Local News

D’Moi Hodge Interviewed With 19 NBA Teams

Published

1 year ago

April 22, 2023

Editor

There’s a positive energy in D’Moi Hodge’s camp following his recent MBA showcase in Virginia, United States.

The British Virgin Islands guard has so far done interviews with 19 different NBA teams, proudly sharing his story – an island boy who has battled challenges for a chance to play in the NBA.

“So 30 NBA teams were there, NBA scouts, every NBA team was there. So I played three games. I went two in one. The one game we lose…we lose in double overtime. I averaged 19 points, I shot 50 (percent) from the three point line, 50 percent, 50 percent from the field goal, which is great. So there’s 30 NBA teams. I did 19 NBA interviews… with 19 different teams, which is great. Five teams called (but) I couldn’t put it in my schedule. I was too busy. I had 24 Interviews, but I did 19 of them. Talked about my stories, where I come from. Big up Tortola. They all loved my story, they all loved me,” he shared during a recent Live Facebook feed.

His performance caught the attention of sports writers and scouts. A writer from Noceilingnba wrote:

“His hands at the point of attack are dangerous, and he’ll poke the ball loose any time the opposing guard isn’t careful. Hodge is also a gifted scorer and he was letting it fly from three.”

At the moment, the 6′ 4″, 188 pounds former University of Missouri Tiger is waiting to see what happens next.

“So as of right now, I’m waiting to see what’s going on. I’m probably going to get invited to Chicago for the draft combine,” he shared. The NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft Combine is in Chicago in May.

The 2022 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year is staying in shape, working hard on and off the court to impress the right people in the NBA.

“I’m going to Boston to work out for the Celtics next week. Then I’m going to work out for…the Grizzlies. Then I’m going to work out for San Antonio. More teams are calling. And I’m arranging everything so everything is looking good. But everything is straight right now man, every team looking real promising. I mean, gotta keep working.”

In April, Hodge announced he was entering the NBA draft following one of the Missouri Tiger’s most successful campaigns in years during the 2022-23 season. He finished second on the team with 14.7 points per game, establishing a new school record with 91 steals.

Hodge is the fifth Tiger to make 100 3-pointers in a single season and ranks fourth nationally with 2.60 steals per game, 32nd with 2.86 triples per game and 37th with a three-point clip of 40.0.

He thanks God, his family, friends and the wider BVI community for their continued support.

“God is always first. I interviewed with this NBA team. I ain’t going to call the team name… and I told him about the story…my story, like the hurricane and…about everything that happened when I was…in Tortola. One of the NBA team scouts that was interviewing me. He came up to me after the interview, like it was like, probably a couple hours after and called my phone. He wants to talk to me. So I had seen him at a restaurant, he was like “can I talk to you?” And he was like, I want to pray for you and your island and your family. So he prayed for me and the island of Tortola and stuff like that. So I feel like…I’m looking real good. He took his time to pray for me. That’s just how I feel like God is working. I mean, he didn’t have to come back to me later that night to do that.”

Hodge is staying grounded, but was happy to hear from NBA teams that “I should get drafted, in their opinion, but I was saying it’s not their choice, but they said they feel like I should. So hopefully I do get drafted. I’m going to be at the draft. I want to get my name called for the island, not just for me, but for the BVI. I mean, being first to ever do that. That’s the main goal for me just getting drafted. Not for me, but for everybody back home… supporting me.”

He has been described as a tenacious player who is comfortable on the dribble and able to move into shots effortlessly.

But Hodge is up against a group of very talented players from the United States and across the globe who are all working for a spot in the NBA.

“I see the motivation man. It’s never pressure when you love doing it and the winning hand is bigger than you. I’m saying it’s always, always been bigger than me. So I never looked at it as pressure on my whole life so I can’t do it now.”

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Local News

Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership

Published

7 hours ago

September 19, 2024

Editor

Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands wrapped up a significant five-day diplomatic visit to London, aimed at reinforcing ties with the UK Government. Accompanied by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, the delegation’s primary focus was on building a modern partnership rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, while addressing the pressing issues facing the British Overseas Territory.

A pivotal moment of the trip came during an in-person meeting with the new Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, where Premier Wheatley outlined the progress being made in the Virgin Islands, particularly regarding the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry. The talks, attended by Virgin Islands Governor Daniel Pruce, delved into the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Territory, with Wheatley expressing optimism about the future of cooperation. The Premier extended an invitation to Doughty to visit the Virgin Islands in November, which will coincide with the Minister’s first Joint Ministerial Council meeting.

The delegation’s presence in London also saw the Premier honored at a reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. This gathering brought together key players from both the political and financial sectors, highlighting the Territory’s strategic importance. “We are grateful for Sir Lindsay’s consistent support of the Overseas Territories,” Premier Wheatley remarked, underscoring the critical role these relationships play in bolstering the Virgin Islands on the global stage.

Despite the busy agenda, Premier Wheatley found time to meet with several MPs, including Adam Jogee MP and Baroness Vere, further cementing ties between the Virgin Islands and UK policymakers. These engagements, according to the Premier, will lay the groundwork for continued collaboration as Parliament reconvenes in October and the political season gears up with upcoming party conferences.

Climate change was a dominant theme of the Premier’s meetings, as he emphasized the existential threat the Virgin Islands faces due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent severe weather events. In talks with officials from the Department for Energy and Net Zero and Baroness Brown, Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Sub-Committee, Wheatley stressed the Territory’s need for greater support from the UK in accessing global climate funding. Baroness Brown assured the Premier of the UK Government’s commitment to assist in bolstering the Virgin Islands’ climate resilience efforts.

Additionally, the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector took center stage during a roundtable led by Premier Wheatley in collaboration with BVI Finance. Top executives from major London-based corporate service providers and law firms participated, as the Premier championed the Territory’s unique offerings and underscored its role as a premier financial services hub.

As the Virgin Islands prepares for Minister Doughty’s visit in November, Premier Wheatley is crafting a cultural itinerary to ensure the Minister gets an immersive experience of the Territory’s vibrant community and traditions.

The delegation included Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, Ayana Glasgow, Executive Director of International Business Regulations, Kedrick Malone, Governance Reform Delivery Manager, and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.

Entertainment

Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

Editor

The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.

“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”

This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.

Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.

The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.

Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.

Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”

Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.

For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.

Local News

British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership

Published

1 day ago

September 18, 2024

Editor

The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.

Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.

Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.

The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”

Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.