ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands — For the first time in the history of the Virgin Islands, the highest governing body of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. convened on St. Croix as the fraternity’s Supreme Council gathered for its 2026 Quality Business Review (QBR). Hosted by the Eta Iota Iota Chapter of the 13th District, the historic meeting brought together international leadership, local brothers, and district officials for several days of strategic discussion, fellowship, and reflection on the fraternity’s global mission.

The meetings, held at The Buccaneer, marked a milestone for the Caribbean region and for the fraternity’s international leadership structure. Normally headquartered in Atlanta, the Supreme Council relocated this quarterly gathering due to ongoing construction at the International Headquarters, creating an opportunity to meet in the Virgin Islands for the first time as a collective body.

Leading the delegation was Grand Basileus Ricky L. Lewis, who arrived in the territory alongside members of the Supreme Council to participate in leadership discussions and engage with local brothers.

“This fraternity is a global organization with more than 200,000 initiated members in 18 countries across four continents,” Lewis said during the visit. “St. Croix is part of what we do. We wanted to hold our Supreme Council retreat here in the Virgin Islands.”

A Historic Moment for the 13th District

The visit represented a significant milestone for the 13th District, one of Omega Psi Phi’s most geographically diverse districts, spanning the Caribbean, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico.

For local leadership, the moment carried deep historical significance.

“It’s truly an honor,” said Rick Mullgrav, deputy district representative for the Caribbean. “They could have had it anywhere in the world, and they decided to have it here. So we’re truly honored. It’s a historic event.”

Although individual leaders of the fraternity have visited the Virgin Islands in the past, this gathering marked the first time the Supreme Council has convened collectively in the territory.

“This will definitely go down in the history books for our district,” said Quincy Lewis, Basileus of the Eta Iota Iota Chapter.

District Representative Freddie Thompson IV emphasized the symbolic importance of the visit.

“The 13th District is the district that truly makes Omega international,” Thompson said. “So for the leader of our fraternity to come here and spend time with this chapter is historic.”

Brotherhood and Fellowship

Beyond the formal sessions, the gathering provided an opportunity for fellowship among brothers representing different regions of the world.

“They’ll conduct their quarterly business review, but outside of that we’ll spend time fellowshipping and getting to know each other more as brothers,” Quincy Lewis said.

The visit began with the Grand Basileus receiving a warm welcome at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, where local members greeted him with the fraternity’s signature Omega Call.

For many in attendance, the gathering symbolized the enduring strength of Omega Psi Phi’s brotherhood and its ability to unite members across continents.

“Our fraternity is about friendship and fellowship,” Lewis said. “Friendship is essential to the soul, and that’s what we try to live every day.”

Building the Next Generation

Another key focus of the visit involved expanding mentorship and leadership development opportunities for young men in the Virgin Islands.

Local fraternity leaders are working with University of the Virgin Islands to explore establishing undergraduate chapters on both St. Croix and St. Thomas.

“We all know that the future is really in our young people’s hands,” Mullgrav said. “If we’re going to do it, it makes sense to start at an undergraduate level.”

Plans are underway to host information sessions for male students interested in learning more about the fraternity’s history, mission, and community impact. Graduate members would mentor undergraduate brothers, strengthening the network between generations.

“We give them information first so that they can see what it’s about,” Mullgrav said. “They can do their own research and decide if this is for them, because Omega is not for everybody.”

A Commitment to Service

Service remains central to the identity of the St. Croix chapter.

The Eta Iota Iota Chapter, established in December 1990, regularly partners with the Crucian Purple & Gold Foundation on community initiatives. Their projects include beach cleanups, toy drives for the Queen Louise Home for Children, clothing drives, and volunteer work at local care facilities.

Recently, the chapter coordinated a donation of mobility equipment to the Herbert Gregg Home for the Aging, providing wheelchairs, walkers, canes, and bedside commodes to improve quality of life for residents.

“This contribution reflects our chapter’s commitment to service and to improving the quality of life for our elders,” chapter representatives said.

Mullgrav described the initiative as a reflection of the chapter’s guiding philosophy.

“If we don’t serve our community, who’s going to do it?” he said. “Nobody’s going to come down here to do these things for us. We have to start here at home.”

Looking Forward

As the Supreme Council concluded its historic visit, fraternity leaders emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between international leadership and local chapters.

The discussions held during the 2026 Quality Business Review reaffirmed Omega Psi Phi’s enduring mission to advance Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift while strengthening the organization for future generations.

From strategic planning sessions to moments of fellowship among brothers, the gathering in St. Croix reflected both the legacy and the forward momentum of a fraternity that has served communities around the world since 1911.