Persida Velasquez, Danila Velasquez, Norma Harris, Maria R. Nieves, Judith Velasquez, Juanita Conde, Tomacita, Ruth, Georgina, & Lillian Velasquez, Valentina Gomez, Ruth Robles, Armanda Johnson, Sara Velazquez, Tabitha Phangyou, Maria Herndon, Aurelia Clarke, Carmen L. Cotto, Evette Rios, Elsie Velasquez; nephews, Herminio Velasquez, Edwin Velasquez, Hector Velasquez, Elias Velasquez,      Herman Velasquez, Maximilianos Juan Velasquez, Abraham Velasquez, Carmelo Velazquez, Quintin Velasquez, David Velasquez, Ramon Nieves, Ruben Nieves; son-in-law, Lawrence Nielsen; sisters-in-law, Doris Velasquez, Mercedes Velasquez, Margo Perkins, Juana S. Torres, Nora Torres; cousin and other relatives, Teresita & Domingo Santos, Abraham Diaz Torres, Abraham S. Diaz, Norka Madera, Norka Elena Corvera, Shanel Paulus, Alejandra Egea; special friends, Gerard Luz A. James II, Dr. John C. Perez, dedicated Staff of Continuum Care, Lisa Lopez, Shana, Kelly, Pastor Williams, Rev. Carlos Encarnacion, Sylvia Encarnacion, Ada Alicea, Maribel Alicia, Israel Rivera, Rev. Hector Gonzalez, Torres Family, Velasquez, Lopez Family, Rivera Family, Alvares Family, Chico Family, Miray Family; many other precious Friends and family too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on May 14 at Hermanos Unidos En Cristo. Viewing begins at 9 am, with service at 10 am. Interment will be held at Kingshill Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

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