St. Lucian pastry chef Ronald Estephane, the head of Fruit Boss, will participate in the upcoming Caribbean Baking Awards.

Estephane, known for his fruit carvings and pastry designs, previously won the title of Pastry Chef of the Year at the 2024 Caribbean Baking Awards. His work focuses on transforming fruit into edible art, earning recognition within the Caribbean culinary industry.

The event is scheduled for February 21-22, at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, bringing together bakers and pastry chefs from across the region.

This year’s competition will feature participants competing under the theme “Rum Fun.” The event will also include the “Ultimate Bake-Off: Celebrity Grudge Match – BVI Artists Edition,” where local musicians Boss, Jugo and Brent Hoyte will compete in a baking challenge.

The Caribbean Baking Awards continues to recognize professionals in the region’s culinary industry, highlighting innovation and craftsmanship in baking and pastry arts.

Trevor Hughes, a British Virgin Islands native, was fatally shot, and his fiancée was brutally beaten in a violent dispute over a blocked driveway in the Bronx, authorities said.

Hughes, 49, and his fiancée, 47, had just returned home around 2 a.m. on February 8 when they found a car parked in front of their driveway on Fowler Avenue. After Hughes attempted to resolve the issue by calling 311 and notifying police, the situation escalated. According to authorities, 41-year-old Fallon Wise attacked Hughes’ fiancée, leaving her with multiple facial fractures, including a broken nose and shattered teeth.

During the assault, Hughes was allegedly shot in the abdomen by 46-year-old Lavar Davis. He was rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Davis, who has a history of violent crime, including a prior murder conviction in Schenectady, is charged with second-degree murder. Wise faces charges of assault and harassment.

Hughes, a father of four and a well-known DJ known as DJ Dread, was described as a beloved member of his community. His family expressed devastation, calling the attack “senseless violence over something so petty.”

Both Davis and Wise remain in custody as the investigation continues.

As the flu season takes hold, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on early childhood facilities to enforce strict hand hygiene measures to curb the spread of common childhood illnesses.

Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Henrietta Alexander, has warned that contagious diseases such as influenza, the common cold, chickenpox, and hand, foot, and mouth disease tend to peak between November and March, posing a heightened risk in nurseries where young children are in close contact.

“Many of these illnesses spread through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing,” Ms Alexander said. “Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent transmission.”

Authorities are advising nurseries to ensure frequent handwashing among staff and children, particularly before meals, after using the toilet, and after handling shared toys or objects. They are also stressing the importance of regular cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces, including tables, door handles, and bathroom facilities. Additionally, parents are being urged to keep unwell children at home until they have fully recovered.

The Environmental Health Division has pledged to continue providing guidance and support to early childhood facilities, helping to implement hygiene and sanitation measures aimed at reducing potential outbreaks.

For further information or assistance, individuals are encouraged to contact the Environmental Health Division at 468-5110.