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Governor Bryan Orders Virgin Islands Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Culture Bearer Austin Eldred "Edgie" Christian, Jr. - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Orders Virgin Islands Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Culture Bearer Austin Eldred "Edgie" Christian, Jr. - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Orders Virgin Islands Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of Culture Bearer Austin Eldred “Edgie” Christian, Jr. Search Latest Comments No comments to show. June 18 U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued a proclamation ordering that all Virgin Islands flags be flown at half-staff at Government House and on all public buildings on Friday, June 20, 2025, from sunrise to sunset, in honor and remembrance of Austin Eldred “Edgie” Christian, Jr., a cherished cultural icon and founding member of the world-renowned Quelbe band, The Ten Sleepless Knights. Born on March 21, 1942, in St. Thomas, Mr. Christian—affectionately known as “Edgie”—was a lifelong ambassador of Virgin Islands culture whose contributions to the territory’s musical heritage have left an indelible mark. In 1970, he helped form The Ten Sleepless Knights and gave the group its now-famous name. As a lead vocalist and banjo player, Edgie’s voice and musicianship helped define Quelbe music for generations of Virgin Islanders. “Edgie Christian was more than a musician—he was the living embodiment of our cultural rhythm and pride,” Governor Bryan said. “From classrooms to parades, from serenades to festivals, he shared his love of culture with young and old alike. His passing is a tremendous loss to the people of the Virgin Islands.” Beyond his decades-long dedication to preserving and sharing Quelbe, Edgie also founded the band Edgie & the Majestic in the 1960s and played at countless community events. A beloved community figure, he was known for his passion for baseball, horse racing, and tennis, and for always being present at Sunday races from the first to the last. Mr. Christian’s impact extended deeply into education and community engagement. He regularly performed in schools across the Territory, especially during Virgin Islands History Month and the Christmas season, ensuring that younger generations were introduced to the rhythms, stories, and soul of Quelbe. He also performed frequently during Older Americans Month and other elder-centered celebrations, bringing joy and music to the seniors of the community. A lasting testament to his legacy is his role in the adaptation of the traditional Scottish ballad “Auld Lang Syne” into the beloved Virgin Islands version, “Old Year’s Quelbe,” now an integral part of Crucian New Year’s traditions. Austin Eldred “Edgie” Christian, Jr. passed away on May 24, 2025. As a tribute to his unmatched contributions to Virgin Islands culture, Governor Bryan has called upon all residents to pause in remembrance on Friday, June 20, as the flags are lowered to honor this extraordinary culture bearer. # # # TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.