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  • Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024 || `Stay in School’ Message Echoed at Willock’s D3 Back to School 2024 || School Closure on Anegada as Power Outage Disrupts Island || Team BVI to Compete in WAAm Caribbean Development Championship 2024 || HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma || BVI Secures First Victory in 45th Chess Olympiad || BVI Elected Vice Chair of UN Caribbean Development Committee || French Navy Ship Makes Diplomatic Visit to Virgin Islands || Atlantic Storm Watch: Virgin Islands Monitors Three Potential Threats  ||  Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway || Education Minister Calls for a Bold New Chapter in Virgin Islands Education || Education Minister to Attend OECS Council Meetings in St. Kitts || ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
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Meet Adacia Adonis: The Trailblazing Miss British Virgin Islands Ready to Make an Impact

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Adacia Adonis is making waves as she reigns over the 70th Emancipation Festival Celebrations as Miss British Virgin Islands 2024.

Reflecting on her achievement, Adacia expressed a deep sense of pride. “Not only has my hard work and dedication paid off, but I feel honoured to be a representative of the Virgin Islands. I still feel a little in awe; however, I’m mostly overjoyed.”

Her inspiration to enter the pageant stemmed from a sense of urgency. “Honestly, one of the driving factors was my age! With the pageant having an age limit of 27, I didn’t want to live a life of regret. This pageant allows one to showcase talent and create positive change in the community. My biggest supporter has been my sister, Kesha Adonis, who encouraged me to enter this year, and I couldn’t have done it without her.”

The journey to the crown wasn’t without its challenges. “I faced immense pressure to perform well and meet societal expectations,” Adacia recalled. “Dealing with criticism from peers was emotionally taxing, but I learned to pray for peace of mind before each practice. I also limited my social media use to protect my mental state.”

Adacia is passionate about raising awareness for endometriosis, a cause close to her heart. “My platform, ‘From Pain to Purpose: Raising Endometriosis Awareness in Our Community,’ aims to advocate for women suffering in silence,” she explained. “I plan to partner with organisations like W.I.N to provide resources and educate young girls about prevention.”

Her crowning moment remains unforgettable. “I am a firm believer in prayer and manifesting my future, but nothing prepared me for the emotions I felt being crowned,” she said. “The crown is heavy, but it symbolises carrying the weight of the people of the Virgin Islands.”

In addition to the title, Adacia won awards for Best Swimsuit, Best Evening Wear, and Best Intellect. “Preparing for the swimsuit category required intense training and discipline,” she noted. “I also collaborated with renowned designer Carlos Alberto for the evening wear, ensuring that every detail was perfect.”

As she balances her responsibilities as queen with personal and professional life, Adacia emphasises the importance of setting boundaries. “It’s vital to maintain healthy relationships while being an active queen,” she stated.

Her advice for next year’s contestants? “Keep God and supportive people close. Without prayer and encouragement, it’s easy to become discouraged.”

With a dazzling smile and a heart full of passion, Adacia is eager to represent her beloved islands both regionally and internationally.

She recently represented the BVI at the Miss Jaycees Queen Show in Antigua, an experience she found valuable despite not placing. “I faced technical issues, and there were a few challenges, but I handled them with poise and class. Challenges are inevitable, but it’s how we rise above them that defines us. This was an experience like no other,” she shared. “I enjoyed meeting other delegates and gaining exposure to the international pageant scene.”

As the first Miss BVI International, Adacia understands the significance of her role. “I plan to showcase the BVI as the sailing capital of the Caribbean, celebrating our vibrant culture through traditional attire, music, and dance,” she affirmed.

Beyond her reign, Adacia aspires to become a solicitor and eventually open a law firm with her sister. “I want to be a voice for other women and advocate for causes close to my heart,” she said.

Adacia Adonis is ready to embark on her journey as Miss British Virgin Islands 2024, embodying the spirit of her community while inspiring future generations of young women to follow in her footsteps.

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Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024

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The highly anticipated Anegada Lobster Festival returns this year, running from November 30 to December 1, 2024, with a record-breaking 13 restaurants set to participate in the culinary event. Now in its 12th year, the festival—renowned as the Caribbean’s grandest crustacean celebration—will feature the theme “Lobster, Sun, and Anegada Fun.” Visitors will have the chance to sample lobster dishes at the island’s finest restaurants while exploring its attractions and activities.

“We’re thrilled with the level of participation from businesses this year,” said Clive McCoy, Director of Tourism for the British Virgin Islands. “The Anegada Lobster Festival continues to grow, and we’re working closely with partners to ensure a smooth experience for visitors—from their arrival to the festival and beyond. Stay tuned for updates, including the release of our festival guide, which will cover everything from restaurant menus to transportation options.”

This year introduces two new features: a competition for the best lobster sampler, judged by renowned Saint Martin Executive Chef Shane Huggins, and a sampler voucher giveaway for 600 lucky attendees, providing free lobster tastings at participating restaurants. The winning chef will receive the inaugural ALFFY Award, along with bragging rights for creating the top lobster dish.

Alongside the culinary offerings, the Family Fun Day—hosted by the VI Recreation Trust—will return with waterslides, pools, and bouncy houses, while live music will greet ferry passengers at the dock. The popular Party Cycle, which tours the island with festivalgoers enjoying food, drinks, and the scenery, will also be back.

The festival kicks off on the morning of Saturday, November 30, with a warm welcome from the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) at Anegada’s ferry dock and airport. Participating restaurants will offer $10 lobster samplers in addition to their regular menus. Confirmed restaurants include new entrant Flamingo Pride, alongside festival favorites Lil Bit, Big Bamboo, Cow Wreck, Flash of Beauty, Lobster Trap, Wonky Dog, and more.

Festivalgoers will have numerous options for traveling to and from Anegada, including planes, passenger ferries, and car barges. Taxis will be available on the island for transport between restaurants and attractions, which include Flamingo Point Lookout, Conch Island, and the Faulkner House Museum. Activities such as snorkeling, horseback riding, and kiteboarding will also be available.

Dirk Walters, Events Manager for the BVITBFC, shared his excitement for the weekend ahead. “We expect an action-packed weekend filled with fantastic food, flowing cocktails, and beautiful weather. It’s going to be a true celebration of Anegada’s unique culture and culinary talent.”

Produced by the BVITBFC, the Anegada Lobster Festival is a key part of the BVI Food Fete, a year-round series of culinary events. The festival has grown steadily, drawing hundreds of visitors each year and contributing to increased tourism for the island of Anegada.

For more information and updates on the Anegada Lobster Festival, visit BVIFOODFETE.COM.

 

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De’Nya Winter Delivers Powerful Opening Speech at Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant

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De’Nya Winter, the 2023 Princess of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), captivated the audience with a powerful opening speech at the Caribbean Cultural Princess Pageant contestant launch. The launch took place at the Anne Kolb Nature Center in Hollywood, Florida.

This year’s pageant, themed “Celebrating the Radiance of the Caribbean Sea, With Vibes, Pearls, and Curls,” promises to be a vibrant display of Caribbean culture, beauty, and talent. De’Nya Winter will represent the BVI, on October 6, in the pageant that is part of the Miami Carnival 2024 celebrations and will compete against three other talented contestants from the Caribbean region:

  • Aliana from St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
  • Trenece from St. Kitts and Nevis
  • Tenylah from St. Croix, US Virgin Islands

An online voting system has been established for the Popularity Award, allowing supporters to vote for their favorite contestant without limit. The voting period will close on August 21, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

 

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Stephany Andujar Crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024

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Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18,  at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center,  standing out among five talented contestants. 

Representing St. Joseph & Rosendahl, Stephany not only took home the crown but also earned awards for Best Evening Wear and Best in Interview.

Britanny Robinson, representing Crown Mountain, was named the 1st Runner Up. Britanny’s performance also earned her awards for Best On Stage Q&A, Best National Costume.

Camille Paul, representing Strawberry Hill, secured the 2nd Runner Up position.

The Miss Community title went to Meagan Bryan of Agnes Fancy, in recognition of her dedication to community service.

Aminisha Bailey, representing Charlotte Amalie, also made a strong impression, winning Best in Swimwear.

As the newly crowned Miss Universe US Virgin Islands, Stephany Andujar will now take on the responsibility of representing the islands on the global Miss Universe stage.

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