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.
Entertainment
Twelve Contestants to Compete in Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant
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.
Entertainment
MHV Resorts and Hotels Unveils the Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel in Tortola
MHV Resorts & Hotels has officially taken the reins of Quito’s Luxury Inn and Quito’s Gazebo Restaurant & Bar, following months of negotiations. The resort group, led by prominent Virgin Islands businessman Mark Vanterpool, assumed control of the well-known Cane Garden Bay properties on October 1, 2024. As part of the transition, the hotel will be rebranded as The Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel by MHV Resorts and Hotels.
MHV Resorts & Hotels has a robust 40-year history in the British Virgin Islands, with a portfolio that includes supermarkets, restaurants, and now high-end hotels. Their expansion into the hospitality industry reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing the BVI’s tourism offerings and providing quality service for both locals and visitors.
In a statement, Vanterpool expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “MHV Resorts and Hotels is excited to join the vibrant Cane Garden Bay community, a cultural and tourism icon in the BVI. We look forward to creating employment opportunities and collaborating with local businesses to foster sustainable growth, while preserving the bay’s unique charm.”
The renovated restaurant, formerly known as Quito’s Gazebo, will reopen in the coming month under the new name Rhythm & Sands, continuing its legacy as a beloved destination for music and good times. Guests can expect a perfect blend of fine dining and the laid-back rhythms that have long made Cane Garden Bay a favorite in the BVI. The hotel is set to open shortly after, just in time for the 2024-2025 tourist season.
With this transition, any uncertainty surrounding the future of the historic property can be laid to rest. The new Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel promises a luxurious escape where guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay and the soothing sounds of the sea.
To book your stay or learn more about the new hotel and restaurant, visit: CaneGardenBayBeachHotel.net. For official updates, visit MHVresortsandhotels.com.
Entertainment
Chargers Teachers Receive Heartfelt Gifts to Kick Off 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week
The excitement at ETPS Downs was electric as teachers were showered with gifts and tokens of appreciation, thanks to the school’s PTA Class Representatives.
The thoughtful deliveries, ranging from flowers to personalized items, marked the start of the 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the hard work and dedication of educators.
The initiative, aptly dubbed “Chargers Love Gifts,” sparked joy across the campus. Teachers were visibly moved by the kind gestures, with smiles and gratitude radiating as the school community rallied to honor their contributions.
As the festivities for Teacher Appreciation Week continue, the school invites everyone to join in honoring the educators who shape the minds and futures of tomorrow.
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