Local News

Royal Knights Cricket Club Accuses BVICA Of Disregarding T20 Rules

Published

2 years ago

May 15, 2023

Editor

Royal Knights Cricket Club has accused the British Virgin Islands Cricket Board (BVICA) of bullyism and disregarding the established rules of the T20 Tournament with the cancellation of the final.

In a statement issued today, Royal Knights Cricket Club said they were prepared to play in the final match against Vikings Cricket Club as agreed following the cancellation of the semi-finals due to rain, but it was cancelled by the BVICA due to a disagreement over replaying semi-final matches that were cancelled due to rain on April 23.

“We take a firm stand for what is right and fight against self-serving interests, bullyism and illegality in BVI cricket. Many of you have contacted us about our participation in a semi-finals game today, 14th May 2023 based on a flyer circulated by the BVI Cricket Association.
Please be advised that our club is prepared to play in the finals of the ongoing T20 tournament as the semi-final was rained out on the 23. April, 2023. Our position was clearly communicated to the BVICA and therefore, the flyer is false advertising,” the statement pointed out.

The BVI Cricket Board had advertised semi-finals between Royal Knights, Vikings, Cavaliers and Under The Tree to be played yesterday, May 14.

According to Royal Knights Cricket Club, the “BVICA rules make no provision for the semi-finals to be replayed should the game be affected by weather. Instead, in the event of rain, the rules clearly state that the top teams in each group will advance to the finals. Once the BVICA became aware of the rules, they met with the four semi-final teams — Royal Knights, Cavaliers Cricket Club, Under The Tree and Vikings. At that meeting, the rules were upheld and the decision was made to play the finals Royal Knights vs Vikings — the two top teams in each group.”

The statement added that BVICA’s cancellation of the final game “is a travesty and will go down in BVI cricket history as one of the darkest moments for the sport as the integrity of the board was compromised by external forces loyal not to the sport, but to special interests. The BVICA canceled the finals to entertain a feeble excuse as to why the semi-finals should be replayed. This is where cricket took a back seat. High-level collusion by BVICA board members with an obvious conflict of interest, because of the teams involved, continued to make decisions instead of recusing themselves.”

The matter was sent to the regional cricket body Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) which acknowledged that the tournament rules for rained-out games are flawed but still recommended that the two semi-finals be played.

“Like the BVICA, LICA appears eager to give Cavaliers and to a lesser extent Under The Tree, another opportunity to play in the finals. Both the BVICA and LICA acknowledged that the rules for the tournament are flawed. Strangely, the BVICA expects Royal Knights to play the semi-final under the very rules that LICA and BVICA both agree are flawed,” the statement stressed.

Royal Knights Cricket Club thanked their fans and noted that “history will show that at one of the weakest points of cricket in the BVI is when the Royal Knights Cricket Club stood for what is right.”

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

1 day ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.

Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:

Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
Barbados – Team Bimstars
Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss

The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.

Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.

Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!

For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.

LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.

The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.

Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.

The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.