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Emy Thomas Dies at 91

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Emy Thomas Dies at 91

Emy Thomas of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, died on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at her residence. She was 91 years old.

Emy Thomas

A writer and painter, she was the author of four books: Home Is Where the Boat Is, about the lifestyle of cruising “yachties”; Life in the Left Lane, about St. Croix from the expatriate’s view; A Most Unlikely Story, a Short Memoir of a Long Life; and Hula, her only fiction.

For many of her later years, her principal interest was in painting the land, sea, and skyscapes of St. Croix, first in watercolors, then in oils. She lived in the tropics since 1966, including 13 years on a boat, sailing throughout the Caribbean and Pacific.

In 1986 she settled in St. Croix, where she built a house overlooking historic Salt River. She was born in Connecticut in 1933, the daughter of Philip H. Thomas and Catherine McGeary Thomas Chamberlain. She grew up in New Britain, CT, and was a graduate of Mooreland Hill School in Kensington, CT, where her parents were headmasters; Emma Willard School, Wellesley College, and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

As a journalist, she wrote for several publications in Connecticut, New York, and Puerto Rico, including Newsday (Long Island), the New York World-Telegram & Sun, the New York Herald Tribune, Woman’s Day Magazine, the Ladies Home Journal, El Mundo, and the San Juan Star. Light feature stories were her forte.

She is survived by a brother, Philip H. Thomas of New Britain, CT; three nephews, Philip H. Thomas III, Robert L. Thomas and John C. Thomas, all of Connecticut, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Croix Environmental Association, 5032 Anchor Way, Suite 4, Christiansted, VI 00820, or St. Croix Animal Welfare Center, RR2, Box 9250, Kingshill, VI 00850.

Eglantine T. Romney Dies at 78

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Eglantine T. Romney Dies at 78

Eglantine T. Romney, a.k.a. “Teenie” of Estate Strawberry, passed away March 11. She was 78 years old.

Eglantine T. Romney

She is preceded in death by her mother, Magdeline Samuel; father, Ralph Lynch; spouse, Alford Romney, Sr.; daughter, Sonia Knowles; sisters, Ruth Thomas, Marian Lynch-Moore; and brothers, Ralph Lynch, Herman Lynch Sr.

She is survived by her daughters, Doreen Macedon, Ursula Knowles; sons, Dupert Knowles Jr., Noel Knowles, Alford Romney Jr.; grandchildren, Jaheem Towers, Jasheema Towers, Tiniqua Knowles, Berniel Garvey, Demour Christian, Daniel de Leon, Mushawn Knowles, Ray Dasant III, Dion Hooper Jr., Danyelle Williams, Joey Ovesen; great-grandchildren, N’Fari Benjamin, Faith Towers, Liliana Hooper, Jayden Towers, Jakai Hooper, Amead Knowles, A’Kimmani Tyson, Alyssa Tyson, Annisha Tyson, Amyah Montgomery; sister, Evelyn Lynch; brothers, Reuben Lynch, Eric Lynch Sr., Daryl “Mickey” Lynch, Clan Jacobs; nieces, Joyce Thomas,  Edna M. Thomas, Diane Seales, Silia Brown, Felicia Lynch, Vickie Lynch, Natasha David, Coreen Miranda, Sherry Monsanto, Keila Vanterpool, Enid  Dowling-Lettsome, Kisha Lynch, Kendra Lynch Moore, Disha Lynch Charles, Shanai Lynch, Amberky Lynch Watlington, Shannon Lynch, Pamela Lynch, Trisha Lynch; nephews, Mario Thomas, Jermaine Lynch, Lee Thomas, George Thomas, Carl Thomas, Morell Meyers, Wayne Henry, Eric Lynch Jr., Lloyd Richards, Miguel Solis, Virgil Solis, Clemento Monsanto, Avery Monsanto, Kimo Urgent, Raheem Jacobs, Davante Jacobs, Kishern Lynch, Hermon Lynch Jr., Timothy Lynch, Jermaine Lynch, Michael Lynch, Damain Lynch; daughter-in-law, Dahlia Knowles; sister-in-law, Mildred Lynch; other precious cousins and relatives, as well as special friends, Knowles Family, Lynch Family, Romney Family, Jacobs Family, Lake Family, Baptiste Family, Henry Family, Janie Charles, Express Band, JFL Family, Heartis Fayetteville Family; other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The funeral service will be held on April 8 at James Memorial Chapel. The viewing will begin at 10 am, with service at 11 am. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Professional services are entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home, Inc.

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Great Wind for Regatta Day 2

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Great Wind for Regatta Day 2

Wind was the word that started nearly every conversation as sailors talked shoreside after the second day of racing in the 51st St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR). Flying off the start in 20-plus knots of breeze, near broaches and capsizes, plus surfing 4′ to 6′ foot seas and trading tactics with competition that includes several Olympians, World Champions, and Volvo Ocean winners made for a fast-paced race day that saw as many as seven races for the Hobie Waves, and four and five races, respectively, for the VX Ones and IC24s.

Sea spray hits the crew of Jax. (Photo by www.ingridabery.com)

“Yesterday was lighter, today making an error in boat handling cost points,” says Puerto Rico’s Marco Texidor, driving Cachondo, who ended the day in second in the highly competitive 22-boat one-design IC24 Class. Since the races are short, about 35 minutes, it was crucial to get a good start and get out ahead of the fleet on the first beat to get positioned in the top 3 to 4 boats. This year is the first we can discard our worst score after seven races. Not having a ‘throw out’ forces you to sail conservatively and consistently, but we did have a bad race, and getting a chance to drop that score helped us.

The St. Thomas’ Teddy Nicolosi, sailing with family and friends on Black Pearl, is first in the IC24 class going into the final day of racing tomorrow, while St. Croix’s Peter Stanton on Big Island, rounds out third. This year, the class will also compete for the 2025 IC24 Caribbean Championship, sponsored by Sea Glass Properties, an event within STIR.

In the one-design VX One Class, the USA’s Sandy Askew’s Flying Jenny held its first place position, plus put fourteen points between second place Arethusa, driven by the USA’s Phil Lotz. St. Croix native, Tim Pitts, rounds out third on Another Bad Princess. Askew’s husband, Dave, on Wizard and currently fifth in the 11-boat class, enjoyed a race day that went from bad to good.

“In the first race, I was chasing my wife, and the head stay broke. We dropped out, fixed it, and missed the second race. We were back for the third, and my wife beat me, but I beat her in the fourth race. The beauty of sailing one-design is there are no handicaps, no excuses. We are still figuring out the boat, but overall, it’s easy to sail, and that’s the beauty of the VX One.”

The USA’s Phil Lotz rights his VX One, Arethusa. (Photo by www.ingridabery.com)

Kinship, a Baltic 52 helmed by the USA’s Ryan Walsh, leads the CSA Racing class, while Tatihou, a Jeanneau 409, raced by the USA’s Martin van Breems of the Sound Sailing Center, finished the day first in the CSA Non-spinnaker Class.

A 9-boat class of one-design Hobie waves set sail today. The UK’s Ian Bartlett led the class with seven flawless first-place finishes, while St. Thomas teenagers, 12-year-old Finn Hodgins and 13-year-old Will Zimmerman, are in second.

“We sailed together last year and wanted to race again,” says Hodgins, who notes that the most challenging aspect was keeping the boat flat in the water with the heavy breeze.

Fellow St. Thomas teens Lilly Brewer and Scarlett Green had a great day racing on BowDown and finished in fifth.

“The practice sail yesterday helped prepare for the winds today,” says Brewer.

Lelia C. Felix Dies

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Lelia C. Felix Dies

It’s with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Lelia C. Felix who transitioned peacefully on March 10th, 2025. 

Lelia C. Felix

The funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 11 at Turnbull’s Funeral Home at 10 a.m. followed by the internment at Western Cemetery #2. The family invites all to wear a hat in her honor.

Lelia is survived by her Sons: Edward “LaKimba’ Felix & Michael Felix. Grandchildren: Asante Felix, JahGamba Felix, Itishba Anderson-Venzen, Iyibiah Anderson & Ibn Anderson. Great Grandchildren: Jah’Niya Felix, Jah’Naii Felix, Aa’Niyah Anderson, O’Riyah Joseph, O’Myiah Joseph, O’Dane Joseph Jr., Jadden Moore, Ja’Lil Harris, Jaylen Anderson, Laila Venzen, Ze’Naii Anderson & Zaiden Anderson. Sisters: Gerlene Edlam-Deluca, Lorraine Edlam-Hankins, Dahlia Edlam-Isaacs, Gloria Edlam, Lorna Edlam-Smith& Felecia Adams Brownlow. Special Friend & Caregiver: Berecia Todman & Ms.Rona. Brothers: Kelvin & Keith Edlam, Winston, Wilbur & Warren Adams. Brother-in-law: Robert Isaacs. Nieces & Nephews: Andrea Porter, Walter, Jean & Grace Hamilton, Lesia Edlam, Lionel Jr & Wilbur Edlam, Robert III & Ronald Isaacs, Robair Edlam-Armstrong, Tekesia Edlam-Armstrong, Daniel & Dwayne Hamkinson. Great Nieces & Nephews: Carl, Keith, Miles, Kendra, Daryn, Cameron, Justin & Milani Isaacs, CeDre, CeAndre & CeVaughn Roberts. Cousins: Delight Donovan-Harrigan, Jeanette Harrigan, Lenore Wells, Raquel Wells, Charisse Wells, Virgil Wells, Gale Donovan-Cogell, Arthur Hendricks, Kymone Hendricks, Kifany Hendricks-Carey, Katrice Hendricks, Morse Hendricks, Moni Hendricks, Berecia Hendricks, Elrod Hendricks Jr., Elroy Hendricks, Shastri Hendricks, Jose, Eduardo & Vicente Lopez, Janine Smith-Farmer, Judith Smith-Randolph, Eve Smith-Frett, Linda Smith, Kelly Smith, Wilbur Smith, Milton Smith, Byron Smith, Dwayne Smith, Tanis Smith-Nelson & Abigail Smith-Richardson

Funeral arrangement by Turnbull’s Funeral Home and Crematory Services

U.S. Violation of the 1916 Lansing Declaration

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U.S. Violation of the 1916 Lansing Declaration

Supplemental Legal Memorandum: U.S. Violation of the 1916 Lansing Declaration

Purpose of this Memorandum:

To document a public treaty breach by the United States, which materially affects the validity of the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies and strengthens the petition for third-party standing on behalf of the people of the Virgin Islands before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA).

What Happened:

On March 28, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance made public statements declaring intent to acquire Greenland, directly undermining Denmark’s sovereignty. These statements were made:

• At the White House, and

• During a U.S. military visit to Greenland’s Pituffik Base.

They included:

• Trump: “We have to have Greenland.”

• Vance: “Denmark has not done a good job for the people of Greenland.”

• Vance: “We’re going to cut a Trump-style deal.”

Why It Matters:

These statements breach the 1916 Lansing Declaration, which states:

“The Government of the United States will not object to the Danish Government extending their political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland.”

This declaration was part of the same diplomatic agreement that transferred the Virgin Islands to U.S. control.

Legal Impact:

• The Lansing Declaration and the 1916 Treaty formed a single diplomatic framework.

• A public breach of one clause (Greenland) undermines the legitimacy of the entire treaty, including the U.S. acquisition of the Virgin Islands.

• The exclusion of Virgin Islanders from that treaty—and their ongoing political disenfranchisement—now demands urgent international review.

Conclusion:

This is not speculation. The U.S. has publicly repudiated its treaty obligations, confirming the core argument of the PCA petition:

Virgin Islanders were never parties to the treaty that governs them, and that treaty has now been broken.

We ask the PCA to recognize third-party standing and move forward with legal and moral review of the 1916 Treaty and its consequences.

Supplemental Legal Memorandum

Re: United States Violation of the 1916 Lansing Declaration Through Official Conduct in Greenland

Date:March 30, 2025

Submitted by: Shelley Moorhead
Founder & President, African-Caribbean Reparations and Resettlement Alliance (ACRRA)
Former Minister of State for External Affairs, U.S. Virgin Islands
Former Secretary-General, Inter-Virgin Islands Council
Former Chairman, Standing Committee, Inter-Virgin Islands Council

I. Introduction

This supplemental memorandum is submitted in support of the original filing made before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) requesting recognition of third-party standing for the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands under the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies. It provides urgent documentation of a material treaty breach by the United States, which has occurred subsequent to the filing.

II. Background: The Lansing Declaration and the 1916 Treaty

On August 4, 1916, U.S. Secretary of State Robert Lansing issued a formal diplomatic note affirming the United States would not interfere in Danish sovereignty over Greenland. The language was unequivocal:

“The Government of the United States will not object to the Danish Government extending their political and economic interests to the whole of Greenland.”

This commitment, known as the Lansing Declaration, was a precondition to the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies—whereby Denmark transferred sovereignty over the Danish West Indies (now the U.S. Virgin Islands) to the United States. The two agreements formed a diplomatic package, linking recognition of Danish sovereignty in the Arctic with U.S. acquisition of territory in the Caribbean.

III. New Development: Public Breach by U.S. President and Vice President

On March 28, 2025, during a high-profile visit to Greenland, Vice President JD Vance—accompanied by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz—made multiple public statements directly repudiating Denmark’s political and economic interests in Greenland.

Key statements include:

• “Denmark has not done a good job for the people of Greenland.”

• “This is why Trump’s policy is what it is.”

• “We have to have Greenland.” —President Donald Trump, March 28, 2025, White House press briefing

• “We’re going to cut a Trump-style deal.”

• “Greenlanders will choose the U.S. over Denmark.”

These remarks were made at the U.S. Pituffik Space Base in northern Greenland, on foreign soil, and during an ongoing diplomatic dispute between the U.S. and Denmark over Arctic policy. The comments were broadcast globally, provoking immediate reaction from the Danish Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and members of the Greenlandic parliament.

IV. Legal Analysis: A Material Breach of the Lansing Declaration

The public and official nature of these statements constitutes a material breach of the Lansing Declaration. The United States, through its highest executive officials, has:

1. Publicly objected to Denmark’s political leadership in Greenland;

2. Declared intent to pursue unilateral acquisition of Greenland;

3. Undermined the legal and diplomatic commitments made in 1916 in exchange for Denmark’s transfer of the Virgin Islands.

This breach affects not only U.S.–Danish relations but the legal foundation of U.S. sovereignty in the Virgin Islands. As the Lansing Declaration and the 1916 Treaty formed a single diplomatic structure, repudiation of one element destabilizes the integrity of the whole.

V. Implications for Third-Party Standing and Treaty Review

The public breach reinforces the necessity of immediate procedural recognition of the people of the Virgin Islands before the PCA. It confirms:

• That the treaty continues to produce legal consequences today, despite excluding Virgin Islanders from the original agreement;

• That the United States no longer honors the original framework in its entirety;

• That Virgin Islanders are entitled to challenge the continued legal validity of their transfer and present political status under the doctrine of self-determination and post-colonial redress.

VI. Conclusion

This memorandum supplements the legal petition currently before the PCA and is submitted as part of the evidentiary record. The violation of the Lansing Declaration is not hypothetical—it has occurred. The time for recognition, review, and remedy is now.

A Demand for Standing: Challenging the Colonial Exclusion of the United States Virgin Islands under the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies

Mat Probasco
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A Demand for Standing: Challenging the Colonial Exclusion of the United States Virgin Islands under the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies

On March 28, 2025, Shelley Moorhead, acting on behalf of the politically disenfranchised people of the United States Virgin Islands, formally submitted a petition to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The filing requests procedural reform and recognition of third-party standing in treaty arbitration related to the 1916 Treaty of the Danish West Indies (DWI)—the agreement through which Denmark sold the Virgin Islands to the United States for $25 million in gold.

This submission marks the first time in PCA history that a non-sovereign people has formally challenged their exclusion from arbitration under a colonial-era treaty based on the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery and structural discrimination embedded in international legal norms.This submission marks the first time in PCA history that a non-sovereign people has formally challenged their exclusion from arbitration under a colonial-era treaty based on the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery and structural discrimination embedded in international legal norms.

Key Arguments:

1. Structural Exclusion under Article XII:

• The 1916 Treaty recognizes only Denmark and the United States as “High Contracting Parties,” excluding the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) population—who remain directly affected by its terms and consequences—from any role in its interpretation or enforcement.

2. Colonial Designation of “Inhabitants”:

• Article VI reduced the people of the USVI to mere “Inhabitants,” denying them legal personhood or the right to Self-Determination. This reflects a legal framework inherited from the Doctrine of Discovery, which historically stripped non-European peoples of sovereignty and standing.

3. Violation of International Law:

• The continued exclusion violates international legal principles, including:

• Article 1 of the UN Charter (right to Self-Determination),

• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and

• Precedents such as the ICJ’s Chagos Archipelago (2019) and Western Sahara (1975) rulings, affirming peoples’ rights under Decolonization.

4. Call for Procedural Reform at the PCA:

• The petition urges the PCA to revise its internal protocols to:

• Recognize third-party standing where treaty obligations materially affect nonstate peoples;

• Permit amicus curiae filings and consultative hearings from historically disenfranchised populations;

• Rethink the exclusionary application of the term “High Contracting Parties.”

Why This Matters:

This case exposes a significant gap in the international legal system: treaty arbitration mechanisms that deny the very people subjected to those treaties any right to participate. More than a century after the sale of the Danish West Indies, U.S. Virgin Islanders remain without a voice in determining how their historical and legal legacy is interpreted at the highest levels of international law.

As ACRRA Vice President and Legal Counsel Mr. Devin Carrington states: “This isn’t just about legal paperwork or history books. It’s about ending colonial crumbs and claiming our rightful seat at the table—not just to cut slices of the bread, but to now have a say in how the loaf is made, who must share in it, and what everyone’s portion should rightfully be.” —Devin Carrington, ACRRA VP & Legal Counsel

Conclusion:

The ACRRA submission urges the PCA to confront the legal architecture that enables structural exclusion. It seeks not only recognition for the people of the USVI—but also a broader precedent for how non-sovereign and formerly colonized peoples can engage international legal bodies that have long refused them entry.

 

Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

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Weekly Weather Forecast With Jesse Daley

Check out our weekly weather forecast with Jesse Daley, covering Sunday, March 30, through Saturday, April 5. Our YouTube playlist is updated every week, AND check out Jesse’s daily weather updates here.

U.S. Postal Service Declines Participation in Town Hall Held by Plaskett

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U.S. Postal Service Declines Participation in Town Hall Held by Plaskett

A town hall meeting scheduled for Friday afternoon at the University of the Virgin Islands, Albert A. Sheen Campus, intended for the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to hear the concerns of Virgin Islanders, was missing a key participant—the USPS itself. Initially local postmasters in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico intended to attend, but had to cancel, resulting in no USPS representatives at the meeting. A similar town hall was held a day prior on St. Thomas and USPS was a no-show there as well.

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett’s district director, Nellie Varlack, addresses town hall. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

According to Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett’s district director, Nellie Varlack, no representatives from the USPS—neither locally nor nationally—were in attendance. The USPS cited financial constraints and operational concerns, stating that allowing postal workers to participate would impede normal operations, despite the town hall being scheduled outside of post office hours.

Although the USPS declined to attend, the town hall proceeded as a working session to document and track complaints. “The more documentation that we receive, the better we can justify our cases,” Varlack said.

Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett reads an email message from the United States Postal Service. (Source photo by Diana Dias)

Plaskett revealed that they later received an email from the USPS office in Washington, D.C., informing them that the agency was no longer participating in town halls across the country. According to Plaskett, this contradicts past practices, as the Virgin Islands has hosted six town halls over the past decade, with a deputy postmaster general even attending one.

Plaskett stated that the USPS government liaison pointed to internal data indicating strong service performance in the Virgin Islands. Using ZIP code 00824 as an example, the most recent data showed that 90.80% of incoming first-class mail was delivered within the applicable service standard, while 96.83% arrived within one day of the service standards.

“This is very strong performance, so further understanding of the types of delays you are reporting from these processing plants would be helpful,” the USPS representative wrote, directing people to file complaints at spm.usps.com.

Despite the USPS absence, Plaskett emphasized the importance of gathering as many complaints as possible in the coming weeks. “Instead of canceling the town hall, we are using this time to spread the word and collect complaints. We hope to compile these complaints and request a formal sit-down to address the issues,” she said.

Plaskett also noted that the cancellation of USPS town halls is a nationwide trend, urging the community to continue voicing concerns.

In addition to postal service issues, the town hall addressed concerns over Social Security. Attendees were encouraged to sign a petition advocating for the program’s strength and sustainability. “I have paid into Social Security my entire working life with the promise that it will be there when I need it. Lately, I have seen too many reports of long wait times and concerns about Social Security’s future,” Plaskett said. She emphasized the importance of protecting the 22,254 Virgin Islanders who receive $34 million in monthly benefits, stating, “This is what they rely on to make ends meet.”

Plaskett also highlighted a recent $3 million federal funding cut to the Virgin Islands Department of Health, expressing concern over its impact.

“We are continuing to make phone calls to local agencies that rely heavily on federal funding. We are concerned about the reconciliation process,” she said.

Plaskett warned that the largest federal cuts will affect the Committee on Energy and Commerce, with Medicaid expected to take a significant hit. “The only thing they can cut to meet the required $880 billion reduction is Medicaid, so we are expecting major cuts,” she said.

Lastly, Plaskett reminded residents to know their right when it comes to immigration and how to keep their loved ones safe.  She also provided written handouts for those present.

As the town hall concluded, Plaskett reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for the Virgin Islands and ensuring that residents’ voices are heard on critical issues impacting their daily lives. She also took the time to speak to those present at the town hall.

Anyone who would like to report issues with postal delays can contact Plaskett’s office directly at 340-778-5900 on St. Croix or 340-774-4408 on St. Thomas/St. John. People are encouraged to share their concerns or complaints in this way rather than posting them on social media.

Photo Focus: Guardians of the Culture Present The Evolution of Moko Jumbies

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Photo Focus: Guardians of the Culture Present The Evolution of Moko Jumbies

On Friday, Guardians of the Culture kicked off the TSK Folk Life Festival, facilitated by the Ten Sleepless Knights, with a dynamic presentation at Fort Christian entitled “The Evolution of the Moko Jumbies.”

(Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)

Cultural bearer Willard John, who is the visionary behind the Guardians of the Culture Moko Jumbies narrated a historical timeline of the Moko Jumbie tradition. Some of the information he shared included the African countries that share in the tradition, as well as how the tradition has evolved over time. 

(Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)

Throughout the presentation, Moko Jumbies of various ages shared their flexibility and strength with the audience. Tricks such as back bends and one-legged stands were on full display at the event. After each segment, the audience offered multiple rounds of applause for the performers whose energy was magnetic.

(Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)

In addition to showcasing their dance moves and tricks, the Moko Jumbies also had their traditional garb on full display, with various timelines represented. No matter the year reflected, all Moko Jumbie faces were covered, as this is an integral part of the spiritual tradition. 

(Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)

Toward the end of the presentation, all the Moko Jumbies came on to the stage and performed tricks together while Calypso music played in the background, with the final sentiments of John reflecting that the Moko Jumbie tradition in the Virgin Islands is alive and well.

(Photo by Gabrielle Querrard)

The evening ended with live music played by The Ten Sleepless Knights. The Folk Life Festival continues into the weekend with a night of Bomba, Bamboula, and African Dance on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in Fort Christian and Folk Life Festival Workshops on Sunday starting at 12 p.m. in Emancipation Garden. 

Photo Focus: Folklife Fest Brings Quelbe Masters to St. John

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Photo Focus: Folklife Fest Brings Quelbe Masters to St. John
(Source photo by Judi Shimel)

St. John residents and visitors were in for a cultural treat on Saturday as organizers of the 4th Annual V.I. Folklife Festival brought music, dance and splendor to Franklin Powell Park. Spectators quickly filled the space around the park’s bandstand as the quelbe sounds of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights filled the air.

AARP of the Virgin Islands hosted Saturday’s cultural fete. Associate State Director Pamela Toussaint pointed out that March is Virgin Islands History Month. “In collaboration with Dr. Stanley Jacobs of Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights and the Guardians of Culture, we are bringing a version of the folklife festival to St. John,” Toussaint said.

Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights are perhaps the most enduring performers of quelbe — the official traditional music of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The band — formed in 1970 — is now celebrating its 55th year.

Some who drew near to enjoy the tunes could not resist the urge to dance.

And they were not alone, as St. Croix’s Guardians of Culture moko jumbie troupe frolicked with the next generation moko jumbies led by Yisrael Petersen. Petersen is a culture bearer who learned the art in his youth from moko jumbie legend and former Senator Alvin Ali Paul.

They were also joined by St. John’s quadrille dancers performing a traditional version of square dancing.

Celebrations of U.S. folkways from different states and territories came together to form a national festival sponsored by the Smithsonian Museum in 1991. AARP member Jackie Clendinen shared a personal story about the efforts to bring local culture bearers to Washington, D.C. as part of the grand celebration.

Jackie Clendinen speaks about the early days of folklife celebrations. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Jackie Clendinen speaks about the early days of folklife celebrations. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)

The Guardians of Culture stayed in Cruz Bay for an added performance at the Light Up the Night Cancer Walk at the V.I. National Park Ballfield in the late afternoon. Hundreds of residents, business leaders and visitors joined in support of the annual fundraiser.

Events showcasing the territory’s talents and traditions have been seen in public celebrations at St. Croix’s Whim Museum. In addition, Fort Christian on St. Thomas welcomed the public to festival events over the weekend with exhibits and demonstrations taking place Friday through Sunday.

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