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.

What might begin as a simple hike often turns into something more — a meaningful journey of discovery, culture, and hands-on learning. That’s the experience VI Camping is creating through its Bayside Excursions, a growing initiative that’s helping families reconnect with the land and traditions of the Virgin Islands.

Founded and led by Island Experience Curator Dean Titley — a former educator who spent years teaching before retiring — VI Camping is more than just a recreational outing. It’s an immersive outdoor classroom designed to revive the traditional skills and knowledge that once shaped daily life in the BVI.

Each excursion blends low-impact hiking with cultural education. On Beef Island, participants follow a mostly flat trail through mangroves and striking rock formations before reaching “Honeycomb Cave,” a breathtaking natural structure dotted with stone pockets and tide pools — a place that sparks both exploration and quiet reflection.

“All our excursions have an educational component,” Titley said. “It’s about learning the traditional skills that helped our people live off the land—how to take out a conch, clean fish, make fire, and understand the environment that surrounds us.”

While not every activity happens on every outing, past trips have included everything from bow and arrow lessons to fish-cleaning demos and marine life observation — giving participants a taste of the islands’ natural richness and cultural depth.

Since launching earlier this year, VI Camping has hosted several small-group adventures, and the feedback from both parents and children has been overwhelmingly positive.

“We’ve only done a few trips so far, but the kids loved every moment,” Titley said. “They’re learning valuable skills while having fun — and more importantly, developing a connection to their heritage.”

The next Bayside Adventure takes place Sunday, April 27 at 8:00 a.m., departing from Beef Island. This family-friendly hike will focus on nature exploration and local storytelling, with the possibility of some interactive activities based on time and group size.

Participation costs $25 for children and $40 for adults, with a deposit required to confirm your spot. To register, contact 284-547-9984 or 284-547-3953 via WhatsApp.

For Titley, it’s about more than what’s discovered on the trail — it’s about what families take home.

“It’s not just about the hike,” he said. “It’s about legacy. We want these kids to grow up proud of where they’re from and confident in what they can do.”

As the Virgin Islands continue to attract sun-seekers and sailors from around the world, it’s efforts like VI Camping that keep the local heritage alive—one child, one hike, and one conch shell at a time.

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