Mystiq Flax-Charles and Kegan Brookes of the British Virgin Islands were crowned winners at the 13th annual Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition held on April 11,  at the Sidney Lee Events Center.

Flax-Charles secured the coveted 2026–2027 VI Model of the Year title, while Brookes was named VI Child Model of the Year. Jeniqua Weekes of St. Croix won the VI Commercial Model of the Year title.

The competition, part of St. Croix Style Fashion Week organised by JG Management under Jason Gardener, brought together contestants from across the Virgin Islands for runway presentations, judging and professional exposure.

In the VI Model of the Year category, Shakira Patricia Hendrickson of the British Virgin Islands was named runner-up to Flax-Charles. Malacoy Levons of the British Virgin Islands placed behind Weekes in the Commercial Model category, while Gianna Gugger was runner-up in the Child Model category.

Organisers said the competition is intended to provide a platform for emerging talent while preparing participants for professional opportunities in the fashion industry.

The event featured a series of activities, including a Style and Beauty Expo, black carpet arrivals and a live competition segment.

Designer showcases formed a central part of the programme, with full collections presented by Morgan Creque of M Organic VI in the British Virgin Islands, Lorna Spogoo Roberts of Black Pine Vintage Alabama, and Pamela Leverett-Love of Amour Magique VI in St. John.

A special segment also highlighted couture denim and jewellery looks from Kids Rock Fashion Weekend 2026.

Participants underwent training sessions ahead of the competition led by supermodel Jenna-Monét, who also introduced her platform, “I Represent Beauty,” aimed at promoting confidence and representation within the industry.

The Virgin Islands Model of the Year Competition continues to serve as a regional platform for talent development, with organisers noting its role in preparing models for opportunities across the Caribbean and internationally.

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Carlos Alexis Olivares-Taveras, 34, a national of the Dominican Republic who told investigators he unlawfully entered the United States from Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has been detained on federal charges of cocaine possession with intent to distribute and illegal entry, Acting U.S. Attorney Adam F. Sleeper announced, according to a report by the VI Consortium.

Olivares-Taveras was ordered detained Sept. 24, 2025, pending trial or until the defense requests a reopening of his detention hearing. His arrest followed a Sept. 22 operation on St. Thomas by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and partner law enforcement agencies, the VI Consortium reported.

According to court documents, HSI agents stopped a vehicle driven by Olivares-Taveras during an immigration enforcement operation. Agents reported seeing a white powdery substance in the driver’s side door panel. A search uncovered 11 baggies containing a substance that tested positive for cocaine and about $4,000 in U.S. currency.

During an interview, Olivares-Taveras admitted the cocaine and money were his and said he had entered the United States unlawfully in February 2025 by boat from Tortola to St. John without presenting himself at a port of entry, prosecutors said.

He is charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1), and illegal entry into the United States, in violation of 8 U.S.C. § 1325(a)(1). The drug charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The case is being investigated by HSI and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant U.S. Attorney Cherrisse R. Amaro is prosecuting.

Authorities noted that a criminal complaint is an allegation and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.

Premier Wheatley expressed deep concern over the rise in crime and violence in the Territory, particularly the recent armed robbery of renowned artist Pressure by a group of young individuals.

Popular U.S. Virgin Islands artist, Pressure, was robbed at gunpoint early Sunday morning, March 16, after performing at the Black on Black concert, an event headlined by dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel. The incident occurred as Pressure and his entourage walked to their vehicle parked across from First Bank.

Surveillance footage obtained by JTV confirms the robbery, which took place around 3:26 am. The video, now in circulation, captures the moment two armed men exited a white SUV parked in front of the gated parking lot opposite First Bank. The assailants confronted Pressure and his entourage, causing most of the group to flee. One of the attackers then proceeded to rob Pressure, appearing to take what looked like his jewelry, before escaping the scene.

https://www.facebook.com/jtv55/videos/989375819492738

The entire incident lasted about two minutes, after which the video ends with Pressure standing alone by the vehicle he was originally entering, appearing shaken but unharmed as the assailants made their getaway.

“It is unacceptable and highly regrettable that he and others went through this,” the Premier stated. “Crime and violence are not what we want as a society and certainly not the image we want to project to the world.”

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has confirmed that the past weekend was particularly active in terms of criminal activity.

Premier Wheatley reiterated the government’s commitment to working with law enforcement and the wider community to curb criminal activities. A Crime Summit is currently being planned to develop a coordinated response.

“For those individuals who insist on terrorising our community, the police will continue to pursue you vigorously,” he warned. “I also urge members of the public to assist law enforcement by sharing any information that may aid investigations.”