Local News
Kyron McMaster Glides into 400m Hurdles Semi-finals
Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands has emerged as a standout athlete in the preliminary heats of the 400m hurdles at the Paris Olympics, joining Jamaica’s national champion Malik James-King, Roshawn Clarke, and Jaheel Hyde in advancing to the semi-final round.
McMaster booked his spot with a time of 49.24 seconds this morning, August 5, securing third place in his heat. This marks a strong showing for Caribbean athletes in this event, as they continue to make waves on the global stage.
James-King, who posted a personal best of 47.42 to win the Jamaican national championships in June, delivered a smooth performance in the heats. He clocked 48.21 to comfortably win the last of five heats, securing his place as an automatic qualifier. Clarke, who finished second to James-King at the Jamaican trial, won Heat Four in a time of 48.17, ensuring his advancement to the semi-finals.
Hyde, competing in the opening heat against gold medal favourite Rai Benjamin, crossed the finish line in second place with a time of 49.08. Benjamin took the heat in an effortless 48.82. McMaster followed closely, securing third place in 49.24 to move on to the next round. “The main objective was to secure the automatic qualification, so once I positioned myself well in the first 250 metres, I just maintained my pace and eased to the finish. I focused on not aggravating anything and keeping my composure,” McMaster told the BVI Olympic Committee. He will compete in the semi-finals at 1:35 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 August.
Among the other medal favourites, Norway’s Karsten Warholm emerged as the fastest qualifier for the semi-finals, winning Heat Two in 47.57. Frenchman Clement Docus achieved a lifetime best of 47.69 to take second place, while Abderrahman Samba of Qatar finished third in 48.85. In another heat, Estonia’s Rasmus Magi led the pack with a winning time of 48.62, followed by the USA’s CJ Allen, who clocked 48.64. Brazil’s Alison dos Santos, another strong contender for a medal, secured his semi-final spot with a time of 48.85.
Defending champion Karsten Warholm safely advanced to the semi-finals of the men’s Olympic 400m hurdles after winning his heat at the Stade de France on Monday. Warholm, who set the world record when winning gold at the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games, clocked 47.57 in scorching early morning weather in Paris. Also progressing with ease were the Norwegian’s main rivals for gold: American Rai Benjamin and Brazilian Alison Dos Santos. Benjamin eased up a full 30 metres from the line to win the opening heat in 48.82 ahead of Jamaican Jaheel Hyde and Kyron McMaster of the British Virgin Islands. Dos Santos was a comfortable third behind heat winner Rasmus Magi of Estonia and American CJ Allen.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 17:35 GMT on Wednesday, with the final slated for 19:45 on Friday.
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Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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