There are entertainers, and then there are cultural ambassadors—individuals whose work transcends music and becomes part of a nation’s identity. In the Virgin Islands, Jougo has earned his place among that select group.For years, Jougo has consistently represented the Virgin Islands with authenticity, pride and passion. Whether performing on local stages during Emancipation Festival or carrying the Territory’s sound to audiences abroad, he has remained true to his roo...

Nature abhors a vacuum.  And somehow, the world believes that BVI has become a vacuum.  Otherwise, everyone would not feel so justified in speaking on our behalf.We cannot dispute that the Diplomat is on the job.  He seems to be ubiquitous and based on what is seen in the press, effective.He obviously has BVI at heart and is an experienced, well-connected professional. We do not know who advises him but on the issue of his Minister’s ‘private stance’ on self...

The British PM in waiting, Andy Burnham, already has his eyes on more and new taxes.  The Telegraph said this week that he plans a £38bn tax raid; perhaps in a Robin Hood approach to support a tax and spend initiative that dogs socialist type governments.  Whenever taxes and government control of economies are on the table, we remember when ‘Atlas Shrugged,’ (Ayn Rand).  The demands of the State were tantamount to the individual labouring for government instead o...

The price tag floated in at $350,000.00. It was not the mother of all BVI publicly funded parties, and it was for an exceptionally worthy cause.The week-long celebration opened at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium and culminated with a gala ball at the East End/Long Look Community Centre.Those who researched the history said that in 1776 (the same year the United States declared its Independence from Great Britain) Mary and Samuel Nottingham allowed slaves on their estate to purchase their freed...

The ship of state was not designed to move at the lightning speed that is Adaejah Hodge.  For it meanders with little concern for the opinions of its citizens to whom it grudgingly provides the services needed to support the economy. And because it feels itself, all powerful, it names its price regardless of the impact on businesses for it is hardly accountable to its true source of power; The people of these Virgin Islands;Except once in each 4-year cycle.Then the courtship begins.&nb...

“When Sarah Penney entered a room, she upstaged everyone, including her mother, which was a difficult thing to do.  For her mother, Joanne Penney, had a publishing career; Was the Founder and Director of The Community Agency on Drugs and Addiction (CADA); Was Chairman of the National Drug Advisory Council (NDAC); And had even spoken during a meeting of the UN General Assembly.  She also founded and directed the CADA players over a couple of decades.Sarah had presence, p...

Dearest Gentle VG Reader,A trip to the Spanish Town Seaport these days is enough to put any sensible Virgin Gordan on high alert.For those unfamiliar, DEFCON 1 stands for Defense Readiness Condition, a military scale used by the United States. DEFCON 1 is the highest level — meaning nuclear war is imminent and everyone should probably start saying their prayers.While we are not quite expecting missiles at the ferry dock, a visit to the Spanish Town Seaport certainly demands the highest&nbs...

There is a comforting myth that patriotism means unquestioning loyalty to those in power. It does not.True citizenship often requires something far more difficult: courage.History teaches us that doing the right thing is not always safe. There are moments when citizens must choose conscience over comfort, principle over popularity, and truth over silence. Those choices can come at a cost. They can lead to ridicule, social isolation, the loss of friendships, threats to livelihoods, and in some so...