Alscess Lewis-Brown is co-Chair of the VILF and Editor in Chief of The Caribbean Writer. She is the author of several books for young adults, including  Efa and the Mosquito as well as the Moko Jumbi Majorettes, Promise of the Pomegranate, Moko Jumbi Dreams, and Footsteps to the Sunrise. She has served on the University of the Virgin Islands’ part time faculty, teaching courses in composition, literature, and the humanities.  Her career as a human resources director and labor relations professional spans more than thirty years.

Dr. Patricia Harkins-Pierre has been teaching at the University of the Virgin Islands since 1989. While working on Ph.D. in Creative Writing at the University of Southern Mississippi, she studied poetry with Mervyn Morris at the University of West Indies and later with Nobel Prize winner Derek Walcott at USM. She represented the USVI at the Parnassus Poetry Event in London, linked to the 2012 Summer Olympics, along with her husband, Caribbean Gospel artist Glenworth Pierre. Both her poetry and fiction have been widely published in creative journals such as “Negative Capability” and “The Caribbean Writer,” as well as in anthologies, including “Seasoning for the Mortar,” “Uncommon Places,” “Greenhouse” and “The World Record.” Recently a collection of her poems, Prophets of Morning Light, was published by Negative Capability Press.

Yvette McMahon-Arnold currently serves as Secretary of the Committee. She is a founding member of Virgin Islands Literary Festival and Book Fair (VILitFest) committee. She is also employed by the Virgin Islands Department of Education as a State Director in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction.

Marthious Clavier was born on the island of St. Croix.  He obtained a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Computer Science and a Masters of Education in Technology from the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI). Currently, he is working at the UVI Cooperative Extension Service (CES) as an Assistant Director, Communication, Technology & Distance Learning. He is also a part time instructor in the School of Business at the university. As an UVI-CES employee, he serves as the Director of the UVI Exhibits on the VI Agriculture and Food Fair Board of Directors. The various directors on this board collaborate and conduct the annual VI Agriculture and Food Fair. He also serves as the Associate/Youth Pastor of the Frederiksted Baptist Church.

Dr. Chenzira Davis Kahina is an educator, cultural heritage ethnographer, artist, naturopathic therapist, ordained ministerial priestess, inspirational speaker, media host and communications advisor.  Dr. Davis Kahina is a founding director of the NGO and NPO, Per Ankh, Inc., with UNESCO Special Consultative Status, that institutes culture, healing, arts, technology and spirituality for life, inspiration, freedom and education (CHATS4LIFE).  Dr. Davis Kahina respectfully known as “Dr. Chen” teaches and is the director of the Virgin Islands Caribbean Cultural Center in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at the University of the Virgin Islands.

Elaine Jacobs is a writer, traditional storyteller and retired educator. Her work has appeared in The Caribbean Writer Calendar edition, Mid-Atlantic Foundation, Sea Breeze Journal of Liberian Writings and Talk That Talk: an anthology of African American Storytelling.  She is a co-author of All This Is Love: a collection of Virgin Islands Poetry, Fiction and Art. She created and hosted the local WTJX/PBS Out in de Yard and has performed at many storytelling festivals and conferences nationally.  Jacobs taught multiple grades and language arts subjects in the public school system of the US Virgin Islands before her retirement in 2017, and was a finalist for the 2017 District Teacher of the Year for the St. Thomas/St. John District.

EVANNIE E. JEREMIAH is an Administrative Specialist at the University of the Virgin Islands – Cooperative Extension Service – employed at UVI for 36 years.  She obtained a BA degree in Business Management from University of the Virgin Islands.  This is her 4th year with VILF.  She is enthused about working in the community and has a sincere love for the literary arts.

Richard C. Dorsey is the CEO of the Virgin Islands based data analytics and marketing support company, Island Analytics & Marketing, LLC or simply called “IAM, LLC”. As former Director of Institutional Advancement for Catholic Schools and Charities of the Virgin Islands, Richard was integral to the introduction of the first Information Technology academy in territory which promotes Information Telecommunication & Communication certification and education. He also served as reporter for CBS TV2 News, ABC Channel 8 News, journalist for the VI Source, and co-producer and host of the “Strictly for Youths” radio show. Born on St. Croix Richard, accrued more than 15 years of experience in the retail industry, having managed local and national clothing chains.

Mark Sylvester has been a prison Librarian/Paralegal for many years. He is the recipient of several poetry and short story prizes. In 1992 he was awarded a poetry fellowship by the University of Miami. Mark is the author of poetry collections: When I Awake and The Road I walk. Some years ago, Mark conducted a few poetry workshops with some prisoners out of which came an anthology of the prisoners’ works called, “To Higher Heights.” His other artistic skills/interests include drama, journalism and painting. In recent years, Mark, an ordained minister and widowed and the father of four, has turned his artistic energy/attention to photography.