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Rita Lavington Dies at 83

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Rita Lavington Dies at 83
Rita Lavington

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Rita Lavington. Rita transitioned into eternal peace on July 9, 2024. She was 83 years old.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Rose Simmons and Edwin Clarke; sisters: Essie “Mary” Michael, Ismay Phillip, Dinzie Phillip, and brother: King Arthur Simmons

She is survived by her sons: Conrad Clarke and Kurt Lavington; daughters: Jillian Clarke-Webster, Phyllis Clarke, Sylvanie “Fairy” Lavington and Cindy Lavington Pelle; son in law: Alex Pelle; grandsons: Deric Webster; Jermayne Barnes, Curtis Anthony Williams, and Jeremiah Wiltshire Jr.; grandson in laws: Kevin de Lande, Raymond Wiggins III, Marcel Nlandu and Orlando Benitez; granddaughters: Derica Webster-Benitez; Denelle Webster-de Lande, Nicole Smith, Nikisha Pelle, Anika Pelle, Jessica Wiggins, Joanna Nlandu, Jasmine Wiltshire and honorary granddaughter Lorne Joseph; great-grandsons: Kevin de Lande II, Jahseem Wiltshire, Kevin Parrilla, Izrael Barnes, Raymond Wiggins IV, Joel Nlandu, and Adonis Wiggins; great-granddaughters: Jah’Nica Gordon; Jahnya Burnett, Emery Walker, Veronique Nlandu, and Cali Walker.

She is also survived by sisters: Pearl Garnett (STT) and Ena Agustus (UK); special niece and nephew: Angela and Wilford “Mussolini” Hanley (SKN); close cousin: Edgar Ferrell (SKN); children and grandchildren of her late: (Aunt) Winnifred Simon, (Brother) King Arthur Simmon and (Sisters) Essie Michael, Dinzie Phillip, and Ismay Phillip.

Close friends: Albina Benjamin, Brenda James, Miriam Griffith, Jeannette Allen and family, Linda DeCaille and family and Mrs. St. Rose, the de Lande Family, the Benitez Family, the Joseph Family, Shaneka King, the Central Church of the Nazarene family, other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, at Central Church of the Nazarene located at 289 Mary’s Fancy, Christiansted. Viewing is at 9:00 am, and services are at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at the Kingshill Cemetery.

 

 

Melvin Johannes Dies at 76

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Melvin Johannes Dies at 76
Melvin Johannes

We are saddened to announce the passing of 76-year-old Melvin Johannes, born on November 29th, 1947, on the island of St. Croix, USVI.

He is survived by his Wife: Alice Johannes, Father: Melton Johannes (deceased), Daughters: Judith Johannes, Michell Johannes, Kenisha Johannes, Stepdaughter: Sharon Davis, Son: Melvin Johannes jr, Stepson: Tomas Concepcion. Brothers: Jahri, Anthony Andrew, Dennis Bengiman. Sisters: Ellie Johannes, Jennifer Johannes. Grandchildren: Joshua Johannes, Jordan Pope, Makila Paul, Alicia Patterson, Lenora Obaiah Johannes, Felisha Johannes, Jamal Johannes, Alkima Johannes, Alkima Davis, Jonathan Davis, Cousins: Otis Johannes, Magdalene Hobson and the Johannes Family. In law: Elosie Hazel, Clydella Stapleton, Veronica Martin and a host of other friends and family too numerous to mention.

The viewing will be held on August 21, 2024, from 3-5 p.m. at Divine Funeral Services Chapel. A funeral service will be held at Southside United Pentecostal Church. Viewing begins at 10 a.m. Funeral service begins at 11 a.m. on August 22nd, 2024. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Lilia Marion Haynes Dies at 73

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Lilia Marion Haynes Dies at 73
Lilia Marion Haynes

Lilia Marion Haynes, A/K/A “ Lily” of Estate Barren Spot Christiansted, transitioned into eternal peace on August 2, 2024. She was 73 years old.

She was preceded in death by her Mother: Beryl Belgrave; Father: John Belgrave; Brothers: Donason Belgrave and Dolwin Belgrave; Niece: Tamara Belgrave; Great Nephew: Malik Charles; Uncles: William Belgrave, Boysie Belgrave, Donald Belgrave, King Broadbelt, Farell Broadbelt; Aunt: Julia Belgrave; Brothers-In-Law: Cadmus Haynes and Martin Haynes; Sister-In-Law: Claire Haynes; Special Friend: Josue Martinez.

She is survived by her Spouse: Gordon Michael Haynes; Daughters: Michelle Terri Haynes and Nicole Yassmin Haynes; Grandchildren (Adopted): Chelsea Narcisse, Shane and Shania Moore, Jolon and Sinaiah Hazell, Sariah Jonas, Alex Williams, Nancy Parrilla, Larysha Bedford, J’Noah Battiste, Alexis & Adrienne Schrader, Zokia Francis, Nathan Florence, Mia King, and Maddie and Ari Rios; Sisters: Hedy Ramdeen, Morien Belgrave, Debra Belgrave, and Astra Belgrave; Brothers: Deryl Belgrave, Curtis Belgrave and Glenroy Belgrave; Nieces: Tishana, and T’Shura Belgrave, Tressa Belgrave-Charles, Beverly Bascus, Pauline Ramdeen-Martin, Natalie Rowley-Llanos, Ayanna Belgrave-Lewis, Fatinah Abdul-Latif, Anisha Belgrave and Waqia Belgrave; Nephews: Twain Belgrave, Keron Belgrave, Kerwin and Kern Belgrave, Shakir Belgrave, Nigel Ramdeen, Terrance Rowley and Jamaal Belgrave; Great Nieces: Malia Serrette, Kayla Chandelier, T’sean Johnson, Khadijah & Aiko Belgrave, Chantelle Duesbury, Cherry Duesbury, and Kyra Bascus; Great Nephews: Amir and Mikael Superville, Jassir & Khaizan Abdul-Latif, Isaiah & Jeremiah Lewis, Amali Belgrave, M’Ky Charles, Kareem Belgrave, Kylan Belgrave, and Trimmel James; Aunts: Toonka Broadbelt, Marcia Clark, and Marina Broadbelt; Sister-In-Law: Pamela Mentor; Special Friends: The Antoine-Florence family, the Griffith family, Connor family, Hosier family, Joseph-Parrilla family, Marcus family, Elcock family, “Tibbs” Francis and family, Gaston family, Kirt and Shirley Smith, James and Myrna Matthew, Roger and Melina Moore, Sheron and Karen Moore, Michael and Elyse Marchan, Lucecita Velazquez and family, Robert Phillip and family, Frank Hyland and family, Vernillia “Vernice” Benjamin, and  Sam Jonas; Other Relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The family special request is that in awareness of Alzheimer’s disease, the family request that different shades of purple be worn at the service. Thank you

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, viewing at 9:00 a.m., with service beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private cremation will follow.

Tyree Alexis Rentas Dies at 20

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Tyree Alexis Rentas Dies at 20
Tyree Alexis Rentas

Tyree Alexis Rentas a/k/a “Soma” of Walter I.M. Hodge Frederiksted, transitioned into eternal peace on July 11, 2024. He was 20 years old.

He is survived by his Mother: Tiffany Williams; Father: Luis Rentas; Sister: Natalie Santiago; Brothers: Calvin Santiago, Jr, Chris Santiago, Isiaha Santiago, and Lionel Santiago; Aunts: Sherice Williams, Linda Williams, Therese Williams, and Walidah Watkins; Uncles: Lionel Williams Jr., Larry Williams, Joseph Williams, Trevor Williams, Troy Williams, and T’Shawn Williams; Cousins and Other Relatives: Ayanna Isaac, Brianna Isaac, Danica Innocent, Zalique Stout, J’Leisha Forde, K’Neisha Maynard, Giovanni Maynard, D’Andre Williams, Eustance Casanova, Ameka Heywood, Hasani Teague, Edosa Omoruyi, Kimberly Williams, and Tyrese Williams; Other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, August 19, 2024, at James Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, viewing at 10:00 a.m., with service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Kingshill Cemetery.

Mon Bijou Bin Site to Remain Closed for Repairs and Maintenance

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The Mon Bijou bin site remains closed for repairs and maintenance activities which will address safety concerns, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority announced.

The authority will inform the public when these activities have been completed and the site is ready to be reopened.

In the interim, residents are encouraged to utilize the Concordia Bin Site, Peter’s Rest Convenience Center, or the Anguilla Landfill.

For more information, contact the Division of Education and Communications Management at 340-474-2811 or email communications@viwma.org. Stay connected with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter for updates.

VIDE Thanks Home Depot for Generous Donation of Fans for Schools

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VIDE Thanks Home Depot for Generous Donation of Fans for Schools
Through a partnership between the Virgin Islands Education Department and Home Depot on St. Thomas and St. Croix, both store locations have committed to the generous contributions of fans, the Education Department announced.
This endeavor was made possible by Home Depot’s dedicated teams. On St. Thomas, heartfelt gratitude is extended to Destin Thompson, general manager; Cherene Williams, operations manager; and Curtis Joseph, store manager; and on St. Croix, Aidan Malcolm and his dynamic staff, according to the press release.
Home Depot’s commitment to community development and engagement is evident through this substantial contribution, which will significantly benefit students and faculty in both the St. Thomas-St. John district and the St. Croix district for the 2024-2025 school year. This donation of fans makes a bold statement of support for the VIDE, highlighting Home Depot’s dedication to the well-being and education of students, the press release stated.
VIDE expresses its tremendous gratitude to Home Depot and acknowledges the diligent work of VIDE’s Director of Partner Relations, Mrs. Monique C. Christian-Creque. Commissioner Dionne Wells-Hedrington shared, “We are excited and inspired by Home Depot’s unwavering support and dedication to our school’s territory-wide. This partnership exemplifies the positive impact that businesses can have on education and community development. It also aids in enhancing the learning experience for students by fostering a cool environment during this period of increased temperatures.”
As the Virgin Islands, like many places globally, faces the challenges of an ongoing heatwave with abnormally high temperatures, the need for resources such as fans to provide relief has been a top priority for the VIDE. Home Depot’s act of community-centered kindness represents the true meaning of “it takes a village” to support our students, the release stated.
This generous donation is not the last of what VIDE will receive from Home Depot. The department will continue to benefit from the philanthropic actions of Home Depot, with additional fans and resources already projected for more schools across the districts in the coming months, it said.

Pafford Medical Services Exits USVI Over Unpaid $10 Million Government Debt

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Pafford Medical Services Exits USVI Over Unpaid $10 Million Government Debt
Pafford Medical Services announced Wednesday it would be pulling its employees from the territory due to unpaid service bills. (Source file photo)
Pafford Medical Services announced Wednesday it would be pulling its employees from the territory due to unpaid service bills. (Source file photo)

Pafford Medical Services declared Wednesday that it would be ceasing operations in the U.S. Virgin Islands, effective immediately – a decision attributed to an unpaid bill of nearly $10 million owed by the government.

Pafford Chief Operating Officer Clay Hobbs issued a press release mid-afternoon, stating that about 40 of the company’s employees—who provide critical services such as dialysis, ambulance, and integrated mobile health care—would begin leaving the territory. Speaking from Florida, where he was assisting with the Hurricane Debby response, Hobbs expressed deep regret over the decision.

“Since 2017, when we responded to the USVI to assist with hurricanes Irma and Maria, Pafford has been dedicated to offering exceptional medical services and ensuring the health and well-being of the residents and visitors,” Hobbs said. “Our team of highly skilled medical professionals has worked tirelessly to uphold the highest standards of healthcare, often going above and beyond to meet the needs of the communities of the USVI.”

The underlying cause of Pafford’s sudden departure is the substantial debt owed by the government – among them, invoices that Hobbs said have been due for more than a year.

“We don’t make any money providing the service, but we feel compelled to help the V.I. residents. Since we’ve made this announcement, no one has contacted us—and we’ve been sending default notices and demand letters for months now and calls and texts over the past year,” he said.

The financial strain has reached a breaking point for the company, which Hobbs emphasized does not take the decision lightly. “The plea for payment is long gone,” he said. “This is the result of not paying.”

Though Pafford had exited its contract on St. Thomas-St. John and scaled back services on St. Croix within the past week, Hobbs highlighted the services Pafford still provides, noting that their mobile health integration unit serves 100 patients on St. Croix alone. “So many people can’t leave the island for healthcare—no one is going to be checking on those patients tomorrow morning,” he said.

In response to Pafford’s announcement, Government House issued a statement acknowledging the company’s decision. In a subsequent phone call with the Source about what the health care landscape will look like Thursday morning, Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. said, “At the end of the day, the ambulances will run in an emergency and patients who need critical care will have access to that care.”

“The Government of the Virgin Islands assures the public that the transition will be handled with the utmost efficiency to ensure minimal impact on the delivery of emergency services. The commitment to the health and safety of all Virgin Islanders remains steadfast during this period of transition and into the future,” Wednesday’s release said.

Pafford was initially contracted during the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster the territory’s emergency response capabilities. The arrangement with Pafford was “always intended” as a temporary measure, according to Wednesday’s statement from Government House, and now the financial burden of maintaining these services without federal funds is unsustainable.

“The funding for Pafford’s services was supported by federal funds, which have since been exhausted. With the cessation of this federal support, the financial burden has now shifted to the Government of the Virgin Islands’ local funding, which is not able to sustain these elevated costs on a permanent basis,” the statement read. “We are grateful to Pafford Medical Services and their staff for their service during a critical time and extend our deepest appreciation to Pafford and their dedicated team for their exceptional service.”

Regarding the outstanding bill, “the Government of the Virgin Islands is working to address the arrears owed to Pafford and is committed to responsibly resolving all financial obligations,” according to Government House. Motta added that additional updates on the services Pafford provides to the territory will be addressed further in the upcoming days.

Women Leaders Convene on St. Thomas for Groundbreaking Policy Dialogue

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Women Leaders Convene on St. Thomas for Groundbreaking Policy Dialogue
The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands hosted attendees of the NOBEL Women Annual Legislative Conference Tuesday. (Photos by Jamal Potter and Barry Leerdam, Legislature of the Virgin Islands)
The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands hosted attendees of the N.O.B.E.L. Women Annual Legislative Conference on Tuesday. (Photos by Jamal Potter and Barry Leerdam, Legislature of the Virgin Islands)

Against the historic backdrop of Kamala Harris’s U.S. presidential run, dozens of female elected officials from across the nation gathered on St. Thomas for a landmark conference, symbolizing the rising influence of women in leadership.

Host Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory highlighted, in particular, the significance of being able to collaborate with colleagues and learning from their experiences to address common challenges. The National Organization of Black Election Legislative Women’s Conference, now in its 39th year, focuses on health equity, economic opportunities, and social justice, emphasizing underserved communities.

“As women, as elected leaders, we get up every day, do all the things we have to do at home with our families, and still work hard to serve our communities,” Frett-Gregory said.

Sen. Marise James, co-host of the conference, similarly underscored the importance of offering such a platform for dialogue – one that essentially serves as a think tank that can help shape public policy.

“It’s essential to come up with solutions and suggestions on how we can improve the quality of life for residents,” James said, emphasizing the urgent health care crisis in the territory. With the recent withdrawal of Pafford Medical Services, access to quality healthcare has become even more critical. “If you don’t have access to quality health care, you aren’t really treated like others in the states,” she added, highlighting her focus on health equity during the conference.

The group spent time together on Tuesday and Wednesday touring the Legislature and speaking to the press, with Georgia Senator and N.O.B.E.L President Tonya Anderson expressing the group’s excitement about their upcoming visit to the University of the Virgin Islands to view the campus and discuss increasing opportunities for girls and women in technology. “We are in a partnership to make sure that every woman from N.O.B.E.L. is supported from Iowa to L.A. to Utah to Ft. Lauderdale-Miami,” Anderson said.

Speaking to the Source, Anderson also highlighted the importance of focusing on wellness and policies around wellness.

“It’s our responsibility to stand for Black and Brown people, so they can have that equity and justice in education, economics, and empowerment,” she said. The conference sessions in the days ahead would address the need for broader access to health care for communities of color in the U.S., discussing issues such as maternal mortality, breast cancer, and sickle cell disease. Anderson emphasized the need to involve community partners and local health care providers in addressing these critical issues.

Anderson also spoke with anticipation as the Democratic National Convention in Chicago looms. A first-time convention delegate, Anderson said she and other N.O.B.E.L. members are looking forward to the appearance of Vice President Harris, the party’s presidential nominee.

Because the group is non-partisan there will be no official role for N.O.B.E.L. to play at the convention, she said. But those members who qualify and have been chosen to serve as delegates will perform their duties there.

“We’ve been doing the work, but now our lens is focused and we can’t be distracted,” she said. This election only helps to carry our message when we’re looking at the future of leadership – and we’re looking at this candidate as a catalyst to help push the policy agenda.”

Also attending Wednesday was Tennessee State Representative Antonio Parkinson who said he traveled to St. Thomas for the conference.

“We want to make sure we are in a position of support for all of these wonderfully talented women and their policies that are coming forth,” Parkinson said.

And, throughout the day, that message of women leading and supporting each other globally greatly resonated among the group.

“Holding a conference like this allows us to collaborate around what we want to see as women globally,” Frett-Gregory said. “While we do have differences, our differences make us unique, and through discussions on critical issues and a united effort to promote equity and justice, we can create lasting positive change for all of our communities and beyond.”

Docket Watch: Jury Selection Set for Aug. 26 in Glitters Robbery/Murder Case

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Docket Watch: Jury Selection Set for Aug. 26 in Glitters Robbery/Murder Case
The first defendant to plead guilty in the Dec. 2021 Glitters robbery case faces sentencing on Sept. 19. (Source file photo)

Three defendants charged in connection with the Dec. 4, 2021 armed robbery of a St. Thomas jewelry store are expected to face trial by the end of August. A fourth defendant in the case pleaded guilty to lesser charges in June and now awaits sentencing.

Defendants Damian Lewis, Junior Marcelo Garcia, and Akenda Weeks appeared for their final pre-trial conferences Monday before Superior Court Judge Carol Thomas-Jacobs. The judge ordered jury selection to take place on Aug. 26.

Lewis, Garcia, and Weeks are accused of acting as a team to rob Glitters Jewelry Store of merchandise at gunpoint. A customer and a security guard were shot in the incident.

Fifty-six-year-old Gregorianna Julien, a customer at the store who was airlifted to the U.S. mainland for treatment of gunshot wounds, later died on New Year’s Day, 2022.

Jurors selected to hear the trial will be asked to decide the guilt or innocence of three defendants on charges of murder, assault, kidnapping, grand larceny, illegal weapons possession, reckless endangerment, mayhem, conspiracy, and auto theft.

The fourth defendant, Michiah Cozier, signed a plea agreement on June 17 admitting guilt to charges of robbery, use of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, and two other related charges. He is expected to appear for sentencing on Sept. 19 and faces between 25-35 years in prison.

Gov. Bryan Proclaims International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

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Gov. Bryan Proclaims International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

Friday is International Day of the World’s Indigenous People, and through a proclamation issued last month, Gov. Albert Bryan is encouraging the public to celebrate with people around the world and in our local community.

“To all residents and visitors to our Territory, I invite you to embrace this kinship to our broader Caribbean and Americas family by supporting multicultural events that mark these occasions,” he wrote.

The proclamation acknowledges the contribution of local Taino Chief (Kasike) Maekiaphan Phillips who guides the Guainia Taino Tribe based on St. Thomas.

The Taino were the original inhabitants of the Virgin Islands, according to Phillips.  She has done extensive research on her family history and learned that she has deep Taino roots, as do many Virgin Islanders. Phillips is currently out of the territory, but she has invited the community to visit the Bohio, a traditional Taino thatch-roofed home which is on display at the Fort Christian Museum.

A Bohio, a traditional Taino shelter, is on permanent display at Fort Christian Museum. (Photo by Emmanuel Phillips)
A Bohio, a traditional Taino shelter, is on permanent display at Fort Christian Museum. (Photo by Emmanuel Phillips)

“A Bohio is made from wooden poles, tree trunks, and palm leaves, with a dirt floor. A large Bohio would hold about one hundred people, usually family members,” Phillips said.

The Fort Christian Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.  Visitors who show the announcement of International Day of the World’s Indigenous People should be admitted for free, Phillips added.

A display at the Fort Christian Museum contains Taino artifacts. (Photo by Emmanuel Phillips)
A display at the Fort Christian Museum contains Taino artifacts. (Photo by Emmanuel Phillips)

The collection at Fort Christian includes artifacts, maps, and informative displays.

Bryan’s proclamation acknowledges the many sites in the Virgin islands that contain artifacts from Taino communities, including Salt River on St. Croix, Tutu Park on St. Thomas, and Cinnamon Bay on St. John.

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