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  • Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book || FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation || BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations || Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations || RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory || Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory || Police Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory || South African National Charged in Fatal Marine Collision Granted Bail || Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation Champions Education with Book Donation |||| ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
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BVI models gain international exposure at New York Fashion Week

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BVI models Xaria, Dani and Arielle

BVI models, from left, Xaria, Dani and Arielle

By Terry Donovan

(PRESS RELEASE) — From Summer Sizzle BVI to New York Fashion Week, BVI models graced the runways.

Summer Sizzle BVI has created a winning platform for BVI models and other fashion industry creatives by providing unparalleled professional training and mentorship from globally renowned fashion designers, top models, celebrity makeup artists, hairstylists and photographers.

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We celebrate and champion the successes of fashion professionals who gained their start on the Summer Sizzle BVI stage. This season at New York Fashion Week’s Fall 2023 collections was no exception.

BVI model Xaria Penn and St. Maarten/BVI model Dani Carbon walked for several designer runway shows such as Cesar Galindo, House of Bdellom, Rois Revent, Naranji, Epta Wear, Safa Designs, Badgley Mischka and Cucculelli Shaheen.

BVI model Dani Xaria smiles as she travels down the runway

Xaria

Last September, BVI model Arielle Bell walked for several designers at New York Fashion Week. Designers included Charles & Ron, Giannina Azar, Mister Triple X, Hirun Phromma and Cesar Galindo.

Arielle also walked for several designers at LA Fashion Week which included Walter Mendez, Coral Castillo and Sergio Tacchini. She was featured on her first cover for Style Cruze Magazine.

BVI model Arielle on the runway

Arielle

Terry Donovan, Founder and Producer of Summer Sizzle BVI, stated: “When I created Summer Sizzle BVI in 2008, there were very few residents interested in the fashion Industry. Since the event’s inception, there is an ever-increasing interest from local youths in fashion, beauty and photography. We have seen the confidence, skills and self-esteem develop in local aspiring models, designers and other creatives. Past participants have shared with us that they have gained confidence which helps them throughout their lives and careers.”

New York Fashion Week #NYFW held bi-annually is where fashion designer and brands display their latest collections to buyers, media, celebrities, stylists, influencers.

BVI model Dani

Dani

The event influences the upcoming fashion trends for the current and upcoming seasons. In February, the designers show their Fall Collections which usually hit stores by August and in September they show their Spring/Summer Collections for the following year and usually hit stores in January after the Holiday Season.

Follow Summer Sizzle BVI on social media @summersizzlebvi and website – SUMMERSIZZLEBVI.COM

Entertainment

FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation

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The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).

The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.

Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”

Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.

Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”

The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.

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Tortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar

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Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola has elevated its dining scene with the opening of the 1748 Sushi Bar, a sophisticated addition that brings the essence of Japanese cuisine to the Caribbean shores. This new venture, led by Sous Chef Sherman, promises a dynamic fusion of traditional flavors and contemporary flair. With sushi, sashimi, and innovative maki rolls crafted from the freshest ingredients, Chef Sherman’s creations reflect a dedication to authenticity and artistic presentation.

To complement the culinary offerings, Head Mixologist Ashish has curated a signature cocktail menu inspired by Japanese culture. His creations, featuring touches like miso and yuzu, are carefully crafted to harmonize with the sushi bar’s dishes, offering a taste of Japan’s rich traditions infused with a Caribbean twist. “Our cocktails are designed to enhance each guest’s experience, blending Japanese and local flavors for a unique experience,” Ashish shares.

With its serene oceanfront setting and ambiance steeped in elegance, the 1748 Sushi Bar invites diners to enjoy a taste of Japan against the stunning backdrop of Tortola’s Long Bay. Reservations can be made at +1 (284) 345-3773 for those eager to experience this remarkable culinary addition in the British Virgin Islands.

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Twelve Contestants to Compete in Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant

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The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant returns on December 29 in the British Virgin Islands.

Twelve remarkable young women from across the Caribbean will showcase their cultures, share their dreams, and connect with their communities.

Representing the British Virgin Islands is Ms. Asha Hyndman, a young woman whose commitment to her heritage, health advocacy, and future dreams has already inspired many around her. Asha’s platform, Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All, hits close to home. Living with Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition affecting her vision, Asha understands the challenges that come with an invisible condition. “Eye health is often overlooked, but I know firsthand how deeply it can affect your life,” Asha shares. Through her platform, she hopes to educate others, raise awareness about vision care, and show compassion to those with similar challenges.

Asha’s ambitions extend beyond healthcare advocacy. She is passionate about Moko Jumbie, the traditional stilt-walking art of the Caribbean that embodies both skill and storytelling. “Moko Jumbie is more than a performance; it’s our culture in motion,” she says. Asha envisions making this art form more visible, from local celebrations to global stages, while also mentoring young performers to ensure this tradition endures. “It’s an honor to be part of something that has stood the test of time, and I want to keep that spirit alive,” she adds.

On the academic front, Asha has set her sights on becoming an ophthalmologist, a dream shaped by her own experience with vision issues. After completing her studies in Biology, she hopes to establish an ophthalmology practice in her home country, expanding it across the Caribbean over time. “I want to give people in my community the kind of specialized care that they often have to leave the island to find,” she explains. She even has her sights set on collaborating with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, a move she believes will bring top-quality eye care within reach for Caribbean residents.

Yet Asha’s ambitions reach even further. A lover of travel and discovery, she’s been inspired by the adventures of popular travel vloggers Kara and Nate, and she’s eager to explore every corner of the world—particularly the remote beauty of Antarctica. “There’s so much to learn from different cultures, landscapes, and experiences,” she says with excitement. “Travel gives you a new perspective on life, and I can’t wait to broaden my own.”

The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant has long been a space for young women like Asha to celebrate their identity and passions. It’s more than a pageant—it’s a gathering of dreams and the shared spirit of the Caribbean’s next generation. As December approaches, these twelve contestants aren’t just preparing for a competition; they’re ready to step into the spotlight, showing the Caribbean and the world what they’re made of. This year’s pageant promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the strength, talent, and future of the islands.

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