Entertainment
Julian Willock and Kishma P. Forbes Donate to Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay

From left: Kishma P. Forbes, Julian Willock, Principal Ashkisha N. Maduro, Ms Rhondella Guishard, Sandra L. Grisham, and Leroy James Jr at the presentation at Ebenezer Thomas Primary School on Monday, September 18, 2023. Photo: Provided
Former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Julian Willock, and Kishma P. Forbes from the Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies have come together to make a significant contribution to the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay.
The donation, valued at over $1000, includes a range of items that will greatly benefit the school and its students.
Among the items donated are power fans, a glue gun with glue sticks, a laminating machine, and a variety of snacks.
Recognizing the limitations of the government, Willock and Forbes decided to partner with the private sector to make this generous donation possible. The sponsors who supported their efforts include Smith Gore-BVI Real Estate, Skelton Group of Companies, and Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.
Both Willock and Forbes are alumni of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, making their contribution even more meaningful. During the donation event, Willock expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support received by the school, particularly acknowledging the efforts of 3rd District Representative, Hon. Julian Fraser RA.
Ms. Sandra L. Grisham, the Director of Business Development for Scrub Island, also addressed the students during the event. She emphasized the importance of education and encouraged the students to stay focused on their studies. Grisham commended the students on their impressive assembly and even expressed the possibility of one of them taking her job in the future.
Principal Ashkisha N. Maduro of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School expressed her excitement about the partnership and extended her heartfelt gratitude to Willock, Forbes, and the corporate partners for their support. She highlighted the positive impact this donation will have on the school and its students.
This recent donation follows a back-to-school giveaway organized by Willock and Forbes in August 2023, benefiting over 130 students in District Three. During that event, Willock promised the principal that they would continue to support the school.
In addition to their generous donations, Willock issued a challenge to the school to participate in the District Three festival troupe for the 2024, 70th anniversary of the Emancipation celebrations. He expressed his desire to see both children and adults from District Three come together to form the troupe and celebrate this significant milestone.
Willock also announced plans for a job fair and a food pantry in District Three. He hopes to collaborate with District Three Representative, Hon. Fraser, and has already reached out to him via a letter to discuss the implementation of these initiatives.

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock, right, gives remarks. Left is ETPS Principal Ashkisha N. Maduro. Photo: Provided
Entertainment
Venoria Todman to Launch New Book “Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell”
Venoria Todman will unveil her much-anticipated new book, Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell, which promises to provide an honest and thought-provoking exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by modern couples. The book delves deep into the complexities of relationships that often remain hidden beneath the surface, offering readers a candid examination of the struggles many face in marriage.
The launch event will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at Village Cay Marina, starting at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Todman’s latest release comes eight years after her debut book, Who Cheats More Than a Politician, which was also launched with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture.
In a statement, Mrs. Todman explained that the book was a personal reflection on the difficulties of navigating love and commitment in today’s world. “The struggles that couples face are real, and this book aims to open a window into those complexities,” she said. “I wanted to create something that resonates with people, offering a sense of understanding for those who may feel alone in their experiences.”
Deputy Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard, expressed her department’s ongoing commitment to supporting local authors, particularly Mrs. Todman’s work. “Mrs. Todman’s latest release promises to be a compelling read,” Ms. Lennard said. “Our department was proud to support her first book, and we are equally excited to help promote this new literary endeavor.”
Ms. Lennard also highlighted the importance of the upcoming launch as a chance for the community to connect with the author. “This event provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Mrs. Todman, discuss the inspiration behind her work, and gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the book,” she said.
The Department of Culture has long been a champion of local talent and continues to foster the growth of Virgin Islands’ creative works. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the department is committed to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage and promoting its artists both locally and on the global stage.
Entertainment
Sylvanna Charles Crowned Miss Elegantly Plus 2025
Sylvanna L. Charles, representing the British Virgin Islands, was crowned Miss Elegantly Plus 2025 at the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant on March 14. Charles secured the title with 518 points, marking a historic moment as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus. In addition to the main title, Charles earned multiple special awards throughout the night, including Best Evening Wear, Best Photogenic, Best Talent, Best Flag Couture Ambassadorial Presentation, and the Top Model Award.
Mekelia A. Miller from Trinidad & Tobago earned the 1st Runner-Up title with 483 points, receiving accolades in Best Onstage Interview and Best Resort Wear.
The Miss Enterprise award and Best in Opening Number went to Hasanna Graham, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands. Graham’s performance in these segments was highly praised.
Milove J. S. Fontaine from Antigua & Barbuda was awarded Miss Congeniality and stood out in the Best Resort Wear category.
The event which featured delegates from the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda celebrated the beauty and empowerment of plus-size women in the Caribbean. Each delegate showcased their individual talents, poise, and community engagement.
The pageant also included two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events were not factored into the final scores, they allowed delegates to demonstrate their personalities and love for pageantry. Charles emerged victorious in both segments.
The inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus pageant is expected to set the stage for future editions, with the aim of empowering plus-size women across the Caribbean to embrace their beauty and confidence.
Entertainment
Sylvanna Charles Claims Early Wins Ahead of Inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant

The stage is set for the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant, as four accomplished women from across the region prepare to compete for the title. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
Ahead of the main competition, some delegates participated in two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events do not contribute to the final scores, they provided a platform for the contestants to express their personalities and love for pageantry. Emerging victorious in both categories was Delegate #3, Sylvanna Charles, Miss Elegantly Plus British Virgin Islands, who impressed judges at The Golden Soirée with her eloquence and style.
The inaugural pageant will bring together delegates representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda, each of whom has a strong background in pageantry and community engagement.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, carrying the banner for the U.S. Virgin Islands, previously earned the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, won the Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) title in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. From Antigua & Barbuda, Milove J. S. Fontaine joins the lineup, having been crowned Miss Charisma in 2020.
This competition is more than just a pageant—it is a celebration of cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the Caribbean. The winner will make history as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen, setting the foundation for future editions of this empowering event.
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