Entertainment
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation

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.
Entertainment
Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched

Mr Neil Frett
Chair Natalie Penn-Lake Emphasises Culture, History, and Inclusivity
The 71st annual Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival was officially launched today, May 30, heralding a month-long celebration under the theme “Uniting Our Culture, Freedom, and Joy in the Virgin Islands for Festival 2025.” The winning slogan by Jacob Edwards, “Embrace the Past, Let Unity Thrive, as we Celebrate Our Culture at Festival 2025,” encapsulates the spirit of this year’s events—centred on reflection, unity, and cultural pride.
This year’s honouree, Mr Neil Frett, was announced during the launch ceremony. Frett is being recognised for his longstanding commitment to Virgin Islands culture and heritage, particularly through his contributions to community and the arts.
Newly appointed Chair of the VI Festivals and Fairs Committee, Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake, brings a clear vision to the celebrations—one that prioritises cultural awareness, education for the youth, and community engagement.
“We’re excited about what this year’s festivities will bring,” said Mrs Penn-Lake. “We are more interested in also community being safe, bringing more togetherness, more cultural activities. You will see that in the line-up this year, where we have a lot more inclusivity of Virgin Islands history and country culture, so our young people understand where we were, where we are now, and where we are going.”

Mr. Neil Frett and Mrs Natalie Penn-Lake
With a professional background in tourism and education, Penn-Lake is keen to use the Festival as a teaching tool. “Understanding our history and our culture is very important, because the only way you can move forward is to know where you came from,” she explained. She added that she often challenges students with cultural trivia in schools to strengthen their knowledge, particularly for situations where visitors may ask questions about Virgin Islands history.
The Emancipation Festival officially begins on 13th July and concludes on 9th August, with activities scheduled across Road Town, East End, and Carrot Bay. “Eastern will have two days of activities. Carrot Bay will have three days,” Mrs Penn-Lake confirmed. “We’re inviting everybody to come out, support, have a great time, be safe, be happy, and let’s just make this Festival a great one.”

Jacob Edwards and Mrs. Briana Henley-Mather
The festival schedule features major cultural staples such as the Miss BVI Pageant (13th July), the Torchlight Procession and Festival Village Opening (25th July), Kiddies Fiesta, Latin Music Night, Calypso Show, and Soca Monarch. Traditional events such as the Rise & Shine Tramp and Jouvert in East End, the Grand Parade, and cultural showcases in Carrot Bay also remain integral to the line-up.
Those abroad and in the diaspora are being encouraged to plan their visit early. “You can plan your trip now. We want you to come home—come home, come home!” Mrs Penn-Lake urged. Details of the full entertainment schedule and artist line-up are being shared via the official Virgin Islands Festival Facebook page (@virginislandsfestival).
The Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival continues to honour the legacy of freedom and resilience, while celebrating the territory’s rich heritage through music, pageantry, food, and community spirit.
ADVERTISEMENT:
Entertainment
Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will host the 2025 edition of its Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on Sunday, June 1, at 4:00 p.m. in the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. The pageant, themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” is one of several events commemorating the College’s 35th anniversary.
Five students have been confirmed as contestants for the competition, which seeks to crown student ambassadors who will represent the institution throughout the academic year. The male contestants are Dakarai Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters. Competing for the title of Miss HLSCC are K’Meeya Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark.
The competition will take place over two days. The personal interview segment is scheduled for Friday, May 30, while the main event on Sunday will feature the Introduction and Business Wear segment, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and Question and Answer rounds.
Since its reintroduction following a brief hiatus, the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant has become a prominent student development initiative. Contestants selected as winners will receive scholarships and serve as official College ambassadors. Their roles include representing HLSCC at local and international events, participating in promotional campaigns, and engaging in leadership and public speaking opportunities.
The current titleholders, Mr. Malacoy Levons and Miss Jhadazia Lennard, have represented the College at formal engagements and outreach initiatives over the past year.
In a statement, Student Life Director Debra Hodge described the pageant as a significant part of campus culture and personal development. “What was once seen as a fundraiser event is now a celebration of identity, purpose, and student excellence,” she said.
In addition to the main titles, students and supporters will have the opportunity to select Mr. & Miss Popularity through an online voting system. Votes can be cast by liking official contestant photos on the HLSCC Facebook page between Wednesday, May 21 and Saturday, May 31 at 12 noon. Only reactions from users who follow the page will be counted.
Winners of the pageant will receive a custom-designed crown, sash, and sceptre, as well as access to professional training programs.
Tickets are currently on sale at the HLSCC Campus Store, Student Life Department, J&C Trading Ltd., and through any of the contestants. General admission is $35. Students from the Virgin Islands with valid ID can purchase tickets for $20.
For additional details, the public may contact the Student Life Department at (284) 852-7102.
Entertainment
Premier Wheatley: Festival Committee Board to Be Finalised Within Days

As preparations for the Virgin Islands’ annual festival gather momentum, Premier Dr Natalio D. Wheatley has confirmed that the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development is in the final stages of appointing a formal Festival and Fairs Committee board.
Speaking during an appearance on Virgin Islands Voice on Wednesday, 14 May, the Premier said that recommendations for board membership are currently under review and are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in the coming days.
“We anticipate that by next week, the Cabinet will approve the board appointments,” Dr Wheatley said. “Some of those who have been serving voluntarily have applied, and we look forward to having an officially ratified board in place.”
For years, the Festival and Fairs Committee has been driven by dedicated volunteers, many of whom have contributed tirelessly to the Territory’s cultural calendar. One such individual is Honourable Hart Smith, a former Director of Culture and a past Festival Queen, whose longstanding involvement was commended by the Premier.
“She has been part of the festival from way back,” he said. “We’re grateful to have someone with her knowledge and experience continuing to serve.”
While committee work has traditionally been unpaid, the Premier noted that legislation permits the Minister to provide stipends to appointed board members. Volunteers may also receive small benefits, such as complimentary access to events.
“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Dr Wheatley acknowledged. “If we can get the structure working efficiently and the finances allow, we will also look at what can be done to support sub-committee chairs, who put in a great deal of effort as well.”
The Premier was clear, however, that the government’s role in the festival is not commercial. “Our goal is not to make a profit,” he said. “We want businesses and vendors to thrive, but any revenue collected at the gate is intended solely to cover expenses and ensure everyone is paid. Vendors should not be left owed.”
In 2024, the festival generated over one million US dollars in revenue, though total expenditures exceeded that figure. Funding for the event is drawn from government allocations, private sponsorships and proceeds from festival-related activities.
As final plans are made for the upcoming festival season, Dr Wheatley reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultural preservation, responsible stewardship and community engagement.
“We do this out of love for our culture and our people,” he said. “We’re working to ensure this festival is not only a success, but sustainable for the future.”
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Controversial 3-Point Call Proven a 4, But Result Stands: Team USVI Withdraws from Third-Place Match
-
Uncategorized1 day ago
British Virgin Islands Regulators Move to Wind Down Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited
-
Entertainment21 hours ago
Neil Frett Named Honouree as 71st Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival Officially Launched
-
Entertainment1 week ago
Five Students to Compete in Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant on June 1
-
Local News1 day ago
BVI U19 Rugby Squad Departs for Dominican Republic Development Tour
-
Uncategorized5 days ago
Chantel Malone Leaps to First Place Amid Headwinds at Tucson Elite Classic:
-
Education2 days ago
Twelve Primary Schools Advance to Final Round of 2025 Spelling Bee
-
Uncategorized20 hours ago
Liburd and Croal Break BVI National Records at NCAA Championships