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.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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