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Ephraim Penn Elected President of Eastern Caribbean Olympic Association

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Ephraim Penn, President of the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), has been elected President of the Association of National Olympic Committees of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (ANOCES).

The election took place on Friday, 18 October, during the ANOCES General Assembly at the luxurious Sandals Beaches Resort in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands. Penn’s years of dedicated service to the Olympic movement, coupled with his strong leadership vision, played a significant role in his election.

Penn’s appointment heralds a renewed emphasis on regional collaboration within the Olympic framework. Upon accepting the role, he shared his aspirations for the organisation:

“I am honoured to serve as President of ANOCES, and I look forward to working closely with my colleagues in the Eastern Caribbean to advance sports development, support our athletes, and further promote the Olympic ideals,” Penn remarked. “Together, we will build a stronger and more unified sports community in the region.”

Under Penn’s leadership, the British Virgin Islands has seen transformative growth in both grassroots and elite sports, particularly in track and field, where the region has consistently outperformed on the international stage.

Penn will be joined by a team of experienced sports administrators. Dominica’s Billy Doctrove, a prominent figure in Caribbean sports and President of the Dominica NOC, has been elected Vice President of ANOCES. Additional key appointments include:

  • Keith Joseph (St Vincent and the Grenadines) – General Secretary
  • Glenville Jeffers (St Kitts and Nevis) – Treasurer
  • Cliff Williams (Antigua and Barbuda) – Committee Member

With this experienced leadership, ANOCES is poised to continue strengthening the Olympic movement and supporting athletes across the Eastern Caribbean.

The ANOCES team has a packed agenda, with their next meeting scheduled in Panama City, Panama, from 12 to 14 November 2024. This gathering will coincide with the Centennial Celebration of Centro Caribe Sport (CCS), formerly the Central American and Caribbean Sports Organisation (CACSO).

The summit in Panama City will offer ANOCES members a platform to discuss strategic priorities for the future. “This is a pivotal time for our region as we chart a path toward greater inclusivity and innovation in sports development,” said Billy Doctrove, the newly elected Vice President.

Sports administrators across the region have expressed optimism about the new leadership. “Ephraim Penn has consistently shown a remarkable ability to unite people and achieve ambitious goals,” commented Keith Joseph, General Secretary of ANOCES. “His vision and commitment will be crucial as we face the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Local News

BVI U19 Rugby Squad Departs for Dominican Republic Development Tour

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The British Virgin Islands’ Under-19 national rugby team departed the territory today, May 30, bound for the Dominican Republic, where they will take part in the 2025 Caribbean Cup & Plate—an international rugby sevens and 10-a-side tournament scheduled from May 30 to June 2. Hosted in Santo Domingo, the event brings together top youth talent from the BVI, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic for a weekend of competitive play, skill-building, and cultural exchange.

National coach James Morris, who is leading the contingent, described the trip as a “critical step in growing the sport” and credited local support for making it possible. “This opportunity was made possible thanks to the passionate support of our community,” Morris said. “It’s the start of a bigger movement to elevate BVI rugby and nurture young talent from the grassroots to the international stage.”

The tournament itinerary begins with a light training and integration session Friday evening, including touch-and-pass drills with mixed teams to build camaraderie among players from the three nations. Saturday will see a full schedule of sevens group matches and finals, followed by 10-a-side fixtures in the afternoon. On Sunday, the focus shifts to coaching clinics, player development, and cultural sightseeing, capped off with a closing celebration hosted by the Dominican Republic’s rugby federation. The team returns home on Monday, June 2.

The BVI squad includes 20 young athletes who have trained extensively over recent months: Saad Kosmass, Ahmad Tarabein, Tyrique Isaacs McMillan, Thomas Blyden Aldridge, Alex Wells, Jaden Ethan Maduro, Kenley Ricquel Williams, Te Kory Maxima Penn, Cooper Brian Jackson, J’Sean K’Moy Barnes, Brian Augustas Roberts Primus, B’Jhoni Augustino Roberts, Robert Charles McKenzie, Genevan Mario Vanterpool, Wil Fujitaka Seddon, Logan River Augustine Titley, Blake Kirk, Brandonn Brad Fahie, Havonte Jadez Baptiste Riviera, and Ancel Barack Wells. Accompanying the players is a support staff of eight, including Morris, Javon Carty, Brendon Carey, Victor Amparo Peña, Calum McKenzie, Mark Jones, Ioan Jones and Gordon Jackson.

Fundraising efforts from the local community—including a wine-tasting event at Myett’s in Cane Garden Bay—helped finance the team’s travel and accommodations. The BVI Rugby Football Union expressed deep appreciation to all who contributed, noting that this tour marks the beginning of a broader strategy to develop rugby across the territory.

“These young men have shown remarkable dedication and heart,” Morris added. “Now they have the chance to take the field, gain valuable international experience, and come back stronger—not just as players, but as ambassadors for the sport in the Virgin Islands.”

The BVI team is expected to return home Monday afternoon following what promises to be a transformative weekend on and off the pitch.

 

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Local News

Minister Rymer Briefed on Airport Infrastructure Enhancements

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Minister of Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, has received a briefing on recent infrastructural upgrades completed at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.

The update was provided by Mr Kurt Menal, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), who highlighted key improvements designed to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency at the Territory’s main airport.

Among the completed upgrades is the installation of a new luggage conveyor belt and expanded baggage collection area. The upgraded system has a greater capacity than the previous setup, aimed at improving the flow of passengers through the arrivals process.

Mr Menal also pointed to the commissioning of a modern sewage treatment plant, which has the capacity to accommodate up to 500,000 passengers annually. The environmentally sustainable system supports the BVIAA’s broader objectives of expanding airport capacity while meeting international environmental standards.

“The BVIAA continues to meet the safety and regulatory requirements outlined in the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2001 and other applicable instruments,” Mr Menal said. “We are also focused on maintaining an environment that fosters employee excellence and high standards of service.”

The infrastructure enhancements form part of the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the Territory’s transportation network and prepare for anticipated increases in passenger traffic.

 

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Education

Twelve Primary Schools Advance to Final Round of 2025 Spelling Bee

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Twelve primary schools in the Virgin Islands have secured places in the final round of the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports’ 2025 Spelling Bee Competition, scheduled to take place on 4 June.

The finalists were selected from a group of 17 schools that participated in the preliminary round, which featured a total of 34 students. Competitors prepared by studying a word list comprising approximately 3,000 words ahead of the event.

The final round of the competition will be streamed live on the official Facebook page of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

A recording of the preliminary round is also available for viewing on the same platform, at BVIGovernment.

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