The Virgin Islands’ cultural and literary community is poised to welcome the launch of two new educational publications authored by local farmers next week, marking a unique blend of agriculture, culture, and youth education.

The books — Johnny the Great Rooster and Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book — are the work of Jeffrey and Arona Forbes, a husband-and-wife team deeply rooted in the territory’s farming community. The publications aim to instill an appreciation for sustainable farming and traditional knowledge in younger generations.

Johnny the Great Rooster is a narrative children’s book that explores the often-overlooked role of chickens and roosters in sustainable agriculture. Through storytelling, the book underscores their importance in soil health, natural food production, and the preservation of cultural practices tied to rural life.

Meanwhile, Arona’s First Garden Colouring Book takes a more hands-on approach, introducing children to the basics of planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Its interactive format is designed to encourage early interest in gardening and the environment.

“The primary purpose of Johnny is to portray for all readers the important role that the rooster and chickens play in soil preservation, the provision of meat and eggs naturally, and the sustenance of our cultural heritage,” said the authors in a joint statement.

Anne Lennard, Deputy Director of Culture, praised the couple’s contribution, noting their longstanding influence in the agricultural sector. “The Forbeses are planting more than crops,” she said. “They are also planting seeds of knowledge, pride, and sustainability. Their work reflects the heart of our heritage, and these books will be valuable educational tools for generations to come.”

A public launch event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8 at 5:00 p.m. at Transformation Church International in Road Town. The program will include readings, book signings, and an opportunity to meet the authors.

The event is hosted by the Department of Culture, whose mandate includes preserving and promoting the Virgin Islands’ cultural identity. The department continues to support local artists, educators, and tradition-bearers through initiatives that bridge the past and future.

Virgin Islands sensation Ouida Nisbett-Turnbull is set to headline SOUL, an evening dedicated to nourishing the spirit, on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 7:00 to 10:00 PM at One Chevelle Center — just across from the Sunday Morning Well.

Hosted by The Affair Store, SOUL promises an atmosphere of reflection, connection, and musical uplift. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an intimate experience designed to recharge the soul.

A celebrated figure in the Virgin Islands music scene, Ouida has long been known for her powerful delivery and ability to move audiences across generations. Her voice and commanding presence have made her one of the territory’s most beloved artists.

Ouida recently released her latest single, Everyday — a reggae-infused anthem produced in collaboration with Los Angeles producer Druski. The uplifting track, which celebrates perseverance and the simple joys of life, has been gaining momentum across digital platforms.

Those interested in attending can call or WhatsApp 541-1986 or 440-3323 for more information, or email theaffairstore@gmail.com.

The British Virgin Islands brought a taste of the Caribbean to South Florida this month, captivating visitors at the 19th Annual Deering Seafood Festival with an immersive cultural showcase and a standout culinary performance by one of its most celebrated chefs.

Held on April 13 at the historic Deering Estate in Miami, the popular waterfront festival welcomed the BVI as its exclusive international culinary guest—a first for the event. At the center of the delegation was Kenneth “Chef Ken” Molyneaux, a former Caribbean Chef of the Year and owner of Tropical Fusion in Tortola. His live demonstration of fish and fungi, the territory’s national dish, drew an attentive crowd of more than 150 festivalgoers.

“We don’t just cook food in the Virgin Islands—we tell stories,” Chef Molyneaux told attendees as he expertly filleted fresh fish and walked the audience through the preparation of the traditional cornmeal-and-okra side. “This dish is our culture on a plate.”

The BVI’s presence at the festival was coordinated by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC), which served as title sponsor. In addition to the cooking demo, the BVI booth offered samples of saltfish fritters and poured rounds of the territory’s famed Painkiller cocktail—ingredients that, together with warm hospitality, transported visitors from the shores of Biscayne Bay to the beaches of the Caribbean.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the BVITBFC. “This festival gave us a chance to authentically share who we are—our food, our people, our energy. We’re proud of the impression we made.”

The BVI delegation also included Shaekhoya Matthew, Business Development Manager for the Southeast U.S., and Perla George, North American Business Development Director, who mingled with guests and members of the Virgin Islands diaspora throughout the day.

For the Deering Seafood Festival, which draws thousands annually with its mix of fresh seafood, family-friendly programming, and live music, the inclusion of the BVI marked a deepening of its international scope—and a flavorful new dimension to the experience.

Chef Molyneaux, the only international chef featured this year, said the opportunity to represent the territory was both personal and professional. “It’s always an honor to carry the flavors of home to new places,” he said. “Food connects people. Today, I think we made that connection.”

The British Virgin Islands left behind more than just the aroma of Caribbean spices—it left an impression of a vibrant, welcoming destination, rich in history, flavor, and soul.