International
British Virgin Islands Joins Global Observance of World Tourism Day
This year’s celebration takes on added importance for the British Virgin Islands, where tourism forms the backbone of the local economy. The islands, renowned for their pristine beaches, sailing culture, and rich heritage, stand as a prime example of how tourism can uplift communities by creating jobs, preserving cultural traditions, and promoting environmental stewardship.
World Tourism Day emphasises not just the economic contributions of tourism but also the importance of responsible and sustainable travel. This message resonates strongly with the British Virgin Islands, where officials are increasingly focusing on balancing tourism growth with the need to protect the islands’ natural beauty and cultural integrity.
A Call for Sustainable Travel
Sustainability is at the heart of this year’s World Tourism Day message. The British Virgin Islands, like many other destinations, face the challenge of preserving their fragile ecosystems while welcoming millions of visitors each year. With an increasing emphasis on ecotourism, the BVI government and local businesses are encouraging visitors to minimise their environmental impact by supporting green initiatives, using eco-friendly products, and respecting local customs.
Global Participation, Local Impact
As part of the global celebrations, travellers around the world are invited to share their experiences on social media, showcasing the diversity and cultural richness that tourism brings to each destination. In the BVI, local residents are encouraged to participate by visiting lesser-known historical sites, supporting local businesses, and engaging with the culture that defines the islands.
World Tourism Day is more than just an annual event—it’s a call to action for governments, businesses, and travellers to ensure that tourism is a force for good, one that benefits both visitors and the communities they explore. For the British Virgin Islands, this celebration offers a moment to highlight the islands’ contributions to global tourism and to reaffirm their commitment to preserving the very assets that make them a world-class destination.
Dame Pereira, who hails from North Sound, Virgin Gorda, has had a distinguished legal career that began when she was called to the Bar of the Virgin Islands in 1981. Rising through the ranks of the judiciary, she became a High Court Judge in 2003 and was elevated to the Court of Appeal in 2009. On October 24, 2012, she made history as the first female Chief Justice of the ECSC, a position she held with distinction until her retirement earlier this year in St. Kitts and Nevis. Her legal career has spanned over three decades, marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements and an unwavering commitment to justice.
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley of the Virgin Islands lauded Dame Pereira’s appointment in a social media post, describing it as “well-deserved” and noting her inspirational impact on the Virgin Islands community. “Your achievements inspire us all!” Premier Wheatley declared, emphasizing the pride that her accomplishments have brought to the region.
The Privy Council appointments, officially announced on August 28, also include notable figures such as Baroness Eluned Morgan MS, the First Minister of Wales, and John Swinney MS, the First Minister of Scotland.
The Privy Council remains one of the oldest government institutions in the UK, advising the sovereign on matters of state and governance.
Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo won gold in the men’s 200 meters final on Thursday, August 8, finishing with a time of 19.46 seconds, the fourth-fastest in Olympic history.
Tebogo’s victory overshadowed the struggles of American star Noah Lyles, who crossed the line in third after revealing he was battling COVID-19. Following the race, Lyles was assisted off the track in a wheelchair.
Lyles’ finish for the second consecutive Olympics left fans and competitors in shock. Despite his health struggles, Lyles managed to finish in 19.70 seconds, falling to his back in pain as he grappled with the effects of the virus that had impacted him throughout his Olympic journey.
As Lyles dealt with his medical issues, Kenny Bednarek secured silver with a time of 19.62 seconds.
Lyles’ condition became evident a night earlier when he finished second in a semifinal and headed to the medical tent without speaking to the press. Despite reassurances from his coach that he was fine, it was clear something was wrong as the final unfolded.
As the runners approached the homestretch, Lyles fell behind, unable to summon his finishing kick. What was once a reliable surge in the final stretch transformed into a push for the line, culminating in a collapse onto the purple track, marking a conclusion to his Olympic journey.
Photo: John David Mercer Photo USA Today
At just 18 years old, Adaejah Hodge has made a mark at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Competing in the 200m semifinals at the iconic Stade de France, Hodge clocked in at 22.70 seconds, securing 8th place in her heat and 17th overall in the semifinals. She becomes the first athlete from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to advance to an Olympic semifinal in the 200m event.
“Before the race, I was talking to myself to get amped up, and it seemed to work because I actually lowered my time,” Hodge shared with the BVI Olympic Association, reflecting on her pre-race routine. “Just finding exercises like those to prepare me for the race is what I was doing. Throughout the race, I just trusted my training, trusted what I’ve been doing leading up to this point. I think I executed my race well. I’m only 18, so I’m looking forward to the next event, which is the U20s in Peru, and dominate there.”
Earlier in the day, she qualified through the Repechage event.
Reflecting on her Olympic experience, Hodge acknowledged the challenges of competing on such a grand stage. “It’s very hard to go out into the crowd — everyone screaming — so getting comfortable in the situation with all those fans and allowing myself to be Adaejah Hodge is something I will need to do,” she noted.
As the youngest competitor in her event at Paris 2024, she has set a high bar for future competitions.
The U20 Championships in Peru await, where Hodge is determined to build on her Olympic experience.
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British Virgin Islands Joins Global Observance of World Tourism Day
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