Entertainment
August Monday Parade Delivers Epic Victors: Treasures of the BVI Triumphs and “Lean” by Raul Sprauve Reigns as Road March Champion
The official results for the August Monday Parade for a total of twenty-five festival entries have been released with Treasures of the British Virgin Islands taking the top position for the Adult Troupe category.
An August 10 press statement from the Parade Sub-committee of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee confirmed that more than 1,000 revellers participated in the Monday, August 7 one-and-a-half-mile parade in Road Town, Tortola.
Category winners will receive up to $5,000 in cash prizes. The vibrant parade was led by the esteemed Reverend Yvonne Nibbs-Flores, who was bestowed with this honour to commemorate her remarkable 50 years of involvement in the Virgin Islands Festival.
A panel of judges meticulously evaluated the entries, taking into account factors such as procession, costuming, performance, and overall impression to determine the scores.
“Judges considered procession (first impression upon arrival), costuming, performance, overall impression, among other things to give scores to the entries. Entrants were required to perform for the judges at the intersection of Administration Drive and Waterfront Drive, as well as at the Sir Olva Georges’ Plaza and parallel to Clover’s,” the statement moted.
WInners
Individual Entry: Kazak
Musical Entry: Friends in Steel
Floats:
1st Place – Beyond the Reef
2nd Place – Rotary Family
Children’s Troupe:
1st Place – Dance Ensemble of Nouveau Royale
2nd Place – BVI Dance School
3rd Place – Dingolay
Adult’s Troupe:
1st Place – Treasures of the BVI
2nd Place – xtraVIganza
Floupe:
1st Place – The Way We Were
2nd Place – One Mart
Majorettes/Cheerleaders:
1st Place – Dance Ensemble of Nouveau Royale
2nd Place – BVI Dance School
3rd Place – Dingolay
Mocko Jumbies:
1st Place – BVI Optimum Sky Dancers
2nd Place – xtraVIganza
3rd Place – The Way We Were
Road March: “Lean” by Raul Sprauve
This year’s Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival kicked off on July 22 to commemorate the emancipation of enslaved Africans in 1834 in the British colonies.
August Festival was launched in 1954 to celebrate the territory’s freedom from colonialism and rich cultural history.
The August Monday Parade is a flagship event of the Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival.
This year’s winners will be presented with their well-deserved prizes during the Festival’s Last Lap which is scheduled for Saturday, August 12 at the Irene Penn-O’Neal Festiville.
Entertainment
BVI Competes at Subzonal 2.3.3 Chess Championships in Trinidad and Tobago

The British Virgin Islands is participating in the Subzonal 2.3.3 Absolute and Women’s Chess Championships, taking place from April 11 to 18 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Center in St. Ann’s, Trinidad and Tobago.
The tournament, sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), brings together players from across the Caribbean and parts of Central America, including representatives from Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and others.
Representing the BVI in the Absolute Section are Simon Potter and Jordan Hinds. In the Women’s Section, Alexis Ganigan and Tiandra Scatliffe are competing. The event is organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association in conjunction with the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA).
The Subzonal tournament serves as a qualifier for future zonal and continental events under the FIDE calendar. According to the TTCA, this year’s competition includes nine rounds under classical time control and follows international pairing standards.
Updates and full standings are available via the official tournament website at chesstt.org.
Entertainment
Premier Wheatley Presents Top Award at BVI Spring Regatta

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley was on hand Sunday to present the Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award to Jim Vos, skipper of Warthog, in recognition of his dedication to youth sailing in the Virgin Islands.
The award was one of the highlights of the final day of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, which wrapped up a week of racing on the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
While the early part of the week saw strong winds and challenging conditions, sailors were treated to classic Caribbean weather for the finale—sunny skies, steady breeze, and warm temperatures.
Despite the tough start, most crews found their rhythm and stayed consistent through the final races. The mix of international and local talent made for a strong showing across the board.
The regatta closed out with a lively celebration at the Regatta Village—sailors, supporters, and organizers coming together to toast another successful year on the water.
Full list of class winners:
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Warthog – Jim Vos (ANT)
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El Ocaso – Tony Mack (GBR)
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Huey Too – Bernie Evan-Wong (ANT)
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Bravissimo – Mike Feierabend (USVI)
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Painkiller/Sea-Battical – Alice Martin (USA)
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Jitterbug – Dr. Robin Tattersall (BVI)
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La Novia – Georges Coutu (DOM)
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Layla – Andrew Anne (GBR)
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Ting A Ling – Graham Harney (BVI)
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Cricket – Sandy Mair (BVI)
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Flying Jenny – Sandy Askew (USA)
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Entertainment
Virgin Islands Artist Ouida Releases Feel-Good Reggae Anthem ‘Everyday’
Virgin Islands-based singer-songwriter Ouida has once again partnered with renowned LA producer and songwriter, Andrew Scott (Druski), to release her latest single, “Everyday.” The vibrant, reggae-infused track, which dropped on April 5, delivers a compelling blend of soulful vocals, infectious rhythms, and an empowering message of resilience, positivity, and gratitude.
“Everyday” opens with an optimistic tone as Ouida sings, “Woke up with a smile on my face, the sun is shining, I’m soaking up the rays.” This sunny sentiment sets the stage for a track that celebrates the beauty of life, no matter the challenges we face. As Ouida explained, the song’s core message is about embracing every moment with gratitude: “No matter what the weatherman says, I’m gonna smile. It’s about finding joy in the everyday and pushing through whatever comes your way.”
The song’s smooth reggae groove and infectious chorus quickly capture the listener’s attention, with the hook—“Everyday, hey, hey, hey”—serving as an uplifting anthem of joy. The track exudes a carefree spirit, echoing the boundless energy of a child’s imagination. “I feel like a child, though it sounds strange, imagination’s wild with possibilities,” Ouida sings, inviting listeners to tap into life’s limitless potential.
Building on her growing reputation for heartfelt lyrics and melodic storytelling, Ouida continues to solidify her place in the music industry with “Everyday.” Her previous works have resonated deeply with audiences, thanks to their relatable themes and emotional depth.
Beyond its infectious rhythm, “Everyday” carries a deeper message of perseverance. In the third verse, Ouida reflects on overcoming adversity, singing, “Every test and trial made me who I am today. Even when I’m tired, you will never catch me break.” This theme of resilience weaves throughout the track, making it not only an anthem of joy but also one of strength and determination.
With its smooth reggae instrumentation, uplifting message, and Ouida’s captivating vocals, “Everyday” serves as a perfect Caribbean anthem that radiates positivity. As the song makes its way to streaming platforms, fans can expect an energetic and heartfelt experience that encourages them to approach each day with renewed optimism.
“Everyday” is sure to resonate with audiences looking for a soundtrack to inspire resilience and embrace the joy of living fully, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.
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