Entertainment
Dr. Arliene T. Penn represents British Virgin Islands in Mrs. Globe 2023
Arliene T. Penn, PhD a compassionate, multitalented, focused, yet energetic woman whose mantra is “KNOW>FIX> LIVE> WIN!” will represent the British Virgin Islands in the prestigious Mrs. Globe 2023. She is the only representative from the Caribbean.
This pageant, which is an initiative of the WIN Foundation was founded by Dr. Tracy Kemble in 1996. It focuses on the empowerment, authentic beauty and cultural identity of women and charity work.
In April 2022, Queen Arliene was crowned Mrs. British Virgin Islands Globe under the Women In Need British Virgin Islands (WINBVI) Organization and provided a unique, amazing and timely platform to change the natural history of cervical cancer in the British Virgin Islands.
Cervical cancer public awareness programme, speaking engagements along with several fundraising campaigns have afforded her the humble privilege of raising financial resources under the Mrs. BVI crown to provide more than 200 women in the British Virgin Islands the opportunity to receive free pap smear screening and diagnostic testing.
She engaged in several community specific designed communication and education fora on cervical cancer which has been transformational for the women and their male partners.
“Women who we are unable to prevent developing cervical cancer and are diagnosed today in the British Virgin Islands will no longer suffer in silence and die prematurely, as we will provide them with all the necessary resources to get the earliest and best care while affording them with the greatest opportunity to achieve and sustain optimal outcomes.
“When we “KNOW” now, we can “FIX” early. Then we “LIVE” a beautiful, fearless, wonderful, thriving quality of life where we all “WIN”!”
CERVICAL CANCER: SHAME, STIGMA, SILENT DEATH OF 330,000 BEAUTIFUL WOMEN ANNUALLY ACROSS THE GLOBE
Cervical cancer is the 3rd most common cancer in women worldwide with >600,000 newly diagnosed cases annually most commonly between ages 34-44. Cervical Cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death for women in developing countries. The incidence of cervical cancer will increase by 60% over the next 20 years. Cervical Cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) which is also associated with a 5-fold increase in the risk of cervical cancer. major risk factors for developing cervical cancer include:
· underserved & underrepresented minority groups/low socioeconomic status
· sex at a young age
· promiscuous male partners
· multiple sexual partners
· history of sexually transmitted disease
· Immune system suppression
“I Have Thrived for 19 Years After my Diagnosis of Cervical Cancer”!
She said, “For 17 years, I lived a life of shame, guilt, low self-esteem with body image dysfunction, and fear of my own mortality because of my history of cervical cancer treated with a hysterectomy.”
Talking in an open, candid, and honest manner about a woman’s sexual and reproductive health and wellness in Tortola, BVI was and still is extremely difficult at best and most often, if not always, unacceptable as a topic for discussion (“Elephant in the room”).
“However, after educating myself on the facts and impact of cervical cancer on women, their families, and communities across the globe, along with the support of my amazing husband and partner, cervical cancer has now become public enemy number one!”
“I am now empowered with the passion to share my cervical cancer experience which has become unrelenting.”
Her desire to encourage women to focus and prioritize their sexual and reproductive health is both cathartic and sobering.
“I was treated at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute. I continue to ask myself the question: What if all the women in Tortola and around the world had a hysterectomy scar like mine, they too could all potentially be alive to share their cervical cancer experiences”.
She is indeed the poster child that clearly speaks to the idea that both early detection and treatment provides women diagnosed with cervical cancer a thriving quality of life and significant decrease in the possibility of death, and ideally….dare I say, “CURE”!
“What would winning MRS. GLOBE 2023 WOULD MEAN?”
She is currently competing for the title of Mrs. Globe 2023, the most prestigious international Mrs. pageant in the world with over 80 countries and cultures represented on the international stage. [https://www.mrsglobe.com/mrs-globe.
Mrs. Globe is much more than a pageant as it also serves as a fundraiser for the Women In Need [WIN] Foundation [https://www.winfoundationinternational.org/].
“The Mrs. Globe crown will provide an opportunity for me to be more involved in the charity work consistent with the mission and vision of WIN Foundation.”
“The coveted Mrs. Globe 2023 title along with the Choice of the People Award will also afford me the opportunity to specifically advance the awareness of cervical cancer and the real-world goals of “Get Informed. Get Screened. Get Vaccinated!” along with earlier diagnosis and treatment to optimise quality of life outcomes.”
Cancer affects almost everyone we know in some way. She desires to work with local, regional and global cancer centers and societies, government, public, and private organizations around the world to make everyone more aware of the multifaceted challenges and potential solutions associated with all gyneacological cancers.
She envisions that WIN Foundation partnering with the World Health Organization and the Pan American Health Organization, as over 35,000 women in the Caribbean die yearly as a result of Cervical cancer.
Dr. Penn’s training is in communication, public policy and public administration with the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
By Ray Winter
Designer Andrea Wilson is one step closer to her New York Fashion Week debut this February, having completed the first round of casting calls in the British Virgin Islands late last December.
A total of 10 emerging models from across the territory gathered on Sunday, December 28, at the S’thetics on Tortola for the ‘I Landed in the Big Apple’ casting call. The runway show itself will take place
on February 14 at the Midtown Loft Studio in Manhattan.
At the casting, models were put through their paces — from runway walk and posture assessments to a high-energy photo booth challenge designed to test both poise and presence.
“I can already say that the girls from the first casting call turned up and did not disappoint. I am loving the energy of this group,” Andrea shares during an interview at her Hannah’s Estate boutique on Tortola, where vibrant swimwear and luxurious resort pieces from her previous four collections line the space.
With model submissions arriving from the United States, Guyana, the United Kingdom and the United States Virgin Islands, the next round of casting is scheduled for mid-January.
“I am truly looking forward to the next round, which will have both in-person and virtual assessments,” she explains, pausing between calls from her organising committee discussing VIP bags and venue décor.
“I have been crazy busy over the past few weeks since the date confirmation poster was shared on social media. My social media accounts are overly active with messages from up-and-coming models and others with major runway experience, from international pageants to designers’ showcases. They all want to walk the runway.”
“I am humbled by the level of support from all corners,” the designer reveals. “I have received encouragement from models, family and friends, colleagues, and even strangers. “It has not been an easy journey.”
Behind Andrea’s first New York runway presentation lies a deeper milestone. This year also marks the tenth anniversary of her brand, The Islander Swimwear. A decade defined by both wins and trials — from a successful brand launch to fractured business partnerships; from the devastation of hurricanes Irma and Maria to the uncertainty of Covid-19 lockdowns — has shaped the designer’s resilience.
Still, Andrea beams as she fine-tunes the final details for her Valentine’s Day debut.
“I learnt something from all my stumbles. I have learnt that I can take it all and still stand with all my scrapes and bumps. I am from a family of women who have shown me that it is okay to stumble because you gain knowledge for the next chapter.”
“I am the Caribbean phoenix,” Andrea grins.
Born in Guyana and based in the British Virgin Islands for more than two decades, she brings a rich cultural lineage to her work. With roots that trace back to St Lucia and Suriname, her heritage weaves seamlessly into her creative vision.
“I started a brand with very little money, but I had gumption and ideas about creating a different Caribbean swim and resort wear look that came from my love of travelling around the Caribbean. That’s why my brand is called The Islander; every collection reflects the natural beauty of my beloved region. A decade later, and this region still sparks my creativity, inspires me daily.”
Her swimwear and resort collections are defined by bold, original prints created by Andrea herself, each reminiscent of mosaic artwork. Drawing inspiration from the Caribbean’s natural beauty — from vibrant coral reefs to rolling waves and sun-drenched beaches — every piece tells a story, capturing the depth and allure of the region.
A glimpse into her boutique reveals the essence of her design philosophy. Perched above the Caribbean Sea, the space commands sweeping views of Nanny Cay Marina, where yachts of every scale glide in and out with effortless glamour.
Inside, the atmosphere is light and breezy, layered with striking details: driftwood repurposed as jewellery displays, recycled marine pallets reimagined as plinths, and accents of dried coral and shells that echo the surrounding seascape.
Part store, part studio, it is here that Andrea, whose background is in graphic design, has spent recent months immersed in the creation of her collections, preparing for her much-talked-about debut in the Big Apple.
In February, Wilson will present three collections during the show and has invited fellow Virgin Islands designers Germaine Smith of Kymasia and Morgan Creque to join her on the runway, creating a collaborative moment that highlights Caribbean creativity on a global stage.
“When I confirmed that the showcase was definitely going ahead, I wanted to share the stage with other designers in the territory – that’s how Germain and Morgan came on board,” she explains.
The runway experience will be further elevated by handmade jewelry created exclusively for the show by Ammique Mills of BVI Artistry Boutique. Her eco-conscious designs—crafted from sustainably sourced natural elements found throughout the Virgin Islands—will complement the collections and underscore the region’s deep connection to the sea and land. Select pieces from Mills’ work will also be included in VIP gift bags, offering guests a tangible expression of Virgin Islands artistry and sustainability.
Another non-negotiable was ensuring Caribbean models took centre stage.
“I wasn’t going to stage a Manhattan show during New York Fashion Week, celebrating the spirit of the Caribbean, without models from my home region. Hell no,” Andrea shakes her head from left to right.
“That’s why I’m holding two casting calls, complete with online voting, to promote our Caribbean models and let the public have a say in who will be the cover model, centrefold and back cover model for the ‘I’Landed in the Big Apple’ runway show.”
“I’m excited,” she laughs heartily. “This is my Caribbean fashion love story.”
“New York, here we come.”
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