Local News

Will Rikkoi Brathwaite Emerge as A New Force In The 100 Meters Dash In Paris?

Published

7 months ago

August 2, 2024

Editor

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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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

23 hours ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

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.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

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

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

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).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.