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'Sistah Joyce' alleges of bullying & harassment; VIF&FC clears the air

Well known calypsonian Joycelyn Searles Duncan aka ‘Sista Joyce’ has taken to social media to accuse the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) of bullying and harassment and even went as far to say she was fearful for her life. Photo: VIF&FC/Facebook
Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Natalie N. Penn-Lake, has refuted the allegations by ‘Sistah Joyce’. Photo: Facebook/File
Chairperson of the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee, Natalie N. Penn-Lake, has refuted the allegations by ‘Sistah Joyce’. Photo: Facebook/File
Some of the damning allegations made on Facebook by 'Sistah Joyce'. Photo: Facebook
Some of the damning allegations made on Facebook by 'Sistah Joyce'. Photo: Facebook
Calypsonian Joycelyn Searles Duncan aka ‘Sista Joyce’, seen here at the Calypso Competition at Charlie Neil Frett Festiville on July 26, 2025, was one of three calypsonians disqualified by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) for breaching competition rules. Photo: VIF&FC/Facebook
Calypsonian Joycelyn Searles Duncan aka ‘Sista Joyce’, seen here at the Calypso Competition at Charlie Neil Frett Festiville on July 26, 2025, was one of three calypsonians disqualified by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) for breaching competition rules. Photo: VIF&FC/Facebook
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Well-known calypsonian Joycelyn Searles Duncan aka ‘Sista Joyce’ has taken to social media to accuse the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee (VIF&FC) of bullying and harassment, and even went as far as to say she was fearful for her life.

The VIF&FC, through its chairperson, Natalie N. Penn-Lake, has since refuted the allegations by ‘Sistah Joyce’.

The allegations come on the heels of ‘Sistah Joyce’ being one of three calypsonians disqualified for breaching competition rules.

‘They want make me go prison for no reason’- Sistah Joyce

‘Sistah Joyce’ made no less than three Facebook posts on her page with handle ‘Sistah Smokie’ on August 1, 2025, accusing the VIF&FC of “unfair treatment” and “plotting” against her.

She further said she was being bullied and harassed and fearful of her safety, “because if is my last breath, I am gonna prove my innocence”.

She also called on various leaders in the Virgin Islands to come to her aid because people wanted to either kill her or “make me go prison for no reason”.

‘The only thing I did wrong was lift a chair’

“The only thing I did wrong was lift a chair after one of them due to feeling embarrassed. But how would they feel if it was them and they refuse to even hear your side because they done plot against you with their personal ulterior motives,” ‘Sistah Joyce wrote.

Our News Centre was informed that the incident of the “chair” occurred on Thursday night, July 31, 2025, at Charlie Neil Frett Festiville.

‘Sistah Joyce’ reportedly attacked a member of the VIF&FC with a chair, and the Committee subsequently made a decision to prevent her from performing at the International Reggae Night on Friday, August 1, 2025.

The “attack” against the VIF&FC member was also reported to police by the alleged victim.

No victimisation- Natalie N. Penn-Lake

According to Penn-Lake, speaking to our News Centre today, August 3, 2025, “No one is being victimised”.

Penn-Lake confirmed the alleged assault and noted that it was the Committee’s decision to scratch ‘Sistah Joyce’ from the line-up for the International Reggae Night, even though she was already paid via cheque.

The performer’s behaviour and the fact that she was required to keep a certain distance from the person she allegedly attacked with a chair were some of the things taken into consideration, Penn-Lake further divulged.

She said the Committee was unable to inform ‘Sistah Joyce’ of their decision in time because “she blocked everybody”.

“No one is being victimised, but the Committee agreed it could not reward such behaviour,” Penn-Lake stated.

42 Responses to “'Sistah Joyce' alleges of bullying & harassment; VIF&FC clears the air”

  • Funny (03/08/2025, 15:56) Like (36) Dislike (1) Reply
    it was sista joyce that cried wolf about the winner using material already aired and then found out she also was cheating and so she picked up a chair... do not book her again
    • @Funny (03/08/2025, 20:42) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      She cried wolf, it simply backfired. Why do people always feel the need to sneak in a cheat in competitions.
    • l (03/08/2025, 22:37) Like (26) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is never a time when you should pick up an object to inflict pain on another person because of a verbal disagreement. This shows the immaturity of the abuser, who cannot use common sense and work things out rationally. She should not be rewarded for her behavior and has to give back the money already paid by check.
    • Madussa (04/08/2025, 13:23) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
      I am so sick of the entire bunch of immature adults living here who have set bad examples for our youth. Grow the hell up already! Jouvet is just a NASTY gathering of lost souls, and the parents that bring their children are mentally deranged. What has happened to our beautiful islands???? CRYING!!!!!
  • Cindy (03/08/2025, 16:13) Like (17) Dislike (1) Reply
    Look drama mehson
  • Well Sah (03/08/2025, 16:23) Like (10) Dislike (7) Reply
    Wow. How did it get to that Sis.
    That’s why I never went into this competition thing. I hate this word ! Competition !!! Slave mentality!!
    • @Well Sah. (03/08/2025, 17:07) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why is it working good every where else? We have to change our mindset, our mentality and work with the system, obey the rules and be respectful...I agreed 100% with a previous suggestion every local artist band, calypsonians must have at lease one recorded song on the radio in order to perform in the village, the public must have an idea of what to expect..Even the final 8 Calypsonians can pick from that one or two recorded songs, if the pool is too big..We got to get better..
  • bob marley (03/08/2025, 16:26) Like (2) Dislike (2) Reply
    ???? And when you gonna get some food
    For our brother got to be your enemy!
    Ambush in the night music ????
  • But why? (03/08/2025, 16:47) Like (32) Dislike (1) Reply
    What reason they want to un alive you or see you in prison? From my understanding, you were the aggressor when you pull the chair on the woman to lick her down just because you wanted things to go your way.
  • Now you Know (03/08/2025, 16:49) Like (4) Dislike (4) Reply
    The leaders of the Country is not going to do diddly
    • “@ now you know (03/08/2025, 19:04) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
      What is the leaders supposed to do when a rule was broken. It was the committee decision to scratch her.
    • @ now you know (04/08/2025, 21:54) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Why should the leaders of the Country get involved. For trying to defend an aggressor who was trying to beat someone with a chair after breaking a rule? They need to stay clear of that.
  • lord o. (03/08/2025, 16:58) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    Getting a woman to control her emotions when she is upset is practically impossible, Bad decisions have consequences...As much as I love and respect Sister Joyce as a person and for her talent and contributions, let me say it publicly, "Sister Joyce you were wrong". No your warrior personality banning you Reggae night was the right decision, you would have gone on the stage and continue the feud..I like this no nonsense committee, rules are there and must be enforced indisciplined behaviour must be a no, no. Hope next yr we have this said no nonsense chair lady, she is doing it right...One favour I asked of her make sure the public get to hear the village performers prior to performing in the Village, recording is a criteria, I watch Antigua village and the standard of entertainment is not only very high, but very serious..We have to step up our local acts, need to step up, the talent is there but the commitment and seriousness to their craft not seeing it..It almost seems like festival is seen as just a good pay day..
  • This 2025 Festival (03/08/2025, 17:16) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Is nothing but drama.let me continue to stay in my 4 corner aka house, drink water and mind my business.I want no part nor am I involved in the drama.
  • asura (03/08/2025, 17:53) Like (6) Dislike (6) Reply
    Sister Joyce is like crazy Cindy they will turn on their very mother!!
  • resident (03/08/2025, 18:42) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    We need more help with mental health
  • Stop payment (03/08/2025, 19:33) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    Put a stop payment on the darn cheque. She probably done cash it anyways
  • The case (03/08/2025, 19:52) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Of the chair.
  • One foot rooster (03/08/2025, 20:49) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
    THIS HAĹF BREED TING FROM STKITTS NEED TO STOP SMOKE ALL THIS TINTED IMPORTED WEED BU RASTA GIRL CUT YO LAX YO A BALL HEAD
    • @One foot rooster (08/08/2025, 18:54) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
      SIsta Joyce grew up in St. Kitts but was born in St. Croix.
  • karma (03/08/2025, 20:55) Like (7) Dislike (4) Reply
    Hey Sista, you old and washed up! Glad my karma came your way! Go pull another chair put it in the corner and take a long sit! Bwaaa Haaa! Tek dat!!
  • what (03/08/2025, 21:00) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who did she pull a chair at to lick down. What a drama festival 2025! Crazy Mehson!
  • badness (03/08/2025, 22:27) Like (3) Dislike (5) Reply
    Joice I'm a man of the street and by reading dis as a woman u must try to let some things slide, people are not fair u know that before u since up , my girl do your thing I like your song's
  • Too controversial (03/08/2025, 23:17) Like (11) Dislike (0) Reply
    Drama Queen
  • My only comment (04/08/2025, 02:56) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    When you are in the music business you don’t do anything or get caught up in anything or you won’t get any bookings they will deem you difficult to work with.
  • Like the saying goes (04/08/2025, 03:28) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Once your name pop up in anything here in the BVI, you will be getting toss under the bus.or moving freight train.
  • Keep her out!!What an embarassment (04/08/2025, 06:17) Like (17) Dislike (0) Reply
    She deserves to be banned from VIFFC events and competitions for at least 5 years. Where ever she goes and whatever she involve in there is always drama. She disgusting now!! Someone really needs to get through to her and convince her to get therapy. When you fake a seizure to get attention and then get up and take up a chair and attack another human being this is the actions of someone who needs help but must be punished for their actions. She is and will always be a trouble maker and drama queen. What an embarrassment to Calypso. Kudos to VIFFC for their decision
  • Ridiculous (04/08/2025, 06:19) Like (14) Dislike (0) Reply
    Who would want to kill her?? Ridiculous. Not worth it
  • tom cat (04/08/2025, 07:10) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    She brouit on herself now cussing and blocking everyone
  • smh (04/08/2025, 08:23) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
    They had every right to ban her from the event. You can't just pick up a chair and use it as a weapon without expecting consequences. This sounds like the outburst of someone who’s completely unhinged.
  • Me (04/08/2025, 09:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Wasn't there some kind of Preliminary competition in the old days where Calypsonians would have to sing 2 songs in the Prelims and so it could be judged and then they move forward to the Finals? I think I remember something like this but correct me if I'm wrong.
  • Hg (04/08/2025, 11:48) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Sergeant Zamfair!!! Sister Joyce made these people strip you off your crown and the rank that your ag cop promised you. She is static.........
  • Vengeance (04/08/2025, 14:58) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    When you make up your bed lie down in it. You too messy!! Long time she causing confusion. She need to go back England and go back on their welfare handout system. She nasty bad!!God don’t sleep
  • HMMM (04/08/2025, 15:25) Like (8) Dislike (1) Reply
    When you dig a hole for someone make sure dig a hole for yourself. Sistah Joyce always have this entitlement attitude like the government owe she something. She had Andrew one way. Natalie I’m glad you stood your ground. Ban her for 5 years let she go look real wuk.
  • Sick And Tired (04/08/2025, 15:43) Like (8) Dislike (6) Reply
    I like her BUT she needs to learn to humble herself. To me she's her own enemy. She post a million times on her page everyday and nobody is studying her. Don't talk about her son , I swear is attention he does be looking. I notice she never tells her children they are wrong when they are and they don't tell her she needs to stop when she is as well. If they continue like that they will forever be fighting battles. At some point they have to learn to humble themselves and stop the nonsense. Both her and her son Jahnai needs a break from Facebook.
  • It did not (04/08/2025, 16:18) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Have to come to that, if Joyce felt whatever, whatever, she allow her aggression to take over. There are other ways to handling S other than picking up a chair to strike another woman because you were mad? Then running around talking about being fearful, fearful of who and what? See where aggression will land you? You were the aggressor.
  • asking for a friend (04/08/2025, 17:59) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Ms Joyce was lacking deportment and lacking respect when she was told to leave the stage!!! who to blame?

    “
  • MISS JOYCE (05/08/2025, 14:13) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    IF U SMOKING THAT IMPORTED WEED ( S T O P ) IT IS SSID TO CONTAIN OPIOM AND OR COCAINE STICK TO THE NATURAL HOME GROWN ( IN THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD YOU HAVE TO RESPECT YOURSELF AND THE PEOPLE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO BE ENTERTAINING , HOPEFULLY YOU LEARNT A LITTLE COMMON SENCE FROM THE CONSEQUENCES • NONE OF US IS PERFECT , WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES •
  • Advisor (05/08/2025, 15:35) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    In competition things don't anyways go in your favor and one must always be prepared for that disappointment, especially an adult. This is a yearly competition, so just take that energy and write us a bomb ass song next year..
  • Well deserved (06/08/2025, 06:10) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Girl you got what you deserve. You have deceived , undermined, and tried to destroy so many people. You are the classic wolf in sheep clothing. You pretend to be nice but deep down you are not. You have gone so far that what you once did to others you are now doing to yourself. Confusion and drama are your first , middle, and last name. Karma is alive and well. God is also wide awake. By the way. Pay the people that you owe.


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