Kelberlin George Spells Her Way to Victory
Kelberlin George emerged champion of the 5th Annual Adult Spell Off held at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, taking home a cash prize and a package of travel and retail awards. Organisers also named Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School as this year's beneficiary, with all participants recognised for their efforts, according to reports from BVI Platinum and Virgin Islands News Online. The event continued its aim of promoting literacy and supporting local education while showcasing adult talent across the British Virgin Islands.
Kelberlin George emerged as the champion of the 5th Annual Adult Spell Off, held last evening at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), organisers reported. George topped a field of local competitors in the community spelling contest to secure first place, with Erika R. Greenaway placing third, according to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) and BVI Platinum.
The 2026 competition combined spirited contesting with a substantial prize package for the winners. BVI Platinum reported that George won $2,000 in cash, round-trip airfare for two to Puerto Rico courtesy of Cape Air, a two-night Airbnb stay at Lambert, a $200 shopping voucher, a $250 voucher from International Motors and a car-care package, along with the official championship trophy and medal.
Creque, the runner-up, received $1,000 cash, a half-day sail with SKA Charters, a two-night stay for two at Leverick Bay, a $150 shopping voucher, a 50-inch television and the official second-place medal. Greenaway took home $750 cash, a FlyBVI trip for four to Anegada, an Original Virgin Canopy Tour for four, a $100 shopping voucher, a 60-minute Ixora massage at Scrub Island Spa and the third-place medal.
BVI Platinum also noted that all other participants were recognised with $50 shopping vouchers. Now in its fifth year, the Adult Spell Off brings together adults from across the British Virgin Islands for a friendly but challenging test of spelling and vocabulary. VINO reported that this year’s field included contestants representing different parishes and community groups, reflecting local talent and engagement.
Forbes, Orion Joseph, Lebritnie Legair, Aimee Payne, Samantha Algeo, Sharlene S. Organisers announced that Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School was drawn as the beneficiary of the 5th Annual Adult Spell Off. Both VINO and BVI Platinum highlighted that the beneficiary designation will channel event support to the school, strengthening resources for early childhood education and underscoring the competition’s emphasis on giving back to the community.
Adult spelling competitions like this one serve multiple purposes for BVI residents: they promote literacy and lifelong learning, provide a platform for friendly competition, and raise awareness and resources for local schools. Contestants, organisers and spectators praised the event for its organisation and community spirit, and many attendees noted the value of combining entertainment with a clear civic purpose.
As the Adult Spell Off grows in profile, organisers hope to encourage wider participation and continued support for schools across the territory. Full results, prize details and additional coverage of the event were published by BVI Platinum and Virgin Islands News Online; residents interested in future events are encouraged to follow local media and organisers' announcements for updates.
Primary source: VINO