284 News Saturday, July 18th, 2026

284 News Saturday, July 18th, 2026

In the News

VIAA collaborates with Caricad on Hurricane Guide

Caregivers supporting persons living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia now have practical guidance during and after a hurricane or other emergency. The Virgin Islands Alzheimer’s Association has collaborated with the Caribbean Centre for Development Administration through the publication of a featured article in the Horizon SpecialHurricane Edition Newsletter. The article, “Supporting Loved Ones Living with Dementia … Continued

Premier says constitutional negotiations were constructive

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says constitutional negotiations between the Virgin Islands and the United Kingdom were constructive. Speaking on Talking points programme, Wheatley said he believes the U.K. delegation considered the Virgin Islands’ proposals, noting that officials were already familiar with the territory’s recommendations. Wheatley said the next phase of the process will take place … Continued

Public Invited to Commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Fancy Me

The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development invites the public to attend a Remembrance Ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Fancy Me, one of the most tragic maritime disasters in Virgin Islands history. The ceremony will take place on Sunday, 26 July 2026 at 4:00 p.m. at Sir Olva Georges Plaza, … Continued

King Charles appoints Andy Burnham as U.K. Prime Minister

Andy Burnham has officially become the United Kingdom’s new prime minister after being invited by King Charles III to form a government at Buckingham Palace on Monday. Burnham, the newly elected Labour Party leader, met with the King for a 35-minute audience, during which he accepted the monarch’s request to form a new administration. Buckingham … Continued

Inside the Glamour, High Stakes, and Quiet Aftermath of Summer Sizzle BVI

On July 18th, a night of elegance and fashion ensued but the magic of Summer Sizzle begins way before the night event started. This week-long spectacle made certain that models, creatives and production could celebrate and unwind. The week kicked off with official welcome events, including an intimate welcome dinner where visiting international press, celebrity … Continued

RCCT begins Rotary Year with Maternal and Child Health focus

The Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT) has officially launched its new Rotary year with what it said was an engaging meeting centered on Rotary’s July Area of Focus, Maternal and Child Health. July is recognized throughout Rotary as Maternal and Child Health Month, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to ensuring that mothers and children have access to … Continued

More Awareness Needed on LMS

Acting Labour Commissioner Mervin Hastings says more public education is needed to ensure Virgin Islanders understand the importance of registering with the Labour Management System (LMS). Hastings made the acknowledgment after concerns were raised during a British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce meeting in Virgin Gorda, where a young business owner said many young people … Continued

Festival Plans Well Underway

Preparations for the 77th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival are well underway, with organizers expressing confidence that early planning and an expanded tourism marketing strategy will help make this year’s celebration a success. Planning for the 77th Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival is well underway, with organizers expressing confidence that this year’s celebrations are shaping up to … Continued

HUD suspends future federal funding to VIHFA, citing years of financial mismanagement

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has suspended the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) from receiving additional federal funding and barred the agency from future federal procurement while an investigation proceeds, citing years of adverse audit findings, weak financial controls, slow disaster recovery efforts and the criminal conviction of its former … Continued

Local

BVI urges stronger Caribbean partnerships to advance sustainable development

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has called on Caribbean nations to deepen cooperation with countries across the Global South to strengthen sustainable development efforts and reduce the region’s vulnerability to geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and global conflicts. The appeal was made during the second meeting of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and … Continued

Regional

CDEMA urges adoption of anticipatory risk management

The Caribbean must urgently transform the way it prepares for disasters by shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive, people-centred risk management, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Addressing the agency’s annual Comprehensive Disaster Management Conference, CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley said the region can no longer rely on traditional disaster management … Continued

Dozens feared dead following boat incident in Guyana; Two dead in St Lucia’s boat crash  

Two separate marine disasters in the Caribbean over the weekend have left multiple people dead, dozens missing and prompted major search and rescue operations in Guyana and St Lucia. The larger of the two incidents occurred off Guyana’s Atlantic coast, where the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized late Saturday night near the mouth of the … Continued

CARICOM leaders outline measures to tackle rising cost of living

CARICOM Heads of Government have pledged to strengthen regional cooperation and implement a range of measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living, which continues to affect households across the Caribbean. The issue featured prominently at the conclusion of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, where regional leaders discussed … Continued

British Virgin Islands Tops OECS in Grade 2 Reading and Mathematics Assessments

The Virgin Islands has emerged as the top-performing education system among eight participating Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states after Grade 2 students achieved the highest scores in both Reading and Mathematics in the 2026 OECS Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL) Regional Assessment. Preliminary results from the assessment show that … Continued

Community

Xae’mouri Harrigan and Jae’Nyiah Defreitas crowned

The newest members of the Territory’s Royal Court were crowned on Sunday, July 19th, following another successful edition of the Virgin Islands Prince and Princess Pageant. Xae’mouri Harrigan of Alexandrina Maduro Primary School and Jae’Nyiah Defreitas of Francis Lettsome Primary School were crowned the 2026 Prince and Princess of the British Virgin Islands on Sunday, … Continued

BVI urges stronger Caribbean partnerships to advance sustainable development

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has called on Caribbean nations to deepen cooperation with countries across the Global South to strengthen sustainable development efforts and reduce the region’s vulnerability to geopolitical instability, economic uncertainty, and global conflicts. The appeal was made during the second meeting of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and … Continued

World

U.S. imposes new sanctions on five Cuban entities

The United States has announced a new round of sanctions targeting five Cuban organizations, accusing them of supporting activities that threaten U.S. national security and advance the Cuban government’s influence abroad. In a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the sanctions were being imposed under authorities established by … Continued

WMO Warns Record Global Heat Likely to Continue Through 2030

Global average temperatures are expected to remain at or near record levels over the next five years, according to a new climate outlook issued by the World Meteorological Organization and produced by the UK’s Met Office. The Global Annual-to-Decadal Climate Update projects that annual global temperatures between 2026 and 2030 will likely range from 1.3°C … 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

Sports

BVI claims three medals at NACAC U18 & U23 Championships in Mexico

Team BVI delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 NACAC U18 & U23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, returning home with three medals, four finalists, multiple personal best performances, and one qualification for the World U20 Championships despite challenging weather conditions. Leading the medal haul was T’Keiya Smith, who captured the gold medal in the Under-18 … Continued

ADAEJAH HODGE TAKES SECOND WITH 21.76 IN WORLD-CLASS MONACO DIAMOND LEAGUE FINAL

Sprint star Adaejah Hodge continued her outstanding 2026 campaign with another podium finish on the international stage, placing second in the women’s 200 metres at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday. Hodge clocked 21.76 seconds, finishing behind Olympic champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, who stormed to victory in a world-leading 21.51 seconds. Alfred’s performance … Continued

Politics

NDP ratifies Aaron Parillon and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard as 2027 election candidates

The National Democratic Party (NDP) has ratified Aaron F. Parillon and Perline Scatliffe-Leonard as its candidates for the Third and Seventh Electoral Districts, respectively, as it continues to build its slate ahead of the 2027 General Election. The ratifications were confirmed following a meeting of the party’s National Executive on July 9, with the NDP … Continued

Commentator Cindy Rosan enters election race

Cindy Rosan has confirmed her bid to run in the next general election. Political commentator and media personality Cindy Rosan has announced that she will contest the upcoming general election as an independent at-large candidate. Rosan made the announcement on Thursday emphasizing that her decision to enter the race is rooted in a desire to … Continued

NDP urges unity, says focus should shift to issues facing Virgin Islanders

The National Democratic Party (NDP) is calling for unity within its ranks and urging that public attention shift away from internal party matters and toward the issues affecting residents of the Virgin Islands. In a statement issued Thursday, the party acknowledged recent public commentary surrounding its leadership but said differing opinions are a natural feature … Continued

CARICOM leaders outline measures to tackle rising cost of living

CARICOM Heads of Government have pledged to strengthen regional cooperation and implement a range of measures aimed at easing the rising cost of living, which continues to affect households across the Caribbean. The issue featured prominently at the conclusion of the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, where regional leaders discussed … Continued

Government

Constitution negotiations underway

Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley says the Virgin Islands has an opportunity to achieve another milestone in its constitutional development as government proceeds with negotiations with the United Kingdom aimed at modernising the Territory’s Constitution. The Virgin Islands Government is currently hosting the first round of formal constitutional negotiations with the Government of the United Kingdom … Continued

Premier Encouraged with Constitution Discussions So Far

Premier and Minister of finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley says they now have exact dates for the constitutional negotiations with the UK, and the recently launched communications campaign is very important in that regard. The negotiations are expected to start this month. Premier Wheatley said during a recent sit-down interview, that apart from publishing the negotiating … Continued

Cline Disputes Premier’s Prospect Reef Timeline

Social commentator Claude Skelton Cline has challenged Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley’s pledge that construction on the long-delayed Prospect Reef redevelopment will begin before the next general election, arguing that such a timeline is unrealistic and that the government should instead focus on putting people to work immediately. Speaking recently, Skelton Cline said there is little … Continued

Crime

Two Individuals arrested in connection with recent criminal activities

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that, as part of ongoing enquiries into recent criminal activity, two individuals were arrested on Friday and remain in police custody for questioning. Videos circulating on Friday morning showed a heavy police presence in the Belle Vue area, with reports suggesting the operation was connected to Monday’s … Continued

BVI Islander deported from the US captured in St. Thomas; Additional charge Child Exploitation Material

VI Free Press is reporting that a 19-year-old Virginislander is back in federal custody after being intercepted by federal agents in Havensight just weeks after being formally deported from the United States. It said that Federal officials announced that Bruce Wheatley, a resident of Road Town, Tortola, now faces severe federal counts of possession and … Continued

Two men charged after illegal Firearm seized in East End Police Operation

Two men have been arrested and charged after police recovered an illegal firearm and ammunition during an early morning operation in the East End district. The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) said officers seized a Glock pistol and six rounds of 9mm ammunition during the operation on June 11. As a result, Antonio Diaz … Continued

Business

BVI LatAm Road Show underway, relationships strengthened in Latin America

A BVI Financial Services Team is currently on a LatAm Roadshow as it seeks to shore up the sector in the international market. Officials say the second stop on the tour, Bogota delivered an engaging and highly interactive session. BVI Finance said the session brought together financial services professionals, legal experts and industry stakeholders for … Continued

Businesses and Representatives Seek Lasting Solutions

The BVI Chamber of Commerce last week hosted its members’ meeting in Virgin Gorda, where several matters of concern were brought to its’ attention. Apart from Virgin Gorda businesses, the meeting was attended by Representative for the Ninth District Vincent Wheatley, Minister responsible for Trade Lorna Smith, Deputy Director of Trade Dr. LincolnBobb and Acting … Continued

VI Motors Appointed Official Dealer for Omoda & Jaecoo in the British Virgin Islands

VI Motors, the leading automotive dealer in the British Virgin Islands, is proud to announce its official appointment as the authorized dealer for OMODA JAECOO. This landmark partnership introduces a new era of sophisticated styling, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional value to the BVI automotive market. To meet the diverse needs of local drivers, fleet operators, … Continued

Entertainment

One VI Poker Run Ends On A High With Big Cash Winners

The One VI Poker Run came to a successful close on Sunday, following a day of island-hopping, entertainment, and friendly competition across the British Virgin Islands. The annual boating event saw participants travel to several designated stops before returning to Paradise Beach Club in Cane Garden Bay for the official after-party and prize presentation. Delise … Continued

CRYSTLE STEWART ANNOUNCED AS CELEBRITY HOST FOR THE 16TH EDITION OF SUMMER SIZZLE BVI

The organizers of Summer Sizzle BVI are delighted to announce that acclaimed actress, entrepreneur, television personality, and former Miss USA Crystle Stewart will serve as the Celebrity Host for the highly anticipated 16th Edition of Summer Sizzle BVI, taking place in the British Virgin Islands from July 15–20, 2026. Crystle Stewart stars as Mallory in … Continued

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

Press Release

BVI welcomes renewal of Association of Caribbean States for stronger regional cooperation

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) has welcomed the renewal of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), which recently held its 31st Ordinary Meeting of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) Ministerial Council in Panama City, Panama.   The participating Governments, among other things, reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation, highlighted the importance of the ACS Strategic … Continued

Virgin Islands Icon Awards Delivers a Night of Excellence, Legacy and Virgin Islands Pride

The Cedar Equity Ventures Limited Virgin Islands Icon Awards delivered one of its most memorable productions to date on Saturday, July 11, bringing together hundreds of patrons, supporters and distinguished guests for an extraordinary celebration of Virgin Islands excellence. Presented under the patronage of Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, the awards honoured the remarkable … Continued

Premier Wheatley Launches Our Constitution Campaign

Premier of The Virgin Islands, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley today announced the launch of Our Constitution, a public information campaign to ensure every person living in the Virgin Islands, and every Virgin Islander abroad, understands the constitutional reform process now underway. The campaign’s digital home, ourconstitution.vg, is live today ahead of the first formal … Continued

2026 MISS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PAGEANT ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE; TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The 2026 Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant will return to the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Sunday, 2nd August, beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the Territory’s premier pageant are now on sale, giving patrons the opportunity to experience an evening celebrating the very best of Virgin Islands beauty, culture, talent and intellect. Chair of … Continued

Travel and Tourism

BVI Aquatic experience receives Prestigious 2026 International Telly Award

The newly launched Virtual Reality Interactive Guest Experience Museum at Crafts Alive Village has landed the BVI the Prestigious 2026 International Telly Award. The award recognizes excellence in immersive and mixed-reality storytelling. The BVI Tourist Board and Film Commission said the award was presented in the Craft – Use of 360 Video category, which celebrates … Continued

Premier Announces Plans to Make Long Look Epicentre of Heritage Tourism in The Virgin Islands

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, has announced Government’s intention to establish Long Look as the epicentre of heritage tourism in The Virgin Islands, describing the community as a living testament to freedom, resilience and self-determination. The announcement was made during his keynote address at the Commemoration of the 250th Anniversary … Continued

Caribbean Airlines launches digital gift card programme to expand travel payment options

Caribbean Airlines has launched a new Digital Gift Card programme, giving customers a flexible new way to purchase and gift travel across the airline’s network. The digital gift cards became available on June 24, 2026 and can be purchased through the airline’s dedicated online platform. Customers may redeem the cards toward eligible Caribbean Airlines tickets … Continued

Health

Ministry Launches “Wrap It Up” Campaign to Promote Safe Festival Practices

The Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to advocate for safe festival practices with the launch of its annual Wrap it Up Campaign. Running from July 13 to August 7, the Ministry’s “Wrap It Up Before You Wuk It Up” Campaign combines health education with culturally relevant messaging to promote safer sexual practices, responsible … Continued

BVIHSA Celebrates International Grand Prize Win for Infection Prevention Film

The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is proudly celebrating an outstanding international achievement after capturing the Grand Prize at the APIC 2026 Film Festival with its original short film, “A Symphony of Guardians.” The winning production was selected from a field of submissions representing healthcare organizations and infection prevention professionals from around the world, making the recognition a significant milestone … Continued

Environmental cracks down on Food businesses Must have a license top operate

The Environmental Health Division is cracking down on food business operators to ensure they have a valid food business license to operate. Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer, Shamelle Thomas, said the Food Business License confirms that an establishment has been registered, inspected, and has met the public health and food safety standards necessary to … Continued

Education

British Virgin Islands Tops OECS in Grade 2 Reading and Mathematics Assessments

The Virgin Islands has emerged as the top-performing education system among eight participating Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) member states after Grade 2 students achieved the highest scores in both Reading and Mathematics in the 2026 OECS Programme for Educational Advancement and Relevant Learning (PEARL) Regional Assessment. Preliminary results from the assessment show that … Continued

History Shaped By People Who Act Lawrence Tells Grads

Members of the 2026 graduating class of Elmore Stoutt High School have been encouraged to develop strong character and creativity, with the reminder that those qualities will define them long after today’s technology has evolved. Full Report Below. Please enable JavaScript LinkEmbedCopy and paste this HTML code into your webpage to embed.

Cline Calls On The Wealthy To Help Fund University

Social commentator Claude Skelton Cline is urging the territory’s leadership to engage wealthy individuals to help strengthen the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and position it as a model institution. HLSCC has been approved to offer for the first time in its history, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education starting Fall 2026. During his … Continued

Imagination Academy marks five years

Imagination Academy VI marked a major milestone in its development journey with a Creativity, Culture and Cuisine exhibition, showcasing the growth of the programme since its launch in 2021. Founded by Sharia De Castro, the academy began with what she described as “nothing more than a belief,” starting with just three children, including her own … 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

Weather

CDEMA urges adoption of anticipatory risk management

The Caribbean must urgently transform the way it prepares for disasters by shifting from reactive emergency response to proactive, people-centred risk management, according to the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Addressing the agency’s annual Comprehensive Disaster Management Conference, CDEMA Executive Director Elizabeth Riley said the region can no longer rely on traditional disaster management … Continued

Climate Change Trust Fund to host territory-wide consultations ahead of first grant programme

Virgin Islands Climate Change Trust Fund (VICCTF) will host a series of stakeholder consultations across the Territory from July 20 to 24 as it prepares to launch its first funding call aimed at supporting climate resilience and sustainability initiatives. The consultations will give government agencies, statutory bodies, private sector organisations, non-governmental organisations, community groups and … Continued

BVIPA takes steps to minimize disruptions during hurricane season

The BVI Ports Authority, BVIPA says it is taking steps to minimize disruptions throughout the hurricane season. BVIPA in a press release said with commencement of the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, it is urging stakeholders to ensure they expedite the processing and submission of all required documentation for cargo clearance. According to BVIPA, timely completion … Continued

Health Ministry urges residents to safeguard medications and medical supplies during Hurricane Season

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is encouraging residents to take proactive measures to protect medications, insulin, medical devices, and other essential health supplies before, during, and after a hurricane. Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Services, Gracia Wheatley-Smith, said hurricane preparedness should begin well before a storm poses a threat to the Territory. Residents … Continued

Youth

BVI claims three medals at NACAC U18 & U23 Championships in Mexico

Team BVI delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 NACAC U18 & U23 Championships in Tlaxcala, Mexico, returning home with three medals, four finalists, multiple personal best performances, and one qualification for the World U20 Championships despite challenging weather conditions. Leading the medal haul was T’Keiya Smith, who captured the gold medal in the Under-18 … Continued

ADAEJAH HODGE TAKES SECOND WITH 21.76 IN WORLD-CLASS MONACO DIAMOND LEAGUE FINAL

Sprint star Adaejah Hodge continued her outstanding 2026 campaign with another podium finish on the international stage, placing second in the women’s 200 metres at the Monaco Diamond League on Friday. Hodge clocked 21.76 seconds, finishing behind Olympic champion Julien Alfred of St. Lucia, who stormed to victory in a world-leading 21.51 seconds. Alfred’s performance … Continued

Adaejah Hodge Runs 10.80 to Finish Third at Diamond League Meet

Virgin Islands sprint sensation Adaejah Hodge finished third in the women’s 100 metres final at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, on Saturday. Hodge clocked 10.80 seconds to secure a podium finish behind Americans Melissa Jefferson-Wooden and reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson in one of the fastest races of the season. Jefferson-Wooden claimed victory in 10.78 seconds, edging … Continued

Adaejah Hodge defeats Sha’Carri Richardson in heats and Advances to  finals in 2026 Prefontaine Classic

Virgin Islands sprint sensation Adaejah Hodge added another remarkable achievement to her season on Saturday, defeating reigning world champion Sha’Carri Richardson to win the women’s 100 metres at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. Hodge claimed victory in 10.82 seconds, edging Richardson in a thrilling photo finish after both athletes were credited with the same time. … Continued

Events

Virgin Islands Icon Awards Delivers a Night of Excellence, Legacy and Virgin Islands Pride

The Cedar Equity Ventures Limited Virgin Islands Icon Awards delivered one of its most memorable productions to date on Saturday, July 11, bringing together hundreds of patrons, supporters and distinguished guests for an extraordinary celebration of Virgin Islands excellence. Presented under the patronage of Premier Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, the awards honoured the remarkable … Continued

Nyammin’ BVI Rum Cake Joins Christmas in July 2026 as the Official Rum Cake Partner

 Nyammin’s must-have BVI rum cake is the Official Rum Cake of the 14th annual Christmas in July (XIJ). Christmas in July is one of the most awaited nautical events for boaters and beach enthusiasts (with a record participation of 500 boats and more than 6,000 people) and Nyammin’ is bringing a taste of BVI culture to the … Continued

2026 MISS BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS PAGEANT ANNOUNCES NEW VENUE; TICKETS NOW ON SALE

The 2026 Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant will return to the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex on Sunday, 2nd August, beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. Tickets for the Territory’s premier pageant are now on sale, giving patrons the opportunity to experience an evening celebrating the very best of Virgin Islands beauty, culture, talent and intellect. Chair of … Continued

Environment

Study Visit Highlights Opportunities for Stronger Sargassum Management in The Virgin Islands

The Virgin Islands could benefit from practical strategies designed to improve public health preparedness, protect coastal ecosystems, strengthen tourism resilience and create economic opportunities through the productive use of sargassum. These opportunities were highlighted by Deputy Secretary, Premier’s Office, Dr. Lavon P. Chalwell-Brewley, following her participation in the OECS-European Union Study Visit on Sargassum Management … 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

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

Xae’mouri Harrigan and Jae’Nyiah Defreitas crowned

The newest members of the Territory’s Royal Court were crowned on Sunday, July 19th, following another successful edition of the Virgin Islands Prince and Princess Pageant. Xae’mouri Harrigan of Alexandrina Maduro Primary School and Jae’Nyiah Defreitas of Francis Lettsome Primary School were crowned the 2026 Prince and Princess of the British Virgin Islands on Sunday, … Continued

BVI Delegates Earn International Honors

Congratulations are in order for the BVI representatives from the recent Mrs Globe Pageant. The British Virgin Islands is celebrating the success of its representatives at the 30th Anniversary Mrs. Globe Pageant in Palm Springs, California. Shakima Baptiste-Henry made history as the first BVI representative to win a People’s Choice title atMrs. Globe, capturing the … Continued

Royal Court Cultural Fun Day to unite former Miss BVI Queens and 2026 Contestants

Former Miss British Virgin Islands queens will return to friendly competition this weekend as the Miss British Virgin Islands Pageant Committee hosts its Royal Court Cultural Fun Day and Fish Fry. The fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, June 20, at the First Impressions School Grounds from 11 a.m. and will bring together former titleholders, … Continued

Miss BVI Contestants Vie For Crown, Car and Scholarship

The Miss British Virgin Islands competition has officially begun as contestants were revealed on Friday. The journey to crown the next Miss British Virgin Islands officially began on Friday, May 29, 2026, as the young women competing for the prestigious title of Miss British Virgin Islands 2026 were unveiled during the “Wave of Excellence” launch … Continued