J'versatile Urges Youth to Avoid Drugs
At a march and youth rally in Road Town on May 30, 2026, local artist J'versatile (Williams) recounted a near-fatal experience after unknowingly consuming an edible and urged young people to avoid drugs and speak up. The event, organised by the Seventh-day Adventist Church under the theme 'Protect our youth, protect our community, choose health, choose hope,' drew church groups, youth organisations and public officials.
Local artist J'versatile (Williams) delivered a stark warning to young people at a rally held at the Festival Grounds following a march through Road Town on Saturday, May 30, 2026. According to Virgin Islands News Online, Williams said he nearly lost his life after being given something to eat that he did not recognise — an experience that left him in hospital "flatlining." He described later learning he had been acting unusually on Main Street before collapsing.
Speaking directly to the island's youth, Williams urged them to resist peer pressure and to avoid experimenting with foods or substances they cannot identify. "You don't have to be doing everything your friends are doing," he said, adding that it was only by God's intervention that he survived.
Williams warned that what can look like an innocent treat — "a piece of cake, a piece of cookie" — can have devastating consequences when it contains drugs or edibles. The march and rally were sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and carried the theme "Protect our youth, protect our community, choose health, choose hope." Participants included Adventurers, Pathfinders, MasterGuides, church members and youth groups M.A.L.E. and F.E.M.A.L.E.
The event aimed to raise awareness about the risks of edibles and other substances among the Territory's young people. Williams also urged peers to intervene when they see dangerous behaviour and to speak up if offered something that makes them uncomfortable. "If somebody's going to give you something, you don't feel comfortable about it, don't do it.
He challenged marchers to motivate themselves daily, embrace their uniqueness and be responsible for their friends: "If you see a friend going down the wrong path, talk to them or find someone who can help get through to them. Never feel like your voice doesn’t matter. Speak up." Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Hon Sharie B. deCastro and Detective Inspector Kendolph A.
Bobb of the RVIPF Family and Juvenile Unit also addressed the gathering, reiterating the need for parents, community leaders and law enforcement to work together to protect young people. Williams appealed directly to parents to make time for their children, know who they are with and to listen: "You have the opportunity to mould these kids into something great.
Take time out for them, speak to them, and love them." The event highlighted growing concerns in the BVI about disguised edibles and the importance of community vigilance, education and open communication between youth, families and authorities.
Primary source: VINO