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.

Kareem-Nelson Hull is the Executive Producer of The Virgin Islands Icon Awards and serves as judge for the Lifetime Achievement Award and Emerging Youth Talent Award.

Cherryl A. Fahie is a native of the British Virgin Islands and a distinguished alumna of Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in Canada, where she earned a degree in administration.

Leveraging her education, Ms. Fahie began her career at Paramount Pictures Corporation, where she served as an administrator. She currently holds the position of Senior Administrative Officer with the Government of the Virgin Islands, Governor’s Office, where she is the Office and Residence manager. Her duties include vetting Non-Belonger Land Holding Licenses, land leases, and student bonds, as well as managing events and the estate.

Cherryl is a committed community leader and devoted to giving back to her community. She is the secretary of the Jahleel Cameron Foundation non-profit organisation.

Cherryl was honoured with a Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Tortola for her exceptional commitment to community service.

Her professional achievements are a testament to her unwavering commitment to excellence, her dedication to serving others, and her enthusiasm for engaging with the community.

Cherryl A. Fahie is the Related Events Manager for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Bernard St. Clair Ezekiel Gordon is a 2017 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School and a 2021 graduate of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College with an associate degree in accounting.

A natural with numbers and a keen eye for financial analysis, his proficiency in budgeting, financial reporting and strategic planning has played a pivotal role in optimising the financial health of the organisations he has served. His commitment to excellence and his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes make him a valuable asset in the world of finance.

A car enthusiast, he devotes time to his passion by following automotive trends through the lenses of top automotive commentators and content creators. A practitioner in the field himself, he is a self-taught and proficient tint master, a skill he learnt from YouTube and does freely for family and friends. In fact, he has taught himself to cook, do household repairs, small engine repairs and car fixes and car part replacement all from YouTube tutorials.

A musician in his own right, he was an avid steel pan percussionist while in school and still plays occasionally with his church’s youth group. Within the church he’s an avid member of the group and contributes wherever needed inclusive of some sexton duties.

When not at work in the accounting field, Bernard devotes time to physical fitness and enjoys quality time with family and friends ahead of his approaching departure to university to complete his accounting studies.

Bernard is a proud first-generation Virgin Islander who celebrates the proud history and culture of the Virgin Islands and respects his parents’ Vincentian roots.

Bernard St. Clair Ezekiel Gordon is the Finance Manager for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

25-year-old Felix Abraham Alejandro Wollard is a poet, dancer, and actor. He was raised in the Virgin Islands by two Hispanic parents who understood at an early age that their son was gifted.

A 2015 graduate of the Elmore Stoutt High School, it was there that he graced most of his stages, honed his acting and performing craft, and became known for his energetic performances with the popular group, Geek Squad. He was awarded the Premier’s Award for leadership in 2015.

A theatre art professional of nine years, he was trained by some of the most prolific and well-known creatives in the Virgin Islands who he credits with nurturing his approach and creativity. Felix has produced three on-stage productions, directed one full scale production to date, and performed in countless others. Among his noteworthy performances are Goose and Gander and A Time to Dance. A Time to Dance was featured on the front page of the Barbados daily newspaper and as a main character he was featured on the cover of the Caribbean Drama Festival’s promotional collateral.

These days, he prefers working behind the scenes and as an experienced stage manager, he contributed to the success of highly acclaimed Gen-Y Factor Singing Competition series presented by the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports from 2016 to 2022.

Felix is the Founder of Loundminds284, a creative camp of sorts who expresses their creativity through art, performances, and clothing designs.

Felix is currently lives in Bolivia, South America serving on missionary trips. He speaks three languages fluently.

Felix Abraham Alejandro Wollard is the Chair of the VIconic Training Academy and The Virgin Islands Icon Award’s backstage manager.

Emery Ché Pemberton is a multi-talented individual: dancer and economist hailing from the Virgin Islands. His passion for the arts began at an early age when he was introduced to martial arts and music from the age of three.

In 2005, while completing his Associates Degree at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Ché embarked on a career in dance and entertainment and co-founded the dance crew W.A.G.A.N. This talented group showcased various dance styles like Hip Hop, Dancehall, Soca, and Pop; performing at numerous events throughout the Virgin Islands. Over the following years he became a renowned choreographer, leading various performances for pageants, music videos, festivals, parades, and choreographed the opening number for Miss British Virgin Islands pageant on multiple occasions.

In 2008, he pursued his Bachelor’s degree in Economics at Florida International University. During his time at FIU, Ché embraced Cuban (Casino) Salsa with the Salsa Kings dance company, igniting a new passion in latin dancing.

Upon his return to the Virgin Islands, he joined the Development Planning Unit (now Central Statistics Office). His experience also includes being adjunct faculty at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College between 2011-2016, teaching both Microeconomics and Macroeconomics.

In 2015, he transferred to the Ministry of Finance in the Macro Fiscal Unit where he continues to make his contribution in areas of sustainable development and linkages with the budget process. Ché was part of the team that worked on the National Sustainable Development Plan, which is centered around the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He continues to hold an interest in the growth of developing countries, especially Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean and looks forward to seeing more growth and integration in the region.

In October 2023, Ché completed dance teacher certification with the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) in Contemporary Freestyle dance and International Latin Dance becoming the first in the Virgin Islands to be a part of this internationally accrediting body.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Ché actively engages in community service as a member of the Rotary Club of Road Town. In 2023-2024, he was elected as the Director of Youth Services, demonstrating his commitment to making a positive impact on the community. His thirst for personal growth is evident as he also holds the position of Vice President of membership of the Virgin Islands Public Service Toastmasters Club for 2023-2024. He passionately shares inspiration and encouragement with others who seek personal development.

In his leisure time, Ché enjoys reading, writing, relaxing on the beach, and cherishing moments with his close friends and family.

Emery Che Pemberton is the Master of Ceremonies for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Leslie Jadeen Allen, Jr. is a native to the Virgin Islands. His academic career stretches through public and private institutions. He was the Salutatorian of primary school graduating class, an honour student in high school, after which he was awarded a 4-year scholarship. His college career was marked by placements on the dean’s list, as well as being inducted as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa honour society.

Leslie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Andrews University. Upon completion of his degree, he returned to the Virgin Islands where he assumed the role of a Maintenance Engineer at BVI Electricity Corporation for the past five years.

While in college, he was an acrobatics gymnast team during his time as which afforded him to travel to 17 American states, Canada, and St. Croix, performing for youth groups and school rallies. He also performed at the NBA’s Indianapolis Pacers’ halftime shows.

Leslie is an active member in the community through his church where he serves as a Youth Leader. He is passionate to ensure the next generation stands for anti-drug, anti-bullying and embrace healthy living. Leslie is passionate about self-development and encouraging the youths to take their rightful place in society.

He was introduced to the world of modelling and fashion design during Summer Sizzle 2022. Since then, he has modelled for with UMI and the One Virgin Islands Poker Run.

Leslie does not shy away from challenges, works on his personal fitness regularly and lives by the quote, “Don’t practice until you get it right. Practice until you can’t get it wrong.”

Leslie Jadeen Allen, Jr. is the Swag Bag Master for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

25-year-old Shereda Randeisha “Shere” Dore-Cohen is the Financial Officer at BVI Football Association and is currently studying for her ACCA to become a professional forensic accountant.

Born on the island of Jamaica, she relocated to the Virgin Islands with her family when she was three years old and so, her formidable years were spent in the Virgin Islands, and she is now formally a Belonger to these beautiful Virgin Islands.

The dedicated mother of a handsome five-year-old and wife to Jodain Cohen (one of the world greatest men), enjoys cooking, dancing, art and enjoy the cultural aspects of our beautiful Virgin Islands. She embodies warmth and is known for her gregarious nature, attention to detail, organisational skills and performance prowess.

She has served the Territory through a plethora of projects which she shared with her Rotaract family at the time of her active membership. She stepped away from her public life of service to invest in the raising of her young family, but through the Virgin Islands Icon Awards and recommitting to her service organisation, she plans to make significant contributions to the advancement of the Virgin Islands people in 2024.

She is a worshiper at Deliverance Worship Center and is a vocalist and dancer majoring in praise and liturgical dance.

Shereda Randeisha Dore-Cohen is the The Academy of Judges Secretary.

April Tia Glasgow is a writer, a mother and a proud Virgin Islander.

She is the founder and member of the Callaloo Poets and Artists Collective and has represented the Virgin Islands at CARIFESTA X (2008) in Guyana, and was a participant for the premiere Moko Writers Workshop in 2018. Her poems have been published in three anthologies: “VI Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean (2007)”, “The Caribbean Writer: Volume 23 (2009)” and “Where I See the Sun: Contemporary Poetry from the Virgin Islands (2016)”. April is the winner of the UNESCO 2022 World Poetry Day Competition. She also curates poetry events, including ‘Microphone Messenjahs’, the BVI’s first big stage poetry event, Open Mics at Mellow Moods Café, and Rose Duck N’ Dive.

She has worked as a vocalist with Shine-I, King Menalek, Awesome Band, Third Dimension Band, Oren Hodge and De Apostle; teaming up with each to record original music. In 2018, April released her single: ‘Beautiful’.

April has a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of the Virgin Islands and currently serves the Virgin Islands as a Community Liaison Officer, where she engages stakeholders and connects the community to programmes, to foster a culture of ownership and inclusion.

April Tia Glasgow is the Bookings Manager for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Anthony Ricardo Cheltenham, Jr. was born on 5th December, 2004, in the United States of America. Raised on Tortola, Virgin Islands, he attended the Joyce Samuel Primary School, graduating as the Salutatorian of his 2016 graduating class. He followed his high scholastic achievement by graduating from the Elmore Stoutt High School with honours. He is currently studying Automotive Technology at the Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College.

His passion for graphic design led him to launch 3AL Productions in 2020. 3AL does graphic design and has a signature clothing line.

He is decorated and accomplished as a consecutive winner of the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission’s Video Competition in 2017 and 2019, winner of the the BVI World Antibiotics Day Video Competition in 2018, and he was a runner up in the Shereen Flax-Charles Video competition in October 2020.

Anthony is engaged in graphic designing, producing his clothing line and focused on finishing college.

Anthony Cheltenham, Jr. is a member of the graphic design and brand identity team for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Shamahnea Jacqueesha Simmons, a first-generation Virgin Islander, who has made an indelible mark in the territory’s beauty industry as the owner and founder of the renowned Virgin Islands-based lip gloss brand,Eclipse.

As an entrepreneur and the creative force behind the brand, she continues to challenge the ordinary, leaving a notable imprint on the growing industry and gaining steady acclaim for her highly demanded products which are available in retail stores locally.

In June 2023, Shamahnea graduated top business student from H. Lavity Stoutt Community College with an Associate Degree in Business and Entrepreneurship. She seamlessly blends branding prowess with marketing finesse.

Shamahnea is currently pursuing her BSc in International Business at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), as she continues to define her life by turning her vivid dreams into dazzling realities.

Shamahnea Jacqueesha Simmons is the Backstage Experience Manager for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Born to a British Virgin Islander and a Vincentian parents in Charlotte Amalie, St.Thomas, Rennisha Renée Rodgers is a beautifully culturally blended creative director.

A former student of the Mighty Althea Scatliffe and the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS), she migrated to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2017 to enroll in the Thomas Saunders Secondary School following the devastation of Hurricane Irma. After her time in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, she returned home and re-enrolled at Elmore Stoutt High School, continuing her concentrated study in sciences, following her new-found passion at Thomas Saunders. In her senior year of high school, she began dual enrollment at the Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), majoring in General Sciences with a concentration in Anatomy, Physiology and Organic Chemistry.

Rennisha graduated from ESHS in 2021 in the top 10 and second-highest ranking CSEC performer in the territory, with eight CSECs, six of which were Grade 1s. She graduated with her Associate Degree in General Science at 18, one year later. The Associate Degree was just the beginning for Rennisha. After HLSCC, Rennisha had short stint at the University of the Virgin Islands in St. Thomas, before transferring to the Florida State University. She is currently a senior Seminole chasing her Bachelor degree in Biology in hopes of going to medical school to become one of the territory’s forensic pathologist.

Besides being dedicated to her academics, she also owns a thriving business. She was also a dancer at the BVI Dance School, practicing different dance disciplines, including ballet, pointe ballet, tap, majorette, and others since she was six. At Florida State University, she is a hip-hop dancer on the KINGS Dance Team and Captain of the Caribbean Student Association’s Dance Team ‘C5’. Rennisha is also a cheerleader and served as the Captain of the Lady Rams Cheerleading/ Dance Squad from 2020-2021 becoming one of the three BVI’s first All-American Cheerleaders representing the BVI in London’s Annual New Year Parade in 2019.

Rennisha lives her life cradled by creativity. Rennisha’s creativity can be displayed through her anticipated and well-known flamboyant fashion choices, inspired by some of her inspirations: Micheal Jackson, Prince, Rick James, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury.

Rennisha makes homemade ice cream and sorbet products with unique flavours like tart-flavours, through her small business Kulture Infusionz.

Rennisha Renée Rogers is the Creative Director of The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Niaeika Ashlyn Syesha Aymer is only 15 years old and was born in the beautiful Virgin Islands. Self-described as ambitious, generous, and thoughtful. Others see her as pleasantly calm and open-minded.

Niaeka is a student of the Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and loves learning and striving to become a successful young woman in today’s society. Her future aspiration is to become dermatologist and a flight-attendant.

She is a member of the Rams Media team of the ESHS, a Student Council Monitor for the 10th Grade and has been on the honour roll each year of her school life since primary school.

A known competitor, she has represented her school at the Secondary Spelling Bee Competition in 2023.

She is involved in keeping the Virgin Islands culture alive by giving others the opportunity to embrace local skills and to learn more about the British Virgin Islands through her various projects.

Niaeika has a keen interest in reading, writing poems, singing, and spending time with positive people.

Niaekia Aymer is the Assistant Publicist for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Sheriece T. Smith is a Virgin Islander with family roots in Sea Cow’s Bay and Huntum’s Ghut. She works as a higher education administrator at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, where she oversees projects for the Office of the Provost and provides administrative support to the Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Studies.

Before joining Duke, Sheriece was a senior Information Officer in the Department of Information and Public Relations for the Government of the Virgin Islands (BVI), where she managed various public education and communication campaigns for six government ministries, including the Governor’s Group and the Premier’s Office. Sheriece worked as a communications advisor to national and regional groups her works were published on platforms around the world. She also has experience and certifications in hospitality management, customer service, notarial acts, real estate, and project management.

Sheriece has a BA (Hons) in business administration with a concentration in marketing from the University of the Virgin Islands.

Sheriece Smith is the Communications Manager for The Virgin Islands Icons Awards.

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.

Diehdra is an executive member of the production team and a judge for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards.

Coming Soon…

S’Riyah Khai Mitcham is BVI born gen-zer who graduated from Elmore Stoutt High School in 2023 in the top 12 percent with hours. While at ESHS, she artfully wore the hats of Events Planner and Photographer for the Rams Media Group.

 Presently, S’Riyah is diligently pursuing an Associates of General Science Degree at the esteemed H. Lavity Stoutt Community College while actively serving as the President of HLSCC’s Student Government Association. Furthermore, S’Riyah showcases her talents as a dedicated student-athlete, specializing in short sprints and hurdle events, with ambitious aspirations of excelling as a professional athlete or perhaps pursuing a career in astronomy. Her passion for giving back to the community is evident through her enjoyment of volunteer work.