Tasha Bertie is a BVIslander, hailing from the quaint village of Little Apple Bay on Tortola.  She is the first daughter of Ms. Jennifer Cameron-Bertie, who remains a constant role model and inspiration to Ms. Bertie in her personal commitments and diligence in serving others.  

 She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Behavioural Science (psychology) and an Associate’s degree in Business Administration from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan; as well as an Executive Diploma in Management from the Chartered Management Institute of London. 

 In Ms. Bertie’s twenty-seven (26) years of public service in the Government of the Virgin Islands, she has worked in various roles, including as a Guidance Counsellor in the elementary school system, Private Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Deputy Secretary and acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Education and Culture and the Ministry of Health and Social Development. She presently serves as the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

 Throughout her life, Ms. Bertie has used the phrase coined by an unknown author, “action comes, not from thought, but from readiness for responsibility” as one of the driving forces for her professional life.  She also endeavours to exemplify this principle in her community service programmes and initiatives, which are evident in her involvement as Director of the Carrot Bay Pathfinder Club, as past Secretary of the BVI Amateur Basketball Association, Past President of the VI Civil Service Association and Assistant Area Coordinator of the BVI Coordinating Council of Pathfinders. 

 While always seeking opportunities to support the improvement of young lives and those of the ordinary citizen of this Territory, Ms. Bertie has served as a teacher in the Alternative Secondary Education Programme for several years, she has also supported the work of the Social Development Department, the Ministry of Education, and other non-profit organisations by facilitating parenting and other coaching sessions.  She has lent her knowledge and administrative expertise to the Social Security Board, the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School Board and her own local Carrot Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church Board.  

 Tasha Bertie, is a proud BVIslander who goes above and beyond the call of duty to support the improvement of the standard of living and general trajectory of the Virgin Islands community. She does her utmost to contribute positively to the overall development of this Territory.  

Originally from the United Kingdom, lan fell in love with the Caribbean Islands in his teens after spending time in the Virgin Islands and Anguilla on several visits.

He studied Business and Hospitality Management and went on to have a varied career encompassing hospitality, the airline industry, sales and purchasing and logistics.

He relocated to the Virgin Islands in the 90’s initially working at Marina Cay and shortly after being promoted to the General Manager of Pussers in Road Town. He has subsequently been on the management team of RTW, Innua Petrochem, Fresh Mango Technologies and is currently the Office and Sales Manager for Conch Charters.

In his free time, lan loves to travel and explore new places. He enjoys good food and wine. He has volunteered with a number of NPOs, was part of the BVI Youth Mentorship programme and this year for the first time was an election officer in our recent General Elections.

He was delighted to become a belonger some years ago but this year was blessed with becoming a naturalised citizen of these beautiful Virgin Islands.

A proud native of North Sound, Hakim Creque graduated Bregado Flax Educational Centre in 2000. Mr. Creque graduated the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College in 2003 with his Associate Degree in Human Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelo of Arts in Political Science (International Relations) from the University of Central Florida and a Bachelors of Law (Honours) from the University of Law (formerly the College of Law), London.

He was admitted as a Barrister to the Bar of England and Wales in July 2014 by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and the Bar of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court in December 2014.

In 2018 Mr. Creque was awarded a Chevening Scholarship, a global leadership scholarship, from the Foreign Commonwealth Office to pursue a master’s degree in the United Kingdom. He attended Queen Mary University London, majoring in Commercial and Corporate Law, graduating in December, 2019.

Mr. Creque currently works as a Barrister with a specialist investigative and asset recovery legal practice based in the BVI, focused on multi-jurisdictional fraud and corruption cases.

In his spare time Mr. Creque enjoys travelling, creating new businesses and pursuing higher education in his quest to someday become a Judge of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. Mr. Creque’s motto in life is “nothing is impossible; the word itself says I’m Possible”.

Dr. Jardine Davies R. Torno is a psychiatrist working for the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority and The Wellness Center Clinics.

He is originally from the Philippines and has been living in the BVI for more than 10 years.

As a psychiatrist, he has been active in promoting mental health and wellness in the community by giving different lectures about mental health conditions and mental health wellness.

Dr. Torno practices what he preaches by making sure he lives a balanced life. As much as he enjoys helping his patients through his work, he makes sure he has time for himself. He eats healthy, works out regularly, and nourishes his spirit through his faith.

He is a member of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College Chorale.

Jason A. Edwin is a Senior School Physical Education Teacher and Head Coach for the Rams Basketball Team at the Elmore Stoutt High School for the past six years (His second profession). He is also Vice President for the BVI Basketball Federation.

As an active person in the community, he shares a love for sports, and is the co-founder and partner of K&J Enterprise; a well-established basketball organisation which provides basketball camps and skill development for boys and girls of all ages in the territory.

His first profession was a Pro-Basketball player. He played for fourteen years oversees for countries such as Germany, Europe, South America, and the United States before his retirement.

His educational journey stared at BVI High School and ended at Kent State University, Ohio where he received his bachelor’s degree in general studies with concentration in Sociology.

During his college years, he attended a Division 1 University where he earned the opportunity of being a NCAA basketball participant. He was also a member of the United States Virgin Islands Basketball National Team for over nine years, a qualifying team for CBC Championship and FIBA Americas Tournaments.

Jason graduated from Warsaw High School in Illinois, where he Ranked # 55 in the nation’s top 100 High school basketball players in the United States.

Darrell Fahie born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, is a versatile individual who combines his deep-rooted connection to these islands with a passionate love for music production. His journey is characterized by his dedication to both the world of tourism and his artistic pursuit in music.

Darrell’s career in the tourism industry reflects his commitment to offering memorable experiences to travelers exploring the British Virgin Islands. He has made noteworthy contributions to the industry which displays his ongoing commitment to enhancing the visitor experience. His innovative approach in optimising his tourism business ensures that visitors have a unique and enjoyable stay.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Darrell’s creative side shines through his deep-seated passion for music production. For Darrell, music production is not just a hobby; it is a means for him to express his artistic vision. Whether he is composing melodies, experimenting with rhythms, or collaborating with other artists, Darrell finds inspiration and fulfillment in the world of music. His dedication to music production underscores the creative depth he brings to all aspects of his life.

Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, Mr. Darryl Flanders finds passion in helping others tap in to their full potential and achieving their goals and dreams. By profession he is an executive with the BVI Airports Authority but by experience, he is an educator.

In 2017, Darryl founded Progressive Ministry Management, an artist development agency that strives to take its artists forward and upward mentally, physically and spiritually through holistic development opportunities that not only focus on their exposure and promotions, but their brand, lifestyle and leadership development. Ministering on local and international stages, his clients have been nominees and recipients of various awards locally, regionally and internationally including the Marlin Caribbean Gospel Music Awards, the Antigua and Barbuda Gospel Music Awards and the Gospel Choice Awards in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A.

He is also the producer of the VI Adult Spell-Off Competition Series and a pageant coach for over five years, with a mission to help young men and women achieve their personal development goals and uphold their platforms beyond the crown.

He is the author of “Drive BVI!” A humanitarian illustrated satire featuring 30 survival tips for driving in the BVI.

Sasha Flax is a proud graduate of the BFEC Secondary school and went on to study at the H. L. Stoutt Community College before transferring to Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. There, she achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Management with a concentration in Resort Management.

After returning home from her studies, Ms. Flax secured a position with the BVI Tourist Board as Senior Product Development Officer and worked part-time at her family’s business. During this time, she also became the youngest chairperson of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Committee.

After her stint with the BVI Tourist Board she decided to take on the task of running the family business and managed the Rock Café, The Treehouse and Club Ecstasy on Virgin Gorda for several years.

Ms. Flax moved on to a career in the Public Service in 2017 and started as the Business Development Manager at the Department of Trade, Investment Promotion and Consumer Affairs where her sole purpose was to assist small and developing businesses to reach their true potential.

Ms. Flax moved on in 2019 to become the Sister Islands Programme Coordinator and worked to bridge the gap between the territory’s sister islands while continuing her community service initiatives.

Ms. Flax recently transferred to the Deputy Governor’s Office and now functions as the Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor. She is also the owner of two businesses, Living Fit BVI, a lifestyle, health and fitness brand and Aspire Business Consulting, a business start-up development company.

Ms. Flax believes that the preservation of our territory’s heritage unlocks the secrets to our future.

Ms. Flax thoroughly enjoys reading, helping others, and making a notable difference across the territory.

Keiyia J. George is the co-owner of RKG since its inception in 2006. She brings a wealth of software and IT security knowledge, cultivated since the age of 16. With a diverse skill set encompassing consulting, training, graphic design, brand management, and IT services, Keiyia has made an impact locally, regionally, and throughout North America.

Throughout her 17-year journey at RKG, Keiyia has engaged in projects across various lifecycles, contributing expertise in development, HR, process re-engineering, project and financial management, and training. Prior experiences include working with NASA, Fortune 500 companies, the local government, and a regional bank.

Keiyia holds a degree in Computer Information Sciences from FAMU (STRIKE) and a Master’s in IT from AIU. Defying the notion of a specific niche, Keiyia considers RKG a one-stop shop, attributing her versatility to the belief that certain foundational elements must be in place for a project’s success.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Keiyia is a proud mother of four humans and a dog, married to an esteemed son of the soil. An Army Veteran with a commitment to service, Keiyia is also an avid reader and writer. Her interests extend to being an amateur guest radio and stage host, and a dynamic speaker on various topics.

Keiyia’s philosophy: “Come to me with absolutely anything, and I’ll find the answer for you.”

Xa’v (zah-vee) M. D. Gordon is a driven and determined 24-year-old.

He began his journey to empowering the youth of the territory through fitness and mindset shift after transforming his own life beginning in high school and reaching peak definition while in university. He plans to take this movement worldwide, giving other young men the blueprint to building their empire with fitness leading the way.

You can often find Xa’v reading books right before he heads to the gym. Gym is his domain, but you will mostly find him reserved and focused when not lending a guiding and instructional hand to other gym users.

Xa’v holds an associate degree in business administration from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College since 2019 and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Finance from Missouri Southern State University since 2023.

After two long years of pursuing his finance degree in a place he describes as “a small town with bi-polar weather,” Xa’v has returned to the Virgin Islands with a new appreciation for his beautiful islands and embracing a spirit of change. Upon returning to the Virgin Islands, he accepted the challenge of Procurement Assistant at the Virgin Islands Recovery Development Agency before moving on to become the Assistant Business Banking Officer at First Caribbean Bank.

Xa’v is a second-degree black belt and has been practicing martial arts for over 18 years.

Born and raised in the British Virgin Islands, Chef Gorvey has over 15 years of experience as a global culinary and hospitality leader; attending some of the world’s most prestigious institutions for Culinary and Hospitality training. He enrolled in the New England Culinary Institute administered at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), where he obtained an Associates of Occupational Studies in Culinary Arts in 2004. He then attended the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), where he received his Associates of Occupational Studies in Baking and Pastries in 2009; in 2018, he obtained his Culinary Management Diploma at Le Cordon Bleu London and in 2023, he graduated with a master’s in international Hotel Management from Les Roches Global Hospitality in Spain.

After years of working as a Chef in various hotels and restaurants in the United States of America, the Caribbean and Europe. In 2009 he returned to his homeland of the British Virgin Islands where he was first employed as a Culinary Instructor and then as Director of the Culinary and Hospitality School at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and established the first cake boutique, Gorvery Henry Cakes, specialising in bespoke cakes for 10 years.

In 2019, Gorvey decided to leap in search of new experiences in the culinary and hospitality sector and moved to London, where he worked in Mayfair at the Mews of Mayfair, Chef Instructor at Ann’s Smart School of Cookery and as a Chef Training Consultant at HIT Training.

He is known for delivering high levels of service and craftsmanship. He takes pride in mentoring young minds to help them catapult their dreams to reality.

He is passionate about giving back to his community. He volunteers his cooking skills in his spare time at the Greenwich Winter Night Shelter.

Twenty-two-year-old, Akeya R. C. Herbert is a proud daughter of the Virgin Islands soil. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Laws degree in the United Kingdom, Akeya intends to return to the Virgin Islands as a barrister hoping to positively contribute to the territory’s legal landscape.

As a former member of the Virgin Islands Youth Parliament, Akeya carried her passion for advocacy seamlessly into her university life. Through engaging in her university’s access to justice clinics, she channels her dedication for equality and inclusion by helping to bridge gaps in legal accessibility for those in need.

Additionally, Akeya holds an elected position within her university’s Students Union where she champions diversity issues and offers support to her fellow students.

While Akeya is deeply committed to her legal pursuits and advocacy work, she also finds solace and joy in the arts. Having immersed herself from a young age into playing the piano, singing, dancing, and participating in theatrical performances, Akeya views the arts as a dynamic expression of creativity. This passion for the arts complements her legal aspirations, offering a diverse set of skills and perspectives.
In her vision for the future, Akeya anticipates merging her passion for the arts with her legal aspirations. Her commitment to equality and inclusivity, combined with her love for the arts, positions her as a multifaceted advocate ready to contribute meaningfully to the vibrant Virgin Islands’ community following the completion of her studies abroad.

48-year-old Byron Hodge is affectionately known to the Virgin Islands community as Chucky. Born on the neighbouring island of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, he later grew up in Miami, FL but frequented Cane Garden Bay, Tortola for summer vacations. He now resides in the Cane Garden Bay area.

 In 1992 he graduated from South Ridge High School before joining the professional workforce as a bank teller at the then Chase Manhattan Bank. He then took his affinity for banking to Barclays where he served as a Corporate Lending Agent. He has also worked at the BVI Financial Services Commission-Registry of Corporate Affairs and Mossack Fonseca in Post Incorporations.

 On 7th June, 2017, he opened the doors to the highly efficient and highly subscribed SNS Express Shipping and Courier Services. He also serves the family business, Road Town Fast Ferry, as the Operations Manager.

A dedicated man to the Virgin Islands community, he has served as the President and as a Public Relations Officer for the BVI Basketball Federation. He was also a member of the BVI Recreation Trust.

 He has been a longtime silent contributor to both schools and to individuals in need of help through various difficulties.

 He is married and the father of five children.

Kareem-Nelson Hull is a proud Virgin Islander. His parents and grandparents on both sides came to reside in the Virgin Islands in their youth and so, the first-generation Virgin Islander also boasts roots in the St. Kitts and Nevis.

Kareem-Nelson is the Senior Marketing Manager at the BVI Tourist Board & Film Commission and previously led marketing at BVI Finance, LIME BVI and LIME Turks & Caicos Islands and Digicel BVI. He was the first and former Assistant Secretary for Protocol in the Premier’s Office and later served as the Coordinator of the Premier’s Special Projects Team.

In 2020, Kareem-Nelson released the highly anticipated and now BVI-Best-Selling book The Virgin Islands Dictionary. He is set to follow the success of his first title with the release of The Virgin Islands Book of Proverbs.

In academia, Kareem-Nelson was an adjunct professor of Speech Communication at his alma mater, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Kareem-Nelson and his sister, attorney and author Ayana S. Hull are the co-composers of the Virgin Islands Territorial Song, Oh Beautiful Virgin Islands.

No stranger to the stage—on or off stage—he is one of the most sought-after hosts in the Virgin Islands and region and is known for his work as host and producer of the Gen-Y Factor Singing Competition from 2016-2022 and has graced stages in the Cayman Islands, Anguilla, Miami, New York, and Los Angeles. Off stage he has had great success as an oration and pageant competition coach, producing over 30 winners worldwide to date.

Kareem-Nelson is a freelance fashion/costume designer who has had two of his creations grace the Miss Universe stage. His branding and image company, Maestro. works with boutique brands and has its own line of crowns with clients like the Miss UM Caribbean Pageant, the Miss Teen British Virgin Islands Pageant and Mister and Miss H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, who all have signature crown designs by Kareem-Nelson and made in his shared overseas studio.

As a patriot, he established VIlingual (vy-lin-gual) on Facebook, a platform dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of Virgin Islands facts and Virgin Islanders’ accomplishments.

He is a proud Fall 2006 initiate of the University of Miami’s Iota Chi Chapter of the distinguished Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and received his chapter’s first Brother of Distinction Award in 2009. His chapter now bears a logo for eternity, designed by Kareem-Nelson.

Kareem-Nelson holds a degree in Humanities (AS, Cum Laude, highest programme graduate) from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a degree in Broadcast Journalism (BSc) from the Wolfson School of Communication at the University of Miami, Literatute (BA) and International Relations (MA) also from the University of Miami.

Stacy  “Buddha” Mather is an educator by heart and purpose. He has lived his life inspiring and serving the youth of the Territory. As a product of the St. George’s Primary School and the BVI High School, Stacy graduated and entered the public school system as a Trainee Teacher in 1994. Within his first year, he found himself solely assigned a class permanently. He later received the Teacher of the Year award at the Althea Scatliffe Primary School (ASPS).  In order to advance his professional training he left to obtain an undergraduate and graduate degree. He returned in 2001 and continued to teach in the public school system.  

 In 2003, he was commissioned part–time to design a pilot programme for youth now known as the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). Once constructed in 2006/2007 he took a leave of absence from the teaching service to focus on this project. To date, YEP has become known as one of the most successful youth programmes in the Territory. 

 Buddha’s love for our country can also be seen in his passion for the environment. In recent times, he has introduced children to the wonders of swimming and diving. In recent times, he has returned to a childhood love for scuba diving and provided similar opportunities for youth. 

 Stacy lives by a Japanese principle of change and improvement. He adheres to a mantra of doing tasks daily to achieve a large goal. He is motivated by “planting trees for others to shade under and not himself.”

Berta McKelly Adams is a proud public officer in the Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS). She serves the country with pride in her role as an Information Officer.

While working for the Government of the Virgin Islands, she found great fulfillment in covering the 2019 BVI elections in Spanish for the Latino community. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked hard at GIS to ensure the Latin public stayed informed by translating various official updates and statements.

Mrs. McKelly Adams aims to help Latinos in the community by sharing information
about the Virgin Island’s culture, history, people, and current events in Spanish to better integrate them into the community. Stay tuned as she soon unveils this awesome project.

As a Dominican and Virgin Islander, she thinks of herself as the perfect product between two awesome Caribbean Nations with a common history, she says “I wholeheartedly believe that “To be patriotic individual, is one of the best qualities a person could possess”.

Diehdra Potter enjoys giving back to her community through her work and volunteer activities. She holds a Masters in Business Administration with a concentration in Luxury Management from the
International University of Monaco, Principality of Monaco. Diehdra also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Event Management, Hospitality Management and Marketing, with honours from the
University of Central Florida.

Throughout her career, Diehdra has been able to combine her passions for community outreach, youth
development, and marketing through various roles. For nearly a decade, she worked at the National Parks Trust, rising from Environmental Outreach Officer to Deputy Director for Marketing and Business Development. Diehdra also served as an Adjunct Lecturer in Hospitality at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.

Currently, Diehdra serves as the Education Project Manager at Unite BVI. She has also volunteered with organisations like the Virgin Islands Heritage Committee, Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee,
and the Rotary Club of Road Town, among others.

Diehdra’s diverse experience and education have equipped her to make meaningful impacts through her
work and community involvement. She is a dog mom to Coco, a beautiful German Shepherd. Diehdra loves sailing, travel, and is a foodie at heart.

Bisa Smith is a committed and inspired counsellor at the Elmore Stoutt High School, and a proud mother of two. Her passion for working with the youth led her to pursue a degree in Psychology.

Bisa is the Chairperson for the Mister and Miss Fifth Form Pageant, which was the same pageant that led to her first exposure to pageantry 33 years ago. That exposure helped to afford her opportunities to access training which helped her compete in various other competitions and represent the Virgin Islands both regionally and internationally. That knowledge base also helped her to train others for competitions as well.

She is half owner of BlissMonet Event Planning which helps happy clients experience parties and events of their dreams. Her greatest joys are spending time at the beach, coaching, and guiding the youth, spending time with loved ones and most importantly growing her unique capabilities.

She believes that with God’s help, a strong sense of self, and a progressive planning strategy, any goal is obtainable. By growing our caring, commitment, curiosity, courage, cooperation, and capabilities we can help every child develop their full potential.

She is a proud Mama bear, dedicated School Counsellor, Loyal Friend, Fierce Sister, fun Auntie, and an Intentional Joy seeker

Desirée Smith is a local contemporary visual artist who creates using various media to produce paintings, illustrations, graphic design, as well as garment and accessories design and construction.

Desirée has contributed to the winning costumes of two previous Miss BVI contestants by way of headpiece construction. Costume headpiece construction was also successfully done for Mr. Jr. BVI 2019 and for the 2023 Mrs. British Virgin Islands’ participation in the Mrs. Globe 2023 Pageant.

Smith proudly carried out the artistic commission of the TORTOLA Destination Sign, from concept to completion, for the BVI Tourist Board. She is the business owner of the eponymous brand SM!TH and the customised-goods brand Bespoke Bijoux.

Desirée Smith. currently serves as Chief Information Officer in the Department of Information and Public Relation/GIS where she ensures the provision of timely and accurate information on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Dr. L. Sauda Smith is the Executive Trustee of Unite BVI Foundation. She is an alumna of Wesleyan University, the University of Wisconsin – Madison and Warnborough University. 

She is the former Vice President, Associate Vice President and Dean of Arts and Sciences of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College where she worked for 21 years.  She was the past Chairperson of the Non-Profit Organisations Regulatory Board of the Virgin Islands, and the Deputy Chair of the Board of Governors of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.   She is a Fulbright Hayes Scholar, Marshall Scholar and Phi Theta Kappa International Leadership Facilitator and Instructor. She was the 2022, One World Planet awardee for the Well Beings Foundation.

She is the author of three textbooks: Introduction to Literature, The Mercury Reader, and Essential Grammar and was a presenter at the 50th anniversary symposium on African Studies held in Wisconsin.  She was also a presenter at the symposium in honour of Dr. Henry Drewal at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art in Washington, DC.  

She is an independent researcher who lectures in African Linguistics, African Cultural Studies, African retentions in the Caribbean and the Artistic Traditions of the Lukumi.  She has resided in the British Virgin Islands for 28 years.