Local News
Los Angeles Lakers Conclude Summer League with Thrilling Win over Clippers
D’Moi Hodge Dominates with Impressive 23-Point Performance
In an exhilarating finish to the NBA Summer League, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a hard-fought victory against their city rivals, the LA Clippers, with a thrilling 104-103 victory. While the Lakers celebrated their triumph, it was British Virgin Islander D’Moi Hodge who stole the spotlight, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributing a remarkable 23 points to the Lakers’ winning effort.
After a season that fell short of reaching the postseason, the Lakers were determined to end their summer schedule on a high note.
The Lakers were missing their top player, Max Christie, who was sidelined after the first three games. Additionally, first-round pick Jalen Hood-Schifino was unable to play due to a minor groin issue. With key players absent, the Lakers had to rely on other sources of offense.
Despite the challenges, the Lakers started strong with Colin Castleton making an impact in the paint and Cole Swider knocking down shots from beyond the arc. However, the Clippers responded with their own offensive firepower, led by first-round pick Kobe Brown.
As the first quarter came to a close, the Clippers held a 28-22 lead, taking advantage of some turnovers from the Lakers. However, the Lakers regrouped and came out with renewed energy in the second quarter. LJ Figueroa spearheaded a 7-0 run, propelling the Lakers into the lead. Swider continued his hot shooting, while Brown, unfortunately, rolled his ankle and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
With D’Moi Hodge sinking a late three-pointer, the Lakers entered halftime with a slim 48-47 advantage. Swider carried his shooting prowess into the third quarter, even converting a four-point play. However, Xavier Moon’s deep shooting helped the Clippers regain the lead.
Heading into the final quarter, the Lakers found themselves trailing 79-74. But Hodge quickly led a 5-0 run to tie the game, and Figueroa’s highlight-worthy dunk put the Lakers back on top at 87-85.
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth battle, with Hodge continuing to shine for the Lakers. With just a minute left on the clock, the Clippers had a chance to take the lead, but a crucial turnover sealed their fate. Figueroa capitalized on the opportunity, making a layup to go up by three points.
Despite some missed free throws by Figueroa in the closing moments, Matt Morgan’s late triple with 0.4 seconds left wasn’t enough for the Clippers. Swider was fouled on the subsequent inbounds pass and made the free throw, securing the Lakers’ one-point victory.
Hodge emerged as the leading scorer for the Lakers, contributing an impressive 23 points, along with five rebounds, three assists, five steals, and a block. He showcased his shooting prowess by sinking seven three-pointers. Swider also made a significant impact with five triples of his own, finishing with 21 points. Figueroa added 23 points to the Lakers’ total, while Castleton recorded an impressive double-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, and a block.
With the Summer League now concluded, the Lakers will reflect on their performances and look ahead to the upcoming season. D’Moi Hodge’s standout performance in this final game serves as a promising sign for the Lakers and offers a glimpse into his potential impact as the team moves forward.
Local News
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands wrapped up a significant five-day diplomatic visit to London, aimed at reinforcing ties with the UK Government. Accompanied by Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, the delegation’s primary focus was on building a modern partnership rooted in mutual respect and collaboration, while addressing the pressing issues facing the British Overseas Territory.
A pivotal moment of the trip came during an in-person meeting with the new Minister for Overseas Territories, Stephen Doughty MP, where Premier Wheatley outlined the progress being made in the Virgin Islands, particularly regarding the recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry. The talks, attended by Virgin Islands Governor Daniel Pruce, delved into the constitutional relationship between the UK and the Territory, with Wheatley expressing optimism about the future of cooperation. The Premier extended an invitation to Doughty to visit the Virgin Islands in November, which will coincide with the Minister’s first Joint Ministerial Council meeting.
The delegation’s presence in London also saw the Premier honored at a reception hosted by Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, Speaker of the House of Commons. This gathering brought together key players from both the political and financial sectors, highlighting the Territory’s strategic importance. “We are grateful for Sir Lindsay’s consistent support of the Overseas Territories,” Premier Wheatley remarked, underscoring the critical role these relationships play in bolstering the Virgin Islands on the global stage.
Despite the busy agenda, Premier Wheatley found time to meet with several MPs, including Adam Jogee MP and Baroness Vere, further cementing ties between the Virgin Islands and UK policymakers. These engagements, according to the Premier, will lay the groundwork for continued collaboration as Parliament reconvenes in October and the political season gears up with upcoming party conferences.
Climate change was a dominant theme of the Premier’s meetings, as he emphasized the existential threat the Virgin Islands faces due to rising sea levels and increasingly frequent severe weather events. In talks with officials from the Department for Energy and Net Zero and Baroness Brown, Chair of the Climate Change Adaptation Sub-Committee, Wheatley stressed the Territory’s need for greater support from the UK in accessing global climate funding. Baroness Brown assured the Premier of the UK Government’s commitment to assist in bolstering the Virgin Islands’ climate resilience efforts.
Additionally, the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector took center stage during a roundtable led by Premier Wheatley in collaboration with BVI Finance. Top executives from major London-based corporate service providers and law firms participated, as the Premier championed the Territory’s unique offerings and underscored its role as a premier financial services hub.
As the Virgin Islands prepares for Minister Doughty’s visit in November, Premier Wheatley is crafting a cultural itinerary to ensure the Minister gets an immersive experience of the Territory’s vibrant community and traditions.
The delegation included Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith OBE, Ayana Glasgow, Executive Director of International Business Regulations, Kedrick Malone, Governance Reform Delivery Manager, and Kenneth Baker, Managing Director of the Financial Services Commission.
The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.
“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”
This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.
Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.
The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.
Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.
Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”
Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.
For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
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