Local News
Virgin Islands Athletes Return from Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games with Positive Experience
The delegation from the Virgin Islands (UK) has returned home after participating in the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4th to 11th. The team, consisting of five athletes aged 14 to 18, competed in track and field events during the 7th edition of the Games.
Sprinter J’Den Jackson showcased an impressive performance, qualifying for the 100m semifinals with a time of 11.19 in the heats. Although he placed 8th in the semifinals with a non-advancing time of 11.27, his efforts were commendable. The event was won by English runner Teddy W Wilson, with fellow national Ebuka Nwokejie taking second place and Shaquane G Gordon of Jamaica securing third place.
In the 200m event, J’Den ran a time of 22.37, finishing fourth in heat 4 and qualifying for the semifinals. However, he placed 6th in the semifinals with a non-advancing time of 22.24. Samuel Ogazi of Nigeria emerged as the winner in the finals, with Dean Patterson from Scotland and Rusciano Thomas-Riley from England securing second and third place, respectively.
Jonathan Lynch represented the Virgin Islands in the 800m semifinals, finishing 6th with a non-advancing time of 1:59.64. The event concluded with Kelvin Koech of Kenya taking the victory, followed by Miles Waterworth of England in second place and Caleb McLeod of Scotland in third.
A’Sia McMaster and Cristal Daly participated in the long jump event, with A’Sia achieving a longest mark of 5.56m and securing 9th place. Unfortunately, Cristal did not make a mark. Jah’Kyla competed in the high jump but did not achieve a mark in her event.
The athletes concluded their participation in the Commonwealth Youth Games with the Closing Ceremony at Pigeon Point Beach Facility in Tobago on August 11th.
“The athletes displayed great teamwork, and we can be extremely proud of their conduct both on and off the field,” said Chef de Mission Ms. Ericca Frederick. “These youth-oriented Games aim to provide an opportunity for athletes to engage in friendly competition, build friendships, and experience the diverse cultures across the Commonwealth. Our athletes embraced this mission and return home enriched by their experience in Trinidad and Tobago.”
The team was accompanied by coach Erwin “Redz” Telemaque, and Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVICGA, was present to support and encourage the athletes.
“The Commonwealth Youth Games serve as a pathway to the senior Commonwealth Games and other major events, and the exposure our five athletes gained from this competition will greatly benefit their future athletic careers,” commented President Penn. “Under the guidance of their coach, the constructive takeaways from their experience at Trinbago 2023 will serve them well going forward.”
The Games saw the participation of over 1000 athletes from 71 nations and territories across the Commonwealth, competing in events from seven different sports, including athletics, aquatics, beach volleyball, cycling, FAST5 netball, rugby sevens, and triathlon.
Traditionally held every four years, with the first event taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000, the date and host for the next Commonwealth Youth Games have yet to be decided.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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