Local News
Djimon Gumbs: Shattering Records and Reaching New Heights
Djimon Gumbs is a name that resonates in the world of track and field. As a student at Northwestern State University (NSU), this British Virgin Islands native has not only left an indelible mark but has also rewritten records and exceeded expectations, excelling in the shot put and discus events.
Gumbs’ journey is one marked by an unquenchable thirst for excellence. His groundbreaking achievements have positioned him as the first male thrower from NSU to qualify for the NCAA Championships in multiple events, a distinction shared only with Trecey Rew, who achieved this feat in 2010, participating in the shot put and discus.
His accomplishments transcend collegiate competition. At the U23 Caribbean Games in 2022, Gumbs claimed the silver medal in the shot put with a remarkable throw of 17.99m (59’02”).
In 2022, Gumbs secured his spot at the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, held in Eugene, Oregon, from June 8 to 11. His remarkable journey to this prestigious event included a 10th-place finish with a throw of 55.93m (183’50”) during the NCAA East Preliminary games at Indiana University Bloomington on May 27, 2022.
Earlier in the same competition, on May 25, 2022, Gumbs had already punched his ticket to the NCAA Div I Championships in the shot put. His final attempt witnessed a personal best, as he hurled the shot to a distance of 19.22m (63’0.75”), earning him an 8th-place finish at the East Preliminaries.
At the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, Gumbs concluded his campaign with a non-advancing best throw of 17.18 in the shot put on Day 8 of competition.
The 2022 outdoor season showcased Gumbs’ proficiency, propelling him to the NCAA Championships in both the discus and shot put, resulting in 22nd and 23rd place finishes, respectively. At the NCAA East Prelims, he accomplished a personal best in the shot, recording an astounding throw of 63-0.75 on his third attempt, a mark that now stands as the second-best in NSU history. Furthermore, he clinched his place in the discus with a throw of 183-5 on his third attempt, setting a new NSU record.
In the 2023 indoor season, Gumbs participated in five meets in the shot put, securing top-two finishes in four of them. His season-best effort of 62-2.25 at the Southland Conference Indoor Championships earned him a bronze medal.
Gumbs’ exceptional journey has not gone unnoticed, as he garnered numerous accolades, including recognition as the Southland Conference Men’s Newcomer of the Year and the Southland Conference Men’s Outstanding Field Events Performer for 2022.
Looking forward, Gumbs sets his sights on the next Commonwealth Games in Victoria, Australia, in 2026, with the aspiration of representing his nation once again, thereby expanding his impressive list of accomplishments. Djimon Gumbs continues to defy records and soar to new heights, leaving an indelible mark in the world of athletics.
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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