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.
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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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