Local News

VISAR’s Winter Wonderland Brings Festive Fun to Nanny Cay

Published

11 months 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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Education

Friendly Competition Sparks Unity Between Francis Lettsome and Willard Wheatley Primary Schools

Published

16 hours ago

October 4, 2024

Editor

As the new school year began, Francis Lettsome Primary School and Willard Wheatley Primary School were officially zoned together, marking the start of what promises to be a powerful collaboration between the two institutions. In celebration of Teacher’s Week, both schools came together for a friendly bowling match between the Wolves and the Wildcats.

The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and teachers embraced their competitive spirits. Beyond the fun, the event symbolised the beginning of a new chapter, with both schools set on working together to foster academic and social improvement.

“This is just the beginning,” said one teacher. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead as we collaborate to support the success of our pupils.”

With more joint activities planned, the newly dubbed East Coast “Wolfcats” are poised to make great strides in building a united and dynamic learning environment. Stay tuned for further developments as these schools continue to strengthen their partnership.

International

UN Resident Coordinator Simon Springette Visits Virgin Islands to Strengthen Development Efforts

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2024

Editor

Simon Springette, the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, has arrived in the Virgin Islands for a two-day visit aimed at bolstering collaboration on sustainable development initiatives. His visit, spanning from October 1 to October 2, is seen as a pivotal moment in advancing the Territory’s development goals.

Mr. Springette will formally present his credentials to Premier Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley and engage in high-level discussions focused on joint efforts to address key development challenges facing the Virgin Islands. Premier Wheatley underscored the importance of the visit, noting, “The Resident Coordinator’s presence signals a deepening relationship with the United Nations network, which will lead to tangible results that positively impact the lives of everyone in the Virgin Islands.”

In addition to meeting with Premier Wheatley, Mr. Springette is scheduled to hold discussions with the Government’s Sustainable Development Goals National Coordinating Committee (SDGNCC). These talks will focus on the implementation of the UN Country Implementation Plan (UN CIP) for the Virgin Islands, which serves as the national instrument for realizing the UN Multi-country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (MSDCF) 2024-2026. This framework is the primary planning and programming tool for the Caribbean region.

A key highlight of Mr. Springette’s visit will be the official launch of the Working Group on the Development of a Roadmap to Improve Access to Development Finance for Eastern Caribbean Overseas Territories. The initiative is designed to create a strategic plan aimed at enhancing access to development finance, addressing critical issues impacting the region.

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, which is committed to fostering sustainable growth across the Virgin Islands, has welcomed Mr. Springette’s visit. The Ministry continues to promote economic, social, and cultural sustainability through strategic partnerships and forward-thinking policies, aiming to improve the quality of life for all residents.

Business

Flow BVI Appoints Maria De Grads as First Female General Manager

Published

4 days ago

October 1, 2024

Editor

Flow British Virgin Islands has welcomed Maria De Grads as its new General Manager, the first woman to hold this position in the company’s 58-year history, effective October 1. The announcement was made by C&W Communications, the parent company of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business, and BTC, which operates throughout the Caribbean.

Maria De Grads, a telecommunications veteran from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, brings over 21 years of experience in the industry. Her appointment has been hailed as a pivotal moment for Flow BVI. Susana O’Sullivan, Vice President for the North Caribbean at C&W Communications, expressed confidence in De Grads’ leadership: “Her extensive experience, vision, and commitment to empowering teams will be instrumental in driving Flow BVI forward as we continue to innovate and deepen our connection to the BVI community.”

De Grads has held a variety of roles within C&W Communications since joining Flow St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2004. Her previous positions include Commercial Lead for the Southern Caribbean markets, which covered St. Lucia, Dominica, Grenada, and Barbados. She has also served as Commercial Manager and Product Executive, gaining expertise in growth strategy, customer care, and human resource management. In her most recent role as Senior Manager for Commercial Operations in the South Caribbean, she was responsible for spearheading plans that drove customer acquisition and revenue growth.

“I am deeply honored to become the General Manager of Flow BVI, and being the first woman to step into this role makes it even more meaningful,” said De Grads. “I look forward to leading our talented team as we continue to deliver innovative services, enhance customer experiences, and contribute to the development of the BVI. Together, we’ll build on Flow’s strong legacy and ensure we remain at the forefront of connectivity in the Territory.”

De Grads holds an associate degree in business management from the University of the West Indies and an MBA in Marketing and Sales Management from the University of Edinburgh.

This new leadership is expected to further strengthen Flow BVI’s position as a leading provider of telecommunication services in the British Virgin Islands, offering cutting-edge solutions to both consumers and businesses.

About C&W Communications:
C&W Communications, part of Liberty Latin America, is a comprehensive communications and entertainment provider serving over 20 markets in the Caribbean. It offers video, broadband, mobile, and telephony services, along with IT solutions for business and government clients through its business division.