Local News

Governor’s Office Launches Youth Empowerment Projects Fund

Published

2 years ago

September 26, 2023

Editor

Governor John Rankin concerned about slow pace of Commission of Inquiry recommendations

The Governor’s Office in the British Virgin Islands has recently announced the establishment of a fund totaling $30,000 to support youth empowerment projects across the territory. The fund aims to provide financial assistance to registered or established BVI Non-Profit Organizations that are committed to delivering activities and projects focused on empowering young individuals and supporting the economic development of the BVI.

Organizations or partnerships between organizations are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to implement projects that will enable local youths to have positive experiences and develop new skills. These projects should also inspire them to explore job opportunities in sectors such as tourism, environment, agriculture, sports, and other fields relevant to the sustainable development, economic growth, and overall well-being of the BVIs.

The target age group for these activities is 13 to 21-year-olds, ensuring that the projects align with the BVI Sustainable Development Plan’s goal of empowering islanders for a sustainable future in an inclusive and vibrant society, where individuals lead fulfilling lives.

Project partners can be included in multiple applications, but each project lead should submit only one application.

The timeline for the application process is as follows:

– Applications must be received by October 23, 2023.
– Projects must be completed by March 1, 2024.

To apply for the fund, interested organizations should follow these steps:

Step 1: Email Govoffice.Tortola@fcdo.gov.uk to request an application pack.
Step 2: Complete the application form and submit it electronically by October 23, 2023.
Step 3: Application documents will be reviewed by November 17, 2023.
Step 4: Successful applicants will be notified by December 1, 2023.

For further information or any inquiries, organizations are encouraged to contact Govoffice.Tortola@fcdo.gov.uk.

The Youth Empowerment Projects Fund presents a valuable opportunity for organizations in the BVI to make a positive impact on the lives of young individuals while contributing to the sustainable development and economic growth of the territory.

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Local News

Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands

Published

7 days ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.

According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.

“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.

Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment

Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.

Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.

Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment

Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.

Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.

Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.

“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.

He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.

Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.

Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,

the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,

showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.

Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.

“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”

The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.

Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer

Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.