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Djimon Gumbs Confident and Prepared for the Discus Event at the Pan American Games in Chile

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October finds Djimon Gumbs training to ensure he can compete at the highest level against some of the finest discus throwers at the Pan American Games in Chile.

He is part of a four-person contingent proudly representing the British Virgin Islands in this monumental athletic event in Santiago.

With more than 700 athletes from North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean, all are looking to see who will break records and who will medal.

As the anticipation builds up for his event on October 30, Gumbs shared his thoughts and ambitions and gave an insight into his journey so far with jahphixtelevsion.com.

“I think that my preparation has been more than enough,” Gumbs confidently said.
“One of the things that will be most interesting is to see how far I throw while under load. I have been lifting heavy weights, and doing a normal offseason workout, and to compete in November is a little odd but nevertheless the mission remains the same.”

Indeed Gumbs is no stranger to facing challenges head-on. The PanAm Games in Chile marks the second biggest meet of his career, and he is fully aware of the tough competition he faces.

“Facing off against some of the people I usually watch on TV will be amazing, but I think that I am confident enough that I will go in there and shake some things up,” he emphasised.

One of the key elements in Gumbs’ journey is the unwavering support and guidance of his coach Mike. “Staying relaxed and trusting yourself, as well as your coaching, is the most important thing. Thankfully, my coach, Coach Mike, is here, so it makes things a lot better,” Gumbs shared.
For the territory’s current top discus thrower, the upcoming competition holds significant personal value. “I know that the 30th will be special. I’m not sure how yet, but win, lose, or draw, I know that I will once again be a part of history, and just having my name out there with the greats is just another accomplishment for me.”

Gumbs revealed that he doesn’t “usually set goals because if I do set goals, then that’s all I focus on, and then it creates a domino effect of problems, so my only goal is to go out there, have fun, execute, and see how far that takes us. Take 3 big swings (throws) and hope we get 3 more. Anything that comes after that I’ll take.”

Gumbs’ journey is particularly inspirational. He is an islander who remains steadfast in his commitment to hard work in order to reach the pinnacle of his field.

“Being from such a small island, it kinda makes you feel like you are inferior to the athletes that are representing their respective countries, but one thing I have learned is that once you make it into meets like these, it means that your work goes unnoticed, and you have the potential to do so much more.”

He also acknowledged the responsibility he feels to inspire the younger generation in the BVI. “Being from a small island, and knowing that my generation is up next makes me hungrier than ever, and it is important that I decide to stay hungry to meet the goals that are set out for not just me but for my country.”

Gumbs expressed his gratitude to those who have supported him on this incredible journey. “First and foremost, all praises and thanks go to God Almighty for blessing me with these talents and to go out there to represent my country to its fullest potential,” he said. “I can never forget my loving parents, siblings, family, and friends. Earlier in the year, I was really struggling in track and field, and without them, I don’t think that I would be here in Chile right now.”

Djimon Gumbs believes that the PanAm Games symbolise the diversity and unity of athletes from around the world. “There are literally millions of athletes in the world, and coming to a games like this, it makes you realise that there are people from all over the world who want this just as bad as you, or even more.”

When it comes to his mental preparation, Gumbs highlighted the importance of simplicity. “So mentally, I just try not to do too much. Me and my coach go through a little talking. Most of it is from a technical standpoint, how we want the throw to look, and what we think will make it into finals, and little stuff like that. After that, it’s have fun and let your body take care of the rest.”

As he prepares to step into the discus ring, Gumbs relies on self-assurance and confidence. “Confidence starts from the warmup. You have to believe that you feel good, even when you don’t, because the mind is a powerful thing. That sets the tone for warmups, straight into the end of the competition.”

To those who aspire to follow in his footsteps, Gumbs has some words of wisdom. “My advice to the younger ones who are looking up to me would be to trust in yourself, and believe that the path you are on will drive you to greatness. Always remember to stay determined and always challenge yourself to become the best version of yourself.”

In terms of his strategy for the competition, Gumbs explained, “I have no strategy, as I said before, we look at it as three swings to throw as far as we could. From there, it can go really well, or really bad. Obviously, you will hope that this day will be your day when you are in peak form.”

He is filled with pride and gratitude. “Getting the chance to wear BVI on my chest is one of the best feelings I could ever feel. Knowing that this is what I wanted to do from young and it is now coming into fruition is sometimes a surreal feeling for me, but I know that I have been putting in the work, so I do deserve to be here as well.”

“Let’s be the best we can be, and go BVI!,” Gumbs added.

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Ron Potter Refuses to Resign Despite Request from Health Minister

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Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), Ron Potter, has refused to resign from his position, despite being directly asked to do so by the Minister of Health and Social Development.

The request, made via WhatsApp, came in the wake of several tragic incidents affecting the healthcare sector in the British Virgin Islands.

Potter made his position clear in a formal statement, rejecting the call to step down. He emphasised that his removal would require legal grounds under the BVI Health Services Authority Act of 2004, which governs the appointment and dismissal of board members. According to Potter, no such grounds exist. “It is not my intention to resign as Chairman, as there are no grounds or reasons for me to do so,” Potter declared, adding that the Act requires due process to be followed.

He further pointed out that the BVIHSA operates independently of central government, and that decisions regarding his removal must be legally justified. The Chairman also addressed media reports suggesting a strained relationship between himself and the Health Minister, noting that he was unaware of any tensions before reading the reports. “If this reporting is true, I was certainly unaware of a strained relationship prior to the articles,” Potter said, distancing himself from claims of discord within the healthcare administration. He also dismissed allegations that he was single-handedly blocking the development of a proposed medical school, calling them “unfounded and without merit.”

Potter’s statement highlighted his dedication to the healthcare system in the Territory. He acknowledged ongoing challenges, particularly the lack of a fully staffed BVIHSA board, which has prevented the board from holding critical meetings since July 2024. Despite these setbacks, Potter remains committed to his role, championing several key initiatives, including the completion of the Nurse Iris O’Neal Medical Center, improvements to hospital and clinic infrastructure, and the establishment of medical and nursing schools.

Potter reaffirmed his commitment to the people of the British Virgin Islands, stressing the importance of a well-functioning healthcare system. “I believe access to a good healthcare system is a fundamental right of the people of this Territory,” he said, urging the community to continue supporting the BVIHSA’s efforts to enhance healthcare services.

It is unclear whether the Minister of Health will pursue further action or attempt to resolve the situation with the Chairman.

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Willock Unveils New Back-to-School Initiative: ‘3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3’

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Former Speaker of the House of Assembly and District 3 resident Julian Willock, along with his Third District Committee, has launched a new twist on their annual Back-to-School event, titled “3 Hours, 3 Schools, District 3.”

This year, the event will focus on three schools in the Sea Cows Bay area: Seventh-day Adventist School, St. George’s Anglican School, and Ebenezer Thomas Primary School. Over 100 bags filled with books and other essential supplies will be donated directly to these schools, with principals and teachers determining which students need them most over the 2024-2025 school year.

Explaining the new approach, Willock said, “We noticed that many existing back-to-school events had restrictions, like requiring students to come from a particular district or pre-register. Our approach is simpler: we want to help students who genuinely need it, and who better to identify those students than the teachers and principals who interact with them daily?”

The only requirement for receiving supplies is that the students must be enrolled in one of the three selected schools. Donations are set to be made next week, all within a single day, in what Willock has dubbed the “3 Hours, 3 Schools in District 3” initiative.

Willock also highlighted plans for a separate, special initiative for the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, which is temporarily housed in the Sea Cows Bay area.

He expressed gratitude to the sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible, including Nanny Cay Resort, BDO Limited, Northam Construction, IAM Jet Centre, his Third District Committee, and Kishma P. Forbes of Virgin Islands School and Office Supplies.

More than 100 bags filled with books, pencils, and other school supplies.

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79 New British Overseas Territories Citizens Welcomed in Ceremony at Government House

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Seventy-nine individuals were officially welcomed as newly Naturalised British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) at a ceremony held on August 29 at Government House in the British Virgin Islands. The new citizens swore an Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King and pledged loyalty to the Virgin Islands, a requirement that formally confirms their status as British Overseas Territories Citizens.

His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce presented the certificates of Naturalisation and congratulated the new citizens. “Today is your day,” Governor Pruce said. “It gives me great pleasure to be part of an event where you are all committing yourselves loyally to new ties, which will stay with you for the rest of your lives. This is a highly enriching process, from which you as individuals, and the BVI as a Territory, will gain.”

Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, emphasised that this occasion represents more than just receiving documentation. “You are joining a family that celebrates diversity and strives for greatness,” Premier Wheatley remarked. He acknowledged the diverse backgrounds of the new citizens, including educators, healthcare professionals, and other contributors to the community, calling them “a broad cross-section of individuals” who are now part of the BVI family.

Registrar General Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro underscored that citizenship is not just a legal status but a bond of loyalty and mutual respect. “It signifies your commitment to uphold the rights and responsibilities that come with citizenship, to contribute to the common good, and to work together for the prosperity and well-being of all,” she said, highlighting the strength that comes from the community’s collective diversity.

Naturalisation, under the British Nationality Act of 1981, allows individuals to become British Overseas Territories citizens. The event at Government House was a significant moment for the 79 new citizens, marking their formal entry into the Virgin Islands community.

The new citizens include individuals from a variety of backgrounds and professions, adding to the rich cultural tapestry of the Virgin Islands.

The 79 new British Overseas Territories Citizens are: Adean Alexander Abrahams, Ahamad Alli, Bibi Shaira Alli, Jeffrey Ebenezer Antoine, Moses Richard Barrett, Eric St. Clair Bobb, Jennel Aduma Velisha James Browne, Suresh Budhu, Vincent James Clarke, Sulay Samuel Cortorreal, Eva Fe Nares Cook, Natalie Nicole Spencer Crosdale, Kevin Ezron Cummings, Tyra Tiffany Daniels, Guilene Estinls, Vermalene Elveda Skyers Fahie, Graham Jude Farinha, Milton Errol Felix, Felisha Amelia Kennisha Fisher, Marcelin Fontaine, Cadrena Tamara Patterson Forbes, Jeannette Forte, Dwight Maxwell Francis, Heather Natasha Francois, Alden Anthony Francois, Colin Adrian Fredericks, Paula Susan Frederick, Christopher Dominic Ghiorse, Victoria Louise Ghiorse, Dexter Kaziee Glasgow, Orland Rosco Glasgow, Iuliia Gulevych, Naline Harrigan, Lavern Maxcella Haywood, Claudette Ann Harris, Milton Harris, Chandrawattie Persaud Hinds, Brittney Jamelia James, David Reid James, Martin Steven Kenney, Magnus Theodore Latchman, Nicole Marie Claire Laurac, Sophie Louise Leroy, Bonny Compton Lindie, Alvin Ralston Matthew, Jaa-mala Jerome Miller, Alexander L. S. L. Mills, Hugh Everton Morrison, Joezette Elaine Morrison, Sandra Muir, Binns Disdale Nickie, Pearlie Sherma Nelson-Nickie, Nosa Everest Omo-Igbinomwanhia, Joan Asher O’Neal, Dawn Marcia Oswald, Barry Arthur Palmer, Agnes Paul, Vaman Romindranauth Ramlall, Shirvon Roach, Antoinette Samanta Leslie-Roberts, Anna Kiara Robinson, Anne Kira Robinson, Mickel Deshon Rogers, Shinia Timia Rowtham, Winston Washington Salmon, Denise Michelle Williams Simmons, Kerwyn Benjamin Simmons, Georgia Marilyn Slater, Anita Sookhoo, Allina Augustina Sprauve, Marvelyn Annette Baker-Smith, Ascar Osdale Sutherland, Gordon Teka, Allison Roselyn Oliver-Thomas, Christopher Carlyle Varlack, Indra Victor, Nurys Iris Vanterpool Welch, Neville Rolando Wilson, and Quincy St. Orbis Narcelius Woolford.

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