London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Thursday, Jul 10, 2025

7 honoured during launch of British Virgin Islands Communal Association

BVI- Seven “extraordinary” VIslanders were honoured at the launch of the Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) and Awards Gala ceremony on Saturday, November 16, 2019 at the Moorings Marina Restaurant under the theme: “Restoring Virgin Islands Cultural Heritage and Pride.”

Honourees

The honorees, Mr Conrad A. Maduro; Mrs Dinis Chalwell; Mr Algernon Chalwell (the Chalwell Duo Team); Ms Janice A. Stoutt; Mr Walford Farrington aka “Bennu”; Mrs Carmen Hodge-Venzen; and Mr Edwin Forbes, were all recognised for their extraordinary commitment and community contributions over the years, according to a press release from VICA.

President of VICA, Ms Melissa M. Potter warmly welcomed the guests and delivered a stirring speech highlighting the need for residents of the Virgin Islands to work together for a better VI.

She said, “The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA) is about bringing us, as a people together. As family and friends, we should all embrace and preserve our cultural heritage.”

Amongst the attendees were Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Andrew A. Fahie (R1); Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9); Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Carvin Malone (AL); Representative for the Sixth Electoral District, Honourable Alvera Maduro-Caines; Representative for the Second District, Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull; former Premier, Dr D. Orlando Smith, OBE; Deputy Governor Mr David Archer Jr; and President of the League Of BVIslanders in St Thomas, Mr Moleto A. Smith.


Cultural Baton passed

An additional highlight was the historic Cultural Iconic Baton passing from stalwart Cultural Icon, Ms Eileene L. Parsons OBE to local cultural playwright, story teller and poet, Ms Janice A. Stoutt.

The Virgin Islands Communal Association (VICA), a non-profit civic organisation, was founded by a group of concerned Virgin Islanders. The main objectives of the organisation are to promote and facilitate the preservation of native traditions, heritage, customs, history and social identity, through cultural and educational-based activities that will be undertaken throughout the Territory.

To promote VICA’s objectives, some of the activities proposed include a traditional ole time ‘BVI style’ Christmas; genealogy workshops; community meetings; historical sights restoration; a Cultural Experience Midnight Cruise; and an Annual Fun Day - Island hopping tour of the Virgin Islands.

VICA is the organisation that will promote the fact that “we are one people and we must have one voice”.


VICA’s Executives

VICA’S executives are: President, Ms Melissa M. Potter; Vice President, Dr. Harlan Vanterpool; Secretary, Ms Anna Rabsatt; Treasurer, Mr Cecil Hodge; Public Relations Officer, Mr Bertrand Lettsome aka ‘Washasha X’; Administrative Officer, Ms Sarai Smith; Chairperson, Disciplinary Board, Mrs Isis Potter; Chairman, Finance and Economics, Mr Wilbert Malone; Chairman, Democracy and Governance Board, Mr Ishmael E. Brathwaite; and Chairman, Education and Culture, Dr Brian Penn.

Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Severe Heatwave Claims 2,300 Lives Across Europe
NVIDIA Achieves Historic Milestone as First Company Valued at $4 Trillion
Declining Beer Consumption Signals Cultural Shift in Germany
Linda Yaccarino Steps Down as CEO of X After Two Years
US Imposes New Tariffs on Brazilian Exports Amid Political Tensions
Azerbaijan and Armenia are on the brink of a historic peace deal.
Emails Leaked: How Passenger Luggage Became a Side Income for Airport Workers
Polish MEP: “Dear Leftists - China is laughing at you, Russia is laughing, India is laughing”
BRICS Expands Membership with Indonesia and Ten New Partner Countries
Weinstein Victim’s Lawyer Says MeToo Movement Still Strong
U.S. Enacts Sweeping Tax and Spending Legislation Amid Trade Policy Shifts
Football Mourns as Diogo Jota and Brother André Silva Laid to Rest in Portugal
Labour Expected to Withdraw Support for Special Needs Funding Model
Leaked Audio Reveals Tory Aide Defending DEI Record
Elon Musk Founds a Party Following a Poll on X: "You Wanted It – You Got It!"
London Stock Exchange Faces Historic Low in Initial Public Offerings
A new online platform has emerged in the United Kingdom, specifically targeting Muslim men seeking virgin brides
Trump Celebrates Independence Day with B-2 Flyover and Signs Controversial Legislation
Boris Johnson Urges Conservatives to Ignore Farage
SNP Ordered to Update Single-Sex Space Guidance Within Days
Starmer Set to Reject Calls for Wealth Taxes
Stolen Century-Old Rolls-Royce Recovered After Hotel Theft
Macron Presses Starmer to Recognise Palestinian State
Labour Delayed Palestine Action Ban Over Riot Concerns
Swinney’s Tax Comments ‘Offensive to Scots’, Say Tories
High Street Retailers to Enforce Bans on Serial Shoplifters
Music Banned by Henry VIII to Be Performed After 500 Years
Steve Coogan Says Working Class Is Being ‘Ethnically Cleansed’
Home Office Admits Uncertainty Over Visa Overstayer Numbers
JD Vance Questions Mandelson Over Reform Party’s Rising Popularity
Macron to Receive Windsor Carriage Ride in Royal Gesture
Labour Accused of ‘Hammering’ Scots During First Year in Power
BBC Head of Music Stood Down Amid Bob Vylan Controversy
Corbyn Eyes Hard-Left Challenge to Starmer’s Leadership
London Tube Trains Suspended After Major Fire Erupts Nearby
Richard Kemp: I Felt Safer in Israel Under Attack Than in the UK
Cyclist Says Police Cited Human Rights Act for Riding No-Handed
China’s Central Bank Consults European Peers on Low-Rate Strategies
AI Raises Alarms Over Long-Term Job Security
Saudi Arabia Maintains Ties with Iran Despite Israel Conflict
Musk Battles to Protect Tesla Amid Trump Policy Threats
Air France-KLM Acquires Majority Stake in Scandinavian Airlines
UK Educators Sound Alarm on Declining Child Literacy
Shein Fined €40 Million in France Over Misleading Discounts
Brazil’s Lula Visits Kirchner During Argentina House Arrest
Trump Scores Legislative Win as House Passes Tax Reform Bill
Keir Starmer Faces Criticism After Rocky First Year in Power
DJI Launches Heavy-Duty Coaxial Quadcopter with 80 kg Lift Capacity
U.S. Senate Approves Major Legislation Dubbed the 'Big Beautiful Bill'
Largest Healthcare Fraud Takedown in U.S. History Announced by DOJ
×