Judi Shimel

U.S. Virgin Islands

Freelance Reporter at St. John The Source US Virgin Islands

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Articles

Constitutional Convention Delegates Call Session Fees Inadequate

3 days ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Budget considerations topped the agenda as members of the Sixth Constitutional Convention met Saturday on St. Thomas. The weekend meeting was the second plenary session held since convention delegates set out on the latest attempt to create a set of fundamental principles to govern the territory. After hearing a summary of talks held April 29 among members of the convention’s executive team, delegates approved a motion to ask the Legislature for additional funding.
‘They Have Stepped on the Stones’: Catholic Cleric Reflects on Elevation of New Pope

6 days ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

The organizer of a recent Catholic pilgrimage from the Virgin Islands to Rome spoke with hope on Thursday as word traveled about the selection of a new pope. Speaking from St. Croix, Very Rev. Andrea Filippucci called the choice of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost “a very exciting time for the church.”A conclave of Catholic cardinals spent a day and a half considering their choice and, by late Thursday, chose a Chicago-born missionary who spent the past eight years serving in Peru.
‘They Have Stepped on the Stones’: Catholic Cleric Reflects on Elevation of New Pope

6 days ago | stjohnsource.com | Judi Shimel

The organizer of a recent Catholic pilgrimage from the Virgin Islands to Rome spoke with hope on Thursday as word traveled about the selection of a new pope. Speaking from St. Croix, Very Rev. Andrea Filippucci called the choice of Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost “a very exciting time for the church.”A conclave of Catholic cardinals spent a day and a half considering their choice and, by late Thursday, chose a Chicago-born missionary who spent the past eight years serving in Peru.
Police on St. Thomas To Update Public on Recent Crimes at Wednesday Briefing

1 week ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Newly appointed St. Thomas-St. John District Police Chief Deborah Hodge is expected to appear at a press briefing Wednesday on St. Thomas and share details about recent homicide investigations, a police spokesperson said. Two men were killed and another man was wounded in separate shooting incidents on May 3 and May 4.
Young Revelers Shine in St. Thomas Carnival Children’s Parade

1 week ago | stthomassource.com | Ananta Pancham |Judi Shimel

The streets of Charlotte Amalie lit up Friday morning with a kaleidoscope of color and sound as the St. Thomas Carnival Children’s Parade made its way up through town. Gold sequins caught the sunlight like fire, bold feathers swayed to the rhythm of the drums, and glittering crowns on the heads of this year’s royalty gleamed with every step.
Photo Focus: J’ouvert Street Fashion 2025

1 week ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Whether they headed out the door in the foreday morning or stayed up late in Carnival Village, J’ouvert revelers brought their style to Veterans Drive Thursday morning. These images pay tribute to some of the standouts: male and female, fresh or seasoned, simple and elaborate in their fashion sense:Playful style and ready for the club — indoors or out — with a long-sleeved crop top over black boy shorts and a garter belt supporting knee-high patterned hosiery.
Flavors of Home: Carnival Food Fair Celebrates Family, Tradition, and Resilience

2 weeks ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel |Ananta Pancham

It was the kind of rain that soaks through shoes and clings to clothes, but at Crown Bay’s Austin Monsanto Marine Terminal on Wednesday, no one flinched. With steam rising from soup pots and the scent of grilled seafood drifting through the air, Senate President Milton Potter reminded the crowd why they had gathered. “This fair represents who we are as a people—resourceful, creative, and grateful even in challenging times,” Potter said during the opening ceremony for St. Thomas Carnival Food Fair.
The Pinney Brothers Honored as 2025 Carnival Village Honorees

2 weeks ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Amid a warm but casual atmosphere, three brothers shared a single honor at the opening ceremony of V.I. Carnival Village. The brothers were praised as members of the 1980s popular band, Mandingo Brass. Organizers of the annual fete named the Village Willis, Vance & Steve Pinney’s Musical Parlor. The dedication was a family affair; each honoree was introduced by one of their children, who told the story of their musical contributions.
Photo Focus: Pan-O-Rama Brings Family Entertainment to Charlotte Amalie

2 weeks ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Just before the big bacchanal of St. Thomas Carnival shifts into gear, the gleam of shiny steel pans filled the scene at Fort Christian Parking Lot. The annual Pan-O-Rama brought the festive sounds of bright tenors, the rumbling bass and percussion knockin’ dog. Once Carnival Village is officially opened at Monday’s ceremony, some of the best local and regional dance bands will fill the air with soca, zouk, salsa and quelbay tunes.
Photo Focus: Calypso’s Shining Night

2 weeks ago | stthomassource.com | Judi Shimel

Hundreds of music fans filled the Fort Christian Parking Lot on Saturday night to celebrate a lively showcase of song, storytelling and showmanship — the art of calypso. Those who stayed until the end witnessed Lucas Evans, performing under the stage name John Gotti, take home the title of St. Thomas’ 2025 Calypso Monarch. The victory marks Lucas’ third consecutive win, putting him in rare company among Virgin Islands calypso monarchs.