Deborah Reynolds-O’Neal won a “Lifetime Achievement Award” for her work in fashion.
Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway was named “media presenter of the year.”
Kenisha Sprauve was honoured for her children’s books, restaurateurs Jamal and Strassa Bradshaw for entrepreneurship, and Lakiesha and Natisha Claxton for dance.
All were among the two dozen community members recognised on Sunday during the second annual Virgin Islands Icon Awards, a red-carpet affair that drew more than 600 people to the Multi-purpose Sports Complex.
‘People’s choice awards’
Billed as a “people’s choice awards” by founder Kareem-Nelson Hull, this year’s ceremony built on the inaugural show last year.
Besides the announcement of honourees selected from dozens of nominees across a wide range of categories, the event featured musical performances, elaborate cocktails and party favours that included a printed photograph of each attendee.
On Tuesday, Mr. Hull told the Beacon he had just spoken with Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley, who served as the show’s patron even though he was overseas at a Caribbean Community meeting this week.
“He’s already embraced it as the official celebration for Virgin Islands Day, and next year he looks forward to us making it official as the celebration of Virgin Islands Day,” Mr. Hull said.
On the stage
Sunday’s show, held the day before the public holiday, was hosted by Temulji Hughes and “written” by Emery Che Pemberton and Mr. Hull, according to the programme.
DeAnna Wattley sung the territorial song accompanied by Darryl Flanders, Brittany Henley, Kenrico Wheatley Jr., and the Elmore Stoutt High School Concert Choir.
The ceremony also memorialised VI figures who died over the past year. Former legislator Eileene Parsons, for instance, was honoured with a recording of the acceptance speech she delivered on receiving her Icon Award last year.
“I can’t believe that as a politician, I run out of words,” Ms. Parsons said on screen, drawing laughter from the crowd just as she had a year prior. “My grandmother used to say, ‘Lord, in spite of everything, you still bless me.’ Tonight, whoever selected me, whether I had won or not, it was an honour.”
Categories
This year’s new additions included awards recognising “Industrial Leadership and Development,” Choreography and Dance in the Performing Arts, and “Excellence in Service to the Family Islands.”
While many award categories stay the same each year, Mr. Hull said the “26th Category” award changes annually.
Last year, it honoured the social media influencer of the year: Brent Hoyte. This year, it went to VI Sweet Treats chef Mahkayla Pickering for “Excellence in Customer Service.”
Surprise performer
A surprise addition to the entertainment line-up was Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley, who was part of a saxophone trio that played early in the evening.
Mr. Wheatley, Gyassi Alexander and Brandon Walters started their performance sitting in chairs facing away from the audience, their bodies obscured by black capes.
One by one, they removed their capes with a flourish, revealing glistening saxophones.
To cheers and applause, they traded solos before re-joining their horns in harmony.
The performance, Mr. Wheatley said, took about a month of practice.
“I really enjoyed it, I was happy to participate, and it was fun working with [Messrs. Alexander and Walters],” he said, adding, “Just having a good time was the whole idea, you know: to do an entry, participate in the show, and just surprise a few folks.”
Mr. Wheatley said he first picked up the saxophone in high school but needed regular practice to prepare for Sunday’s performance.
“I haven’t played for a long time, but I do play on occasions,” he said. “I just don’t really play publicly anymore.”
Left with the bag
Though attendees praised the show in person and on social media, the evening didn’t quite come off without a hitch.
For their $150 ticket, audience members were promised a “swag bag” advertised in the months leading up to the event. But Mr. Hull said that didn’t happen.
“We had trusted a company here to provide those [swag] bags for us,” he said. “We paid for everything in full.”
Mr. Hull said attendees will be able to present their tickets to receive the promised items in the near future.
British Caribbean News
