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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British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
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.
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