Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley was on hand Sunday to present the Guy Eldridge Spirit of Enthusiasm Award to Jim Vos, skipper of Warthog, in recognition of his dedication to youth sailing in the Virgin Islands.

The award was one of the highlights of the final day of the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta, which wrapped up a week of racing on the waters of the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

While the early part of the week saw strong winds and challenging conditions, sailors were treated to classic Caribbean weather for the finale—sunny skies, steady breeze, and warm temperatures.

Despite the tough start, most crews found their rhythm and stayed consistent through the final races. The mix of international and local talent made for a strong showing across the board.

The regatta closed out with a lively celebration at the Regatta Village—sailors, supporters, and organizers coming together to toast another successful year on the water.

Full list of class winners:

• Warthog – Jim Vos (ANT)

• El Ocaso – Tony Mack (GBR)

• Huey Too – Bernie Evan-Wong (ANT)

• Bravissimo – Mike Feierabend (USVI)

• Painkiller/Sea-Battical – Alice Martin (USA)

• Jitterbug – Dr. Robin Tattersall (BVI)

• La Novia – Georges Coutu (DOM)

• Layla – Andrew Anne (GBR)

• Ting A Ling – Graham Harney (BVI)

• Cricket – Sandy Mair (BVI)

• Flying Jenny – Sandy Askew (USA)

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Virgin Islands-based singer-songwriter Ouida has once again partnered with renowned LA producer and songwriter, Andrew Scott (Druski), to release her latest single, “Everyday.” The vibrant, reggae-infused track, which dropped on April 5, delivers a compelling blend of soulful vocals, infectious rhythms, and an empowering message of resilience, positivity, and gratitude.

“Everyday” opens with an optimistic tone as Ouida sings, “Woke up with a smile on my face, the sun is shining, I’m soaking up the rays.” This sunny sentiment sets the stage for a track that celebrates the beauty of life, no matter the challenges we face. As Ouida explained, the song’s core message is about embracing every moment with gratitude: “No matter what the weatherman says, I’m gonna smile. It’s about finding joy in the everyday and pushing through whatever comes your way.”

The song’s smooth reggae groove and infectious chorus quickly capture the listener’s attention, with the hook—“Everyday, hey, hey, hey”—serving as an uplifting anthem of joy. The track exudes a carefree spirit, echoing the boundless energy of a child’s imagination. “I feel like a child, though it sounds strange, imagination’s wild with possibilities,” Ouida sings, inviting listeners to tap into life’s limitless potential.

Building on her growing reputation for heartfelt lyrics and melodic storytelling, Ouida continues to solidify her place in the music industry with “Everyday.” Her previous works have resonated deeply with audiences, thanks to their relatable themes and emotional depth.

Beyond its infectious rhythm, “Everyday” carries a deeper message of perseverance. In the third verse, Ouida reflects on overcoming adversity, singing, “Every test and trial made me who I am today. Even when I’m tired, you will never catch me break.” This theme of resilience weaves throughout the track, making it not only an anthem of joy but also one of strength and determination.

With its smooth reggae instrumentation, uplifting message, and Ouida’s captivating vocals, “Everyday” serves as a perfect Caribbean anthem that radiates positivity. As the song makes its way to streaming platforms, fans can expect an energetic and heartfelt experience that encourages them to approach each day with renewed optimism.

 “Everyday” is sure to resonate with audiences looking for a soundtrack to inspire resilience and embrace the joy of living fully, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

Venoria Todman will unveil her much-anticipated new book, Show and Tell Marriages, Living in Hell, which promises to provide an honest and thought-provoking exploration of the emotional and psychological challenges faced by modern couples. The book delves deep into the complexities of relationships that often remain hidden beneath the surface, offering readers a candid examination of the struggles many face in marriage.

The launch event will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at Village Cay Marina, starting at 5:30 p.m. Mrs. Todman’s latest release comes eight years after her debut book, Who Cheats More Than a Politician, which was also launched with the assistance of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture.

In a statement, Mrs. Todman explained that the book was a personal reflection on the difficulties of navigating love and commitment in today’s world. “The struggles that couples face are real, and this book aims to open a window into those complexities,” she said. “I wanted to create something that resonates with people, offering a sense of understanding for those who may feel alone in their experiences.”

Deputy Director of the Virgin Islands Department of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard, expressed her department’s ongoing commitment to supporting local authors, particularly Mrs. Todman’s work. “Mrs. Todman’s latest release promises to be a compelling read,” Ms. Lennard said. “Our department was proud to support her first book, and we are equally excited to help promote this new literary endeavor.”

Ms. Lennard also highlighted the importance of the upcoming launch as a chance for the community to connect with the author. “This event provides a unique opportunity for the public to engage with Mrs. Todman, discuss the inspiration behind her work, and gain a deeper understanding of the themes explored in the book,” she said.

The Department of Culture has long been a champion of local talent and continues to foster the growth of Virgin Islands’ creative works. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, the department is committed to preserving the region’s rich cultural heritage and promoting its artists both locally and on the global stage.