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.
International
BVI Will Rock Their Mismatched Socks for Down Syndrome Awareness
The British Virgin Islands is preparing for a vibrant celebration as the Social Development Department urges residents to “Rock Your Socks” tomorrow, March 21, in honour of individuals with Down Syndrome.
A colorful array of mismatched socks will adorn the islands, spreading awareness and challenging stereotypes surrounding this genetic condition.
Led by the Disability Services of the Social Development Department, the initiative aims to highlight the uniqueness and diversity of individuals with Down Syndrome.
Residents are encouraged to wear mismatched socks, capture moments through photographs, and share them on social media platforms, tagging the Disability Services’ Facebook page @disability-services-socialdevelopmentVI and using the hashtag #endthestereotype.
Entertainment
Convictions Overturned for Vybz Kartel and Co-Defendants Due to Juror Misconduct
The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) in London has overturned the convictions of dancehall artists Adidja ‘Vybz Kartel’ Palmer, Shawn ‘Storm’ Campbell, and two others, citing juror misconduct during their trial in Jamaica.
The Privy Council’s ruling sends the case back to Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, which will determine whether a retrial is warranted for the artists—along with Kahira Jones and Andre ‘Mad Suss’ St. John—who have served 12 and a half years in prison for the murder of Clive ‘Lizard’ Williams.
During the trial, prosecutors relied heavily on cellphone records and testimony from Lamar “Wee” Chow, the sole eyewitness, who claimed Williams was killed at Kartel’s residence in Havendale, St Andrew, in August 2011. Following a grueling 64-day trial, the men were sentenced to life in prison in April 2014, marking the longest trial in Jamaica’s legal history. Although the Jamaica Court Of Appeal upheld the convictions in April 2020, it reduced their parole eligibility.
The defendants were granted an appeal to the UK-based Privy Council on the grounds of improperly obtained cellular evidence, tainted jury after a bribery attempt, and alleged undue pressure from the trial judge, Justice Lennox Campbell, to reach a verdict. The final appeal was heard on February 14 and 15.
The Privy Council, composed of judges Lord Reed, Lord Lloyd-Jones, Lord Briggs, Lord Burrows, and Lady Simler, unanimously ruled in favor of allowing the appeal, deeming the conviction unsafe and quashing it. However, the judges refrained from expressing views on the other issues raised during the appeal.
Critically, the judges scrutinized the handling of jury issues by the trial judge, including the continuation of the trial with a corrupt juror and the lack of sufficient action to mitigate potential biases.
One juror was discharged early in the trial due to concerns for her son’s safety, while another juror, Livingston Caine (Juror X), was found guilty of attempting to bribe fellow jurors. Despite this, Caine was allowed to continue serving on the jury, as Jamaican law requires at least 11 jurors for a murder trial to proceed. The Privy Council deemed this inaction as detrimental to the fairness of the trial.
The judges highlighted the judge’s failure to adequately address the alleged bribery and the potential prejudice that Juror X’s behavior may have caused among the remaining jurors. They emphasized the absence of legislative provisions in Jamaica to address jury tampering, contrasting it with the protocols in England and Wales.
The Privy Council’s decision, detailed under Case ID JCPC 2022/0049, “Shawn Campbell and 3 others (Appellants) v The King (Respondent) No 2 (Jamaica),” marks a significant development in the case, raising questions about the integrity of the trial process and the need for reforms to safeguard against juror misconduct.
Entertainment
Peetah Morgan, Lead Singer of Morgan Heritage, Passes Away at 47
Reggae enthusiasts worldwide are mourning the untimely passing of Peetah Morgan, the lead singer of the renowned reggae band Morgan Heritage. The somber news was announced by the band through a heartfelt statement shared on their Instagram on Sunday, February 25.
The band’s statement, while confirming Peetah’s passing, did not disclose the cause of death, however reports indicate that he died from a massive stroke.
Peetah Morgan was 47 years old at the time of his demise. The music industry and fans alike are left in shock as they grapple with the sudden loss of the veteran singer.
The family’s statement expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support received, asking for continued prayers during this difficult time. They also requested respect for their privacy as they navigate through the process of healing.
Peetah Morgan’s contribution to reggae music, especially as the frontman of Morgan Heritage, has left an indelible mark. As fans come together to remember his legacy, the reggae community mourns the loss of a talented artist who has left an enduring impact on the genre.
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