Local News
It’s Official – ILCA 7 Laser Sailor Thad Lettsome Ends BVI 30-Year No-Show Streak At Pan Am Games
ILCA 7 laser sailor Thad Lettsome on Saturday qualified for the 2023 Pan American Games, ending the British Virgin Islands 30-year no show streak at the continental multi-sport event which features thousands of athletes from across the Americas.
Lettsome secured his 2023 Pan Am Games spot in October in Chile, following a July 1 impressive second place win at the Central American and Caribbean Games (CAC) in San Salvador.
According to the British Virgin Islands Olympic Association, “Thad would seal the spot with his best race of the series,” but “missed out on an overall fifth place finish by just 1 point to place 6th in the regatta.”
The Association congratulated the sailor and noted that “the ultimate result is a significant breakthrough for the Virgin Islands as Thad becomes the first sailor for the BVI in 30 years to officially qualify for a Pan American Games.”
He is coached by Chris Watters, the National Sailing Federation and the Royal BVI Yacht Club.
Pan Am Games, which was first held in 1951 in Argentina, is held every four years in the year before the Summer Olympic Games.
This year’s Games will take place in Santiago, Chile from October 20 to November 5 and will feature over 7,000 athletes.
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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