Community Center

Flags to Fly at Half-Staff June 20 in Honor of Edgie Christian, Founding Member of Ten Sleepless Knights and Cultural Icon

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has ordered that all Virgin Islands flags be flown at half-staff across the territory on Friday, June 20, in tribute to Austin Eldred “Edgie” Christian, Jr., a pioneering cultural ambassador, musician, and co-founder of the legendary Quelbe ensemble, The Ten Sleepless Knights. The proclamation directs all flags at Government House and on public buildings throughout the Virgin Islands to be lowered from sunrise to sunset in remembrance of a man whose influence helped shape the territory’s musical and cultural identity. “Edgie Christian was more than a musician—he was the living embodiment of our cultural rhythm and pride,” said Governor Bryan. “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.” Born on March 21, 1942, in St. Thomas, Christian—affectionately known as “Edgie”—was a lifelong champion of Virgin Islands culture, par...