Local News

Thad Lettsome: The Sailing Prodigy Making Waves for the British Virgin Islands

Published

2 years ago

October 24, 2023

Editor

In the world of sailing, the name Thad Lettsome is rapidly rising to prominence. Hailing from the British Virgin Islands, he’s currently making waves as he prepares to represent his homeland at the Pan American (PANAM) Games 2023 in Chile.

Born on January 17, 2002, this 17-year-old prodigy is the first sailor to proudly hoist the BVI flag at the Pan Am Games since the 1990s when he represented the BVI in the 2021 Junior PANAM Games in Cali, Colombia.

Competing against a fleet of 14 sailors aged between 17 and 22, Lettsome secured 6th place overall In the Laser class, and 2nd place in the U-21 category, marking a historic achievement for both himself and the British Virgin Islands.

Thad’s journey, however, started years ago in the Optimist class under the guidance of coach Omari Scott at the Royal BVI Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program. His early achievements, including a win in the age 10 and under White Fleet at the International Optimist Regatta in St. Thomas, set the stage for a remarkable sailing career.

Recognizing Lettsome’s potential, he transitioned to larger vessels, including the Zoom 8 and the 13.6-foot Laser. With each step, he continued to rise in the sailing world, achieving successes that hinted at his future greatness.

His dedication to the sport led him to further hone his skills, including training with the Royal Canadian Yacht Club and joining the Canadian Laser Radial National Team Training Camp in Toronto. The guidance of experienced coaches, including Brenda Bowskill, who represented Canada at the 2016 Summer Olympics, has only added to his potential.

Currently attending Tabor Academy in Marion, Massachusetts, Lettsome also represents his school in sailing competitions.

His recent accomplishments include a 10th-place finish at the U.S. Laser Nationals in Houston, Texas, followed by a stellar 14th place out of 58 international sailors at the Youth Sailing World Championship in Corpus Christi, Texas. He continued to impress, securing 4th place overall in Laser Radials at the CORK International Regatta in Kingston, Canada.

Thad aspires to secure a medal at the Youth Sailing World Championships in the Laser Radial class, while continuing to excel in regattas across North America.

In the long run, his ultimate dream is to switch to the Laser Standard class and win a medal at the Olympics for the British Virgin Islands.

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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.