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Gilberto Santos Santiago Dies at 77

Gilberto Santos Santiago, affectionately known as “Papo,” a beloved resident of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, passed on May 12. He was born on Dec. 1, 1948, in Vieques, Puerto Rico.

Jean Elizabeth Cottrell Dies at 77

Jean Elizabeth Cottrell, 77, of East End St. John passed away unexpectantly on April 7, 2026. Born December 7, 1948, to Suzanne and Stanley Doublsky in Trenton, NJ, she graduated from Douglas College at Rutgers University where she met her future husband Stephen (Steve) Cottrell. Jean taught French at Sayreville, NJ...

USVI Teen Takes Top Honors in FCCA Caribbean Children’s Essay Competition

In recognition of her accomplishment, Davis will be honored during Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian Dinner at Government House.

Department of Health Launches Gen Z Suicide Prevention Campaign

Launching in May in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, the three-month multimedia campaign, titled “I Geh You,” will reach residents across St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John through mainstream media, digital platforms, outdoor advertising, and radio. 

27,491 Voters Went Silent. The Problems Got Louder. 

An estimated 27,491 registered voters in our territory did not participate in recent elections.

Gretchen Sue Labrenz Dies at 65

Gretchen Sue Labrenz, a former longtime St. John resident, passed away at the age of 65 on May 15, 2026, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Gretchen was raised in Upper Arlington, Ohio, and attended The Ohio State University.

Anthony Clarence Minto Sr. Dies at 62

Anthony Clarence Minto Sr., aka “Latumba”, passed away on May 3. He was 62 years old.

Record High Sargassum Predicted

Beachfront businesses facing large amounts of nuisance sargassum are also invited to request authorization for mechanical removal from the Divisions of Fish & Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management. Deployment of containment booms requires a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers.

Trash in Drying Sargassum Could Cause Fire

Although seaweed itself is generally considered non-flammable due to its high salt, water, and moisture content, sargassum releases hydrogen sulfide gas as it begins to decompose. Hydrogen sulfide gas is highly flammable and may create dangerous conditions when mixed with combustible materials. 

Lucinda Rosemary Pemberton Dies at 70

Lucinda Rosemary Pemberton, aka “Lucy”, of Chevy Chase, MD, passed away on April 30. She was 70 years old.

Juanita Elaine Anduze Proctor Benítez Dies at 84

Juanita Elaine Anduze Proctor Benítez passed away on May 12, 2026, at the age of 84, in her home on St. Croix, USVI. She was born on May 18, 1941, the youngest daughter of 8 to the late Edna Bianca Forbes Anduze and Beverly Chauncey Anduze.

Luz Maria Christian Viera Dies at 89

Luz Maria Christian Viera, aka “Mama, Mama Luz, and Guela”, La Grande Princess, passed away on May 13. She was 89 years old. She was preceded by spouse, Manuel Viera Sr.; mother,Aurelia Cordero Christian; father Genaro Christian; son, Luis Aurelio Viera; grandchildren, Ronald Javier Heredia, Arturo Bueno; sister, Ana Santiago;...

Margarita Peguero Dies at 65

Con profundo dolor y cariñoso recuerdo, anunciamos el fallecimiento de Margarita Peguero, quien partió de esta vida el 5 de mayo de 2026, a los 65 años.

Center for Educational Growth Graduates 17

The "Limitless Class of 2026" closes a year marked by award-winning filmmaking, a student-led yearbook, and a second-place finish at the V.I. Agriculture & Food Fair in CFEG’s first year competing.

Harold Ezekiel Brown Sr. Dies at 85

Harold “Harry” Ezekiel Brown, Sr. of Estate Prosperity, Frederiksted, transitioned into eternal peace on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Florida.  He was 85 years old.

Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion Remembered for Lifetime of Service, Music, and Community Connection

Former Sen. Pedro “Pete” Encarnacion moved through public life in the Virgin Islands with a kind of ease that made him instantly familiar to people across St. Croix long before — and long after — he ever held elected office.

Ishmel Meyers Dies at 38

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of Ishmel Meyers on April 29, 2026, at the age of 38. 

James Ferguson, III dies at 31

Relatives and friends are advised of the passing of James Ferguson, III on April 30, 2026 at the age of 31.

Andres Avila Esperanza Dies

The family of the beloved Andres Avila Esperanza are saddened to announce his passing on April 30, 2026. 

Broken Sewer Line Closes Eulalie Rivera PreK-8 School Early

Out of an abundance of caution and in prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, early dismissal will take place at 1:30 p.m. Students who utilize school bus services will be provided with transportation.

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