Honourable Julian Fraser, Third District Representative, remains unconvinced that the government’s plan to acquire Joes Hill Manor Estate will effectively aid first-time Virgin Islands homebuyers. He contends they still face being priced out without major subsidies from the government. Fraser noted that the original pitch for Joe’s Hill development promised affordable properties for new owners. … Continued
The RATED Programme is facing renewed criticism over chronically late payments to participants. Second District Representative the Honourable Melvin Turnbull is leading calls for reforms to the government-run short-term job program. Launched to aid unemployed residents, the RATED Programme has been plagued by fiscal mismanagement according to Turnbull, leaving participants without payment months after delivering … Continued
General Manager of the BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) Dr. Neil Smith says the current situation at the Pockwood Pond Landfill not only poses a danger to the BVIEC’s main plant, but it also has the potential to escalate into a national security issue if it gets out of control. Dr. Smith made the statement during … Continued
Representative for the Sixth District Honourable Myron Walwyn has blasted the Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley for his absence during the annual Standing Finance Committee meetings. Walwyn heavily criticized the premier who was away on business travel at the recently concluded 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations … Continued
Opposition legislator Honourable Myron Walwyn has called the Virgin Islands Party (VIP) election endorsement by the United States Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “a stroke of genius”. Walwyn made the comment during the BVI’s 2024 budget debate, alluding that the endorsement was a strategic move by Governor Bryan to back the administration that Walwyn … Continued
As his time in office draws to a close, Governor John Rankin delivered heartfelt final Christmas remarks to the people of the Virgin Islands last week. Looking back on 2023, he celebrated many of the Territory’s achievements. In the world of sports, he acknowledged locals who shined on the international stage. Additionally, the Governor gave … Continued
Residents and businesses on Virgin Gorda will soon enjoy expanded banking services right in their community. Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley recently announced that Banco Popular plans to extend its operating hours on the sister island. Currently open just three days per week, the lone Virgin Gorda branch of Banco Popular will shift to a … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands has decided to purchase the Joe’s Hill Manor Estate for $20 million. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced the plan to acquire the property from the Social Security Board (SSB) during recent budget proceedings. According to the Premier, the goal is to improve access to homeownership for first-time buyers who … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has sought to clarify the figures of the 2024 Budget, stating that there was a misunderstanding of the total value that was presented during his November Budget Address. Premier Wheatley made the disclosure during his opening remarks of the debate for the 2024 Budget. He … Continued
Drakes Traders Limited continued their annual community donations delivering a $2,500 shopping gift to the Adina Donovan Home on Tortola recently. The donation was presented to the Home Manager, Mrs. Ritzia Turnbull-Smith by Drakes Traders Assistant Managers Mrs. Michelle Rymer and Mr. Adam Patrick Recio who was accompanied by other team members at their store … Continued
