Virgin Islands flags ordered flown at half-staff June 20 in honor of Austin "Edgie" Christian Jr.

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. issued a proclamation ordering Virgin Islands flags to be flown at half-staff at Government House and on public buildings on Friday, June 20, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of Austin Eldred "Edgie" Christian Jr.

Christian, who died on May 24, 2025, was a founding member of The Ten Sleepless Knights. Born on March 21, 1942, in St. Thomas, he helped form the Quelbe band in 1970, gave the group its name, and performed as a lead vocalist and banjo player.

The Government House statement also said Christian founded Edgie & the Majestic in the 1960s, performed at community events and schools across the territory, and helped adapt the Scottish ballad "Auld Lang Syne" into the Virgin Islands version, "Old Year's Quelbe."

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-orders-flags-to-fly-at-half-staff-in-honor-of-culture-bearer-austin-eldred-edgie-christian-jr/