Entertainment
2023 Festival Village Named In Honour Of Cultural Icon Irene Penn-O’Neal
The Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee has named this year Festival Village after the territory’s cultural icon and first Miss British Virgin Islands Irene Penn-O’Neal.
A June 15 press statement said the Committee made the decision “in keeping with the tradition of naming the BVI Emancipation Festival Village and bestowing titles of honour on persons who have contributed greatly to our festival heritage and culture…”
Penn O’Neal, who is originally from West End on Tortola, captured the first Miss British Virgin Islands title in 1975 – until 1974 the contestant crowned at Festival time carried the title “Festival Queen”.
According to the statement, “Penn’s talent, a musical rendition of ‘Ram Goat Liver’ by Pluto Shervington sealed the selection for judges and brought great pride to the people of West End. Her achievement marked a significant moment for the Virgin Islands, as Penn’s new title was reflective of the intentions for the new queen to represent the Virgin Islands abroad at pageants like the Miss Universe Pageant. Following her win, Mrs. Penn-O’Neal served the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee as a committee member for many years.”
The Committee added that “her contributions through pageantry and service are undeniable and make her the perfect choice to be honoured at this time, on the 48th anniversary of her win in 1975.”
This year’s Emancipation Festival kicks off on July 28 with a Warm-up Tramp and culminates with the August Monday Parade, Boat Races and events at East End and Carrot Bay.
The Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta will close the Festival calendar on August 11.
Entertainment
De’Nya Winter Delivers Powerful Opening Speech at Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant
De’Nya Winter, the 2023 Princess of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), captivated the audience with a powerful opening speech at the Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant contestant launch. The launch took place at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, Florida.
This year’s pageant, themed “Celebrating the Radiance of the Caribbean Sea, With Vibes, Pearls, and Curls,” promises to be a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. De’Nya Winter will represent the BVI, on October 6, in the pageant that is part of the Miami Carnival 2024 celebrations and will compete against three other talented contestants from the Caribbean region:
- Aliana from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
- Trenece from St. Kitts and Nevis
- Tenylah from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
An online voting system has been established for the Popularity Award, allowing supporters to vote for their favorite contestant without limit. The voting period will close on August 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.
Entertainment
Stephany Andujar Crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024
Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18, at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center, standing out among five talented contestants.
Entertainment
Adacia Adonis Secures 4th Place Finish at Miss Jaycees Queen Show 2024
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