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.
MHV Resorts & Hotels has officially taken the reins of Quito’s Luxury Inn and Quito’s Gazebo Restaurant & Bar, following months of negotiations. The resort group, led by prominent Virgin Islands businessman Mark Vanterpool, assumed control of the well-known Cane Garden Bay properties on October 1, 2024. As part of the transition, the hotel will be rebranded as The Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel by MHV Resorts and Hotels.
MHV Resorts & Hotels has a robust 40-year history in the British Virgin Islands, with a portfolio that includes supermarkets, restaurants, and now high-end hotels. Their expansion into the hospitality industry reflects the group’s commitment to enhancing the BVI’s tourism offerings and providing quality service for both locals and visitors.
In a statement, Vanterpool expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying, “MHV Resorts and Hotels is excited to join the vibrant Cane Garden Bay community, a cultural and tourism icon in the BVI. We look forward to creating employment opportunities and collaborating with local businesses to foster sustainable growth, while preserving the bay’s unique charm.”
The renovated restaurant, formerly known as Quito’s Gazebo, will reopen in the coming month under the new name Rhythm & Sands, continuing its legacy as a beloved destination for music and good times. Guests can expect a perfect blend of fine dining and the laid-back rhythms that have long made Cane Garden Bay a favorite in the BVI. The hotel is set to open shortly after, just in time for the 2024-2025 tourist season.
With this transition, any uncertainty surrounding the future of the historic property can be laid to rest. The new Cane Garden Bay Beach Hotel promises a luxurious escape where guests can enjoy the tranquil beauty of the bay and the soothing sounds of the sea.
To book your stay or learn more about the new hotel and restaurant, visit: CaneGardenBayBeachHotel.net. For official updates, visit MHVresortsandhotels.com.
The excitement at ETPS Downs was electric as teachers were showered with gifts and tokens of appreciation, thanks to the school’s PTA Class Representatives.
The thoughtful deliveries, ranging from flowers to personalized items, marked the start of the 2024 Teacher Appreciation Week, an annual celebration that recognizes the hard work and dedication of educators.
The initiative, aptly dubbed “Chargers Love Gifts,” sparked joy across the campus. Teachers were visibly moved by the kind gestures, with smiles and gratitude radiating as the school community rallied to honor their contributions.
As the festivities for Teacher Appreciation Week continue, the school invites everyone to join in honoring the educators who shape the minds and futures of tomorrow.
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.
BVI Financial Investigation Agency and Jersey Financial Services Commission Sign Agreement to Strengthen Cooperation in Tackling Financial Crimes
Virgin Islands Secures $100 Million Loan to Drive Infrastructure and Community Development
Twelve Contestants to Compete in Haynes Smith Ms. Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant
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