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BVIAA Commemorates Naomi Onwufuju’s Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism Achievement
The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) marked a historic moment for the Virgin Islands as they celebrated Naomi Onwufuju’s crowning as the Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress. Ms. Onwufuju is the very first Virgin Islands Ambassador to attain this prestigious designation.
The event, held in the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw Ms. Onwufuju competing against representatives from 14 other Caribbean islands and emerging as the first Virgin Islands Ambassador to secure this prestigious title.
The BVIAA ceremony held at the TB Lettsome International Airport was attended by Junior Minister of Tourism Honourable Luce Smith, representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Authority’s Sole Shareholder, the Director of Tourism, and members of the Authority’s Board and executive team.
During her presentation at the 2023 Regional Tourism Conference, Ms. Onwufuju highlighted the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands and emphasized that it is not just any tourist destination, but a paradise that should be enjoyed by all. She emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating that it is not only a responsible tourism policy but also a moral obligation.
Honourable Luce Smith commended Ms. Onwufuju for her composed demeanor during the competition and her eloquent responses to the mystery questions. The Junior Minister also took the opportunity to recognise the unwavering support of Ms. Onwufuju’s family, teacher, and the BVI Tourist Board, whose dedicated efforts played a significant role in preparing her for this momentous achievement.
Dr. Drexel Glasgow, Deputy Financial Secretary, expressed his elation at witnessing the Virgin Islands’ triumph on the regional stage. He commended Ms. Onwufuju for her unwavering commitment and hard work, stating, “It is truly gratifying to see the Virgin Islands shine on this platform. We have high expectations for Ms. Onwufuju’s future endeavors and wish her the best as she continues to progress.”
Mr. Kurt Menal, Managing Director at the BVI Airports Authority, offered her an internship opportunity during school breaks and emphasised the crucial role that airports play in the tourism infrastructure and encouraged young people to consider pursuing careers in this field. He stated, “The BVI Airports Authority is wholeheartedly committed to inspiring other young individuals in the Virgin Islands to become ambassadors for tourism. I urge you to look to Ms. Onwufuju’s remarkable journey as a testament to what one can achieve with vision and persistence.”
Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy, celebrated Ms. Onwufuju’s victory and underscored its significance for the Territory and its thriving tourism industry. Mr. McCoy expressed his confidence that this win marks the beginning of a winning streak for the Virgin Islands, stating, “We are determined to bring home the title every year going forward.” He also acknowledged the hardworking and dedicated team at the BVI Tourist Board, who played an instrumental role in assisting Ms. Onwufuju with her preparations for this historic achievement.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Theodore Burke, acknowledged tourism as the lifeblood of the Virgin Islands and praised Ms. Onwufuju’s role in promoting the Territory as a top-notch destination. He expressed his belief that her efforts will undoubtedly boost tourism and transform the Virgin Islands’ airports into the gateway to exciting adventures, relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, representing the Ministry of Communications and Works, also spoke at the event, highlighting the collective pride felt by the government in Ms. Onwufuju’s outstanding accomplishment.
The BVI Airports Authority also recognized their stakeholders, Seven-Fourteen Cafe and Silver Airlines, for their generous contributions to Ms. Onwufuju for her accomplishments.
The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority is responsible for managing and operating the airports of the British Virgin Islands. Their mission is to ensure the accessibility and convenience of air travel to and from the British Virgin Islands, promote tourism, and provide an exceptional travel experience for visitors and residents alike.
Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina wrapped up its annual Scrub Island Billfish Series last month, marking another successful event in competitive sport fishing. The tournament, held from September 13 to 21 and organised by The Marlin Group, attracted 13 teams and 98 anglers, with a cash purse of $345,700 on the line. Over the course of two legs, participants released a total of 132 blue marlin and nine sailfish.
Winners of the 2024 Scrub Island Billfish Series:
Leg I
1st Place: Doña Lucy / San Juan, Puerto Rico (Capt. Efrain Rodriguez)
2nd Place: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)
3rd Place: Ohana / Jacksonville, Florida (Capt. Luke Hickey)
Leg II
1st Place: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)
2nd Place: Juben / Charleston, South Carolina (Capt. Jay Weaver)
3rd Place: Marlin Darlin / Clearwater, Florida (Capt. Shay Danzig)
Overall Series Champion: Showtime! / Stuart, Florida (Capt. Jon Meade)
Top Angler (Leg I): Ricardo Quiñones (Doña Lucy)
Top Lady Angler (Leg I): Michelle Espinosa (One Up)
Top Angler (Leg II): Chad Damron (Sodium)
Top Lady Angler (Leg II): Stacey Parkerson (Trilo Bite)
During the first leg of the series, 59 blue marlin and seven sailfish were released, with even more impressive numbers in the second leg: 73 blue marlin and two sailfish. Across six days of competitive fishing, the fleet released 132 blue marlin, highlighting the tournament’s reputation for prime big-game fishing.
“Each year, anglers from all over the world come to Scrub Island for a chance to experience the famous North Drop, renowned as one of the best spots globally for blue marlin fishing,” said Sandra Grisham-Clothier, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort. “We’re always excited to welcome the participants and witness this amazing event unfold.”
Tournament Director Jennifer Dudas echoed the excitement, stating, “The fishing was phenomenal this year, the weather was perfect, and the energy was incredible. We’re already counting down the days to the 2025 tournament!”
Anglers and their families enjoyed a host of luxury amenities throughout their stay at Scrub Island Resort, from the Ixora Spa to the resort’s world-class dining, private beaches, and a marina that served as the launch point for water-based excursions. Visitors also took advantage of the opportunity to explore the surrounding islands and marine life.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 Scrub Island Billfish Series is scheduled for September 4-8 (Leg I) and September 8-12 (Leg II). For more information on Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, visit ScrubIsland.com or call (877) 890-7444. For details on the Scrub Island Billfish Series, visit MarlinMag.com.
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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