Social impact organisation Kickin It has announced the honourees for its second annual Toast Gala, scheduled to take place on Saturday, 2 August, at Long Bay Beach Resort in the British Virgin Islands. The event coincides with the territory’s Emancipation Festival and will highlight cultural preservation, artistic innovation, and creative achievement under the theme “Together We Bloom.”

The Toast Gala will again feature Kickin It Honors, an award segment that recognises creatives whose contributions span multiple disciplines and have had international and regional influence.

The 2025 Kickin It Honors recipients include:

• Issa Rae, Actress, Producer and Writer – Global Influence Award

• Skylar Marshai & Temitope ‘Temi’ Ibisanmi, Content Creators – Creative Catalyst Awards

• Tenille Clarke, Storyteller and Publicist – Cultural Impact Award

• IYAZ, Singer/Songwriter – Trailblazer Award

• Igdaliah Pickering, Fashion Designer – Rising Star Award

• Michael Winter Jr., Photographer – Rising Star Award

The awards ceremony will take place against the backdrop of the British Virgin Islands’ coastline, with honourees, visiting creatives, and regional industry leaders expected to attend. The evening will include a Caribbean-inspired three-course dinner, live entertainment, and the presentation of the 2025 Kickin It Honors.

Kyra James, founder of Kickin It, addressed members of the media during a press conference earlier this week. Reflecting on the initiative’s impact, James said the event serves to uplift creatives whose work “tells stories—our stories.” She added that this year’s ceremony will recognise “double the creatives” compared to its inaugural edition.

Proceeds from the gala will support Kickin It’s ongoing work in cultural preservation and creative development throughout the region.

The Office of the Deputy Governor has issued a formal statement refuting reports that Deputy Governor David D. Archer, Jr. denied public officers the opportunity to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to the statement released  Wednesday, June 4, the reports—shared via a media platform—“falsely reported the Deputy Governor’s refusal to allow public officers the opportunity to express their constitutional rights.” The rights in question are enshrined in Sections 23 and 24 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, which guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.

The Office clarified that on Friday, May 30, Mr. Archer received a copy of a letter from His Excellency Governor Daniel Pruce to Mr. Floyd Burnett, acknowledging receipt of a request for a peaceful demonstration in Road Town.

The Governor’s correspondence, which included a request for the Deputy Governor to inform senior managers of the demonstration, was executed the same day, the statement said.

“The Deputy Governor’s communication included instructions on how public officers can be released if they intended to attend the march while ensuring the delivery of services to clients,” the Office noted. These directions, it added, are consistent with existing Public Service policies.

The statement also pointed to ongoing efforts to establish a Human Rights Commission as a means of reinforcing the Government’s commitment to protecting individual rights in the Territory. Public officers and residents are encouraged to review Chapter 2 of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 to become more informed about their fundamental rights and freedoms.