Local News
Adaejah Hodge Chasing Olympic Dreams In Paris
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.
The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.
“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”
This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.
Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.
The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.
Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.
Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”
Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.
For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
The BVIEC had initially anticipated that the issue could be resolved within three hours but later described the situation as more severe than expected. “The BVI Electricity Corporation wishes to inform our customers on Anegada that the power station is experiencing a major malfunction on one of our generating sets. This malfunction will continue to affect our customers on the entire island,” the corporation said in a statement.
Residents were updated this morning with news that there would be no immediate resolution to the problem. “There is no immediate relief to the repairs. We have a team that will travel up to Anegada today, but as it stands, it’s likely that we will face power losses for most of the morning,” the BVIEC announced.
Without electricity, which also means no water supply, local authorities made the decision to suspend classes at the Claudia Creque Educational Center for the day, leaving parents scrambling to make alternative plans. As efforts to restore power continue, Anegada remains in a state of uncertainty.
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
`Stay in School’ Message Echoed at Willock’s D3 Back to School 2024
-
Local News2 weeks agoSearch Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks agoOil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week agoThirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks agoEighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks agoVirgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks agoBritish Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week agoMajor Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Business2 weeks agoXmas in July Donates £6,000 to Support Marine Conservation in the BVI