De’Nya Winter, the 2023 Princess of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), captivated the audience with a powerful opening speech at the Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant contestant launch. The launch took place at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, Florida.

This year’s pageant, themed “Celebrating the Radiance of the Caribbean Sea, With Vibes, Pearls, and Curls,” promises to be a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. De’Nya Winter will represent the BVI, on October 6, in the pageant that is part of the Miami Carnival 2024 celebrations and will compete against three other talented contestants from the Caribbean region:

• Aliana from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
• Trenece from St. Kitts and Nevis
• Tenylah from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

An online voting system has been established for the Popularity Award, allowing supporters to vote for their favorite contestant without limit. The voting period will close on August 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18,  at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center,  standing out among five talented contestants. 

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.