Pedro Samuel Sr., 58, of Diamond Estate, and Reno Alphonso, 27, of Fort Hill have been denied bail after appearing in court today with charges stemming from this weekend’s major cocaine drug bust which is said to be valued at nearly $42 million. Appearing before Magistrate Christilyn Benjamin, Samuel and Alphonso were both slapped with … Continued
On the heels of the August Emancipation Festival, Director of Culture Dr. Katherine Smith is calling for this period of observation to include a greater focus on the true meaning of emancipation in the BVI, and the journey of the ancestors throughout that process. Dr. Smith, who was speaking on the latest edition of “Honestly … Continued
Fay Ann Lyons and Bunji Garlin are among a group of artistes selected for the latest Apple Music Sessions. The duo both contributed a four-track EP each for the Sessions, which were released on Monday, August 15 on Apple Music. One of the featured songs “Island Vibe” was produced by Virgin Islander Alton Bertie. Other … Continued
The Road Town sewerage system project has been completed after undergoing extensive rehabilitation works. Deputy Premier and Minister for Communication and Works Honourable Kye Rymer confirmed the completion of the project in a statement to 284News today Wednesday, August 17. He said, “The project which was expected to be completed within 2-3 weeks was completed … Continued
Although the territory will need to procure additional funds in order to carry out impending recovery and development projects in the near future, it is very unlikely that this money will come from the £300 million loan guarantee offered by the United Kingdom. This conclusion has been drawn from a recent indication from Premier Dr. … Continued
Preliminary investigations by the Environmental Health Division across numerous local supermarkets have concluded that the contaminated “Capri Sun Wild Cherry Flavored Juice Drink Blend beverages by Kraft Heinz” are presently not in the territory. This was confirmed by the Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr. Lionel Michael, following a voluntary recall of approximately 5,760 cases of … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is presently away on business in Nassau, Bahamas, attending the first ‘Regional Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean’. The Premier’s Office confirmed the news in a media release this morning, stating that the inaugural event is in preparation for COP 27 in … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands has moved forward with plans to transform the Water and Sewerage Department into a statutory body following the passing of the Sewerage Authority Act 2022 in the House of Assembly. The bill, which was presented by Deputy Premier and Minister for Communication and Works the Honourable Kye Rymer, represents … Continued
The issue of long lines at various banks in the territory has reached the Premier’s Office and he has expressed his intent to address the growing issue with the local Banking Association. Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley made the disclosure at a recent press conference in response to a query posed by the media. … Continued
Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley has assured his commitment to enacting Freedom of Information legislation in the British Virgin Islands and promised that he does intend to act on the promises of the Virgin Islands Party Administration to bring a Freedom of Information Bill to the House of Assembly. While fielding questions from the … Continued
Pedro Samuel Sr., 58, of Diamond Estate, and Reno Alphonso, 27, of Fort Hill have been named as the two males charged in this weekend’s drug seizure off Cooper Island. This was confirmed by the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) in a media release moments ago which said both Samuel and Alphonso “were both … Continued
Both Pirates and Synergy completed a weekend of victories and are on the verge of fulfilling a clean sweep against their opponents in the 2022 Terrence “Chino” Chinnery National Fastpitch Softball League Championships. Pirates were the first of the two teams to have one hand on the championship after defeating the defending champions Power Outage … Continued
Though the Register of Interests Act was passed with amendments during the most recent sitting of the House of Assembly, there are doubts that the bill will become law in its current state following recent concerns expressed by Governor John Rankin. In a recent press conference, the Governor said that having skimmed through the document … Continued
The Anegada Hybrid Renewable Energy and Battery Energy Storage System Project has been heavily impacted by inflation which has resulted in the cost of the project increasing by an undisclosed sum. This was confirmed by Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley at a recent media conference. While he did not disclose … Continued
The world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer MarineMax, Inc. will be acquiring Island Global Yachting LLC, which is widely known as IGY Marinas, for an estimated total nearing approximately $500 million. This was confirmed by global public relations company Business Wire which said that MarineMax, Inc. made the announcement on Tuesday, August 9, regarding … Continued
Dr. Terrance Michael Drew was sworn in Saturday as the fourth Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis after leading his St Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) to victory in Friday’s snap general election. The SK National Labor Party won six of the 11 seats contested in the election held three years ahead of the constitutional … Continued
Albert Bryan Jr. and Tregenza Roach were successful in Saturdays Primary Election in the USVI clearing the way for their nomination on the Democratic gubernatorial ticket for the general election on November 8th. Albert Bryan Jr. and Tregenza Roach who are seeking a second term, maintained a major lead in pre-primary election polling against Kent … Continued
A call has been made for intentional leadership to close the gender equality gap that exists within the regional information and communications technology (ICT) sector. According to Janelle Pascall, Chair of CANTO’s Women in ICT Committee, the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic has further compounded gender equality efforts and the issue has deepened within the … Continued
The world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer MarineMax, Inc. will be acquiring Island Global Yachting LLC, which is widely known as IGY Marinas, for an estimated total nearing approximately $500 million. This was confirmed by global public relations company Business Wire which said that MarineMax, Inc. made the announcement on Tuesday, August 9, regarding … Continued
The United States government has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency following a spike in cases. This was confirmed by international media sites which said the decision will speed up the distribution of vaccines, treatments and federal resources to curb the spread of the virus. The news comes just hours after the World … Continued
The BVI All Party Parliamentary Group has been reestablished after being defunct for more than two years. This was confirmed by the Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley, who made the announcement during Thursday’s sitting of the House of Assembly. He said Tory Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom James … Continued
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss and Former Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak have been named the two final contenders in the race to succeed Boris Johnson as the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The two emerged from a fifth round of voting among Conservative members of parliament on Wednesday, during which Penny Morduant, who … Continued
In the coming weeks the Government of the Virgin Islands intends to host a series of public consultation meetings to facilitate discussions with residents on the issue of immigration reform in the territory. Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley broke the news to the press during a recent engagement and revealed that it is the … Continued
While providing an account of his recent trip to the United Kingdom (UK), Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley revealed that the trip included several interactions with dignitaries also in attendance at the Commonwealth Games, and a meeting with UK Minister for Overseas Territories the Right Honourable Amanda Milling. Among other things discussed, Premier Wheatley … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands is preparing to welcome a new tourism board following the expiry of the term of the previous board on July 31st, 2022. Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley told the House of Assembly recently that ahead of the expiration date, his government had been proactive with beginning the process … Continued
Territorial At Large Representative Honourable Carvin Malone believes that while it is all well and good for the territory to promote its tourism product, there is a dire need to ensure that the available infrastructure is up to par. Malone said the need for a proper infrastructure is to facilitate the influx of tourists needing … Continued
The British Virgin Islands (BVI) International Tax Authority (ITA) Director met with the financial services industry to discuss new legislative updates and compliance with international standards for tax purposes. ITA Director LaToya James spoke at the BVI Finance Breakfast Forum on 21 July where she explained the ITA’s role and provided context on the recent … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the “Commission”) is advising all industry practitioners that its new Authorisation and Supervision Division becomes fully operational effective Friday, 01 July 2022. The new structure transitions the Commission’s supervisory framework from product[1]based supervision to risk-based functional management, allowing the Commission to enhance oversight of regulated businesses and individuals … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (the “Commission”) has confirmed the appointment of Mr. Glenford Malone as Deputy Managing Director, Regulation with effect from 01 January 2022. The Deputy Managing Director, Regulation is the Commission’s chief regulatory officer responsible for implementing the Commission’s overall regulatory strategy. Mr. Malone has over twenty years of experience … Continued
BVI Finance launched a fact-based content series to showcase the full picture of the BVI’s Financial Services industry called, BVI360. BVI Finance CEO Elise Donovan stated that the purpose of the series comes at an appropriate time, given the ongoing conflict and increasing inflation across the world, where many leading economists are predicting a global … Continued
The 2022 Terrence “Chino” Chinnery National Fastpitch Softball League Championships is set to commence this evening at the E. Walwyn Brewley Ballpark playing field. The championships will consist of a best of five series in both the men’s and women’s divisions and will be played on Fridays and Sundays. In the women’s division, the undefeated … Continued
During the August 9 Sitting of the House of Assembly, the territory’s legislators moved in favour of an amendment to the Finance and Money Services Act, which reduced the Money Services Levy and added new categories for the use of the revenue gathered from this tax. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, who filed the motion, told … Continued
Serena Williams is winding down her legendary tennis career and announced she will retire in the coming weeks — perhaps after the U.S. Open. In an Instagram post previewing her appearance on the cover of the September issue of Vogue, the 40-year-old Williams wrote: “There comes a time in life when we have to decide … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Under 17 boys football team seems to be in good form ahead of the CONCACAF Championships at the end of the month, after securing good results in a recent series of friendly matches against the United States Virgin Islands. The first game saw the BVI defeating the USVI opponents 4-0 on … Continued
The public is invited to come out and support Mrs. British Virgin Islands Dr. Arliene T. Penn on Sunday, August 7 where, through the W.I.N Foundation and WINBVI Organisation, she will officially launch her song titled “Reclaiming Me”. The launch will be held at Myetts Chill Zone in the Cyril B. Romney Pier Park from … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association has marked this year’s August Tuesday races as a total success, characterised by a smooth running of activities and encouraging turnout. In an interview with 284News, BVI Horse Owners Association President Lesmore Smith said, “ It was a great turn out. I can’t give you exactly how much … Continued
The British Virgin Islands Horse Owners Association will host 5 memorial races this August Tuesday, in recognition of the contributions of several “fallen soldiers” who have contributed to horse racing in the BVI in various capacities. In an interview with 284News, President of the BVI Horse Owners Association Lesmore Smith explained that the races will … Continued
Ramon G successfully defended his crown in the 2022 CCT Soca Monarch competition on Saturday, after displaying a winning performance for his song ‘Mass Intentions’. This is Ramon’s second soca competition of which he now has a perfect record of winning, after his debut as a soca artist in 2019 with his song ‘Rampage’. Ramon … Continued
The following is a commentary from Shaina Smith-Archer. As I watch the implementation of the COI reforms unfold, my mind took me back to 2003 when I joined the public service at the Ministry of Finance when public service “reform” was in full swing” but has not borne adequate fruit and I conclude that past … Continued
Officers of the Virgin Gorda Policing Division are progressing their investigations in identifying the person or persons responsible for the recent upsurge in burglaries in Virgin Gorda. Since June 2022, Police have recorded five burglaries mainly of residences on the island. Earlier in week, Damien Farrell, 30, was identified and charged as the perpetrator in … Continued
The following is a commentary by Dr. Charles H Wheatley. The fourth B. V. Islander who was engaged in our struggle of and for self-determination through available education was Norwell Elton Harrigan. His fight for available secondary education locally in the 1930’s and 1940’s should not be forgotten. We tend to overlook the contributions of … Continued
The following is an opinion piece by Dr. Charles H. Wheatley. We are at that time of the year when we celebrate the freedom which our forebears fought and suffered for and passed on to us. This freedom-a mixture of their blood from the wounds inflicted by the cruel slave whip, the death of those … Continued
