The very first VI Icon awards was held at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Virgin Islands Day yesterday Monday July 1st, 2024. The well attended red carpet event had a festive black-tie dress code.
The event was aimed at celebrating outstanding achievements across 26 categories in the Virgin Islands, bringing together notable figures and community members. The event was hosted by Temulji Hughes who brought an exciting cultural twist to the event.
Kyra James Douglas received the Emerging Youth Talent award for her thriving non-profit organization, “Kickin It”, which has been dedicated to preserving Virgin Islands culture.
Dr. Robert Mathavious, OBE, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his contributions to the financial services sector in the BVI and his enduring legacies. Both awards were not decided by public vote but were determined by a panel of judges.
Some of the 26 categories ranged from Sports Athletic Performance, Media Presenters and Media Producers, Show of the Year and much more. The full list of categories and winners are as follows:
– Lifetime Achievement: Dr Robert Mathavious, OBE
– Emerging Youth Talent: Kyra James- Douglas
– Nation Building: Dr. Richard Georges
– Humanitarian Award: Ena Williams, Alzheimer’s Association
– Writing & Publishing: Kareem-Nelson Hull, Virgin Islands Dictionary
– Environmental Works: Sarah Penney, Green VI
– Sports – Athletic Performance: Kyron McMaster, OBE
– Sports- Athletic Development: Winston Potter, Top Notch Track Club
– History/Culture/Traditions: Eileen Parsons, OBE
– Religion/Spirituality/Inspiration: Dr. Arlene T. Penn; No Fix, Live, Win
– Corporate Social Responsibility: Speedy’s
– Media Presenters: Floyd “Heritage” Burnett- Penn & Cindy Rosan, Morning Braff Show
– Media Producers- Ronn Grant, the Distinguished Gentleman
– Media: The Show – The Almanac, 780 ZBVI
– Live Entertainment Ensemble: V.I.B.E
– Visual Arts: Reuben Vanterpool
– Music: Production – Raul “Jougo” Spruave
– Music: Performance – Monea
– Education & Youth Development: M.A.L.E – McKenzie Baltimore & Henderson Tittle
– Tourism: Sharon Flax-Brutus, BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association
– Entrepreneurship: Phillip and Ayana Glasgow
– Commerce: $upa Valu Ltd.
– Health, Lifestyle & Fitness: Dr Michael Turnbull, the Wellness Centre Clinics
– Aestheics: Beauty – Akeema Crabbe
– Aestheics: Fashion – Trefle Designs
– Event & Interior Design: Ronnette Richardson, LUXE
– Social Media Influencer of the year – Brent Hoyte
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards were executively produced by Kareem-Nelson Hull, with Premier of the Virgin Islands Dr. Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley serving as patron.