John David Wills, 62 years old, passed away on Jan. 27, 2026 and was laid to rest near his hometown of Atlanta, GA.
John David Wills
The unexpected, aggressive cancer that began eight months earlier ended his life. He was known as “David” or Mr. Wills. He was a 10 1/2 year resident of Estate Beeston Hill, St. Croix. On island, he leaves behind his wife, Linda V. Wills, his two STX Animal Welfare shelter dogs, friends, co-workers, his sense of humor, good nature, and many fruit trees that he planted. Mr. Wills attended the Catholic program, “That Man is You;” helped out the local AFT (American Federation of Teachers) with preparing and presenting the budget once when asked; enjoyed being a small craft boater in the Caribbean waters; enjoyed watching plays at the Caribbean Community Theatre. He enjoyed the Coquito Festival.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 10 a.m. at Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church, Queen Street, downtown Christiansted, St. Croix, where Mr. Wills was a parishioner, married, and became Catholic. At 9 a.m., the church will be open for those who wish to express condolences to the family or speak at the microphone for 2 minutes to share a memory or an experience that you had with Mr. Wills.
John David Wills was employed by the VI Department of Education on St. Croix for almost 10 1/2 years. He began as a para-professional (2015 – 2019) at John H. Woodson Jr. High School and subsequently became the accountant (2019 – 2026) for John H. Woodson Jr. High School, Alfredo Andrews Elementary School, and Eulalie Rivera School, K-8. Mr. Wills was Employee of the Year from 2021-2022. He loved working at John H. Woodson Jr. High School and enjoyed the people that he worked with and for in his management team. Mr. Wills was appreciative of the people who donated leave to him and very appreciative of his Cigna Health Insurance while never expecting how one day he would need it. Mr. Wills prior 25 years of employment in the states was auditing and compliance of investment services for the 6th largest bank in the nation at the time.
For a more exhaustive writing about how Mr. Wills lived his life and to leave any on-line condolences, please click the link:
Two people died Sunday afternoon after a single-vehicle crash along Queen Mary Highway near The Market Supermarket, the Virgin Islands Police Department reported.
The 911 Emergency Call Center notified the VIPD Traffic Investigation Bureau about the crash at about 12:02 p.m., police said.
When officers arrived, Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel were preparing to extricate two occupants from the vehicle. Emergency Medical Technicians confirmed that both individuals died at the scene, according to the police report.
Preliminary investigation found that the driver was operating a green 2004 Suzuki Vitara eastbound on Queen Mary Highway at what appeared to be a high rate of speed when the vehicle veered across the westbound lane and struck a mahogany tree on the southern shoulder of the road, the police report stated.
The driver, 83-year-old Carlos Sterling, and passenger, 62-year-old Alexis D. Sterling, were identified by their next of kin, the report stated.
The crash remains under investigation by the VIPD Traffic Investigation Bureau in the St. Croix District.
Crowds of thousands filled the streets of Christiansted on Saturday morning as residents and visitors gathered for the 55th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, a festive tradition that brought music, color, and community spirit to the historic town.
Thousands of people came out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on St. Croix, Saturday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Under sunny skies, spectators lined the parade route dressed in shades of green, embracing the playful tradition that everyone is Irish for the day. This year’s celebration featured the theme “green fantasia.” It also featured lively majorette troupes, marching groups, mocko jumbies and a wide variety of creative float entries from local organizations, businesses, and community groups.
In honor of the theme “green fantasia,” this beautiful mermaid is ready for the parade. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Majorettes danced energetically through the streets, drawing cheers from the crowd as they performed choreographed routines. Floats decorated with shamrocks, balloons, and bright green banners rolled along the route while participants tossed treats and waved to onlookers.
Families, friends, and tourists joined together along the sidewalks and balconies of historic buildings, creating a vibrant atmosphere that blended Virgin Islands warmth with Irish-themed celebration.
Riding through the streets of Christiansted displaying Irish pride. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Many parade-goers fully embraced the holiday spirit, sporting green shirts, hats, beads, and face paint while enjoying the lively music and festive energy that filled downtown Christiansted.
Displaying both Irish love and Virgin Islands love with a kilt of madras. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
This year’s celebration also highlighted a respected leader in the community. The Virgin Islands community honored Keith A. Smith Sr., president of the Virgin Islands Track & Field Federation, who served as Grand Marshal of the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Pan players keep the energy high with rhythmic percussion during the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Christiansted, as part of the Gentlemen of Jones and Cruzan Rum troupe. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
His selection recognizes decades of service, athletic excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the youth of the Virgin Islands.
For more than 30 years, Smith has shaped young lives as an educator, mentor, and advocate. His influence extends far beyond the classroom. Over the past two decades, he has organized and hosted cross-country and track and field events, creating opportunities for thousands of young athletes across the territory. His leadership has strengthened school athletic programs, expanded competitive pathways, and inspired a new generation to pursue excellence both on and off the field.
Revelers dressed in bright green celebrate from the Domino Club float during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Christiansted on Saturday, as crowds filled the streets to enjoy music, floats, and island-style Irish cheer across St. Croix. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
Smith’s dedication is rooted in a simple belief: when you invest in young people, you invest in the future of the Virgin Islands. His work continues to reflect that philosophy every day.
Long before he became a pillar of community leadership, Smith made history as an athlete. He earned a bronze medal at the Pan American Games and proudly represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 1992 Summer Olympics, carrying the territory’s flag onto one of the world’s greatest stages. His athletic achievements remain a source of pride for the Virgin Islands, and his continued involvement in sports ensures that today’s youth have the same chance to dream big.
Dressed in vibrant green and gold, a parade participant shows off a festive costume during the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Christiansted on Saturday. (Source photo by Diana Dias)
As the parade made its way through the streets, laughter, music, and a sea of green served as a reminder that on St. Croix, St. Patrick’s Day is as much about community and celebration as it is about tradition.
Community members gather on the Herman E. Moore Golf Course at the University of the Virgin Islands’ St. Thomas campus on March 15, 2026, for the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green, where food tents, family activities and bounce houses filled the lawn during the scholarship fundraiser. (Source photo from Finn Sharpless)
On Sunday, community members gathered at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on the University of the Virgin Islands St. Thomas campus for the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green scholarship fundraiser.
The annual event, part of the university’s Charter Month celebrations, brings together the community for an afternoon of food, music and family activities while raising funds for the Edward Thomas Volunteer Scholarship Fund.
Kyza Callwood, chair of the 2026 planning committee, said the gathering serves as both a fundraiser and a “friend-raiser” for the UVI community. “This is an opportunity, every March, for us to come together and raise money for student scholarships,” he said. “It’s our signature event that people look forward to from near and far.”
Now in its 34th year, the event helps support local students who still face costs beyond tuition. “I know we have free tuition, but you still have to pay for room and board and books,” Callwood said. “The funds from this event go directly to scholarships to help students who want to attend UVI.”
Callwood said the event has endured because it blends fundraising with community. “It’s all family fun, they can let their hair down, they bring their families, and they get a chance to relax and enjoy the day,” he said.
The University of the Virgin Islands Buccaneers mascot greets visitors during the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green scholarship fundraiser Sunday at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)
He also credited volunteers, sponsors and university staff who help organize the event each year. “This event couldn’t happen without the volunteers, the sponsors and everyone behind the scenes,” Callwood said. “Everybody works together so we can raise the funds needed to support students.”
University President Safiya George said, “Afternoon on the Green is an annual celebration. Today we celebrate the beauty of UVI, as well as the beauty of Virgin Islands culture with great food, great music and great company. This is a time for the community to come together and bond.”
She noted the event is part of UVI’s Charter Month, marking 64 years since the university was chartered on March 16, 1962. “It’s truly a partnership event,” George said, referencing the variety of chefs and booths that participate, and adding that the day supports UVI’s mission to ensure “people and families achieve social mobility by obtaining their education.”
Tents lined the edge of the fairway as chefs and home cooks gave out plates of kallaloo, fried fish, johnny cakes, and more to steady lines of customers. At one of these booths, procurement assistant and Senate candidate Shenelle “Fina” Francis said she came to support the university and community.
Visitors gather under the UVI tent to explore informational displays and speak with representatives from the University of the Virgin Islands during the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green scholarship fundraiser Sunday at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)
“This is the biggest fundraiser that UVI has,” she said. “I came to donate my services through food, and people love it.” Her menu featured seafood kallaloo, fried kingfish, fried chicken legs, johnny cakes and banana fritters.
Francis used the opportunity to talk with students about civic participation. She said she is organizing a voter-registration drive with the student body government and urged young people to get their names on the rolls. “They don’t have to vote for me,” she said. “I just want them to register, because we’re in a different time right now, and their voice is really important.”
Next to Francis’s booth, chef Al Smith with the Marriott Vacation Club served mango jerk chicken, johnny cakes, hamburgers, and hot dogs, sharing a similar goal of giving back to the community. “Anything to give back to the community,” Smith said. “We are here to support UVI.”
Not all tents on the course were serving food. Under one canopy, children cranked small toy generators and tested solar panels as staff from the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park explained how the devices tied into lessons on energy and sustainability.
RTPark senior STEM and enrichment program manager Marie Perkins said the organization is working to increase its presence and continue using events like Afternoon on the Green to engage families. “We really want to engage the community,” Perkins said. “Events like this help us reach students and parents and show them what kinds of STEM opportunities are available … I would love to see more of these types of events, where people from across St. Thomas can come together and enjoy food, culture, and the atmosphere in general.”
A banner promotes the University of the Virgin Islands Research and Technology Park’s STEM Enrichment programs during the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green scholarship fundraiser Sunday at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)
Faculty, staff, and students from UVI’s schools of business, nursing, agriculture, liberal arts, and more hosted educational displays across the lawn, highlighting research projects, student initiatives, and opportunities. The exhibits allowed visitors to explore the university’s academic programs while interacting directly with students and faculty.
Among the many booths, GRROE USVI Mangroves, a UVI program focused on mangrove education and restoration, invited children to explore and name their own mangrove propagules. Michael, a research technician with the program, said GRROE’s outreach efforts are designed to involve the community in coastal conservation. “It’s about giving people a chance to participate in protecting the local ecosystem, from planting seedlings to joining our Great Mangrove Cleanups around the islands,” he said, noting that the St. Thomas Great Mangrove Cleanup will take place April 18 at Vessup Bay.
An informational display highlights results from the St. Thomas Great Mangrove Cleanup during the 34th annual Afternoon on the Green scholarship fundraiser Sunday at the Herman E. Moore Golf Course on UVI’s St. Thomas campus. (Source photo by Finn Sharpless)
At another booth, St. Thomas East End Medical Center promoted its telebehavioral health services. Special projects representative Vanshika Lulla added that telehealth helps reach young people who might otherwise struggle to access care and that the center is working to reduce stigma around mental health services, especially for college‑aged community members. “We try to attend all the events we can,” Lulla said. “We do a lot of outreach, we love events like this.”
Corporate sponsors said they see Afternoon on the Green as a way to invest in both the university and the wider community. Indelible Solutions, a management consulting firm that helps organizations manage federally funded programs and community partnerships, returned this year as a premier sponsor.
“We’re a management consulting firm,” said CEO Joshua Hay, “so when you think about any federally funded program that flows down from the states, we come in to manage those programs from a compliance and capacity standpoint.”
Hay said his company’s work is rooted in making sure resources reach the communities that need them most. “The importance is ensuring that resources get to the communities that really need them,” he said. Supporting UVI, he added, is a natural extension of that mission. “When we started the company, it was always about giving back, it’s a personal extension of my moral values and moral compass,” he said. “There’s no better opportunity than to do that at an institution of higher education.”
For Hay, being at Afternoon on the Green is more than visibility and branding. “It’s not about just posting and advertising, it’s about getting in the community, having these in‑person interactions and really delivering the service that way,” he said, adding that the atmosphere confirmed why Indelible keeps returning. “Every time I’m here on the island, it’s always a great time, good weather and good people,” he said. “This event is going very well, and we’re honored to be part of helping UVI continue to grow.”
Adam Quandt is the founder of Connected Parenting, which will begin a series of workshops for families this week. (Submitted photo)
For many parents, the hardest part of raising children isn’t love — it’s the moments when emotions run high, expectations collide, and communication breaks down.
That’s where educator and facilitator Adam Quandt hopes to help.
Starting this Thursday, Quandt will lead a series of workshops on St. Thomas called Connected Parenting, a four-part program designed to help parents reflect on their own parenting styles, build emotional awareness, and develop tools that strengthen relationships within the family.
The sessions focus on something many parents rarely have time to do: pause, look inward, and examine how their own experiences, expectations, and reactions shape the dynamics at home.
“Connected Parenting is really an opportunity for parents to look at themselves and how their parenting style shows up in the relationship with their child,” Quandt said. “It’s about increasing emotional intelligence, practicing empathy, and learning how to navigate those difficult moments in ways that keep families connected.”
Unlike traditional parenting classes built around lectures or theory, the workshops are designed to be interactive. Participants learn tools together and practice them in real time through guided exercises and conversation.
“It’s not a situation where you learn something and then go home and try it later,” Quandt explained. “You learn the tools and practice them right there in the group, which makes it easier to bring those skills into real life — whether that’s at home, at work, or even in those stressful moments in the car.”
The program also encourages parents to celebrate the positive aspects of family life, focusing on gratitude, mindfulness, and self-awareness alongside strategies for navigating conflict.
Quandt first offered the workshop two years ago and said the response from participants was deeply encouraging.
“Everyone who took part really connected with the process,” he said. “Some people uncovered patterns in their family dynamics that they hadn’t recognized before. It could be emotional at times, but it was also empowering, because people began to see ways they could shift those patterns.”
A central theme of the program is the idea that parents cannot control every outcome in their child’s life — and that trying to do so can sometimes create distance rather than connection.
“When we try to control outcomes for our kids — how they behave, what choices they make — it can sometimes create disconnection,” Quandt said. “But when we begin to recognize that each child is on their own journey, and our role is to guide them with love and support, that’s when the relationship really starts to deepen.”
The workshops also emphasize empathy — both for children and for parents themselves — recognizing that parenting is a learning process that evolves over time.
Ultimately, Quandt said the goal is simple: helping families spend more time in moments of connection and less time stuck in cycles of frustration.
“Every parent experiences those moments where everything feels aligned and connected,” he said. “The question is how we can create more of those moments and fewer of the ones where things feel tense or disconnected.”
The upcoming workshop series will be held over four consecutive Thursdays — March 19 and 26, and April 2 and 9 — from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Good Leaf Education Association on St. Thomas’ North Side, near Four Corners.
Quandt said the sessions are open to anyone interested in strengthening their relationships with their children, regardless of their parenting stage or experience.
“Parenting is one of the most important relationships we’ll ever have,” he said. “These workshops are simply a chance to pause, reflect, and build the tools that help that relationship grow.”
LaAsia Campbell heads toward the finish line with her daughter, Ayla Gregory, during Saturday’s “I’m Every Woman” 10,000 Steps Community Walk. Participants followed a route from Griffith Park on St. Thomas to Wendy’s and back as part of the event benefiting the Family Resource Center. (Photo by Ananta Pancham)
What began as a small social club encouraging women to get outside and move together has quickly grown into something larger.
Earlier this month, St. Thomas resident LaAsia Campbell officially launched Every Body + Co. Cares, a newly formed nonprofit organization designed to create wellness events, community gatherings, and service initiatives that support women and families across the territory. The milestone marks the latest step in the evolution of Every Body + Co., a grassroots initiative Campbell first started last fall as a way to bring women together in simple, meaningful ways.
That vision came to life Saturday at Griffith Park, where more than 160 women and girls gathered for the “I’m Every Woman” 10,000 Steps Community Walk, a celebration of International Women’s Month organized in collaboration with Rock City Run Club and the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department, with proceeds benefiting the Family Resource Center.
The idea itself came from an unexpected place — a post Campbell stumbled across while scrolling through Instagram.
A young woman in Miami had shared a simple invitation: meet up, walk about 10,000 steps — roughly five miles — and then gather afterward to talk and connect.
“That seemed easy,” Campbell said. “I thought, maybe we can do that here.”
So she tried it.
Campbell began posting invitations for women on St. Thomas to meet up for walks, launching what became the “Girl Get Up, We’re Going for a Walk” series. The group now gathers several evenings each week at different locations across the island, creating a space where women can exercise, socialize, and support one another.
“It really just happened organically,” she said. “Women showed up, they brought their friends, their daughters, sometimes even strollers. It became something people looked forward to.”
As the group grew, Campbell began thinking about how those gatherings could also support the broader community.
That vision came to life this month with the “I’m Every Woman” 10,000 Steps Community Walk, held at Griffith Park in celebration of International Women’s Month. Organized in collaboration with Rock City Run Club and the Sports, Parks and Recreation Department, the event welcomed more than 160 participants who walked, ran, jogged, or strolled together — all while supporting the Family Resource Center, which provides services for survivors of domestic violence and families in crisis.
Campbell said the goal was to create an event where every woman felt welcome.
“Every woman, every pace,” she explained. “You could bring your daughter, your grandmother, your friends. You could walk, jog, or run. The whole idea was that everyone could show up and take it one step at a time.”
Family Resource Center Executive Director Anya Stuart and St. Thomas–St. John Police Chief Deborah Hodge take part in Saturday’s “I’m Every Woman” 10,000 Steps Community Walk at Griffith Park on St. Thomas, joining women across the community in support of health, connection, and women uplifting one another. (Photo by Ananta Pancham)
Participants said the event also created a powerful sense of motivation and connection among the women who showed up.
St. Thomas–St. John Police Chief Deborah Hodge, who joined the walk, said events like these bring women together around both wellness and community.
“I support anything that has to do with women being together and promoting a healthy lifestyle,” Hodge said. “A lot of people need motivation for their health, and when you see other women out here doing it — reaching their goals, staying active — it pushes you to do the same.”
Hodge added that the atmosphere of encouragement is what makes events like the walk impactful.
“When you see people looking healthy, moving together, it inspires you,” she said. “That kind of motivation matters.”
The event also reflects a long-standing tradition in the territory: the Women’s Jogger Jam, an annual March race that has brought women together for decades.
Campbell said she intentionally built on that legacy rather than replacing it.
“I’m not someone who believes in reinventing the wheel,” she said. “The Women’s Jogger Jam already created something meaningful for the community. This was about honoring that tradition and continuing to build on it so the next generation stays involved.”
Longtime Jogger Jam organizer Therese Hodge, who has helped mentor Campbell throughout the process, said seeing younger leaders step forward is essential to keeping those traditions alive.
“It’s exciting to see the next generation taking ownership of these events,” Hodge said. “LaAsia has brought a lot of heart to it, and she’s been very intentional about creating an experience where women feel comfortable, safe, and excited to participate again. That’s how these events continue to grow.”
For the Family Resource Center, the event also served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the services the organization provides to women and families across the territory.
Executive Director Anya Stuart said participating in the walk was an easy decision.
“I participated because it’s for a good cause,” Stuart said. “It benefits both my health and my organization. We have to give back to our community as much as we can, because we know many women — and families — are struggling in the islands.”
Events like the walk, she said, help strengthen those connections.
“It spreads awareness,” Stuart said. “It lets people know we’re here, we care, and we’re here to support them.”
For Campbell, the effort is also personal.
Last December, her daughter participated in her first Women’s Jogger Jam race and won her division — a moment that reinforced Campbell’s belief that the territory needs more opportunities where women and girls can participate together.
Participants in Saturday’s “I’m Every Woman” 10,000 Steps walk followed a route from Griffith Park to Wendy’s and back before gathering for activities afterward. Among other things, women and families of all ages created chalk drawings on the courts and contributed to a community mural organized by Art House VI, with paint donated by Home Depot. (Photo by Ananta Pancham)
“I want my daughter to grow up seeing women supporting each other and taking care of themselves,” Campbell said. “Sometimes women carry so much responsibility. If we’re not taking care of ourselves first, it’s hard to take care of everyone else.”
Through Every Body + Co. Cares, Campbell hopes to expand the initiative even further, organizing additional wellness programs, community walks, and partnerships with local organizations.
The nonprofit officially received its certification earlier this month, opening the door for more events designed to strengthen both physical wellness and community connection.
Campbell said she never expected the idea to grow so quickly.
“It hasn’t even been a year,” she said. “I started this as a social club last September, and now it’s turning into something bigger than I imagined. But when people walk away saying they felt inspired, that they felt supported — that’s when you know it’s worth it.”
Looking back, she still laughs at how simply it all started.
“One woman had a vision and invited people to walk,” Campbell said. “Sometimes that’s all it takes.”
Campbell added that the growing interest in community wellness has also helped strengthen partnerships with other local groups. Every Body + Co.’s “Girl Get Up, We’re Going for a Walk” series continues Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m. from the Pier 22 parking lot, while Rock City Run Club meets Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Yacht Haven Grande.
Organizers also noted that the UNIFFIED 5K Fun Run is scheduled for March 29, with registration still open for those interested in participating. The race will help raise funds for upcoming UNIFFIED initiatives, including the Gawad Parangal 2026 awards honoring outstanding educators and community members.
Cleanup patrol along the shore of Coral Bay. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
On a Saturday morning with spring a few days away, a group of volunteers pulled up in a van along St. John’s Route 107 in Coral Bay. They came to clean up a portion of the mangrove shoreline adjacent to Kendall George Drive.
It was the latest effort in the Great Mangrove Cleanup, an initiative led by the University of the Virgin Islands since 2018. The researcher leading the program says since the work began, volunteers have removed an estimated 52,000 pounds of debris from vital mangrove shorelines on St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John.
The Coral Bay cleanup on Saturday was quick and efficient, starting around 10:30 a.m. and wrapping up by noon. An extra trash bin was stationed at the Waste Management convenience station near the intersection with King’s Hill Road. A pile of old tires and twisted metal lay on the ground nearby.
Within minutes of arrival, teams of volunteers spanned out among the trees, passing debris hand-to-hand over the guardrails. Emma Winkle recovered a plastic container lid. She said she didn’t know much about the project but came to volunteer.
Emma Winkle delivers debris to convenience center. (Source photo by Judi Shimel)
Ali Durdal, project manager for GRROE USVI Mangroves, shared some of the details. GRROE stands for growing research, restoration, outreach, and education for U.S. Virgin Islands mangroves.
“ … the cool thing about these cleanups is that they are data-driven. So all the volunteers who come out help us, they get a data sheet, and every piece of debris that they pull out of the mangroves, they’re helping us to record the type of debris that it is,” Durdal said.
Throughout the day, participants were seen holding clipboards with itemized charts. Pencil marks tallied the types of trash collected that morning.
“And at the end of the day, they’re also collecting weights about the total amount of trash removed. So that allows us to, when we look back at the data, to see the cumulative impact of all of the people who participated in the event. The leading item recovered that day were single use beverage bottles,” Durdal said.
Lead research associate Kristin Wilson Grimes said most of the recovered items came from land-based sources. Grimes credited the UVI students, university staffers, and their families for putting the work in to get the junk out.
As the cleanup wound down, a smiling group of boys who worked as volunteers sped by. While working the mangrove, Grimes said she heard one of them say, “This is a lot of fun.”
Where else could a child spend the day getting wet and dirty with parental approval? The team leader laughed. Grimes said she also had to change into a clean shirt herself after spending the morning at work.
When asked how the collection of bottles, buckets, container tops, car fenders, and deflated dinghies would be disposed of, Grimes said most would be handled by Waste Management. Other items, like dinghies, would be recovered because they attract a lot of interest.
Through its marine debris program, the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration funds programs like the Great Mangrove Cleanup in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Florida. Local agencies like Waste Management, Planning and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Zone Management, VI-EPSCOR, The Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, and the V.I. Marine Advisory Service have also supported mangrove cleanup efforts over the years.
The first NOAA-funded cleanup this year took place Feb. 21 in Altona Lagoon on St. Croix; the next is scheduled for Vessup Bay, St. Thomas, on April 18. Those who would like to volunteer can find contact information on the Island Green Living social media page.
During Virgin Islands History Month, we pause to reflect on the people, struggles, and
sacrifices that have shaped who we are as a people. It is a time to honor those who came before us, to teach those who come after us, and to remind ourselves that our story did
not begin today — it was built over generations.
That is why the growing willingness today to remove, rename, rewrite, or erase history in
the name of convenience, politics, or discomfort is so troubling. A people who erase their
history do not become stronger. They become unanchored.
History is not meant to make us comfortable.
History is meant to make us aware.
Our past includes triumph and tragedy, courage and failure, justice and injustice. We
honor our ancestors not by pretending the difficult parts never happened, but by
confronting them honestly and learning from them.
The Virgin Islands has a history unlike any other — a history forged through resistance,
resilience, faith, and determination. From emancipation to labor struggles, from the fight
for civil rights to the pursuit of self-government, every generation has added a chapter to
the story we now call our own.
That story is not perfect. But it is real. And because it is real, it must be protected. History
is not a weapon to be used against one another. It is a guide meant to move us forward.
Removing history does not heal division. Understanding history does.
Progress does not come from pretending the past did not exist. Progress comes from
learning, growing, and doing better because we know what came before.
We must teach our children the full story — not a polished version, not a rewritten
version, but the honest version. Because only an honest history can produce a wise future.
And this is where leadership carries its greatest responsibility.
Leaders are not simply managers of the present — they are keepers of the flame of
memory. They are entrusted with protecting the stories, the names, the landmarks, and
the sacrifices that define a people. When leaders decide what to name, what to preserve,
or what to remove, they are shaping what future generations will remember — and what
they may never know. Our parks, schools, streets, and public buildings are not just places.
They are markers of our journey.
They are reminders of those who struggled, served, and sacrificed.
True leadership requires courage to face history honestly, to preserve it faithfully, and to
pass it forward responsibly.
Because we are not the owners of history.
We are its stewards.
We are its witnesses.
And for a brief moment in time, we are its guardians.
During Virgin Islands History Month, let us remember that protecting history is not about
holding on to the past — it is about giving the future a foundation strong enough to stand
on.
We do not move forward by erasing history.
We move forward by remembering it, learning from it, and protecting it — so the flame of who we are never goes out.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
We proudly celebrated the 7th Annual Spanish National Honor Society Induction Ceremony Friday, Feb. 20, where seven outstanding students were officially inducted as new members.
Spanish National Honor Society inductees (Submitted photo)
This special event recognized their dedication, perseverance and commitment to academic excellence and the Spanish language. We congratulate our new inductees for their hard work and determination, and thank their families, staff, and supporters for joining us in making this ceremony a meaningful and memorable celebration. Felicidades a nuestros nuevos miembros!
Andrea Hobson, Principal of St. Croix Central High School, addressed the newly inducted members of the Spanish National Honor Society, commending their academic excellence and encouraging their continued pursuit of scholarship and service.
We were pleased to welcome our special guest, Andrea Shillingford, M.Ed., Deputy Superintendent of the Virgin Islands Department of Education, St. Croix District. We were also truly honored to have Mrs. Maria Sanes, former State Coordinator of Bilingual/ESL Education for the Virgin Islands Department of Education, serve as our guest speaker. Her presence greatly enriched the experience for all attendees and members of the Spanish National Honor Society.
We proudly recognized our star sponsor, Sherri Henigan, Community Advocate and Advisory Board Member of the Coalition of Adolescents and Young Adults, for her outstanding support and generous contributions to the SNHS. We also extend our appreciation to Dr. Sally Camacho, State Director of Bilingual Education, whose participation added great value to the Induction Ceremony.
Finally, we express our sincere gratitude to our advisor of the Spanish National Honor Society, Dr. Annette Garcia, and to our mentors, whose remarkable effort, dedication, and unwavering commitment played a vital role in making this activity a success.
