In a press release issued on Friday 11 July 2025, the producers of The Virgin Islands Icon Awards (VIcons), notified the press of a ‘serious breach of trust’ involving a contracted supplier to the event.
The VIcons reported that during a routine check on expected deliverables, including the swag bags and their contents, for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards which was held Sunday, 6 July 2025, it was discovered that a supplier engaged for services relating to the show had unlawfully appropriated funds designated for purchasing of branded collateral (swag bags, 4-in-1 tumbler and backpacks for the VIconicTraining Academy students) and shipment of goods (décor items, swag bag items, show related items and learning tool items for the VIconic Training Academy students). It was also further discovered that of the items held in a California warehouse for more than 27 days, all items to be shipped were not intended for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards, but the cost of the full shipment was passed on to The VIcons for full payment. Immediate steps were taken to verify the discrepancies with the shipping company in California, and the matter has since been escalated to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for full investigation.
In conducting our own investigations in the matter, Guavaberry Media has learned that popular local event company Sativa Events who was entrusted with this portion of the event, had allegedly misappropriated almost $20,000 in funds given to the company.
Guavaberry Media was able to secure copies of communication involving the owner of the company, suppliers in California and organizers of the Virgin Islands Icon Awards event.
GBM has also been reliably informed that the organizers of VIcons are now out of pocket some $40,000 in an effort to resolve the issue and get the items on the island.
We understand that the organizers of VIcons attempted on varying occasions to have the matter resolved amicably, but to no avail, finally, handing the matter over to the Police.
“It is incredibly disappointing to be placed in a position where we must speak publicly about this situation,” said Kareem-Nelson Hull, Executive Producer. “The Virgin Islands Icon Awards is built on honour,community, and we try our best to maintain the integrity of the system. As a nonprofit organisation we must take these matters seriously and are committed to pursuing justice and accountability. Moreover, we’re committed to ensuring that the audience receives everything as promised.”
The press release noted that the individual in question is no longer affiliated with The Virgin Islands Icon Awards in any capacity, and that legal counsel has been engaged.
GBM has been informed that the matter is indeed under investigation. However, by press time, the RVIPF had not issued any official updates on the matter.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards is a non profit organisation that depends on donations and sponsorships from Government and other local businesses.