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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.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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