ROAD TOWN, Tortola, Virgin Islands — The Cedar Equity Ventures Limited Virgin Islands Icon Awards delivered a glittering celebration of achievement, culture and national pride on Saturday, July 11, as hundreds gathered to honour some of the Territory’s most influential individuals, organisations and institutions.
Held under the patronage of Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, the annual awards recognised Virgin Islanders whose contributions in leadership, business, education, sports, entertainment, healthcare and community service continue to shape the Territory while inspiring future generations.
This year’s ceremony was the most ambitious in the programme’s history, culminating in the induction of the inaugural class of 68 Virgin Islands Icon Legends—a landmark tribute to pioneers and trailblazers whose lifetime achievements have left an indelible mark on the Virgin Islands.
Executive Producer Kareem-Nelson Hull described the evening as a defining moment for the awards programme.
“This year’s show was everything we envisioned and more. We celebrated 64 outstanding nominees, honoured 16 exceptional award recipients, and introduced our inaugural class of 68 Virgin Islands Icon Legends whose legacies have helped shape our Territory,” Hull said.
He added that every performance, tribute and presentation reflected the depth of talent, resilience and excellence found throughout the Virgin Islands, while expressing gratitude to title sponsor Cedar Equity Ventures Limited, the programme’s many sponsors, volunteers, production team, judges, performers and patrons for making the event possible.
Hull also highlighted the continued support of sponsors in advancing the work of the VIconic Training Academy, noting that the programme seeks not only to celebrate today’s icons but also to invest in the leaders of tomorrow.
Honouring Those Who Built the Territory
The induction of the inaugural Virgin Islands Icon Legends proved to be one of the evening’s most emotional moments.
The honour recognised 68 individuals, businesses and institutions whose contributions over decades have helped shape the Territory through public service, entrepreneurship, education, healthcare, sports, culture, music, entertainment and community development.
The audience responded with repeated standing ovations as many of the Territory’s most respected names were acknowledged for their enduring impact on Virgin Islands society.
Among those inducted were former Premier Dr D. Orlando Smith, former Chief Justice Dame Janice Pereira, educator Dr Erma Vanterpool, healthcare pioneers Dr Robert and Dr Joycelyn Hoyte, sporting icons including members of the 2009 BVI National Basketball Team, business institutions such as JOMA Commercial Enterprises, The Romasco Group, Vanterpool’s Pharmacy, The Royal Shop, and cultural stalwarts including The Foggy Mountain Boys, among dozens of others.
The Legends programme represents the first initiative of its kind dedicated to preserving and celebrating the Territory’s living history through public recognition.
Culture Takes Centre Stage
The awards ceremony also showcased the richness of Virgin Islands artistic talent through an impressive lineup of musical, theatrical and dance performances.
The evening opened with a stirring performance by Jonelis Diaz Baret, accompanied by the BVI Consortium of Trumpeters and the Advent Heart Beats.
Audiences were later treated to energetic performances by Calden James “Cal J”, Nouveau Royale, the BVI Dance School, the Elmore Stoutt High School Lady Rams and Rhythmic Rams, along with appearances by Mya K and Ramon G.
Musical performances from Samuel Hodge, Bisa Smith, Leon Estridge, Tammi David, Aubrey Forbes Sr., violinists Kyle Moses and Celeste Waterman, as well as contemporary artists Gyassi Alexander, Sherwin Williams, Shemar Trim, SiQuon Joseph, internationally acclaimed recording artist Melanie Amaro, and vocalist Lorna Freeman highlighted the breadth of local talent.
The ceremony concluded with an uplifting gospel finale featuring Pastor Jovan Cline, Tiffany George, Shauna-Kay Miller-Powell, the New Life Baptist Church Dance Ministry, and pianists Donandre Milwood and Richard Sauney.
Celebrating Excellence Across Every Sector
Sixteen awards were presented during the ceremony, recognising excellence across business, sports, culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship, environmental stewardship and community service.
Among the major winners were:
- Stacy-Ann Bobb – Makeup Artist of the Year
- Alton Bertie – Man of the Year
- Lesmore Smith – People Who Make a Difference
- Good Moon Farm – Environmental Works/Agriculture
- Quame Campbell – Graphic Artist of the Year
- Brent Hoyte – Music Industry
- OVA DRIVE – Battle of the Bands
- Honestly Speaking with Claude Skelton Cline – Show of the Year
- Anne Lennard – Excellence in Service to the Sister Islands
- Brian “Chinaman” Blyden and Devon “Sweat” Smith – Industrial Leadership
- Ogier – Corporate Social Intelligence
- Shea Alexander – Youth Entrepreneur of the Year
- Ericca Frederick and Erwin “Redz” Telemaque – Coaches of the Year
A Growing National Institution
Since its inception, the Virgin Islands Icon Awards has evolved into one of the Territory’s premier recognition programmes, highlighting individuals whose contributions often extend far beyond the spotlight.
With the introduction of the Virgin Islands Icon Legends, organisers have expanded the awards beyond annual achievements to include the preservation of the Territory’s historical and cultural legacy, ensuring that the stories of those who helped build the Virgin Islands are remembered by future generations.
Organisers concluded the evening by congratulating all nominees, award recipients and Legends, while thanking the Government of the Virgin Islands, sponsors, judges, presenters, performers, volunteers, media partners and the hundreds of patrons whose continued support has helped establish the Virgin Islands Icon Awards as one of the Territory’s most anticipated annual celebrations.