Local News

VISAR’s Winter Wonderland Brings Festive Fun to Nanny Cay

Published

2 years ago

November 2, 2023

Editor

Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) is back with its much-anticipated annual fundraiser, “VISAR’s Winter Wonderland and Holiday Village officially kicking off the holiday season in the Virgin Islands. on Friday, November 24, at 5 PM at Nanny Cay.

This marks the 4th edition of the event and this time, they’ve chosen the Nanny Cay as the backdrop for this holiday extravaganza.

The ice skating extravaganza which promises to be bigger and better than ever will continue until Saturday, December 30th, allowing both locals and visitors to enjoy the festivities throughout the season.

A Winter Wonderland in the Caribbean

While the main attraction remains the ice skating rink, there’s much more to see and do at VISAR’s Winter Wonderland. Every Friday and Saturday night, Nanny Cay will transform into a Holiday Village, featuring a delightful array of food and ice cream vendors to satisfy your cravings. Throughout the five weeks, a full roster of special events will keep the entertainment going strong. A detailed list of these events can be found in the attached press release.

The ice skating rink will be open during various hours to accommodate all schedules and preferences. On Fridays and Saturdays, it will be open from 5 PM to 10 PM, and on Sundays, it will operate from 5 PM to 9 PM. Additionally, from December 18 to December 28, the rink will be open from 5 PM to 9 PM. Please note that there are a few dates when the rink will be closed, as listed in the press release.

Skating for a Cause

While you enjoy the winter wonderland in the Caribbean, there’s also an opportunity to contribute to a good cause. The cost to skate is $10 per person for a 30-minute session, and the money raised goes directly to supporting VISAR’s essential operations, ensuring they are available 24/7/365 to provide the best possible response to maritime distress situations.

In an effort to make skating safe and enjoyable for everyone, VISAR has amended its policy for skaters aged 7 and younger. Children under 7 can skate along with a paying adult from 5 PM to 8 PM. After 8 PM, children under 7 can be on the ice at the discretion of the Rink Manager and Staff. For adults uncomfortable on the ice, there is an alternative: a $10 donation will get them a staff member to accompany their child on the rink during the 30-minute session.

Supporting the Community

VISAR’s Winter Wonderland isn’t just about having fun and raising funds; it’s also about giving back to the community that supports them. High school students can earn community service hours at the rink, and the event provides seasonal employment opportunities for 10-12 young adults. It’s noteworthy that five volunteers from the previous season have been hired to join the staff this year, highlighting the positive impact this event has on the community.

A Special Partnership with Nanny Cay

Nanny Cay Resort and Marina is an integral partner in this endeavor. Jane Tyrell, Nanny Cay Resort Manager, emphasized their commitment to providing a safe, family-oriented, and enjoyable holiday experience for all visitors. Nanny Cay’s picturesque setting, complete with a stunning marina and a variety of dining options, enhances the festive spirit of Winter Wonderland. It allows guests to enjoy more than just ice skating; they can create lasting memories in a safe, family-friendly environment.

With VISAR’s Winter Wonderland, you can experience the perfect blend of a tropical paradise and wintery fun in the heart of the Caribbean. So, mark your calendars, lace up your skates, and join the holiday fun at Nanny Cay while supporting a worthy cause. It’s a win-win for everyone involved. For more information, check VISAR’s Facebook and website or contact Julie Schneider at Purpose Driven Consultants. Let’s make this holiday season truly magical in the Virgin Islands.

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Entertainment

K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams Crowned Miss and Mr. HLSCC 2025

Published

16 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Editor

K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.

Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.

Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.

The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.

Local News

Caribbean Braces for Active 2025 Hurricane Season

Published

1 day ago

June 1, 2025

Editor

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through November 30. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) indicate an above-average season, with heightened activity anticipated across the Caribbean region.

NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). CSU’s forecast aligns closely, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.

Several climatic factors contribute to the anticipated increase in storm activity. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea remain warmer than average, providing additional energy to fuel storm development. Additionally, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions is likely to reduce wind shear in the tropics, further facilitating storm formation and intensification.

For the Caribbean, the implications are significant. CSU estimates a 66% probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the region this season, compared to the historical average of 47%.

In response to the heightened activity forecast, NOAA has implemented several enhancements to its forecasting and communication strategies. The National Hurricane Center will now issue forecasts and storm tracks up to 48 hours before a storm’s potential formation, allowing for earlier warnings. Updated storm cones will include inland warnings and nationwide inundation mapping to better visualize flood risks. New rip current risk maps will also be provided when tropical systems are present.

As the season begins, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to prepare accordingly. This includes assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and staying informed through official channels. While forecasts provide an overview of expected activity, the specific paths and impacts of individual storms can vary, underscoring the importance of readiness and vigilance throughout the season.

For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, individuals are encouraged to monitor information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.

Health

Karelynne Jimenez, Aiden Thompson Take Top Spots in Environmental Health Contest

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2025

Editor

Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.

The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.

Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.

During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.

“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”

Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.

The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.