Entertainment
Buju Banton to Headline Valentine’s Weekend in USVI

Legendary reggae artist Buju Banton’s “Long Walk To Freedom” tour is set to make a historic stop in the US Virgin Islands, with performances in St. Thomas and St. Croix on February 14th and 15th, 2025, respectively. This two-day lovers’ event promises to be the most exquisite Valentine’s Day weekend celebration in the USVI.
The event is a collaborative effort by Westline Productions, Top Tier Management Group (TTMG), and Ciga Promotions, aimed at providing an unparalleled experience for attendees. Buju Banton’s return to the stage will offer fans in the USVI a robust and electrifying performance that celebrates freedom, resilience, and unity.
Previous stops on the “Long Walk To Freedom” tour in Jamaica and New York City received tremendous support, and the organizers anticipate the same enthusiasm for the USVI leg. Omar Stephenson of Top Tier Management Group expressed confidence in his team’s plans, stating, “Our entire event team features exemplary talent with years of experience in various aspects of the entertainment industry. We are excited to be part of Buju Banton’s evolution and to support this celebration of love through music on Valentine’s Day weekend.”
Tony Rosario of Westline Productions shared similar sentiments, saying, “This concert will be more than just a performance; it will be an unforgettable experience that will resonate with everyone in attendance. Buju Banton’s return is a monumental event for our community, and we are dedicated to making it a night to remember. The energy, the music, and the spirit he brings are unmatched.”
Shawn Baptiste of Ciga Promotions added, “We are thrilled to reignite the Agriculture Fest weekend with this special production and look forward to welcoming visitors to the Virgin Islands for these evenings of entertainment. We are working with local authorities to ensure a safe and exceptional experience for all attendees.”
For more information, please visit www.longwalktofreedomusvi.com. All media inquiries should be directed to media@longwalktofreedomusvi.com.
Entertainment
More Than a Hike: VI Camping Reconnects Families with Virgin Islands Heritage

What might begin as a simple hike often turns into something more — a meaningful journey of discovery, culture, and hands-on learning. That’s the experience VI Camping is creating through its Bayside Excursions, a growing initiative that’s helping families reconnect with the land and traditions of the Virgin Islands.
Founded and led by Island Experience Curator Dean Titley — a former educator who spent years teaching before retiring — VI Camping is more than just a recreational outing. It’s an immersive outdoor classroom designed to revive the traditional skills and knowledge that once shaped daily life in the BVI.
Each excursion blends low-impact hiking with cultural education. On Beef Island, participants follow a mostly flat trail through mangroves and striking rock formations before reaching “Honeycomb Cave,” a breathtaking natural structure dotted with stone pockets and tide pools — a place that sparks both exploration and quiet reflection.
“All our excursions have an educational component,” Titley said. “It’s about learning the traditional skills that helped our people live off the land—how to take out a conch, clean fish, make fire, and understand the environment that surrounds us.”
While not every activity happens on every outing, past trips have included everything from bow and arrow lessons to fish-cleaning demos and marine life observation — giving participants a taste of the islands’ natural richness and cultural depth.
Since launching earlier this year, VI Camping has hosted several small-group adventures, and the feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive.
“We’ve only done a few trips so far, but the kids loved every moment,” Titley said. “They’re learning valuable skills while having fun — and more importantly, developing a connection to their heritage.”
The next Bayside Adventure takes place Sunday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m., departing from Beef Island. This family-friendly hike will focus on nature exploration and local storytelling, with the possibility of some interactive activities based on time and group size.
Participation costs $25 for children and $40 for adults, with a deposit required to confirm your spot. To register, contact 284-547-9984 or 284-547-3953 via WhatsApp.
For Titley, it’s about more than what’s discovered on the trail — it’s about what families take home.
“It’s not just about the hike,” he said. “It’s about legacy. We want these kids to grow up proud of where they’re from and confident in what they can do.”
As the Virgin Islands continue to attract sun-seekers and sailors from around the world, it’s efforts like VI Camping that keep the local heritage alive—one child, one hike, and one conch shell at a time.
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Entertainment
BVI Competes at Subzonal 2.3.3 Chess Championships in Trinidad and Tobago

The British Virgin Islands is participating in the Subzonal 2.3.3 Absolute and Women’s Chess Championships, taking place from April 11 to 18 at the Cascadia Hotel and Conference Center in St. Ann’s, Trinidad and Tobago.
The tournament, sanctioned by the World Chess Federation (FIDE), brings together players from across the Caribbean and parts of Central America, including representatives from Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Curaçao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, and others.
Representing the BVI in the Absolute Section are Simon Potter and Jordan Hinds. In the Women’s Section, Alexis Ganigan and Tiandra Scatliffe are competing. The event is organized by the Trinidad and Tobago Chess Association in conjunction with the Confederation of Chess for the Americas (CCA).
The Subzonal tournament serves as a qualifier for future zonal and continental events under the FIDE calendar. According to the TTCA, this year’s competition includes nine rounds under classical time control and follows international pairing standards.
Updates and full standings are available via the official tournament website at chesstt.org.
Entertainment
Premier Wheatley Presents Top Award at BVI Spring Regatta

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley was on hand Sunday to present the Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award to Jim Vos, skipper of Warthog, in recognition of his dedication to youth sailing in the Virgin Islands.
The award was one of the highlights of the final day of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, which wrapped up a week of racing on the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.
While the early part of the week saw strong winds and challenging conditions, sailors were treated to classic Caribbean weather for the finale—sunny skies, steady breeze, and warm temperatures.
Despite the tough start, most crews found their rhythm and stayed consistent through the final races. The mix of international and local talent made for a strong showing across the board.
The regatta closed out with a lively celebration at the Regatta Village—sailors, supporters, and organizers coming together to toast another successful year on the water.
Full list of class winners:
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Warthog – Jim Vos (ANT)
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El Ocaso – Tony Mack (GBR)
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Huey Too – Bernie Evan-Wong (ANT)
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Bravissimo – Mike Feierabend (USVI)
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Painkiller/Sea-Battical – Alice Martin (USA)
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Jitterbug – Dr. Robin Tattersall (BVI)
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La Novia – Georges Coutu (DOM)
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Layla – Andrew Anne (GBR)
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Ting A Ling – Graham Harney (BVI)
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Cricket – Sandy Mair (BVI)
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Flying Jenny – Sandy Askew (USA)
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