Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture, Luce Hodge Smith, in a statement released yesterday Wednesday June 11, 2025, announced the cancelation of the 2025 Miss BVI Pageant. This year would have marked the 71st celebration of the event.
The statement started by saying:-
“The Miss BVI Pageant Committee, in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development and the Junior Minister of Tourism, announces that the Miss BVI Pageant will not be held in 2025.
This decision was made following a thorough review of this year's planning timeline and participation levels.”
The statement went on to say that “While the pageant will not take place in its traditional format, we remain committed to upholding this important national event's longstanding legacy and high standards.”
With the release of the statement, our newsroom was contacted by insiders and others close to the situation to express concern, dissatisfaction, to express what really took place, and to ‘clear the air’.
Show Fully Planned
Insiders and those closest to the show have confirmed with our newsroom that the 2025 Miss BVI show was fully planned with four (4) girls signed up at the time. That the committee failed to get a timely response from the Junior Minister and Ministry on a confirmed budget and release of funds to move ahead despite turning in their budget way before the scheduled deadline. After many follow ups, the Committee Chair wrote a letter to the Junior Minister Luce Hodge Smith and Permanent Secretary Smith-Abbot to express the position of the Committee. See below:
“Dear Permanent Secretary Mr Smith-Abbott,
Dear Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith
I trust this message finds you well.
I am writing to formally communicate my decision to discontinue all planning and preparations for the Miss British Virgin Islands 2025 Pageant, including the Contestant Reveal event originally proposed for May 17th and Pre show slated for June 2025.
Today is May 5th. Following our meeting two weeks ago, I was very clear that in order for us to proceed, several unresolved matters—particularly around budget confirmation, sponsorship permissions, and operational support—needed to be addressed urgently. Despite my repeated attempts to follow up, I have received no formal response or guidance.
It is now simply impossible—and wholly unfair—to expect the committee or the contestants to produce a national event of this magnitude between now and the proposed pageant date of July 13th. We are well past the point of realistic planning. To move forward under these conditions would not only compromise the quality and integrity of the Miss BVI Pageant, but also place unnecessary stress on the young women involved, as well as the dedicated committee who have already worked tirelessly without adequate resources.
We are not getting the support required to succeed, and it is unreasonable to continue attempting to create miracles under these circumstances. This decision was not made lightly, but it is one I must stand by in the best interest of the contestants, the committee, and the legacy of Miss British Virgin Islands.
Thank you for your time and for the opportunity to serve. I remain committed to the positive development of our young women and the promotion of our Territory, should the proper structure and support ever be put in place. Looking forward to start preparations for 2026.
Respectfully,
Jaynene Jno Lewis
Chairperson
Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant Committee”
To which the Junior Minister sent the following response:-
“Thank you for your email. Unfortunately, it was received in my junk mail.
We spoke via phone earlier today.
The contents of your email are noted and highly respected. However, canceling the Miss BVI Pageant this year is not a decision the Government of the Virgin Islands is willing to take or accept the recommendation to cancel at this time.
I truly and respectfully understand you and your committee members' frustration as we go through the transition phase of removing the responsibility of the organization of the Emancipation Festival events from the BVI Tourist Board to the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development; thereafter, onward to the soon to be established Festivals and Events Board.
Every effort will be made to work towards ensuring an enjoyable Festival 2025 for all. This involves ensuring all sub-committees are provided the resources and support needed to carry out their functions. At the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, we are committed to working diligently to do our part.
As we discussed during our phone conversation, your requests will be reviewed and approve ASAP!
Once again, thank you for your patience and understanding.
Best regards,
Luce”
On the word of the Junior Minister, the Committee proceeded with the planning of the show. But by this time, we’re made to understand that due to delays, two of the girls had now dropped out of the competition, leaving two girls.
The committee is said to have completely planned out the 2025 show:-
“Event Concept: “I Am Woman: The Reign Begins”
Theme: A celebration of grace, strength, and reign — where performance meets purpose.
Format:
A hybrid of a fashion-theatrical showcase, concert, and live fundraiser. The two crowned Queens will each present in four segments:
Introduction/Swimwear/Talent/Evening Wear”
We’re understanding the committee had also gone into contract with Etana and Shaneil Muir, booked a number of local artists and had contacted persons they wished to honour this year. With only two ladies left to compete, the committee had restructured the show and ready to move forward as the girls had already started preparations for the show.
By May 15, the Committee received a confirmed budget to move ahead with the show:-
Show Cancelled
On June 4th however, the committee’s Chairman Jno Lewis was called unofficially by the Junior Minister to cease all planning, and official correspondence was sent on June 6th, end of day by Festival head Natalie Penn-Lake to cease all planning. The Chair then advised her team of the following:-
“Dear Team,
As of just now, I’ve received communication from the Ministry instructing us to cease preparations for the Miss BVI Pageant 2025 and to instead prepare and submit all financial data associated with the event to date. This includes artist deposits, production costs, promotional material, venue coordination, and any personal or third-party expenses already committed to.
While this decision is disappointing, especially considering the work, planning, and dedication invested, we are expected to comply and formally outline the costs tied to the event thus far.
Please take this time to compile and submit an invoice of all committee-related or departmental costs, including:
Vendor deposits or confirmed engagements,
Materials ordered or received,
Professional time or fees rendered,
Media/production investments,
Travel and lodging (where applicable),
Any miscellaneous expenses tied to the planning of the July 13th event.
Once all invoices are received, I will consolidate and prepare for formal submission. I understand this situation is frustrating, and I want to thank each of you for your commitment to this platform, even under evolving circumstances.
As soon as I receive further details from the Ministry, I will keep everyone informed.
With appreciation,
Jaynene Jno Lewis
Chairperson
Miss BVI Pageant Committee”
Move to Crown 2024 First Runner Up
It appears a unilateral decision has been made to crown 2024 Miss BVI First Runner Up Donyelle Hodge to reign as the 2025 Miss BVI, in lieu of hosting a show. The decision was made at a meeting at the BVITB this week we understand. It is unclear who all was in attendance, however we’re understanding that the Junior Minister Luce Hodge Smith, Festival Chair Natalie Penn-Lake and Deputy Lynette Harrigan were in attendance and strongly advocated for the move.
Reputational Damage of Committee Chairman. De ja vu?
There have been apparent rumours that the 2025 show was being cancelled due to contestants’ unwillingness to work with the present Chairman. Our newsroom was called over the weekend and given this information as well. However, the delay in correspondence and decision making appears to be the issue. With the rumours building, the Chairman we understand has asked the heads to make a statement putting the rumours to rest and to safe guard her reputation.
In 2024, there was a fallout with attendees of the show where the VIP areas in specific did not meet the expectations of the ticket holders. We understand that the issue was due to timing of funds released from the BVITB at the time as the event was under that portfolio. The Chairman was blamed although she at the time we understand, asked the heads to put out a statement clearing her name. That did not happen.
Up to press time, a statement on the matter has not been released by neither the Junior Minister, Permanent Secretary or Festival Chair.