Local News
Empowering Girls and Ending Gender-Based Violence: Virgin Islands March for Change
Non-profit organisations and community members will unite on 9th December for a march dedicated to girl empowerment and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), in a collective effort to build a just and equitable Virgin Islands.
The March is scheduled for Saturday, 9th December, at 1 pm, commencing at the Noel Lloyd Positive Movement Action Park. The route will take participants through Admin Drive, Round About, High School, Police, Sports Complex, highway, and back to Noel Lloyd Park, concluding with a short and impactful programme.
Recognising the pervasive global issue of GBV, the event aims to raise awareness and foster a community committed to championing the rights of girls and young women.
“Girl empowerment and the eradication of gender-based violence are not just goals; they are the cornerstones of creating a society that respects and values every individual,” states Jane Doe, a representative of Girl UP, one of the participating organisations.
GBV remains a pervasive global issue, with staggering statistics underscoring its disproportionate impact on girls and women.
“It’s alarming to note that one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime,” remarks John Smith, a community activist. “This march is a collective call to address these challenges head-on.”
Girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual harassment and exploitation, leading to devastating consequences that extend beyond physical harm. “These acts of violence hinder girls’ education, employment opportunities, and overall well-being,” explains Dr. Emily Johnson, a psychologist specialising in trauma. “Empowering girls is not just a moral imperative; it is a critical step towards breaking the cycle of GBV.”
Recognising the need for a community-wide effort, various organisations, including FeMALE, WINBVI, Unite BVI, and Zonta, stress the importance of collaboration. “Creating a culture of respect and gender equality requires the active involvement of the entire community,” says Mark Anderson of Zonta. “We all have a role to play – governments, the private sector, non-profit organisations, and individuals.”
The keynote speaker at the march, Ms. Ronelle King, an award-winning Gender Justice activist from Barbados, adds a powerful voice to the cause. “I am honoured to be part of this movement that strives to make lasting change,” King expresses. “Addressing gender-based violence is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating tangible solutions and safe spaces for survivors.”
Ms. King, founder of Life in Leggins, a Caribbean Alliance against gender-based violence, and Pink Parliament, an initiative encouraging women and girls to pursue careers in politics, will be in the territory from 7th to 10th December.
The community is encouraged to participate in various events, including school visits on 8th December, to collectively stand against GBV and promote girl empowerment.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
-
Crime/Police1 week agoLarge Quantity of Drugs Seized At Port Purcell
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory
-
Crime/Police1 week agoMultiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations
-
Education5 days agoFormer Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
-
Crime/Police1 week agoPolice Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory
-
Local News5 days ago
RVIPF Launches Investigation Into Video Allegedly Inciting Political Violence on Social Media
-
Crime/Police1 week agoRVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory
-
Business5 days agoBVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations