Local News
BVI Barracudas Swim Team Brings Home 20 Medals from VISF 2023 Short Course Championships
The BVI Barracudas Swim Team made their mark at the VISF 2023 Short Course Championships, returning home with 20 medals.
Over the weekend, 16 swimmers ranging in age from 7 to 16 competed against the St. Thomas Swimming Association, Inc. Stingrays and the St. Croix Dolphins.
Saturday’s events kicked off with a resounding victory in the Mixed 8 & under medley relay.
The star of the show, Arun Bissoondutt, aged 9, clinched four gold medals. He secured the top spot in the Boys 8 & Under category in the 100m Individual Medley (2:02.56), 25m Butterfly (26.22), and 50m Backstroke. Bissoondutt also secured second place in the 50m Breaststroke (59.21).
William Vergel, aged 7, secured a bronze medal in the Boys 8 & Under 25m Breaststroke with a time of 33.94.
Skylar Steer, aged 8, clinched two silver medals in the Girls 8 & Under category, finishing second in both the 25m Freestyle (24.69) and 25m Breaststroke (31.94).
Naya Bissoondutt, aged 7, captured a gold medal in the 25m Backstroke (29.33) and a bronze medal in the 25m Breaststroke (33.17).
Lily Carey, aged 11, secured two silver medals in the Girls 9-10 category 50m Breaststroke (52.65) and the 100m Breaststroke (2:00.25), and a bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke (54.31).
Princess Samantha Vergel, aged 13, finishing second in the Girls 11-12 category in the 50m Freestyle (45.55) and third in the 50m Backstroke (52.27).
Jemima Peliwan, aged 11, secured a bronze medal in the 11-12 Swimmer category in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 48.18.
Charlie Potgieter, aged 14, clinched a silver medal in the 50m Butterfly (40.50) and two bronze medals in the 100m Individual Medley (1:38.30) and the 50m Backstroke (42.41).
Jack Morris, aged 16, left his mark in the Boys 15-17 category, securing a silver medal in the 50m Butterfly (38.78) and a bronze medal in the 100m Individual Medley (1:26.47).
In addition to individual success, the team performed captured the silver medal in the Mixed 8 & Under Freestyle Relay and Girls 8 & Under Freestyle Relay.
Due to the lack of a dedicated training pool and the unavailability of training flags, the team conducted their training sessions at Bananakeet Restaurant once a week and had three vital training sessions at Nanny Cay in the week leading up to the Championship Meet. The team wishes to express their sincere appreciation to these generous sponsors.
Education
Seven Young Ballers Embark on an Eight-Day Basketball Adventure in Orlando
Seven young boys from the British Virgin Islands are set to experience basketball at its finest as they head to Orlando, Florida From November 23 to 28. The ballerswill participate in the Jr. Orlando Magic Youth Basketball Camp, an opportunity that combines skill development, fun, and a front-row seat to the NBA world.
The trip is organised through Sports Vision Academy, led by Mr. Eustace “Boss” Freeman. The young athletes—Niquan Freeman, Kyle Gumbs Jr., Jahy Smith, Ke’mori Daway, Tiondre Martin, Jaiden Cameron, and Jadey Glasgow—will be accompanied by Freeman himself, alongside Jovaughn Cameron and Roy Garraway.
“It’s the first time attending this camp, and the boys will also get the opportunity to attend an NBA game as well,” Freeman shared enthusiastically. “They will witness the Bulls take on the Magic, which is bound to be an unforgettable experience.”
The camp promises not only to refine their basketball skills but also to expose them to professional-level gameplay and sportsmanship.
Freeman expressed deep gratitude to the sponsors who made the trip possible, including the BVI Olympic Committee, Travel Wize LTD, and HNF. “Today’s youth are tomorrow’s stars,” Freeman said, reflecting on the impact this trip could have on the boys’ futures.
For these young ballers, this is more than a camp—it’s a chance to dream big and see where their talent can take them.
Crime/Police
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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