Entertainment

Dr. Arliene T. Penn represents British Virgin Islands in Mrs. Globe 2023

Published

2 years ago

June 19, 2023

Editor

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.

Entertainment

K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams Crowned Miss and Mr. HLSCC 2025

Published

15 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Editor

K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.

Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.

The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.

Entertainment

Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched

Published

3 days ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

Mr Neil Frett

Chair Natalie Penn-Lake Emphasises Culture, History, and Inclusivity

The 71st annual Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was officially launched today, May 30, heralding a month-long celebration under the theme “Uniting Our Culture, Freedom, and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025.” The winning slogan by Jacob Edwards, “Embrace the Past, Let Unity Thrive, as we Celebrate Our Culture at Festival 2025,” encapsulates the spirit of this year’s events—centred on reflection, unity, and cultural pride.

This year’s honouree, Mr Neil Frett, was announced during the launch ceremony. Frett is being recognised for his longstanding commitment to Virgin Islands culture and heritage, particularly through his contributions to community and the arts.

Newly appointed Chair of the VI Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake, brings a clear vision to the celebrations—one that prioritises cultural awareness, education for the youth, and community engagement.

“We’re excited about what this year’s festivities will bring,” said Mrs Penn-Lake. “We are more interested in also community being safe, bringing more togetherness, more cultural activities. You will see that in the line-up this year, where we have a lot more inclusivity of Virgin Islands history and country culture, so our young people understand where we were, where we are now, and where we are going.”

Mr. Neil Frett and Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake

With a professional background in tourism and education, Penn-Lake is keen to use the Festival as a teaching tool. “Understanding our history and our culture is very important, because the only way you can move forward is to know where you came from,” she explained. She added that she often challenges students with cultural trivia in schools to strengthen their knowledge, particularly for situations where visitors may ask questions about Virgin Islands history.

The Emancipation Festival officially begins on 13th July and concludes on 9th August, with activities scheduled across Road Town, East End, and Carrot Bay. “Eastern will have two days of activities. Carrot Bay will have three days,” Mrs Penn-Lake confirmed. “We’re inviting everybody to come out, support, have a great time, be safe, be happy, and let’s just make this Festival a great one.”

Jacob Edwards and Mrs. Briana Henley-Mather

The festival schedule features major cultural staples such as the Miss BVI Pageant (13th July), the Torchlight Procession and Festival Village Opening (25th July), Kiddies Fiesta, Latin Music Night, Calypso Show, and Soca Monarch. Traditional events such as the Rise & Shine Tramp and Jouvert in East End, the Grand Parade, and cultural showcases in Carrot Bay also remain integral to the line-up.

Those abroad and in the diaspora are being encouraged to plan their visit early. “You can plan your trip now. We want you to come home—come home, come home!” Mrs Penn-Lake urged. Details of the full entertainment schedule and artist line-up are being shared via the official Virgin Islands Festival Facebook page (@virginislandsfestival).

The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival continues to honour the legacy of freedom and resilience, while celebrating the territory’s rich heritage through music, pageantry, food, and community spirit.

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Entertainment

Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1

Published

2 weeks ago

May 21, 2025

Editor

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.

Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.

The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.

Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.

The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.

In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.

In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.

Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.

Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.

For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.