Local News
Rikkoi Brathwaite Sets New BVI National Record at Holloway Pro Classic
Rikkoi Brathwaite made headlines at the Holloway Pro Classic, setting a new national record for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) with an impressive time of 10.0 seconds in the semi-finals of the 100-meter dash.
Brathwaite’s performance not only established a new benchmark for BVI athletics but also earned him a spot among the top 56 male sprinters in the world, ranked at number 33. Only 26 other men globally have run faster times this year, highlighting Brathwaite’s exceptional speed and competitive edge.
The semi-final race was won by Emmanuel Matadi of the United States, the Liberian national record holder, with a time of 9.98 seconds. Brathwaite secured second place, while Joseph Fahnbulleh of the United States took third.
In the finals, Brathwaite finished seventh with a time of 10.20 seconds in what was his final tune-up race before the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he will make his debut as a member of the BVI team. Emmanuel Matadi clinched victory in the finals with a blistering 9.91 seconds, followed by Joseph Fahnbulleh with 10.00 seconds and Pjai Austin of the USA with 10.06 seconds.
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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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