By BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley As international relations becomes more unpredictable in an increasingly uncertain world, diplomacy will be even more critical to advancing the national interests of the British Virgin Islands (BVI). It is the best means by which to exert some influence on the external decisions that ultimately affect our daily lives, … Continued
Bishop John Cline has expressed outrage just like other members of the public about the Auditor General’s report on the exorbitant salary increases for members of the House of Assembly. In a statement on radio, Bishop Cline said that while it is agreed there is a need for increases, the issue is, it is being … Continued
Talk Show Host Claude Skelton Cline does not believe expatriates and belongers have any business in determining the way forward for the territory. Skelton Cline during his radio programme ‘Honestly Speaking’ was discussing the issue of self-determination and having the people vote in a referendum. Skelton Cline says if persons are not Virgin Islanders by blood … Continued
As long as the territory is on a path towards self-determination, it does need a referendum to determine where it wants to go. And as Local Businessman Troy Christopher puts it, ‘that would be giving back what their ancestors fought for’. It is believed that a committee must be put in place which would do … Continued
A talk show host says the BVI is in what she calls a critical position with some of the recommendations in the UK’s published Law Enforcement Review Report and she believes the government does not have the leadership to address it. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says that he categorically rejects some of the recommendations, but … Continued
A local businessman believes it is time the BVI tap into the Caribbean market and also produce local food because of the US Tariffs. In an Interview carried on ZBVI radio, Managing Director of Clarence Thomas Limited, CTL Michael Thomas called on government to utilize local farmers through the use of greenhouse technology in the … Continued
The following Commentary was written by Mr. Benito Wheatley. The Labour Party’s landslide victory at the polls presents a fresh opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) to establish a genuine modern partnership with the Overseas Territories (OTs) after 14 years of Conservative Party rule in which the relationship with the Territories was severely strained by … Continued
Julian Willock, the former Speaker of the House of Assembly, was arrested earlier today and charged in relation to two ongoing criminal investigations. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed the arrest and charges in a media release. Willock, 56, of Sea Cows Bay, Tortola, was charged in connection with investigations into Visa Waivers … Continued
The following is commentary by Mr. Benito Wheatley The people of the British Virgin Islands have traditionally celebrated Emancipation and the basic freedoms we enjoy today at the annual Emancipation Festival/August Festival that takes place between late July and early August. But because we are so far removed from slavery, members of the public may … Continued
The following is commentary by Shaina M. Smith-Archer. I heard about the call for comments in the news on increasing the minimum wage, and there is so much here I don’t know which corner to start at. I think we should first complete the population census to understand what is really going on in our … Continued
