Local News
BVI-Based “Pioneering Greatness” Reschedules 2025 Conference to Support Jamaica After Hurricane Melissa
Photo: Aerial
The British Virgin Islands–based organization Pioneering Greatness has announced the rescheduling of its annual Success Conference, originally slated for November 1, following the devastating passage of Hurricane Melissa across Jamaica.
The decision comes as the island continues to recover from widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and prolonged power outages caused by the Category 5 storm earlier this week. According to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), several parishes remain without full access to clean water and electricity, and road clearance operations are still underway. Thankfully, no major loss of life has been reported, though hundreds have been displaced from low-lying areas.
This year’s Pioneering Greatness Success Conference was set to mark a milestone for the BVI-based movement, as it would have been the first time the event was held outside the Virgin Islands. Founder David D. Archer Jr., who also serves as Deputy Governor of the Virgin Islands, said the organization’s immediate priority is now to assist Jamaica’s recovery efforts.
“Due to the passage of Hurricane Melissa and our concern for the people of Jamaica, we will reschedule and repurpose our success and motivational conference to a stronger effort to support Jamaica during this period,” Archer explained. “We will not host an event while the community is facing this challenge.”
Archer added that he plans to travel to Jamaica in partnership with Aerial Recovery, a disaster-response organization, to help coordinate and participate in hands-on recovery efforts.
“Our Pioneering Greatness team will serve to provide hands and hope during this period,” he continued. “When our Jamaican family is standing strong again, we will rise together for Pioneering Greatness 2025/2026: A Conference of Hope, Support, and Inspiration — a benefit for Jamaica and its people.”
The team expressed heartfelt concern for Jamaicans affected by the storm and gratitude for the emergency responders and volunteers working across the island.
“We trust that everyone is safe following the hurricane,” Archer said. “Our focus now is on standing with Jamaica in action, compassion, and rebuilding.”
Pioneering Greatness, founded by David D. Archer Jr., is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals, businesses, governments, and nations through leadership, education, and motivational experiences. Now in its seventh year, the organization has inspired people across the Caribbean and beyond to live with courage and purpose.
To learn more or to support Jamaica’s relief efforts, visit www.pioneeringgreatness.com, WhatsApp/Text +1 (284) 542-4348, or email pioneeringgreatness@gmail.com.
Follow @pioneeringgreatness on Instagram and Facebook.
#PioneeringGreatness #PGforJamaica #TogetherWeRise #CaribbeanStrong #JamaicaRelief #LiveUnafraid #HopeInAction
Local News
Governor’s Office Delivers Trauma Risk Management Training to Frontline Officers in Virgin Islands
The Governor’s Office, with support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, this week delivered Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) training to frontline officers in the Virgin Islands, including members of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, prison officers and volunteers from Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR).
The program is designed to help first responders recognize and manage the psychological effects of traumatic incidents encountered in the course of their duties. Participants received instruction on identifying early signs of stress-related responses and providing peer support following critical events.
According to the Governor’s Office, the training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen welfare and resilience within frontline services across the territory.
“By strengthening welfare and resilience within our front line services, we are ensuring that the people who protect us are supported themselves,” the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
Officials thanked participants for their involvement and acknowledged the trainer for leading the sessions.
Trauma Risk Management, commonly known as TRiM, is a peer-support process used in emergency services and military settings to assess and address the mental health impact of traumatic exposure.
Maya Marcellin, Teen Universe British Virgin Islands, departed the territory on Feb. 22 for Nicaragua, where she will compete in the Teen Universe International Pageant.
Marcellin left the British Virgin Islands on Sunday accompanied by family members and supporters as she begins representing the territory in the international competition. The pageant will bring together contestants from several countries to compete in preliminary events leading up to the final show.
Supporters gathered prior to her departure to offer encouragement as she travels to Nicaragua to represent the British Virgin Islands on the international stage.
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