It was interesting that all of the four hair dressers that BVI webtv spoke to agreed that the death of a woman from alleged hair glue allergies was quite sad, but stated that they did not think the brand of glue they use can kill anyone.

The word about the alleged cause of death of Atasha Graham who resided and died in UK has been circulated widely by various online media since February 3.   

The mentioning of the alleged glue related cause of death was first made at a London inquest hearing. During said hearing the Pathologist announced that there are ten to 20 deaths a year caused by allergic reaction to hair extension glue.

It was further speculated that the sweating from dancing all night may have caused glue to enter Graham’s blood stream, and possibly led to her demise. It was divulged that the 34 year old woman has been wearing extensions for 14 years, and collapsed upon entering her home after clubbing.

The Pathologist Michael Heath, speculated that the latex glue used to apply Graham’s extensions – or the solvent for removing old ones – may have been to blame. He allegedly told a court in London: “‘I’ve seen cases where people using solvent to apply extensions has actually caused anaphylactic shock. There are about ten to 20 deaths a year in this country (United Kingdom), many more in America. I have seen four in the last three months.”

The Daily Mail in its article stated: “Dr Heath told the hearing at Southwark Coroner’s Court in London: “The hair extensions in Atasha’s hair were of a latex type. This may or may not be related [to her death]. If it is the hair extension, normally a reaction would occur within half an hour of applying them….But he added that traces of glue or solvent could have seeped into her bloodstream hours later after she started perspiring on the dancefloor…He ruled out reactions to food and alcohol.”

The attempt by BVIwebtv to get the views of a local hair dresser on the matter left us with more questions than answers; as some hairdressers seemed very unhappy with the question about hair glue. Below is some indications on the attempted interview:

BVIWebtv: “Did you by any chance hear of the incident in the UK where a woman and a few others died from alleged hair glue allergic reactions?”

Hair Dresser One: “Boy you media people would come with anything for a story. In all my years I have never heard of any such thing. Anyhow, I am sorry for the person who died that is sad but thankfully all of my clients are alive and well, praise be to God.”  

Same question, Hair Dresser two: “When most urban legends started many people swore it was credible news, don’t believe everything you read sweetie.”

Another hair dresser burst into a fit of laugh until we told her it was true and then she demanded to know what brand of hair glue was used.”

However, BVIwebtv has learnt that hair bonding glue contains high concentrations of soluble latex antigen and may cause anaphylaxis; which means of course that death is possible.

The National Parks Trust (NPT) was saddled with some $700,000 deficit following the grand anniversary show that featured celebrity artiste’s Alli Campbell and John Legend.

Speaking in the House of Assembly on February 14 Minister with responsibility for Natural Resources and Labour, Dr. the Hon. Kedrick Pickering under whose portfolio the NPT falls announced that he was very disappointed in the outcome of the event that incurred a number of unanticipated costs.

Dr. Pickering recalled that the Board of the National Parks Trust had planned a series of fund raising events for the Queen Elizabeth National Parks as part of their 50th anniversary celebration; the highlight of which took place on November 26 & 27 2011 in the form of a jazz and blues show. Hon. Pickering explained that one of the objectives of the Jazz and Blues series was the showcase of the Queen Elizabeth Park.

Hon. Pickering stated that the event brought together a number of artiste such as the HLSCC Jazz Ensemble, Quito and the Edge as well as world renowned artistes like John Legend and was supported by a number of prominent businesses. The Minister disclosed that the NPT Board had anticipated that sponsorship, bar sales and ticket sales would cover the event as well as provide some much needed funds for the development of the Park.

However, Hon. Pickering said that unanticipated expenses were incurred such as the setting up of the ground in keeping with the calibre of entertainers which required more material and labour than had been estimated.  Dr. Pickering said that in order to move forward with John Legend as one of the artistes, the stage that he had to perform on was required to be certified by international engineers, and unfortunately none of the local stages met such certification and as such a stage was sourced from overseas.

“The VIP area of the ground required additional items such as tents and chairs as well as a team of attendants and facilities such as water and electricity to ensure that the area was well lit and that he cables were connected.”

Hon. Pickering said that based on the costs the NPT had two options—to either cancel the event or to go on with the event. He said

Both Gaza Boss Vybz Kartel and Gully God Movado have found themselves in trouble with the law for various offences; and were both given additional court dates when they appeared  before different magistrates.

Last Friday February 17 Vybz Kartel who is facing murder related charges was further remanded and was given an adjournment date of March 16. It was stated that Jamaican prosecutors are strongly opposing the bail applications for the singer.

Meanwhile Mavado was also given a March date for his offence of malicious destruction of property and assault. He will be returning to court on March 7. The artiste was given that date when he appeared in court on February 6.

On Monday this week (February 20) Reggae Superstar Jah Cure and wife Kamila McDonald, co-host of CVM TV’s On Stage welcomed their daughter and first child Kailani Belle into the world.

The couple who made waves last year with their royal themed wedding  now have  fans gushing with the news of ‘Baby Cure’s” birth.

The BVI Tourist Board is challenging primary and secondary students territory-wide to put their best “sustainable foot” forward in a Trash to Treasure competition for tourism in the British Virgin Islands.

Launching on the 20th February, the initiative is designed to foster interest and build awareness for the environment; stimulate activity amongst youth to understand the value of undertaking greener practices, and encourage pupils to create locally made objects that can be branded as promotional items to be used by the BVI Tourist Board in marketing the destination.

Through the interactive contest, students will be faced with the task of turning discarded matter such as plastic bottles, glass bottles, paper, cans and boxes into useable recycled goods.

The poster.

“The British Virgin Islands has to take heed of the trends towards greening in tourism, and work towards creating an eco-friendly image, as this sector is one of the main pillars of the economy. In this regard, the BVI Tourist Board has decided to take the lead in this arena and has taken a proactive approach to introducing a number of environmental initiatives designed to offer a greener tourism product.  One such initiative is a waste recycling programme, entitled ‘Trash to Treasure’, whereby students of the BVI will be encouraged to recycle and convert their daily trash generated into items of value,” said Natasha Chalwell, Policy and Product Development Manager.

The Board held a similar contest for the community-at-large in 2008 which generated close to 80 submissions including the winning entries: a recyclable bag made from Caprisun juice packets and a recycled clock made from scrap wood.

Winners in the primary and secondary categories will be rewarded with a prize such as a Day Sail with the Moorings, a Day Sail with Horizon Yacht Charters, a digital camera from Infinite Solutions, or a cell phone from Varieties and Electronics, to name a few.

“The Trash to Treasure competition provides an opportunity for our students to use their ingenuity and showcase their talents. As we continue to develop sustainable tourism measures that further boost the BVI, we are excited to implement this initiative, which urges the youngest minds in the territory to become stretched through imagination and empowered through projects that incorporate education and tourism,” said Hadassah Ward, Director of Tourism.