We regret to announce the death of Christine Veronica Ward formerly known as ‘Shirley’ originally resided at Central Fiennes Avenue, Basseterre, St. Kitts but resided in St. Thomas, USVI. She died at the age of 78 years.
Christine Ward
The sad event occurred on Wednesday, March 28, 2025 at the Schneider Regional Medical Center, St. Thomas. She leaves to mourn: Her daughters, Irene Brown, Suzette Skelton, Rev. Stacia Williams-Christmas, Terecia Ward, Amanda Ward; Her grandchildren: Diante Weekes, Alayaha Benjamin, Xzavier and Xzarrio Ward, Zuriel, Kadmiel, Reuel and Remiel Christmas; Great granddaughter: Ke’Layaha; Sons-in-law- Rev. Mark Christmas, Ivan Brown ; Sister: Annie Maxwell-Ward and family, Brother: Terrance Ward and family; Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins at home and abroad; Special Family and friends:Cynthia Archibald, Norris Archibald, Topley Archibald, Cheryl Archibald, Anthony Lawrence, Tressy Archibald and their families; the Generations of F.T. and Kelvin Williams and the Esdaille family in St. Kitts, Canada, USA, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Thomas USVI; The Ward family of Mount Lily and Fountain in Nevis and St. Thomas USVI; The Somersalls; Christine Richards and family; Marilyn Liburd and family; Frederick “Andrey” Blake;Carl, Naudica and Eustace Glasford and their families; Rita Cable and family; the family of the late Esmie Johnson; The Berties; Icilma David-Woodley and Family; and many more; Godchildren and neighbours of Fiennes Avenue and Haynes Smith Village.
Special thanks to the ministers and members of the Methodist Church, Church of God in St. Kitts, and the Healing Center New Testament Church of God in St. Thomas for your prayers and concerns over the years. Special thanks to the Schneider Regional Medical Center.The Funeral Service for St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands of the late Christine Veronica Ward, formerly known as ‘Shirley’ will be held at The Healing Center Church of God Tuesday, April 22, 2025. The Viewing will be held 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. followed by the Service.
The Funeral Services for St. Kitts will be held at Wesley Methodist Church, Seaton Street, Basseterre, St. Kitts on Thursday May 15th, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Viewing and Tributes begins at 1:15 p.m. Interment will be at the Springfield Cemetery, Basseterre. May her soul rest in peace and rise in glory!
Arrangements Entrusted to Turnbull’s Funeral Home & Crematory Services.
Virgin Islands Track and Field Team member Nicola Peters, a freshman sprinter from Jacksonville State University, showcased her athletic prowess at the 2025 Joe Walker Invite held at the University of Mississippi. Competing against a strong field of athletes, Peters delivered commendable performances in both the 200m and 100m events.
Nicola Peters (middle)
In the 200m race, Peters secured the 15th position with a time of 24.77 seconds. Peters also competed in the 100m dash, where she placed 9th with a time of 12.01 seconds
Virgin Islands Track and Field member Mikaela Smith delivered a strong performance at the 2025 Miramar Invitational, held at the Ansin Sports Complex in Miramar, Florida. Competing in the 600m event, Smith faced a competitive field of athletes from around the world.
Mikaela Smith
The Miramar Invitational, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver meet, is renowned for showcasing top-tier talent and providing athletes with a platform to excel. In the 600m Smith finished 7th with a Season’s Best of 1:36.59
The University of the Virgin Islands is proud to announce that award-winning actor, best-selling author, entrepreneur, and humanitarian Hill Harper will serve as the keynote speaker for the University’s commencement ceremonies. Harper, known for his powerful advocacy and transformative leadership, will address graduates, faculty, and guests at the momentous events to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 1 p.m. on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, and on Friday, May 16, at 1 p.m. at the Elridge W. Blake Sports and Fitness Center on the Orville E. Kean Campus on St. Thomas.
Hill Harper plays Dr. Horace Andrews ABC’s “The Good Doctor.” (ABC/Stuart Pettican)
Harper is a dynamic and inspiring figure whose work spans multiple industries and disciplines. He has starred in numerous television and film projects, including his critically acclaimed roles in “The Good Doctor,” “CSI: NY, He Got Game,” and “Lackawanna Blues.” Beyond his on-screen success, Harper has demonstrated a deep commitment to social justice, serving as the National Spokesperson for organizations such as The Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, The Innocence Project, One Fair Wage, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. He also sits on the Board of Directors for the National Black Bank Fund and has been named Honorary National Co-Chair of the Redevelopment of Black Wall Street.
A prolific author, Harper has penned four New York Times bestsellers, including “Letters to a Young Brother,” “Letters to a Young Sister,” “Letters to an Incarcerated Brother”, and “The Conversation.” His book “The Wealth Cure” delves into addressing the racial wealth gap and empowering individuals with financial literacy. He has received seven NAACP Image Awards for his work as both a writer and actor.
Harper’s extensive educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University, where he graduated magna cum laude and was named valedictorian of his department. He went on to earn a Juris Doctor (cum laude) from Harvard Law School and a master’s degree with honors from Harvard Kennedy School of Government. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Harper holds ten honorary doctoral degrees from esteemed institutions such as Howard University, Providence College, and Dillard University.
In addition to his artistic and academic accomplishments, Harper is a successful entrepreneur. He owns The Roasting Plant, a thriving coffee franchise in Detroit, and is a co-founder of A-Frame Brands. He is also the co-owner of the award-winning New Orleans hotel, International House, and sits on the Board of Directors for LOVED01, John Legend’s skincare brand. His investments in commercial and residential real estate further reflect his commitment to economic empowerment and financial education. Harper is a proud Life Member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
“We are honored to welcome Hill Harper as this year’s commencement speaker,” said University of the Virgin Islands President Dr. Safiya George. “His remarkable career and dedication to social and economic justice make him an exemplary role model for our graduates. We look forward to his inspiring words as we celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025.”
During the commencement ceremony, Harper will be bestowed an honorary doctorate in Humane Letters from UVI in recognition of his extraordinary achievements as an actor, author, entrepreneur, and humanitarian.
St. Croix Adult Education Program Career and Cultural Fair is taking place on Thursday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to 3 pm at 3017 Penitentiary, Christiansted, St. Croix.
This enriching event will feature both theoretical and hands-on sessions led by a variety of local agencies and cultural practitioners. It’s a day of inspiration, exploration, and education designed to celebrate Virgin Islands heritage and support lifelong learning.
Morning Sessions (8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.)
Learn from agencies including:
VI Department of Health
VI Department of Labor
VI Department of Personnel
VI Department of Human Services
University of the Virgin Islands
Gold Coast Yacht
Bank of St. Croix
Army & Air National Guard
Afternoon Sessions (12:30 pm – 3:00 pm)
Enjoy hands-on learning from:
Careem Smith – Quadrille History & Dance
Lyra Tonge – Candy Making
Waldemar Brodust – 340 Wire Arts
Akeem McIntosh – Body Butter
Alisha Belardo & Shamoi Garcia – Tie Dye
Door prizes, cultural demonstrations, and registration for the 2025–2026 school year will be available on site!
There is a $10 participation fee, which covers food, drinks, and workshops.
Join us for a day of career exploration and cultural celebration.
The V.I. Disaster Recovery Office issued its annual report on the territory’s efforts to recover from hurricanes Irma and Maria. (Image from ODR’s 2024 annual report)
The V.I. Disaster Recovery Office touted the obligation of $18.1 billion toward the territory’s recovery from hurricanes Irma and Maria in its 2024 annual report, released last week. By the end of the year, the territory had expended more than $3.6 billion and completed more than a thousand projects.
The report highlighted major milestones in the U.S. Virgin Islands’ seven-year recovery effort reached last year, including the completion of the Walter I. M. Hodge Pavilion on St. Croix, the launch of Rebuild USVI and the adjustment to the territory’s federal cost-share requirement in February 2024. That adjustment upped the federal contribution from 90 to 95 percent for many disaster recovery projects and 98 percent for 241 infrastructure projects.
“The 10 percent cost share for FEMA disaster recovery grants could have cost the territory close to $2 billion, based on current projections of a $20 billion recovery,” according to the report. “The long-awaited adjustment will put approximately $1.1 billion back into the hands of the territory.”
Under the Rebuild USVI initiative, which Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. formally announced during his 2024 State of the Territory Address, the territory established a “Super Project Management Office” to issue billion-dollar procurement bundles.
“The feedback gained from Tier One contractors was that the way business is done had to change,” according to the report. “The territory would need to develop projects totaling $1 billion or more, streamline processes, clear lines for decision-making, timely payments, and shared risk procurement.”
The Rebuild USVI team awarded a $137 million construction and project management services contract in August, though the runner-up later sued the Virgin Islands government in September, alleging conflicts of interest and a violation of federal procurement procedures. A federal magistrate judge recommended dismissal of the claims last month.
The report also noted ODR’s launch of the “Own a Lot, Build A Home” first-time homebuyer program, which identified 131 “potential applicants” and is supported by memoranda of understanding from Banco Popular and the U.S. Agriculture Department’s Rural Development. According to testimony ODR Director Adrienne Williams-Octalien presented to the Senate Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning Committee in February, the program has four applicants.
Under the once-moribund EnVIsion Tomorrow home rehabilitation and reconstruction program, 38 homes had been completed by the end of 2024 and 93 were in the construction phase.
According to Williams-Octalien’s February testimony, the number of completed homes has since risen to 43. The program received 2,084 applicants, of whom 610 were found eligible to have their homes repaired. Williams-Octalien acknowledged continued challenges with the program, including difficulties acquiring the right documents from applicants, permitting delays, rising construction costs and the lack of temporary housing options.
The report also included a message from V.I. Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Eugene Jones Jr., who began by noting the $145 million U.S. Housing and Urban Development-funded acquisition of Vitol’s propane infrastructure. Further, Jones highlighted $527.5 million in allocations to affordable housing rehabilitation, construction and enhancement and $16.7 million in allocations to 28 local businesses through a CDBG mitigation grant.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. has declared April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month in the U.S. Virgin Islands, highlighting an ongoing initiative to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities caused by inattentive driving, the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety announced.
Distracted driving led to 3,821 crashes, 556 injuries, and two deaths in fiscal year 2024, based on data from Report Beam. The most common contributing factors included failure to maintain a safe distance, failure to yield, lane departures, illegal median crossings, and use of handheld devices while driving, according to the press release.
“This proclamation is not just a call to action – it’s a commitment to protecting every person on our roads,” said Daphne O’Neal, director of the Virgin Islands Office of Highway Safety. “No text, call, or distraction is worth a life. We must all work together to shift the culture around distracted driving and encourage safe habits behind the wheel. Every injury and every life lost is one too many.”
Throughout April, the Virgin Islands Police Department and the Office of Highway Safety will conduct community outreach, digital campaigns, and enforcement operations to raise awareness. Drivers are encouraged to avoid phone use, eating, or any behavior that diverts attention from the road, the press release stated.
Officials emphasized that distracted driving poses a risk not only to motorists but also to passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The campaign’s message is clear: “Stay Focused, Stay Safe — Just Drive!”
Peter Chapman, former CEO of the UVI Research and Technology Park, alleges in a new lawsuit against the corporation that he was fired 55 days after informing the head of the board of directors in January 2024 that he had cancer and would need accommodations to travel to the mainland for treatment.
Peter H. Chapman (Submitted photo)
Chapman, who also filed a whistleblower lawsuit against the RTPark and its board chair last November that is ongoing, is alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, including retaliation and discrimination, in the 22-page complaint filed Thursday in V.I. District Court.
UVI’s Research and Technology Park was established in 2002. It offers tax exemptions and reductions to promote the “economic growth, development and diversification of the Virgin Islands and the broadening of the capabilities of the University of the Virgin Islands,” according to the V.I. Code.
Chapman became executive director of the public-private entity in September 2018, and at the time he was fired, he was earning an annual salary of $170,000, plus a monthly housing allowance of $5,200, and was eligible for an annual bonus of up to $40,000.
His contract was renewed for a three-year term in 2021, but the RTPark board voted against renewing his contract again during a meeting in February 2024, the complaint states.
Chapman says he first informed board chairman Edward Thomas of his diagnosis in an email dated Jan. 3, 2024, and explicitly stated that he did not expect it to impair his work performance. According to the complaint, he wrote, “Of course, I will remain plugged in virtually whenever feasible. I do not expect my condition to affect my work performance, as I remain as physically strong and intellectually engaged as I ever have. However, I recognize that having this diagnosis is a major thing nonetheless, and I must seek the necessary medical care to eradicate the cancer,” with periodic treatments over about six months.
More than a month later, on Feb. 5, Thomas replied to the email, “indicating he had met with other board members to discuss Plaintiff’s ‘health challenges and how [they] would move forward with the business of the Park,’ implying a perception that Plaintiff’s condition would substantially limit his work performance,” the complaint states.
Moreover, Thomas called a meeting for Feb. 16 with RTPark staff to disclose Chapman’s medical issue — against Chapman’s wishes — “and discuss contingency plans during Plaintiff’s absence, demonstrating a belief that Plaintiff’s condition necessitated significant adjustments and contingency planning, thus indicating a perception of substantial limitation,” the complaint states.
Despite Chapman notifying Human Resources liaison Khyra Thomas that he did not consent to his information being shared publicly — and “reiterating his strong desire to maintain the confidentiality of his cancer diagnosis, specifically citing his protections under federal law and the unnecessary need for such disclosure,” in a follow-up email to Thomas — the meeting went ahead, during which Thomas alluded to Chapman’s medical issue and attempted to coerce him into sharing his diagnosis with the gathered staff members, the complaint alleges.
Ten days later, on Feb. 26, 2024, the board of directors notified Chapman of their decision not to renew his contract, it says, adding that it had no legitimate reason for doing so “other than Plaintiff’s cancer diagnosis and request for a reasonable accommodation.”
The decision came after years of consistent exemplary performance, according to the complaint, which devotes three pages to Chapman’s accomplishments as director. They included tripling the RTPark’s revenue during his tenure, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it says.
Chapman subsequently filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on May 10, according to the complaint.
On June 13, a special committee appointed by Thomas, consisting of board members Ian Tomlinson, Dr. David Hall and William DeLone, decided to put a 75 percent cap on Chapman’s bonus for fiscal years 2021 and 2022, claiming he failed to provide them with a bonus plan to guide their bonus evaluation process, it says.
The complaint alleges this “was a pretext for discrimination because the Board failed to establish the required mutually agreed-upon bonus plan, which was their responsibility, and penalized Plaintiff despite his significant achievements.”
The bonus was denied because “the defendant regarded the Plaintiff as disabled and perceived the Plaintiff’s cancer as a substantial limitation affecting his ability to perform his role at 100%,” and as retaliation for the EEOC complaint, the lawsuit states.
Chapman is seeking back pay, front pay, lost benefits, 100 percent of his bonus, attorney fees, and compensatory damages to be determined at trial. He is represented by Scot McChain of McChain Hamm and Associates of St. Croix.
The RTPark had not responded to the complaint as of Monday evening.
To raise money for the Trap Neuter Vaccinate Release Program and cat food, R.E.A.L. Cruzan Cats is hosting a one-of-a-kind dining experience at Feather Leaf Inn, north of Frederiksted, Saturday from 5-8 p.m.
The four-course gourmet vegan meal will be paired with aperitifs, crafted with locally sourced ingredients. One drink will be an island-style Negroni made with Bush Tea Gin from St Thomas, natural sweet vermouth and a choice of three bitters. Natural wines will be paired with each course and fresh bush tea and juices will be available throughout the night, according to Christine Southworth, of RCC.
Guests will be invited after dinner to enjoy a blind bourbon tasting by the pool for those who wish to try different blends.
Throughout the evening, live classical music will be played by clarinetist Evan Ziporyn and classical guitarist Ryan Meyer. They will create a cross-cultural blend of vintage tropical music from Brazil, South Africa, Kenya and the Bahamas.
This is the middle of kitten season and a “purrfect” auction will raise additional funds to help with the unexpected expenses of finding five or 10 newborns every day and also assist in opening the cat sanctuary on the east end of the island.
The so-called Soda Pop Kittens were recently found by RCC volunteers. They are available for adoption soon. (Photo courtesy RCC)
Auction items include stays at Victoria House, The Buccaneer Hotel, Grapetree Bay Hotel, Cottages by the Sea, a dive trip, a sunset sail, dinner for eight, a Dooney & Bourke leather bag, one-of-a-kind silk scarves and artwork.
Tickets are available through realcruzancats.org for $125 each ($50 is tax-deductible), and Southworth said group transportation will be available, if needed.
R.E.A.L. (Rescue, Educate, Adopt, Love) Cruzan Cats is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, started in 2016. Up until now, the group has placed more than 1,000 cats and kittens, along with several dozen dogs, in homes.
The Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release Program provides traps for community members to capture feral cats that will be neutered and returned to the wild. Because the need in the community is so great, RCC provides more than 500 pounds of cat food monthly to people who cannot afford supplies and to feed several community cat colonies.
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci standing with U.S. Virgin Islands Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. (Photo courtesy EPA)
EPA Regional Administrator Michael Martucci traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands last week to meet with government officials, assess environmental infrastructure, and reinforce the agency’s commitment to supporting both environmental protection and economic development in the territory.
Martucci met with Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. and key members of the administration to discuss coordinated efforts on landfill management, water quality, and oversight of industrial facilities. The meetings focused on balancing public health protection with strategies for economic growth, according to the press release.
“Supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands starts with strong partnerships, clear regulations, and smart investments that protect public health while supporting economic growth,” Martucci said. “EPA is committed to working alongside U.S. Virgin Islands leaders to ensure cleaner air, water, and land for the communities we serve, without stifling economic prosperity.”
During the visit, Martucci toured the Anguilla Landfill and the Anguilla Wastewater Treatment Plant, where he spoke with local officials about improving waste management practices, reducing pollution, and ensuring environmental compliance. He also met with the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the Waste Management Authority to discuss long-term solutions for solid waste disposal and wastewater treatment, the press release stated.
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Acting Director Daryl Griffith briefs Regional Administrator Michael Martucci at the Anguilla Landfill. (Photo courtesy EPA)
Martucci received a briefing from the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority on efforts to replace aging drinking water infrastructure in the Clifton Hill area of St. Croix. As part of that visit, WAPA officials demonstrated new meter boxes and valves designed to improve the reliability of water service. Don Gregoire, director of water distribution, briefed Martucci on drinking water challenges affecting local communities as part of the EPA’s regulatory review, the release stated.
Director of Water Distribution Don Gregoire briefs Regional Administrator Michael Martucci on drinking water challenges in a local St. Croix community as part of his assessment of regulatory matters in the U.S. Virgin Islands. (Photo courtesy EPA)
The regional administrator also visited Port Hamilton Refining and Transportation and Ocean Point Terminals, where he reiterated EPA’s oversight role in monitoring industrial compliance, mitigating environmental risks, and supporting responsible economic development, the release stated.
Martucci reaffirmed EPA’s support for the territory’s efforts to modernize infrastructure and strengthen environmental safeguards. The agency said it will continue working with government agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders to implement long-term improvements in waste management and water protection across the U.S. Virgin Islands, it said.
