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.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
Long Bay Beach Resort on Tortola has elevated its dining scene with the opening of the 1748 Sushi Bar, a sophisticated addition that brings the essence of Japanese cuisine to the Caribbean shores. This new venture, led by Sous Chef Sherman, promises a dynamic fusion of traditional flavors and contemporary flair. With sushi, sashimi, and innovative maki rolls crafted from the freshest ingredients, Chef Sherman’s creations reflect a dedication to authenticity and artistic presentation.
To complement the culinary offerings, Head Mixologist Ashish has curated a signature cocktail menu inspired by Japanese culture. His creations, featuring touches like miso and yuzu, are carefully crafted to harmonize with the sushi bar’s dishes, offering a taste of Japan’s rich traditions infused with a Caribbean twist. “Our cocktails are designed to enhance each guest’s experience, blending Japanese and local flavors for a unique experience,” Ashish shares.
With its serene oceanfront setting and ambiance steeped in elegance, the 1748 Sushi Bar invites diners to enjoy a taste of Japan against the stunning backdrop of Tortola’s Long Bay. Reservations can be made at +1 (284) 345-3773 for those eager to experience this remarkable culinary addition in the British Virgin Islands.
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant returns on December 29 in the British Virgin Islands.
Twelve remarkable young women from across the Caribbean will showcase their cultures, share their dreams, and connect with their communities.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Ms. Asha Hyndman, a young woman whose commitment to her heritage, health advocacy, and future dreams has already inspired many around her. Asha’s platform, Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All, hits close to home. Living with Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition affecting her vision, Asha understands the challenges that come with an invisible condition. “Eye health is often overlooked, but I know firsthand how deeply it can affect your life,” Asha shares. Through her platform, she hopes to educate others, raise awareness about vision care, and show compassion to those with similar challenges.
Asha’s ambitions extend beyond healthcare advocacy. She is passionate about Moko Jumbie, the traditional stilt-walking art of the Caribbean that embodies both skill and storytelling. “Moko Jumbie is more than a performance; it’s our culture in motion,” she says. Asha envisions making this art form more visible, from local celebrations to global stages, while also mentoring young performers to ensure this tradition endures. “It’s an honor to be part of something that has stood the test of time, and I want to keep that spirit alive,” she adds.
On the academic front, Asha has set her sights on becoming an ophthalmologist, a dream shaped by her own experience with vision issues. After completing her studies in Biology, she hopes to establish an ophthalmology practice in her home country, expanding it across the Caribbean over time. “I want to give people in my community the kind of specialized care that they often have to leave the island to find,” she explains. She even has her sights set on collaborating with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, a move she believes will bring top-quality eye care within reach for Caribbean residents.
Yet Asha’s ambitions reach even further. A lover of travel and discovery, she’s been inspired by the adventures of popular travel vloggers Kara and Nate, and she’s eager to explore every corner of the world—particularly the remote beauty of Antarctica. “There’s so much to learn from different cultures, landscapes, and experiences,” she says with excitement. “Travel gives you a new perspective on life, and I can’t wait to broaden my own.”
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant has long been a space for young women like Asha to celebrate their identity and passions. It’s more than a pageant—it’s a gathering of dreams and the shared spirit of the Caribbean’s next generation. As December approaches, these twelve contestants aren’t just preparing for a competition; they’re ready to step into the spotlight, showing the Caribbean and the world what they’re made of. This year’s pageant promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the strength, talent, and future of the islands.
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