Entertainment
Julian Willock and Kishma P. Forbes Donate to Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in Sea Cows Bay
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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.
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Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock, right, gives remarks. Left is ETPS Principal Ashkisha N. Maduro. Photo: Provided
Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Entertainment
Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards
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Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
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Entertainment
Ronald Estephane of Fruit Boss to Represent St. Lucia at Caribbean Baking Awards
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St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.
Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.
The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.
This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.
The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.
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