The producers of The Virgin Islands Icon Awards (VIcons), a celebration of Virgin Islands excellence, are deeply dismayed to report a serious breach of trust involving a contracted supplier. During a routine check on expected deliverables, including the swag bags and their contents, for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards held Sunday, it was discovered that a supplier engaged for services relating to the show had unlawfully appropriated funds designated for purchasing of branded collateral (swag bags, 4-in-1 tumbler and backpacks for the VIconic Training Academy students) and shipment of goods (décor items, swag bag items, show related items and learning tool items for the VIconic Training Academy students.)
It was also further discovered that of the items held in a California warehouse for more than 27 days, all items to be shipped were not intended for The Virgin Islands Icon Awards, but the cost of the full shipment was passed on to The VIcons for full payment. Immediate steps were taken to verify the discrepancies with the shipping company in California, and the matter has since been escalated to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force for full investigation. “It is incredibly disappointing to be placed in a position where we must speak publicly about this situation,” said Kareem-Nelson Hull, Executive Producer. “The Virgin Islands Icon Awards is built on honour, community, and we try our best to maintain the integrity of the system. As a nonprofit organisation we must take these matters seriously and are committed to pursuing justice and accountability. Moreover, we’re committed to ensuring that the audience receives everything as promised.” The individual in question is no longer affiliated with The Virgin Islands Icon Awards in any capacity. Legal counsel has been engaged, and the event’s internal controls are being strengthened to ensure this breach cannot be repeated in future editions
As the case is now in the hands of law enforcement, The Virgin Islands Icon Awards team will not be issuing further comments at this time to preserve the integrity of the investigation. We thank our sponsors, Assembly of Judges, nominees, winners, supporters and community for their patience, understanding, and continued trust in our mission.