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.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.
Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:
- Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
- Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
- Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
- Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
- Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
- Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
- Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
- Barbados – Team Bimstars
- Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss
The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.
Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.
Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!
For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55
Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.
LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.
The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.
The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.
The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.
Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.
The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).
Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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