26 honoured @ inaugural VI Icon Awards red-carpet event
Honours spanned 26 categories in one spectacular night where VI Icon Awards founder Kareem A. Nelson-Hull and his team saw their vision come to life at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on July 1, 2024.
It was also an evening of music and culture with 125 total individuals nominated across various categories, as attendees and their families spared no expense to make the night one of high fashion on the red carpet.
Ahead of the awards, during an official broadcast live from the red carpet, former Miss BVI Bria N. Smith spoke to nominees about their thoughts on the event and the idea behind it.
Lots of homegrown talent in VI - Brenda Lettsome-Tye
Former Director of Youth Affairs and Sports, Brenda Lettsome-Tye said, “We have some incredible people here in the Virgin Islands and I applaud and commend Mr Hull and his team.”
“It’s time that we recognise the amazing talent that we have right here in the BVI, homegrown talent,” she said while calling for more support for youths and their passion projects, like that of Mr Hull, to recognise the best of the VI.
Mr Hull and his sister Ayana S. Hull also appeared on the red carpet and shared their journey on starting the award. “It started a long time in my mind… I told her about it [sister] and she said I think it’s the right time, the BVI needs that,” Mr Hull said.
He added, “It started with a conversation at the Governor’s house, I asked him how you get the OBE, MBE... when they told me about the process… I said well that’s really lengthy, people are going to die without getting any of those.”
Honouring talent in Virgin Islands
Mr Hull said that in the interim he thought about doing something to honour the people of the VI and the idea for the VI Icon Awards was born.
Meanwhile, Rosemary L. Rosan aka 'Cindy', who won in the category of Media Presenter for 'Da Morning Braff' and was also nominated for Media Show Production for 'Cut Deep', said it felt good to be nominated in the inaugural awards. "It does really feel good because one of my conversations is that we don't celebrate each other too much," she said.
See the list of recipients of the 2024 Icon Awards
- Lifetime Achievement: Robert A. Mathavious. OBE
- Emerging Youth Talent: Kyra James-Douglas
- Nation Building – Dr Richard E. Georges
- Humanitarian Awards – Ena Williams Alzheimer’s Association
- Writing & Publishing - Kareem A. 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 L. Parsons, OBE
- Religion/Spirituality/Inspiration: Dr. Arlene T. Penn; No Fix, Live, Win
- Corporate Social Responsibility: Speedy’s (Ferry Service)
- Media Presenters: Floyd Burnett- Penn aka ‘Heritage’& Cindy Rosan for ‘Da Morning Braff” Tola Radio 100.5
- Media Producers- Ronn Grant for The Distinguished Gentleman
- Media: The Show – The Almanac, 780 ZBVI
- Live Entertainment Ensemble: V.I.B.E
- Visual Arts: Reuben Vanterpool
- Music - Production – Raul Spruave aka “Jougo”
- Music- Performance – Monea
- Education & Youth Development- M.A.L.E – McKenzie Baltimore & Henderson Tittle
- Tourism - Sharon P. Flax-Brutus - BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association
- Entrepreneurship - Phillip and Ayana Glasgow
- Commerce: $upa Valu Ltd. (Supermarket)
- Health, Lifestyle & Fitness - Dr Michael A. Turnbull, the Wellness Centre Clinics
- Aestheics (Beauty) – Akeema Crabbe
- Aestheics (Fashion) – Trefle Designs
- Event & Interior Design: Ronnette Richardson, LUXE
24 Responses to “26 honoured @ inaugural VI Icon Awards red-carpet event”
Did the organiser make cash out of this?
How many tickets were paid for with Government funds?
Pure Virgin Islands Excellence.
The government is clearly not involved with his event because it is privately operating as an NPO. some organizations are genuine and really do support the betterment of the VI.
he deserved the win...
he deserved the win...
There are so many other publications out there so stop defending nonsense!
you just want something to complain about
PAY ATTENTION!!
It wasn't a big international red carpet event but it was a BIG VIRGIN ISLANDS RED CARPET EVENT down the road in the VIRGIN ISLANDS! see you next year with your $140.00.
The show was about giving people their flowers and the creator of the show has the best selling book in the virgin islands and received his flowers. being the creator doesn't exclude him from that
Mr Hull did an exceptional job by recognising his and our peers on the work they have been doing and continue to do whilst improving everyone's lives in some form or fashion. I applaud him for his foresight and wish him God's richest blessings in all his future endeavours. May the Lord continue to bless these beautiful Virgin Islands and all who call ot their home. Wishing everyone safe passage during this very active Hurricane season, please stay prepared and be your neighbour's helper especially the elderly and those less fortunate than ourselves.
Respectfully
Gumption Official
Respectfully
Gumption Official
Let's hope, subsequent events will produce the names in which you want to see!