Local News
Students Tobias Evans, Dinneiqua Cameron and Tykai Fahie Win Rotary Club of Tortola Anti-Litter Campaign Poster Competition
Tobias Evans of Century House Montessori School, Dinneiqua Cameron of Joyce Samuel Primary School and Tykai Fahie of Elmore Stoutt High School are the winners of the Rotary Club of Tortola Anti-Litter Campaign poster competition.
A statement from the club said children from ages 6-16 were tasked with designing a poster that would send a strong message to the community against littering and encouraging proper garbage disposal as one of their primary activities for the Rotary year 2022 – 2023.
The committee received more than 50 amazing submissions from six schools across Tortola with Century House Montessori students submitting the most entries.
The competition, held in collaboration with Green VI and the Department of Solid Waste, was launched in December 2022.
The club recently added the environment as a new focus to target a behaviour change by reaching the wider community via the involvement of schools.
Club President Valerie Georges-Thomas thanked all the children who submitted entries, noting that the artwork was truly impactful.
“We can think of no better way to convey the anti-litter message than through children’s art and we heartily congratulate and are grateful to all of the schools and the students who participated in the competition. They delivered truly impactful works of art that gave the judges a lot to think about in their deliberations. We really hope that the general public will pay attention to the messages the children are sending through their art and consider changing their behaviour in relation to littering,” said Georges-Thomas.
The judges for the competition were renowned local artist Reuben Vanterpool, artist Debi Carson of Art Without Limits and Ellie Crespi, a member of the Club and lover of children’s art.
Winners have already received their prizes, but according to the statement, other students will receive their awards soon.
“The main thrust of the campaign is a series of messaging initiatives that the Club will put forth with the aim of impacting the mindset of the general public to result in gradual positive change in attitude and behaviour towards littering and the management of waste. The Club intends to host a neighbourhood beautification competition and undertake some clean up/beautification projects in various areas around the Virgin Islands as part of the campaign, teaming up with various strategic partners through the course of the campaign,” the statement explained.
Winners
Age 6-7
Tobias Evans- Montessori
Shanea John- AMPS
Nia Loi Wright- Cedar International
Honourable mention: Kiara Sorrentino – Montessori
Age 8-11
Dinneiqua Cameron- JSPS
Ashanti Partab- AMPS
Tianna DaSilva- JSPS
Honourable mention: Maggie Nolan- Montessori
Age 12-16
Tykai Fahie- Elmore Stoutt High School
Sara Augustine- St. George’s Secondary
Mary Torio- St George’s Secondary
Honourable mention: Zara Pascoe- Cedar International
The winning submissions will be incorporated into the Rotary Club of Tortola anti-litter campaign with artwork being featured on posters, billboards and recyclable shopping bags.
Education
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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