Stephany Andujar won the Miss Universe US Virgin Islands 2024 title, last night, August 18,  at the Antilles Mark C. Marin Center,  standing out among five talented contestants. 

The Virgin Islands witnessed an evening of inspiration and cultural pride at the inaugural Toast Gala, hosted by the creative platform Kickin It.

The highlight of the night was a heartfelt and candid speech delivered by Trailblazer honoree Adam O, a prominent figure in the Virgin Islands music scene.

Adam O, renowned for his electrifying fusion of soca, kompa, zouk, and R&B, has captivated audiences worldwide. As he accepted his award, he spoke passionately about the challenges faced by Virgin Islands creatives, touching on the often-overlooked need for support. “Being from the Virgin Islands, being a creative from the Virgin Islands, being anything—whether it’s music, art, or anything else—we don’t really get the support like a doctor, a lawyer, or a basketball player. That’s just real,” Adam O remarked. “People don’t always understand what we do, and it really boils down to one word: support. That’s all we really need.”

With a touch of humor, Adam O reminisced about his roots, telling the audience, “You know, I grew up in Virgin Gorda. I am an O’Neal boy. So this ain’t just a Crucian coming over here to get an award. I have my belonger’s card.” His words resonated deeply with the crowd, who shared in his pride and connection to the islands.

Expressing his profound gratitude to Kickin It and its founder, Kyra, Adam O revealed that this award was particularly meaningful to him. “This is the first award I’ve received as an artist, and it means more than any other recognition I’ve ever been given. You don’t know how much this means to me. I don’t think you know what it is you did tonight,” he said, his voice filled with emotion.

The Toast Gala is a reflection of Kickin It’s mission to elevate and empower Virgin Islands creatives. In addition to Adam O, the evening honored other notable talents, including visual artist Jannet Prosper and creative director and stylist Travie Rozae. By shining a spotlight on these homegrown artists, Kickin It aims to inspire and nurture the next generation of Virgin Islands talent, ensuring that their contributions to culture and community continue to thrive.

As the night came to a close, the inaugural Toast Gala was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a celebration of the vibrant spirit and undeniable talent that defines the Virgin Islands. The event marked the beginning of what promises to be a lasting legacy of support and recognition for the territory’s creative community.

In response to escalating energy challenges, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the United States Virgin Islands has issued Executive Order No. 537-2024, declaring a State of Energy Emergency.

The proclamation comes amidst mounting concerns over the stability of the territory’s power supply, exacerbated by global geopolitical tensions and local financial strains.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the price of oil has been in a constant state of flux, impacting vital resources like diesel fuel and liquid propane. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East further compounds uncertainties surrounding crude oil prices. These fluctuations have placed immense strain on the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), hindering its ability to meet financial obligations to critical vendors.

As a consequence of payment delays, critical vendors have begun withholding services, precipitating rotating power outages across the territory. These outages not only threaten the health, safety, and economic stability of Virgin Islanders but also jeopardize the operation of essential services, including medical facilities and social service providers.

In response to the crisis, Governor Bryan has invoked his authority under Title 23, Section 1005 of the Virgin Islands Code to declare a State of Energy Emergency, effective immediately. The declaration empowers the Director of the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to activate the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) on St. Croix.

Furthermore, Governor Bryan has designated Daryl D. Jaschen as the Territorial Coordinating Officer (TCO) and Jenifer O’Neal as the Incident Commander to oversee the territorial response. Their directives include safeguarding public health, safety, and economic stability, as well as activating disaster preparation, response, and recovery plans.

To expedite the procurement of essential resources, Governor Bryan has suspended the provisions of Title 31, Chapter 23, Section 236 of the Virgin Islands Code pertaining to formal advertising of competitive bids. This measure aims to streamline the acquisition of goods and services crucial to energy production.

Governor Bryan calls upon all agencies under his direction to collaborate fully with the Incident Commander and TCO, emphasising the importance of a unified response to the energy crisis.