After two months of launch parties, readings and events in the British Virgin Islands, Alison Knights Bramble’s novel, The Eye of the Storm, is now for sale internationally on Amazon—the world’s largest online retailer.

Set on the fictional Caribbean island of Kamaria, The Eye of the Storm follows the adventures of Ben Johnston and his friends as they explore the land and sea. Ben, Isaac, Charlie, and Kai meet fishermen, pirates and Rastas while spending their time restoring a sailboat, snorkeling, exploring ruins and trying to save the island from greedy developers.

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Members of the European Commission and leaders of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) heard the collective concerns of the OCTs when Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering addressed them during the 10th OCT-European Union (EU) Forum in Brussels, Belgium on Wednesday, January 25.

The Deputy Premier first read a joint-statement on behalf of the 26 OCTs on the subject of future relations between the EU and OCTs in which he conveyed their concerns and the importance of the commission engaging OCTs on its revision of the Overseas Association Decision (OAD) that guides their relationship, a press release from the Government Information Service (GIS).

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Virgin Islanders were fascinated with her charisma and singing ability on the X Factor, but now Melanie Amaro will be in the spotlight on February 5 in a Pepsi commercial during the Super Bowl XLII.

The American, who was raised in the Virgin Islands, recently tweeted that she was all excited about the gig.

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Now that Congress has had time to process last week’s internet blackout, a consensus has emerged: SOPA and PIPA are toxic for politicians, and going anywhere near them could cost them their re-election. Freedom is winning. Together, we’ve done something amazing– never have so many people stood up to defend a free and open internet. Here’s a San Francisco Chronicle article about how it all came together: The Largest Online Protest in History Started (continue reading…)

One of the BVI’s hotels, Sugar Mill, was last Wednesday the recipient of the prestigious International Hotel Award (IHA) for best Small Hotel in the Caribbean.

The award was presented at the annual IHA gala at the Savoy Hotel in London.

Developed to identify, highlight and reward excellence throughout the global hospitality industry, the IHA in association with Bloomberg Television seek the finest operations throughout a wide range of areas.

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It was fun galore at Mark Vanterpool’s district party that was held last Saturday at the Band Stand – a fitting location where he had declared his candidacy in September 2011.

Scores of residents turned up to congratulate the man who has pledged to beautify the capital over the next four years.

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Can’t wait to sample those local fruit preservatives? Or purchase freshly picked vegetables?  In a just two weeks the 20^th annual Farmers’ Week will get underway from February 10 through 17 where residents will be able to sample what the Territory’s famers have to offer.

It will be held under the theme, “Celebrating 20 Years of BVI Culture through Agriculture”.

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It’s nearing the end of January and the still no word on the plans for Music Fest 2012, a three day extravaganza that is held in Cane Garden Bay for the past 10 years.

The Cane Garden Bay Committee, which is headed by Daniel ‘Pops’ Cline, is tight-lipped with the preparations and some of the key players including the BVI Tourist Board is clueless as to what is going on.

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Some say he is “down to earth” and the new Minister for Education and Culture, Hon. Myron Walwyn kept it real today as he opened up to unemployed youths that his first job was no bed of roses – he was a busboy.

He was one of the speakers at the opening ceremony for the work readiness seminar for unemployed youths who applied for the Youth Unemployment Register (YUR).  It was held at the Eileene Parsons Auditorium.

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By Alexander Britell

GRENADA — The United Kingdom and the Caribbean began talks today aimed at renewing and revitalizing their relationship, during the seventh UK-Caribbean Forum in Grenada.

High-level delegations from across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom discussed issues including security, trade and climate change.

“I think it’s already been extremely useful,” UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said (continue reading…)

A big hurrah to you!!!!! We’ve won for now — SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress today — the votes we’ve been scrambling to mobilize against have been cancelled.

The largest online protest in history has fundamentally changed the game.  You were heard.

On January 18th, 13 million of us took (continue reading…)

The artistes are off and speeding down the track towards soca monarch 2012, and KES and the Band who hypnotised the Caribbean in 2011 with their wotlissness is seeking a repeat with their new tune: “Coming Over.” (continue reading…)