Entertainment
Miss BVI Pageant VIP Experience Marred by Long Lines, Overcrowded Seating and Poor Service
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In a statement released on July 22, the committee expressed deep regret for the disruptions that impacted the VIP ticket holders. “Last evening, we were made aware of logistical issues affecting the Platinum VIP experience at the Miss BVI Pageant,” the Facebook statement read. “On behalf of the chairman and committee, we sincerely and wholeheartedly apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
Reports from attendees highlighted several significant issues. Many guests reported standing in line for over half an hour before being ushered to their seats, and once seated, they found the arrangement notably clustered, causing discomfort. Some individuals who paid for VIP seating had to resort to regular seating due to overcrowding. Additionally, VIP guests were served drinks in cans, specifically Coke and Ginger Ale, which did not meet their expectations. Furthermore, it took hours before some attendees were served, leading to considerable frustration. To compound the problems, a significant number of VIP guests could not see the stage performances due to the positioning of the judges’ platform. Winners were announced until 1:45 a.m., exacerbating the discomfort for many.
The committee assured the public that they are actively investigating the root causes of the issues. “We are working expeditiously to ascertain the facts and are liaising with our producers and logistics team to understand the full extent of the situation,” they stated.
The committee acknowledged the disappointment felt by many due to the event’s shortcomings. “We are deeply saddened that your expectations were not met with the highest experience and service,” they expressed. “Please allow us some time to review, reflect, and properly respond to the various concerns we have received.”
As the investigation proceeds, the Miss BVI Committee remains committed to addressing the issues and ensuring that future events meet the high standards expected by their valued patrons.
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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