Entertainment
Toast Gala Honors Virgin Islands Creatives, Adam O Steals the Show
The Virgin Islands witnessed an evening of inspiration and cultural pride at the inaugural Toast Gala, hosted by the creative platform Kickin It.
The highlight of the night was a heartfelt and candid speech delivered by Trailblazer honoree Adam O, a prominent figure in the Virgin Islands music scene.
Adam O, renowned for his electrifying fusion of soca, kompa, zouk, and R&B, has captivated audiences worldwide. As he accepted his award, he spoke passionately about the challenges faced by Virgin Islands creatives, touching on the often-overlooked need for support. “Being from the Virgin Islands, being a creative from the Virgin Islands, being anything—whether it’s music, art, or anything else—we don’t really get the support like a doctor, a lawyer, or a basketball player. That’s just real,” Adam O remarked. “People don’t always understand what we do, and it really boils down to one word: support. That’s all we really need.”
With a touch of humor, Adam O reminisced about his roots, telling the audience, “You know, I grew up in Virgin Gorda. I am an O’Neal boy. So this ain’t just a Crucian coming over here to get an award. I have my belonger’s card.” His words resonated deeply with the crowd, who shared in his pride and connection to the islands.
Expressing his profound gratitude to Kickin It and its founder, Kyra, Adam O revealed that this award was particularly meaningful to him. “This is the first award I’ve received as an artist, and it means more than any other recognition I’ve ever been given. You don’t know how much this means to me. I don’t think you know what it is you did tonight,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.
The Toast Gala is a reflection of Kickin It’s mission to elevate and empower Virgin Islands creatives. In addition to Adam O, the evening honored other notable talents, including visual artist Jannet Prosper and creative director and stylist Travie Rozae. By shining a spotlight on these homegrown artists, Kickin It aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of Virgin Islands talent, ensuring that their contributions to culture and community continue to thrive.
As the night came to a close, the inaugural Toast Gala was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of the vibrant spirit and undeniable talent that defines the Virgin Islands. The event marked the beginning of what promises to be a lasting legacy of support and recognition for the territory’s creative community.

Entertainment
64 Nominees Announced for 2026 Virgin Islands Icon Awards
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.

Business
Strong Turnout as Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition Moves to Festival Grounds
Children darted across the field chasing after pigs, slipping and laughing as spectators cheered, while others pressed against wooden pens to get a closer look at rabbits, chickens and turtle doves at the Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market at the Festival Grounds.
The second day of the event unfolded as a community gathering, with families moving between animal displays, food stalls and activities designed to bring the Territory’s agriculture and fisheries sector to life. Nearby, pigs rolled in the mud, while cages of parakeets and small animals drew steady attention from younger visitors.
Bouncy castles, games and competitions kept children occupied throughout the day, including a greased pig contest and other scheduled activities. Market vendors displayed baskets of locally grown produce — from eggplant to seasoning crops — alongside handmade crafts, while the scent of roasted corn and traditional dishes filled the air.

Live performances, including steel pan music, dance and cultural showcases, continued into the afternoon, alongside demonstrations and competitions such as watermelon and hot dog eating contests, reflecting both the agricultural focus and cultural character of the event.
The public activities followed the official opening ceremony held a day earlier on Friday, April 10, at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, where farmers and fishers from across the Virgin Islands were formally recognized for their contributions to the sector.
Awards were presented by Premier and Minister responsible for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, to recipients including Moviene Fahie, Ghansam Singh, Wilbert “Isha” Chinnery, Henrietta Wheatley, Bryan Hodge, Godwin Callwood, Daniel Cline, Eldon Young, Jahnai Caul, Adam Turbe, Kareem Rivera, Elton Gordon, Dean Soares and Ishmael Michael Collins.

In remarks at the ceremony, Dr. Wheatley said the exhibition reflects both the Territory’s heritage and its future direction.
“This year’s theme, ‘Farming the Land, Fishing the Seas, Nourishing Lives and Legacies,’ speaks directly to who we are as Virgin Islanders,” he said. “It reminds us that the work of producing food is not only an economic activity — it is a cultural inheritance, a source of pride, and a foundation for our resilience as a people.”
He said the displays throughout the exhibition demonstrate the Territory’s capacity to strengthen local food production.
“These displays are more than exhibits; they are evidence of our capability, our creativity, and our potential to feed ourselves,” the Premier said.
Dr. Wheatley also outlined government initiatives aimed at expanding the sector, including land allocation at Paraquita Bay, development of an agriculture and fisheries complex, and a fisheries landing site at the Omar Wallace Hodge Fishermen’s Wharf. He further announced that 35 farmers and fishers were approved in the first round of the Agriculture and Fisheries Grant Programme, receiving a combined $388,826.66 from 143 applications.

“I encourage families, restaurants, and businesses across the Territory to buy local and eat local,” he said.
Acting Permanent Secretary in the Premier’s Office, Dr. Lavon Chalwell-Brewley, said the event highlights the people behind the sector.
“Today, we pause to not only celebrate produce, products, and progress — but most importantly, to celebrate people,” she said.
The Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition and Market continues through April 12, combining public engagement with efforts to strengthen awareness of agriculture and fisheries across the Virgin Islands.



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Entertainment
BVI’s Mystiq Flax-Charles and Kegan Brookes Crowned at VI Model of the Year Competition
Mystiq Flax-Charles and Kegan Brookes of the British Virgin Islands were crowned winners at the 13th annual Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition held on April 11, at the Sidney Lee Events Center.
Flax-Charles secured the coveted 2026–2027 VI Model of the Year title, while Brookes was named VI Child Model of the Year. Jeniqua Weekes of St. Croix won the VI Commercial Model of the Year title.
The competition, part of St. Croix Style Fashion Week organised by JG Management under Jason Gardener, brought together contestants from across the Virgin Islands for runway presentations, judging and professional exposure.
In the VI Model of the Year category, Shakira Patricia Hendrickson of the British Virgin Islands was named runner-up to Flax-Charles. Malacoy Levons of the British Virgin Islands placed behind Weekes in the Commercial Model category, while Gianna Gugger was runner-up in the Child Model category.

Organisers said the competition is intended to provide a platform for emerging talent while preparing participants for professional opportunities in the fashion industry.
The event featured a series of activities, including a Style and Beauty Expo, black carpet arrivals and a live competition segment.
Designer showcases formed a central part of the programme, with full collections presented by Morgan Creque of M Organic VI in the British Virgin Islands, Lorna Spogoo Roberts of Black Pine Vintage Alabama, and Pamela Leverett-Love of Amour Magique VI in St. John.
A special segment also highlighted couture denim and jewellery looks from Kids Rock Fashion Weekend 2026.
Participants underwent training sessions ahead of the competition led by supermodel Jenna-Monét, who also introduced her platform, “I Represent Beauty,” aimed at promoting confidence and representation within the industry.
The Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition continues to serve as a regional platform for talent development, with organisers noting its role in preparing models for opportunities across the Caribbean and internationally.
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