Governor Daniel Pruce said Thursday that his current term as Governor of the Virgin Islands is expected to conclude in January 2027, though discussions regarding possible flexibility or an extension remain ongoing.

Mr. Pruce made the comments during a May 7 press conference at Government House after being asked by members of the media about the length of his tenure and whether he would consider remaining in the role beyond the standard term.

“My tenure would normally be for a period of three years,” Mr. Pruce said. “So that would be until January of 2027.”

The governor said conversations are taking place regarding possible adjustments to that timeline but noted that no final decision has been made.

“I am in the midst of looking at what options there may be in terms of flexibility around that timing,” he said. “It would be premature of me to go into any detail now.”

Mr. Pruce, who was sworn in as governor in January 2024, said any decision regarding an extension would not rest solely with him.

“But obviously, if given the opportunity to remain in the Virgin Islands for any longer, I’d be absolutely delighted,” he said. “This is a decision that sits beyond my particular responsibilities.”

During the press conference, Mr. Pruce also addressed a range of issues under his portfolio, including law enforcement reform, the appointment process for the next Commissioner of Police and ongoing security initiatives across the territory.

When Mystiq Flax Charles stepped onto the stage at the 2026 Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition, Jason Gardener said he immediately noticed more than just height and physique. The winner, he said, had “the look,” but also the personality, focus and determination that agencies search for when developing talent for the international fashion industry.

That impression has now led to Charles signing with JG Management USVI and Sandi Bass International under a mother agency agreement that could place the young Virgin Islands model on runways and casting calls in New York, and potentially beyond.

“It was a part of the prize that they could possibly be signed to us, but we saw how focused and determined he was and that he had a clear vision going into the competition,” Gardener said. “We truly appreciated that.”

Charles is expected to travel to New York City in July for agency go-sees, workshops and photo shoots as part of his professional development. Gardener said there has already been interest from agencies ahead of the trip, prompting preparations that include updated marketing materials, runway training and portfolio development.

“The main thing is agency go-sees appointments, photo shoots, workshops and enjoying NYC of course,” Gardener said.

Under the agreement, JG Management USVI and Sandi Bass International will serve as Charles’ mother agencies, a role that involves preparing models for placement with larger agencies in major fashion markets.

“A mother agent is responsible for developing the model — their look, body, walk, pictures and providing industry information for them to learn,” Gardener explained. “We also set up go-sees with agencies so they can meet him in hopes of signing with them.”

Gardener said Charles’ readiness for the next level comes down to more than appearance.

“He wants it and that’s important,” he said. “He’s of age and has a terrific support system. I look at the male models working today and truly believe Mystiq is ready.”

The Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition has spent more than a decade serving as a launching point for aspiring models across the territory. According to Gardener, several past finalists and winners have gone on to sign with major agencies and work in cities such as New York and Paris.

“This is a competition with proven results that I’ve seen over our 13 years,” he said. “Our winners and finalists have signed with major agencies, worked for major brands and have worked in New York and Paris.”

Gardener believes international exposure is critical for Virgin Islands talent, particularly as Caribbean models continue to gain visibility in the global fashion industry.

“Models from Jamaica have been booking major brands and we want our VI models to be on that level and more,” he said.

As Charles prepares for the next phase of his career, his training will include runway coaching, interview preparation, health and nutrition guidance and professional photo shoots. Gardener said the process is designed not only to help models secure agency representation, but also to prepare them for the demands of working internationally.

The long-term goal, according to Gardener, is to place Charles with a New York agency before expanding into other markets such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Paris or Milan.

For Gardener, Charles’ signing also represents something larger for young people watching from the Virgin Islands.

“That one day it can be me,” he said of the message he hopes aspiring models take from Charles’ success. “I hope they look at him as an inspiration and follow his journey.”

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Quarterfinal night at the EMCs Tortola Classics on Wednesday delivered another thrilling chapter at Tortola Sports Club, as the tournament’s final four were decided following a series of commanding performances and determined efforts from the Virgin Islands contingent.

Top seed Nick Spizzirri continued to justify his billing with a composed straight-games victory over BVI National Champion Joe Chapman. Both players battled for control of the crucial T position, but Spizzirri’s superior command of the center court allowed him to dictate play and unleash his attacking game in an 11-6, 11-4, 11-6 win.

American Tad Carney produced one of the most dominant performances of the evening, dismantling India’s Abhiroop Reddy Nagireddygari in clinical fashion. Carney surrendered just seven points across the entire match, showcasing precision and relentless pressure in an emphatic 11-2, 11-2, 11-3 victory.

BVI National Coach Adam Murrills kept local hopes alive with another superb display, cruising past Ian Rothweiler in straight games. Fresh off his upset victory the night before, Murrills looked relaxed and confident, neutralizing Rothweiler’s strengths while executing his own attacking opportunities to perfection in an 11-1, 11-5, 11-4 triumph.

The final quarterfinal saw Charles de la Riva face Pakistan’s Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim. Ibrahim was in exceptional form early, overpowering de la Riva through the first two games with explosive shot-making. De la Riva rallied in the third, extending points and drawing energy from the home crowd, but Ibrahim ultimately held firm to secure his semifinal berth.

With the quarterfinals complete, the stage is now set for an exciting semifinal night on May 7, featuring:

Top seed Nick Spizzirri vs Tad Carney

Muhammad Huzaifa Ibrahim vs hometown favorite Adam Murrills

As the EMCs Tortola Classics enters its decisive stages, local fans can look forward to a high-quality evening of squash as the battle for the championship intensifies at Tortola Sports Club.