CREATIVE RETREAT DRAWS HUNDREDS TO LONG BAY FOR KICKIN IT'S 10TH YEAR

Hundreds of creative professionals gathered at Long Bay this past weekend for Creative Retreat, marking the largest multi-day gathering yet held by Kickin It, the platform founded by Kyra James-Douglas in 2016 to advance Virgin Islands culture through contemporary means.

The weekend coincided with Kickin It's 10th anniversary. Since its launch, the platform has organised events across London, the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands.

Friday evening opened with Toast, a private dinner attended by 30 guests. The meal brought together session facilitators and recipients of the Kickin It Awards, which honour creatives from the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean and beyond who have made significant contributions to their fields. This year's awardees were DJ Puffy, Jessie Woo, DonYé Taylor, Rush Cam, Imani Ellis, Marvelus Williams, Rondel Smith, and VI Crawl (Nyaila Callwood and Khalarni Rivers). According to Kickin It, these honourees "are defining excellence across their respective genres industries."

Saturday's Focus Day centred on interactive workshops covering civic responsibility, financial planning and storytelling. Attendees wore colour-coded wristbands to navigate sessions aligned with their interests. Sessions included breathing and journaling work led by Elle, Angelique Lettsome and Kareem-Nelson Hull, which connected Virgin Islands National Heroes to the upcoming Monday holiday. VI Crawl members Khalarni Rivers and Nyaila Callwood participated in a storytelling discussion moderated by Gabrielle Querrad. Other presenters included Travie Rozae, a creative director and stylist; Rushane Campbell, host of the Caribbean's number one podcast No NDA; Marvelous; and DJ Puffy.

Sunday's Flow Day offered recreational and wellness activities: pickle ball, basket weaving instruction, yoga and praise and worship. Attendees expressed enthusiasm about the weekend's programming.