Entertainment
Twelve Contestants to Compete in Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant returns on December 29 in the British Virgin Islands.
Twelve remarkable young women from across the Caribbean will showcase their cultures, share their dreams, and connect with their communities.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Ms. Asha Hyndman, a young woman whose commitment to her heritage, health advocacy, and future dreams has already inspired many around her. Asha’s platform, Looking Good: Eye Care Education for All, hits close to home. Living with Keratoconus, a progressive eye condition affecting her vision, Asha understands the challenges that come with an invisible condition. “Eye health is often overlooked, but I know firsthand how deeply it can affect your life,” Asha shares. Through her platform, she hopes to educate others, raise awareness about vision care, and show compassion to those with similar challenges.
Asha’s ambitions extend beyond healthcare advocacy. She is passionate about Moko Jumbie, the traditional stilt-walking art of the Caribbean that embodies both skill and storytelling. “Moko Jumbie is more than a performance; it’s our culture in motion,” she says. Asha envisions making this art form more visible, from local celebrations to global stages, while also mentoring young performers to ensure this tradition endures. “It’s an honor to be part of something that has stood the test of time, and I want to keep that spirit alive,” she adds.
On the academic front, Asha has set her sights on becoming an ophthalmologist, a dream shaped by her own experience with vision issues. After completing her studies in Biology, she hopes to establish an ophthalmology practice in her home country, expanding it across the Caribbean over time. “I want to give people in my community the kind of specialized care that they often have to leave the island to find,” she explains. She even has her sights set on collaborating with the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute in Miami, a move she believes will bring top-quality eye care within reach for Caribbean residents.
Yet Asha’s ambitions reach even further. A lover of travel and discovery, she’s been inspired by the adventures of popular travel vloggers Kara and Nate, and she’s eager to explore every corner of the world—particularly the remote beauty of Antarctica. “There’s so much to learn from different cultures, landscapes, and experiences,” she says with excitement. “Travel gives you a new perspective on life, and I can’t wait to broaden my own.”
The Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant has long been a space for young women like Asha to celebrate their identity and passions. It’s more than a pageant—it’s a gathering of dreams and the shared spirit of the Caribbean’s next generation. As December approaches, these twelve contestants aren’t just preparing for a competition; they’re ready to step into the spotlight, showing the Caribbean and the world what they’re made of. This year’s pageant promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the strength, talent, and future of the islands.
The International Morning Braff Show is back, reenergised and ready to reclaim its spot as the must-listen program for Virgin Islanders and audiences worldwide.
The show returns this Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Tola Radio VI (100.5 FM), kicking off the station’s 10th-anniversary celebrations with a lineup that promises excitement, insight, and surprises.
Legendary host HBH Da Don will reunite with Ras Rubio and the show’s dynamic panel to deliver the energy, laughter, and engaging discussions fans have come to love. The opening broadcast will feature a star-studded guest list of over 20 government officials, artists, bands, and public figures from the Virgin Islands and beyond.
This milestone year is more than a celebration of the show’s return—it’s a tribute to Tola Radio’s decade of service to the community. Over the years, the station has become a cornerstone of Virgin Islands culture, fostering community spirit through music, entertainment, and charitable initiatives.
- Highlights of Tola Radio’s contributions include:
- Annual Christmas Dollar Mania: Benefiting over 500 winners each year.
- Support for Local Music: Over $47,000 in contributions to advance the industry.
- Major Giveaways: Including four automobiles, 50+ televisions, and countless prizes.
- 10th-Anniversary Giveaway
To mark this special occasion, Tola Radio has announced its 10th Anniversary Giveaway, an eight-week promotion culminating in a grand prize drawing during the YOLO Promotions Black on Black Show featuring Vybz Kartel on March 15, 2025.
Listeners can look forward to exclusive guest appearances, exciting events, and unforgettable moments as Tola Radio continues its legacy of delivering Virgin Islands culture to a global audience. Whether tuning in locally on 100.5 FM, streaming online, or joining the conversation via Facebook Live, fans are in for a treat.
“The International Morning Braff Show is more than just a radio program—it’s a movement that unites our community and celebrates the essence of the Virgin Islands,” said a statement from Tola Radio.
The management and staff of Tola Radio extend their gratitude to sponsors, partners, and loyal listeners who have supported their journey. “This milestone wouldn’t be possible without you,” they said, promising more laughter, music, and opportunities to connect in the year ahead.
Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica.
The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online.
He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.
While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.
But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.
Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.
The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.
Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
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