The Pockwood Pond dumpsite will not be accepting garbage until further notice following an early morning large-scale fire on Saturday, December 9. According to the Department of Waste Management, the fire occurred at approximately 4:00 a.m. at the dumpsite tipping area, and as a result, only persons with the ability to reach the top of … Continued
The British Virgin Islands on Wednesday, December 6 welcomed 20 aircraft to the territory which were a part of the 12th Governor General’s Cup Caribbean Air Rally. The air rally will cover 2500 nautical miles across the Caribbean where the pilots will land at select destinations. The BVI was the second spot this year. Kamal Haynes … Continued
The battle at the top of the BVI Football Association’s National League standings continued last weekend with Wolues FC benefiting the most from their 5-1 victory against Rebels FC which moved them from fourth to second place. Playing at the Greenland football stadium on Sunday, the Wolues team which presently averages over five goals a … Continued
The Community Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services Unit of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is delighted to announce the triumphant conclusion of the Mindfulness Mural competition, a transformative initiative that saw participation from fifteen schools across the Territory. The competition was aimed at fostering creativity and promoting mental wellness among students by inviting … Continued
In his latest monthly address, Deputy Governor David Archer Jr. has made a compelling appeal to the public, urging them to acknowledge and appreciate the dedication, service, and courage of law enforcement officers in the British Virgin Islands. These officers, he notes, are on the front lines in the battle against crime, safeguarding the community … Continued
BVI Tourist Board has announced that the territory has been nominated in 3 categories for the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice 2023 Awards. This event allows the public to vote for their favourite destinations, resorts, and products, showcasing the best that the travel industry has to offer. The BVI’s nominations span across several categories, including … Continued
A number of changes will be made to the territory’s social policy in 2024, including an increase in monies received by beneficiaries of the Social Development Department. This is according to the Minister of Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley. Minister Wheatley said the monies are allocated for this and other initiatives in the … Continued
Experts from the United Kingdom are here in the territory conducting a law enforcement and justice review with the respective government agencies responsible for upholding and enforcing the territory’s laws. Governor His Excellency John Rankin made the disclosure while appearing as a featured guest on the Government Business at its Best Table Talk programme last … Continued
Forty-six public officers living and working on Virgin Gorda have completed the Public Service 101 Course that will aid them in the successful execution of their duties. The public officers who serve in various departments all received vital information on the Government’s history and operations in the session held from November 7 to 9. Permanent … Continued
The BVI Financial Account Reporting System (BVIFars) payment portal is set to go live in January 2024. The International Tax Authority (ITA) made the announcement on Wednesday, December 6, as it reminded all relevant entities with reporting obligations to enrol in the BVIFARS portal. By enrolling, the ITA said it would satisfy the entities’ respective … Continued
The Government’s Customer Service Care Centre has launched its live-chat feature, in an effort to ensure customers can easily access the Government’s services. The feature allows individuals to contact the centre through messaging, and receive instant support and is accessible through https://bvips.org. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE … Continued
The Honourable Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, recently addressed a fundamental aspect of societal advancement—equity and equality in education. She spoke in a statement on Special Education Week that was observed from November 27th to December 1st. She underscored the pivotal role that equal access to education plays in the … Continued
7 schools are set to participate in the upcoming Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports’ Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament being held from December 12 to 13. The seven registered secondary schools in the tournament include Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, … Continued
Continuing to expand its network of international environmental partners, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Portsmouth, UK. More on this report. The developing relationship was initiated as part of a UK Darwin Plus Initiative-funded Multi-purpose Soil Survey led by the BVI’s Department of … Continued
The recent unveiling of a new EC$2 commemorative polymer banknote by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) featuring cricket legend Sir Vivian Richards could foreshadow the removal of the British monarch from banknotes used across the Eastern Caribbean. The new $2 note is being released as part of the ECCB’s 40th anniversary celebrations. It marks … Continued
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Venezuela must not take any action to seize the mineral and forest-rich county of Essequibo in Guyana based on its upcoming December 3 referendum. The order was given by Judge Joan E. Donoghue, President of the Court on Friday, who stated that “unanimously both parties shall refrain … Continued
The former director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, died Friday of an apparent heart failure at her residence in the United States. Etienne, who recently retired after 10 years as director, was declared Director-Emeritus on September 30, 2022, at the 30th Pan American Sanitary Conference. She was 71 years … Continued
Tensions continue to rise between Guyana and Venezuela relating to the ownership of the mineral and forest-rich Essequibo, with Guyana strengthening its military through a continued partnership with the United States Army. The US Embassy recently reported that the leadership from the US Army 1st Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) and the Guyana Defense Force … Continued
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that September 2023 was the hottest month ever recorded, setting 2023 on track to be the warmest year in history. The data, provided by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), revealed an average surface temperature of 16.38°C, a significant 0.5°C increase from the previous record set … Continued
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently released its latest World Economic Outlook, “Navigating Global Divergences,” amidst the escalating Israel-Gaza conflict. This report adds a layer of uncertainty to the global economic situation, with potential implications for food and fuel prices. Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, the IMF’s Chief Economist, highlighted the challenging growth prospects for emerging markets and … Continued
BVIslander D’Moi Hodge was present and in good spirits for his Los Angeles Lakers Media Day on Monday, the first official team activity ahead of the 2023-2024 NBA season. This season will be D’Moi’s first in the league after he signed a two-way contract with the Lakers in June after going undrafted in the 2023 NBA … Continued
Great Britain are silver medallists of the 2023 Baseball European Championship after falling 11-2 to Spain in the final on Sunday. Entering the final undefeated, Great Britain thanks to the reinforcement of BVIslanders Kennard Dawson, Rayondre Mercer, Nateshon Thomas, Shamoy Christopher and Demoi Hodge, came out victorious against Sweden, Hungary, and, for the first time, … Continued
The Constitutional Review Commission Report is completed and was recently submitted to His Excellency Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley. Premier Wheatley described the completion of the report by the Constitutional Review Commission as a positive indication of constitutional progress and the evolution of the Virgin Islands democratic system. He said, … Continued
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Venezuela must not take any action to seize the mineral and forest-rich county of Essequibo in Guyana based on its upcoming December 3 referendum. The order was given by Judge Joan E. Donoghue, President of the Court on Friday, who stated that “unanimously both parties shall refrain … Continued
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is in attendance at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which commenced today Thursday, November 30. The objective of this 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate change conference which runs until Wednesday, December 6 is to determine the responsibilities of governments, and other … Continued
The government has announced its plans to reduce its nearly $9 million in annual rent by completing repairs to the Ralph T O’Neal Administration Complex and other buildings housing government offices. Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley during his recent 2024 Budget Address, said his government will continue the rehabilitation works … Continued
Former President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA) Andrew “Andy” Bickerton says he would like the Greenland Football Stadium to be a part of his football legacy after serving nearly two decades at the helm of local football. After announcing his retirement which came into effect on November 30, 2023, Bickerton was credited by the … Continued
Avengers FC are the 2023 BVIFA Women’s 7-a-Side champions after a remarkable victory over the undefeated Rebels FC in the finals on Saturday. In what was described as an electrifying display of skill and determination, the match unfolded with an intensity that mirrored the stakes at hand – a clash between two formidable forces. The … Continued
It was a weekend of goals and victories for the British Virgin Islands football teams who played the United States Virgin Islands’ Massey Academy teams in two friendly games on Saturday, November 4. In the first game at the Under 13 level, the BVI team defeated Massey Academy 2-1 with Sha’mauri Lennard netting both goals … Continued
VG United pulled off a 2-1 victory over Islanders FC last Sunday to move to the top of the National League standings by 1 point, passing Sugar Boys FC. Playing at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground, Adrian Adams opened the scoring for VG in the 71st minute, before Rogel Noel equalized for the Islanders in … Continued
Tradewind Aviation has joined the already coveted Virgin Gorda Tourism product with its recent inaugural Commercial Flight to the Taddy Bay Airport on Virgin Gorda on Thursday November 16th. Acting Premier at the time, Honourable Kye Rymer, Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development and 9th District … Continued
Organizers of the Caribbean Baking Awards 2024 say they are excited to announce the commencement of the 1st Annual Caribbean Baking Awards being held in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. This pioneering event is destined to celebrate the sumptuous richness of Caribbean baking and the talented artisans behind those mouthwatering concoctions. The team said, “We are … Continued
Eleven (11) customer service leaders in the Public Service have completed the “Train the Trainer- Customer Service Course”, facilitated by Virgin Atlantic Limited. The training was conducted through the Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute and engaged individuals in sessions that targeted their understanding of customers and their needs and engaging customers at a professional … Continued
Riddim Up Bartending School has just completed another highly successful course with eight students graduating after successful completing requirements. The cohort of graduates who are now certified bartenders are: Frances de Castro, Diondra Hodge, Jubal Jones, Jieunick Mingo, Janeive Green Dandy, Natoya Green, Garth Dandy, and Darren Henry. The course has been designed to … Continued
Christmas in the City will this year honour the founding members and entertainer “Candy Man” as part of its 25th year of celebrations. The event seeks to bring together the Virgin Islands and friends on December 1st and 2nd this year to ring in the Christmas season with food and music in a block party … Continued
The 284 Film Excellence Film Competition hosted by the BVI Film Commission and Tourist Board last evening Sunday November 19th at UP’s Cineplex saw Mr. Emmanuel ‘Efex’ Phillip of St. Thomas USVI emerging as the top prize winner. Phillips received the Rhodni A. Skelton Award for Best film for his Fantasy Film “Three little Wishes”. … Continued
Miss Universe British Virgin Islands Ashellica Fahie graced the stage at the 72nd Miss Universe 2023 Preliminary Competition last evening as she participated in a swimsuit competition and an evening gown runway show. Fahie will be competing against 85 contestants from across the globe for the pivotal title of Miss Universe 2023 on Sunday, November … Continued
The 2024 events calendar in the BVI has just gotten more enticing. The new seven-day British Virgin Islands Food & Wine Festival (BVIFWF) will add another sumptuous touch to an already exciting line up of events taking place in the territory. This festival also aligns with the new approach to celebrating the annual BVI Food … 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
In part 1 of this commentary, I started sharing my thoughts on the Constitutional Review and why this exercise is laying the foundation for the best days of these Islands we call home. The more research I conduct on this topic I realise more that the system we have is not truly a democratic system … Continued
The following is commentary by Shaina Smith-Archer. I am glad to be alive for such a time as this. When I read about our national heroes like Hope Stevens and Howard. R. Penn and how they wrote our future in their “day,” we are currently writing the Virgin Islands’ future for the next 50 years. … Continued
A Sea Cow’s Bay resident has been charged in relation to a recent stabbing incident. He is 29-year-old Verne Forbes Jr. who is charged for a November 19 incident that left one man nursing several stab wounds. According to the RVIPF, reports were received concerning a male who arrived at Dr. Orlando Hospital with stab … Continued
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a significant breakthrough into the series of burglaries in the Road Town area, arresting and charging three males as a result. They are 32-year-old Kempes Nicholls of Wickham’s Cay I, 45-year-old David Baronville of Long Bush and 33-year-old Mikhail Howe of Lower Estate. Nicholls is charged … Continued
Kadeem Maynard, son of the former BVI Ports Authority boss Oleanvine Maynard, was sentenced on Monday to serve 57 months in prison after previously pleading guilty to one count of conspiring with former Premier Andrew Fahie and his mother, to import cocaine into the United States. The lenient sentencing for the 32-year-old is part of … Continued
Should the BVI Leverage CARICOM’s Resources to Fight Crime? This question was recently posed to Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley during a press conference. It highlighted the contrast between relying on the UK versus countries within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for crime-fighting assistance, given the stark differences between life and crime in the BVI … Continued
The Government’s Customer Service Care Centre has launched its live-chat feature, in an effort to ensure customers can easily access the Government’s services. The feature allows individuals to contact the centre through messaging, and receive instant support and is accessible through https://bvips.org. Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sharleen DaBreo-Lettsome, MBE … Continued
Director of Culture, Dr. Katherine Smith has lauded the “Remember My Name” performing arts production that honoured ten Virgin Islands heroes as a major success. Dr. Smith said the performance made an earnest call for Virgin Islanders to reflect on the significant contributions made by the ten recently designated heroes and their altruistic efforts towards … Continued
The Ministry of Education has announced that the students of the Jost Van Dyke Primary School have been temporarily relocated until their new school building is complete. Ministry officials met with the principal, staff and parents of the Jost Van Dyke Primary School on Thursday, November 2 to discuss suggestions for the relocation following which … Continued
The BVI Airports Authority has been elected to serve as an Advisor on the Governing Board of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC). The ACI serves 712 members as of January 2023 and operates in 1925 airports in 171 countries. The council is organised, structured, and governed in a federal manner … Continued
