Entertainment
New Committee Leads 57th Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, Promises Spectacular Showcase of Culture
The 57th Virgin Gorda Easter Festival (VGEF) will captivate audiences under the stewardship of a dynamic new committee.
Embracing the mantle of their predecessors, this fresh team is collaborating closely with the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission to orchestrate an Easter celebration that embodies the essence of culture, entertainment, and pageantry.
With the theme “Endless Years of Awesomeness: Embracing New Beginnings, Tradition, and Culture,” the festival promises a fusion of time-honored customs and contemporary flair.
Meet the Visionaries
Leading the charge is Stephanie Faulkner, serving as Chairperson, alongside Co-Chairperson Camile George, Treasurer Mignon Williams, and Secretary Cathy-Ann Bascombe. The team is bolstered by Reshawn Stevens as Public Relations Officer, with additional support from Dawn Flax and Corinne George overseeing pageants, Shanique Creque managing the food fair, and Deiah Shepherd handling fundraising. The committee is further enriched by the contributions of Steve George, Sapphire Flax-Clarke, Joel Levons, Kiara Thomas, Kavari Bailey, Jhanai Brown, and Hakim Creque.
In a statement, incoming Chairperson Ms. Stephanie Faulkner emphasised the festival’s enduring significance to the community. She declared, “The Virgin Gorda Easter Festival is a cherished tradition that unites people from diverse backgrounds, and it is our collective commitment to ensure its vitality for generations to come. Our team is dedicated to infusing the festivities with the spirit of camaraderie, joy, and cultural pride.”
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy praised the committee’s vision and dedication, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver an unforgettable festival experience. McCoy remarked, “We eagerly anticipate collaborating with this talented group of individuals, whose passion for community engagement and celebration will undoubtedly shine through in every aspect of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival.”
The VGEF, set to unfold throughout March, will feature a rich tapestry of events, including the Miss Teen Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Pageant, pageants, festival village entertainment, a cultural food fair, the iconic hat parade, Easter Egg Hunt, and culminating with the grand Easter Monday Parade on April 1st, 2024.
For further information on the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival, interested parties can visit the official Facebook pages: VirginIslandsFestival or VirginGordaEasterFestival. Additional details on BVI events are available at bvitourism.com/events.
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.
St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.
Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.
The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.
This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.
The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
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Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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