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Neria Griffith Champions Mental Health as She Steps Into Spotlight for Miss BVI 2024
Neria Griffith, a dedicated advocate and emerging leader hailing from Johnson’s Ghut, Tortola, is gearing up for a new endeavour: vying to represent the British Virgin Islands (BVI) as a contestant in the Miss BVI 2024 pageant. At just 18 years old, Neria brings with her a wealth of experiences and a deep-rooted commitment to making a positive impact on her homeland.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Neria moved to the BVI and completed her education at Cedar International School, excelling in the rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Now, with aspirations to further her studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York, Neria has already begun making waves in the professional world. From her role as a Data Processor and Regulatory Administrator at Trident Trust BVI Limited to her current position as a Legal Assistant at TBVI Legal Services, Neria exemplifies dedication and drive.
Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Neria has been deeply involved in extracurricular activities that have shaped her into a well-rounded individual. As President and Treasurer of Girl Up, a leadership initiative focused on equity and equality for girls and women, Neria has championed causes close to her heart. Her involvement in Interact and Steel Pan bands reflects her commitment to community service and cultural enrichment.
“I believe that the impact you make in the world matters more than material wealth,” she asserts, highlighting her philosophy on life and community engagement.
For Neria, competing in the Miss BVI 2024 pageant is not just about glamour; it’s a platform to raise awareness about mental health issues, particularly anxiety, which has touched her own life deeply. “Mental health awareness are issues close to my heart. I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges affect individuals and families,” she shares.
Her motivation stems from personal experiences, including the loss of a loved one who battled anxiety. “Watching the impact on those around me drove me to use my voice for advocacy,” Neria explains. Her goal is to dismantle stigmas surrounding mental health and promote understanding and support.
Neria plans to initiate a series of ‘Anxiety Awareness’ events, including seminars and support group meetings, to provide education and foster a sense of community among those affected by anxiety in the BVI. Collaborating with local organisations and healthcare providers, she aims to advocate for improved mental health services and policies.
In her bid for Miss BVI 2024, Neria Griffith embodies resilience, compassion, and a determination to create meaningful change. Through her platform and personal dedication, she hopes to inspire others to take action and address pressing social issues. As she prepares for the pageant, Neria remains steadfast in her commitment to making a lasting impact on the British Virgin Islands and beyond.
Photo: Kelvin Titley
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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