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  • Two Bids Submitted for West End Ferry Terminal Project || BVI Cricket Association Prepares to Launch Youth Coaching Program Following Safeguarding Training. ||. "Enough is enough," says Walwyn as Infrastructure Woes Persist. ||. Tourism Summit Opens on Peter Island, Focusing on the Future of the Virgin Islands’ Tourism Industry || Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool’s Documentary on Pain Treatment Premieres on PBS || 12 BVI Police Officers on Interdiction Amid Corruption Allegations, Some Arrested and Charged ||. 12% Crime Increase in Virgin Islands Attributed to Money Boys Gang. ||. USVI Resident Arrested in BVI for Possession of Ammunition. ||. RVIPF Investigates Multiple Overnight Shooting Incidents, Including Fatality in Purcell Estate || Young Man Fatally Shot in Purcell Community, First Murder of 2025 || The International Morning Braff Show Returns to the Airwaves || Caribbean Juniors Compete at British Junior Open Squash Tournament || ‘Fat Cat’ Shemoi Carey Apprehended for Attempted Murder; Police Seek K’Shawn Martin || Man Found Deceased in Abandoned Vehicle in Long Swamp || Police Investigate Gunfire at Hannah’s Estate, No Injuries Reported || Masked Gunmen Strike Twice in Cane Garden Bay || WhatsApp Scammers Target BVI Cancer Society in Deceptive Scheme || Three BVI Bars Rank Among Top 10 Caribbean Favorites, Callwood Rum Shines || British Virgin Islands Earns Coveted Spot on New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025" || De Castro Supports Enhanced Policing with Caution Against Unchecked Powers || Police Officer Charged Over Internal Security Breach. ||. Virgin Gorda Police Apprehend Fugitive Linked to String of Burglaries and Robberies. ||. An Absolute Travesty: Sixth District Representative Condemns Police Amendment Bill Over Privacy Risks || Premier Calls for Swift Passage of Police Amendment Bill to Combat Money Laundering || Governor Albert Bryan Jr. || First Babies of 2025 Deliver on January 2 || Some Businesses Continue To Insist On Minimum Spending For Credit Card Payment || Vybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years. ||. Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE) BVI Movement Bolstered by $5,000 Drakes Traders 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.

SEE PHOTO GALLERY BELOW STORY

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

The International Morning Braff Show Returns to the Airwaves

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The International Morning Braff Show is back, reenergised and ready to reclaim its spot as the must-listen program for Virgin Islanders and audiences worldwide.

The show returns this Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Tola Radio VI (100.5 FM), kicking off the station’s 10th-anniversary celebrations with a lineup that promises excitement, insight, and surprises.

Legendary host HBH Da Don will reunite with Ras Rubio and the show’s dynamic panel to deliver the energy, laughter, and engaging discussions fans have come to love. The opening broadcast will feature a star-studded guest list of over 20 government officials, artists, bands, and public figures from the Virgin Islands and beyond.

This milestone year is more than a celebration of the show’s return—it’s a tribute to Tola Radio’s decade of service to the community. Over the years, the station has become a cornerstone of Virgin Islands culture, fostering community spirit through music, entertainment, and charitable initiatives.

  • Highlights of Tola Radio’s contributions include:
  • Annual Christmas Dollar Mania: Benefiting over 500 winners each year.
  • Support for Local Music: Over $47,000 in contributions to advance the industry.
  • Major Giveaways: Including four automobiles, 50+ televisions, and countless prizes.
  • 10th-Anniversary Giveaway

To mark this special occasion, Tola Radio has announced its 10th Anniversary Giveaway, an eight-week promotion culminating in a grand prize drawing during the YOLO Promotions Black on Black Show featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025.

Listeners can look forward to exclusive guest appearances, exciting events, and unforgettable moments as Tola Radio continues its legacy of delivering Virgin Islands culture to a global audience. Whether tuning in locally on 100.5 FM, streaming online, or joining the conversation via Facebook Live, fans are in for a treat.

“The International Morning Braff Show is more than just a radio program—it’s a movement that unites our community and celebrates the essence of the Virgin Islands,” said a statement from Tola Radio.

The management and staff of Tola Radio extend their gratitude to sponsors, partners, and loyal listeners who have supported their journey. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without you,” they said, promising more laughter, music, and opportunities to connect in the year ahead.

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Vybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years

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Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online. 

He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.

While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.

But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.

Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.

The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

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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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