VI Icon Awards Honour Local Legends and
The Cedar Equity Ventures Limited Virgin Islands Icon Awards returned to the Multi‑Purpose Sports Complex on Saturday, July 11, in a glittering celebration of achievement, culture and national pride under the patronage of Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley. In addition to recognising this year’s category winners, organisers introduced the inaugural class of 68 Virgin Islands Icon Legends — a landmark tribute to pioneers and institutions that have shaped the Territory (sources: VINO; Guavaberry). Hundreds of residents attended as hosts Temulji Hughes and Sophia Rubaine guided a programme of awards, tributes and performances; executive producer Kareem‑Nelson Hull called the night a defining moment for the awards (Guavaberry).
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards, presented by Cedar Equity Ventures Limited, staged a night of celebration at the Multi‑Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town on Saturday, July 11. Held under the patronage of Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley, the ceremony honoured Virgin Islanders whose work in leadership, business, education, sport, entertainment, healthcare and community service continues to shape the Territory (Guavaberry).
Hosted by Temulji Hughes and Sophia Rubaine (aka "Sophie B"), the gala recognised a broad cross‑section of achievement across arts, business, sport, environment and community service. Organisers described the evening as the most ambitious in the programme’s history, with hundreds of patrons in attendance (Guavaberry).
Executive Producer Kareem‑Nelson Hull said the night was "everything we envisioned and more," noting that the show celebrated 64 nominees, honoured 16 award recipients, and introduced an inaugural class of 68 Virgin Islands Icon Legends — a new programme to preserve and celebrate the Territory’s living history (Guavaberry).
The induction of the 68 Icon Legends was one of the most emotional moments of the evening. The honour recognised lifetime contributions by individuals, businesses and institutions whose decades of service have helped build the Virgin Islands; standing ovations followed mentions of former Premier Dr D.
Orlando Smith, former Chief Justice Dame Janice Pereira, educator Dr Erma Vanterpool, healthcare pioneers Dr Robert and Dr Joycelyn Hoyte, members of the 2009 BVI National Basketball Team, and institutions such as JOMA Commercial Enterprises, The Romasco Group, Vanterpool’s Pharmacy and The Royal Shop (Guavaberry).
Sixteen awards were presented during the ceremony. Major winners included Good Moon Farm (Environmental Works – Agriculture), Quame Campbell (Visual Arts – Graphic Design), Lesmore Smith (Humanitarian Efforts/People Who Make a Difference), Brent D.R. Hoyte (Music Industry – The Studio Award), Ova Drive (Live Entertainment Ensemble – Battle of the Bands), and Pastor Claude O.
Skelton‑Cline’s Honestly Speaking (Recorded Entertainment – Show of the Year) (VINO; Guavaberry). Other category winners named by organisers were Anne A. Lennard (Excellence in Service from the Family Islands), Stacy‑Ann Bobb (noted as The Eclipse VI Award for Aesthetics/Makeup Artist of the Year), Ogier (Corporate Social Intelligence – The Giveback Award), Shea Alexander of O'Neal Alexander Consulting Group (Entrepreneurship: Youth in Business/Youth Entrepreneur of the Year), and coaches Erica Frederick and Erwin "Redz" Telemaque (tied in awards for sports development).
Devon "Sweat" Smith and Brian "Chinaman" Blyden shared the Heavy Equipment Operators/Industrial Leadership award (VINO; Guavaberry). The evening also paid tribute to lifetime and legacy contributors: Ayana S. Hull received the Nation Building recognition (Long Bay Beach Resort Award), Brenda Lettsome‑Tye was honoured for work defining national symbols, and designers Kristin C.
Frazer and Florence Phillips were recognised for the Territorial Dress. Longstanding family businesses such as The Royal Shop and Vanterpool’s Pharmacy received Walkers Awards for Commerce (VINO). Culture and talent were showcased throughout the night with performances spanning classical trumpet and violin to contemporary and gospel acts, featuring artists including Jonelis Diaz Baret, Calden James "Cal J", Nouveau Royale, Melanie Amaro, Lorna Freeman and many local performers and ensembles (Guavaberry).
Organisers thanked title sponsor Cedar Equity Ventures Limited, the Government of the Virgin Islands, sponsors, judges, volunteers, performers and patrons, and highlighted the role of sponsors in supporting the VIconic Training Academy as part of a broader effort to invest in the Territory’s future leaders (Guavaberry).
Primary source: VINO