Controversy erupted over the 2025 Virgin Islands Icon Awards (VIcons) in July 2025 when it was reported that the supplier contracted to provide items for the event was allegedly accused of unlawfully diverting funds intended for the prestigious awards ceremony, resulting in delays of necessary items for the show, however, in a Facebook post on Sunday, January 4, 2025, the Virgin Islands Icon Awards announced that the expected items had finally been received. Photo:Facebook

Virgin Islands Icon Award team expressed excitement in a Facebook post that they can now give the 2025 participants their items, stating, ’We’re also delighted to give our 2025 VIconic Training Academy (VTA) Class their well-deserved backpacks and class kits.’’ Photo: Facebook

The Virgin Islands Icon Awards team expressed gratitude to the individuals, shipping agencies, customs teams, and the Ministry of Finance for facilitating the process that ensured the items reached the Virgin Islands, as well as to the audience of the 2025 show for their patience. Photo:Facebook

“We’ve never been happier to see so many boxes! The sight of two offloaded pallets this morning means that items promised to our audience members at our 2025 show will finally be distributed this month!”

Supplier contracted never delivered 

Initially, the supplier 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 discovered that the allocated funds were allegedly misused.

Virgin Islands Icon Award team expressed excitement in a Facebook post that they can now give the 2025 participants their items, stating, ’We’re also delighted to give our 2025 VIconic Training Academy (VTA) Class their well-deserved backpacks and class kits.’’

The post continued,  ‘’It’s been a long road since expecting the items the week before the 2025 show, finding out they would not reach us in time or at all, sourcing the items ourselves, ordering them, and having them shipped to us.’’

Gratitude 

The Virgin Islands Icon Awards team expressed gratitude to the individuals, shipping agencies, customs teams, and the Ministry of Finance for facilitating the process that ensured the items reached the Virgin Islands, as well as to the audience of the 2025 show for their patience.

A specific date and time for item pick-up have not yet been confirmed, but the team has indicated that these details will be communicated soon. 

According to the team, “The storm is almost over.”