Local News
US Virgin Islands Secures King of the Courts Caribbean Championship Title
The Multi-Purpose Sports Complex was filled with anticipation last night, April 7, as fans gathered to witness the showdown between Team Tola and defending champions, the US Virgin Islands (USVI), in the grand finale of the 2024 King of the Courts Caribbean Championships.
With big names like former Los Angeles Lakers’ player D’Moi M. Hodge gracing the court for Tola, expectations were high. However, the USVI team, led by Khalid S. Gerard, had other plans.
Despite facing challenges such as a short bench, the USVI team secured a commanding 88-67 win over Team Tola.
The turning point came in the third quarter when Team Tola struggled to keep pace with their opponents. Despite the efforts of powerhouse players, they failed to regain momentum. The absence of key player Ray D. Victor due to injury further hindered their performance.
As the clock ticked down, disappointment swept through the Tola supporters. With just minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, some fans began to leave the arena, their hopes of a Tola victory dashed.
The King of the Courts Tournament, organised by Steve E. Parillon, featured six teams from across the Caribbean.
With the BVI Basketball Federation in a state of confusion over election dates, the commencement of the next basketball league still hangs in the balance.
Despite the uncertainties, one thing is clear – the US Virgin Islands have once again proven their prowess in Caribbean basketball, leaving their mark on the court and in the hearts of their fans.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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