Latest news with #VirginIslander
Malaysian Reserve
4 days ago
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism Welcomes New Leadership as Jennifer Matarangas-King is Nominated Commissioner
ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands, Aug. 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism proudly welcomes the nomination of communications and public affairs executive Jennifer Matarangas-King as the next Commissioner of Tourism. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the nomination during a Government House press briefing, positioning Matarangas-King to continue building on the Department's unprecedented momentum and growth over the past six years. A native of St. Croix and a respected voice in the Virgin Islands community, Matarangas-King brings more than 30 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, and organizational leadership across both the public and private sectors. Her deep-rooted understanding of the Territory's culture and strong service record align with the Department's continued focus on responsible growth, innovation, and global brand expansion. 'Tourism is more than our economy. It is how we tell our story to the world and create opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands,' shares Gov. Albert Bryan, Jr. 'Jennifer understands that. She is a strategic thinker, a skilled communicator, and a proud Virgin Islander with a deep commitment to service. I am confident that she will lead the Department of Tourism with vision and distinction.' During Commissioner Joseph Boschulte's tenure, the Department delivered one of the most transformative eras in its history, leading the Caribbean in Average Daily Rate (ADR), welcoming record-breaking air and cruise arrivals, reimagining signature festivals, launching award-winning marketing campaigns, and forging groundbreaking partnerships across sports, entertainment, and global travel markets. The Virgin Islands emerged as a premier destination during a time of global tourism disruption, with the Department's efforts driving consistent economic recovery, increased visitor spend, and all-time high collections into the Tourism Advertising and Revolving Fund (TARF). 'I am honored and humbled to be considered for this role,' said Jennifer Matarangas-King. 'Tourism is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape the future of these Virgin Islands. It drives investment, fuels entrepreneurship, and celebrates our identity. I look forward to working alongside our tourism stakeholders and the incredible team at the Department to elevate our product, empower our people, and expand our reach as a premier Caribbean destination.' Matarangas-King began her public service career as press secretary to Governor Roy Schneider and later served as public relations director for Senator Vargrave Richards. For over two decades, she played an integral leadership role at Viya and its predecessor companies, spearheading public relations, corporate communications, customer experience, and strategic planning initiatives. Through her work in telecommunications, Matarangas-King played a pivotal role in ensuring connectivity for visitors to the territory and has also served as a board member on the St. Croix Hotel Association. The Department of Tourism thanks Joseph Boschulte for his years of leadership and innovation. In the interim, Boschulte will provide support to Commissioner Matarangas-King and the Department of Tourism through the transition period, ensuring operational continuity and alignment of strategic priorities. ABOUT THE U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS About 40 miles east of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands comprise a United States territory located in the northeastern Caribbean Sea. The three islands are St. Croix, St. John, and St. Thomas, where the capital of Charlotte Amalie is located. Perfect for leisure or business travel, the U.S. Virgin Islands features breathtaking, world-renowned beaches, an international marine industry, European architecture, and a burgeoning restaurant industry. No passports are required from U.S. citizens traveling from the U.S. mainland or Puerto Rico. Entry requirements for non-U.S. citizens are equivalent to entering the United States from any international country. Upon departure, a passport is required for non-U.S. citizens. For more information about the United States Virgin Islands, go to
Metro
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
The Virgin Island hate is atrocious - season 2 will prove me right
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Even before Virgin Island aired, the backlash was building as TV viewers clutched their pearls at yet another shock factor Channel 4 show. Now it's been greenlit for season two, and everyone is up in arms again. But I'm happy it's returning. Initially, I too was swept up in the confusion around the show's intention and concerned it was setting up vulnerable people to be ridiculed in front of the nation for their sexual inexperience. However, that couldn't be further from my feelings after season one. Instead, I saw a safe space in which participants like Emma, Tom and Dave could explore their sexuality without judgment. For those who haven't watched Virgin Island, each participant is paired with a surrogate partner who works with them to build confidence and discuss past trauma that may have stopped them from being intimate. Each episode sees the sexological bodyworkers – a fancy term for the hands-on sex therapists – lead a group session, too. The main criticism hurled at Virgin Island is that it is exploitative, pushing these naïve people to expose themselves for our entertainment – but the participants are encouraged to only go as far as they want. In one session, Charlotte strips off in front of her surrogate partner to tackle her body issues, but her breasts have been blurred in the edit. Others get naked behind panels, or the camera cuts away when things get intimate. Virgin Island is careful not to turn these incredibly personal experiences into voyeurism, focusing on the emotional developments rather than exposing the physical ones. I'll admit most of the group sessions are deeply uncomfortable to watch for both those on screen and viewers. Some participants eagerly acted out sexual positions while others looked away, embarrassed. I agree that, at these points, the show felt like it was less about helping and more focused on shock value. Getting adults to pretend to be animals crawling around on the floor is just mortifying to watch – virgin or not. However, is that not what makes good reality TV? It was cringey, not exploitative. A Love Islander acting in a similar way keeps us wanting more, but for some reason, when it's a Virgin Islander that's no longer acceptable. Some critics have taken aim at the premise itself and claimed the participants are not able to give full informed consent as they have not had sex, so how could they know what they're getting into? To me, this is blatant infantilisation of virgins. It reeks of superiority and upholds the exact stigma that the show is attempting to combat. Let's be totally clear – all of the participants were adults who signed up for this of their own free will and have not expressed any negative emotions about their time on the show publicly. In fact, many have said it gave them a newfound confidence. Over the two weeks, many participants formed a real connection with their therapist, with three participants feeling confident enough to come out as bisexual or gender-fluid to huge cheers from the rest of the group. A group session where the men wore makeup was incredibly impactful for Tom and opened up his journey into gender expression. More sessions like this in season two would be brilliant. More Trending Only one participant, Dave, felt comfortable enough to have sex while on the show (and is now in a relationship), while three more have since gone on to shed their virgin status. Clearly, Virgin Island worked for them. Once you move past the shock of these adults having the courage to admit they were virgins on national TV – something often perceived as shameful in our society – there's real heart to Virgin Island. It deserves the chance to be a grower, not just a shower. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: In defence of Meghan Markle's twerking pregnancy video MORE: Feel Good remains one of the greatest LGBTQ+ gifts to TV MORE: Incredible binge-worthy LGBT+ shows guaranteed to send your heart soaring
