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VI Icon Awards memorabilia supplier accused of misappropriating funds

-Matter discovered days before event
The 2025 Virgin Islands Icon Awards was held on Sunday, July 6, 2025, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town. Photo: Facebook/VIcons
Kareem-Nelson Hull, Executive Producer of the Vicon Awards, said it was disappointing that the company entrusted to provide memorabilia for the 2025 edition of the awards show had allegedly misappropriated the funds. Photo: Facebook
Kareem-Nelson Hull, Executive Producer of the Vicon Awards, said it was disappointing that the company entrusted to provide memorabilia for the 2025 edition of the awards show had allegedly misappropriated the funds. Photo: Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The 2025 Virgin Islands Icon Awards (VIcons) recently faced controversy due to allegations against a supplier contracted for the event.

The supplier is accused of unlawfully diverting funds intended for the prestigious awards ceremony. A full investigation has been launched by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), according to a press release from the event producers.

This investigation was initiated after a routine review of deliverables for the awards show, which took place on Sunday, July 6, uncovered potential misappropriation of funds. 

Misappropriation of funds found days before the awards show

The misconduct was discovered just days after the annual ceremony celebrating excellence in the Virgin Islands.

The supplier in question was contracted to provide various services, including procuring branded items—such as swag bags, 4-in-1 tumblers, and backpacks—for distribution to VIconic Training Academy students, as well as shipping event-related goods and educational materials. However, event organisers found that the funds allocated for these purposes were misused. 

Items believed to be intended for the awards were discovered in a California warehouse for over 27 days and were found to have no connection to the show. 

Despite this, the supplier reportedly billed the full amount for the shipment. 

This discrepancy was confirmed through direct verification with the shipping company in California. In response, the matter has been escalated to local authorities, and the VIcons team has engaged legal counsel.

‘We take these matters seriously’- Executive Producer

Kareem-Nelson Hull, Executive Producer of the awards, stated, “It is incredibly disappointing to be placed in a position where we must publicly address this situation. As a nonprofit organisation, we take these matters seriously and are committed to pursuing justice and accountability.” 

The supplier has been removed from any further involvement with the event. Organisers are reviewing and tightening internal controls to prevent similar breaches in the future. 

The Virgin Islands Icon Awards team expressed gratitude to its sponsors, judges, nominees, winners, and the broader community for their continued support and patience. 

24 Responses to “VI Icon Awards memorabilia supplier accused of misappropriating funds ”

  • asking for a friend (12/07/2025, 08:32) Like (35) Dislike (14) Reply
    Who cares about this?
    • Uuuhh (12/07/2025, 13:03) Like (19) Dislike (7) Reply
      Everybody since we don't want to be scammed either.
    • What!!’ (12/07/2025, 18:42) Like (19) Dislike (3) Reply
      Everybody should care about this, if there has been theft then those responsible must be bought to justice, although I know that is strange idea for most here.
    • Because if it happen here.. (13/07/2025, 08:33) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
      You better beieve it is happening on a lager scale where every else this person is working. How do you think most crime is decreased in large cities . it start with attention to small matter that people think are not important.
  • Please, please please (12/07/2025, 10:15) Like (31) Dislike (11) Reply
    I can't struuups hard enough because this should not have made the news. No body cares about this nonsense. There are more important things to be concerned about other than swag bags and backpacks. Bout misconduct. Give me a break, please an tanks
    • @please, please please (12/07/2025, 13:39) Like (27) Dislike (5) Reply
      Exactly who gives a damn about swagbags and backpacks. I don’t. To me the whole thing is nonsense. Half of the people that these awards are given to doesn’t deserve the awards. Come for me if you like. Don’t care.
  • BuzzBvi (12/07/2025, 10:39) Like (34) Dislike (1) Reply
    They get the VI Con award.
    One of many.
  • WEW (12/07/2025, 13:06) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ethics, huh what's that ? Just give me the money
  • Paid out (12/07/2025, 13:53) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Waste of air time
    • I don't know. (12/07/2025, 14:50) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      Something or someone always doing something to mess up a good thing.. This event is a great in8tiative though I think a lot of deserving folks get over looked...Then you submit your picks / Suggestions and get ignored like I did.
  • Karen (12/07/2025, 14:18) Like (23) Dislike (0) Reply
    If your excellent at what you do, and your not one the "want to be" popular type, will you still make this VI Icon Award lists?

  • Wow. Our real culture., Steating. (12/07/2025, 14:41) Like (9) Dislike (3) Reply
    One good thing I can say base on observation Mr. Hull work very hard to make this even successdul, I know him, he is not my friend, we don't talk, I think he is a bigit..I observed his work and I admired it...Though I think a few names have been over looked..1 / Chicken most consistent during festival 80s - 90s - 2000s Chicken always there his songs his band prime time...2/ Sofee B, Sandr Potter, Burch, WiZ, and V. W before VI top 7, they were pushing local tunes keeping festival lively and relevant. 3/ Mr. Boynes who done so much to expose and export VI and VI culture...
    • old saying (14/07/2025, 14:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is a nomination period where YOU can nominate everybody YOU just mentioned.
  • Who took the Jar? (12/07/2025, 15:20) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    So who is this supplier? Why the stuff in a California warehouse? Well sah!
  • Deh Watcha (12/07/2025, 15:31) Like (15) Dislike (1) Reply
    The icon award is another political gimmick how much money they got from government?
  • tola (12/07/2025, 19:38) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Society show
  • who (12/07/2025, 21:15) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Name of supplier?
  • tricks (12/07/2025, 21:33) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
    You work so hard on this project. You did the right thing expose the mess. Because you as the messenger name is out their. Transparency and accountability is key to your success. Dont mind the noise. No coi not calling on you in the name of Jesus. Walk the lonesome valley you must walk it buy yourself no body will walk it for you. Let integrity count.
  • So tell me? (12/07/2025, 21:43) Like (9) Dislike (0) Reply
    Lots of names were submitted of persons that deserved and were deserving of the award. However they were overlooked.I would agree. some deserve the award and some did not.
  • please (13/07/2025, 00:26) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    All this is for the organizers to take people them money $150.00 to enter rubbish!!! Plus sponsorship are given thousands of dollars for what!! A plastic cheap trophy! Waste of time,just money for these ppl pockets wake the hell up BVI !! Same thing the politicians are doing with contractors smh pleasw
  • tola (13/07/2025, 06:10) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
    Friend, family show
  • Bank of Asia (13/07/2025, 08:44) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    HOA that’s OK but local equivalence of shoplifting, nail them to the wall ?
  • Jimbo (13/07/2025, 11:47) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply

    I as a bvi slander fail to see the purpose of the icon award show, except for a few persons to walk off with the ????. This reminds me of how Tyler Perry is able to use church and Bible to build an empire that has nothing absolutely to do with Christian and christ, an abomination.

  • # PLEASE (13/07/2025, 16:31) Like (2) Dislike (4) Reply
    YOU EXPOSED YOURSELF AS A PIECE OF SH*T IF YOU DON'T HAVE INTEGRITY YOU WON'T SEE THE PRINCIPLE , SO CONTINUE TO KEEP ( YOUR IGNORANCE TO YOURSELF , DON'T SHARE IT WITH US • WHOEVER IS GUILTY NEEDS TO EXPOSED , LETS GET A NAME AND PHOTO OF THE THE HUSTLER PLEASE


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