Walter Theophilus Williams, a.k.a. Shorty Williams, of Estate Glynn, passed away on May 6, at age 85.
Walter Theophilus Williams
He was preceded in death by his spouse, Mildred Williams; mother, Muriel Brown; father, Robert Williams.
He is survived by his sons, Walter “Reggie” Williams, Karl Williams, Sr.; daughter, Edris Finney; grandchildren, Robert Pilgrim, Richard Pilgrim, Karl Williams, Jr., Kordel Williams, Shania Frederick; brother, Campbell Williams; niece, Vandah Jonas; nephews, Craig Williams, Brian Williams; aunt, Cavelle Dickenson; daughter-in-law, Shama Williams; sister-in-law, Gisel Carlisle, Johanna “Chicky” Carlisle, Idona Blondena Parker, Agnita Carlisle, Joslyn Williams; brother-in-law, Jack Carlisle, Solomon Carlisle; cousins, Faye, Gino, Enriquo Williams, and Dickensen Family; special friends, New Jacobs, Yvette Knowles, Linroy Phillip, Genora Dempster, Pastor Reginald Michaels, Pastor Wynfield Ambrose; cousins and other relatives too numerous to mention. Special Thanks to the Doctors, Nurses, and Staff at the Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center Dialysis Unit, the Vitran Drivers, and to Sherryann Evanson for all the care and support you provided.
Funeral service will be held on May 25 at Central Seventh Day Adventist. Viewing will begin at 9 am, with service at 10 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Wilmot A. Mulrain on May 4, 2025 at the age of 78.
Wilmot Mulrain
Preceded in death by his son: Anell Mulrain
He is survived by:
Sons: Jahkeem Mulrain – St. Thomas, Kareem Mulrain – St. Croix
Stepson: Abijah Browne – Florida
Daughter: Sandra Mulrain Hodge – Florida
Stepdaughter: Shanique Browne
Brothers: Ivan Mulrain – New York, Terrence Henville – St. Kitts, Leslie Henville – St. Kitts, John Henville – Tortola, Charles Henville – St. Kitts, Trevor Henville
Sisters: Alice Edmeade – New York, Lyra Henville – Tortola, Fernella Browne – USA, Stephanie Caines-Williams – St. Kitts
Grandchildren: Makeda, Ayanna, Natisha, Veneisha, Simon, Benjamin and Keshawn Hodge; Darius Archibald and DaJahnelle A. Joseph, Denisha Hodge Mallet, Neveah Browne
Great Grandchildren: Mateo Hodge, Ah’Jahni Charles, Am’Ijah Charles, Amayah Hodge
Melanie Archibald
Son-in-law: Dave A. Joseph
Sisters-in-law: Lornette Browne – St. Kitts; Cheryl Mulrain – New York
Many nieces and nephews in St. Kitts, St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and the United States of America including the Edmeades, Walters, Henvilles and Caines of St. Paul’s and the Brownes of Old Road Village in St. Kitts.
Many great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention in the USA; St. Croix and in St. Kitts
Other relatives and friends including the Mulrains; Walters, Douglas, and Caines families of St. Paul’s, St. Kitts
Many nieces and nephews in law in St. Kitts; St. Croix, St. Thomas, Tortola and USA
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend funeral service on Thursday, May 22 at Celestial Chapel of Dan Hurley Home for Funerals. Viewing begins at 10:00am – 11 a.m. with service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment: Eastern Cemetery, Smith Bay. 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
Edlyn Stewart, of Estate Humbug, passed away on May 8. She was 80 years old.
Edlyn Stewart
She is preceded in death by her mother, Agatha Lawrence; father, Stedman Charles; husband, Dennisson Stewart; sisters, Daphne, Phillys Chevalier.
She is survived by her daughter, Karen Stewart; sons, Kerry Stewart; grandchildren, Kerrianne Browne, Jada Harris, Kerry Jaden Stewart; sisters, Lucille Forde, Margaret Charles, Maria Charles- Gordon, Joan Charles-Rosales, Shirley; brothers, Dennis Charles, Lincoln Charles; nieces, Kimberly, Kestra, Kary, Onika, Kelly; nephews, Marvin, Kevin, Kwasi, Dwayne; daughter-in-law, Leah Stewart; sisters-in-law, Dawn Millington, Dorrell Caton; brothers-in-law, Demond Stewart, Clarence Millington, Alrick Caton; special friends, Carlene Cenae & Family, Wendy Garcia & Family, Phillip Family, Marshal Family, Green Family, Singh Family, Bicette Family, Stephen Family; extended family and countless cherished friends whose names are too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on May 23 at James Memorial Chapel. Viewing will begin at 10 am, with service at 11 am. Interment will follow at the Kingshill Cemetery.
Diana Phillips, 86, passed away on April 24, 2025 with her loving children and grandchildren around her, serving her. Originally born in St Kitts, British West Indies, Diana moved to Dorchester, MA with her eight children and late husband Charles Phillips in 1974.
Diana V. Phillips
She graduated from University of Massachusetts, Boston with a Bachelors in Elementary Education in 1989. Diana is survived by her children, Veronica, Alexander, Jeremiah (predeceased), John, Bernadette, Belinda, Virginia, Charles, Jr. and Lydia; her grandchildren, Nicolas, Ariel, Brandon, Myranda, Daniela, Michael, Kenneth, Eckstrom and her great-grandchildren, Keanu and Cali.
Everywhere Diana went, she had a love for people and shared the Word of God with them. She faithfully read her Bible daily and prayed even more so. Her heart was always open to serve. Diana taught all of her children and grandchildren about God, being Christians and giving their lives to Christ. She loved music and praised God with hymns and songs. And, when she taught her children how to read, she used the Bible to do so; she also taught them how to sing and praise God with their talents. Diana had a tenacious love for her grandchildren. She was always willing to babysit them and sometimes she would take them on an adventure around the Dorchester neighborhood. Even her grandchildren all have beautiful memories of her, from taking them to the Nutcracker to simply riding the trolley together in Mattapan.
Diana was a proud and devoted member of Faith Christian Church. She always invited others along to Sunday service or Bible study, even if it was a zoom link to join remotely! Diana cared for her neighbors by ensuring she kept a stocked freezer in case she heard of someone in need! The true definition of a missionary in her community. Her generosity also reached many charitable organizations that she moved her heart.
Diana also had a love for gardening. Every place she lived there was surely a garden to be grown and well-kept by her hands. She treated her family as the most important garden she tended. Her love, like water, nurtured boundless growth and will always keep us rooted and close together. We will always remember her unwavering loyalty to the Lord, her family and how she tended to God’s garden.
Isaiah 61:11 (NIV)
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the graveside services on Monday, May 19 at 10 a.m. at Eastern Cemetery
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory. For online condolences or to share a special memory, please visit https://www.turnbullsfuneralhomevi.com/
The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix is thrilled to announce the 41st Annual Women Race, taking place on Sunday, June 8, in the town of Frederiksted at 4:45 p.m. This year’s theme, “Her Journey, Her Pace, Her Justice”, it will again commemorate not only the race’s incredible legacy but also the countless women who have participated over the years, survivors of violence in the community, and those whose lives were taken at the hands of their abuser.
A Race for All, Run, Walk, or Jog In-Person or anywhere you are!
Online Registration opens on May 15 and runs through June 7.
In Person Registration begins on May 15 at The Women’s Coalition of St. Croix Crisis Center (45 Fisher Street, Christiansted) and Closet to Closet 15 (Peter’s Rest, Christiansted).
You can also register in-person on May 31 or June 7 from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. at Kmart (Sunny Isles) and The Market (Plaza West).
Join us for this momentous occasion and help raise awareness and funds for the WCSC’s vital programs and services.
“For 41 years, the Women Race has been more than just a competition – it’s been a symbol of strength, solidarity, and the tireless spirit of our community. The WCSC Women’s Race is an event that the entire community looks forward too, especially victims/ survivors and their families,” Dr. Clema S. Lewis, DHL Executive Director, Women’s Coalition of St. Croix.
The Department of Public Works is informing the community of a one-lane road closure on Mountain Top Road today.
Mountain Top road repair route. (Department of Public Works)
DPW contractor, Island Roads Corp., will patch potholes along the roadway, once weather permits.
This road work is part of a larger plan where the department is addressing small and large areas of concern throughout the territory.
Other areas scheduled to be addressed this year are Scott Free Road and Hospital Ground on St. Thomas, Estate Strawberry and La Grange on St. Croix, as well as Fish Fry Road and Centerline guardrails on St. John.
The Department of Public Works appreciates the community’s patience as it works to improve road conditions throughout the territory.
Fire crews have officially wrapped up operations at the Bovoni Landfill, with all visible flames and smoke extinguished by early Thursday afternoon, according to officials with the V.I. Fire and Emergency Medical Services.
Just before 1 p.m., teams from Lima and Tango Companies confirmed the fire had been fully suppressed. Ten firefighters and four pieces of firefighting apparatus were deployed on Day Two of the response to locate and eliminate remaining hot spots.
Support from A9 Trucking was crucial to the final effort, with crews using excavators, dump trucks, and a bulldozer to break apart debris and expose smoldering material for full extinguishment. VIFEMS responders then doused the area with water to prevent reignition.
An EMS chief remained on-site to oversee responder safety, though no injuries were reported during the multi-day effort. Fire officials also thanked Gasworks Gas Station for providing water and refreshments to those working in the field.
As of Thursday afternoon, VIFEMS said firefighting activities related to the landfill blaze were officially concluded.
10:30 a.m.
The Bovoni Landfill has been closed to private haulers until further notice following a green waste fire that triggered a multi-agency emergency response Thursday night.
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority issued the notice early Friday morning, stating that only garbage trucks and commercial roll-on/roll-off waste haulers will be allowed access. Private haulers are barred from entering until the site is deemed safe.
The fire was first reported at approximately 7:10 p.m. on Thursday.Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) responded immediately, dispatching units from Lima Company after smoke was observed rising from a large pile of green waste debris. Additional personnel from Hotel, Echo, and Tango Companies were called in to assist.
Thirteen firefighters, five fire trucks, two Emergency Medical Technicians, and one ambulance were deployed to the scene. A9 Trucking, which manages the landfill, provided two excavators to help break apart the debris pile and expose smoldering areas. St. Thomas Rescue supported the effort using drone-based thermal imaging to identify hot spots.
Crews successfully isolated the affected area from surrounding combustible material, including nearby scrap metal, and doused the pile to prevent rekindling. Suppression efforts concluded at approximately 12:22 a.m. Thursday. No injuries were reported.
Fire Director Antonio Stevens said crews will continue “digging and throwing the dirt on it” to fully extinguish any remaining hot spots. Enforcement officers have also been stationed at the landfill gate to control traffic and ensure that only authorized vehicles are permitted entry.
Davidson Charlemagne, left, Sasha Charlemagne, center, and the latter’s attorney, Pamela Colon, right, enter the federal courthouse Thursday afternoon on St. Croix. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Attorneys for Davidson and Sasha Charlemagne and the U.S. Justice Department sparred in District Court Thursday over the testimony of a key witness in the government’s case against the couple accused of perpetrating a multimillion-dollar disaster recovery fraud.
Judge Wilma Lewis told the defendants Thursday to file under seal the types of questions they intend to put to the witness, Morris Anselmi, and to explain why the questions are relevant. She then told Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise George and Anselmi’s attorney, Nahra Nadler, to file any objections they had to the questions and gave the parties one week to state their cases. Lewis explained Thursday that she wanted to see each point of disagreement before ruling.
“The idea here is to get the ruling in advance,” she said at one point, so that the deposition can move forward.
The Charlemagnes — whom the government accused last year of carrying out a “$4 million scheme to defraud taxpayers” while mismanaging vast quantities of lumber meant for disaster recovery projects — have not yet gone to trial, but attorneys for the defendants began deposing Anselmi, an unindicted, alleged coconspirator, in April. The government granted Anselmi immunity for cooperating with prosecutors in the woodpile case but not for a separate case in which Anselmi and his former business partner, Kimberly McCollum, were charged with pocketing half a million dollars in federal Paycheck Protection Program funds. Anselmi has yet to be arraigned because medical problems have prevented his returning to the territory.
Anselmi’s testimony is critical because he will almost certainly be unavailable for questioning if or when the Charlemagnes do go to trial, making the deposition the defendants’ only opportunity to cross-examine him.
During an April 8 deposition, Anselmi acknowledged to Davidson Charlemagne’s attorney, David Cattie, that he was cooperating with the government in hopes of receiving benefits in his own criminal trial. A second session on April 28 ended abruptly when Anselmi’s attorney, Nahra Nadler, instructed him not to answer questions about the Paycheck Protection Program case on Fifth Amendment grounds, which protects defendants against self-incrimination.
George called for an expedited status conference to determine whether such questions are allowed. In response, Sasha Charlemagne’s lawyer, Pamela Colon, said the questioning was valid because it “sought to elicit evidence of Mr. Anselmi’s bias, prejudice, interest and motivation to testify.”
“He has a pending criminal case and is also a potential defendant in the instant case,” she wrote. “Counsel for Mr. Charlemagne inquired, initially without objection, as to what the witness hoped to obtain by testifying for the Government in this case.”
Colon stated that she intended to explore the same issue.
Parties filed their arguments for or against the line of questioning under seal last week. Exhibits submitted by the defendants included transcripts of Anselmi’s deposition so far, a memorandum of interview and a copy of his immunity agreement. Thursday’s hearing on the issue was public, but attorneys made only oblique references to the documents because they remain under seal provisionally.
Lewis indicated that she’ll decide whether to unseal them after settling the issue of Anselmi’s deposition.
The Charlemagnes were first indicted in June 2024. They were charged with government program fraud, wire fraud and money laundering conspiracy. The government added eight counts of making false claims upon the United States in October and a charge of wire fraud against Sasha Charlemagne in December.
The husband and wife were initially charged alongside former V.I. Housing Finance Authority executive Darin Richardson, but a judge agreed to sever Richardson’s case in September. Richardson’s case went to trial in February, and in March he was convicted on charges of making material false statements to a federal agent, criminal conflict of interest, bank fraud, money laundering and making false statements on a loan application.
The graduating Class of 2025 listens attentively to speakers at UVI’s 61st annual commencement ceremony Thursday on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
With pride, promise, and a spirit of resilience, the University of the Virgin Islands celebrated the achievements of its Class of 2025 during the 61st Annual Commencement Ceremony held Thursday at the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix.
Family members, students, media and guests all gather at UVI’s 61st commencement ceremony on St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The ceremony honored academic excellence and perseverance, as degrees were distributed to graduates. A total of 280 degrees are expected to be distributed from both the St. Croix and St. Thomas campuses. Acting on behalf of Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. at the event was Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, who joined university leadership, faculty, family, and friends in recognizing the students’ accomplishments.
Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach delivers words of encouragement to the graduating class. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
For UVI President Safiya George, it was her first commencement since taking office. A native of St. Croix and a proud UVI alumna, she expressed gratitude and emotion when addressing the graduating class. “I’m happy to be here today at my alma mater with my people, my Buccaneer family, my fellow Virgin Islanders, and all friends of UVI,” George said. Reflecting on her own upbringing and academic journey in nursing and education, she added, “For some of you, UVI is about to become your alma mater too.”
Alumni, Class of 1975, celebrate their 50th anniversary at UVI’s commencement ceremony Thursday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The 2025 commencement held particular significance with several historic milestones. The university celebrated the inaugural graduating class of its School of Agriculture and the first cohort to complete its MBA program. Also recognized were the first Virgin Islands couple to simultaneously earn doctoral degrees from UVI and Labor Commissioner Gary Molloy, who was among the graduates.
The Class of 2025 keeps it cool under a tent at the 61st annual commencement ceremony. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Two distinguished individuals were awarded honorary degrees. Hill Harper, humanitarian, award-winning actor, bestselling author, and entrepreneur, was the keynote speaker and received an honorary degree for his contributions to arts, education, and public service. Retired Brigadier General Deborah Y. Howell was also honored for her exemplary military service and lasting contributions to the Virgin Islands. Howell, a trailblazer in the Virgin Islands National Guard, made history as the first woman to serve as adjutant general.
A proud member of the University of the Virgin Islands Class of 2025 celebrates graduation day, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
In his keynote address, Harper delivered a message of purpose and legacy. “You are here not by coincidence. You are not a mistake. You are a walking answer to someone’s prayer — a dream spoken in the dark, a hope whispered in bondage on this very island,” he told graduates. He referenced the enduring historical structures around the island, urging students to find inspiration in their ancestors’ resilience. “If you look closely at the bricks, you will see fingerprints left behind — fingerprints literally pressed into the stone. What fingerprints are you willing to leave?”
The UVI Concert Band takes a break as speakers deliver speeches. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Among the graduates was Kira Edwards, an international student and accounting scholar who made her mark as a six-time dean’s list recipient and the 2024 White House HBCU Scholar for the Virgin Islands. Edwards, the first in her family to earn a college degree, delivered a heartfelt reflection on her journey. “When I first came to UVI, I did not come with a cheerleading squad or a family legacy,” she said. “I came with luggage, grit, determination, and the unwavering love of a family that didn’t have much to give but gave everything that mattered. They never once told me to dream less, so I dreamed more.”
Graduate Kira Edwards, who delivered a moving speech, speaks to the graduating class. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The celebration continues Friday with the St. Thomas commencement, to be held at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus.
VINGN President and Chief Executive Officer Stephan Adams testified Wednesday on the status of the agency’s federally funded initiatives (Photo courtesy of the V.I. Legislature)
The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network is alerting its partners that the territory’s $2.1 million Digital Equity Capacity Grant has been terminated, effective immediately.
According to an email sent Thursday to stakeholders, viNGN said it received a letter from the National Institute of Standards and Technology late Friday night informing them of the grant’s cancellation. Notably, the agency said it has not received any communication from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the federal entity charged with administering the grant.
The Digital Equity Grant, which was awarded to promote cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy in the territory, was terminated by the federal government on May 9. In testimony submitted Wednesday to the Senate’s Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, viNGN President Stephan Adams explained: “The President [Donald Trump] has determined, and Secretary Lutnick agreed, that the Digital Equity Capacity Program is unconstitutional and grants issued pursuant to it were created with, and administered using, impermissible and unconstitutional racial preferences.”
Officials said the termination could make its way through the federal legal system, since the funding was appropriated by Congress under the 2021 Digital Equity Act and had already been contracted to states and territories, though any challenge will take time.
In the meantime, viNGN is moving forward with finalizing its project package and preparing to release its own Notices of Funding Opportunities, which had been scheduled for this month, to keep those projects “shovel-ready if/when things begin to move.” The agency is also “in the process of trying to identify other funding streams for all, or even a handful, of the projects originally earmarked with this fund,” according to Adams.
Thursday’s email additionally directed potential applicants to the Virgin Islands Broadband Office, which is accepting proposals of up to $500,000 through its three open BEAD-related NOFOs. “They warmly welcome any proposals that were going to be submitted under the DE Grant,” viNGN wrote, linking to the Office of Management and Budget’s website.
The BEAD Program — short for Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment — was another major focus of Wednesday’s Senate hearing. According to testimony submitted by the Office of Management and Budget, the Virgin Islands has secured the full $27.1 million in BEAD funding but will not be using it to deploy broadband infrastructure. BEAD Director Somere Webber, submitting testimony Wednesday on behalf of OMB Director Julio Rhymer, noted that such use would be “considered duplicative” due to the Federal Communications Commission’s Connect USVI Grant.
Instead, the territory’s BEAD funds will be directed toward non-deployment initiatives designed to promote digital equity, including user training in cybersecurity and privacy, remote learning support, digital literacy and upskilling programs, coding and computer science education, and prisoner education initiatives. Also eligible are projects related to broadband sign-up assistance, technology support, multilingual outreach, and direct broadband subscription subsidies, provided they supplement rather than duplicate existing programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program.
VIBO has already released its NOFOs and hosted a webinar to guide prospective applicants. According to OMB’s testimony, the goal is to begin project implementation by Oct. 1, pending completion of subgrantee selection, certification, and the submission of a final proposal due July 17.
Additionally, VIBO is considering affordability incentive programs that would provide free internet for 12 to 36 months to residents who complete approved digital literacy or workforce development programs. Newly established e-commerce businesses may also qualify for subsidized services once operational and in good standing with the government of the Virgin Islands.
While viNGN is now grappling with the fallout from the federal decision, its ARPA-funded (American Rescue Plan Act) Community Wi-Fi expansion remains on track. In his testimony, Adams said the company has deployed 102 free hot spots with 462 access points and has identified more than 30 additional candidate sites. The goal is to complete 95 hot spot installations by year’s end, he said.
A Race for All, Run, Walk, or Jog In-Person or anywhere you are!
