The U.S. Virgin Islands Division of Festivals Celebrates 2025 St. Thomas Carnival Honorees

St Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (April 24, 2025) – The Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals proudly announce the 2025 St. Thomas Carnival honorees, each recognized for their lasting contributions to Virgin Islands culture and community. This year’s honorees include Charles (Shaka) Matthew as Adult Parade Honoree, Miranda Isaac as Food Fair Honoree, St. Thomas Majorettes Inc as Children’s Parade Honoree, and the Pinney Brothers as Village Honoree.

“This year’s honorees truly represent the essence of our culture, each one contributing to the vibrancy, history, and unique spirit of the Virgin Islands,” says Joseph Boschulte, Commissioner of Tourism. “Carnival is a time to celebrate our heritage, and we are proud to honor those who have dedicated their time and passion to preserving and showcasing what makes us so special.”

Adult Parade Honoree: Shaka Zulu
For Charles Shaka Matthew, Carnival has always been more than a celebration. After years of watching from the sidelines, he made a personal commitment to join only if he could contribute something meaningful. That moment arrived in 2002 with the launch of the Shaka Zulu Troupe, a group inspired by African ancestry and tradition. What began with just four members has become one of the most powerful cultural expressions on the parade route. As founder and costume designer, Matthew has spent the past twenty-four years handcrafting attire that honors the spirit of Mother Africa, using natural feathers, beads, and hides to bring ancestral pride to life. Now at sixty-one, he continues to lead with purpose and passion, keeping his vision alive for the Virgin Islands and for the generations to come.

Children’s Parade Honoree: St. Thomas Majorettes Inc
Since their founding in 2006, the St. Thomas Majorettes have grown from forty charter members into one of the most celebrated youth groups in the Virgin Islands. Their debut in the Children’s Parade marked the start of a tradition built on precision, pride, and performance. Beyond the accolades and appearances at regional and international events, the group serves as a space for young girls to grow into confident leaders. Through workshops and mentorship, members gain tools for academic success, personal development, and self-expression. With the support of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the St. Thomas Majorettes continue to inspire with every step, twirl, and salute.

Food Fair Honoree: Miranda Isaac
For more than thirty years, Miranda Isaac has brought bold flavor and cultural pride to the heart of Market Square. Her journey began beside her mother, the beloved Leon B Riley, known to many as Sista Riley, where the two sold tie-dye clothes, handmade jewelry, and toys that lit up the faces of passersby. Over time, Miranda found her true calling in spices, earning her the nickname The Spice Lady. Her blends are more than seasonings. They are stories, each one filled with heritage, humor, and the unmistakable taste of the Virgin Islands.

Village Honorees: The Pinney Brothers
This year’s Village Honorees, the Pinney brothers—Willis, Vance, and Steve—are being recognized for their enduring contributions to the cultural fabric of the Virgin Islands. Raised in a musically gifted home by their mother, Melvina C. Browne-Pinney, the brothers helped shape the sound of Carnival through their work with the iconic Mandingo Brass band. Willis, the founding visionary, led with passion and purpose, elevating local music on stages across the Caribbean and beyond. Vance, a talented conga player and songwriter, brought rich calypso traditions to life, while Steve added his voice and rhythm, ensuring the music carried into the next generation. Together, they have defined a legacy of creativity, unity, and celebration at the heart of Virgin Islands culture.

“The 2025 honorees carry forward our proud tradition of recognizing the cultural pillars who shape and uplift our community,” said Ian Turnbull, Director of Festivals. “It’s an honor to celebrate the individuals who continue to enrich the legacy of St. Thomas Carnival and make our culture shine.”

For a full calendar of events for St. Thomas Carnival, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/st-thomas-carnival.

For more information about the U.S. Virgin Islands and its offerings, please visit https://www.visitusvi.com/.

About the U.S. Virgin Islands
About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to www.VisitUSVI.com, follow us on Instagram (@visitusvi) and Twitter (@usvitourism), and become a fan on Facebook (www.facebook.com/VisitUSVI).