Entertainment
Maples Group ready to give “next round of funding” to ESHS Music Programme
Richard May, managing partner at Maples and Calder, gestures as he delivers remarks at the handing-over ceremony of musical equipment to the Elmore Stoutt High School Music Programme on Wednesday, March 15.
By MERRICK ANDREWS, Online News Editor
(JTV News) — Richard May, the managing partner of Maples and Calder — the Maples Group’s law firm — said his company is ready to make another financial contribution to the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) Music Programme.
He made the announcement during a ceremony on Wednesday where the company officially handed over 62 new musical instruments — two bass guitars, seven alto saxophones, 15 clarinets, 15 flutes, five trombones, three tenor saxophones, and 15 trumpets — to the Programme.
“This remains an ongoing commitment,” he said. “We are ready to do our next round of funding. We had a conversation just before about this. We don’t know what that is though because the big question now is you got all this equipment — we can help you get more — but you got a space issue, so that’s what we need to talk about…”
John Primo, the director of procurement at the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), lauded the Maples Group during the ceremony, noting their “high level” of commitment to the school’s music programme and support of music education in the territory.
He said the company has forged a “solid partnership” with the BVI authorities over the past five years, donating over $160,000, to date.
Primo said in 2019, the company donated $100,000 to help in the construction of the ESHS music classrooms that were destroyed by the hurricane; $12,500 in 2020 for additional classical instruments; $28,000 in late 2020 to sponsor the school’s band; and $20,000 in November 2022 for additional musical instruments.
Primo told the students at the ceremony that, according to reports, playing musical instruments “makes you smarter”.
“A few researchers have determined that musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline, as well as cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities at an early age. In addition to these skills, students who are involved in a music programme have a higher self-esteem, a greater sense of teamwork, better school attendance, and are less likely to become involved in gangs and substance abuse. We are confident that the students of this programme and this great school will produce some of the future leaders of this territory,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Education Minister Sharie de Castro also expressed her government’s gratitude to the Maples Group. She added that though the government will do its part in funding the education sector, public-private partnerships, like with companies such as Maples, “will truly cement a partnership that will last, I believe, forever”.
De Castro recalled that she was a former student and teacher at ESHS.
“I now stand here humbly as the minister and I understand the reality that teachers can only do so much. If they don’t have the resources they are not able to bring forth the type of talent we want to see,” she said.
May said he was “encouraged” by the words of the minister. He then went on to explain how Maples worked out how to make the sponsorship more effective.
“Our biggest concern, when we looked at what to do with the RDA, was how we can make an impact when we are not a mega donor. How do you actually translate the cash we got into something real? The cash we had through RDA, with support from the ministry, the high school, everyone around that, produce these….,” he said at the ceremony.
The Maples executive said the Programme received very good equipment compared to what he used during his school days.
“I went to a very privileged school with lots of equipment for this sort of stuff — and this is better. What you got now is amazing,” he said.
May said the musical talent in the BVI is “huge” based on what he has seen at local events. He said he looks forward to the next “big concert” and the next “big star” from the BVI.
He emphasised the benefits of music.
“We agree, as most adults do, that having access to this sort of stuff is not just about your life right now. It’s just life generally. Music is awesome. Y’all like different versions of music and you probably hate the music I like but in the end music — it’s awesome — and you can have happiness, jobs, lives, whatever. It brings all those things,” he said.
Magdalene Barzey, head of the ESHS Music Programme, also expressed her gratitude. She said the programme is “very expensive” and there is a lot more that needs to be done.
“We do have a long way to go,” she noted.
However, Barzey said she is really appreciative “for what we have here”, coming from “such a distance from playing under tents and on dirt”.
The donation comes as the territory celebrates Education Week from March 13-19 under the theme “Virgin Islands Education: Moving Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead”. S.T.E.A.M stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
Venoria Todman will unveil her much-anticipated new book, Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell, which promises to provide an honest and thought-provoking exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by modern couples. The book delves deep into the complexities of relationships that often remain hidden beneath the surface, offering readers a candid examination of the struggles many face in marriage.
The launch event will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at Village Cay Marina, starting at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Todman’s latest release comes eight years after her debut book, Who Cheats More Than a Politician, which was also launched with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture.
In a statement, Mrs. Todman explained that the book was a personal reflection on the difficulties of navigating love and commitment in today’s world. “The struggles that couples face are real, and this book aims to open a window into those complexities,” she said. “I wanted to create something that resonates with people, offering a sense of understanding for those who may feel alone in their experiences.”
Deputy Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard, expressed her department’s ongoing commitment to supporting local authors, particularly Mrs. Todman’s work. “Mrs. Todman’s latest release promises to be a compelling read,” Ms. Lennard said. “Our department was proud to support her first book, and we are equally excited to help promote this new literary endeavor.”
Ms. Lennard also highlighted the importance of the upcoming launch as a chance for the community to connect with the author. “This event provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Mrs. Todman, discuss the inspiration behind her work, and gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the book,” she said.
The Department of Culture has long been a champion of local talent and continues to foster the growth of Virgin Islands’ creative works. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the department is committed to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage and promoting its artists both locally and on the global stage.
Sylvanna L. Charles, representing the British Virgin Islands, was crowned Miss Elegantly Plus 2025 at the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant on March 14. Charles secured the title with 518 points, marking a historic moment as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus. In addition to the main title, Charles earned multiple special awards throughout the night, including Best Evening Wear, Best Photogenic, Best Talent, Best Flag Couture Ambassadorial Presentation, and the Top Model Award.
Mekelia A. Miller from Trinidad & Tobago earned the 1st Runner-Up title with 483 points, receiving accolades in Best Onstage Interview and Best Resort Wear.
The Miss Enterprise award and Best in Opening Number went to Hasanna Graham, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands. Graham’s performance in these segments was highly praised.
Milove J. S. Fontaine from Antigua & Barbuda was awarded Miss Congeniality and stood out in the Best Resort Wear category.
The event which featured delegates from the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda celebrated the beauty and empowerment of plus-size women in the Caribbean. Each delegate showcased their individual talents, poise, and community engagement.
The pageant also included two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events were not factored into the final scores, they allowed delegates to demonstrate their personalities and love for pageantry. Charles emerged victorious in both segments.
The inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus pageant is expected to set the stage for future editions, with the aim of empowering plus-size women across the Caribbean to embrace their beauty and confidence.
Entertainment
Sylvanna Charles Claims Early Wins Ahead of Inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant
The stage is set for the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant, as four accomplished women from across the region prepare to compete for the title. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Ahead of the main competition, some delegates participated in two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events do not contribute to the final scores, they provided a platform for the contestants to express their personalities and love for pageantry. Emerging victorious in both categories was Delegate #3, Sylvanna Charles, Miss Elegantly Plus British Virgin Islands, who impressed judges at The Golden Soirée with her eloquence and style.
The inaugural pageant will bring together delegates representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda, each of whom has a strong background in pageantry and community engagement.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, carrying the banner for the U.S. Virgin Islands, previously earned the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, won the Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) title in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. From Antigua & Barbuda, Milove J. S. Fontaine joins the lineup, having been crowned Miss Charisma in 2020.
This competition is more than just a pageant—it is a celebration of cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the Caribbean. The winner will make history as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen, setting the foundation for future editions of this empowering event.
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