St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands – The V.I. Access and Visitation Program (AVP) within the Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) of the V.I. Department of Justice (DOJ), hosted a special certificate ceremony on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at G & D Seafood in Subbase, honoring participants of the 4th Fatherhood Buzz program—a locally led initiative under the DOJ’s AVP Program aimed at strengthening father-child relationships and promoting positive parenting in the Territory.
The event brought together community advocates, local leaders, and families to honor the crucial role fathers play in their children’s lives, while underscoring the importance of emotional connection, shared time, and equal parenting access in building strong family bonds. Seven fathers were proudly awarded certificates just ahead of Father’s Day, marking their commitment to personal growth and positive parenting. The 12-week program went beyond basic parenting tools, incorporating a strong focus on “Self-Care” to support fathers in maintaining their mental, emotional, and spiritual health as they remain present and engaged in their children’s lives.
Carlton Stevens, President/CEO of The Mission Project, partnered with AVP to encourage fathers from all walks of life to take an active role in their children’s lives, whether they are single, married, custodial, or noncustodial. Stevens shared, “While the Mission Project supports both men and women, we focus on empowering fathers in this program. It’s not just about talking—it’s about taking action. We confront the challenges fathers face, fostering honest conversations, personal growth, and real change.
Program participants shared powerful personal stories of transformation—some emotional, yet incredibly inspiring.
Jeffrey Stephen Lewis moved attendees with an original song filled with deep emotion. He also shared his personal experience, highlighting the dedication of the fathers involved: “There are no ‘deadbeat dads’ here. I saw fathers who wanted to be present, just like me, but for various reasons couldn’t always be there. In my case, the hurt and stress I was carrying felt overwhelming, and without this program, I’m not sure how I managed to keep moving forward while feeling so unsettled inside.”
Jahoda Benjamin, a program participant, shared, “This program reminds you that you’re not alone and that your feelings matter. Growing up, many of us were told to hide our emotions, but becoming a father is a deeply personal journey with no set path. Programs like this, offering genuine mentorship and support, are truly rare.”
Another participant, Jonathan P. Tucker, added, “The program taught me that challenges are inevitable, but what matters is how we respond. As men, we’re often taught to bottle things up, but healing requires openness. I want to pass on to my children the importance of emotional and intellectual maturity—the ability to reflect and make responsible decisions.
Calvin Fleming expressed gratitude for the recognition of fathers in the Virgin Islands: “We truly appreciate that you finally acknowledge fathers here. We go through a lot, and often our struggles go unheard. People think men aren’t supposed to cry, but the truth is we’re human like everyone else—we bear the same pain.”
Langley Shazor highlighted the importance of community in his journey: “When I first moved to the island four years ago, I felt like an outsider. This program gave me a safe space and introduced me to brothers facing similar challenges in fatherhood and life. It made me feel part of the community. We continue to support each other and grow, even after the program ended.”
Guest speaker, Senate President of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, the Honorable Milton E. Potter, delivered a powerful message congratulating the fathers and highlighting the significance of their roles in society. “As I look around the room, I see something truly powerful,” said Senator Potter. “I see builders—not of houses or bridges, but of something far more valuable: builders of strong families and stronger communities. Every strong structure requires a solid foundation, and the same is true for families. Thank you for committing to this program. If our families are in crisis, our communities will remain in a constant state of crisis.”
“This event is not just a celebration of completion, it’s a tribute to the growth, commitment, and resilience of every father involved,” said Ruth Warren, a team member with the Mission Project. “These men showed up with courage, shared their stories, faced their challenges head-on, and supported each other through open and honest dialogue.”
The AVP is federally funded by a separate grant awarded to child support agencies by the Office of Child Support Services to establish and administer programs like Fatherhood Buzz to support and facilitate non-custodial parent’s access to and visitation of their children as mandated by Congress. To achieve this, states are allowed to fund a range of services including mediation, development of parenting plans, education, counseling, visitation enforcement (including supervised visitation and neutral drop-off), and the development of alternative custody and visitation guidelines at no cost to clients.
AVP program administrator Dr. Sharon Jackson-McDonald said, “The Fatherhood Buzz Closing Certificate Program stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of active, engaged, and empowered fathers in our communities. This initiative not only celebrates the dedication of fathers who have committed to growth and responsibility but also reinforces the critical role fatherhood plays in shaping strong families and vibrant futures. We affirm our continued commitment to strengthening the foundation of fatherhood—one life, one family, and one generation at a time. Every father honored here has taken intentional steps to be present, to be better and to be a lasting example in the lives of their children.
“Programs like this make a lasting difference—not just for fathers, but for entire communities,” said Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea. “We urge more men to take part and experience the impact.”
Chief Deputy Attorney General Ian S.A. Clement added, “This is progress—parents stepping up, systems offering support, and families growing stronger. We’re proud of every father here today.”
To learn more about the Fatherhood Buzz program or any services offered under the Access and Visitation Program, contact:
V.I. Department of Justice, Paternity and Child Support Division (PCSD) Access & Visitation (AVP)
St. Croix: (340) 775-3070, ext. 5007, 5010
St. Thomas: (340) 778-5958
viaccess@vi.gov
Mr. Carlton Stevens,
President/CEO of the Mission Project
340-998-3310
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 16, 2025
Sandra Goomansingh
Media Relations Director
(340) 774-5666 ext. 10105
Email: sandra.goomansingh@doj.vi.gov