Bloggers

Jabriel Ballentine uses the knowledge acquired from his network to analyze the particular needs of the Virgin Islands. In virtually every facet of Virgin Islands life, Jabriel has benefitted from the wisdom of his family members and extended network.

Because of this circle, Jabriel Ballentine has had the pleasure of meeting and knowing many notable Virgin Islanders to discuss the issues facing the Territory. As such, he has a deep understanding of the issues, as well as cutting insights towards solutions.

Jabriel Ballentine is a former Congressional Staffer (Communications) and now runs a consulting firm focused on the needs of the Africa and the Diaspora. In early 2008, Jabriel met with President Bush, and made an appeal for the citizenship rights of Virgin Islanders. He represented the Virgin Islands at the 2008 Republican Convention. He regularly meets with various Congressional and Administration officials to discuss issues facing the Virgin Islands.  Read Jabriel's Blog Posts...

Geoff “Fig” Newton is a structural engineer, freshwateryankee.com founder, and member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. who has been living on the mainland for 17 years.  He business ventures have included drafting, financial services & real estate investing. 

Geoff is a graduate of All Saints Cathedral School, Morgan State University and currently is a graduate student at the George Washington University.  He has received a lot of his experience working with the Hampton Roads community through his fraternity and various other community based organizations.  This experience has helped to bridge to gap between Greeks and community. 

He has received several community service awards including the Unsung Hero Award given to a person for their dedication to community service in and around the Hampton Roads area.  His hope is that although his children are born “Yankees” they will understand their ties to the Virgin Islands and Caribbean!  Read Geoff's Blog Posts...

Devin Robinson is a college professor, columnist, sought after speaker and best-selling author, who overcame significant odds.  By age 17 he had been arrested 5 times and faced 3 felonies.  Devin was expelled from high school in his senior year and a victim of near-death police brutality.  He experienced the murder of his best friend and stood by while several others were sentenced to prison, one sentenced for life.  Devin Robinson has been featured on national platforms such as Ebony magazine, the Rev Al Sharpton and Michael Baisden nationally syndicated radio shows.

He developed strong talents in writing and business and decided to pursue a full-time entrepreneur life.  He soon developed multiple businesses, including a mortgage brokerage firm, real estate investment, retails stores, salons and a publishing company.  Devin Robinson writes a motivational column for a Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper and speaking to audiences across the country.  Read Devin's Blog Posts...

Krim Ballentine has over 40 years of Law Enforcement experience including: Chief Deputy US Marshal (retired), Assistant Commissioner (& Acting Commissioner) of the VIPD, Safety & Security Chief, VI Port Authority, Chief Warrant Officer Three, USAR, Counterintelligence Agent, former member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, charter member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, member of the Federal Bureau of Investigations National Academy Associates, member of the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts, Life member Reserve Officers Association, Life member of the American Military Retirees Association, Disabled American Veterans and American Legion (Post Commander, 07-08).

Presently a US Constitutional Philosopher & Lecturer, Krim Ballentine is an Honorary Member of the Mark Twain Society, Emeritus member of the American Philosophical Association, member Royal Institute of Philosophy, former member of the American Philosophical Practitioners Association, and an Imam of the Fahamme Islam School of Culture.

Krim Ballentine is “The Last Negro,” which is a claim in honor of Othello, the First Negro  and a Moorish Prince during the 8th century occupation of Spain and Sicily.  The Spaniards chose to classify him as Negro (skin color), as opposed to Africano (African descent).  Read Krim's Blog Posts...

Genevieve Whitaker is a human rights law advocate, consultant, radio personality and blogger.   She was born and raised on St. Croix. After completing law school in May 2007, Genevieve returned home with the desire and zeal to take her message of human rights to the place she calls home.

Genevieve received a Certificate in International Human Rights Law from Oxford University's Department of Continuing Education and served as a lobbyist for Amnesty International USA representing the State of Florida.  Ms. Whitaker also served as a Legal Counsel in the 27th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. She is the CEO/Owner of the Whitaker Consultant Group, LLC, a firm specializing in legal research, nonprofit administration and political consultation. Genevieve Whitaker works to inspire other young Virgin Islanders to become advocates for issues that are near and dear to them!