Entertainment
BVI Lit Fest 2024: International Writers and Local Talent Shine Under “Roots to Routes” Theme
The British Virgin Islands is preparing to host the BVI Literary Arts Festival (BVI Lit Fest), returning for its fourth year from November 7-10.
This year’s festival promises a captivating blend of global literary icons and local talent under the theme “Roots to Routes,” part of the territory’s annual Culture and Tourism Month activities.
Safiya Smith, Chair of the BVI Lit Fest Committee, highlighted the festival’s theme as an exploration of historical and creative connections. “Our themes are carefully chosen to foster meaningful connections among students, faculty, artists, and the wider arts community here and abroad,” Smith explained. “By focusing on topics like sustainability and global literature, BVI Lit Fest continues to stay relevant, addressing key global issues while celebrating diverse cultures.”
The 2024 lineup features a powerhouse roster of international and Caribbean literary stars, including:
- Safiya Sinclair, award-winning Jamaican poet and memoirist
- David Olusoga, OBE, BAFTA-winning historian and author of Black and British
- Jason Allen-Paisant, 2023 T.S. Eliot Prize winner for Self Portrait as Othello
- Celeste Mohammed, prize-winning Trinidadian author of Pleasantview
The list also includes celebrated voices like Kevin Jared Hosein, Vashti Harrison, Denene Millner, Portia Subran, and many more.
In a first for the festival, a pre-event will be held on Virgin Gorda on October 5, where the Literary Wonderland event invites children of all ages to explore the world of books, led by local talents such as agriculturalist Jahnai Caul and chef Radiance Modeste.
The four-day festival offers a packed schedule, including:
- Thursday, November 7: Welcome Reception at Allamanda Estate Villa, Beef Island
- Friday, November 8: Panel discussions, readings, and lectures at HLSCC’s Paraquita Bay campus, followed by an evening of Sunset Stories at Brandywine Estate Restaurant
- Saturday, November 9: Poetry showcase at Sushi Bar, a Literary Wonderland children’s program on Tortola, and writing workshops at HLSCC
- Sunday, November 10: The popular Book Brunch at 1748 Restaurant, Long Bay Beach Resort
For the first time, the festival will also host a poetry slam at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) and a writing competition for participants aged 14 and up, with cash prizes of $250 for youth and adult winners.
Tickets are available at multiple outlets across Tortola and Virgin Gorda, and online via Eventbrite. The festival’s key sponsors include Unite BVI, Guido Feger Foundation, VP Bank, and the National Bank of the Virgin Islands, with support from the BVI Tourist Board and local businesses.
For more details, visit www.bvilitfest.com or follow @BVILitFest on Instagram and Facebook.
Entertainment
Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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
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.
St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.
Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.
The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.
This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.
The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.
Flavor Masters Possé Takes Trinidad and Tobago’s Flavors to the Caribbean Baking Awards
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Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete
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