- New cartoon feature to be launched on 5 March 2015 & New Editor in Chief hired; John E. Leonard no longer with company!
March 5, 2015 ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI - The now popular online news site Virgin Islands News Online (VINO) - www.virginislandsnewsonline.com - has turned five (5) this month, March 2015 as it was launched on March 1, 2010.
The company, a subsidiary of its parent company Advance Marketing and Professional Services, has certainly cemented its converted position as the number one (1) online news site in the Virgin Islands.
The online media house, which prides itself on being innovative, fair, accurate, balanced and always first with real breaking news, was founded by the esteemed Julian Willock, a former Permanent Secretary and entrepreneur, and Angela U. Burns, a veteran media practitioner who has worked for several local, regional and international news agencies.
Ms Burns has since given up her role as a Director and is no longer associated with the company or the news site; however, the other founder, Mr Willock, fills the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors, but maintains no editorial control of the day-to-day operations.
New Editor in Chief/John E. Leonard out!
The day-to-day-operations are run by an Editor in Chief. We are therefore pleased to announce the return of Mr Reuben J. A. Stoby who will hold the post of Editor-in-Chief and comes to the table with 12 years of experience in both broadcast and print journalism.
Mr Stoby is responsible for all editorial and story content and is the one to call on for any editorial issues, comments/blogs and questions about any story posted on the news site.
Meanwhile, the Marketing Manager John E. Leonard who operated from overseas has opted not to renew his contract with Advance Marketing and Professional Services and will no longer hold the post effective March 1, 2015. In the interim, while the Company recruits a new officer, the Chairman Mr Willock will handle marketing and revenue matters until such time as a suitable candidate is on board.
Mr Leonard, who is Canadian and had been with the company for two years, was the subject of many unwarranted criticism and harsh language from National Democratic Party Legislators. Many persons saw it as a smoke screen to get at the company’s esteemed Chairman Mr Willock.
New cartoon feature
Effective March 5, 2015 VINO will launch a new cartoon feature depicting topical commentary and issues in the Virgin Islands, both social, political, and otherwise. The cartoon feature will be posted each Wednesday on the home page and can also be seen on the inner pages on our mobile site.
5 years of extraordinary journalism
Virgin Islands News Online has distinguished itself both locally and regionally, covering a variety of local, regional and international news. It has gained popularity for most often being first and accurate with breaking news, and with providing frequent and daily updates, seven days a week, with factual details.
The news site remains one of the few online news with a dedicated sports reporter, covering a variety of local sports, including horse racing, cricket, basketball, sailing, track and field, football and even the progress being made by our local college student athletes at American and European colleges and universities.
The readership and advertisers have certainly increased some 75% from 2010, since residents are always eager to see what Virgin Islands News Online is reporting.
VINO is also the only online news site and media house trusted by government and private sector whistle blowers, politicians, clergy, captains of industry and ordinary citizens to bring information or to get their message out.
A free press must be preserved
A free and open press ensures that the government represents its people, and is held accountable by its citizens. It prevents actions of government propaganda and evil to mankind like the NAZIs of WW2 or current day North Korea. A free but responsible press puts the government and the private sector in the eyes of the normal man and women, reminding them that they are not an untouchable entity that the public has no control over.
VINO has had five years filled with highs and lows, but has certainly inspired its many readers, advertisers and fans that our online news site is here to stay and will continue to take on the big issues, while maintaining high journalistic standards in a fair, balanced and objective way.
We end by saying a big thank you to our staff, management, Team of Reporters, regional and international affiliates, the Board of Directors and our loyal readers and advertisers who have made this all possible.
We are pleased that we have honoured our commitment over the last five years- that this online news site will not be used by anyone, including Founders, staff, commentators, politicians, bloggers or others to advance any personal goals, attack or agenda, or to settle any scores with anyone.
We pledge to report the news objectively and free of partisan politics, something our record over the past five years has already attested to.
WE THANK YOU FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MANY MORE YEARS TO COME.
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DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
British Virgin Islands News