Local News

Julian Willock Refutes Defamatory Allegations in Guavaberry Media Report

Published

1 year ago

October 23, 2024

Editor

Mr. Julian Willock has issued a formal response to a recent article published by Ms. Cindy Rosan in Guavaberry Media on October 23, 2024. The article, titled “Lorna Smith Sacrificed for Julian Willock Run in 2027,” contains allegations suggesting that Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley’s dismissal of Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE was part of a strategy to advance Mr. Willock’s political ambitions. Mr. Willock strongly refutes these claims, describing them as false and without basis.

In his statement, Mr. Willock clarified that he had no involvement in, nor prior knowledge of, the Premier’s decision to dismiss Hon. Lorna G. Smith OBE. He emphasised his friendship with Mrs. Smith and pointed out that, as a member of the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) and its Third District Committee, he was not consulted or informed about the Premier’s actions.

“To suggest that this was done as a political favor or in support of my alleged candidacy is completely baseless,” Mr. Willock stated. “I have had no discussions with Premier Wheatley, Hon. Julian Fraser, or any of their associates regarding any such matter.”

Mr. Willock urged Ms. Rosan to adhere to responsible journalism by ensuring her publications are grounded in fact rather than speculation. He condemned the report as both defamatory and misleading, asserting that he has made efforts to avoid becoming entangled in what he described as Ms. Rosan’s “vicious attacks” against other Virgin Islanders.

In a final note, Mr. Willock issued a measured warning: “Karma is real. When digging a hole for others, be sure to dig two.”

He also reminded the public of District Three’s upcoming annual Job Fair, scheduled for Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Therapy Works in Hannah’s Bay, Tortola.

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Local News

Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands

Published

1 week ago

February 27, 2026

Editor

The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).

The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.

According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.

“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.

Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.

Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.

Entertainment

Maya Marcellin Departs for Teen Universe International Pageant in Nicaragua

Published

2 weeks ago

February 22, 2026

Editor

Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.

Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.

Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.

Entertainment

Andrea Wilson brings Caribbean colour to the NYFW debut

Published

2 weeks ago

February 20, 2026

Editor

Caribbean designer Andrea Wilson has thanked her supporters after showing her first New York Fashion Week showcase on February 14 in Manhattan — a milestone that also celebrated ten years of her swim and resort wear label, The Islander.

Her showcase, I’Landed in the Big Apple, was both anniversary and arrival in one of fashion’s global capitals. More than 20 new designs from her latest collection, Ocean Odyssey, swept down the runway in saturated colour and fluid silhouettes alongside a retrospective capsule from her earlier Wave Collection.

Collectively, the pieces traced a decade of design shaped by Caribbean light, landscape and movement.

“It was an experience,” Andrea said afterwards. “There were hiccups — a venue change, flight delays — but I am simply grateful. This would not have been possible without my family, my friends, the models and my extraordinary team who worked tirelessly to make it happen.”

She offered particular thanks to the Premier of the British Virgin Islands, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, who attended and walked the runway in support of Caribbean fashion.

He wore designs by Andrea and fellow British Virgin Islands creative Germain Smith, whose label Kym’Asia is known for its fluid, gender-expansive approach to couture. Emerging designer Morgan Creque, founder of Trippy Tortuga, also presented work during the evening.

Jewellery for the showcase was created by Ammique Mills of Artistry, whose striking pieces are crafted from sea-worn fabrics and natural elements, complementing the island-inspired collections.

Approximately 30 models — representing the British Virgin Islands, Guyana, St Kitts and Nevis,

the United Kingdom and the United States — took part in the show. The models also competed in the Anastacia Magazine Model Competition, where Keedencia Harris of St Kitts and Nevis won the top model prize, with her fellow islanders taking second and third places,

showing the depth of emerging Caribbean talent.

Former Miss British Virgin Islands Universe World Ayana Phillips, also known as DJ Lady Mix, curated the soundtrack, infusing the space with Caribbean rhythm and energy.For Andrea, a 2016 Branson Centre Entrepreneur, the New York debut signals wider ambitions.

“Next year we will elevate the experience even further in New York City,” she said. “By year’s end, we are setting our sights on Africa. I am thankful beyond words to everyone who has supported this journey.”

The showcase was filmed as part of a reality series in development documenting Wilson’s path to New York Fashion Week, with plans for international broadcast and festival screenings across the United States and Europe.

Photography was led by New York-based Cheryl Gorski and British Virgin Islands photographer

Kelvin Titley, supported by videographers Camroy Peters and Jordan Lewis.