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
The International Morning Braff Show Returns to the Airwaves
The International Morning Braff Show is back, reenergised and ready to reclaim its spot as the must-listen program for Virgin Islanders and audiences worldwide.
The show returns this Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Tola Radio VI (100.5 FM), kicking off the station’s 10th-anniversary celebrations with a lineup that promises excitement, insight, and surprises.
Legendary host HBH Da Don will reunite with Ras Rubio and the show’s dynamic panel to deliver the energy, laughter, and engaging discussions fans have come to love. The opening broadcast will feature a star-studded guest list of over 20 government officials, artists, bands, and public figures from the Virgin Islands and beyond.
This milestone year is more than a celebration of the show’s return—it’s a tribute to Tola Radio’s decade of service to the community. Over the years, the station has become a cornerstone of Virgin Islands culture, fostering community spirit through music, entertainment, and charitable initiatives.
- Highlights of Tola Radio’s contributions include:
- Annual Christmas Dollar Mania: Benefiting over 500 winners each year.
- Support for Local Music: Over $47,000 in contributions to advance the industry.
- Major Giveaways: Including four automobiles, 50+ televisions, and countless prizes.
- 10th-Anniversary Giveaway
To mark this special occasion, Tola Radio has announced its 10th Anniversary Giveaway, an eight-week promotion culminating in a grand prize drawing during the YOLO Promotions Black on Black Show featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025.
Listeners can look forward to exclusive guest appearances, exciting events, and unforgettable moments as Tola Radio continues its legacy of delivering Virgin Islands culture to a global audience. Whether tuning in locally on 100.5 FM, streaming online, or joining the conversation via Facebook Live, fans are in for a treat.
“The International Morning Braff Show is more than just a radio program—it’s a movement that unites our community and celebrates the essence of the Virgin Islands,” said a statement from Tola Radio.
The management and staff of Tola Radio extend their gratitude to sponsors, partners, and loyal listeners who have supported their journey. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without you,” they said, promising more laughter, music, and opportunities to connect in the year ahead.
Entertainment
Vybz Kartel’s Return: Freedom Street Concert Marks Historic Comeback After 13 Years
Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online.
He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.
While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.
But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.
Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.
The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.
Entertainment
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
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