Attorney Julie German Evert, a leader in international family law, represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the prestigious International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL) European Chapter Meeting in Paris, France, from Dec. 4–8, 2024, her law office announced.
Held at the Westin Paris Vendôme, the event brought together top family law practitioners from around the world for an intensive education program that included keynote addresses, panel discussions, and case studies on significant legal issues and landmark rulings spanning 35 years, according to the press release.
Evert’s participation underscores her commitment to staying at the forefront of international family law developments. “The IAFL European Chapter Meeting was an incredible opportunity to deepen my knowledge and network with leading legal professionals worldwide,” Evert said. “These insights will directly benefit my clients in the U.S. Virgin Islands, especially in cases involving complex international family law matters.”
The conference concluded with the President’s Dinner, hosted by European Chapter President Sandra Verburgt at the Automobile Club of France. The gala celebrated the achievements and camaraderie of IAFL members and delegates, the press release stated.
Looking ahead, Evert plans to attend IAFL’s global meeting in Hong Kong in December 2025. Following the conference, she intends to travel to Singapore, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand to connect with IAFL fellows in the region and further enhance her expertise, the release stated.
The IAFL is a global association of distinguished family law specialists dedicated to advancing the practice of family law. As the first and only IAFL fellow from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Evert’s continued involvement reflects her leadership in the field and dedication to serving the local community, it said.
For more information about Attorney Julie German Evert and her legal services, visit JulieEvertLaw.com.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ann Geraldine Fenton Grant on Dec. 15. She was 93.
Ann Geraldine Fenton Grant
Known affectionately to many as “Miss. G”, Geraldine was born July 3, 1931, on the beautiful island of Montserrat. She and her family emigrated to Antigua during her youth where she and her seven siblings thrived. She married Estrick Grant before making St. Croix her permanent home in the 1960s. She began her career as a school crossing guard in 1971 and served with distinction until her retirement in 1998. She later became a taxi driver. She had a very unique way of combining stern admonishments with love and concern, so much so that many of the now adult children she guided across busy intersections remember her fondly with genuine affection and joy.
Many would also remember her for her beautiful singing. She served as a soloist at the Christiansted Seventh- day Adventist Temple and sang in many community chorales that ministered at various churches and community events. Her love for the Lord and her church family was evident in her life of service. She held the offices of Head Usher and Deaconess at the Christiansted Seventh- day Adventist Temple. She supported her community faithfully as a member of the church’s Community Services Department where for decades she regularly prepared and served meals at the Christiansted Market Place. She is survived by her nieces Fostina Christian (England), Juliette Willoughby, Heidi Fenton and Heather Fenton Campbell, her nephews Gerald Willoughby and Stephen Fenton, her cousins Junya Meyers of Junie’s Restaurant, Jannis Reynolds and Bernadette Fenton. She has left to mourn many, many more nieces, nephews, cousins and family too numerous to mention. She will be dearly missed by her church family and friends including Brother and Sister Joseph Ponteen, Claudia and Keitus Jean, Patsy Gerard, Curtis Watty, Annetta Joseph, Rupert Davis, Evelyn Johansen Cruz, Josephine Arthur, Patricia and Kendrick Williams and the Maynard and Griffin families.
Services to celebrate her life are planned for Jan. 12 at the Christiansted SDA Church at 27-28 Queen Cross Street. The viewing is at 9am and services will begin at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at the Kingshill Cemetery. The family respectfully requests that attendees wear bright colors to honor Geraldine’s love of flowers.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to James Memorial Funeral Home.
The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is excited to announce an exclusive workshop tailored for middle and high school teachers interested in the art of Mocko Jumbie Wire Doll making. Renowned sculptor, artist, maker, and crafter, Edney Freeman, will lead this hands-on workshop on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the museum located in Buccaneer Mall, Havensight, St. Thomas.
Edney Freeman crafts Moko Jumbie Dolls.
Participants will have the unique opportunity to create their own “Original” Mocko Jumbie Wire Doll under the expert guidance of Freeman, a former Teacher of the Year and the mastermind behind these captivating dolls. This workshop not only offers a creative outlet but also serves as a learning experience for teachers to explore the art of Mocko Jumbie and its cultural significance.
Edney Freeman shared his thoughts on passion, stating, “I believe that passion is not just a feeling; it’s a flame that ignites creativity and drives us to share our craft with others. Through this workshop, I aim to pass on the torch of passion for art and storytelling, inspiring teachers to kindle that same fire within their students.”
Amber McCammon, the VICM Executive Director of Facilities and Programs, expressed, “I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm surrounding this workshop and look forward to hosting many more engaging events in the future. The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum is not just a space for learning; it’s a canvas for creativity and community connection. With our museum and classroom spaces available for booking for various events, including workshops and birthday parties, we aim to foster a vibrant hub where imagination knows no bounds.”
Event Details:
– Date: Saturday, February 1st, 2025
– Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
– Location: The Virgin Islands Children’s Museum, Buccaneer Mall, Havensight, St. Thomas
– Workshop Fee: $60 (All materials and supplies provided)
Space is limited, so register soon to secure your spot in this exclusive workshop led by the talented Edney Freeman. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage in a hands-on learning experience and take home your very own Mocko Jumbie Wire Doll.
A day after salary increases for top U.S. Virgin Islands officials were announced, lawmakers and residents are raising concerns about the move, criticizing a lack of transparency and timing.
Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory, Chair of the Senate Finance, Appropriations, and Budget Committee, expressed frustration over the lack of communication in a statement Monday. “The governor’s statement that the salary adjustments became effective due to the Legislature’s inaction is disingenuous,” Frett-Gregory said. “How can action be taken on a measure not received? The Public Officials Compensation Commission failed in advising the public of the completion of their work, and this situation exacerbates the community’s distrust in our government.”
Frett-Gregory also pointed to missed opportunities during summer budget hearings to discuss the compensation study. She criticized the timing of the raises, highlighting ongoing financial obligations, including retroactive payments for retirees and delayed financial reporting. “We cannot selectively decide which legislation to enact. Transparency and accountability are crucial in managing the government’s finances and restoring public trust. We must do better,” she added.
Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger echoed Frett-Gregory’s concerns, emphasizing her shock at learning about the raises through media reports. “As a sitting senator, discovering such significant action from a news article, rather than through official channels, is deeply troubling,” Francis Heyliger said. She called for the immediate release of all relevant documents and urged a reversal of the raises. “Our community continues to grapple with widespread economic hardships, limited job opportunities, and underfunded services, yet those in power have turned their focus inward.”
The raises stem from the VIPOCC report, submitted in August 2024 to the governor and Senate president, which recommended salary adjustments for the governor, lieutenant governor, senators, and other officials. The report outlined the need for adjustments to reflect responsibilities, attract skilled professionals, and align compensation with market standards. Under Act No. 8384, if the Legislature does not act on the recommendations within 90 days, the raises take effect automatically, though the initial report was due in 2022.
However, several lawmakers said they never received the report in August and questioned whether it is still applicable after being turned in late and without review by the full Senate body. Neither outgoing Senate President Novelle Francis nor VIPOCC chair Haldane Davies could be reached for comment, though the Source has submitted additional budget questions to the Office of Management and Budget regarding the implementation of the raises.
Government House Communications Director Richard Motta responded to concerns about the funding for the raises in a text exchange with the Source Monday, saying that while the Fiscal Year 2025 budget has already been signed into law, adjustments could be addressed through supplemental budgets. “The Legislature approves the budget, and it is not uncommon to pass a supplemental budget after the initial passage of the budget in any fiscal year to meet the obligations of the government, especially those prescribed by law,” Motta said. “This will need to be addressed by the 36th Legislature.”
However, in previous years and in other administrations, raises have also been absorbed through cost savings within an existing budget without a supplemental, whether from increases in personnel services or savings from vacant positions, among other areas.
Bryan defended the raises Sunday night, citing nearly two decades without adjustments. “Our public officials serve critical roles in governing a territory with unique challenges and responsibilities,” Bryan said. “These adjustments aim to ensure that public service remains a viable option for attracting and retaining skilled professionals while maintaining fairness and fiscal responsibility.”
The raises, collectively totaling approximately $349,000, include increasing the governor’s salary from $150,000 to $192,088 and senators’ salaries from $85,000 to $95,000 annually. The compensation study, conducted by consulting firm Gallagher, benchmarked Virgin Islands salaries against 35 peer jurisdictions and emphasized the need for competitive pay to address recruitment and retention challenges.
What happens in the meantime, before the 36th Legislature is sworn in next week, remains unclear, though some senators have called for a closer examination of the VIPOCC report and the legal framework that allowed the raises to take effect without legislative approval.
“All questions best posed to the Legislature,” Motta said Monday. “That body passed the bill. The executive branch is simply complying with the legislative mandate per the aforementioned acts.”
The Source will be updating with additional details as they become available.
Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, celebrated on Jan. 6, marks the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus and signifies the moment he was revealed to the world. Celebrated 12 days after Christmas, it concludes the holiday season and holds deep significance in Christian tradition. On St. Croix, the day is honored with vibrant cultural festivities, including the annual Crucian-Rican Breakfast and Tramp.
The celebration kicks off at sunrise in downtown Christiansted, where the Ten Sleepless Nights plays traditional quelbe music, filling the air with rhythm and joy from the Basin Triangle as the community comes together to mark this special occasion. Following the tramp, breakfast is served at the Christian “Shan” Hendricks Vegetable Market on Company Street.
Representations of the Magi, also known as the Three Wise Men or Three Kings, during the Crucian-Rican Breakfast and Tramp on Three Kings Day. (Source photo by Shanell Petersen)Trampers alongside Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Nights coming down King Street. (Source photo by Shanell Petersen)Hundreds of trampers wave towels on cue despite the passing showers during the Crucian-Rican Breakfast and Tramp. (Source photo by Shanell Petersen)A short intermission as a rainbow came out behind the trampers unable to dance due to the federal regulation that wouldn’t allow the Ten Sleepless Nights to play music in front of Fort Christiansvaern. (Source photo by Shanell Petersen)
As the community celebrates the rich cultural traditions of Virgin Islanders of Puerto Rican descent, one must ask: Where do tradition, federal guidelines, and cultural preservation intersect, and how can the people of the territory ensure that their heritage is actively safeguarded?
Ke’Jah Andreas, who police believe shot and wounded two of their officers, had been charged with several violent felonies in the past. (Shutterstock image)
The man police said shot and injured two officers after terrorizing a woman in her home had a history of weapons charges and domestic violence arrests, according to court records.
A St. Croix woman phoned police just after 9:30 p.m. Sunday to say a man in her Lorraine Village apartment had a gun and was threatening to kill her. A gunfight erupted that wounded two Virgin Islands Police officers and killed Ke’Jah Andreas, police said.
One officer was shot in the right hand and another in the left leg, VIPD Director of Communications Glen Dratte said Monday. Both officers, whose names were yet withheld, were in stable condition after treatment at Juan F. Luis Hospital, he said.
Dratte wouldn’t reveal more about the shootout — including who first opened fire, why and where exactly, and how many shots were fired — because it is an active investigation, he said.
Court records revealed Andreas had been arrested for at least four felonies since 2011, including a 2021 incident eerily similar to the shooting that led to his death.
In November 2021, Andreas allegedly hit an ex-girlfriend with a pistol and smashed her mobile phone while in her home without permission. He pointed the weapon at her and threatened to kill her. He was charged with burglary, assault, unlawful possession of a firearm, and destruction of property, all domestic violence related, according to court records.
Police found a small arsenal in Andreas’ Harborview apartment, including several unlicensed firearms and different calibers of ammunition, while executing a search warrant.
In January 2023, Superior Court Judge Harold Willocks accepted prosecutors’ plea agreement with Andreas, allowing him to slip most of the charges and plead guilty to unlawful entry and destruction of property as an act of domestic violence. He was also convicted of illegal possession of a firearm.
All the other charges were dismissed with prejudice, meaning prosecutors could not refile them.
Willocks sentenced Andreas to more than a decade in prison — but the sentence was suspended. In total, Andreas spent five nights in jail. He was given five years of probation, during which Andreas was supposed to get his GED or enroll in a trade school, complete 75 hours of community service, undergo a psychiatric evaluation and complete a “batterers intervention program,” pay more than $11,000 in various fines and fees, and other stipulations.
Although there is no indication police acted improperly Sunday, Andreas’ death is likely the second gun-violence death of 2025 in the territory.
Twenty-five-year-old Jahkeem Joseph was found shot to death in St. Thomas’ Bovoni area Jan. 4.
The Artists Guild of St. Croix will boast the works of 15 artists in “The Art Show 2025” at the Caribbean Museum Center for the Arts in downtown Frederiksted on Saturday. Doors open in the upstairs gallery at 4 p.m. In the courtyard, patrons can enjoy live music from saxophonist Yannic Elizee, appetizers by Lang Stephens and a cash bar until 7 p.m. The show is open until Feb. 1 during museum hours: Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual Artists Guild exhibit is open to all 2025 members whose works in 2D and 3D media are original to the show. Photographs, lithographs, woodcuts, and digital works are also in the collection.
Since its 2013 inception, the nonprofit organization has held true to its mission: “to support the visual arts and the diverse community of visual artists who live and work their art on St. Croix.”
With recent projects that ignited new membership, the Artists Guild looks forward to a new year with workshops in March, April, and October 2025, sharing members’ talents in Mosaics, Masks, and Collage. These workshops will be offered to youths and adults, the Guild organizer said.
Plein Air painting [the practice of painting in the open air] held at Grapetree Bay in November was a successful event that allowed artists to capture the essence of a subject by incorporating natural light, color, and movement into their work. Guild President Matt Jarvis led this new activity.
Acrylic and mixed media artist Tamara Michael has exhibited in the “Spirit, Artistry and Craft of Moko Jumbies and the New Blood: The Final Chapter,” both at CMCARTS. Her work was shown at the Cane Roots Art Gallery in the V.I. Contemporary Art III Exhibit in downtown Christiansted. Michael has also exhibited at the Children’s Museum and the Water Island Music Festival on St. Thomas. Her murals can be seen around the island on St. Croix.
No Words. Acrylic and mixed media by Tamara Michael (Photo courtesy of Tamara Michael)
Mixed media mask-maker Joyce Hickok can take weeks to process her art, but she knows it’s completed when it has a personality, she said. Hickok has shown her masks in many exhibits on St. Croix. CMCARTS displays a variety of her art for purchase in the museum store and Cane Roots Art Gallery in Christiansted always has her work for sale. Hickok was the Cover Artist on the December 2023 issue of St. Croix This Week that featured her Magueraders mask.
Crowning Glory. Mixed media by Joyce Hickok (Photo courtesy Joyce Hickok)
Scuba diver, photographer and upcycle artist Debra “DJ” Kissinger has developed a prolific collection of her underwater photographs; many have taken center stage on the front page of the V.I. Daily News. Kissinger is a member of the board and brings new ideas that nurture the effectiveness of the board’s vision and the “creation of new opportunities for both old and new members.” She said, “It’s fun working on a project that will benefit our community.”
Tranquil. Underwater photograph by Debra Kissinger (Photo courtesy Debra Kissinger)
Artists Guild of St. Croix Board of Directors
Matt Jarvis, president; DJ Kissinger, vice president; Lyn Voytershark, secretary; Kathleen Newman, treasurer
Members-at-Large
Jean Bishop, Cathay Booth, Joyce Hickok, Tamara Michael, Riya Stratton
University of the Virgin Islands students contribute stories from Newswriting 1 class. (Shutterstock image)
Editor’s Note: The following article is the first in a series The Source will be publishing over the coming weeks to spotlight the work of student journalists at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Ashawn-taedo’s basketball journey began in an unexpected way. A sudden growth spurt before his junior year of high school caught his father’s attention, prompting him to introduce his son to the sport.
While relatively new to the game, he quickly developed a passion for basketball, playing throughout high school and continuing ever since.
Interestingly, his primary inspiration isn’t a famous NBA star but rather his younger brother, a dedicated player since middle school. The desire to compete alongside his brother fueled his commitment to improving his skills.
This dedication shines through in his self-assessment of his progress this season. He notes improvements in his work ethic, shooting, dribbling, court vision, and even confidence.
He acknowledges a touch of necessary selfishness that comes with individual improvement in a team sport. This self-awareness highlights his maturity and dedication to growth.
Thriving Under Pressure, Honoring Family Through Numbers
Playing before large crowds doesn’t faze Ashawn-taedo. He credits his early experiences in acting and photography in the bustling environment of New York City for preparing him to handle the pressures of performance.
The city’s energy, crowds, and constant stimuli helped him develop a resilience that translates well to the basketball court. His jersey number, 15, holds a deep personal significance.
He is one of twelve other living children born to Maekiaphan and Tesroy Phillip. Ashawn-taedo learned from his parents that they had also experienced three miscarriages. This revelation profoundly affected him, leading him to adopt the number 15 to honor his lost siblings.
This choice reflects his strong family values and sensitivity.
From Runway Debut to Magazine Dreams
Ashawn-taedo’s foray into modeling was sparked by his brother, Emmanuel, a photographer and videographer who envisioned him gracing magazine covers.
A summer trip to New York turned into an extended stay, during which Ashawn-taedo landed spots in two runway shows: Telfar and HoodbyAir.
While he acknowledges the excitement of the runway shows, Ashawn-taedo’s true modeling aspirations lie in print media.
He finds a deeper satisfaction in the artistry of photographs and the way they capture a different side of himself.
His ultimate goal is to appear in magazines and advertisements, allowing his unique qualities to shine through still imagery.
Brotherly Guidance and a Focus on Self-Improvement
Emmanuel plays a significant role in Ashawn-taedo’s modeling career, acting as his agent and securing opportunities. Though sibling rivalry occasionally surfaces, Ashawn acknowledges his brother’s effectiveness and ability to generate positive feedback.
For him, modeling is more than just posing; it’s about [acquiring] personal growth and seizing opportunities. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, mental preparedness, and continuous learning from his brother’s insights.
This commitment to personal and professional development reveals a thoughtful and driven individual.
Ashawn-taedo’s story is one of ambition, family ties, and the pursuit of excellence in multiple arenas.
His dedication to both basketball and modeling demonstrates a remarkable drive to succeed and a deep appreciation for the opportunities that come his way.
With his talent, work ethic, and unwavering support system, he is poised to make a lasting impact in both the world of sports and fashion.
A group photo of the ATS Collective. (Photo courtesy Bajo El Sol Gallery)
On Friday, at 7 p.m., the Gri Gri Project at Bajo El Sol Gallery will host “After the Storm” Collective (ATS) as part of the Creative Conversations Series.
The After the Storm lab is a Black feminist collective representing daughters of the Greater Caribbean. The collective consists of Teona Williams (Rutgers University) and Kiana González Cedeño (Texas Christian University), Anais Couvertier Garay, independent scholar, and Lauren Prince, PhD student at Brown University, according to the press release.
Artist, Tatiana Esh (Photo courtesy Bajo El Sol Gallery)
ATS uses the digital humanities (film, art, StoryMaps, and digital archiving) to explore how ecological catastrophes forge Afro-diasporic bonds in Puerto Rico, the USVI, and the U.S. South. The collective seeks to erode colonial boundaries that seek to deny global Black struggle and solidarity without thwarting distinctive, historically contingent, and particular geographies. ATS constructs digital archives that center the testimony and oral histories of Afro-descendant/Black women and communities that have survived ecological catastrophe, the press release stated.
In the USVI, ATS fellow and former employee of Bajo El Sol, Lauren Prince, has conducted research on hurricanes Irma and Maria. Her thesis, titled “With a Vengeance”: An Examination of How Black women of the U.S. Virgin Islands Weather Disasters, focused on how systems of colonialism, race, and gender shape Black USVI women’s experiences during environmental disasters. She strives to center the experiences of Virgin Islanders in conversations regarding ecological catastrophe in her work with ATS and research at Brown, the release stated.
Artist, Anais Couvertier Garay (Photo courtesy Bajo El Sol Gallery)
In this conversation, ATS will introduce the collective, their work, and their efforts to amplify the voices of Black and Afro-descendent women in the aftermath of environmental disasters. They will launch their digital archive project, created through StoryMaps, in the USVI and share their process of bringing together the shared experiences of Black and Afro-descendent women in the Greater Caribbean, it said.
The collective uses this term to describe and honor the shared struggles with legacies of colonialism in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. (Black) South. Finally, the collective will also share how they hope to extend their work through future community collaborations and foster conversations about how they can support the community through their work. ATS is a seeded microlab of the Diaspora Solidarities Lab, it said.
The “Creative Conversations” series, sponsored by the Gri Gri Project, seeks to gather artists, writers, scholars, and community members in public dialogue about issues facing the Virgin Islands community with an eye toward community building and generating innovative solutions.
Photos: #1 Anais Couvertier Garay, #2 Artist, Tatiana Esh, #3 Group photo of ATS Collective.
Senator Donna Frett-Gregory, Chair of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance of the 35th Legislature stated today that the committee was unaware of the completion of the Public Officials Compensation Study Report and did not receive a copy, formally or informally, of the report prior to yesterday.
“The legislative intent of the Public Official Compensation Commission was to provide transparency to the people of the Virgin Islands while contemplating salary adjustments for public officials,” Frett-Gregory said. “The media has reported that the report was transmitted via email to the Legislature, this has not been the practice, anything that requires action is transmitted via hard copy to the institution. The Public Officials Compensation Commission failed in advising the public of the completion of their work,” Frett-Gregory added.
“The Governor’s statement that the salary adjustments became effective due to the Legislature’s inaction is disingenuous, how can action be taken on a measure not received. The Governor’s financial team appeared before the Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on September 3, 2024, well after the Governor admitted to receiving a copy of the report, to discuss the FY2025 Executive Budget and made three additional financial requests from the Legislature, none of which had to do with said salary adjustments,” explained Frett-Gregory. “Budget wrap-up was the opportune time to share and discuss the Public Officials Compensation Study Report,” continued Frett-Gregory.
“We cannot selectively choose what legislation to enact. The Legislature has previously enacted legislation that has enactment and/or completion clauses that continues to be ignored, specifically the retroactive payments for government retirees and workers, and most recently through Act No. 8915 the detailed unaudited report of the government revenue and expenditures for FY 2024 which was due on December 15, 2024, and has not been transmitted to the Legislature,” Frett-Gregory said.
“There is no debate that the amounts in the Public Officials Compensation Study Report is small in the grand scheme of a billion-dollar budget, however it is important to bring light and discussion on this matter, particularly due to its lateness. The Chief Executive’s position while our constituents continue to seek answers on financial matters exacerbates the community’s distrust in our government. Transparency and accountability are crucial in managing the government’s finances and restoring public trust, we must do better,” concluded Frett-Gregory.
