Local News
BVI Sprinter Jaleel Croal Shines Bright at American Conference Championships
Jaleel Croal representing South Florida University etched his name in the annals of track and field history when he was named the American Conference Most Valuable Performer on February 24.
“I didn’t really have anything in mind, it was just to go out and score points in both events to be honest,” Croal humbly shared when asked about his mindset going into the races.
Croal’s victory marks him as the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a Conference crown since 1979, a fact he acknowledges with pride. “Knowing that history of being the 21st athlete from the BVI to secure a conference crown since 1979 is pretty cool,” he remarked.
With victories in both the 60m and 200m events, his success not only brings personal glory but also contributes to the broader legacy of BVI athletes, who have now accumulated an impressive total of 39 titles across 16 distinct Conferences. Reflecting on this, Croal admitted,
“To be honest, I didn’t know I would have gotten it all. I was minding my business while they announced the award winners, and all I heard was Bulls – not my name. Then my teammates were looking at me and cheering, so I was in disbelief. But the feeling hasn’t kicked in yet.”
Despite the challenges of a tight schedule between events, with only a 25-minute break separating the 60m and 200m finals, Croal remained unfazed. “There were no obstacles or challenges I had to overcome during the race,” he stated, acknowledging the support of his team and the belief they had in his abilities.
When asked about his training regimen and plans for the future, Croal emphasised his commitment to consistency and improvement. “I plan to honestly continue what I’ve been doing in practice and carry over everything from indoor to outdoor and just be better,” he said.
Throughout his journey, Croal found inspiration in witnessing his teammates’ successes, highlighting the importance of camaraderie and support in achieving individual goals. “My teammates and my support staff just believed in me to get the job done, and that’s all I needed,” he acknowledged.
Looking ahead, Croal remains focused on his ultimate goal: “My goal is to become a successful athlete in the world of track and field. That’s what I want for my athletic career.”
As Jaleel Croal continues to blaze a trail of excellence on the track, he hopes to inspire aspiring athletes, both in the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
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
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