Local News
Will Rikkoi Brathwaite Emerge as A New Force In The 100 Meters Dash In Paris?
As the Paris 2024 Olympic athletics Games commence, all eyes are on the Stade de France for the men’s 100-meter heats set to begin on Saturday morning. Among the star-studded lineup, one name stands out from the British Virgin Islands: Rikkoi Brathwaite. With a personal best of 10.03 seconds this year, Brathwaite aims to cement his place among the world’s fastest men.
Brathwaite’s journey to the Olympics has been one of perseverance. Representing a small territory in the Caribbean, he has consistently proven himself on the track, earning his spot alongside the greatest 100m record holders. The question on everyone’s mind is whether Brathwaite will be the one to come from behind and make history.
The competition is fierce. Team USA’s superstar Noah Lyles, the reigning world champion, is expected to dominate the track. Lyles, 27, has already made a name for himself with gold medals in the 200-meter sprint and 4×100-meter relay at the 2019 World Championships, and a repeat victory in the 200 meters at the 2022 World Championships. Lyles’ performance at the 2023 World Championships, where he completed the sprint treble with victories in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 4×100-meter relay events, has established him as the man to beat.
Lyles’ ambition doesn’t stop there. In Paris, he aims for an unprecedented quadruple by adding the 4x400m relay to his list of events. Alongside Lyles, Fred Kerley, the world champion in 2022 and silver medallist in the Tokyo Games, is also in top form, making the American contingent a formidable force.
But the Americans are not the only ones vying for the title. Jamaica’s Kishane Thompson, a 22-year-old sensation, clocked the year’s best performance with a time of 9.77 seconds in June. His compatriot, Oblique Seville, has also proven his mettle by defeating Lyles earlier this year.
The competition extends beyond the Americas. Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo, only 21, became the first African to medal in the 100 meters at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, where he took silver. Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, the African record-holder with a time of 9.77 seconds, also poses a significant threat. Omanyala, licensed in Miramas, France, adds a local flavor to the international mix.
Italian sprinter Marcell Jacobs, the defending Olympic champion, is back in form after two injury-plagued seasons. Crowned European champion in June, Jacobs is determined to retain his title.
Despite the fierce competition, Brathwaite remains undeterred. As the heats progress, the world will watch closely to see if Brathwaite can defy the odds and emerge as a new force in the 100 meters.
In a race historically dominated by legends like Usain Bolt, the quest for the next undisputed king of the 100 meters continues. Will Rikkoi Brathwaite rise to the occasion and etch his name in Olympic history? Only time will tell as the athletes take their marks and the starter’s gun fires, signaling the start of a thrilling race to glory.
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In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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