Newly launched Filipino radio programme ‘feels like it’s home’- Joanna E. Miranda-Gaskin
Speaking to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) on February 3, 2026, Gaskin said the initiative is an extension of the OFWO’s mission- to help, empower and educate Filipinos in need.
The OFWO was founded on October 20, 2023. The radio programme first aired on Z-Rod 103.7 FM on January 11, 2026.
A press release following the first show said it was “a significant step forward in the Filipino community’s journey in the VI, reinforcing its commitment to cultural visibility and social harmony”.
Gaskin explained that the programme is where Filipinos in the VI are able to hear their own language on the local airwaves.
“Feels like it's home, that’s where the entertainment [comes] in; DJ Alegre plays [all] Tagalog songs that will inspire them to keep living.”
According to Gaskin, the programme also features a spiritual aspect.
“We also have a Pastor Ariel [Serrano], a Filipino Pastor on board, who does the spiritual segment all for the glory of God. All positive vibes.”
VIslanders appreciative of programme
Gaskin added that the programme has welcomed Dr Arliene T. Penn of WIN BVI, who shared a message on cervical cancer, as well as Bishop John I. Cline, who shared financial literacy advice.
“The programme is to empower the whole community at large.”
According to Gaskin, one avid listener of the programme, who is a local, said it was “good since it's different, and you can really learn from it”, as we speak Tagalog and English in the station.
As of May 20, 2025, there were approximately 630 Filipinos holding work permits for the VI. This statistic was shared in July 2025 by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) during a sitting of the House of Assembly (HoA).
As to the exact number, Gaskin said she is unsure when asked, adding, “I want to know as well.”
She encouraged those who may not be assocciated to the organisation, saying, “You can reach out to us via email: ofwbvi23@gmail.com."
_04.gif)
_03.gif)
.jpg)
2_01.jpg)
Follow Us On
57 Responses to “Newly launched Filipino radio programme ‘feels like it’s home’- Joanna E. Miranda-Gaskin”
"Cultural visibility and social harmony"— You can't bring your culture on top of Ours! Go Jamica, St. Kitts, Antigua, Dominica and the Rest and try that Crap!!!!
1. 4000 Filipino workforce in VI more than population of VG— Skelton-Cline
- laments government’s failure to enforce immigration regulations
March 7th, 2025
(“They tell me the report reflects that we now have some 4,000 Filipinos employed, living in the Virgin Islands; That’s more than the population of Virgin Gorda.”
2. The population of Virgin Gorda is said to be about 4000.
OFWO appeals for change to systematic challenges faced in VI
December 18th, 2024
(The OFWO, which serves over 4,000 Filipinos in the VI, aims to ensure that workers feel supported as they navigate life in a foreign land.
("When you come here, you don’t know the culture or the customs," Gaskin explained. "We want to help them integrate into the BVI community while preserving their own traditions.")
.
This country relies on immigrants to fill jobs that locals either aren't qualified to do, don't want to do, or aren't good at. So take a moment to reflect more on how to fill that skill gap, or how to encourage locals to apply for those jobs they aren't interested in. The Filipinos aren't out to get you ffs.
BVI have some real retarded ^%$#@ people I swear. They want to reserve the hatred of each other for THEMSELVES. This is so funny I cannot stop laughing. So many BVI people just sit around complaining not doing anything and upset when others do what they have to do. Radio shows? Do you realize that the BVI now has NO MORNING SHOWS? All of our people fall out with each other over petty foolishness, zero unity and because these people are banding together it's a problem?
It's important for mutual respect and understanding to go both ways. When people come to another country, it's respectful for them to adapt and engage with the traditions and local culture of the land, when in Rome do as Romans do. You are there to work, chill, vacation and then go home, not to look for appreciation and acceptance of 'your' cultures, that is not in your work contract or vacation guide! When we visit your country, we will respect your ways, and you should respect ours also.
exploitation that should be looked into?
https://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/ofwo-appeals-for-change-to-systematic-challenges-faced-in-vi/
These fillipino is w***** joanna time to give gaskin a child