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
British Virgin Islands Elected to Leadership Role in Historic UN Decision
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been elected to a leadership role within the United Nations (UN) system, as a Vice Chair of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), solidifying its position as a key player in advancing the region’s economic and social development.
At the 40th session of UN ECLAC held in Lima, Peru, member states from across the Americas unanimously elected the BVI to the Vice Chairmanship, a position it will hold for the next two years. The BVI joins the leadership Bureau alongside Peru, which serves as Chair, and fellow Vice Chairs Colombia, Panama, and the Dominican Republic.
Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley accepted the role on behalf of the British Virgin Islands, pledging full support for ECLAC’s agenda and for Peru’s leadership. “I am humbled by the decision of the Governments represented in UN ECLAC to elect the British Virgin Islands to serve as a Vice Chair of this important regional intergovernmental body,” Wheatley said. “It demonstrates the trust and confidence by our neighbours across the Americas in the British Virgin Islands and our commitment to the sustainability, climate resilience, economic development, and social transformation of the region.”
The election coincided with the 40th anniversary of the BVI’s Associate Membership in ECLAC, making the occasion particularly significant. Wheatley noted that the BVI is honoured to represent both its own interests and to be a voice for the wider Caribbean in ECLAC’s senior leadership.
In addition to its new Vice Chair role within ECLAC, the BVI currently serves as a Vice Chair of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), ECLAC’s subsidiary body dedicated exclusively to the Caribbean subregion.
The 40th session of ECLAC focused on addressing critical development challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean. Delegates debated and endorsed an ECLAC report titled ‘Development Traps in Latin America and the Caribbean: Vital Transformations and How to Manage Them,’ which highlights key obstacles to growth, including low capacity for economic expansion, high inequality and weak social cohesion, and ineffective governance.
With its election to this influential leadership position, the British Virgin Islands will play an integral role in shaping the economic and social development strategies for Latin America and the Caribbean, driving initiatives that support sustainable growth and regional cooperation.
The British Virgin Islands first joined ECLAC as an Associate Member in 1984 and has actively participated in regional efforts to promote economic resilience and governance reforms.
International
Milton Strengthens Into Category 5 Hurricane, Taking Aim at Florida’s Gulf Coast
Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified into a Category 5 storm on Monday, threatening Florida’s Gulf Coast and putting the densely populated Tampa Bay region in the path of what could be a direct hit. Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene ravaged the same coastline, the area now faces a potentially catastrophic storm surge, heavy rainfall, and fierce winds.
Forecasters predict that Milton’s center could make landfall near Tampa on Wednesday, marking the first direct strike by a major hurricane in over a century. Although the storm may weaken slightly before landfall, it is expected to maintain hurricane strength as it travels across central Florida toward the Atlantic, largely sparing regions to the north that were devastated by Helene, which left at least 230 dead from Florida to the Appalachian Mountains.
“This is the real deal here with Milton,” warned Tampa Mayor Jane Castor during a press conference. “If you want to take on Mother Nature, she wins 100% of the time.”
Governor Urges Swift Cleanup Ahead of Milton
As Florida prepares for Milton’s arrival, Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the urgency of removing debris left behind by Hurricane Helene, fearing it could become deadly projectiles in the storm’s high winds.
“It’s imperative we clear this debris before Milton hits,” DeSantis said on Monday. Evacuation orders have already been issued, and forecasters warn of a potential 8- to 12-foot storm surge in Tampa Bay, with widespread flooding expected from 5 to 10 inches of rain across Florida and the Keys. Some areas could see up to 15 inches of rainfall, creating hazardous conditions for the 3.2 million residents in the Tampa metropolitan area.
Kerry Emanuel, a meteorology professor at MIT, highlighted the vulnerability of Tampa Bay, noting the region’s lack of experience with storms of this magnitude. “It’s a huge population. It’s very exposed, very inexperienced, and that’s a losing proposition,” Emanuel said.
Milton Gathers Strength in Gulf of Mexico
Milton, a compact yet powerful storm, intensified quickly over the eastern Gulf of Mexico, with maximum sustained winds of 175 mph by Monday afternoon, according to the National Hurricane Center. The storm was located about 700 miles southwest of Tampa, moving east-southeast at 9 mph.
Much of Florida’s west coast, including Lake Okeechobee, remains under hurricane and storm surge watches, with hurricane warnings issued for parts of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.
The Tampa Bay region is still reeling from Hurricane Helene, which caused 12 deaths and left a trail of destruction along barrier islands from St. Petersburg to Clearwater. In an effort to clear the remnants of Helene before Milton arrives, more than 300 vehicles were mobilized on Sunday to collect debris. However, cleanup crews faced delays when they found a landfill locked, forcing state troopers to break open the gate with a rope tied to a pickup truck.
“We don’t have time for bureaucracy and red tape,” DeSantis said.
Residents Prepare for Impact
Residents along Florida’s west coast are bracing for Milton’s arrival. Lifeguards in Pinellas County, located on the peninsula that forms Tampa Bay, have begun removing beach furniture and other items that could become dangerous in the storm’s winds. In many neighborhoods, appliances and furniture still await collection after being damaged by Helene’s storm surge.
Sarah Steslicki, a resident of Belleair Beach, voiced frustration over the delayed debris removal. “We’re facing another hurricane, and there’s still so much left to be picked up. It’s frustrating.”
As the state braces for Hurricane Milton, officials urge residents to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
International
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