Home Blog Page 429

Molly Morris Has Departed This World at 92

Source staff
-
0
Molly Morris Has Departed This World at 92
Molly Morris in the window of her Frenchtown home. (Photo courtesy Barbara Young)

Molly Morris was a gleeful and gifted storyteller. What made her a respected journalist was that she also possessed a most unique gift. Molly was a first-rate listener.

Ask anyone whose story she ever wrote.

Before you begin your query, make sure you have a month or two to spare. In her decade and a half with the Virgin Islands Source, she recounted hundreds, if not thousands of community tales, while also covering the V.I. Legislature, where she was so well loved and respected, most of the senators assumed she was the founder of the Source. But what is really important is they trusted her. Never once in all the years she covered government did anyone ever accuse her of misquoting them or any kind of bias or conflict of interest.

Hal Hatfield, whose eulogy Molly penned for the Source, was her mentor.

I had known Molly for about 15 years before I founded the Source.

I do not know for sure if it had always been her dream to be a journalist, but I suspect so. Before her words became part of the Source’s daily news stories, she had verbalized many, many times that she had been a “copy boy” for the San Francisco Call-Bulletin.

Another hint about her life’s dream: She idolized Walter Cronkite, whom, after several failed attempts, she finally met in her beloved Frenchtown.

So, very soon after founding the first and only nonaffiliated newspaper of general circulation in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the balls I was juggling began to hit me in the head, recalling Molly’s background I asked her to lunch.

At first, I simply wondered if she would be willing to write a few “fluff” pieces to augment the press releases that, in the beginning, comprised the bulk of our content. It went something like this:

“Would you consider doing some stories for the Source,” I asked, pleading into her beautiful, clear, blue eyes. “I can pay you in phone cards,” I offered.

“Yes,” she said. I handed her the entire pack I had received as payment for an advertisement.

Little did I know what she was truly capable of.

Shaun Pennington and Molly Morris reviewing their notes. (Source file photo)

By the time the Source was in its fifth year and three years after he had left St. Thomas for good, Molly Morris had followed in Hatfield’s footsteps to become the foremost territorial expert on government issues. She worked tirelessly — often with little reward — always without complaint — to make the Source what it is today. She was an integral part of the foundation.

She was also a Frenchtown fixture, living for “donkey years,” with her husband Dan Stecher, who preceded her in death, also on Easter weekend, in March 2016.

One of her very favorite self-generated “assignments” year after year after year was to cover the Frenchtown Christmas Tree Lighting.

Molly loved Frenchtown. It seems it was the community she longed for as a child.

Before settling into the two-room cottage where she and Dan lived together for more than 40 years, Molly had endured a rollicking, to hear her tell it, more likely rocky, childhood spent between California, Washington state and Alaska and back again.

She would regale her friends with humorous stories (that probably weren’t that funny in the actual living of them) about being shuttled from a one room school house in the Last Frontier which she reached by dog sled back to a boarding school north of San Francisco that burned down (she swore she had nothing to do with it) and on to a foster aunt in Washington state.

And who can forget the pet beaver story, which in the absence of what could have been an award-winning memoir that we wish she had written, we offer here in her memory as recounted to her longtime friend Becky Luscz:

Molly: We were living in Alaska, which is one thing. And, Leonard Monsach, who was a trapper, had found this little beaver on the trap line. We lived in Magrath, Alaska, in the interior, in the McKinley range. It was really remote. And it was on the Kuskokwim River.

Becky: Did your mother know what to feed him?

Molly: No, they didn’t have Google at the time, so she just fed him baby food. So Skeezix became part of our family. And he became the light of my mother’s life, and of course, I was jealous of him. He was a wonderful little animal. He didn’t like me especially. He wasn’t cuddly. He just kind of went his own way. We had the roadhouse, and there was a kitchen and dining room. It was a regular roadhouse, with a long log table. Skeezix had his own way around there. When we would wake up in the morning, my stepfather would get so mad, because Skeezix was a beaver, and he built things. He would build things in the doorway every night. He would use anything that was handy – like a table leg – any piece of wood. And he would just erect himself a little dam. Skeezix was very funny. And he never complained about not being near the water; but he still needed to build dams. He never asked, ‘where is my water.’ We had him for several years. My mother eventually brought him to Seattle and gave him to the Woodland Zoo. And then, she moved down to San Francisco, and left him there. She would go up to see him. Skeezix died of a broken heart – he really did.

Sometime after attending journalism school at San Francisco State and her stint with the San Francisco Call-Bulletin, Molly made her way to the Virgin Islands with her then-boyfriend. The boyfriend didn’t last long, but Molly made her home on St. Thomas for 60 years. About as far away from the cold and dark days of the Northwest as she could get.

One of her first jobs was as the operations manager for Antilles Airboats, which she loved to report was owned at the time by movie star Maureen O’Hara and O’Hara’s founder husband, Charles “Charlie” Blair.

Molly had so very many stories.

It is fitting that her final trip originated from the little wooden cottage she called home, where she and Dan lived together until his death and where she insisted she would die. She was also stubborn in the way of those who know themselves.

Molly died Saturday in her own bed with two of her loving community “sisters” holding and soothing her tired body as their 92-year-old friend and neighbor was whispered away on the gentle tropical breeze.

The celebration of life will be at Hurley Funeral Home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from
9 am to 11 am. Bright attire is appropriate, in keeping with Molly’s colorful life and spirit.

Author’s note: Becky Luscz and Elizabeth Sheen contributed to this story.

Editorial: Living Out Loud With Bipolar Disorder and OCD — And Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters

Source staff
-
0
Editorial: Living Out Loud With Bipolar Disorder and OCD — And Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters
“This month — and every month — I choose to speak up, not in bitterness, but in hope. Because if even one person sees this and feels less alone, then my story is worth telling.” (Source photo by Michele L Weichman)

I have lived with mental illness for as long as I can remember, though I didn’t have the words to describe it when I was a child. I just knew I felt things more deeply than others, that my thoughts often looped in endless patterns I couldn’t shut off, and that I moved between states of hyper-enthusiasm and exhaustion that made everyday life unpredictable. But it wasn’t until I got clean and sober at the age of 30 that I finally received an official diagnosis: bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

That moment, though painful, was a turning point. It gave a name to what I had been living with for decades, silently and often in shame. But before I found understanding, I endured years of confusion, emotional upheaval, and, at times, despair.

Growing up in the 1980s, mental illness was barely acknowledged, let alone discussed. The idea that a child could have a legitimate psychiatric condition was foreign, and I was often labeled as overly sensitive, dramatic, or simply “too much.” My mother was a single parent doing the best she could, but like many families at that time, she didn’t have the tools or language to understand what was really going on. There was no access to therapy, no school counselor with mental health training, no safe space to say, “I’m not okay.”

I share this now because May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and stories like mine still happen far too often. While we’ve made progress in destigmatizing mental illness, we have a long way to go — especially when it comes to institutional accountability and societal empathy.

I was most recently reminded of this when I faced discrimination at my last place of employment — an educational institution that claimed to stand for equity and inclusivity. After being hospitalized due to a medication crisis — an overdose caused by being overmedicated by a former psychiatrist — I became the target of rumors and harmful speculation. Even though I had never experienced an episode at work, people whispered that I was “unhinged.” Their words, fueled by ignorance and fear, spread quickly across the island. The toxic environment forced me to resign, not because I couldn’t do my job, but because I was no longer safe there.

The trauma of that experience still lingers. It’s a betrayal that cuts deep, especially because I have never hidden my mental health conditions. I’ve always been open, not because I owe anyone an explanation, but because I believe there is strength in vulnerability. I speak openly in the hope that others who are struggling will see themselves in my story and know that they are not alone.

Mental illness is not a moral failing. It is not a lack of willpower or a character flaw. It is a health condition, just like cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. The difference is that it’s invisible, and because of that, it’s often misunderstood or dismissed. We don’t tell someone with a broken leg to just “walk it off,” but we still tell people with depression to “cheer up” or those with anxiety to “relax.” We need to stop.

Bipolar disorder and OCD have certainly challenged me, but they have also shaped me in powerful ways. They’ve given me empathy, insight, creativity, and resilience. I know how to rebuild myself. I know how to sit with people in pain. And I know how to fight for those whose voices are often silenced or ignored.

To those who may be reading this with discomfort, confusion, or even skepticism, I urge you: educate yourself. Ask questions. Be willing to learn. And most importantly, listen. Mental illness is far more common than you think. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in five adults in the U.S. experiences mental illness each year. That means someone you love — maybe even you — knows exactly what I’m talking about.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s do more than just post a graphic or wear a ribbon. Let’s check in on our friends — the ones who seem to be struggling and especially the ones who seem “fine.” Because often, those of us who appear the strongest are the ones hiding the most pain. We become experts at masking because we’ve learned that being open can come with harsh consequences.

But it doesn’t have to be that way.

I dream of a world where people with mental illness are treated with compassion, not suspicion. Where we don’t have to choose between our health and our careers. Where institutions live up to their values and create truly inclusive spaces. Where a person like me doesn’t have to resign to protect her dignity.

We are not broken. We are not “crazy.” We are human beings living with an illness. And like anyone else, we deserve love, dignity, safety, and respect.

This month — and every month — I choose to speak up, not in bitterness, but in hope. Because if even one person sees this and feels less alone, then my story is worth telling.

Let’s end the stigma. Let’s lead with empathy. And let’s remind each other that mental health is health.

— Michele L Weichman is a longtime St. Thomas resident, business owner, educator, writer, advocacy worker, mentor and the main editor for the Source. 

Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com. 

________________________________________________________________________

National Mental Health Resources

National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • 988 (Call or text 24/7)
  • 988lifeline.org
    Free and confidential support for people in distress.

National Alliance on Mental Illness 

  • 800-950-NAMI (6264)
  • nami.org
    Education, advocacy, support groups for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Crisis Text Line

 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

  • 800-662-HELP (4357)
  • samhsa.gov
    National helpline for mental health and substance use treatment referrals.

The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)

  • 1-866-488-7386
  • Text START to 678678
  • thetrevorproject.org
    24/7 crisis support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth.

Veterans Crisis Line

U.S. Virgin Islands Local Resources

V.I. Health Department – Behavioral Health Services

  • St. Thomas-St. John district: 340-774-9000
  • St. Croix district: 340-718-1311
  • doh.vi.gov
    Outpatient mental health services, case management, and crisis response.

Frederiksted Health Care, Inc. – Behavioral Health

  • 516 Strand Street, Frederiksted, St. Croix
  • 340-772-0260
  • http://fhc-inc.net/
    Offers therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and substance abuse services.

East End Medical Center Corporation – Behavioral Health

  • 4605 Tutu Park Mall, St. Thomas
  • 340-775-3700
  • https://steemcc.org/savant/
    Comprehensive medical and behavioral health services on St. Thomas.

Private Mental Health Providers

Local Peer Support & Recovery

AA – U.S. Virgin Islands 

Logan Cruz’s Legacy Lives On Through “Superhero Day” May 13

Source staff
-
0
Logan Cruz’s Legacy Lives On Through “Superhero Day” May 13
“Logan Cruz the Superhero Day” was named in honor of Logan Cruz after his battle with leukemia. (Photo from the Logan Miracle Foundation Facebook Page)

As May 13 approaches, the Virgin Islands prepares to honor Logan Cruz, whose short life continues to inspire many. “Logan Cruz the Superhero Day,” which falls on what would have been Logan Cruz’s sixth birthday, aims to raise awareness about childhood cancer and celebrate the legacy of a boy who touched hearts across the territory.

Logan Cruz passed away after a courageous two-year battle with leukemia. Since his passing, his mother, Anais Cruz, has been on a mission to educate children about cancer through school visits and the Logan Miracle Foundation.

“When you hear the word ‘cancer,’ you usually think of adults, not children,” said Cruz. “This is a topic that’s rarely discussed in schools. I would hate for it to hit close to home for a student who doesn’t understand what childhood cancer means,” she said.

To bridge that gap, Cruz uses a superhero-themed presentation to make the message relatable to children. In it, cancer is the villain, and Logan is the superhero. The response from students has been overwhelming.

“They ask amazing questions and are really engaged with my presentation,” she said. “At my first school visit to Ricardo Richards Elementary, I was nervous. I didn’t think I was emotionally ready to face children.”

That visit, however, proved transformative.

“There was a little girl in a wheelchair sitting at the front. She had the brightest spirit and asked the most amazing questions,” Cruz recalled. “At the end, I knelt and told her she was also a superhero — that she had powers, too. Kids like her inspire me to keep going.”

Anais Cruz has made it her mission to bring awareness to childhood cancer to schools. (Photo from the Logan Miracle Foundation Facebook Page)

What started as a simple idea has grown beyond Cruz’s expectations. Originally intended for elementary school students, the cape-wearing campaign has expanded to include adults and supporters in the mainland United States.

“I didn’t anticipate this kind of feedback,” Cruz said. “People from the States are asking me to mail them capes. It went from just wanting kids to wear capes to adults joining in too. This has grown far bigger than I imagined.”

One of the sponsors for the “Logan Cruz the Superhero Day” is Martha’s Deli. (Photo from the Logan Miracle Foundation Facebook Page)

The Virgin Islands Education Department has also shown strong support. Cruz submitted a proposal to the commissioner, who then involved the superintendents of both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts.

“St. Thomas and St. John were especially excited to participate,” Cruz said. “Although I don’t have an event there, I mailed 250 capes to be distributed by the Department of Education.”

A cape distribution event is scheduled for Friday, at the Sunny Isles Shopping Center Amphitheater from noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature face painting, music, photo opportunities, and an image of Logan wearing his superhero cape.

“This is the first time I’ve partnered with any department,” Cruz said. “And what better department than Education? Kids are my focus. I hope this is the beginning of a great partnership.”

At each school she visits, Cruz colors with the children, shares Logan’s favorite snack, Oreos, and delivers her superhero-themed message of hope and awareness.

“All of this stems from my foundation,” she said. “Now that the Department of Education is involved, I hope they’ll see the impact we’re making.”

May 13th, Logan’s birthday, and now officially recognized as Logan Cruz the Superhero Day, serves as a reminder of his life and the broader issue of childhood cancer, which Cruz says is rarely acknowledged in the Virgin Islands.

“This is about more than just Logan,” she emphasized. “It’s about bringing awareness to childhood cancer throughout the territory. I’ve slowly been turning my pain into power.”

Although the Logan Miracle Foundation’s website is currently under construction, donations can still be made. Supporters can write checks to The Logan Miracle Foundation, message the foundation on Facebook or call or text 832-258-4748 for more information.

Cruz is urging all students to wear capes to school on May 13.

“We’ll be giving away more than 500 capes,” she said. “This is the beginning of something great. I don’t want any child to feel like an outsider because of illness or disability. Every child is special. This helps keep me grounded — and it keeps my son’s legacy alive.”

Record Sargassum Levels Reported in April; More Growth Expected in May

Source staff
-
0
Record Sargassum Levels Reported in April; More Growth Expected in May
Sargassum seaweed is observed on April 22, on the Northside of St. Croix. More sargassum is expected across the USVI. (Source photo by Jesse Daley)

Sargassum levels across the eastern Caribbean and western Atlantic reached record highs in April 2025, with continued growth and coastal impacts expected into May. The increase raises the likelihood of beaching events across the region, including the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The record amount of sargassum detected was included in a sargassum outlook report released on April 30 from the University of South Florida Optical Oceanography Lab. The OOL at USF, which uses satellite imagery to monitor the presence of sargassum across the tropical Atlantic, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico via satellite, has recently measured the gigantic increase in the amount of seaweed.

“As predicted the sargassum amount in each region (apart from) the east Atlantic increased in April,” the USF update said. “The increases in the Gulf and western Caribbean Sea were typical as in most previous years, but total amounts in the eastern Caribbean Sea and west Atlantic reached surprisingly high levels: they were both 200 percent higher than their historical records in April,” USF explained. “Similarly, the total amount of sargassum in all regions combined was 150 percent higher than the historical record in April.”

A map of sargassum in April 2025 indicated a record amount of seaweed. Darker reds indicate more sargassum. (Photo courtesy USF Optical Oceanography Laboratory)

“Furthermore, this total amount was 40 percent higher than the all-time high in June 2022, which makes 2025 a record year,” USF noted. “Most of these increases are due to local growth and physical transport, but the exact reasons behind these new historical records need to be investigated,” USF continued.

Enormous Increase of Sargassum

Brian Barnes, Ph.D., an assistant research professor at the University of South Florida, provided the Source with more information about the large amount of sargassum and its potential effects on the U.S. Virgin Islands. Barnes emphasizes that more research is needed to understand the cause of the increase.

“Unfortunately, we do not have a good explanation for the significant increase of sargassum as the (report) states; this is an active area of investigation,” Barnes acknowledged. “In a broad sense, whenever a seed population meets appropriate conditions for growth, (such as the) temperature, nutrients, light regime, etc., there can be rapid biomass expansion,” Barnes explained. “This appears to be happening now in the eastern Caribbean, but the exact confluence of environmental factors is unknown,” he said.

Infographic depicting the progression of sargassum from the ocean up onto the seashore. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

Barnes noted that another area of ongoing research is the potential connection between cyclone development and the abundance of sargassum, including how factors such as ocean conditions and atmospheric changes might influence the amount of sargassum in the ocean.

“This is an active topic of research,” Barnes said. “Following previous hurricanes, we’ve seen both increases and decreases in sargassum abundance,” he added.

Although there has been a significant surge in sargassum, Barnes stated that much of the seaweed is currently not having a substantial impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, that may change soon.

“While USVI has seen some sargassum aggregations reach shores, the vast majority of the biomass is further south (and west) in the Caribbean. We have reports from St. Croix and St. Thomas that sargassum inundations are picking up, and I’d expect this to continue into May and beyond. Water quality may certainly be impacted if/when larger aggregations begin to pile up and decay in nearshore environments, with follow-on impacts to marine life,” Barnes indicated.

The USF report noted that a NOAA-funded project to help detect sargassum is currently underway in areas of Florida, with plans to eventually expand to the local region.

“A NOAA-funded effort led to the development of higher-resolution sargassum maps for the lower Florida Keys and upper Florida Keys,” the USF report stated. “These new maps will be combined with circulation models to have a short-term forecast of sargassum transport, and such a capacity will be expanded to other regions in the near future.”

Barnes said that the NOAA sargassum detection system may ultimately be available across the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

“We expect some of the high-resolution sargassum detection products we’re creating (with NOAA support) to be available very soon for the USVI,” Barnes explained. “The forecast model integration for Puerto Rico and the USVI will likely not happen until at least 2026,” Barnes admitted. “However, there are some coarser-resolution forecast products currently available from our partners, including these from the Caribbean Coastal Ocean Observing System and NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory.”

More Sargassum Expected Across the USVI

According to the April 2025 sargassum update, residents and visitors across the USVI can anticipate more seaweed during the month of May.

“As in most previous years, May will likely see continued increases in most regions. More sargassum is expected to be transported to the west Caribbean Sea and then to the Gulf through the Yucatan,” the USF report predicted. “Sargassum inundation will continue to occur in most of the Caribbean nations and islands as well as along the southeast coast of Florida,” USF added.

Sargassum Explained

A previous Source article included additional information about sargassum through an interview with Yuyuan Xie, Ph.D., a research scientist at USF. Xie is involved with the university’s OOL.

“Pelagic sargassum seaweed is a brown macroalgae floating on the ocean surface,” Xie said. “It was first reported in the 15th century by Christopher Columbus, and a regional sea in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Sargasso Sea, was named after this plant. Sargassum serves as a habitat for many marine animals, such as turtles, fish, shrimp, crabs, and so on. These macroalgae can grow to a length of several meters and form floating mats on the ocean surface,” Xie continued.

 Health Impacts

Sargassum has positive and negative benefits for the environment. Fortunately, the arrival of the algae is not extremely dangerous to people. However, there are some significant health risks.

“Most of the time, moderate amounts on beaches would not represent a risk factor for humans. However, there are exceptions,” cautioned Xie. “After a couple of days onshore, sargassum starts to decompose and release noxious and stinking gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. The bad smell can cause respiratory problems. There are reports that in some of the Caribbean Islands, the hospitalization rate has gone up during the sargassum season,” he said.

“Sargassum can be both good and bad for the environment. In the ocean it is a critical habitat for many animals, so they should like to see increased sargassum. Sargassum on beaches can also stabilize sand dunes, thus helping to avoid beach erosion. But too much of a good thing can also make it bad — excessive amounts of sargassum can also cause environmental and economic problems,” Xie added.

“There is no scientific consensus on exactly what caused the sargassum increases in the past decade in the Atlantic Ocean, but climate change may be part of the reason, as it affects precipitation, ocean circulation, and dust events, among others. This is still a research topic,” according to Xie. The current predictions for a busy year of sargassum are based on statistical models rather than the exact causes of why the amount of seaweed is expected to increase.

Monthly Sargassum Updates

Individuals can follow the progression of the current mat of seaweed and stay up to date each month on where sargassum may be headed.

“For the general audience, we’re generating a Sargassum Outlook Bulletin on a monthly basis, which can be downloaded via accessing our Sargassum Watch System (SaWS) page,” Xie told the Source. “This bulletin provides a general picture of the current bloom conditions and future bloom probability for the regions under watch. The SaWS system also provides satellite imagery every day for the current sargassum situation, where a user can download the images and surface currents,” Xie concluded.

Virtue of the Week – Humility

Source staff
-
0
Virtue of the Week – Humility

Virtue of the Week – Humility

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.

 

Humility

Humility is being modest, humble, and unpretentious. We consider others’ views and needs as important as our own. We willingly serve others and accept help when we need it. When we cause hurt, we have the humility to admit it and make amends. We accept life’s lessons, knowing that mistakes can be our best teachers. We do not shame ourselves or others with the illusion that we are meant to be perfect. We give our best and trust that it is enough. We do not boast about our successes. Instead, we are humble and grateful.

Quote: “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” —C.S. Lewis

The Practice of Humility

I value others’ thoughts and feelings.

I am willing to give and receive help.

I understand making mistakes is part of growth.

I admit mistakes and learn from them.

I am humble when sharing my achievements.

I am grateful for my gifts.

Questions for Discussion

  • What do we need to give our very best to our social justice work?
  • How do we celebrate mistakes as teachable moments in our community?
  • How are others’ views and ideas considered in our community?
  • Is there any support we have been unwilling to accept? Why? What would it look like if we accepted it?

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 virtue 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 www.virtuesproject.com.

Driver Charged After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Queen Mary Highway

Source staff
-
0
Driver Charged After Fatal Hit-and-Run on Queen Mary Highway

A 64-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run collision that left a woman dead on Queen Mary Highway on St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Cedric Richardson was arrested on April 29 and charged with involuntary manslaughter and leaving the scene of an accident. His bail was set at $50,000, according to the police report.

The collision occurred on Saturday, April 19, at approximately 7:17 p.m. Officers from the Traffic Investigation Bureau responded to a 911 call reporting a pedestrian struck in the eastbound lane near Market Supermarket. The victim, identified by next of kin as 54-year-old Christina Finney, was walking eastbound when she was hit from behind. The driver fled the scene, and no reports of the incident were made to 911 or local police that night, the police report stated.

According to emergency room staff at the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital, Finney sustained multiple blunt force injuries and experienced both respiratory and cardiac arrest. the report stated.

Man Charged After Alleged Strangulation in St. Croix Domestic Assault

Source staff
-
0
Man Charged After Alleged Strangulation in St. Croix Domestic Assault

A 22-year-old man has been arrested and charged with second-degree assault following a domestic violence incident in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Officers responded to a report of an assault at approximately 7:58 p.m. on April 27 in the La Grange area. The victim told officers that an acquaintance, Kinoro Hopkins, arrived at her residence uninvited and, after being asked to leave, placed his hands around her throat, restricting her airway, according to the police report.

The case was assigned to the VIPD Domestic Violence Unit. On Thursday at around 4 p.m., Hopkins reported to the Wilbur H. Francis Command Police Station, where he was advised of his Miranda Rights. He admitted to visiting the residence and placing his hand around the victim’s throat, according to the VIPD, the police report stated.

Hopkins was arrested for assault in the second degree under domestic violence statutes. No bail was set, as required by law. He was booked and transported to the John Bell Correctional Facility pending his advice of rights hearing, the report stated.

Man Killed in Late-Night Shooting at Carnival Village

Source staff
-
0
Man Killed in Late-Night Shooting at Carnival Village

A man was shot and killed late Saturday night during St. Thomas Carnival celebrations in the Fort Christian parking lot, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.

Officers assigned to the Carnival Village detail responded to a report of gunfire near the male restrooms at approximately 11:48 p.m. Upon arrival, police discovered an unresponsive Black male near the bathroom walkway suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to the police report.

Emergency Medical Technicians arrived shortly after and determined the man showed no signs of life. He was later identified by next of kin as 26-year-old Franky Matthew, the police report stated.

Matthew’s death marks the territory’s 11th homicide of 2025, and the fourth for St. Thomas, according to the Source Homicide List.*

The investigation is being led by the VIPD Criminal Investigation Bureau’s Major Crimes Division. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Virgin Islands Police Department at 340-774-2211, the Major Crimes Division at 340-642-8449, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 (TIPS).

*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.

Photo Focus: 2025 Adults’ Parade Takes St. Thomas by Storm

Source staff
-
0
Photo Focus: 2025 Adults’ Parade Takes St. Thomas by Storm

The St. Thomas Adults’ Parade swept through Charlotte Amalie Saturday, and even bouts of heavy rain didn’t stop revelers from capping off the 2025 Carnival season in style.

The Gypsy Troupe doesn’t let the rain stop them from reveling during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

The colorful column of parade entrants was headed up by this year’s grand marshal, Shaka Zulu, and a full court of Virgin Islands Carnival royalty. Next came the Yard Vibes Steel Band and troupes like Mosaic Wave, Sparkle and the Jesters.

St. Thomas Carnival Adults’ Parade Grand Marshal Shaka Zulu heads up Kronprindsens Gade ahead of the festivities Saturday in Charlotte Amalie. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Carol Tuohy, upper right, cruises through downtown Charlotte Amalie during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Kamaria Penn troupes through Charlotte Amalie with the Jesters Carnival Troupe Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

The rain couldn’t hold off forever, and before long, troupers and parade-goers were either looking for shelter or embracing the wet fete.

Kena Ridenour helps a fellow Sparkle Carnival Trouper with her head wrap ahead of the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival Adults’ Parade Saturday in downtown Charlotte Amalie. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Adrian Outridge, marching for the first time alongside the Hugga Bunch Carnival Troupe, said he was prepared for a bit of inclement weather but that he wouldn’t mind getting dry.

“I was prepared — but I gotta make sure to keep this cup full,” he said, gesturing to his tumbler.

Alumni of Stunts and Twirlers Majorettes make their way up Kronprindsens Gade during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Sparkle Carnival Troupe marches into Post Office Square during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

Throughout the afternoon, familiar Carnival favorites like the V.I. Superior Court Rising Stars Steel Orchestra — thundering up Kronprindsens Gade in a three-truck caravan — kept the energy up. Troupes like Elskoe and Associates, Gypsy, Epic Mas and Remedy followed.

The Virgin Islands Superior Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra plays through a downpour during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
The Elskoe and Associates Carnival Troupe parades up Main Street Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

V.I. Police Commissioner Mario Brooks told the Source he was thankful for the collaborations that made Saturday possible.

Sparkle Carnival Troupe starts its walk up Kronprindsens Gade during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)
Epic Mas keeps things moving during the 2025 Adults’ Parade Saturday on St. Thomas. (Source photo by Kit MacAvoy)

“Thus far we’ve had no major incidents, and we’re very happy for that,” he said. “And we attribute that a lot to people just policing themselves as they’re seeing each other, reaching out, ‘hey, we’re here to have fun’ — that’s the key. Fun, but safe fun. As long as we maintain that, I think we’re going to do good.”

National Hurricane Preparedness Week Highlights Steps To Stay Safe Ahead of 2025 Season

Source staff
-
0
National Hurricane Preparedness Week Highlights Steps To Stay Safe Ahead of 2025 Season
The National Hurricane Center will resume regular tropical outlook updates on May 15. (Photo courtesy NOAA)

As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season approaches, National Hurricane Preparedness Week— observed May 4-10 — encourages residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands and other coastal areas to review safety plans, strengthen emergency kits and stay informed through official forecast sources.

 The annual awareness campaign, led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, aims to help individuals prepare before, during and after a Cyclone. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through Nov. 30.

“Be ready for hurricane season, and take action today to be better prepared for when the worst happens,” NOAA explained on its official Hurricane Preparedness website. “Understand your risk from hurricanes, and begin preseason preparations now,” NOAA said. “Make sure you have multiple ways of receiving forecasts and alerts, and know what to do before, during, and after a storm.”

Each day between May 4 and May 10, NOAA plans to share information and infographics about specific tips individuals can take to prepare, including how to interpret forecasts and alerts and what to include in an emergency supply kit. The public is encouraged to participate and share the messages.

“Please help the National Weather Service spread the word about Hurricane Preparedness Week on social media,” the NWS said. “Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation,” the NWS said.

Preparations Across the USVI

The following information, which was shared during a recent Source interview with Jamie Rhome, deputy director of the National Hurricane Center, outlined the potential threats residents and visitors in the U.S. Virgin Islands may face during a cyclone.

Regarding hurricane preparedness, Rhome emphasized the importance of being ready ahead of hurricane season and preparing for the possibility of extended electrical outages.

“Power outages are becoming an increasing challenge during and after hurricanes,” Rhome said. “Losing power in the Caribbean during a passing hurricane is certainly not news, but what we’re seeing are more situations happening because of the power outages [and dealing with] oppressive heat in the days after a hurricane has passed and without air conditioning or fans that rely on power,” Rhome stated.

“We’re seeing more people succumb to heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke,” he acknowledged. “We’re also seeing situations where people are lacking easy access to health care, or the loss of power is making it harder for them to take care of themselves, or an individual may be utilizing a respirator, or a diabetic individual may need to keep their insulin cool,” he said. “There is a myriad cascading issues that come from the absence of power, and the NHC encourages individuals to think about what they would do to take care of themselves and their families for not just one day without power, but possibly for a week or even two weeks from a major hurricane.”

Rhome said that one of the most important steps to take to prepare for hurricane season is to assemble an emergency supply kit and take additional preparedness steps, including making a plan for communication with family and friends, particularly if communications are unavailable after a storm.

Additionally, Daryl Jaschen, director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency, told the Source that the organization will collaborate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to help share information about Hurricane Preparedness Week across the territory.

“VITEMA and FEMA will be doing a joint press release and will be preparing several radio Public Service Announcements during National Hurricane Preparedness Week,” Jaschen noted.

Hurricane Preparedness Tips

A previous Source article provided the following information regarding hurricane preparedness:

Before a Hurricane

“The best time to prepare for hurricanes is before hurricane season begins,” NOAA said. “Avoid having to rush through potentially lifesaving preparations by waiting until it’s too late. Get your disaster supplies while the shelves are still stocked, and get that insurance checkup early, as flood insurance requires a 30-day waiting period,” NOAA stated.

Tips to consider prior to a storm include:

  1. Compile a disaster kit, including flashlights, batteries, a first-aid kit, medications, food, and water.
  2. Create an evacuation plan. This can include flights off-island as well as verifying emergency shelter locations.
  3. Review insurance documents and ask questions to an insurance agent. Remember that “flood insurance” and “hurricane/wind insurance” policies can be very different.
  4. Assess your home and evaluate areas in need of reinforcement or repair.
  5. Become familiar with hurricane/tropical storm alerts and updates. Remember that emergency services may not be available during a storm.

During a Hurricane

“Be prepared for hurricane season by knowing what to do during a storm,” NOAA noted. “Whether you’ve evacuated or are sheltering in place, know what to expect from the hazards you may face. Remain vigilant, stay up to date with the latest forecasts and alerts, and continue to listen to local officials,” NOAA continued.

The following are tips to stay safe during a hurricane:

  1. Stay away from windows.
  2. Keep a radio and communication device charged up and have extra batteries available.
  3. Be on guard against rising water. Floodwaters can rise very quickly.
  4. Remain in a sheltered location such as an interior bathroom until the storm completely passes.
  5. Remember that if the eye of the storm passes over, the weather will temporarily improve. However, since the eye of the storm is at the center of the Cyclone, it is just a matter of time before the other side of the hurricane moves over the area, the weather again deteriorates, and high winds return.

After a Hurricane

“A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the dangers that remain well after a storm, and this is not the time to put your guard down,” NOAA explained. “Nearly half of hurricane fatalities occur after the storm,” NOAA warned.

Safety reminders after a hurricane include:

  1. Be alert for hazards such as downed power lines or damaged structures.
  2. Ensure that generators are placed away from interior areas or spaces where toxic fumes could be inhaled.
  3. Only drink water if it is deemed safe to do so. Contamination is possible during storms.
  4. Connect with neighbors and fellow islanders and assess any needs for medical treatment. (Don’t forget about pets and animals, too!)
  5. Stay updated on the weather and news and monitor for future developments about severe weather or additional Cyclone development in the region.

USVI Weather Updates

NOAA plans to release this year’s hurricane season predictions in May, and individuals will be able to locate the forecast on the administration’s official website. The NHC is also set to resume regular tropical updates for the Atlantic Basin starting on May 15.

In addition to weather information from the NWS and VITEMA, a daily weather forecast is also published on the Source Weather Page, where readers can view weather forecast videos and disaster preparedness video segments.

1...428429430...13,071Page 429 of 13,071

VI JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Jobs - Click Here