The defendant pleaded guilty to wire fraud conspiracy at a hearing held Friday in District Court on St. Thomas. (Shutterstock image)
A Virgin Islands man residing in Georgia appeared in District Court Friday and admitted to his role in a scheme to defraud the government. Through his lawyer, defendant Raynaldo Oquendo pleaded guilty to a single count of wire fraud conspiracy.
After reviewing requests submitted by defense attorney Raul Bandas, the court accepted Oquendo’s guilty plea. U.S. Magistrate Judge G. Alan Teague also accepted a request by prosecutors to drop a second charge of wire fraud listed in the charging document.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise George read off the alleged violations the government was prepared to prove in court had the case gone to trial. At the end of its deliberations, the grand jury returned an indictment saying that the defendant used a computer belonging to a relative to help obtain COVID-19 relief funds on behalf of a St. John business owner.
At Friday’s hearing the prosecutor told Teague the government could prove the business owner filed the loan application overstating the number of workers. Records obtained through the V.I. Internal Revenue Bureau later disputed the claim and the salary amounts listed in the application.
Nonetheless, the application was approved for $383,397, George said; the funds were disbursed through a company called Bluevine, Inc. and deposited in FirstBank accounts based in the Virgin Islands.
Investigators identified Oquendo as the owner of one of the three accounts receiving $29,997 in PPP funds. Teague asked the defendant if the government’s account of his actions was accurate.
“Yes, Your Honor,” he said.
The magistrate said he would notify the judge assigned to the case that the change of plea was accepted. He also told Oquendo and his lawyer it would be up to the judge to pronounce sentencing.
The maximum sentence for wire fraud conspiracy is 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine plus court fees, restitution, and supervised release at the end of the prison term.
Bandas told the court his client intended to reimburse the government.
The Virgin Islands Tourism Department and Division of Festivals announced the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival honorees, each recognized for lasting contributions to Virgin Islands culture and community.
“This year’s honorees truly represent the essence of our culture, each one contributing to the vibrancy, history, and unique spirit of the Virgin Islands,” Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte said. “Carnival is a time to celebrate our heritage, and we are proud to honor those who have dedicated their time and passion to preserving and showcasing what makes us so special.”
This year’s honorees include:
Adult Parade Honoree: Charles (Shaka) Matthew Charles “Shaka” Matthew founded the Shaka Zulu Troupe in 2002, aiming to create a meaningful contribution to Carnival. Inspired by African ancestry and tradition, the troupe began with four members and has grown into a major cultural presence on the parade route. Matthew, now 61, continues to design and handcraft attire using feathers, beads, and hides to honor the spirit of Mother Africa.
Children’s Parade Honoree: St. Thomas Majorettes Inc. Founded in 2006 with 40 charter members, the St. Thomas Majorettes have become a celebrated youth group. Their debut in the Children’s Parade launched a tradition emphasizing precision, pride, and performance. The group also focuses on academic success and personal development through workshops and mentorship, supported by volunteers, sponsors, and the Virgin Islands Department of Education.
Food Fair Honoree: Miranda Isaac Known as The Spice Lady, Miranda Isaac has spent more than 30 years at Market Square, building on her early work selling crafts with her mother, Leon B. Riley (“Sista Riley”). Isaac’s handmade spice blends are rooted in heritage and tradition, becoming a recognizable part of the Food Fair experience.
Village Honorees: The Pinney Brothers Willis, Vance, and Steve Pinney are honored for their contributions to Virgin Islands music and culture. Raised in a musical household by their mother, Melvina C. Browne-Pinney, the brothers helped establish the sound of Carnival through the Mandingo Brass Band. Willis, the founding visionary, led the group to regional and international stages, while Vance contributed as a songwriter and conga player, and Steve brought rhythm and voice to the performances.
“The 2025 honorees carry forward our proud tradition of recognizing the cultural pillars who shape and uplift our community,” Ian Turnbull, director of Festivals, said. “It’s an honor to celebrate the individuals who continue to enrich the legacy of St. Thomas Carnival and make our culture shine.”
The Family of David Merritt Selkridge Sr. would like to announce his passing on April 5, 2025 leaving behind his
David Merritt Selkridge Sr.
Wife: Beatrice Selkridge Sons: Steve Grant, Reginald Grant, Clem Selkridge, Dale Williams & David Selkridge Jr. Stepson: Antoine T. Magras Daughters: Claudette Selkridge, Lolita Williams, Waveny Brown, Idetha Selkridge Stepdaughters: Susan Edwards,
Monique Magras- Bute, Cherri Jackson-Griffith Brother: Roy Hanley Stepbrother: Corden Drew Sister: Ilena Pant Brothers’ in-law: Hypolite Bryan, Leo Bryan Sisters’ in-law: Margaret Brin, Angelina Magras, Noreen Brin, Louise Questel,Maria Petersen,Doreen Bryan, Felecia Bryan Daughter in-law: Charmaine Williams Grandchildren: Velencia Williams-Richardson, Clecia Dujon, Sandu Williams, Lovecia Payne, Meritzer Williams, Sharnia Williams, Larissa Williams, Leilani Williams, Michele Blyden, Stacey Bartley, Derek Bartley, Patrick Bartley, Christina Skerritt, Franklyn Skerrit, Kelsey Skerritt, Kareem Skerritt, Pierre Andre West, Malik Mitchell, Markus Mitchell, Destiny Mitchell, Deah Selkridge, Desha Selkridge, Genesis Selkridge, Empress Selkridge, Nyrobie Selkridge, DaVinci Selkridge, Solomon Selkridge, Brittany Morton, Natalyah Morton, Iseral Phillip, Diamond Phillip, Nephews: Kevin Pant, Nathan Pant, Yardley Pant, Curtley Skeete, Elroy Saunders, Kingsley Saunders, Andris Saunders Nieces: Donna Pant, Sandra Erisle, Lauren Hanley, Sharon Skeete, Paula Skeete, Garrilyn Saunders, Shirley Saunders,Miryler Saunders Cousins: Roosevelt David, Angola Martin, Carla Margas, Dennis Selkridge (1st cousin) but was known as his baby brother, Eustes Selkridge, Edward Monty Selkridge God Child: Don Wilkinson Many Great Grand Children Great-Great Grand Children Proceeded in Death: Melford Selkridge (Son), Esonia Bartley-Skerritt (Daughter), Kiara Mitchell (Granddaughter), Rickia Mitchell (Granddaughter), Yohan Pant (Nephew), Ismay Saunders (Sister),Dudley Skeete (Brother), Other family the Martin, Wilkinson, Davis, Smithen, and Springette. Many other family and friends too numerous to mention. Funeral arrangements by Turnbull Funeral Home1st Viewing Turnbull Funeral Home Sunday, May 4th 2025 2:00pm – 4:00pm 2nd Viewing Blyden Chapel Monday, May 5th 2025 8:30am-9:30am Service Immediately after Viewing 9:30am – Until. Burial Western Cemetery #1
Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Service
The construction of the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center is complete. The Virgin Islands Port Authority hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday to commemorate the completion of the modern transit hub designed to enhance mobility, access, and convenience for travelers at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. The facility will open for public parking on Monday, April 28.
The Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center at the Cyril E. King Airport will officially open Monday (Submitted photo)
The completion of the Transportation Center marks a significant milestone in the Authority’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and integrated transportation solutions. The first level is designated for rental cars, taxis, and tour operators. The second and third levels are available for paid public parking with 311 parking spaces and 9 accessible parking spaces (a total of 320 spaces), two elevators, and covered and uncovered parking options. It is open at 6 a.m. daily, and the parking rates are posted at the facility and are also available on the Airport section of VIPA’s official website at https://www.viport.com/airport-parking-groundtransport.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said, “The completion of this facility is a much-needed improvement to CEKA’s infrastructure and symbolizes progress for all of us as a community. We are excited to fully open the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center to the public and continue our plans to improve our airports and travelers’ experience.” Dowe thanked the public and the airport’s employees for their patience and cooperation during the construction process that began in 2021. He also thanked VIPA’s employees for their excellent work and the Bryan/Roach Administration for their ongoing support of the Authority.
The project was designed by Kimley-Horn and built by AT Construction Solutions. The total cost to build the facility amounted to $33.2 million, with funding partially provided by a $20 million hurricane recovery grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. VIPA funded the remaining balance via its operating budget and car rental fees collected at King Airport.
In April 2024, half of the facility was opened for public parking following a dedication ceremony honoring Dale A. Gregory, the former VIPA director of engineering who retired after 37 years at the Port Authority.
The Committee will receive testimony on the status of special education programs in the territory’s public schools, to include local and federal funding, and participating service providers.
BLOCK I
Invited Testifiers:
Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Education
Karen H. Brown, Ph.D., MPH, CCC-SLP, Dean, University of the Virgin Islands
Suzanne Darrow-Magras, Ph.D., Director, University of the Virgin Islands Center for Excellence in Leadership and
Learning
Honorable Gary Molloy, Ph.D., Commissioner, Virgin Islands Department of Labor
Angus Drigo, Executive Director, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands
BLOCK II
Invited Testifiers:
Jody Miller, EdD, BCBA, Director, Coral Reef Academy
Sophia Parrilla, PhD, Clinical Director, Island Therapy Solutions
Mardly Smith, Owner and Recruiter, Orange Tree Staffing
The U.S. Virgin Islands Soccer Federation is excited to announce that its U14 Girls National Team will travel to Tortola to take part in the upcoming TDS U14 Triangular Tournament, hosted by the British Virgin Islands Football Association from June 12–15.
This regional youth event will feature teams from the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, and Anguilla, with the tournament focused on fostering development, camaraderie, and competition among young female footballers across the Caribbean.
Matches will be played in an 11-a-side format under FIFA regulations, offering an invaluable opportunity for the players to gain international match experience in a structured and supportive environment.
The tournament also serves as important preparation for the upcoming CFU U14 Challenge Series this summer, allowing the USVI U14 Girls to build chemistry, sharpen their skills, and gain valuable experience ahead of official competition.
Beyond the field, the tournament prioritizes the well-being of the players by providing daily meals, hydration, on-site medical support, and transportation throughout the event.
The USVISF is proud to continue investing in opportunities for its young athletes and extends its appreciation to the BVI Football Association for organizing this important developmental event. We look forward to seeing our U14 Girls represent the territory with pride and continue to build lasting connections with our regional neighbors.
Register now (www.regattanetwork.com/event/29124) for the 32nd International Optimist Regatta (IOR), TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race, June 9-15, 2025. whose three-decade-plus history of past entrants read like a Who’s Who of college all-Americans; national, continental, and world champions; America’s Cup sailors, and Olympians. The registration fee for the IOR is $300, and late registration after May 1 is $350. The fee to enter the IOR and TOTE Clinic is $700, or $400 for the Clinic only. A refund, less a $150 processing fee, will be granted to those entries that cancel by May 1.
The USA’s Grant Chin leads the pack at the 2024 IOR. (Photo: Matias Capizzano)
The 2025 IOR can accept only a maximum of 125 sailors. Don’t miss out!
“We’re proud to host the largest annual Optimist regatta in the Caribbean, with some of the best sailing conditions in the world, a family-friendly venue at the host, St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC), and a trio of events in one week – clinic, team race, and regatta, that help sailors to learn tactics for a summer of racing or to tune up for the Optimist World Championships, at the end of June in Portoroz, Slovenia,” says Lori Vaughn, co-director with Heather Scholes.
Entry Preview
Fifty-plus sailors representing the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and several U.S. states, including New Jersey, Florida, Texas, and California, are registered in the IOR’s Championship and Green Fleets.
Among these entries is St. Thomas’ Hunter Reinbold, a U.S. Virgin Islands Optimist Team member, along with Lilly Brewer, Sam DeGraff, Banyan Heikkila, Finn Hodgins, Kip Hodgins, Patrick Mitchell, Avery Pearsall and Will Zimmerman.
“I like IOR because it is a competitive regatta that brings many great sailors to STYC, even though it is a home regatta for us. I think it helps me prepare for other regattas because, at the clinic, we learn from many different coaches who bring different tactics/strategies and help us continue to grow as sailors,” says Reinbold. “My favorite part about it is the Volvo Ocean Race at the end of the Clinic because of its multiple legs and the role of local knowledge.”
Clara and Ellen Wetzel, from the Mantoloking Yacht Club in New Jersey, will return to compete in the IOR this year.
“The St. Thomas IOR is our favorite regatta because of the epic scenery and conditions. It’s a fun way to experience heavy wind and ocean sailing, and we always make new friends,” says Clara Wetzel.
Three In One Event
The spectacular week of junior sailing kicks off with the TOTE Maritime Clinic, June 9-11. Some of the best Optimist coaches conduct on-the-water training sessions and instructive on-land debriefs for both Advanced (age-divided Red, White, and Blue Fleets) and beginner (Green Fleet) sailors. This year’s coaches include Agustin ‘Argy’ Resano, U.S. Virgin Islands National Team; Manny Resano, USA National Team Head Coach; Esteban Rocha, Head Coach, Fort Lauderdale Yacht Club, FL; and Gonzalo Pollitzer, USA National Team, International Coach. These four leading coaches have 20-plus years of experience in the Optimist class as coaches and are former Optimist sailors.
On June 12, over a dozen teams are expected for the TOTE Maritime Team Race. The entry fee for this one-day event is $160 per team of 4 sailors. Registration is available only on-site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on June 11.
The IOR sets sail from June 13-15.
Three key points make the IOR, TOTE Clinic, and TOTE Team Race a must-do, says Agustin Resano, TOTE Clinic and TOTE Team Race organizer. “First, not many places offer a format with a three-day clinic before a major regatta. It is the best way for sailors to learn and get more experience. Secondly, sailing in the open ocean in the Caribbean, with warm weather, good wind, and waves, what more is there to say? Third is the valuable experience of sailing/training with different coaches. In addition to our four main coaches, we will have six very qualified coaches from which sailors can get valuable input.”
The IOR is sponsored by TOTE, U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, The K3 Company, Cardow, MSI Building Supplies, and Lagnappe Interiors.
For charters, contact Simmons Boatworks at:
www.simmonsbw.com/collections/packages-transfers/products/winner-3d-star-optimist-charter The charter package comes with a Winner-brand hull with airbags, blocks, 3-to-1 mainsheet, and painter on a dolly, with top cover. N1 Blades Optimax Spars included. The charter fee is $650, which includes the clinic and practice days. The deadline to reserve charter boats is May 1. Late fee and no refunds after May 1.
Traveling to St. Thomas is easy! The Cyril E. King Airport welcomes direct flights on six major airlines from mainland gateway cities in the U.S. These include American Airlines (Charlotte, Dallas, Miami, New York), Delta (Atlanta, New York), Frontier (San Juan), JetBlue (Boston, San Juan), Spirit (Fort Lauderdale, Orlando), and United (Houston, Newark, Washington-Dulles). Air Sunshine, Cape Air, Fly the Whale, Sea Flight, and SKYhigh Dominicana operate within the Caribbean, serving St. Thomas.
Accommodations on St. Thomas include resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, and timeshares. Approximately 600 villa units and 200 charter yachts are on St. Thomas/St. John. Airbnb listings number over 3,000 in St. Thomas. For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands, visit www.visitusvi.com
There is no Virgin Islands resident who is not happy to see improvements in infrastructures. Most of the current projects underway are long overdue and it is encouraging each time we see efforts being made on roads, bridges, and utilities. Unfortunately, many of these projects disrupt and deface our roadways in seemingly avoidable ways. Several utility upgrades come to mind where newly paved roads were torn open to facilitate work, only to be repaved and repaired in a substandard manner. Road upkeep and repair are clearly at an all-time crisis in the Territory. Poor drainage and runoff of rainwater, too many unpaved roads emptying out gravel and rock onto main arteries, heavy equipment, and overall age have taken a toll on our island roadways. Repairing and repaving are astronomically costly and often take extended time to occur. Damage and disruption to vehicular traffic becomes unavoidable and potentially expensive.
The current utility upgrade taking place on Queen Mary Highway just west of the Territorial Court is a good example. Ideally this work should have been planned to be done during the recent time period when the road was already closed to traffic for over a year to rebuild the bridge. Even if such coordination of timing was completely unavoidable, the use once again of Beulah Way as a detour should not have occurred without first preparing that road for the increased load of traffic. Specifically, the section of road between the National Guard headquarters and Alfredo Andrews School in certain spots is nearly unnavigable to driving. The roadway itself, especially as it crosses the bridge just east of the National Guard resembles that of one which had received air bombardment in a war zone. It is unimaginable that this roadway could have been deemed ready to be used as a viable alternative for traffic. While we can understand that road repair costs money, some sense of priority must be made to roads designated for increased use. Eventually vehicles navigating the craters in the road will create unsafe driving hazards.
While there are certainly other stretches of island roads in an equal state of disrepair, due to its current designation as a detour for a significant amount of vehicular use, that road must be repaved before it causes accidents. Tax day has just passed, usually filling government coffers with an increase in funding. Certainly, now is an appropriate time to give such a project the consideration of priority that it deserves.
Cleone Lousie Hector, passed away on April 10. She was 85 years old.
Cleone Lousie Hector
She was preceded in death by her mother, Everna Richards Hector; father, Ghirton Hector, Sr.
She is survived by her sisters; Dorene Hector James, Everne Hector Rhymer; nieces, Leila Hector Benjamin, Lezlie Hector Phillip, Janine Hector, Linnea Hector, Cherise Hector Morgan, Marsha Hector Hente, Jacqui Rhymer George, Jeriann Rhymer; nephews, James L. Rhymer II, Elroy S. Hector Jr.; sisters- in- law, Josephine B. Hector, Sylvia F. Hector, Ineta B. Hector; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
Funeral service will be held on April 29 at Friedenstahl Moravian Church. Viewing will begin at 9am with service at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Christiansted Cemetery.
It is with sincere sadness we announce the passing of Denise Regina Thomas of Coral Bay, St. John.
Denise passed away peacefully on St. Thomas on April 1, 2025.
Her home going will be at the Bethany Moravian Church, St. John May 10, viewing is from 9 am to 10 am and service is 10 a.m. –11.a.m., burial will be at Calabash Boom Cemetery, St. John at 12 p.m. Family and friends are kindly asked to wear festive colors in the memory of Denise’s loving personality!
Denise Regina Thomas
Denise R.Thomas Survivors:
Significant Other: Ira Christian
Children: Avery and Irah Christian
Extended Children: Lee and Joseph Christian
Grand children: Janiqua Christian and R’Jay Chetram
Extended grandchildren: Lee Jr, Le’Kayla , Leeron, Leena, Leigh, Kaylan Christian and Kwanye’ Jarvis
Sisters: Donna Parsons, Sheriel, Stephanie, Jeanne, Sandra, and Deila Thomas, Eleanor Thomas Hibbert, Florencia Thomas Thorpe, and Daphne Thomas Sanders
Brothers: Darrell Thomas and Alton Thomas Jr.
Aunt: Anna Smith
Uncle: Roy Smith
Special Nephews: Kibwe George, Akenty Frazer, Kwanza Jones, Akim Hodge, Alston Thomas
Special Nieces: NaShira Liburd, Shaquerah Hodge, Onika and Sasha Williams
Many nieces and nephews’ way too numerous to mention all loved!
God Sisters: Gloria Joseph, Lucia R.Francis, Donna and Shiree Ann Roberts, Gaye R. Moses, Joyce Graham
God Brothers: Alveno Hermon, Allen Roberts Sr., Edwin “Ray” Roberts Jr., Vincent Francis, Birchron Smith and Keith Frazier
Special Friends: Uris Dalmida, Anselmo Cummings, James Paul, Merv Powell
Relatives and friends’ way too numerous to mention!
