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A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
A<br />
Centennial<br />
Commemoration<br />
for our<br />
65th<br />
Carnival Celebration<br />
(1917 - 2017)<br />
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
Message from<br />
The Chairman<br />
It is indeed a pleasure for me to extend<br />
greetings to all residents, friends and visitors<br />
gathering to celebrate the Virgin Islands’<br />
Carnival 65th Anniversary. Our Carnival in St.<br />
Thomas has expanded into the most popular<br />
and anticipated event of the year. This year’s<br />
extravaganza promises to be just as fabulous.<br />
Our dedicated volunteers agreed to expand<br />
our activities and have included other groups to<br />
host additional events for all ages to enjoy.<br />
Over the past sixty-five years, this extra-ordinary<br />
celebration has brought thousands of people<br />
together in an atmosphere of revelry and<br />
fun. Thus, showcasing how a diverse group of<br />
people from the Caribbean, the United States<br />
and countries from around the world, can live,<br />
work and play together. Carnival is a time to<br />
strengthen family ties and foster new friendships<br />
as we celebrate our talents and rich cultural<br />
heritage.<br />
This year’s Carnival Theme, fittingly titled, “A<br />
Centennial Commemoration for our 65th<br />
Carnival Celebration” submitted by Clement<br />
“Cain” Magras encompasses the territory’s 100th<br />
anniversary commemoration of the transfer from<br />
Danish to American citizenship as well as our<br />
65th Carnival<br />
Let’s pay homage to our honorees:<br />
Mrs. Winifred Francis who is well known for<br />
her culinary delicacies served annually at<br />
the Carnival Cultural Fair.<br />
Mr. Juan Harrigan, a well-known musician<br />
who has served as a band conductor<br />
during our Calypso International Tents.<br />
Children Parade Grand Marshal - Ulla E.<br />
Muller Elementary School, annual parade<br />
participants.<br />
Adult Parade Grand Marshal - Inferno’s<br />
Troupe, annual parade participants.<br />
During this Carnival season, I encourage<br />
everyone to participate in each cultural activity;<br />
witness the awesome display of talent during<br />
our competitive events, enjoy traditional arts<br />
and crafts, the Village savory atmosphere, the<br />
revelry of Jouvert and the splendour of our<br />
parades.<br />
I applaud those sponsors who continue to<br />
support and contribute to make V .I. Carnival<br />
extraordinary. These sponsors are proudly<br />
advertised on our Website for one year. I must<br />
also commend the volunteers of the<br />
V .I. Carnival Committee for their continued<br />
commitment to preserve the true spirit of<br />
Carnival.<br />
Best wishes are extended to all for a safe,<br />
exciting and enjoyable 65th Carnival and the<br />
100th Anniversary commemoration.<br />
Kenneth Blake, Chairman<br />
4 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
6 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
The United States Virgin Islands<br />
OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR<br />
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, ST. THOMAS, VIRGIN ISLANDS 00802<br />
MESSAGE FROM THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR<br />
It is indeed “A Centennial Commemoration of our 65 th Carnival Celebration” and an exciting time to<br />
welcome all to the 2017 Virgin Islands Carnival.<br />
We take great pride in boasting of our Virgin Islands Carnival, which is one of the best cultural celebrations<br />
in the world. This year’s carnival is heightened and complimented by the centennial anniversary of our<br />
transfer from Denmark to the United States of America. Yes, we have much to be thankful for and so many<br />
reasons to celebrate Virgin Islands history and culture!<br />
Carnival in the Virgin Islands is not just for a day, but for an entire season filled with jubilance and vibrant<br />
festivities for people of all ages. It is a celebration of all things Virgin Islands, attracting participants from<br />
near and far. We bring life and energy to the meaning of carnival. Combined with our centennial milestone,<br />
we reflect on the past, revel in the presence, and embrace the future of what we know are better days ahead<br />
for all Virgin Islanders. We are proud of our Caribbean roots, value our Danish heritage, and are patriotic<br />
to our American citizenship.<br />
Personally, carnival is my favorite time of the year where I get to share in the delights and blessings of<br />
being a Virgin Islander with the entire community. As such, I commend and congratulate those in our<br />
community who are being honored this year for their contributions to Virgin Islands Carnival:<br />
Winifred Francis - Cultural Fair<br />
Juan G. Harrigan - Carnival Village<br />
Ulla F. Mueller Elementary School - Children’s Parade Marshal<br />
Inferno’s Carnival Troupe - Adults’ Parade Marshal<br />
On behalf of the entire staff of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, I wish everyone a happy and safe<br />
carnival and centennial!<br />
Osbert E. Potter<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 7
8 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
Legislature of the Virgin Islands<br />
CAPITOL BUILDING, P.O. BOX 1690<br />
ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS 00804<br />
(340) 774-0880<br />
The Honorable<br />
Myron D. Jackson<br />
President<br />
Message from the Senate President<br />
As we observe and commemorate the 2017 Centennial and 65 years of Virgin Islands Carnival, let<br />
us continue to preserve and pass on the traditions and important elements that make our festival<br />
arts a unique and extra special community and visitor experience. We have come a long way and<br />
much has changed as old traditions have evolved and new elements have been embraced.<br />
We pay homage to those trailblazers who made it possible for this significant cultural<br />
extravaganza. Names such as Holliday, Ron “Mango Jones” de Lugo, Gertrude Melchior, Queen<br />
Carmen Sibilly, King Leo Moron, Dorothy Elskoe, Elmo Roebuck, Magnus the Mocko Jumbie,<br />
Mama Anduze, Giddy, Eldra Shulterbrandt, Dr. Warren Smith, the Duke of Iron, Freddie Lockhart,<br />
and Mr. Rhymer of the Traditional Indians, are just a few of the stalwarts of Virgin Islands Carnival.<br />
As we approach this significant benchmark, “A Centennial Commemoration for our 65 th Carnival<br />
Celebration,” we should not forget who we are. Our identity and creative human expressions are<br />
essential elements of our Virgin Islands Carnival.<br />
On behalf of the 32 nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands, congratulations to the Virgin Islands<br />
Carnival Committee and accolades to all the honorees, including Ms. Winifred Francis, Mr. Juan<br />
G. Harrigan, Ulla Muller Elementary School, and Inferno’s Carnival Troupe, for their longstanding<br />
contributions, and to all who make our Virgin Islands Carnival a success every year.<br />
We should face this anniversary with a renewed commitment to support our festival arts and to<br />
pass the baton to our youth and future generations. There is something magical that happens every<br />
year when we collectively come together as a community and we should never lose the value that<br />
it brings.<br />
Happy Carnival!<br />
Myron D. Jackson<br />
President, 32 nd Legislature<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 9
A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY E. PLASKETT<br />
It is a special honor to welcome you to the Centennial Commemoration of the 65 th Carnival<br />
Celebration. I would like to commend the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee and the entire<br />
Virgin Islands community for their hard work in bringing this year’s carnival celebration to<br />
fruition.<br />
Preserving and promoting the culture of our Virgin Islands is important. The Virgin Islands<br />
Carnival is one of the largest and most anticipated events in the territory and is enjoyed not<br />
only by our welcomed visitors, but also by our local community as well. It is also an<br />
important vehicle to bridge social divides in our community. Now more than ever, it is<br />
important that we work toward making our carnival and festival celebrations a part of our<br />
tourism product to increase its continued growth and competitiveness in the region.<br />
On behalf of the members of the 115 th Congress, my staff and my family, I extend a special<br />
thank you and congratulations to the VICC. Your efforts play an integral role in the<br />
preservation of our cultural heritage. Let us continue to work together as community to enjoy<br />
a safe and fun-filled tradition.<br />
Have a safe and blessed carnival season.<br />
Sincerely,<br />
Stacey E. Plaskett<br />
Member of Congress<br />
PLASKETT.HOUSE.GOV<br />
10 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />
MESSAGES<br />
2016-2017<br />
VIRGIN iSLANDS<br />
<strong>CARNIVAL</strong> COMMITTEE<br />
MEMBERS<br />
Executive Director<br />
Halvor Hart, III<br />
Executive Members<br />
Kenneth Blake - Chairperson<br />
Athneil Thomas - Vice-Chairperson<br />
Jerain Fleming - Public Relations<br />
Shawna Francis - Treasurer<br />
Nandi Sekou - Correspondent<br />
Linda Serrano - Recorder<br />
Sub-Committee Chairpersons<br />
Aubain, Wanda - Village<br />
Baron, Beverlie - Cultural Night<br />
Corneiro, Eduardo - Steelband Jamboree<br />
Chandler, William - Queens<br />
France, Jevon - Judges<br />
Donahue, Alisande - Prince & Princess<br />
Donovan, Windy - Cultural Fair<br />
Francis, Selassie - Archives<br />
Harvey, Beverly - Awards<br />
Hunte, Steve - Water Sports<br />
Kennings “Buddy” L.- Calypso Tent<br />
Richards, Sr., Henry - Decorations<br />
Scott, Daril - Music<br />
Simeon, Marie - Parade<br />
Maduro, Kalamis - Junior Calypso Tent<br />
Vialet, Eveth - Booklet<br />
Weeks, Loriel - Hospitality<br />
Benjamin, Dale - Stage Manager<br />
DeSylvia, Darrel - Property Manager<br />
Howard, Peya - Traditional Games<br />
Liburd, Daniel - Security<br />
Parker, Winston - Ground Transportation<br />
Weeks, Loriel - Hospital Show<br />
Woods, Carlene - Facebook<br />
VI <strong>CARNIVAL</strong> CHAIR........................................4<br />
GOVERNORS MESSAGE..................................6<br />
LT. GOVERNOR..................................................7<br />
POLICE COMMISIONER..................................8<br />
SENATE PRESIDENT..........................................9<br />
DELEGATE TO CONGRESS ............................10<br />
PAGEANTRY<br />
2016 PRINCESS MESSAGE...............................14<br />
2017 PRINCESS CONTESTANTS.....................20<br />
2017 QUEEN MESSAGE.....................................24<br />
2017 QUEEN CONTESTANTS...........................26<br />
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?...............................31<br />
2016 ROYAL COURT...........................................36<br />
ARTICLES<br />
EDITORIAL..........................................................15<br />
CALYPSO ROYALTY..........................................22<br />
2017 ADULT PARADE MARSHLL....................40<br />
<strong>CARNIVAL</strong>’S DYNAMIC DUO..........................41<br />
2017 CHILDREN’S PARADE MARSHAL........43<br />
VILLAGE HONOREES.......................................44<br />
MEMORIALS .......................................................48<br />
RECIPES................................................................56<br />
<strong>CARNIVAL</strong> SAFETY TIPS..................................58
2016 VI Carnival<br />
Princess Laila Evelyn<br />
VI Carnival Royal Court<br />
1953 Gwendolyn Moolenaar & Roy L. Schneider<br />
1954 Yvonne Hoy<br />
1955 Vivian Wallace & Clarence H. Husbands<br />
1956 Lillian Milliner & Albert Lewis, Jr.<br />
1957 Susan Soto & Elmo Forbes<br />
1958 Sandra Joseph<br />
1959 Deverelle Brown & Louis Harrigan<br />
12 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration<br />
Prince & Princess (1953-1980)<br />
1960 Marilyn Turnbull & Alaric Joseph<br />
1961 Zysca Williams & Kenneth Trotman<br />
1962 Joanne McCleverty & Lionel Letsome<br />
1963 Natividad Escalera & Richard Bourne-Vanneck<br />
1964 Lori Anderson & Gregory Callwood<br />
1965 Judy Sleford & Vanito Fredricks<br />
1966 Della Ramos & Aldis Rhymer
1967 Monique deluge & Alvis Rhymer<br />
1968 Monique Sibilly & Melvin Dawson<br />
1969 Terre M. Brown & Marvin Wells<br />
1970 Lisa Harvey & Aubrey Lee, Jr.<br />
1971 Julie Mae Monsanto & Berry Leerdam<br />
1972 Toi Barbel & Victor Trinidad<br />
1973 Jacqueline Donadelle & Michael Christopher<br />
1974 Jasmine Wade & Maurice Todman<br />
1975 Lorna Ann Thomas & Derek Evans<br />
1976 Debbie Spiller & David Creque<br />
1977 Milagritos Correa & David Horsford<br />
1978 Sarina McBean & Geraldo P. Hodge, Jr.<br />
1979 Lisa Webster & DwayneMcClean<br />
1980 Jennifer Fredericks & Gowan Cid<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 13
2016 VI Carnival<br />
Princess Laila Evelyn<br />
At the tender age of 7 , I approached my mom and told her that I<br />
was interested in competing for the Junior Miss All Saints Pageant.<br />
That was my very first Pageant and I truly enjoyed the hard<br />
work and preparation which allowed me to be successful.<br />
My immense love for pageantry was birthed at that time and it<br />
has never diminished.<br />
Knowing that God is worthy of all glory, honor, and praise, my<br />
voice and my hands are lifted toward the heavens to thank Him<br />
for being my all in all.<br />
The experience that I gained while vying for the 2016 Virgin<br />
Islands Carnival Princess title will forever be etched in my memories<br />
. I truly want to thank Ms. Alisande Donahue and all of her<br />
Princess Committee members for their hard work and steadfast<br />
diligence in providing all of the 2016 princess contestants with a<br />
meaningful experience.<br />
To my parents , Lisle Evelyn Jr. and Morven Thompson, all I<br />
can say is-“I Love You.” Your guidance and support assisted me<br />
in realizing that being the Carnival Princess not only involved a<br />
scepter, crown, and a cape. Being the Carnival Princess meant<br />
that I am also a Community Activist. The encouragement that I<br />
received paved the way for me to attend Carnival and Festival<br />
Celebrations here in St. Thomas, St. John, St. Croix, and the<br />
British Virgin Islands. Moreover, participating in the Night Out<br />
Against Violence Rally, The Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge<br />
Celebration, The American Cancer Society Relay for Life,<br />
created an important flame in me that continues to burn-That is<br />
the flame of AWARENESS.<br />
The times when unpleasant challenges surfaced, God was there<br />
to calm every storm, and He utilized a group of the most incomparable<br />
individuals to accomplish His task. To my coach Camari<br />
Mahoney and my chaperone Shantel Jacobs, I want to thank you<br />
for assembling a great team.<br />
To my sponsors, the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee, Classic<br />
Hair Design , Native Son, Hands on Towing and Tutu Park Mall,<br />
I am truly grateful for your support .<br />
As my spectacular reign comes to an end , I want to convey my<br />
love and admiration to all of the 2017 Prince & Princess Contestants<br />
and be assured that you are all adorable and special role<br />
models.<br />
My purpose is to be a part of this community, and to be aware of<br />
all that transpires. I will continue to be a productive, and<br />
proactive member of this place I call home.<br />
As we journey to “ A Centennial Commemoration for Our 65th<br />
Carnival Celebration “ I would like to wish all a safe and happy<br />
2017 Carnival<br />
I am your 2016 VI Carnival Princess Laila Loretta Anastasia<br />
Evelyn bidding you farewell, but never goodbye.<br />
14 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
THE VALUE OF <strong>CARNIVAL</strong> TO OUR COMMUNITY<br />
Caswil Callender<br />
When the V.I. Carnival Committee developed its<br />
mission statement, it was with the vision of providing<br />
an event which played a more significant role than<br />
simply being a party. The mission statement reads,<br />
“To preserve and promote Virgin Islands culture<br />
and enhance U.S. Virgin Islands tourism.” Clearly,<br />
the committee has been fulfilling its mission.<br />
Even prior to becoming the Executive Director<br />
in 1995, I had been a staunch advocate for the<br />
development of this celebration, and played a<br />
major role in the introduction and implementation<br />
of numerous initiatives including the establishment<br />
of an office, the designing of an accounting system<br />
and the vouchers used within the system. From the<br />
receipt of several International awards which lead<br />
to the global recognition the carnival now enjoys,<br />
to the entrepreneurial opportunities for the masses,<br />
the development was quite evident. My ability<br />
to communicate with potential entertainers from<br />
the Dominican Republic, in their native language,<br />
the basic knowledge of computers, being an<br />
accomplished musician and the holder of an FAA<br />
pilot’s license, all facilitated certain aspects of the<br />
growth which was seen over the years.<br />
Long before the phrase “cultural tourism” had<br />
become popular, we attempted to get leaders of<br />
several administrations to see the potential of carnival<br />
becoming a vehicle by which the Virgin Islands could<br />
have strengthened its economy.<br />
As the single largest annual tourist attraction in the<br />
territory, carnival enhances the economy. Thousands<br />
of visitors from the U.S. mainland and throughout the<br />
Caribbean, converge on the little “Rock” and locals<br />
get an opportunity to relieve themselves of some of<br />
the stress of daily life due to an extremely high cost<br />
of living.<br />
One may wonder, if carnival is so great for the<br />
economy, why isn’t there adequate funding to<br />
further enhance the events? Others may present the<br />
argument that the government already allots funding<br />
for carnival which is not a government-run event.<br />
All around the world, communities turn to festivals<br />
as a means of boosting their economy. Festivals<br />
attract visitors and visitors spend money. Gas<br />
stations, souvenir shops, restaurants, hotels, car rental<br />
agencies, etc., tend to have a jump in sales. It is no<br />
different during the Carnival on St. Thomas.<br />
So, let us examine the economic and social values of<br />
carnival to the territory. As a result of carnival related<br />
activities, the government collects several millions<br />
of dollars more than the regular monthly average<br />
collected in Gross Receipts and Excise taxes. An<br />
enormous amount of community members become<br />
temporary entrepreneurs, which allows for the wider<br />
circulation of the dollars being spent. This obviously<br />
helps to strengthen the economy. Then there is the<br />
domino effect whereby those businesses which may<br />
not benefit directly from the immediate increase in<br />
spending during the festivities, subsequently enjoy the<br />
fruits acquired by the hard labor of these temporary<br />
vendors. Some have been known to purchase bigticket<br />
items such as vehicles, household appliances<br />
or property. Others have been able to liquidate loans,<br />
pay their children’s tuition or simply taken vacations<br />
which were previously beyond their financial reach.<br />
Carnival also offers recreational opportunities which<br />
are not otherwise available. The pageants, the nightly<br />
performances of local entertainers and others from<br />
throughout the Caribbean, the availability of cuisine<br />
specially prepared for this time of year, the “Rides”<br />
in the children’s village which create a great deal of<br />
anxiety for the little ones, clamoring to mount up<br />
on one, the “Boat Races,” the Jouvert and the ever<br />
popular Parades which last for many hours, are all<br />
elements which help to ensure that there is something<br />
for everyone.<br />
Considering the above-mentioned social and<br />
economic impact which carnival has on the<br />
community, I don’t think there should be any doubt<br />
regarding the government’s allotment of funds to<br />
assist with the execution of such an important event.<br />
The V. I. Carnival Committee has rendered an<br />
extremely valuable service to the community over<br />
the years.<br />
The Virgin Islands Carnival is now a vital part of the<br />
tourism product. Consequently, the Government<br />
of the V.I. is a major beneficiary of carnival. Any<br />
effort to destroy or minimize it, will have a direct<br />
negative impact on the economy. Since the carnival<br />
committee is a nonprofit volunteer organization, the<br />
members should be glorified, held in high esteem<br />
and honored as champions in the community. The<br />
committee has truly demonstrated a commitment to<br />
“community before self.”<br />
As is expected with any event of this magnitude, there<br />
will be ongoing problems which must be solved on<br />
a regular basis. More recently, the development of<br />
electronic recording technology has brought on new<br />
challenges. There are those who feel that they can<br />
simply disregard the Federal Trademark Laws and<br />
reproduce or live-stream the Intellectual Properties of<br />
the committee for their financial benefit.<br />
In spite of all the sleepless nights and the incessant<br />
attacks on my reputation, I experienced extreme<br />
gratification from just knowing that we have been<br />
providing our community with such an important<br />
addition to our main industry, tourism, while<br />
witnessing the exuberance on the faces of thousands<br />
of our residents and visitors.<br />
I have truly enjoyed the numerous relationships<br />
which were developed over the years with individuals<br />
working feverishly; some behind the scenes, but<br />
nevertheless, who played major roles in determining<br />
the success of this event. There were the truckers,<br />
carpenters, electricians, shippers, and graphic artists,<br />
to name a few. I have also learned that in order to<br />
build these wonderful working relationships, loyalty<br />
is important. There must also be mutual respect and a<br />
reciprocal show of appreciation.<br />
To those sponsors with whom I have worked in the<br />
past, I offer a big “thank you” for helping to make<br />
my tenure more worthwhile and satisfying. While<br />
there were many, I feel compelled to make mention<br />
of the top sponsor, the epitome of corporate citizenry<br />
in the Virgin Islands, LEEWARD ISLANDS<br />
MANAGEMENT COMPANY, which include<br />
Bellows International and West Indies Company.<br />
Working with ladies such as Susan Warren and<br />
Giovanni Rochester was a joy. Although they were<br />
obligated to their company, they demonstrated a<br />
great deal of respect for the Carnival Committee<br />
and me. I was able to utilize my training in the art<br />
of negotiations when dealing with them and the end<br />
result was always a positive one for the community.<br />
I applaud Mr. Richard Berry, President, and all the<br />
employees of this benevolent organization.<br />
Although I am retired from the Carnival Committee,<br />
my hope is that due to the economic boost which<br />
carnival brings for the community, a greater number<br />
of corporate sponsors would be willing to come<br />
forward and support the efforts of the committee. I<br />
wish the committee lots of luck and hope they are<br />
successful with this and future Carnivals.<br />
According to Lester R. Goodwin, Jr. “Unfortunately,<br />
history likes to put things in neat boxes, and often<br />
those who are involved in the creation of something,<br />
don’t get credit for it.” This is so true, but it is my<br />
intention to make the global community be aware<br />
that the V.I. Carnival was a creation of private citizens<br />
and continues to be nurtured by the committee’s<br />
members, who in my opinion are true heroes within<br />
the community.<br />
“Don’t Stop Deh Carnival.” It is too valuable to our<br />
community!<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 15
2016<br />
PRINCESS<br />
SELECTION SHOW<br />
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
2016<br />
PRINCESS<br />
SELECTION SHOW<br />
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
2016 Jr Calypsonian<br />
Show<br />
VI Carnival Royal Court<br />
1983 Mika Donastorg & Jonathan Moses<br />
1984 Keema Frett & Joel Gifft<br />
1985 Holly Smith & Leroy Venzen<br />
1986 Shekima Joseph & Bryan Boulai<br />
1987 Gail Parris & Michael Martin<br />
1988 Shanee King & Jama Raimer<br />
1989 Toya Connor & Shamal Chapman<br />
1990 Cyra Sophia Foy & Rochester Lewis<br />
1991 Samantha Daly & Henry Richards, Jr.<br />
Prince & Princess (1980-2016)<br />
1992 La’Starr Watley & Cardinal Leslie<br />
1993 Cynthia Sasso & Sergio Feliciano III<br />
1994 Chantel Benjamin & Tehron Christian<br />
1995 Jeune B. Hawley & Kevin Harrigan<br />
1996 Latoya O’Neal<br />
1997 Tanya Mirtil & Shomari Maynard<br />
1998 Asia Hill & Orlando Amaro<br />
1999 Steadson & Sayeeda Wallace<br />
2000 Stephanie M. Brathwaite & Greglah Ward<br />
18 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
2016 Jr Calypsonian<br />
Show<br />
2001 Brittaney A. Rodriquez & Omari Williams<br />
2002 Reshai S. Corneiro & Akeem Warner<br />
2003 LaQuanda Fredericks & K’Mani Dowe<br />
2004 Nysha Lindo & Hosea Ottley<br />
2005 Deja’Nique Navarro & Amari Raymo<br />
2006 Cequoyah Aaliyah George<br />
2007 Kai Westbrook & Jahmalikye Richardson<br />
2008 Kyrelle D.L. Thomas<br />
2009 Ahkayla C.O. Petersen & Juan Carlos Brito<br />
2010 Jikelle Kiara Michaels<br />
2011 J’Nee L. Powell & Tyrell S. Richardson<br />
2012 T’Keyjah Austrie & Timoy Hodge<br />
2013 LaZonique Phillip<br />
2014 Sh’Nyah Bacon<br />
2015 T’Kajrah Wharton<br />
2016 Laila Evelyn<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 19
2017<br />
contestants<br />
Kiara Leader - Age: 11<br />
Parents/Guardian: Kim Roberts Leader & Travis Leader<br />
School Attending/Grade: Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School<br />
Grade 6th<br />
Favorite Subject: Reading<br />
Membership in activities/ clubs in school, activities/clubs out of school: Sebastian Majorette<br />
Hobbies/Interest: Gymnastics, twirling and dancing<br />
Awards/ achievements (academic, athletic, other): High Honors<br />
Future Goals: To become V.I. Carnival Princess and a dance instructor<br />
2017 Carnival Princess<br />
TaeZha Maduro - Age: 11<br />
Parents/Guardian: Tishania Simmons & Wayne Rawlins<br />
School Attending: Ulla F. Muller Elementary School<br />
Grade: 6th grade<br />
Favorite Subject: Math<br />
Membership in activities/club in school, activities / club out of school:<br />
Rising Stars, French Academy School of the Arts, Early Act Rotary, Songbird Creations<br />
Hobbies/ Interest: Cooking, ballet, gymnastics, singing, and hip hop<br />
Awards/ achievements: 1st honors for three consecutive years, 2015 PowerPoint Stem Fair Winner,2016<br />
Steam fair video presentation Winner, 2014 ST. John Festival Diamond Jubilee Princess<br />
Future Goals: To own a cosmetic line called “Game Face Cosmetics” and takeover the restaurants<br />
‘De Coal Pot “Currently owned by my grandmother, Norma Herman
Empressosairis Rogers - Age: 10<br />
Parents/Guardian: Elva Escobar and Dekhumar Rogers<br />
School Attending: Joseph Gomez Elementary School<br />
Grade: 4th<br />
Favorite Subject: Science<br />
Membership in activities/clubs in school, activities/clubs out of school:<br />
Mighty Lions Cheerleading<br />
Hobbies/ Interest: Reading, Singing, Dancing,<br />
Awards /Achievements: 2nd Honors<br />
Future Goal: To become a Teacher<br />
1 st Runner up<br />
N’Sai Ubiles - Age: 10<br />
Parents/Guardian: Nyesha Sebastian and Kehli Ubiles<br />
School Attending: Gladys A. Abraham Elementary School<br />
Grade: 5th<br />
Favorite Subject: History<br />
Membership in Activities/Clubs in school, activities/ clubs out of school:<br />
Environment Club, Gardening Club, Stunts & Twirlers Majorettes<br />
Hobbies/ Interests: Softball, Swimming, Dancing, Twirling<br />
Awards/Achievements: Honor Roll Student, 2015 Little Miss Gladys Abraham Elementary School<br />
Future Goals: To become a psychologist<br />
2017 Carnival Prince<br />
Jah’Syi De’Sean Narcisse - Age: 10<br />
Parents/Guardian: Sea’ Rogers and Chad Narcisse<br />
School attending/grade: Gladys A Abraham Elementary School - 5th grade<br />
Favorite subject: Mathematics<br />
Membership in activities/clubs in school, activities/clubs out of school: GAAES baseball, basketball, track and field team,<br />
reds little league baseball team<br />
Hobbies/interests: Traveling and sports<br />
Awards/achievements (academic, athletic, other): awards in sports, honor roll, Junior Calypso Winner 2014 and 2015.<br />
Future goals: To be a well rounded athlete<br />
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
Calypso Royalty<br />
2016 Calypso Monarch<br />
Temisha “Caribbean Queen” Libert<br />
She’s known as, “The Caribbean Queen,” to others, she’s the Virgin Islands Crooner with a distinctive voice and<br />
confident personality. Temisha Libert was born and raised in the United States Virgin Islands on March 2, as the fourth youngest of five<br />
brothers and eleven sisters. Her cohesive relationship with her siblings developed the assertive personality she exudes today. Temisha<br />
discovered her love for singing at the tender age of four when she joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Children’s Choir. As the years<br />
progressed, Temisha developed her talent by singing as much as she could with the choir. She eventually was given a solo within the<br />
choir which propelled people’s interest in her talent. Temisha’s platform grew from choir appearances to community events, government<br />
functions, and talent shows.<br />
The opportunistic Islander took her love for music and her acquired stage expertise to another level by entering into a myriad of<br />
pageants. Temisha won her first title as Atlanta’s first Carnival Queen in 2005 and continued to make strides in the world of pageantry<br />
as Miss US Virgin Islands, both domestically and internationally. Temisha later represented her native island of St. Croix, USVI in the<br />
2009 Virgin Islands Idol Competition and competed against 14 other finalists ranging from various islands (St. Thomas, St. John, and<br />
the British Virgin Islands). Interestingly, it was her crowning in the 2011 Miss Caribbean US title, which catapulted the public’s interest<br />
in her and gave her the name, “Caribbean Queen”.<br />
Temisha later joined the wildly successful “Fusion Band,” and won the Road March title that year. Eventually, Temisha found herself<br />
entering the Calypso Monarch Competition with the desire to keep the culture of Kaiso alive. At present, “Caribbean Queen” has made<br />
Virgin Islands history by being the first and only female to obtain four crowns all at once and also a female monarch winning the Virgin<br />
Islands title since 1989. Although she may be fresh to the art form of Calypso and was selected 1st runner-up numerous times, the Caribbean<br />
Queen was determined to become Queen, and she did just that. Today, Temisha “Caribbean Queen” Libert stands as the 2016<br />
Crucian Christmas Carnival Calypso Monarch, four months later, the 2016 Virgin Islands Carnival Calypso Monarch, one month later,<br />
the 2016 Atlanta Carnival Calypso Monarch and regained her crown as the 2017 Crucian Christmas Centennial Calypso Monarch.<br />
In the spirit of competition and excitement of utilizing her passion for singing, she’s taken on the arduous task of competing in the<br />
Leeward Islands Competition in Anguilla and portrayed why the name Caribbean Queen suits her so vividly. Ms. Libert believes once<br />
given the opportunity to master her craft, a chance at winning another title and representing her home, the US Virgin Islands, is a will<br />
she’ll never deny. One can see that this Queen was destined for the stage but besides strutting her stuff on stage or with a mic in her<br />
hand, her career in medicine has called her to form an organization called, “Gifted Hands,” her platform initiative, which gives youths<br />
and women the opportunity to find themselves within, search for a positive and influential role model and the awareness of Scoliosis.<br />
“God grants us all with numerous gifts of talent, and it is up to every individual to harness it to the best of their ability and to share it<br />
amongst other; this is who I’m meant to be,” said Caribbean Queen.<br />
Temisha Libert is the embodiment of a Caribbean Woman: strong, resilient, and fearless. Aside from her singing and stage presence,<br />
Temisha is a business woman and philanthropist. Becoming a self-made ambassador, complemented by her success and talent, she<br />
undoubtedly has more to come.<br />
22 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
Amari Asante’ “Amigos” Phillips<br />
2016 Junior Calypso Intermediate Winner<br />
Amari is an 11 year old sixth grader attending the<br />
Lockhart Elementary School. His passion for music<br />
encourages him to use his God giving talents<br />
to sing for the Lord on the St Andrew’s Junior<br />
Choir and play cello steel pan for the Lockhart<br />
21st Century Program.<br />
Amari has participated in the Junior Calypso<br />
Competition since 2013 while his was only in the<br />
second grade. His first song entitled “Young &<br />
Serious” rocked the crowd as he showcased his<br />
passion for music. Amari continued to showcase<br />
his talents the following year with his meaningful<br />
song “Promises”. The lyrics of the song such as<br />
“Promises being broken so life ain’t the same”<br />
explained how government officials did not keep<br />
their promises to the residents of the Virgin Islands.<br />
Amari placed first runner up in 2015, with<br />
the song entitled “Positive People”which included<br />
the positive role models here in the Virgin Islands<br />
such as Cleve “Grapo” Turnbull(who passed<br />
away that year) Lt. Gov Osbert Potter, Addie Ottle,<br />
Nicholas “Daddy” Friday and Senator Myron<br />
Jackson.<br />
During 2016, wiith his mind on the victory he<br />
captured his first crown with his titled song “Priority”.<br />
The song “Priority” was an informative<br />
message to the Government of the Virgin Islands<br />
on the production and quality of school lunch,<br />
teachers pay and duties and the support of our<br />
children on parade day should be made a #1 priority.<br />
Amigos have been granted countless opportunities<br />
to perform for various schools in the Virgin<br />
Islands, Senator Marvin Blyden, V.I. talented Teen<br />
and much more. Amigos enjoy giving back to his<br />
community whether it’s by singing or giving a<br />
helping hand. Amigos would like to encourage all<br />
other children of the Virgin Islands to be apart of<br />
the Junior Calypso Competition experience.<br />
Abrianna - Princess Abbi - Gregoire<br />
2016 Junior Calypso Intermediate Division Winner<br />
My Experience as the Junior Calypso Intermediate division winner has been by far the<br />
best thing ever to happen to me. On the night of the show when i was first crowned there<br />
were a thousand emotions that overcame me. I was proud of myself and the things I<br />
accomplished not only as an individualbut as a group, we all did well. My first show attended<br />
as a crowned Calypsonian was the Calypso Tent where I got to perform as one of<br />
the opening acts with the other Junior Calypsonians who won. I also got an opportunity<br />
to be a part of the Children’s Parade which was very enjoyable.<br />
My experience has been out of this world and I do look forward to participating again<br />
for the 65th Carnival Celebration.<br />
Monaé “Lady Red” Greene<br />
2016 Junior Calypso Secondary Winner<br />
Gratitude and fellowship are the two words that<br />
come to mind when I think about the experience<br />
I’ve had being a part of the Junior Calypso<br />
Competition. I started participating at the age<br />
of 12 and from the start I felt nothing but support<br />
from the coordinators, musicians, as well<br />
as the fellow calypsonians and their families.<br />
Spending time in the studio recording my<br />
music written by Figgy and produced by MVG<br />
Productions and hearing it with my back vocals<br />
and bass on the radio always made my heart<br />
smile. All of the competitors’ music was so<br />
great, we all sang along and rocked to the tune.<br />
There was never a moment the production felt<br />
like competition; it felt more like a showcase.<br />
Thinking back on the amount of time I had to<br />
learn my music and create steps to do on stage,<br />
really made me realize my strengths as a young<br />
performer. I’m grateful for being taken care of<br />
by Apryl Vialet and her team “my other mommies”.<br />
Doubt was a natural part of my process<br />
but when I hit that stage I knew it was time to<br />
prove myself wrong and be the performer I<br />
would like to see on stage. Looking out seeing<br />
my family front and center wearing my team<br />
shirt every year while I performed will never<br />
be forgotten. I love the atmosphere of everyone<br />
coming out to see us showcase our music.<br />
Every year after performing I would not recall<br />
what I did which is usually a good sign. I would<br />
walk up to Malvern Gumbs “my music daddy”<br />
and try to get some sort of validation. I believe<br />
that he wanted me to believe in myself throughout<br />
the years. No matter what the results of<br />
the competition were, hearing my songs being<br />
played on the radio even after the competition<br />
and people calling me “Lil Red” on the street<br />
still bring so much love for the competition,<br />
everyone involved in it, my support group, and<br />
of course my music.<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 23
2016 VI Carnival<br />
Queen Kamarsha Melissa Eltez-Potter
Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will<br />
strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand. (Isaiah<br />
41:10) These are the words that have guided me throughout my life’s journey.<br />
From a young age, I always had a passion for pageantry, but never had the<br />
bravery to compete because I didn’t see myself as, “pageant material.” I attended<br />
multiple pageants and lived vicariously through the contestants. My dream was<br />
not to win a crown. My dream was to one day gather up the courage to vie for a<br />
title. April 16, 2016, was the night my life changed forever. As I sang the words,<br />
“There’s a praise on the inside that I can’t keep to myself, a holler stirring up from<br />
the depths of my soul,” it finally registered that my dream finally became reality<br />
and the events that followed were even more astounding. All my hard work paid<br />
off, leaving my mark in the Lionel Roberts Stadium and Virgin Islands History,<br />
I was crowned the 64th Queen of Virgin Islands Carnival.<br />
I have always been an avid participant in Virgin Islands Carnival but reigning<br />
over the festivities gave me a new sense of appreciation for my culture and most<br />
importantly my home. Carnival is a museum of our culture; it is V.I. culture<br />
at its peak. People travel from all parts of the world just to experience our food,<br />
music, dance, art and they are never disappointed. Most importantly, Carnival<br />
brings us together as a community and that is what I love about this time of the<br />
year.<br />
During my reign, I had the opportunity to experience any and everything<br />
Carnival, from the Food Fair where all our local delicacies as well as our local art<br />
were on display, to Panorama and the Junior Calypso Competition where our<br />
youth got to exhibit their talents to the people of our community. I was also<br />
given the honor of co-commentating the Children’s Parade alongside Addie<br />
Ottley and Lillian Moolenaar. The highlight of my reign was the Hospital Show,<br />
where we brought Carnival to those who were not able to participate in the festivities<br />
due to medical reasons. It warmed my heart to see the joy and excitement<br />
that filled their faces. Culminating the Carnival season was the Adult’s Parade,<br />
although the weather was not the best, it was still my pleasure to open the parade<br />
and address our community; as the cultural cliché utters, “Rain Don’t Stop the<br />
Carnival.” In addition to reigning over the carnival festivities I was also given the<br />
opportunity to attend other events in our territory and internationally. Namely,<br />
I visited our sister islands of St. John and St. Croix where I participated in their<br />
Festival Parades and activities, and I was also able to attend the Miss St. John and<br />
Miss British Virgin Islands competitions.<br />
Throughout this journey, I was surrounded by people that provided me with<br />
love and support and continuously lifted me higher. To my seamstresses, Lurlene<br />
Gerard, Sandraann Massac and Denise Tavares, thank you for lending me your<br />
hands and helping turn my vision into a reality. To the ladies of Venus and<br />
Mars Beauty Salon, thank you for welcoming me as one of your Glam Dollz<br />
and making me feel confident before, during and after the show. And most<br />
importantly Ama and Shara, I will never forget the many sacrifices you both<br />
made to ensure I was always flawless. To my amazing vocal coach, Sandraan<br />
Massac, thank you for passing on your wisdom and helping expand my craft.<br />
To Felix Enterprises, thank you for bringing my Cultural and Promotional<br />
costumes to life. To Shayla Solomon and S3 Pro Consulting, thank you for<br />
being a sensational coach and an inspiring individual; you never gave up on me<br />
and you always made me feel like we were family. Words cannot express the love<br />
and appreciation I have for you and the wisdom you have instilled in me. To<br />
Lurlene Gerard, thank you for being my second mom, and having such a warm<br />
and welcoming heart. You sacrificed many nights just to make sure everything I<br />
wore reflected my vision and personality. I love you Momma Gerard. To my big<br />
sister, Mia Morris, thank you for being you. You were my listening ear and my<br />
shoulder to cry on throughout this whole experience. Thank you for always supporting<br />
me in everything I do. You always made sure my routines reflected my<br />
personality and that I was comfortable. We may not be sisters by blood but I will<br />
always hold you dear to my heart. To my phenomenal chaperone, Shamika Williams-<br />
Henley, thank you for opening your heart to me. Words cannot express<br />
how grateful I am for all the sacrifices you made to ensure that I had an influential<br />
journey. Your countless words of wisdom and constant encouragement have<br />
helped mold me into the young woman I am today and I am forever indebted.<br />
Thank you for making me a better version of myself. I love you Shammy, Ceara<br />
and Bianca, you will both be my pageant sisters forever. I am glad that we went<br />
on this journey together. You are both amazing, young women, that I know<br />
will make a difference in this world. I wish you both nothing but success in<br />
everything you do.<br />
None of this would be possible without the love and support of my friends<br />
and family. To my little sister Keinesha, thank you for always encouraging me.<br />
Thank you for always listening when I rehearsed and never growing weary. I will<br />
always strive to excel because I know I have you looking up to me. To my older<br />
brothers, Judilius, Judicael, and Jawahn thank you for always believing in me<br />
and my abilities and for always supporting me from a distance. To my Auntie<br />
Petra and cousin Monifa, thank you for always making sure I had what I needed<br />
throughout my journey. You were my main support system and I will forever be<br />
grateful. Most importantly, thank you to my mother Judith Eltez, without you<br />
none of this would be possible, you are my rock. You never gave up on me even<br />
when I wanted to give up on myself. I love you with all my heart. Thank you for<br />
always being my biggest fan. To my dad, the late Cecil “Fatta” Potter, you may<br />
no longer be with us, but I channel you in everything I do. I will continue to<br />
keep your legacy alive and make you proud. I love you, always and forever.<br />
This crown not only belongs to me, it belongs to any and every one that has<br />
contributed and supported me from the beginning, thank you for being #Team<br />
Kamarsha. My Centennial Queens, Annakiya, K’Risa, Aminisha, Kalyna, and<br />
Mary-Alice, I wish you all the best of luck on your journey and I congratulate<br />
you for taking this step on becoming a part of Virgin Islands History. It is my<br />
personal testimony the journey will not be an easy one, but in the end, it will<br />
be worth the sacrifice. Stay grounded and always believe in yourself and your<br />
potential. Though only one of you will be crowned on April 15th, remember a<br />
queen is not afraid to fail, failure is a stepping stone to greatness and just by vying<br />
for this title, you are all Queens.<br />
Along this journey, I have learned so many things about myself that make me<br />
proud of the person I am becoming. Being crowned Virgin Islands Carnival<br />
Queen 2016 is a moment that I will remember for as long as I walk this Earth.<br />
Being a Queen is knowing and loving who you are, which equips you with the<br />
tools to move through life with confidence and a sense of purpose. A queen is<br />
not perfect, she is always willing to learn, discuss and most importantly listen.<br />
Being a Queen is knowing when you are wrong and being able to accept it and<br />
make a change. Being a Queen is valuing others and their ideas, but knowing<br />
which ones are true to who you are. Always carry in your heart the many lessons<br />
learned and the tears that have been shed, and grow with every encounter. Continue<br />
to be loyal and true to yourself, love yourself and be selfless in everything<br />
you do. Being a Queen is knowing that God is with you every step of the way<br />
and knowing and trusting in your heart that he will never forsake you.<br />
Nothing is more fabulous than Carnival in St. Thomas.!<br />
Saluting you as the epitome of fabulous, Kamarsha Melissa Eltez-Potter<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 25
Annakiya Marie Hachett was introduced to<br />
the world on Friday, January 7, 2000, kicking<br />
and screaming as told by her mother, Louwesina<br />
Alcindor. While no longer a kicker<br />
or screamer, she is very energetic, fun loving,<br />
hardworking and ambitious.<br />
Annakiya attends the Ivanna Eudora Kean<br />
High School, the home of the Dynamite Rays.<br />
She is also currently employed at the Mafolie<br />
Hotel and Restaurant.<br />
Her personal motto is “Never Give Up on<br />
Yourself”, and she believes that as long as one<br />
is motivated and supports oneself, the sky is<br />
the limit.<br />
She enjoys cooking, reading and listening to<br />
music. She loves cooking as it brings her great<br />
pleasure. A few of her favorite dishes are<br />
macaroni and cheese, collard greens and fried<br />
chicken. She admits that her biscuit and cornbread<br />
skills are still a work in progress. One<br />
of her favorite books is “The School Hero” by<br />
Sharon Draper. She is fond of this book because<br />
it demonstrates the code of silence by<br />
which she feels her generation lives, and that<br />
it should be broken because lives would be<br />
saved and transparency is encouraged. Annakiya<br />
firmly believes that the crime rate would<br />
be much lower if the community becomes<br />
more vocal and involved, and that it is impossible<br />
to fix the things that are not known. Her<br />
favorite genre of music is classic R &B.<br />
Annakiya’s future ambition is to obtain a Master’s<br />
Degree in Psychology and Bachelors in<br />
Nursing. She is especially interested in Psychology<br />
because she is fascinated with people<br />
and how they think.<br />
She acknowledges that the proudest moment<br />
of her life thus far has been her capturing the<br />
prestigious title of Miss Ivanna Eudora Kean<br />
High School 2016-2017.<br />
Virgin Islands Carnival means a lot to Annakiya.<br />
She loves the manner in which the<br />
culture is displayed to the world, the food, the<br />
music and the different types of dances. She<br />
also feels that Carnival is also a great way to<br />
generate monies for the economy because it<br />
ties in to the tourism industry. She believes<br />
that as long as Carnival is kept alive, monies<br />
will be generated, while promoting the fabulous<br />
culture of the Virgin Islands.<br />
Annakiya is graciously sponsored by the Virgin<br />
Islands Carnival Committee and chaperoned<br />
by Miss Kareema Dover.
1 st Runner up<br />
K’risa T.A. Chesterfield was born on October 27, 1999 to her parents June and Avon Chesterfield.<br />
This 17 year old student attends the Charlotte Amalie High School where she is a proud<br />
member of the National Honor Society Amalian Chapter and the CAHS Class of 2017. In addition<br />
to her academic achievements, her leadership skills have earned her the position of conductor,<br />
first-chair clarinetist, and head drum major of the Charlotte Amalie High School Concert,<br />
Symphonic and Marching Bands respectively.<br />
Being a musician has also allowed her the opportunity of being an active member of the Superior<br />
Court Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. She keeps herself constructively engaged performing<br />
community service with SPARKS Youth Organization and the Interact Club.<br />
In the summer of 2016, K’risa experienced her proudest moment as she was granted the opportunity<br />
to travel to Santiago de Cuba as an Ambassador of Pan with the Virgin Islands Delegation<br />
to Festival de Caribe.<br />
To this festive young lady, Carnival is an outlet for the community to freely express its culture;<br />
being that she has been a participant since the tiny age of two years.<br />
This future defense attorney lives by the motto “You only live once, but if you do it correctly,<br />
once is enough.”<br />
K’risa extends her gratitude to her chaperone, Elma Brathwaite-Curtis and to her sponsor,<br />
the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee.
Aminisha Bailey is a proud Virgin Islander<br />
and the daughter of Joann Farley-<br />
Eddy. She proudly states that her mother<br />
means everything to her and is the reason<br />
for the achievements in her life. She treasures<br />
her relationship with her family.<br />
Her passions include music and dancing.<br />
Dance allows her to express herself and to<br />
her, life without dance is unimaginable. For<br />
as long as she can remember, she has been<br />
dancing. She hopes to use this passion to one<br />
day open a dance school/studio that will cater<br />
to persons of all ages, but which will focus specifically<br />
on the youths. Although she does not<br />
have a preferred genre of music, she likes anything<br />
that makes her want to get up and dance.<br />
Aminisha prides herself on being a wellrounded<br />
student. As a 17 year old senior at<br />
the illustrious Ivanna Eudora Kean High<br />
School, she is a member of the National<br />
Honor Society Nazareth Bay Chapter, the<br />
National Honor Society for High School<br />
Scholars, Ruby Rays Unarmed Drill Team,<br />
Jobs for America’s Graduates Career Association<br />
Program and the captain of the<br />
Dynamite’s Finest Dance Girls. Academic<br />
excellence is very important to her. Upon<br />
her graduation from high school, it is her<br />
goal to earn a Master’s Degree in Nursing<br />
2 nd Runner up<br />
as she possesses a passion for helping others.<br />
Balancing her academic and extracurricular<br />
activities is not easy but Aminisha is pleased<br />
with her accomplishments. The proudest<br />
moment of her life was her becoming a member<br />
of the National Honor Society for High<br />
School Scholars. She describes it as an incredible<br />
feeling. Her life does not end on Fridays,<br />
as her weekends include practices and performances<br />
with the Praise in Motion Dance Team<br />
at the New Beginning Christian Fellowship.<br />
As a proud Virgin Islander, Carnival has<br />
special meaning for Aminisha. Each year<br />
she looks forward to Parade day, whether<br />
it is partying with the Indians, twirling in<br />
the Majorettes, or dancing with the High<br />
School Marching Band. Although she loves<br />
performing in the streets, she cannot wait<br />
for the highly anticipated Food Fair to savor<br />
the local delicacies, especially the tarts. She<br />
believes that even if you do not participate<br />
in all of the activities, there is something for<br />
everyone to enjoy. In her opinion, Carnival<br />
is our culture and it is one of the aspects that<br />
make us the United States Virgin Islands.<br />
Participating in the Virgin Islands Carnival<br />
Queen Pageant is a dream that has come true<br />
for Aminisha, and it is indeed historic. She wishes<br />
to thank her chaperone, Janielle Hodge, for
Kalyna Stephanie Marie Nielsen was born<br />
in Dover, Delaware and raised in the beautiful<br />
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Her parents<br />
are Tasida Kelch and Kareem Nielsen.<br />
With an academic mindset first, she is the<br />
Secretary of the Amalian Chapter of the Charlotte<br />
Amalie High School’s National Honor<br />
Society. Moreover, she is also the Vice<br />
President of the preeminent CAHS Class of<br />
2017 and Captain of the CAHS Cheer Squad.<br />
If anyone can be defined by one thing, Kalyna<br />
Neilsen, Carnival Queen Contestant #4,<br />
is defined by a repertoire of human movement,<br />
graceful and eloquent expression. For<br />
over a decade, she has dedicated her time<br />
and talents to the art form of dance. For her,<br />
dance builds discipline; discipline to balance<br />
the complexities of adolescence as well as<br />
to be actively engaged in meaningful extracurricular<br />
activities that help her become<br />
a well-rounded and civic minded citizen.<br />
Kalyna believes that Dance, being another<br />
art form like music, has energy to make us<br />
become more relaxed when we are under<br />
stress. In her times of leisure, she serves as<br />
a positive role model for her younger sisters.<br />
She is a Principal Dancer at the French<br />
Academy of Dance, and gracefully volunteers<br />
as a mentor to budding dancers.<br />
Her social conscience, compassion and prospective<br />
career aspirations developed in<br />
sixth grade, when she happened upon an<br />
article that spoke to the mistreatment of<br />
whales and dolphins. From that point on,<br />
her sights have been set on pursuing a career<br />
path leading her to become an Aquatic<br />
Veterinarian. She plans to help preserve all<br />
that inhabits our ocean bed; supporting this<br />
dream she is a certified PADI Scuba Diver.<br />
Kalyna views the 2017 Virgin Islands Carnival<br />
Queen Competition as a platform to use<br />
her talents and intellect to encourage positivity,<br />
purpose and principles in her peers. She<br />
is sponsored by the Virgin Islands Carnival<br />
Committee and her chaperone is the illustrious<br />
Juanita Frett. As an enthusiast of Carnival,<br />
she believes the Virgin Islands Carnival<br />
is the time of year when family and friends<br />
come together to celebrate our culture and<br />
history with endless food, drinks and music<br />
sweet enough to soothe the savage beast! To<br />
her, “Now that is Virgin Islands Carnival!”
2017 Carnival Queen !<br />
Sponsored by the Virgin Islands Carnival Committee and chaperoned by Idalia<br />
Thompson, Mary-Alice Krista Prosper is a 17 year old STEM focused, goal<br />
oriented female currently attending the Charlotte Amalie High School. She is<br />
a member of the graduating Class of 2017 and a Martin Luther King Jr. Youth<br />
Role Model. Her interest in STEM manifests itself in her academic ambitions.<br />
Her personal motto is “Don’t take the road that everyone else is taking, or you’ll get<br />
stuck in traffic.” While her road has had some rough patches, it has taught her, just as<br />
the author of her favorite book, Melba Pattillo Beals has, that “Warriors Don’t Cry.”<br />
Her aspiration is not to take what these islands have given her and vanish. This young lady,<br />
this lover of Calypso, salt fish and fungi, this determined individual who believes strongly in<br />
the power of education and the application of knowledge, wishes to become the first female<br />
neurosurgeon to open a practice in the Virgin Islands. Until the day the ribbon is cut, her<br />
proudest moment has been when she won the Martin Luther King Jr. Role Model Scholarship.<br />
As a Junior Calypsonian, Mary-Alice knows that Virgin Islands Carnival reaches<br />
into the past, preserves our history, brings our story to life and saves it for the future,<br />
making it possible to pass our history and traditions down to our posterity. She provides<br />
her words, her songs, her knowledge, alongside her goals and dreams, and pairs<br />
all of this with the culture that has raised her and the pride she has for these beautiful<br />
Virgin Islands, where it is her hope in the future to make it so we all can prosper.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?<br />
Carmen Sibilly, VI Carnival Queen<br />
Carmen Nicholson Sibilly was<br />
born in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands<br />
on November 26, 1932. She was<br />
the youngest of six children of the<br />
late Ferdinand Nicholson and Julia<br />
Nicholson Ne Senior. She graduated<br />
from Saints Peter and Paul<br />
High School in 1951.<br />
In 1952, she was crowned the<br />
first Carnival Queen of the Virgin<br />
Islands. Her King was Leo Sibilly,<br />
who soon became her husband<br />
when they were married in 1954.<br />
Carmen and Leo were happily married<br />
for 59 years until 2013 when<br />
Leo passed away. Her faith and her<br />
family helped her through Leo’s<br />
passing. She is the proud mother<br />
of six children, six grandchildren<br />
and one great grandson.<br />
For Carmen, the most memorable<br />
moment of her reign as Carnival<br />
Queen came on that very first day<br />
of her reign. She and Leo left the<br />
West Indian Co. dock on a boat<br />
escorted by several other boats,<br />
decorated with many colorful<br />
flags, in route to the Coast Guard<br />
dock. As she raised her foot to step<br />
off the boat, the crowd erupted in<br />
cheer and with such excitement.<br />
The Community Band began to<br />
play with drums and trumpets rolling<br />
while boats in the harbor began<br />
honking their horns. The cheering<br />
of the crowd and music from the<br />
band followed Carmen and Leo<br />
from the Coast Guard dock to the<br />
Emancipation Garden for the start<br />
of the parade. This celebration was<br />
a great show of community support<br />
and togetherness.<br />
Throughout the years and since her<br />
reign as Carnival Queen in 1952,<br />
Carmen is frequently asked to share<br />
her memories as the first Carnival<br />
Queen. She talks about the early<br />
Carnival days with excitement<br />
and enjoys the special friendship<br />
she developed with many former<br />
Carnival Queens.<br />
In 1967, Carmen served as the<br />
escort for President Ronald Reagan<br />
during the 59th Annual Governor’s<br />
Conference in St. Thomas. In 1980<br />
and 1984, Carmen received awards<br />
from the V.I. Department of Health<br />
for her outstanding contributions to<br />
the St. Thomas Hospital. In 1983,<br />
Governor Juan Luis presented her<br />
an award for her dedication and<br />
service to the Community of St.<br />
Thomas and St. John. In 1990, the<br />
Catholic Charities of the Virgin<br />
Islands recognized Carmen at the<br />
benefit fundraiser for the Bethlehem<br />
House, and in 2002 she<br />
received the Bishops Award for<br />
her dedicated service and contributions<br />
to the Catholic Church. In<br />
2012, the Catholic Daughters of<br />
the Americas recognized Carmen<br />
for her dedication to the organization<br />
and honored her as one of<br />
their charter members at their 40th<br />
Anniversary celebration.<br />
Carmen is best known for her many<br />
contributions to community organizations<br />
and her devotion to the<br />
Roman Catholic Community. She<br />
is a charter member of several organizations<br />
such as the Eucharistic<br />
Ministry of Our Lady of Perpetual<br />
Help Parish, Catholic Daughters<br />
of the Americas, and Partners for<br />
Health, where she served as Vice<br />
President, Chairperson of the Ball<br />
Committee and Chairman of the<br />
Fundraising Committees. She<br />
served on many other community<br />
organizations such as the Parish<br />
Counsel of Saints Peter and Paul<br />
Cathedral, the Business and Professional<br />
Women’s Club, Chairman of<br />
the V.I. Chaperones for Miss World<br />
America, and Chairperson of Our<br />
Lady of Perpetual Help Parish for<br />
its 65th Anniversary Celebration.<br />
She is a member of the Keys and<br />
Sword Committee, which raises<br />
funds for the restoration of Saints<br />
Peter and Paul Cathedral.<br />
Although Carmen enjoys volunteering<br />
her time to the Church and<br />
community, her first focus in life is<br />
her family. Continuing a tradition<br />
that she and Leo had for many<br />
years of cooking soup for her family<br />
is something she looks forward<br />
to every Sunday. This is just one<br />
of the many opportunities Carmen<br />
uses to gather her family to share<br />
love and laughter.<br />
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A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 31
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?<br />
Maureen Petersen, VI Carnival Queen<br />
Looking back over the 55 years since being chosen a Carnival<br />
Queen, I realize that my experience in 1962 has helped me<br />
grow and appreciate my home in ways that I could have only<br />
imagined back then.<br />
As is surely true of other Carnival Queens, I acquired a confidence<br />
which has helped me do things that I would not have<br />
done otherwise. For instance, if anyone expresses an interest<br />
in learning about the Virgin Islands, I make sure I take time<br />
to talk with them about it. And, whenever I travel abroad and<br />
people ask me where I am from, I gladly tell them St. Thomas.<br />
More often than not, they give me the biggest smile, followed<br />
oftentimes by telling me that they’d come live with me (smile<br />
returned, innocently enough!).<br />
All joking aside, I do feel very proud of being a Virgin Islander.<br />
When people sincerely ask me during my travels when might<br />
be the best time to visit the islands, I naturally say during the<br />
winter months and at Carnival time. Many times, our conversation<br />
then revolves around a lively discussion about Carnival and<br />
what a fun time it is, before turning to so many other beautiful<br />
things about the Islands, including Magens Bay and Sapphire<br />
Beach.<br />
I must confess that, at times, when I find myself among people<br />
who don’t live in the Islands, I make sure to drop in to the<br />
conversation the fact that I live in the Virgin Islands — simply<br />
to tease them and “gloat” over my good fortune! Rarely do you<br />
meet someone who’s not interested in visiting the Islands. Quite<br />
often, people speak of their cherished dream of living here.<br />
I feel so fortunate to have grown up here. From the culture and<br />
friendly people, to the natural beauty and climate, the Island<br />
has been a blessing. This is why being Carnival Queen and<br />
representing my Island home has been such an honor.<br />
One very simple lesson I’ve learned from being a Carnival<br />
Queen: the importance of a smile. Such a simple gesture can<br />
mean so much at a particular moment in someone’s life. Oh, it<br />
surely helps to smile every day — on your job, in school, and in<br />
spreading the love of God.<br />
During my time as Carnival Queen in 1962, I was sent to<br />
represent St. Thomas at the Antigua Carnival. Through that experience,<br />
I met Rosemary Strife Simmons, Antigua’s Carnival<br />
Queen of 1961. We had such a great week of fun and sharing<br />
together that we’re still very close friends, more than a half<br />
century later! Through her friendship, I have ended up meeting<br />
quite a few others who have become my dear friends. Truly a<br />
priceless gift.<br />
Some of the past Carnival Queens keep in touch by hosting parties<br />
for other Queens. Others maintain contact with one another<br />
by the kind gesture of sending a card. With my Carnival Queen<br />
experience to draw upon, I find that whenever there is a fun<br />
contest going on, I’ll gladly offer any willing contestants some<br />
pointers in walking, poise, and pose.<br />
After being Carnival Queen, I worked at the Department of<br />
Public Safety as secretary to the Commissioner. I later got<br />
married and, together with my husband Raymond Espersen, we<br />
opened a guest house. A very memorable and rewarding experience.<br />
We have two lovely daughters, Cherri and Carolyn, who<br />
are both now living on the mainland.<br />
Looking back to the days of being Carnival Queen 55 years<br />
ago, I can say without a doubt that I would do it all over again.<br />
And, if anyone reading my story is interested in being a Carnival<br />
Queen, I offer my heartfelt recommendation to “Go for it!”<br />
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32 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?<br />
Erie Mathias, VI Carnival Queen<br />
Erie Matthias-Morales-1973 Carnival Queen-is a retired<br />
school counselor who enjoys spending time with family and<br />
friends, traveling, swimming, and walking. She is married<br />
to Angel “Chico” Morales and was blessed with two wonderful<br />
children, Abriel Matthias (Cox)-Proctor and Moshe<br />
Matthias-Cox. To this day, many people in the community<br />
and supporters still recognize her and call her “Queen Erie”.<br />
She sincerely appreciates their support and continuous<br />
encouragement.<br />
Her experiences, while vying for St. Thomas Carnival<br />
Queen and during her reign as 1973 Carnival Queen,<br />
contributed to the development of her sense of “self”. She<br />
discovered and recognized her strengths and weaknesses;<br />
that she was strong and didn’t have to be afraid of, or shy<br />
away from life’s challenges.<br />
Since then, Erie Matthias earned a Bachelor of Science in<br />
Fashion Merchandising with a minor in art at Florida A<br />
& M. University; and later earned a Masters in Education<br />
with a concentration in Counseling from The University of<br />
the Virgin Islands. With the aid of her educational background,<br />
she has diligently worked at passing the baton to<br />
her students and others. While teaching Home Economics at<br />
the Charlotte Amalie High School, she created, developed,<br />
and taught the course, “Charm & Poise, for Business and<br />
Social Success”. Erie Matthias Modeling School was also<br />
developed to afford youths the opportunity to broaden their<br />
horizon through good self image. Students were able to<br />
travel abroad to audition in the International Modeling and<br />
Talent Association (IMTA) and performed for over 100<br />
scouts, in New York City.<br />
She also taught and counseled at the Ivanna Eudora Kean<br />
High School and retired in 2009, after working at the Edith<br />
Williams Alternative Academy, as an Intervention Specialist.<br />
An artisan, Erie owns and operates ERIE JEWELRY AND<br />
ACCESSORIES pop-up boutique. She handcrafts classic<br />
collections of women vintage clutch bags-from a variety of<br />
fabrics purchased on her travels around the world- bags suitable<br />
for casual wear, weddings and formal wear; and jewelry<br />
from locally foraged seeds, precious stones and other<br />
artifacts. This artist has been named “Culture Bearer” by<br />
the Department of Education’s Cultural Education Division<br />
and was selected by the Department of Tourism to exhibit<br />
her jewelry in Miami at the Seafarer’s Convention.<br />
Erie will tell any young lady, who wants to enter into such<br />
a competition, to prepare, years in advance. Hone your<br />
talent, through coaching and training. Focus on an area<br />
that you like, and one that “suits you”. Your talent, not what<br />
someone else thinks is your talent. Ms. Matthias believes<br />
that talent is innate and that everyone has a talent.<br />
The reigning queen should be an ambassador for our<br />
islands. Through Tourism, she should be featured on television<br />
commercials (on-islands and abroad), print commercials<br />
and radio programs; for example, channel 4 “Island<br />
Showcase”, island magazines and brochures. In addition,<br />
the queen should be encouraged, educated and coached on<br />
the mentoring program processes, so that she may develop<br />
programs such as entrepreneurship, environmental<br />
programs and educational endeavors for the youths in our<br />
community.<br />
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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?<br />
Sen. Dwayne DeGraff, VI Carnival King<br />
Popularly known as the jock, Dwayne DeGraff became<br />
involved in the Virgin Islands Carnival King and Queen<br />
Pageant which allowed him the advantage of developing a<br />
new perspective and concern for his community. He credits<br />
the opportunity and his participation with making him a<br />
better-rounded person. From the Carnival stage to his role<br />
in the community, this was just the beginning for him.<br />
In 1982 Dwayne escorted Cheryl Vanterpool for the Virgin<br />
Islands Carnival Queen title. Although unsuccessful, his<br />
performance, sportsmanship and involvement piqued the<br />
interest of the Queens Committee and in 1983 he was<br />
asked to escort Lizette Turnbull, thus he became the 34th<br />
Virgin Islands Carnival King. For him the entire experience<br />
was an eye opener and helped him to change his<br />
perception of life.<br />
Dwayne joined the Virgin Islands National Guard in 1985,<br />
completed a one-year tour in Baghdad, Iraq in 2007 and<br />
after 22 years of service to his country, he retired with an<br />
Honorable Discharge. Dwayne became an officer of the<br />
Virgin Islands Police Department in 1987 and worked<br />
hard to rise to the rank of Sergeant in 1996. In 2009 he<br />
was promoted to Deputy Chief and from 2009 to 2013.<br />
After 26 years of exemplary service Dwayne retired as<br />
Deputy Chief in 2013. It was in these two organizations he<br />
found his niche; great passion and love for community involvement.<br />
His employment in both services allowed him<br />
to interact with and serve the people of the Virgin Islands<br />
consistently and enthusiastically.<br />
34A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration<br />
He also merits his ability to relate and work with a varied<br />
selection of people to his experience in pageantry. He<br />
states that pageant people are a different crowd. They are<br />
more outspoken and personable and being in that type<br />
of environment prepared him for the responsibility and<br />
the careers that he pursued. During the two decades that<br />
Dwayne served and protected the people of the Virgin<br />
Islands as a police officer, he has remained focused to the<br />
goal he set for himself; serving his people first. After an<br />
unsuccessful senatorial run in 2014, Dwayne DeGraff was<br />
elected to the 32nd Legislature of the Virgin Islands in<br />
2016. Continuing his passion for representing and serving<br />
the Virgin Islands; Senator DeGraff’s involvement in the<br />
community is steadfast.<br />
In hindsight, he recognizes the impact that Carnival<br />
and pageantry has had on the start of his success. It is<br />
his belief that a large part of his success is accredited to<br />
his achievement in Carnival. His participation prepared<br />
him to venture into the unknown with pleasure. Dwayne<br />
continued his pursuit of service by volunteering with the<br />
Virgin Islands Carnival Committee as the Chairperson<br />
of the Judge’s Committee and enjoyed his opportunity to<br />
give back his time and talent.<br />
His message for young men and women that are apprehensive<br />
about partaking in the Carnival pageant experience<br />
is to give it a try. Be open to it and give your all; you<br />
never know the impact that you may have on the community.<br />
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Kings & Queens of Carnival Past<br />
2005<br />
2007<br />
1978<br />
2001<br />
1972<br />
1952<br />
1982<br />
2013<br />
1985<br />
2008<br />
1991 2015 1961 1990
VI Carnival Royal Court<br />
KINGS & QUEENS (1952-2016)<br />
1952 - Carmen Nicholson-Sibilly & Leo Sibilly 1953 – Eldra Thomas & Ansly Francis<br />
1954 – Eleanor Roberts-Cerge & Anthony Cerge 1955 – Fay Moon & John Jowers<br />
1956 – Priscilla Elkins & Miquel Fuertes 1957 – Melba Canegata-Biggs & Rafael Valls<br />
1958 – Eva Dunlop & Kenneth Benjamin 1959 – Digna Feliciano & Eddie Elkins, Jr.<br />
1960 – Lalita Selgado-Densman & James Jowers, Jr. 1961 – Hillis Lewis-Edelen & Rudolph Moron<br />
1962 – Maureen Petersen-Espersen 1963 – Ulla Donastorg-O’Reilly<br />
1964 – Kathleen Commissiong-Richards 1965 – Sonia Martinez-Greaux<br />
1966 – Kathleen Hill-Dyer 1967 – Vinnie Armstrong<br />
1968 – Joyce Moolenaar-McCleverty 1969 – Ingrid Hughes-Lettsome<br />
1970 – Harolyn Reese 1971 – Daphne Harley<br />
1972 – Coleen Evans 1973 – Erie Matthias<br />
1974 – Earlene Phipps 1975 – Denise Georges<br />
1976 – Cheryl Miles 1977 – Nathalie George<br />
1978 – Patricia Rogers 1979 – Jennifer Evans<br />
1980 – Karina Belle 1981 – Soraya John<br />
1982 – Melanie Bonelli-Roebuck & Dante Galiber 1983 – Lizzette Turnbull & Dwayne Degraff<br />
1984 – Sharon Stevens 1985 – Koralie Kline-Dagu<br />
1986 – Jasmine Pond 1987 – Sandra Thompson<br />
1988 – Kishma DeCastro 1989 – Akima Howard Harrigan<br />
1990 – Alison Moolenaar 1991 – April Petrus<br />
1992 – Tasida Kelch 1993 – Erica Hendricks<br />
1994 – Cheryl Clendinen 1995 – Denise James<br />
1996 – Shaunta’ M. Lindsey 1997 – Taisa Gomes<br />
1998 – Tynell Francis 1999 – Shani A. Smith<br />
2000 – Canika-Chisa George-John 2001 – Cherisse Woods<br />
2002 – Cubie-Ayah George & Kory Davis 2003 – Janelle Sarauw<br />
2004 – Charlene Kilpatrick 2005 – Kmisha-Victoria Counts<br />
2006 – Mystique Burke 2007 – Esonica Veira<br />
2008 – Lessley-Ann Gumbs 2009 – Karence De Costa<br />
2010 – Shawntay A. Henry 2011 – Elisa Thomas<br />
2012 – Savannah Lyons-Anthony 2013 – Adisha Penn<br />
2014 – Deja’Nique Navarro 2015 – Derisa Greaves<br />
2016 - Kamarsha Potter<br />
36 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
Kings & Queens of Carnival Past<br />
2002<br />
1954<br />
2011<br />
2009<br />
1959<br />
1971<br />
2016<br />
2010 1960 1999<br />
2003
2016<br />
Best Dressed as a Doll & Toddler Derby<br />
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2016<br />
Hospital Show<br />
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2017<br />
Infernos, Inc. (Infernos Carnival Troupe),<br />
a creative carnival troupe was founded<br />
in May of 1998 by the troupe’s President,<br />
Darryl Donovan, Sr., and made its<br />
splendorous debut into the Virgin Islands<br />
Carnival scene in May of 1999. This<br />
organization is one of the larger premier<br />
troupes, drawing persons who have<br />
previously participated in Carnival, as<br />
well as newcomers. Carnival 2017 commemorates<br />
19 years oflnfernos Carnival<br />
Troupe’s participation in St. Thomas’<br />
festivities.<br />
Armed with a strong team, the Infernos<br />
Board Members have been together for<br />
numerous years, collaborating towards<br />
the costume designs and concepts, in<br />
addition to managing and marketing the<br />
organization. With over 100 participants,<br />
our main focus is to provide the “Ultimate<br />
Carnival Experience” by offering<br />
a quality costume package while also<br />
Adult’s Parade Marshal<br />
40 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration<br />
providing exceptional customer service.<br />
The core of our organization of course,<br />
is our dynamic troupe members, with<br />
a large percentage participating with<br />
Infernos for quite some time. On numerous<br />
occasions, our troupe members have<br />
performed at conventions, mini carnivals<br />
and other cultural activities. Their continued<br />
voluntary participation ultimately is<br />
the true essence of our organization.<br />
A few of Infernos Carnival Troupe’s accomplishments<br />
and highlights are:<br />
• 8 King of the Band titles<br />
• 5 Queen of the Band titles<br />
• 10 winner's and 5 Runner-up<br />
Also, First place titles for the Adult's<br />
Parade (combination of St. Thomas, St.<br />
Croix and St. John)<br />
First place titles for the BVI Festival<br />
Parade on Tortola<br />
Infernos Carnival Troupe has also<br />
established and maintained some<br />
long lasting business sponsorships<br />
with several companies, whom have<br />
continuously supported us while we<br />
endeavor to produce our brilliant entries<br />
for the parade. These businesses are<br />
Cruzan Rum, Southern Glazier Wines &<br />
Spirits, Cool Signs, Coral World, Side<br />
Street Pub, CDH Professional Billing,<br />
Sea Breeze Design Studio and Just Me<br />
Fashion.<br />
Infernos Carnival Troupe will<br />
continue to spread the carnival spirit<br />
by showcasing our dynamic costume<br />
entries in the parade, while also striving<br />
to maintain an on-going relationships<br />
with our current and future troupe<br />
members, sponsors, the Virgin Islands<br />
Carnival Committee, musicians and<br />
the community for the betterment of<br />
Carnival in its entirety.<br />
Infernos Carnival Troupe shall continue<br />
to live by Our Motto: Be Bold! Have<br />
Fun! Play Mas!
Photo Courtesy of Orlando Peters<br />
Carnival Parade Dynamic Duo<br />
Athneil “Addie” Ottley & Lillian “Lillie” Moolenaar<br />
Who are they? Amiga and Amigo?<br />
Compardo and Comardo? Lillie and Addie<br />
as they are affectionately known are<br />
true Savaneros, who definitely believe in<br />
the culture, traditions, and customs of the<br />
Virgin Islands. We have seen these two<br />
familiar faces every Carnival now for more<br />
than 20 years as hosts of WTJX’s Carnival<br />
Parade coverage.<br />
Addie is the consummate radio and TV<br />
personality, whose voice resonates with<br />
many Virgin Islanders searching for<br />
answers to concerns, learning about Virgin<br />
Islands history or commenting on Carnival<br />
activities. During Carnival it is expected<br />
that Addie will get each parade morning off<br />
to a roaring start as he prepares the viewing<br />
and listening audience for the amazing treat<br />
approaching Post Office Square.<br />
Lillian V. Moolenaar, better known to all<br />
as “Lillie, who likes to be in ting” is an<br />
educator who began as a host with WTJX<br />
on the parade route in 1994. Within three<br />
(3) years, she was promoted to sit and share<br />
commentary with Addie, for all genres-<br />
-Carnival, culture, VI history, music, education<br />
and island-life, among the various<br />
topics of WTJX’s broadcast live coverage.<br />
From their vantage point atop the WTJX<br />
broadcasting stand, they bring to life the<br />
sights of the parades for those who may<br />
be hospitalized, shut-in, those who may be<br />
care takers of family members, and those<br />
from the military or various parts of the<br />
world. Their skillfulness with technology<br />
acknowledges Virgin Islanders who may<br />
be away streaming the parades into their<br />
homes or offices using the internet and<br />
exciting messages that are shared live. This<br />
duo creates dialog about the village, the local<br />
calypso tents, the horse race, Jouvert….<br />
you name it….once Lillie and Addie start<br />
their vibrant coverage, they fill homes,<br />
offices, hospitals, with spirited comments<br />
that have many singing and dancing from<br />
wherever they may be viewing.<br />
Addie and Lillie not only speak about the<br />
culture during this festive time but they recognize<br />
our local people, visitors, “homies”<br />
who were away for years and have returned<br />
to participate or witness these activities.<br />
With their lively commentary and vivid descriptions<br />
they share the vibrant colors, the<br />
images of the floupes, troupes, individual<br />
Carnival entries and the “sidewalk posse”.<br />
With the help of their co-hosts on the street<br />
level, their coverage makes you feel like<br />
you are actually are on the parade route in<br />
person.<br />
Although the viewers can watch the parades<br />
on TV, this dynamic duo add “colorful”<br />
details that make the experience even<br />
more real. Addie and Lillie emphasize that<br />
their intentions are to make the viewers and<br />
listeners feel that they are actually on the<br />
parade route. This event is one they look<br />
forward to every year, bringing the culture<br />
and tradition of Virgin Islands Carnival into<br />
the homes of the Virgin Islands, neighboring<br />
islands and those streaming live via the<br />
internet. Both expressed that they know<br />
that because of situations and unforeseen<br />
circumstances, some persons do not come<br />
out to the parades, but with their commentary,<br />
these persons can become a part of the<br />
experience.<br />
Lillie and Addie also expressed that they<br />
get a great sense of satisfaction knowing<br />
that what they do is also bringing joy to<br />
the viewing and listening audience. Their<br />
observations, not only of the parades, but<br />
the entire atmosphere especially in the Post<br />
Office Square is an attempt to help the<br />
viewers relax at home and still be a part of<br />
the festivities.<br />
They also would recall all of the Carnival<br />
events for the week, and some of yesteryears.<br />
With their live commentary and<br />
recollections of the past, they create a sense<br />
of nostalgia for Virgin Islanders who cannot<br />
be present and bring back memories of<br />
who they are, where they came from and<br />
why we celebrate such a cultural event.<br />
Thanks to WTJX, for these two Carnival<br />
icons who know our people, our culture<br />
and our Virgin Islands. Their voices of the<br />
Carnival parades’ coverage will continue<br />
to resonate in our homes this year and the<br />
years to come and we salute them.<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 41
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
ULLA MULLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL<br />
2017 Children’s Parade Marshal<br />
Symra Dee Brown,Phd. Kimbolie S. L. Torres Patricia Maynard<br />
Principal Assistant Principal Assistant Principal<br />
The legacy of Ulla F. Muller School<br />
began in 1840, when the Moravians<br />
were solely responsible for the education<br />
of the children of slaves in the basement<br />
of the Nisky Moravian Church, until the<br />
islands were transferred in 1917. After<br />
the transfer, an increase in enrollment<br />
over the years forced the Department of<br />
Education to move the school to Subbase.<br />
In 1953, Mrs. Ulla F. Muller succeeded<br />
Miss Lucille Roberts as principal-teacher.<br />
As the student population<br />
continued to grow, it became necessary<br />
to again relocate the school. A new seven<br />
room school building was constructed in<br />
the former Naval Cemetery in Contant.<br />
It opened in 1962 and was called New<br />
Nisky. As the Virgin Islands experienced<br />
rapid growth, an expansion of New Nisky<br />
occurred in 1963 when Peace Corps<br />
Volunteers completed the building to<br />
house kindergarten classes, and became<br />
known as ‘The Peace Corps Building”.<br />
In the mid 1960’s, New Nisky was<br />
selected as a demonstration school by<br />
New York University and was officially<br />
called the Nisky Demonstration Elementary<br />
School. Due to the success and<br />
growth of the school, the physical plant<br />
had to be expanded. A school library,<br />
remedial reading, Special Education, a<br />
new cafeteria, teacher’s lounge and two<br />
offices were built, all of this happening<br />
while instructions continued. In 1969,<br />
the affiliation with New York University<br />
ended, and in 1970, land adjacent to the<br />
school was purchased by the Government<br />
allowing space for music, art and<br />
physical education classes. Academically<br />
Talented Classes were also included,<br />
along with a strategically placed office<br />
for Mrs. Muller and one for the nurses.<br />
In 1979, in honor of Mrs. Muller’s<br />
contribution to education in the Virgin<br />
Islands, an in recognition of her 27 years<br />
spent as principal-teacher and principal<br />
at Nisky School, the school was renamed<br />
the Ulla F. Muller Elementary School.<br />
Mrs. Muller retired in 1980 and entrusted<br />
her successor, Mr. Carver Farrow, with<br />
the responsibility of carrying on the 140<br />
years of tradition of excellence in education.<br />
Since then Mrs. Diane George<br />
served as Principal, followed by Ms. Ivy<br />
Williams, and Mrs. Ophelia Shillingford.<br />
One hundred and seventy-seven years<br />
later, the legacy of the Ulla F. Muller<br />
Elementary School continues under the<br />
leadership of SymraDee Brown, Ph.D.<br />
who is assisted by Kimbolie S. L. Torres<br />
and Patricia H. Maynard. Presently,<br />
the school serves almost 500 children<br />
with a faculty and staff of 60. We Strive<br />
for Excellence by fostering each student<br />
with high quality learning through<br />
technology and best practices to ensure<br />
achievement, excellence, and future success.<br />
We acknowledge that we cannot<br />
lay a foundation alone; our parents are an<br />
integral part of our Muller Family. Our<br />
school carries on the legacy of Nisky<br />
“Demonstration” by offering a myriad of<br />
programs to include, The Early Act Club,<br />
Girl Power Club, Boys Read, Progressive<br />
and Ambitious Girls Club, Readers<br />
Are Leaders Club, Garden Club, The<br />
Muller Bamboula Dancers & Drummers,<br />
Muller Marching Band, Lashing Pups,<br />
Youth Experiencing Success Club, and<br />
all sports teams offered by the Department<br />
of Education.<br />
The Ulla F. Muller Elementary School<br />
is honored to be Grand Marshal for the<br />
2017 Children’s Parade. Our participation<br />
in Carnival demonstrates our commitment<br />
to the culture of the Virgin Islands.<br />
Mrs. Muller herself was a known<br />
Lancer and Quadrille Dancer. She even<br />
taught students Lancer, Quadrille, and<br />
Maypole dances.<br />
Muller School has been ably represented<br />
in Carnival Parades throughout the years<br />
by many Miss Muller’s, Mister Muller’s,<br />
Little Miss Muller’s, and Muller School<br />
troupes. Muller School has always been<br />
a place of inspiration. Birth was given<br />
to the renowned Muller PANATICS<br />
Steel Band under the rolling flamboyant<br />
trees of Muller School in 1999. The<br />
band was directed by John Hodge, Chief<br />
Instructor of the Rising Stars Steel Band,<br />
as the volunteer Instructor/Arranger/<br />
Director. Sean Steele, a band instructor<br />
also with the Rising Stars, then joined<br />
the band as Instructor/Arranger/Director<br />
in 2004 and presently holds the position.<br />
Francis Wenner, a long-time volunteer at<br />
the school, has performed the duties of<br />
the Coordinator since 2000.<br />
The band performs at in-school activities<br />
as well as in the community for Carnival<br />
Panorama, Food Fair and the Children’s<br />
parade; St. John’s Panorama and National<br />
Park activity; on the cruise ship docks<br />
and at the airport for the Port Authority<br />
and Department of Tourism; Miracle<br />
on Main Street and the Tutu Mall for<br />
Christmas time; for health fairs, for sponsor<br />
events, and wherever and whenever<br />
it is possible to showcase the children’s<br />
talents in a positive environment.<br />
We are certain that 100 years from now,<br />
someone else will write about the impact<br />
of the Ulla F. Muller School’s influence<br />
on their lives. It is said that, “the goal<br />
isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create<br />
something that will.” We will continue<br />
to build on the legacy set forth in 1840<br />
as we commemorate our past, honor our<br />
present, and educate our future.<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 43
Juan G. Harrigan<br />
2017 <strong>CARNIVAL</strong> VILLAGE HONOREE<br />
Highlights of Juan’s Musical Career:<br />
1976 to 1996 – Trumpet Player for 666th Army Band<br />
1978 to Present – Arranger for many local and foreign Artists<br />
1987 to 2015 – Music Educator<br />
1988 to 2000 – Trumpet Player for Calypso Review Band<br />
1988 to 2000 - Competed in Brass-O-Rama<br />
• 1st Place Winner – 1988, 1990, 1997, 1999, 2000<br />
• 1st Runner up – 1989, 1991, 1996<br />
• 2nd Runner up – 1993, 1995<br />
• Best Arranger – 1997, 1999, 2000<br />
1988 to 2009 – Trumpet Player for many local Calypso Shows<br />
1994 to 2000 – Trumpet Player for Calypso shows in Anguilla and Nevis<br />
1998 to Present – Certified US Army Bandmaster<br />
2000 to 2012 – Musical Director for VI Carnival Committee’s Calypso<br />
Review Band – First local director to work 12 consecutive years<br />
(Popojeto and the Puppet Masters)<br />
2016 – Member of Advisory Team for St. Kitts Defense Force Band<br />
Juan performed with following groups:<br />
Popojeto and the Puppet Masters, Rico and the Moonwalkers, Dread Ones, Imagination Brass, Mandingo Brass, Violators,<br />
Contex, The Dirty Dozens, St. Thomas Community Band, Sebastien Majorettes Marching Band, System Three,<br />
Pyour Passion, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, Puerto Rico Symphony, Jam Band, Xpress Band, Anacrusis Brass<br />
Quintet, New Hernhutt Trombone Choir, Totally Insane, Milo and The Kings, and When Band.<br />
Juan Graciano Harrigan, was born on St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on August 3, 1958 to Louis and Lillian Baa Harrigan.<br />
He is number nine of ten children. He graduated from Charlotte Amalie High School on June 6, 1976 and enlisted in<br />
the Virgin Islands National Guard that same year on October 28th. While stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina with<br />
the 282nd Army Band, he was assigned to the Honor Guard Detail as a bugler and became known as “Mr. Taps”.<br />
Mr. Harrigan became the first military-trained Drum Major for the 666th Army Band and the United States Virgin Islands<br />
in 1978. In March of 1986, he received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Augustana College in Rock Island,<br />
Illinois. In May of 1987, he received his Master of Arts Degree in Classical Music Performance from Eastern Michigan<br />
University in Ypsilanti, Michigan and started working as a Music Educator for the Virgin Islands Department of Education.<br />
On November 14, 1997, he completed the Warrant Officer Career School at Ft. Rucker in Daleville, Alabama and obtained<br />
the rank of Warrant Officer One (WO1). In 1998, he attended the United States Army Element School of Music<br />
(USAESOM) in Little Creek, Virginia. While there, he became the first National Guard or Reservist in the United States<br />
to attend and graduate the 21-week Warrant Officer Basic Course (WOBC). He also became the first Army certified<br />
Bandmaster in the US Virgin Islands. In 1999, he was promoted to Chief Warrant Officer Two (CW2), CW3 in 2006 and<br />
CW4 in 2010.<br />
In April 1999, he took command of the 73rd Army Band (formerly known as the 666th Army Band), making him the first<br />
Warrant Officer (Bandmaster) to come from within the ranks of the unit. In 2006, Mr. Harrigan attended and successfully<br />
completed the Warrant Officer Advance Course (WOAC) and in 2010, he completed the Warrant Officer Staff Course<br />
(WOSC). In 2002, he proudly served on the board that drafted the first Homeland Security Plan in the USVI following<br />
9-11.<br />
Mr. Harrigan is an accomplished and respected conductor, arranger, composer, soldier, and music educator. He retired<br />
from the Virgin Islands Department of Education in August 2015, after serving as music educator for 28 years. He is<br />
married to Desserie Smith Harrigan and has three children: Janieke’, Kelvin “KJ” Pickering, Jr. (Deceased), and Kejuan<br />
Harrigan<br />
44 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
Winifred Francis<br />
2017 CULTURAL FAIR HONOREE<br />
Winnie’s Garden of Delights and Delicacies!<br />
The expression “Live, Love, Laugh…” is almost complete as it<br />
relates to the perspective that Winifred on life. All that needs to<br />
be added is the word “Dance”. Winnie affirms that Carnival is<br />
for everyone to relax, let go and dance your troubles away. From<br />
childhood to present, Winnie has played mas with the following<br />
troupes: Jefferson School, Ken Brittian, Helen Sebastian Troupe<br />
- not the Majorettes, Elskoe and Associates and is currently a<br />
veteran member of The Jesters Carnival Troupe. Not only does<br />
Winnie have a good hand in the kitchen but those same hands<br />
are versed around the sewing machine. Winnie can often be seen<br />
strutting around in garments or costumes that she made or using<br />
her sewing skills to enhance her interior design<br />
fetish.<br />
Lyra Hodge Steele, Christine Popo for standing alongside her, Lillia<br />
Hendricks, Donna Edney Michael Thomas, Theodore Manners<br />
and her immediate family for taking care of the intricate details.<br />
Winnie is a humble servant that expresses joy and love in all that<br />
she does. Sometimes amazed by all that she has been able to accomplish<br />
and by all that express their love for her, she frequently<br />
reflects on Psalms 121, (1-2) “I will lift up mine eyes unto the<br />
hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the<br />
LORD, which made heaven and earth”.<br />
Have a Safe and Centennial Carnival 2017 at Winnie’s Garden of<br />
Delights and Delicacies!<br />
In 1975, Winifred, affectionately referred to as Winnie, married<br />
Raymond “Double” Francis and they are the proud parents of 4<br />
children: Shawna, Kishma, Rashida and Raynard Francis. Winnie<br />
is the doting grandmother of Makeba, Esiah, Amunique and<br />
Mehkai.<br />
Winnie worked side by side her mother and this became the training<br />
ground that would serve as the foundation for her exceptional<br />
culinary and baking skills. Her mother was the owner and proprietor<br />
of the islands most popular bakery, dubbed Helen’s Bakery,<br />
located at the head of 7th Day Street. Not only does she enjoy<br />
cooking for others but she takes great pride in the cooking lessons<br />
she offers to children. In like manner, annually, she offers free<br />
culinary seminars to the Carnival princess and queen’s contestants.<br />
By all accounts, they walk away happy, feeling confident<br />
about cooking/baking and full from all the tasting and sampling.<br />
Winnie is a member of the Wesley Methodist Church and serves<br />
in the soup kitchen monthly.<br />
In Winnie’s quest to showcase VI Cuisine at its best, she decided<br />
to join the Virgin Islands’ Carnival Fair in 1996. Though that was<br />
21 years ago, Winnie will never forget that first year in the fair<br />
at Market Square. It rained, the space was so cramped, workers<br />
were slow to arriving, and the food ran out early. Never one to<br />
throw in the towel, Winnie spent the whole year planning to make<br />
a comeback at the fair. After a while, faithful and regular fair<br />
goers attempted to place orders and lined up for food long before<br />
the fair opened. Over two decades later, Winnie is still located at<br />
tray number 4 except now her tray comes equipped with an electric<br />
food warmer and bread racks to store the food. Winnie has<br />
fostered good relationships with her circle of friends and family<br />
and everyone falls in line to play their role in making the production<br />
happen. Winnie is thankful to God for allowing her to share<br />
her talent with the Virgin Islands Community. She is extremely<br />
grateful for the “Dream Team” that has made her yearly participation<br />
in the fair possible: Mr. Raymond Francis, Project Manager,<br />
Maxine Fleming & Carol Jürgen, her girlfriends from school days,<br />
her godson, Stefan, Ms. Zoila Amarro, Doreen Petty, Sylvia Slack,<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 45
2016 Children’s Parade<br />
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
In Memorium<br />
DAVID “DEE DEE” EMANUEL DAWSON, Sr.<br />
September 4, 1935 – October 24, 2016<br />
In the early 70”s Dee Dee and Percy Taylor co-owned and managed<br />
the Royal Palm Night Club, a multi entertainment establishment. They put<br />
their heads together and opened up a restaurant with dance/pool hall capacity.<br />
If you liked dancing, then the Royal Palm was the place to go. The relaxed<br />
atmosphere drew people from across the island and from all walks of life. If<br />
you didn’t go to one of the dances there, you really missed out.<br />
The very first Jouvert began at the Royal Palm with music provided<br />
by the Lavis Count Brass who hailed from the island of Antigua. People were<br />
jamming; they danced from Smith Bay to town. In later years, they extended<br />
the tramp down the waterfront and up through main street. A good time was<br />
had by all: people just loved the revelry. Milo and the Kings, other popular<br />
bands such as Tremile and Jamals, the Lavis Count Brass, and bands from<br />
across the Caribbean, were regulars there. Additionally, these two men<br />
organized trips for local bands to travel to places like Antigua, the BVI, and<br />
Trinidad to participate in their carnivals.<br />
The Virgin Islands Carnival Committee recognized Dee Dee & Percy<br />
Taylor as the 2014 Village Honorees for their contributions to Carnival as<br />
creating the first Jouvert from Smith Bay to Charlotte Amalie and providing<br />
Royal Palm Night Club, as an entertainment venue for Carnival revelers.<br />
Dee Dee was very proud of the members of his immediate family which<br />
included his wife Joan S. Pilgrim Dawson, his children Cherrie, Nicole, and<br />
David Jr. He had six wonderful grandchildren on whom he unselfishly doted.<br />
May his soul rest in eternal peace.<br />
48 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
C<br />
arnival<br />
2016<br />
V illage<br />
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
VILLAGE 2016<br />
OPENING<br />
NIGHT<br />
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VILLAGE 2016<br />
OPENING<br />
NIGHT<br />
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
2016 Cultural Night<br />
52 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
A people without the knowledge of their culture is like a tree without roots.<br />
A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 53
2016 Adult’s Parade<br />
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration 5
Island Flavors: Recipes<br />
Essalita Fleming<br />
2012 Cultural Fair Honoree<br />
Saltfish Cakes<br />
Ingredients Directions<br />
1 lb. boneless salt fish Soak salt fish overnight changing the water several times, to get<br />
1 sweet pepper<br />
the salt out. Mince salt fish and set it aside. Mince onions, sweet<br />
1 hot pepper<br />
pepper, thyme, garlic, celery, and hot pepper and mix together.<br />
1 teaspoon thyme leaves Pour it in a frying pan, then add tomato paste, ketchup, water,<br />
3 cloves garlic<br />
and a tablespoon of oil and cook over medium heat until tender.<br />
Let it cool; add the salt fish, eggs, flour, and baking powder<br />
2 tablespoon ketchup<br />
1 tablespoon tomato paste to the cooked mixture. Stir it together well, (mixture should be<br />
2 eggs<br />
thick, if not, add a little more flour) then spoon it out and fry in<br />
1 onion<br />
hot oil until golden brown. Serve hot.<br />
¼ cup flour<br />
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
¼ cup water<br />
1 tablespoon oil + more for frying<br />
Rosalia Payne<br />
Red Bean Soup<br />
Ingredients<br />
1 Pail of Pork Tail (Use the amount<br />
needed)<br />
3 quarts water<br />
1 bag of Red Beans (Lakay Red<br />
Kidney Beans give a rich and bright<br />
recolor.)<br />
2 to 4 Tanias<br />
2 to 4 Sweet Potatoes<br />
Dumplings – Corn meal and or plain<br />
1 tsp. ginger or enough to taste<br />
½ tsp. Black Pepper<br />
½ Tbs. Onion<br />
½ Tbs. Sweet pepper<br />
2 Sprigs of thyme<br />
Sugar to taste<br />
Dumpling Recipe<br />
2 c. flour<br />
½ c. Corn meal<br />
Dash of black pepper<br />
2 Tbs. Shortening<br />
2 Tsp. sugar<br />
Directions<br />
Soak the pork tails over night to<br />
take out the excess salt. Clean<br />
and cook the pork tails. Change<br />
the water and cook a second<br />
time until the pork tails are soft.<br />
Cut the pork tails into pieces.<br />
Save the stock from the second<br />
boiling and place in the freezer.<br />
Skim the fat off. Save the stock<br />
to add gradually to the soup for<br />
flavor. (This process may be<br />
done ahead of time.)<br />
Boil the red beans in the three<br />
quarts of water with three cloves<br />
of garlic. You may need to add<br />
water as the beans boil. The<br />
beans are cooked when they<br />
begin to push out of the red<br />
skin or are soft to touch. Then<br />
cook the sweet potatoes and<br />
Tania with salt in a separate pot.<br />
(Note: I boil the sweet potatoes<br />
with the skin until half cooked.<br />
Let them cool, then peel and<br />
cut in pieces.) Place the provisions<br />
in a dish to cool. (This is<br />
to avoid the provisions from<br />
breaking up if added to the soup<br />
too soon.)<br />
Season a cup of water with salt<br />
and add to the other ingredients<br />
as needed to get a firm dough.<br />
Knead the dough lightly and let<br />
it rest for a few minutes. Cut<br />
the dough into shapes.<br />
Add the pork tails, sweet pepper,<br />
thyme, and onions to the pot of<br />
red beans and cook on medium<br />
heat. Add half of the pork<br />
tail stock and continue to add<br />
more if it is needed. This gives<br />
the soup a great taste. Add the<br />
dumplings and let them boil until<br />
they rise to the top or cooked.<br />
Add the sweet potatoes and<br />
tannias. Then add the ginger,<br />
black pepper, and sugar to taste.<br />
Lower the heat to medium and<br />
let the soup simmer to a nice<br />
consistency. (Stir continuously to<br />
avoid anything from sticking to<br />
the pot.)<br />
Continue to add more ginger,<br />
salt, black pepper or sugar to get<br />
the perfect taste.<br />
56 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
2017 Carnival Safety Tips<br />
In the U.S. Virgin Islands, the start of a new year also signifies the preparation for our cultural Carnival<br />
Season. At the Virgin Islands Police Department, safety is always our main goal and objective. Here is a<br />
list of safety tips to keep in mind during Carnival 2017.<br />
Traffic Safety<br />
• Traffic congestion often escalates during the carnival season. Always be cautious and adhere to road<br />
closures. In the event of an emergency, identify alternate routes.<br />
• The Traffic Bureau addresses vehicle safety, including the inspection of tractor trailers utilized<br />
during carnival activities. Please be sure that all paperwork and operational requirements are ready in<br />
preparation for these inspections.<br />
• Do not drink and drive. If you know you will be drinking, have a designated driver with you or utilize<br />
taxi services.<br />
Personal Safety<br />
• The VIPD will have officers assigned and present at every carnival event for protection, deterrence, and<br />
apprehension of law breakers, if need be.<br />
• If during any event you see a situation brewing, or a disturbance such as a fight or heated argument,<br />
contact a law enforcement officer immediately.<br />
• Travel in groups and stay in well lighted areas. Do not trust anyone you don’t know or attempt to<br />
wonder off in dark alleys and roadways.<br />
Residential and Business Safety<br />
• Lock your doors and windows when leaving home. Leave a light on outside and notify your neighbor<br />
that you will be away from home.<br />
• Report suspicious individuals during the opening and/or closing of your establishment. Be mindful of<br />
counterfeit bills and report it to the police immediately. No selling of alcohol to minors; please ask for<br />
identification from individuals buying liquor.<br />
• Avoid making nightly deposits if possible.<br />
Child Safety<br />
• Any child under the age of 18 shall not be on the public street after 10 p.m. without a consenting adult.<br />
• Pay attention to your children when out at Carnival events, advise them to meet you at a certain area<br />
after the event.<br />
Vendor Safety<br />
• Vendors must obtain a placement permit from the Office of the Chief of Police or the Carnival<br />
Committee to sell at Carnival Events. No selling of alcohol to minors ask for identification from<br />
individuals buying liquor.<br />
• No toy guns, knives, firecrackers, or anything else simulating a weapon can be sold.<br />
• Bottles are not allowed at the various events. They will be taken away and disposed of by law<br />
enforcement if observed.<br />
58 A Centennial Commemoration for our 65th Celebration
2017 VI Carnival Sponsors
4 A Centenniel Commemoration for our 65th Celebration