International
BVI’s Finest Warriors Return Victorious from Black Belt Grading in Trinidad and Tobago
The echoes of celebration filled the air as the Purple Dragon warriors returned to the British Virgin Islands (BVI) after a rigorous black belt grading in Trinidad and Tobago.
Shihan Bevon Baptiste, the head of the Purple Dragon dojo (BVI), expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and took pride in the achievements of the 15 candidates who not only represented themselves but also their families, the dojo, and the entire British Virgin Islands.
“This is a huge deal. We have upgraded to black belt, and they’ve done it with excellence,” Shihan Baptiste proudly proclaimed to the gathered crowd at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.
The warriors underwent three intense days of grading, where they faced challenges that tested their physical and mental resilience. Shihan Bevon Baptiste highlighted the significance of the achievement, emphasising that each candidate contributed to the BVI having the largest international presence in Trinidad for the event.
Among the distinguished achievers were Sensei Otis Jacob, who attained a fourth-degree black belt, and Dr. Mitchell Penn and Nicolas Laurac, who reached the title of Senpai at third-degree black belt. Shihan Baptiste commended their dedication and hard work, emphasising the unique journey each warrior undertook to earn their black belts.
Instructor Jovan Cline seized the opportunity to address the crowd, expressing his excitement and pride. He reflected on the significance of the black belt grading, highlighting the mental strength and discipline instilled by Purple Dragon martial arts.
“One of the main things that we teach at Purple Dragon is that it’s 90% mental and 10% physical. We build up the inner self, and once that inner self is strengthened, you can stand stronger,” shared Instructor Cline.
The warriors’ journey included grueling physical exercises, self-defense routines, and intense sparring against competitors from around the world. Their representation of the BVI showcased the strength and skill nurtured within the Purple Dragon Dojo.
Grandmaster Professor Don Jacob, the founder of Purple Dragon, played a pivotal role throughout the grading weekend. His lectures, stories, and lessons provided a foundation that extends beyond the physical aspects of martial arts.
As the warriors returned to a hero’s welcome, the crowd erupted into chants of the Purple Dragon anthem, symbolising the unity and strength of the martial arts family.
The celebration continued with individual warriors sharing their experiences. Sensei Verne Turnbull spoke of the challenges faced and the lessons learned, emphasising the mental and emotional growth witnessed during the grading.
Dr. Miles Pin, who observed the grading, expressed admiration for the competitors and highlighted the level of competition in Trinidad. The Purple Dragon warriors were praised for their immaculate performance and representation of the British Virgin Islands.
As the warriors gathered, Shihan Baptiste led them in traditional martial arts exercises, demonstrating the strength and unity of the Purple Dragon family. The celebration concluded with heartfelt congratulations, acknowledging the warriors’ resilience, dedication, and the honour they brought to the British Virgin Islands through their accomplishments.
The United States has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is under indictment on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, formally asserting that the Venezuelan leader faces criminal prosecution in U.S. courts.
The announcement, made amid sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, confirms that Maduro is accused of conspiring to flood the United States with cocaine in coordination with armed groups and corrupt officials. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro played a central role in a criminal enterprise that used Venezuela as a key transit hub for narcotics destined for American cities.
The case remains pending in U.S. federal court, with American officials saying the indictment will stand until Maduro appears before a judge.
The BVI Airports Authority is advising the traveling public of current regional airspace restrictions resulting from a notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The notice affects U.S.-registered aircraft and U.S.-based carriers operating within the Caribbean region. As a result, flights to and from the Virgin Islands may be subject to delays, diversions, rescheduling, or cancellations, depending on individual airline routing and operational decisions.
The Authority emphasized that these restrictions are outside its control and are being managed directly by the affected airlines in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Passengers are strongly advised to:
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Contact their airline directly for the most current and accurate information regarding flight status; and
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Confirm flight details before traveling to the airport, as schedules may change with limited notice.
The BVI Airports Authority said it remains in close communication with airline partners and relevant aviation stakeholders and will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
The Authority thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation, noting that safety remains the top priority.
Former President Donald J. Trump claimed on Saturday, January 3, that U.S. forces had detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela’s first lady Cilia Flores Mr. Maduro and removed him from Venezuela during an overnight military operation.
In a statement posted in the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3, Mr. Trump said American forces had carried out what he described as a decisive operation in and around Caracas, asserting that Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores were taken into custody and flown out of the country. Mr. Trump did not specify which U.S. agencies were involved or where Mr. Maduro was being held.
There was no immediate confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department. As of early Saturday, U.S. officials declined to comment, and no formal announcement had been issued by the Biden administration or military leadership.
Reports of explosions in Caracas circulated on social media shortly before 2 a.m. local time. Journalists from CNN reported hearing multiple blasts and observing power outages in parts of the capital, though the cause and scope of the incidents remained unclear.
Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, said in a televised address that the government had not been able to confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Maduro or Ms. Flores. She accused the United States of what she called a “criminal military aggression” and said Venezuela had placed its armed forces on high alert. Her claims could not be independently verified.
In Washington, Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, said he had been briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Mr. Maduro had been detained under longstanding U.S. criminal indictments. Senator Lee said the operation was intended to enforce an arrest warrant and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel involved.
Mr. Maduro has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice since 2020 on charges including narcotrafficking, narco-terrorism, and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. U.S. prosecutors have accused him of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns, allegations Mr. Maduro has repeatedly denied, calling them politically motivated.
For years, the U.S. government has offered millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to Mr. Maduro’s arrest. Until now, the charges had not been enforced through direct military action.
Legal experts said any U.S. military operation on Venezuelan soil would raise immediate constitutional questions, particularly in the absence of congressional authorization. Senator Lee himself has previously expressed concern over presidential war powers and the lack of a formal authorization for the use of military force.
Across Latin America, governments have historically opposed foreign military intervention in the region, and diplomatic reaction was expected to be swift. As of Saturday morning, Venezuelan state media had not acknowledged any detention of Mr. Maduro, and his location remained unknown.
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