Local News
Rennea Powell Appointed BVI Red Cross New Chair
The British Virgin Islands Red Cross has announced a new Board with Rennea Powell as Chair.
Board members – Estaban Smith, Micheal B. Matthews, Theodore John, Secretary Maria Abraham, and Treasurer Sylvia Romney-Moses – were appointed during the non-profit’s annual general meeting on June 19 in Road Town, Tortola.
Powell, who previously served as secretary and vice-chair, replaces Troy K. Christopher who was appointed Chairman in 2020
BVI Red Cross Director Stacy Lloyd welcomed Powell as the new Chair and noted that the new Board reflects the diversity of the organisation’s volunteer base.
“I am happy to welcome Ms. Powell as our new Chairperson as well as the other new Board members. Our Board reflects the diversity of our volunteer base. I am confident that this new elected Board will continue to propel the organisations from strength to strength in line with our mission of assisting the most vulnerable population during crisis,” Lloyd said.
The Board will uphold the core ethos and values of the Red Cross with a key objective ” to mobilise the power of humanity so that individuals and communities have the capacity to prepare for, deal with and recover from crisis.”
The statement explained that the Board “sets and reviews policies, maintains the organisation’s financial integrity and evaluates its operations and effectiveness. Its role includes safeguarding the long-term reputation and assets of the Branch, and appointing the Director, who is responsible for the operational management of the organisation.”
The BVI Red Cross, which was established here in 1956, is the oldest non-profit in the territory.
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment
Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment
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