Local News
Adaejah Hodge Chasing Olympic Dreams In Paris
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At just 18 years old, Adaejah Hodge has already made a name for herself on the international stage. Representing the British Virgin Islands, she is the youngest athlete to compete in the women’s 200 metres at this year’s Paris Olympics. Driven by a passion for running that began at age five, Hodge is focused, committed, and ready to leave her mark on the world’s biggest athletic stage.
Hodge’s journey to the Olympics is a story of dreams realised through relentless hard work. “I was extremely relieved when I found out I qualified for the Olympics because it has been a dream of mine since a very young age,” she shared in an exclusive interview. Her determination was evident from an early age when she broke a 26-year-old Junior Olympic 200m record at just 12 years old.
Reflecting on her inspiration, Hodge credits her mother for sparking her interest in track and field. “My mum inspired me to start running track because I would always see her medals and trophies. I wanted to earn trophies and medals as well. My mum continues to influence my athletic career by allowing me to be myself and supporting me no matter what,” she said.
Hodge’s daily training regimen is rigorous and carefully tailored to her needs. “No training day is the same, but I generally start with the same warm-up and go through well-thought-out exercises and drills that cater specifically to me and help me perfect my craft,” she explained. Balancing her training with personal and educational commitments requires exceptional time management skills. “I balance my training schedule with my personal and educational life by having great time management, allowing myself to be a regular college student, and finding hobbies outside of track and field,” she added.
Despite her youth, Hodge has faced significant challenges. An injury earlier this year tested her resolve. “My biggest challenge in this journey was my injury because it shifted my plans tremendously. I got over this challenge by trusting in God and also making sure I surrounded myself with the right individuals to uplift me,” she said. The support from her community has also been a source of inspiration. “Although I don’t reside in the BVI, the community has shown so much love and support which has inspired me to continue to strive for greatness,” she noted.
Hodge draws inspiration from track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, whom she admires for her humility and faith. Her most memorable race to date was running a 22.33 indoor, an achievement that she describes as “so unpredictable and shocking.”
As she prepares for her Olympic debut, Hodge’s main goal is to execute her races with confidence and comfort. Music plays a key role in keeping her focused and motivated during competitions and training. To handle the pressure, she relies on her support team and journals to express her thoughts.
Hodge’s Olympic journey represents more than personal achievement; it symbolises hope and opportunity for the younger generation in the BVI. “I believe that being able to compete on an international stage at such a young age has brought publicity to the BVI and created many opportunities for the younger generations,” she said.
Looking ahead, Hodge plans to savour her college experience post-Olympics and compete in the World U20 Championships in Peru. Her approach remains rooted in enjoying the sport she loves. “I plan to go out there and enjoy myself while doing what I love,” she said.
Adaejah Hodge’s Olympic journey exemplifies hard work, dedication, and discipline, highlighting that greatness knows no age when fuelled by determination. As she steps onto the track in Paris, all eyes will be on this young prodigy, ready to witness her sprint towards Olympic glory.
Crime/Police
Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown
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PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.
In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.
“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.
“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”
In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.
“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.
The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.
“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”
As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.
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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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