284 News Saturday, May 9th, 2026

284 News Saturday, May 9th, 2026

In the News

BVITB & FC establishes Marketing Advisory Panel

The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) is ensuring it aligns its’ target markets. To this end, the Board has established a Marketing Advisory Panel (MAP) to support destination marketing alignment and strengthen collaboration across the tourism industry. The panel brings together a cross-section of leaders from the tourism industry to align … Continued

Government and PHSU strengthen partnership

The Government and Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) have taken steps to strengthen their partnership. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), was signed on Tuesday between the two marking another step forward for healthcare, education, and economic development in the Territory. Premier and Minister with responsibility for economic development, Dr. Natalio Wheatley, described the signing as … Continued

BVIEC Defends Fuel Surcharge as Anegada Consumers See Higher Bills Despite Solar Farm

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has defended the decision to continue to have Anegada residents pay the same fuel surcharge as elsewhere across the territory, despite the island operating primarily on solar power. The issue has drawn renewed attention as electricity consumers across the British Virgin Islands receive bills reflecting higher global fuel … Continued

Art and Poetry Competitions to Promote Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week

As the Virgin Islands prepares to observe Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2026 from May 11–15, the Environmental Health Division (EHD) is inviting students across the Territory to take part in a Poetry and Art Competition aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action to reduce mosquito breeding. Observed under the theme “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction … Continued

Roman Nibbs Alberto Recognised for Week of Service as Premier

Premier Natalio D. Wheatley has recognized Mr. Roman Nibbs Alberto following his participation in a unique leadership initiative that saw him serve as “Premier for a Week.” During a brief presentation, the Premier commended Alberto’s dedication and presented him with tokens of appreciation for his service and engagement. Throughout the programme, Alberto participated in a … Continued

Ministry of Health Strengthening Asthma Care With Utilization Review

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is strengthening the delivery of asthma care with the implementation of a Medication Utilization Review.  The Ministry has partnered with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, Pooled Procurement Service (OECS/PPS) to conduct the review and they will also be responsible for analyzing the data. A Medication Utilization Review … Continued

WHO Monitoring Deadly Hantavirus Cluster Linked to Cruise Ship

The World Health Organisation is monitoring a cluster of severe respiratory illness linked to a cruise ship currently moored off the coast of Cabo Verde, after confirmed cases of hantavirus resulted in multiple deaths. According to WHO, seven cases have been identified as of May 4, including two laboratory-confirmed hantavirus infections and five suspected cases. … Continued

Local

ANOCES 3×3 Basketball Tournament Set for May 16–17, 2026 in Tortola

The Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS, in collaboration with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), is proud to announce the staging of the ANOCES U23 3×3 Basketball Tournament, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola. This highly anticipated regional competition forms part of ANOCES’ … Continued

BVI Finance’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme returns for third year- 32 Students Placed across 26 firms

BVI Finance has announced the return of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme, successfully placing 32 students across 26 local firms. Now in its third year, the programme has become an important platform for connecting students and recent graduates with leading financial services firms across the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Designed to complement academic learning with … Continued

Water Disruption to Affect Diamond Estate to McNamara Residents

The Water and Sewerage Department has issued a notice advising residents in parts of Diamond Estate and surrounding areas to prepare for a temporary disruption in water supply. According to the advisory, residents in the vicinity of Century House Montessori School extending to McNamara will experience interruptions beginning today, May 4, with disruptions expected to … Continued

Regional

Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne Secures Fourth Term in Landslide Victory

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a fourth consecutive term in office following a decisive victory in Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 General Election. Results from the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission show Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party winning 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, further strengthening its hold on government. The opposition United … Continued

CTO Celebrates Media Excellence with Return of Caribbean Storytelling Awards

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has opened submissions for the 2026 Caribbean Media Awards, recognizing outstanding storytelling that captures the depth, diversity and evolving narrative of the Caribbean. The awards will be presented during Caribbean Week in New York, taking place June 1-5, 2026, and will honor exceptional work from journalists, broadcasters and content creators … Continued

CARPHA, OECS Commission move to strengthen regional health systems

The Caribbean Public Health Agency and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening public health systems across the Eastern Caribbean following a high-level meeting held on March 5, 2026. Senior officials from both organisations convened to advance their longstanding partnership, focusing on improving health security, pharmaceutical services, and overall … Continued

World

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down After 34 Years of Operations

Spirit Airlines has announced it is shutting down after 34 years in operation, citing rising fuel costs and ongoing financial challenges. The ultra-low-cost carrier said it has begun an “orderly wind-down” of operations effective immediately, canceling all flights and ceasing customer service. The airline, known for its bright yellow planes and budget fares, employed approximately … Continued

U.S. Moves to Reclassify Medical Marijuana in Major Policy Shift

The Trump administration has taken one of the most significant federal steps in decades to ease restrictions on medical marijuana, moving it from Schedule I to Schedule III under U.S. drug laws. The decision, signed by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, applies to state-licensed medical marijuana and FDA-approved cannabis-based products. While the move marks a … Continued

American Airlines rejects United merger, citing competition concerns

American Airlines Group Inc. has firmly rejected speculation about a potential merger with United Airlines, stating that such a deal would harm competition and consumers. In a statement released Friday, American said it is “not engaged with or interested in any discussions” regarding a combination with its rival, despite recent reports suggesting that talks had … Continued

Caribbean faces mounting food security risks amid global shocks and climate threats

Caribbean nations are confronting a growing food security crisis in 2026 as global geopolitical tensions and climate risks converge, threatening already fragile economies across the region. The World Food Programme “Intersecting Global and Regional Shocks: Implications of the Middle East Crisis and El Niño for Food Security in the Caribbean” highlights how a major supply … Continued

Sports

ANOCES 3×3 Basketball Tournament Set for May 16–17, 2026 in Tortola

The Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS, in collaboration with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), is proud to announce the staging of the ANOCES U23 3×3 Basketball Tournament, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola. This highly anticipated regional competition forms part of ANOCES’ … Continued

Adaejah Hodge Smashes 100M National Record with Historic Sub-11 Run

Adaejah Hodge has set a new national record delivering a record-breaking performance in the women’s 100 metres. Competing at the Tom Jones Invitational on Saturday, April 18, Hodge clocked 10.77 seconds, becoming the first female athlete from the British Virgin Islands to break the 11-second barrier. The performance not only shattered the previous national record but … Continued

BVI athletes return home, Jah’kyla Morton secures territory’s lone medal

The British Virgin Islands delivered record-breaking performance at the 53rd CARIFTA Games in Grenada, highlighted by a national relay debut and a standout silver medal finish. A major milestone came on the track as Caedon Fraites, Deneil Clarke, Shaumal Donovan, and Macayla Logan etched their names into the record books. The quartet became the first … Continued

Politics

Antigua and Barbuda PM Gaston Browne Secures Fourth Term in Landslide Victory

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has secured a fourth consecutive term in office following a decisive victory in Antigua and Barbuda’s 2026 General Election. Results from the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission show Browne’s Antigua and Barbuda Labour Party winning 15 of the 17 seats in Parliament, further strengthening its hold on government. The opposition United … Continued

House supports constitutional amendment for judge-only trials

The House of Assembly’s committee has backed a proposal to amend the Virgin Islands Constitution to allow for judge-only criminal trials in certain cases, while preserving the constitutional right to trial by jury. The recommendation, originally put forward by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), was aimed at addressing persistent criminal case backlogs and the challenges … Continued

Committee backs legislative approach over constitutional right to fish and farm

Lawmakers in the British Virgin Islands have endorsed a recommendation to avoid creating a constitutional right to fish and farm, instead supporting a legislative approach to managing and protecting these traditional industries. The matter, identified as “Recommendation 44,” was examined by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which reviewed a public proposal calling for Virgin Islands … Continued

Penn: More Opportunities Needed to Reconnect Disenchanted Youth

Chairman of the National Democratic Party and Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is placing a strong focus on youth engagement and skills development as key priorities ahead of the next general election. In a recent interview with 284 Media, Penn emphasized the need to create meaningful opportunities for young people, particularly in industries such as the … Continued

Community

RVIPF’s Grant-Davis Wins Leader of the Future Award 2026

Chief Inspector Adrianne Grant-Davis of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has been named the 2026 recipient of the Leader of the Future Award at the British Overseas Territories Women in Policing Awards. The awards, supported by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and the Women in Policing Network, recognise outstanding female officers and allies … Continued

From Connection to Compassion: Rotary Club of Central Tortola Delivers Purpose‑Driven Action Under the Leadership of President Zoe J. Walcott

The Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT), under the leadership of President Zoe J. Walcott, delivered a focused and impactful programme of service during the 2025–2026 Rotary year, advancing Rotary International’s mission of being People of Action. Throughout the year, RCCT implemented strategic initiatives centred on youth empowerment, literacy, sustainability, health, food security, and community … Continued

Committee backs legislative approach over constitutional right to fish and farm

Lawmakers in the British Virgin Islands have endorsed a recommendation to avoid creating a constitutional right to fish and farm, instead supporting a legislative approach to managing and protecting these traditional industries. The matter, identified as “Recommendation 44,” was examined by the Constitutional Review Commission (CRC), which reviewed a public proposal calling for Virgin Islands … Continued

Virgin Islands Represented at Global Alzheimer’s Conference

The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association is proud to share that three of our board members recently participated in the 37th Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), held April 14–16, 2026 under the theme “Solutions for Today and Tomorrow.” This important global event brought together more than 1,400 delegates from over 60 countries, including researchers, … Continued

Government

The Virgin Islands Secures Top-Tier Recognition at Inaugural CPDMA

The Government of the Virgin Islands has been recognised as the top-three regional leader in public debt management at the inaugural Commonwealth Public Debt Management Awards. This achievement underscores the Territory’s growing strength in fiscal governance and economic resilience. The event was hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House in London on 26th March … Continued

BVI AND DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TO SIGN BILATERAL AGREEMENT IN JUNE; PUSH FOR INTEGRATION OF GREATER CARIBBEAN

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Dominican Republic (DR) are set to sign a bilateral agreement in June to strengthen their cooperation on trade, regional transportation, health and culture, among other things. The readiness of both sides was confirmed during a bilateral meeting in Santiago, Chile between BVI Special Envoy Mr. Benito Wheatley and Hon. … Continued

Marlon Penn appointed leader of the Opposition following NDP Chairmanship win

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has announced the appointment of Marlon A. Penn as Leader of the Opposition in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, following his election as Political Leader of the party. In a statement issued after the party’s National Convention, the NDP confirmed that Penn was duly elected to lead the organization, … Continued

Public Officers Complete SHRM-CP Programme through VIPSLI

Human resources professionals across the Public Service have successfully earned certification from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as part of an ongoing human resource capacity-building initiative led by the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute. The SHRM-CP is a globally recognised certification for HR professionals, designed to strengthen knowledge and practice through rigorous … Continued

Crime

Tarik Aaron Arrested in BVI on U.S. Extradition Warrant

Police have confirmed the arrest of Tarik Aaron, who was taken into custody shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States. The arrest comes more than two months after Aaron was named as the alleged ringleader in a … Continued

Business

Road Town Fast Ferry launches daily service to Virgin Gorda

Road Town Fast Ferry (RTFF) has officially launched daily ferry service between Road Town and Virgin Gorda, offering residents and visitors more travel options. Speaking to JTV Channel 55, RTFF owner Albion “Bobby” Hodge said the new service was introduced in response to requests from the Virgin Gorda community.  “We decided to start doing some … Continued

BVI—A World-Class Arbitration jurisdiction — Retired Chief Justice says it must be put to use

Retired Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court -Dame Janice Pereira, believes the BVI has already built the foundation of a world-class arbitration jurisdiction, and the next step is clear — use it. That was the central message from Dame Janice, who delivered the keynote at the J.S. Archibald Lecture during Arbitration Week – … Continued

BVI Chamber of Commerce hosts regional trade mission to strengthen Caribbean business ties

The BVI Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a regional trade mission that brought together business representatives from Guadeloupe, Antigua and Saint Lucia, creating new opportunities for strengthening commercial partnerships and expanding intra-Caribbean trade. The visiting delegation arrived aboard an MSC cruise vessel and participated in a networking and engagement session held at Cyril B. Romney … Continued

Entertainment

CCT and BVI Cable TV Celebrate 40+ Years with Major Public Event

Two of the British Virgin Islands’ leading telecommunications companies are marking major milestones this weekend, celebrating more than four decades of service to the Territory. Caribbean Cellular Telephone and BVI Cable TV are commemorating 40 and 41 years of operations respectively, with a public celebration set for Saturday, April 18, at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park. … Continued

BVITB & FC take steps to evolve BVI Brand- Project to create new Storytelling Platforms

The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission says it has begun the first phase of evolving the BVI brand, an effort aimed at supporting the Territory’s continued tourism growth, future success, and creating new storytelling platforms. The board said this initial phase is centred on a listening tour designed to engage residents across the territory, ensuring that … Continued

BVI Actor Sheldon Frett Shines on American Airlines In-Flight Screens Following BAFTA Recognition

Sheldon Frett, a rising actor from Tortola, British Virgin Islands, has captured global attention as his latest project, the short film Many Thousands Lost, is now available on American Airlines in-flight entertainment. The  film, directed by Jehan Patterson and featuring Frett in a leading role, was recently longlisted for a British Academy of Film and … Continued

Press Release

ANOCES 3×3 Basketball Tournament Set for May 16–17, 2026 in Tortola

The Association of National Olympic Committees of the OECS, in collaboration with the British Virgin Islands Olympic Committee (BVIOC), is proud to announce the staging of the ANOCES U23 3×3 Basketball Tournament, scheduled for May 16–17, 2026, at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola. This highly anticipated regional competition forms part of ANOCES’ … Continued

From Connection to Compassion: Rotary Club of Central Tortola Delivers Purpose‑Driven Action Under the Leadership of President Zoe J. Walcott

The Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT), under the leadership of President Zoe J. Walcott, delivered a focused and impactful programme of service during the 2025–2026 Rotary year, advancing Rotary International’s mission of being People of Action. Throughout the year, RCCT implemented strategic initiatives centred on youth empowerment, literacy, sustainability, health, food security, and community … Continued

The Virgin Islands Secures Top-Tier Recognition at Inaugural CPDMA

The Government of the Virgin Islands has been recognised as the top-three regional leader in public debt management at the inaugural Commonwealth Public Debt Management Awards. This achievement underscores the Territory’s growing strength in fiscal governance and economic resilience. The event was hosted by the Commonwealth Secretariat at Marlborough House in London on 26th March … Continued

Virgin Islands Represented at Global Alzheimer’s Conference

The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association is proud to share that three of our board members recently participated in the 37th Global Conference of Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), held April 14–16, 2026 under the theme “Solutions for Today and Tomorrow.” This important global event brought together more than 1,400 delegates from over 60 countries, including researchers, … Continued

Travel and Tourism

Spirit Airlines Shuts Down After 34 Years of Operations

Spirit Airlines has announced it is shutting down after 34 years in operation, citing rising fuel costs and ongoing financial challenges. The ultra-low-cost carrier said it has begun an “orderly wind-down” of operations effective immediately, canceling all flights and ceasing customer service. The airline, known for its bright yellow planes and budget fares, employed approximately … Continued

CTO Celebrates Media Excellence with Return of Caribbean Storytelling Awards

The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has opened submissions for the 2026 Caribbean Media Awards, recognizing outstanding storytelling that captures the depth, diversity and evolving narrative of the Caribbean. The awards will be presented during Caribbean Week in New York, taking place June 1-5, 2026, and will honor exceptional work from journalists, broadcasters and content creators … Continued

American Airlines rejects United merger, citing competition concerns

American Airlines Group Inc. has firmly rejected speculation about a potential merger with United Airlines, stating that such a deal would harm competition and consumers. In a statement released Friday, American said it is “not engaged with or interested in any discussions” regarding a combination with its rival, despite recent reports suggesting that talks had … Continued

Ministry of Communications and Works Announces Newly Approved Bus Services and Schedule

The Ministry of Communications and Works through the Taxi and Livery Commission and the Tortola Bus Drivers Association announces the commencement of approved public bus services operating across key routes on Tortola. The Tortola Bus Drivers Association, which is newly approved by the Ministry, and already functioning and serving the community, will operate the following … Continued

Health

Health Minister urges continued commitment during Vaccination Week.

Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent Wheatley says the Virgin Islands is making significant strides in public health as the Territory observes Vaccination Week in the Americas 2026 under the theme “Your decision makes a difference, immunization for all.” In a statement, Wheatley highlighted ongoing vaccination and education efforts taking place across the Territory, … Continued

Art Heals Project Transforms D.D.O.S.H With Large-Scale Pieces

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), in collaboration with Creative Waves, has officially launched the Art Heals Project, an inspiring initiative that brings together art, community, and corporate support to enhance healing environments through strategic partnerships. Unveiled on April 02, 2026, in the Lobby of the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, the exhibition … Continued

Dengue surge signals growing global health threat, PAHO warns

A sharp rise in dengue and other arboviral diseases is highlighting the growing impact of environmental change on global public health, the Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, said this week. Speaking at the One Health Summit 2026 in Lyon, Barbosa described the current outbreak as unprecedented. In 2024, countries … Continued

Opinion

HOW BVI DIPLOMACY IS SECURING OUR PLACE IN AN UNCERTAIN WORLD

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

BVI’S POLITICAL FUTURE IS VIRGIN ISLANDERS BUSINESS SAYS SKELTON CLINE

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

Education

Student Safely Secured After Distress Incident at Elmore Stoutt High School

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that officers responded to an incident at Elmore Stoutt High School on Tuesday, April 28, involving a student in distress. According to reports, a female Grade 8 student allegedly ingested prohibited substances and attempted to leap from the third floor of a building on the school’s campus. … Continued

BVIEC AND HLSCC ADVANCE HANDS-ON TECHNICAL TRAINING THROUGH MOU

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) and the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) are continuing to strengthen technical education and workforce development through their ongoing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the first cohort of students expected to begin hands-on training next fall semester on Diesel Engine 11 at BVIEC’s Long Bush facility. Diesel … Continued

Ivan Dawson Primary School Students Celebrate Opening of New Playground

Students of the Ivan Dawson Primary School are recipients of a new playground as part of the Ministry of Education’s ongoing initiative to upgrade playground facilities across public primary schools throughout the Territory  Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro in remarks during the dedication ceremony held on Monday, April … Continued

Weather

FLASH FLOODING RISK AS HEAVY RAINS FORECAST FOR BVI EARLY THIS WEEK

Residents across the British Virgin Islands are being urged to prepare for possible flash flooding as a significant weather system is expected to bring heavy rainfall early this week. According to the Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services, a trough system is forecast to begin affecting the Territory from Monday night, with the highest risk of flash … Continued

2026 Atlantic Hurricane season expected to be slightly below average, forecasters say 

Forecasters are predicting a slightly quieter-than-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, according to an early outlook released by Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones team. Researchers estimate the season will produce 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). That’s below the long-term average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes … Continued

Minor earthquakes recorded in the Caribbean

Seismologists recorded two minor earthquakes in the Caribbean region during the early hours of Friday, January 2, though neither event was reported as being felt by residents. The first earthquake, measuring magnitude 3.2, occurred at approximately 2:36 a.m. local time in the Caribbean Sea near Isla de Mona, off the west coast of Puerto Rico. … Continued

Environment

The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund Launched with Global Audience at GSIS 2026

The Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) was officially launched on April 21st in  Gran Canaria, Spain, at the Global Sustainable Islands Summit hosted by Island Innovation.  The launch event included a keynote address by the Deputy Premier and Minister of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Julian Fraser RA, remarks by Climate … Continued

“Our Power, Our Planet”: Earth Day 2026 Hits Close to Home for the Caribbean

Wednesday April 22nd, 2026, was marked globally as the 56th annual Earth Day under the theme “Our Power, Our Planet”. The theme recognizes that environmental progress is sustained by the daily actions of communities. “Environmental progress is built through every action”, states the official Earth Day website. “From communities protecting ecosystems to innovators advancing solutions. … Continued

2026 Atlantic Hurricane season expected to be slightly below average, forecasters say 

Forecasters are predicting a slightly quieter-than-average Atlantic hurricane season in 2026, according to an early outlook released by Colorado State University’s Tropical Cyclones team. Researchers estimate the season will produce 13 named storms, including six hurricanes and two major hurricanes (Category 3 or stronger). That’s below the long-term average of 14 named storms, seven hurricanes … Continued

Youth

BVI Finance’s Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme returns for third year- 32 Students Placed across 26 firms

BVI Finance has announced the return of the Tomorrow’s Leaders Internship Programme, successfully placing 32 students across 26 local firms. Now in its third year, the programme has become an important platform for connecting students and recent graduates with leading financial services firms across the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Designed to complement academic learning with … Continued

Penn: More Opportunities Needed to Reconnect Disenchanted Youth

Chairman of the National Democratic Party and Opposition Leader Marlon Penn is placing a strong focus on youth engagement and skills development as key priorities ahead of the next general election. In a recent interview with 284 Media, Penn emphasized the need to create meaningful opportunities for young people, particularly in industries such as the … Continued

Adaejah Hodge Smashes 100M National Record with Historic Sub-11 Run

Adaejah Hodge has set a new national record delivering a record-breaking performance in the women’s 100 metres. Competing at the Tom Jones Invitational on Saturday, April 18, Hodge clocked 10.77 seconds, becoming the first female athlete from the British Virgin Islands to break the 11-second barrier. The performance not only shattered the previous national record but … Continued

Events

Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbour Celebrates Successful 2026 Easter Festival WahooMania Tournament

irgin Gorda Yacht Harbour (VGYH) proudly hosted another thrilling and successful 2026 Easter Festival WahooMania Fishing Tournament, continuing a long-standing tradition of bringing together the territory’s top anglers, crews, and supporters for a weekend of world-class sport fishing. Held over Easter weekend, this year’s tournament showcased thrilling fishing conditions, strong participation, and impressive catches across … Continued

Education Month 2026 Launched

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports officially launched Education Month 2026 on Monday, 2nd March during a Meet the Media Press Conference, setting the tone for a month of activities focused on strengthening the education system and advancing national development through learning. The press conference featured a panel comprising the Minister for Education, … Continued

TITO PUENTE JR. HEADLINES THE RETURN OF THE HLSCC PERFORMING ARTS SERIES

The H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) will mark the highly anticipated return of its renowned Performing Arts Series on Saturday, 21 March 2026 with a headline performance by internationally celebrated Latin jazz artist Tito Puente Jr. at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium. For more than twenty years, the Performing Arts Series has served as … Continued

Andrew Fahie Trial

Former Premier appeals drug smuggling conviction- Lawyer sites jury misconduct and unreliable government agents

The VI Source is reporting that Former Premier Andrew Fahie has filed an appeal of his 2024 cocaine and money laundering conviction last Tuesday, claiming a lack of evidence, unreliable government agents, and judicial slip-ups. In February 2024, a Miami jury convicted Fahie of a 2022 plot to import thousands of pounds of cocaine bound for the … Continued

EARLY RELEASE FOR KADEEM & OLEANVINE MAYNARD RAISES QUESTIONS

The federal release dates for Kadeem Stephan Maynard and Oleanvine Pickering Maynard have been suddenly moved up, raising questions about the circumstances behind their early exits from prison. Kadeem Maynard, originally sentenced to 57 months in prison for his role in a cocaine importation conspiracy involving former Premier Andrew Fahie, is now set for release … Continued

MAYNARD’S SENTENCING DELAYED AGAIN; FAHIE REQUEST ANOTHER DELAY

The sentencing of Oleanvine Maynard, former Managing Director of the BVI Ports Authority has been pushed back once again despite a previous announcement that prosecutors would not be granting any further extensions. The reasons for the additional delay has not been provided. However, Maynard’s sentencing hearing is now reset for June 20th, 2024. Maynard, confessed … Continued

Pageantry

THE SEARCH BEGINS FOR THE NEXT MISS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

The Miss BritishVirgin Islands (MBVI) Pageant Sub-committee has issued a call for contestants for the MissBritish Virgin Islands 2026 Pageant, inviting eligible young women across the territory tocompete for one of the most prestigious titles in the British Virgin Islands.The pageant continues to serve as an important cultural platform, providing participants with theopportunity to represent … Continued

Maya Marcellin continues historic reign with Best Costume win at Teen Universe International

Miss Teen British Virgin Islands Maya Marcellin, has added another historic first to her reign after becoming the first Virgin Islander to win Best Costume at the Teen Universe International Pageant. Marcellin, who was crowned Miss Teen BVI in 2025, previously made history in December of that year when she became the first Virgin Islander … Continued

Miss BVI to participate in Miss OECS Pageant on January 30th

Miss BVI 2025 Donyelle Hodge is getting ready for her first regional pageant since she won the title locally. The Miss OECS Pageant 2026 is set for January 30th in Dominica under theme, ‘Crowning Radiance, Embracing Unity. Donyelle is among four young women from the OECS, namely, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica and St. Vincent … Continued