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 International Morning Braff Show is back, reenergised and ready to reclaim its spot as the must-listen program for Virgin Islanders and audiences worldwide.
The show returns this Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Tola Radio VI (100.5 FM), kicking off the station’s 10th-anniversary celebrations with a lineup that promises excitement, insight, and surprises.
Legendary host HBH Da Don will reunite with Ras Rubio and the show’s dynamic panel to deliver the energy, laughter, and engaging discussions fans have come to love. The opening broadcast will feature a star-studded guest list of over 20 government officials, artists, bands, and public figures from the Virgin Islands and beyond.
This milestone year is more than a celebration of the show’s return—it’s a tribute to Tola Radio’s decade of service to the community. Over the years, the station has become a cornerstone of Virgin Islands culture, fostering community spirit through music, entertainment, and charitable initiatives.
- Highlights of Tola Radio’s contributions include:
- Annual Christmas Dollar Mania: Benefiting over 500 winners each year.
- Support for Local Music: Over $47,000 in contributions to advance the industry.
- Major Giveaways: Including four automobiles, 50+ televisions, and countless prizes.
- 10th-Anniversary Giveaway
To mark this special occasion, Tola Radio has announced its 10th Anniversary Giveaway, an eight-week promotion culminating in a grand prize drawing during the YOLO Promotions Black on Black Show featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025.
Listeners can look forward to exclusive guest appearances, exciting events, and unforgettable moments as Tola Radio continues its legacy of delivering Virgin Islands culture to a global audience. Whether tuning in locally on 100.5 FM, streaming online, or joining the conversation via Facebook Live, fans are in for a treat.
“The International Morning Braff Show is more than just a radio program—it’s a movement that unites our community and celebrates the essence of the Virgin Islands,” said a statement from Tola Radio.
The management and staff of Tola Radio extend their gratitude to sponsors, partners, and loyal listeners who have supported their journey. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without you,” they said, promising more laughter, music, and opportunities to connect in the year ahead.
Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online.
He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.
While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.
But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.
Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.
The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.
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.
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