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Adaejah Hodge Chooses The University of Georgia
BVI Track star Adaejah Hodge has officially chosen the University of Georgia as her collegiate home, opting for the red and black over powerhouse programs such as Texas, Stanford, LSU, and Southern California.
During the live video announcement last night, November 23, Hodge shared the exciting news that she has chosen to join the prestigious Georgia Bulldogs.
Hodge expressed deep appreciation for those who have played pivotal roles in her journey. “I would like to say thank you for all of you who are here right now. First, I would like to thank God for having me here, a blessing to the talent and the ability to serve,” she shared with sincerity.
A significant part of Hodge’s gratitude went to her mother, recognising the multiple roles she plays in her life. “I would like to thank my mom because she’s the reason I’m here in this position right now. She wears many hats. She’s my mom, she’s sometimes my coat, my physiotherapist, my nutritionist. So she’s been in my back pocket the whole time,” Hodge expressed, highlighting the profound influence her mother has had on her journey.
Reflecting on her early days in track and field, Hodge fondly remembered her introduction to the sport in preschool under the guidance of Miss Frederick. “Back when I was in preschool, when I was five years old, she basically just took me under her wing and taught me everything about track. So I just really had fun with it,” she shared, showcasing the roots of her passion for athletics.
The pivotal decision to come to the States for the first time and pursue her athletic dreams was also acknowledged, with Hodge expressing gratitude to her coaches and support system. She specifically thanked Coach Jones, who has been a guiding force since she was just eight years old. “Coach Jones, he’s been there for me since I was eight years old, 15, 16 years old,” she said, underscoring the enduring support that has shaped her journey.
The live video took a creative turn as Hodge unveiled a unique reveal, representing her college choices with labeled boxes. “As you can see, we have four boxes. This one represents Georgia. This one represents Texas. This represents USC, and this one represents LSU,” she explained before sharing the moment of truth.
What adds to the intrigue of this announcement is the timing. Hodge’s commitment to the Bulldogs aligns with the recent signing of St. Croix’s own Michelle Smith. The duo’s decision to join forces at the University of Georgia hints at the program’s ability to attract and retain top talent from diverse backgrounds.
The University of Georgia’s women’s sports program is undoubtedly on the rise, and the addition of Adaejah Hodge and Michelle Smith further solidifies the Bulldogs’ status as a force in collegiate athletics.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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