The stage is set for the highly anticipated Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant, as four accomplished women from across the region prepare to compete for the title. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

Ahead of the main competition, some delegates participated in two optional segments on March 13—the Spokeswoman Speech and Fun Fashion categories. While these events do not contribute to the final scores, they provided a platform for the contestants to express their personalities and love for pageantry. Emerging victorious in both categories was Delegate #3, Sylvanna Charles, Miss Elegantly Plus British Virgin Islands, who impressed judges at The Golden Soirée with her eloquence and style.

The inaugural pageant will bring together delegates representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, and Antigua & Barbuda, each of whom has a strong background in pageantry and community engagement.

Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, carrying the banner for the U.S. Virgin Islands, previously earned the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, won the Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) title in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. From Antigua & Barbuda, Milove J. S. Fontaine joins the lineup, having been crowned Miss Charisma in 2020.

This competition is more than just a pageant—it is a celebration of cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the Caribbean. The winner will make history as the first-ever Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen, setting the foundation for future editions of this empowering event.

– Defends government support for entertainment events like BOB

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has dismissed reports that the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) contributed an additional $50,000 to the upcoming Black on Black Concert, set for Saturday, 15th March. Speaking on The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Wheatley called the claims “false” and warned against misinformation.

“The claim that the BVI Tourist Board put in $50,000 is simply false. It’s inaccurate journalism,” he stated.

He clarified that the BVITB operates with its own budget and that sponsorship decisions are handled by the Board’s Managing Director. However, he reaffirmed that government support for major entertainment events is a strategic investment.

The government’s initial sponsorship of $220,000 for the event has been a subject of debate, with some critics questioning the allocation of public funds to support a concert featuring an artist with a controversial history.

However, Premier Wheatley has defended the investment, suggesting that the economic benefits derived from tourism and related activities justify the expenditure. He remarked that such events stimulate the tourism product, leading to increased spending in areas like accommodation, car rentals, and local businesses.

Steve E. Parillon of YOLO Promotions confirmed that the BVITB’s contribution was “less than $10,000,” significantly lower than some public estimates. He emphasised that such sponsorships are standard practice for major local events. “The BVITB is a sponsor, and they have always been a sponsor of our events,” Parillon noted in a recent interview.

Hon. Wheatley also highlighted the necessity of government support for such events. “If you want to have these events, they must have a certain level of government support. Without it, quite honestly, they won’t happen. You have to spend money to make money. When you stimulate the tourism product, the returns are significant,” he explained.

Addressing the broader impact of entertainment tourism, the Premier highlighted successful past events, including the Buju Banton concert, and the upcoming Vybz Kartel performance. “You’re going to find people flying in, filling up hotels, Airbnbs, and villas. Some can’t even find a place to stay, so they stay with family and friends. They’re renting cars, spending money, paying environmental levies, and departure taxes—all of which support our economy,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Wheatley reaffirmed his commitment to growing the tourism sector, citing that 2024 saw the second most visitors in the territory’s history. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “We’re going to continue working our strategy, and I hope the people of the Virgin Islands will understand the broader impact of what we’re doing.”

Hon.  Wheatley’s comments underscore the government’s ongoing support for entertainment tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the Virgin Islands.

British Virgin Islands saxophonist and Grammy-nominated producer Kamau Georges has released his latest single, “Woman on Top,” timed to coincide with International Women’s Day 2025.

Known for his unique fusion of Caribbean rhythms and lyricism, Kamau’s new track is an empowering tribute to women and their irreplaceable role in society.

The release of “Woman on Top” comes with a message directly from Kamau which he shared this morning, March 7 on a whatsapp blast: “Wishing Happy International Women’s Day to you, or to an amazing woman in your life. Whether you send this song today or tomorrow, I hope it resonates with you or someone you care about.” With this heartfelt message, Kamau invites listeners to share the song as a celebration of women’s strength and accomplishments.

The track itself delivers a powerful message in its lyrics, praising women as central to the fabric of life and creation.

The opening lines set the tone:

“Woman on top, of all a di tings the Creator put on this earth,
Inna di whole universe, de woman come first.”

As the song continues, Kamau’s infectious rhythm and smooth vocals highlight the admiration he has for women, with lyrics such as:

“How she move and she rock and she looking so hot,
I praise her non-stop.”

The message is clear: women are to be cherished and respected, their contributions and presence in the world irreplaceable. Through this anthem, Kamau shines a spotlight on the power, resilience, and grace that women bring to every aspect of life.

A celebrated figure in the Caribbean music scene, Kamau Georges’ Grammy nomination affirms his influence and talent, which has earned him a devoted following across the globe. “Woman on Top” marks a new chapter in his musical journey, one where he continues to use his platform to elevate social causes and celebrate the beauty of culture and humanity.

By releasing “Woman on Top” on International Women’s Day, Kamau is not only honouring women but also sending a powerful message of equality and respect. The song’s infectious melody and memorable chorus—*”Di woman on top, believe it or not, di woman on top”—*are sure to make it a lasting anthem for anyone who values the strength and contribution of women everywhere.

The official video was produced by Director Lewis of NobleInk.