The family of the late Augustin Augustin is saddened to announce his passing on January 29, 2025.
Augustin Augustin
Augustin is survived by his Daughters, Natacha Augustin and Olinger Augustin, Sons, Melvin Braville and Emerson Toutouyoutte, Grandchildren, Jah’Lik Francis, Jah’Keyla Francis, Emala Alexander, Anderson Larcher, Tennison Larcher, Blair Chandler, Teadius Langelier, Emma William, Iverson Tobie, Paulette Tobie, Tanya Aschnelle Augustin, Quan Joseph, Isha Dela Anderson, Merlisha Shania Anderson, Shanel Nisha Thomas, Terezia Angellyna Raymon, and Zayne Jasper Jacob, Brothers, Joseph Augustin, Charles Taliam, Wilbert Augustin, and Anthony Taliam, Sisters, Catherine Taliam and Philista Eugene, In-Laws, Jasmine Augustin-Roundtree (Daughter-in law), and (Sisters-in law), Maryanna Augustin, Lucy Taliam, and Christina Emmanuel.
There will be a family and friends viewing scheduled to be on Feb. 26 at Divine Funeral Services Chapel in Peter’s Rest from 4-6pm.
The funeral service is scheduled on Feb. 28 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 42 Barron Spot Hill. Viewing starts at 9:00 AM. Service starts at 10:00 AM.
Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.
Professional Services Entrusted to Divine Funeral Services & Crematory
With a heavy heart The Frazer family is saddened to announce the death of their patriarch Elisha “Lisha” Frazer, of St. Thomas and Little Apple Bay, Tortola, who passed away in Coral Springs, Florida on February 1, 2025.
Elisha Frazer
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Sylvia Frazer, Children, Shirlene Robinson Smith, Kenmore “Peace” Frazer, Colleen Frazer Brooks, Maureen “NickNick” Frazer, Lesmore “Bert” Frazer. GrandchildrenShurelle Smith, Clarence Smith, Jr., Josiah Frazer, LaDonna Donovan, LaKesha Brathwaite Bright, LaKeema Brooks, Elvin Brooks, Jr., Shantel Richards Gurdat, Shanice “Niecey” Richards, Shanee Richards, Destiny Frazer, Jaylen Frazer, and Jamal Frazer, Great Grandchildren,Clarence Smith, III,Jacari Frazer, Kinsley Frazer, Jayden Haisley, Taelynn Bright, Terry Bright, III, LaTasia Lee, Lynasia Lee, Daequari Lee, Demetric Lee, Travis Eline, Jr., Tra’Naria Eline, Camari Brooks, Kymoni Brooks, Jaylen Brooks, Shante Browne, Shayne Gurdat, Shayna Gurdat, Shamar Gurdat, Zhanela and Zhalana Johnson.
Son in Law, Edward Brathwaite, Sr., Grandsons in Law, Raju “General” Gurdat, Terry Bright, Jr., Granddaughter in Law, Brittany Smith, Adopted Sister Alma Frazer Fahie, Brothers in Laws,Elliot “Humphrey” Leonard, Welmon “Doggy” Smith, Arthur Williams, Sr., Sisters in LawsLorraine Smith,Marline Callwood Williams, Dawn Callwood, Nieces,Emmy Smith, Adel Jennings, Ona Parsons, Gloria Hodge, Irena “Rena” Rivera, Muriel Fraser, Millicent Frazer, Nephews, Allen Cameron, Wilmon Cameron, Walton “Blow” Cameron, Eldred Hodge, Bentley Hodge, Allan Phillip, Claudius Frazer, Jr., Melvin Frazer, Decendants of the Late, Zelma and Edna Stoutt, Pedro, Wellington, and Liston Cameron, Eileen Thomas, God Children, Shirline Smith, Shona Worrell, Special Friends,Dave “Cannon” Richards, Melcena Smith & Family, Alvin Washington & Family, Bernice Potter, Izola Leonard, Marriet & Gregory Smith, Lyndel Turnbull, Izetta Hodge & Family, Othelia Benjamin, Dr. D. Orlando Smith, OBE, Glenda Lafong, Johnny Henley, Buddy Kennings, Pastor Gloria George, Gloria Leonard, Floyd & Edith “Kizzy Bassue, Elizabeth “Chocolate Lady” Watkins, Joylyn Dixon, Sandra Potter, Iris Jones, Trinity Methodist Church, Living Word Family Ministry, Hillside Village Community, Family of the Late Hugh Smith, Eugenia Thomas, Carol Benjamin, Louise Morris of St.Kitts, Chanda Augustine, Beverly Bastian, Esther Aberdeen, Andrew “Animal” Monsanto.
First Viewing will take place on Thursday, March 6 at Blyden Memorial Chapel from 4 – 6 p.m.
First Funeral Service:
Friday, March 7, 2025 viewing from 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Living Word Family Ministry, Smith Bay, St. Thomas. With service at 10 a.m.
Second Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 8 viewing from 10 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at Zion Hill Methodist Church, Tortola, BVI. With service at 11:00 a.m.
Interment at the Cappoon’s Bay Cemetery
Funeral Arrangements Entrusted to: Turnbull Funeral Home, St. Thomas and Davis Funeral Home, Tortola.
In celebration of Virgin Islands History Month, observed annually in March since 2006, the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands as the Humanities Council of the Virgin Islands is proud to present the third Virtual Humanities Showcase. This event highlights the rich history, heritage, and culture of the Virgin Islands through projects funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
The showcase will take place on Wednesday, March 12 from 1-3 p.m. AST via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public.
During the showcase, the nine CFVI humanities project grantees listed below will present their work, demonstrating the powerful impact of community-driven initiatives in preserving and promoting Virgin Islands culture. To explore these projects and others, visit cfvi.co/NEHprojects2024.
American Ancestors – Using Genealogy to Teach Inclusive History: U.S. Virgin Islands
Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts – Dance is a Universal Language
Center for Educational Growth, Inc. – Film Over Gun Violence
Fireburn Heritage – Virgin Islands ABCs Initiative: Cultivating Cultural Literacy in VI Youth
St. Croix Montessori School – Increasing Educational and Cultural Literacy through Library Sciences for St. Croix Montessori Students
Ten Sleepless Knights – Bamboula/Bomba Documentary Film
University of the Virgin Islands – Collaboration and Conversations: Connecting Virgin Islands Historical Collections and Community Knowledge to an Emerging Generation of Humanities Scholars
University of the Virgin Islands – The Unbreakable Film Academy
Virgin Islands Architecture Center for Built Heritage and Crafts – VIAC Old Barracks Neighborhood Storytelling Project – Phase 2
“This showcase is an opportunity to witness firsthand the meaningful contributions of our Virgin Islands nonprofit community to local humanities programming,” said CFVI President, Dee Baecher-Brown. “The impressive range of projects reflects a deep commitment to preserving and sharing the stories, traditions, and intellectual achievements that shape our unique identity.”
To register, visit cfvi.co/Showcase2025. Once registered, attendees will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the event.
Since forming its partnership with NEH in 2020, CFVI has awarded nearly $1.5 million in grants to community organizations across the U.S. Virgin Islands, supporting a broad array of humanities programming and activities.
For questions or more information, please contact CFVI’s Director of Grants and Programs, Beth Nuttall, at bethn@cfvi.net.
USVI U-20 Women’s national team will commence their World Cup qualifiers against Puerto Rico. Thursday at 4 p.m. at Estadio Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium
STREAMING NETWORKS: Disney+, FS2, Fox Sports, and Tubi. (Please check local listings as streaming platforms may vary by region.)
It’s with heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Mosi Malik Mckie on Jan. 25, 2025, at the age of 31.
He was a loving, talented, considerate and creative son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin and dear friend. He also was an avid lover of animals and plants as well as a masterful fashion designer.
He was survived by his mother Stephanie “Gucci” Joseph and Michael “Sabba” Mckie and his grandparents, Patricia Joseph, Pauline and step grandfather Manel Benitez, siblings: Annakiya Mckie, Sekhomi Mckie, Esenja Joseph, Mukhwan Joseph, and Keeto Joseph. Elijah, Kyree, Makenzie Mckie, Zya; Nell and Ezra Carty, aunts: Marcia Murrell, Gynah Guishard-Henry, Ashaki Christian,Valorie Murrell, Leanise Murrell. Great aunts: Franciisca Murrell, and Neptune family, Marion Lynch-Esassason, Shirlene Lynch, Yvonne Lynch-Dean, Dian Phillip, Jennifer Lynch. uncles: Alexander “Mondie” Murrell, Kim “Sugarbear” Murrell, Leroy Joseph, Manuel Benitez Jr. Great Uncles: Verne Lynch Sr, Marvin Clarke, Stearoy Phillip, Leopold Sprauve. Cousins: Tafari Delsol and family, Osei Delsol and family, Sulaimani Abraham, Dominique Murrell, Miracle Murrell, Kim “Lil Bear” Murrell, Kayden and Kalece Murrell, Lucilla Fisher and family, Denequa, Dwayne, Kamalie, De’Janique and Denae Lynch, Dion Whyte, Kevin Stridiron, Maurice and Johnaton Clarke and family, Harold Lynch III. Sprauve and Lynch Lynch family. Godparents Terry and Guy “Demus’ Henry, Gary Richardson. Goddaughter: Yara Watson. Other Relative: Tenequa Tapia-Dugan, Matilda Hughesw and family, Idonna Browne, Shanekka Todman, Odette Brin, Vanessa Joseph, Chelsea Cornell, Kimani Christian, Ricardo and Malik Mitchell, Kimo Bonelli, Henneman family, Foy family, Ible Family, Creaque family.
He is also survived by a host of special friends: Yeidi Offord, Cora “Coco” Hamilton, Michael Vante, Jesherun Joseph, Craig Richardson, Xenecia Farrell, Anika Hamilton, Imani Richards, Cadesha Brathwaite, Vakai Gumbs, Sanna Richardson, Shaquille Ralph, Julian Smith, Germaine Callwood, Janet Prosper, Devin Osorio Famillia de México, SCAD family, Avalon family, The CAHS family of 2011, Mr. Corbett JOVIC Class of 1994, and other friends too numerous to mention.
The memorial service will be held at Turnbull Funeral Home. The Family request anyone in attendance to please wear FESTIVE and BRIGHT COLORS. Please NO BLACK CLOTHING. Funeral is under the care of Turnbull Funeral Home and Crematory Service.
The Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority advises the public that the Cancryn pump station is currently offline but undergoing repair. This situation may lead to sewer system issues. VIWMA advises residents toavoid standing water in any affected areas.
The VIWMA is diligently working to complete the necessary repairs. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and rely on your cooperation as we resolve this matter.
For more information contact the Division of Wastewater at 340-715-9151 or Communications Management at communications@viwma.org. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter
Please be advised that Emile Milo Francis Memorial Drive near Linquist Beach will be closed Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This closure is necessary to replace a broken pole and reinstall the power lines in the area.
Jury selection concluded Wednesday for the trial of former V.I. Housing Finance Authority Executive Darin Richardson, who was first indicted last summer for his alleged part in a $4.3 million disaster recovery fraud. (Shutterstock image)
A federal judge will hear opening arguments Thursday in the trial of a former V.I. Housing Finance Authority executive who was charged last summer in connection with an alleged multimillion-dollar disaster recovery fraud.
Jury selection began Tuesday morning and concluded Wednesday afternoon with the empaneling of 12 jurors and three alternates. U.S. District Judge Wilma Lewis told the jurors that the trial is estimated to take 9-10 days. She directed them to refrain from discussing the case with anyone during recesses and avoid news coverage of the case and trial.
Darin Richardson, former chief operating officer at VIHFA, was originally indicted alongside former V.I. Education Department Maintenance Director Davidson Charlemagne and his wife, Sasha Charlemagne, on charges of making a material false statement to a federal investigator and criminal conflict of interest. In September, Lewis agreed to sever Richardson’s case from that of the Charlemagnes, who are charged with different crimes.
Prosecutors further charged Richardson with bank fraud, making false statements on a loan application and money laundering in a superseding indictment filed in December. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
According to the original indictment, Richardson led the evaluation committee that awarded a nearly $3 million, three-year contract to Island Services Group — or ISG — in January 2021 to manage and store disaster recovery lumber. ISG subcontracted the work to the Charlemagnes’ company, D&S Trucking.
Richardson increased the value of that contract to more than $4.3 million over the next year — even though, prosecutors alleged, no actual work was being done. Instead, the lumber was stored outside and rent-free at the shuttered Alexander Henderson Elementary School on St. Croix.
The original charges against Richardson stem from a $107,000 payment he received from ISG principal Morris Anselmi in February 2022. Richardson later participated in a voluntary interview with a special agent from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department’s Inspector General’s Office, during which he claimed he had recused himself from all matters related to ISG.
After the jurors were dismissed for the day Wednesday, prosecutors called that special agent Jamila Davis — now assistant special agent in charge of Florida and the Caribbean in the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Inspector General’s Office — to testify Wednesday evening amid efforts by Richardson’s attorney, Darren John-Baptiste, to exclude a memorandum of that interview from being shown during the trial.
Davis said Wednesday that Richardson was not the target of any investigation at the time of the interview. Rather, she’d sought a meeting with him after hearing that he had left VIHFA “abruptly” because she thought he might be able to shed light on suspected wrongdoing at the agency.
“In this situation, Mr. Richardson really just talked, and I took notes while he was talking,” she said.
Davis said the interview was not recorded but that she took abbreviated notes and typed those up in a memo, which prosecutors entered as evidence in the upcoming trial. Davis indicated that standard procedure is to scan and upload copies of the notes into a shared folder and shred the originals at the conclusion of an investigation.
The government has been unable to produce the original notes, and John-Baptiste argued in a motion filed last week that their failure to produce them constituted a violation of the so-called “Brady rule,” which requires prosecutors to disclose any material that could be exculpatory. On Wednesday evening, John-Baptiste argued that the notes could contain more detailed information about Richardson’s recusal timeline — and that they could have been destroyed for that reason.
According to exhibits attached to the government’s opposition to John-Baptiste’s motion, Richardson emailed VIHFA’s then-Executive Director, Daryl Griffith, on Feb. 14, 2022, notifying Griffith of the conflict of interest and recusal from all matters related to ISG. The message was sent on the same day Anselmi sent Richardson $107,000 and exactly one year before Richardson’s sit-down with Davis.
Lewis did not rule on the matter Wednesday, and the court recessed until Thursday morning.
A heavily redacted copy of the memorandum of interview was filed in U.S. District Court in August. Prosecutors filed an unredacted version alongside their opposition to Richardson’s attorney last week. According to Davis’s account, Richardson “acknowledges that the employees of ISG have never had any regular work to do because the VIHFA construction projects have not been initiated as originally intended.” Further, he “stated he feels partially responsible for not taking the necessary steps to limit payments to ISG for work not actually being performed.”
“No one thought to do that,” he said, according to Davis, who added that Richardson characterized it not as fraud but as a wasteful oversight.
According to the memo, Richardson went on to excoriate emergency management consultants Witt O’Brien’s. At one point, Richardson said he didn’t think it was a violation of ISG’s contract to bill VIHFA for an hourly wage higher than what was being paid to employees or contractors and stated, “It’s the same thing that Witt O’Brien [sic] does.”
“The only time RICHARDSON has felt pressured to do something that he was not comfortable with,” Davis wrote, “was when he was asked to sign a Witt O’Brien (WOB) Work Plan. This request was made by Adrienne WILLIAMS-OCTALIEN, VIHFA Office of Disaster Recovery. RICHARDSON was asked to sign the WOB Work Plan while Daryl GRIFFITH was on vacation or otherwise unavailable. RICHARDSON refused to sign the document. If he would have approved the work plan, it would have made it appear that WOB performed work for the VIHFA that could be billed under the WOB Contract with the VI Public Finance Authority (PFA). WILLIAMS-OCTALIEN told RICHARDSON that Governor BRYAN will be upset by RICHARDSON’s refusal to sign.”
Richardson described Witt O’Brien’s as “controlling” everything in the U.S. Virgin Islands, according to the memo, and said they were benefiting from all of the federal funding awarded to the territory in the wake of hurricanes Irma and Maria.
“WOB is being overpaid for its services or work that could easily be done by USVI departmental employees,” Davis wrote. “RICHARDSON thinks this is incompetence on the part of USVI executive leadership.”
After closing because of the pandemic. The Dressing Room 2.0 made its official relaunch on Feb. 9. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The Dressing Room 2.0 is back and ready to help women on St. Croix make a bold fashion statement for any special event. Owner Sativa “Tiva” Williams said, “It’s not called the dressing room by accident, this is literally the dressing room, where you come and get dressed.”
Located just above Thomas Bakery in Castle Coakley, The Dressing Room 2.0 has everything needed to prepare for a special event, a night out in town, or a date. It offers a variety of items, including pantyhose, shades, earrings, necklaces, jeans, matching sets, lip exfoliators, lip gloss, tweezers, and more.
At The Dressing Room 2.0, guests can book appointments for specialties such as hair braiding, brow tinting, lash extensions, and small tattoos.
Store owner Sativa “Tiva” Williams is excited about what’s in store for the relaunch of The Dressing Room 2.0. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“I just want to make sure that I am able to cater to every body type and fashion sense,” said Williams. “I want to make sure that when you walk through the doors of The Dressing Room you are able to feel like we are able to cater to you. It’s a special place, it’s like a safe haven for women and soon men. You are able to come in and find anything you want to wear.”
Williams said that she was forced to close during the pandemic, but the relaunch signified something personal for her. “I wanted to make sure I am able to tackle the areas where we fell short,” she said.
The Dressing Room 2.0 caters to sizes extra small to 4X. Williams has always been very passionate about clothing — so passionate that her family even comes to her to get styled and dressed.
The Dressing Room 2.0 offers an array of sizes from extra small to 4X. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
“How I decided to get into the actual The Dressing Room business was my husband would always tell me I’m always spending money on clothes. So, I was like let me open it up. I always wanted a place where I felt safe and comfortable shopping. I opened up this idea in my mind and brought it to life and brought my fashion tips to people,” she said.
Locals will also be pleasantly surprised at the affordable pricing. At the store’s relaunch on Feb. 9, Williams said, “I am in the community. I want to make sure we can dress fashionable but affordable.”
In celebration of the relaunch, complimentary cocktails and mocktails were provided to guests. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
The Dressing Room 2.0’s hours of operation are Monday through Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from noon to 6:30 p.m. When entering the store, make sure to ask about their VIP list. With a membership, there are options to schedule shopping and special percentages off items in-store and other services.
Runners take off from the starting line for the 8 Tuff Miles 25th edition in 2024. (Photo courtesy Steve Simonson)
The 26th running of a popular St. John road race is set to kick off Saturday morning in Cruz Bay. A representative for the organizer of the annual 8 Tuff Miles Race says 1,200 runners have signed up for the run-walk endurance course to Coral Bay.
Race runner-spokesperson Johnice Comer said a slew of volunteers who will operate water stations — some dressed up in costumes — are expected to join them. Among them will be volunteers from St. John Rescue, keeping an eye out for runners who might suffer mishaps along the way.
Joining them will be family and friends who traveled in from 45 different states and some foreign countries — including Japan — lining the route to cheer them on. Joining them will be Virgin Islanders expected to turn out to enjoy a live weekend sporting event.
“ … We typically have all probably 45 out of the 50 states represented. And a few countries I know. We have Japan coming this year. We have Singapore and possibly New Zealand,” Comer said. As a runner herself, Comer said she’s run the St. John race since 2013.
St. John businesses are also cheering their sports-tourism guests, as evidenced by the banner hanging outside of the Mongoose Junction Shopping Center. That includes transportation companies who are adding extra morning ferry trips to their Saturday schedule.
Retailers at Mongoose Junction Shopping Center hang a welcome banner for visiting runners and their friends. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
The 8 Tuff Mile race starts at 7:15 a.m.; runners, volunteers and spectators are encouraged to begin assembling around 6:30 a.m. Two additional ferries are scheduled to depart at
6 a.m. and 6:15 a.m. from Red Hook, St. Thomas, she said.
Over the years — including 2018, when an unofficial run replaced the official race — the spokeswoman said she enjoyed camaraderie among top athletes and tourists who love running. “They want to come because it’s, you know, a great race, and they get to be a part of the community. They love it. And so they’ll just go from place to place … You actually get to interact with the people that you’re visiting. I mean, you’re truly a guest; you’re truly a guest, and you become kind of a part of the community,” Comer said.
That includes the youth — local and visitors — who register, run and compete for scholarships.
“There are some very serious athletes, and we have the under the Top 100 Club, so if you finished in the top 100 runners last year, you’re automatically guaranteed a bib one- through-100 for the next year. And we have over 50 Top One Hundreds from last year returning this year,” Comer said.
“And the other part of that is we have scholarships for children that are going to college that win in their age group — you know, $800, $1,000 — it makes a really big difference when you’re going off to college,” she said. “So we have return, repeat, local and stateside athletes that are children that come in aspiration to win their age group so that they can acquire that scholarship.”
And adding a personal story, the spokeswoman said she also received a prize from 8 Tuff Miles — in her case, a marriage.
“I met my now husband at Dulles Airport in Washington or in Northern Virginia. And I had an 8 Tuff Mile sticker on my computer, and he comes up to me; he said, ‘Are you going down to run that race?”
I said, “Yes,” and I said, “How many times have you run that race?”
“And he had done it more than 10 times, and I had done it less than 10 times, so I was a little upset because I didn’t think I’d meet someone at Dulles Airport that had done the race more times than I had,” Comer said.
The apparent solution came from an adage: If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.
“And then today happens to be our sixth-year anniversary and our one-year marriage anniversary,” she said.
The couple’s celebration plans include sharing another 8 Tuff Mile dream and more love on the run.
