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From Catwalks to Crowns: Jenna-Monét Queeley’s Journey to Miss New York USA 2024

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Jenna-Monét Queeley, the former Fashionista USVI Top Model and VI Model of The year winner, found herself on a journey she never expected – the road to becoming a Miss New York USA State Finalist. “It all started with my family,” she chuckles, recalling their persistent encouragement to pursue the prestigious pageant world. “They’ve been planting the seed for years, nudging me toward Miss NY USA and beyond to the Miss Universe stage.” With time passing and life experiences accumulating, Jenna felt a shift within herself. “I realised I’ve done the groundwork. I’ve built my brand, completed my education, and strutted my stuff on countless catwalks as a fashion model. It was time for the next step.” So, with a twinkle in her eye and confidence in her heart, Jenna boldly decided to throw her hat – or rather, her crown – into the ring for the Miss NY USA 2024 title.

Preparing for such a grandiose event requires more than just physical beauty; it demands mental fortitude and intellectual sharpness. Jenna dives into her preparation routine, sharing, “I’ve been binge-watching past Miss Universe shows, studying the winners with a magnifying glass to understand what sets them apart. And of course, staying up-to-date on all things New York and the USA – you never know what tricky questions they’ll throw at you in the interviews!”

For Jenna, representing the state of New York is not just a title; it’s a badge of honour. “New York is more than just a state; it’s a melting pot of cultures, diversity, and dreams. It’s become my home, and I’m proud to carry its banner,” she exclaims. Her platform, Jenna-Monet Beauty, champions the #IREPRESENTBEAUTY movement, aiming to shatter society’s unrealistic beauty standards and promote self-acceptance and natural beauty. “I’m a girl’s girl,” she declares, “and I’m here to break the mold!”

Amidst the glitz and glamour of the pageant world, Jenna’s confidence is one of her best attributes. “What sets me apart?” she muses. “It’s my confidence and presence – I can light up a room without saying a word. But when I do speak, it’s with clarity, intellect, and a touch of sass!” Her secret to staying focused amidst the chaos? “Meditation,” she reveals with a wink. “It’s my secret weapon to keep calm and collected, no matter how crazy things get.”

As Jenna reflects on her journey, she recalls the most memorable moment – stepping back into the pageant world after a decade-long hiatus. “It’s been a wild ride, from being a spectator to now standing on stage as a finalist. Talk about a glow-up!”

Looking to the future, Jenna envisions her role as Miss New York USA as more than just a title; it’s a platform for change. “I want to be an ambassador for inner beauty and acceptance, starting with the mind,” she asserts. “Under the #IRepresentBeauty movement, I aim to empower young women to embrace their flaws and all and love themselves unapologetically.”

To those dreaming of stepping onto the pageant stage or pursuing their wildest dreams, Jenna offers sage advice: “Just do it! Don’t let fear hold you back. Life’s too short to wonder ‘what if’ – so go out there and chase those dreams!”

As the curtain closes on our Q&A with Jenna Monea Queeley, her message resounds loud and clear: “Embrace your uniqueness, love yourself fiercely, and always be your authentic self. That’s the true essence of beauty.” With a radiant smile and a heart full of hope, Jenna prepares to inspire others through her journey, leaving a legacy of self-love and empowerment in her wake. #IRepresentBeauty.

For updates and info about her journey, follow her on Instagram @JVIMODEL. To support her venture, please donate to her GoFundMe page:

https://gofund.me/6404b792.

Local News

Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle

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Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.

The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.

Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.

The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.

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Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1 

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 A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions

The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business. 

This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.

For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration. 

Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.

“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”

The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.

The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors. 

At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.

While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries. 

A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”

Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated. 

A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx. 

“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”

The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision. 

While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.

As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries. 

But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen. 

In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.

 

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Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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