Analyze This with Neville James

Part 2 - Host Neville James welcomes attorney Dwayne Henry and Professor Malik Sekou for a Bush Tea discussion that explores Virgin Islands cultural preservation, highlighting the legacy of cultural bearer Arona Peterson, the importance of maintaining local traditions, oral history, and Indigenous heritage, and the need for stronger institutional support for cultural education. The conversation then shifts to concerns about the well-being of U.S. service members during extended military deployments and concludes with an analysis of recent primary election results, where Henry and Sekou discuss voter dissatisfaction, the growing influence of independents, and the economic issues shaping the national political landscape.

Part 1 - Host Neville James opens the Wednesday edition of Analyze This by reflecting on the previous day’s tribute to the late Quelbe musician Isidore “IG” Griles and recognizing the contributions of cultural historians and musicians Dimitri “Pikey” Copeman and Kendall “Casey” Henry. The discussion explores the cultural impact of legends including Calypso Rose, Sonny Rollins, Tommy Olivencia, and numerous Virgin Islands musicians, with Neville tracing the history behind iconic songs such as “St. Thomas,” “Fire Fire,” and “Don’t Touch Me.” The segment also honors Virgin Islands heritage by examining the influence of local musicians, traditional instruments, and cultural traditions, while listeners contribute stories and memories celebrating the enduring legacy of Caribbean music and Quelbe culture.

Part 2 - Host Neville James continued the conversation with cultural educators and musicians Dimitri “Pikey” Copeman and Kendall “Casey” Henry om an in-depth discussion of Isidore “IG” Griles’s life, contributions, and lasting influence on Virgin Islands music. In a conversation filled with stories and historical reflections, Pikey and Casey highlight the artistry of legendary Quelbe performers including Ira Samuel, James “Jamesy” Brewster, and Soda, while exploring the evolution of Quelbe music, the importance of preserving traditional instruments and techniques, and the need to pass Virgin Islands cultural heritage on to future generations. Throughout the tribute, Pikey Copeman and Casey Henry share personal memories of performing with and learning from IG, describing him as a gifted percussionist, steel and triangle player, mentor, and passionate advocate for Virgin Islands culture whose humility, musicianship, and love for Quelbe left an enduring mark on St. Croix’s cultural landscape.

Part 1 - Host Neville James opens the program with National Weather Service meteorologist Manuel Ramos, who provides updates on drought conditions, water rationing in Puerto Rico, Saharan dust concentrations, heat advisories, marine conditions, and the potential for increased rainfall from an approaching tropical wave. The show is dedicated to the late Quelbe musician Isidore “IG” Griles, with Neville sharing memories of his contributions to Virgin Islands culture and music. Later, cultural performer and educator Kendall “Casey” Henry and Veteran musician Dimitri “Pikey” Copeman join the discussion to reflect on Griles’ legacy as a percussionist, mentor, and longtime member of several prominent Quelbe bands.

Part 2 - Host Neville James continues the conversation with Shereen Flax, former House of Assembly member, business owner, and cultural figure from the British Virgin Islands, who argues against proposals to grant exclusive cruise ship access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay, emphasizing public beach access, tourism equity, conservation funding, and the livelihoods of local businesses and charter operators. Later, caller Frank Gumbs joins the discussion, and Donald “Ducks” Cole weigh in on the economic, environmental, and policy implications of the issue while reflecting on Virgin Islands tourism, hurricane recovery, infrastructure maintenance, and the importance of balancing revenue generation with preserving the territory’s natural treasures.

Part 1 - Host Neville James shares observations on weather conditions, hurricane season preparedness, and regional issues affecting the Virgin Islands. Later, Raymond Williams of the VI Lottery highlights a teacher appreciation raffle supporting educators across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John, before Shereen Flax joins from the British Virgin Islands to discuss the controversy surrounding proposed exclusive cruise ship access to The Baths and Devil’s Bay, balancing tourism revenues with public beach access and conservation concerns.

Part 2 - Host Neville James is joined by Barb Michaud, Anna Holley, and Tracy Cole of Cancer Support VI to discuss the organization’s work assisting cancer patients across the U.S. Virgin Islands through financial aid, advocacy, and community outreach. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Just Beat It Tennis Tournament fundraiser, the importance of early detection, and ongoing efforts to expand support for uninsured residents and cancer warriors throughout the territory.

Part 1 - Juana Diaz of the National Weather Service in San Juan joins Analyze This to provide updates on drought conditions, heat advisories, marine hazards, and tropical systems being monitored in the Atlantic. Host Neville also examines the debate surrounding the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s proposed airport redevelopment partnership with Sky City, discussing concerns raised by airline representatives over costs, air service impacts, and the territory’s long-term transportation future.

Part 2 - Host Neville James examines U.S. political developments and recent Democratic primary races, and provides an analysis of the certified Virgin Islands primary election results. The discussion highlights voter turnout trends, the growing impact of early voting, and the need for strong oversight as major recovery and infrastructure projects advance across the territory.

Part 1 - RoseAnne Farrington, Deputy Commissioner of the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, joins Neville James to discuss the upcoming We Mean Business Summit, a women’s leadership and professional development conference scheduled for September 16-18 in St. Thomas.