Entertainment
70 Creative Slogans Submitted as Anticipation Builds for 70th Virgin Islands Festival
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As anticipation builds for the upcoming 70th Virgin Islands Festival, residents of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) have eagerly embraced the opportunity to contribute to the festivities by submitting 70 creative slogans.
Organised by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board and Film Commission (BVITBFC), the festival invites the public to play a pivotal role in selecting the event’s slogan.
Director of Tourism Clive McCoy expressed his delight at the enthusiastic response from the community, stating, “The slogans submitted showcase the immense creativity and talent within the BVI. I believe it is an indication of the public’s enthusiasm for participating in this year’s celebration.”
Following the submission deadline of March 15th, a panel of team members from the BVI Tourist Board meticulously reviewed the entries and selected the top eight finalists. These finalists will be unveiled to the public on Monday, April 8th, via the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Facebook Page. From there, members of the community will have the opportunity to vote for their top three slogan choices until Friday, April 12th. The top three picks will be announced on Monday, April 15th, after which residents will cast their votes for the ultimate winning slogan. Voting will conclude on Friday, April 19th, with the winning slogan set to be revealed on Friday, April 26th.
The tradition of engaging the public in competitions to select slogans and themes for the BVI Emancipation Festival dates back to the early 1980s, serving as a means of fostering widespread community involvement in the festival’s planning. This year holds special significance, as it marks not only the 70th BVI Emancipation Festival but also the 190th anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British Virgin Islands, promising a grand celebration.
For updates on the BVI Emancipation Festival, visit www.facebook.com/VirginIslandsFestival.
Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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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
Entertainment
Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards
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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).
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Entertainment
Ronald Estephane of Fruit Boss to Represent St. Lucia at Caribbean Baking Awards
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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.
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