TRUCK OVERTURNS AT SOPHIE BAY

A truck has overturned at Sophie Bay leaving the road littered with debris just as many Virgin Islanders are preparing to leave their homes. Motorists on Tortola, particularly those traveling to or from East End on the morning of Friday, 26 April, are urged to take precautions during their morning commute and consider alternate routes. … Continued

SIGNS POINT TO POTENTIALLY EARLY 2024 HURRICANE SEASON

 The first tropical disturbance of the year has formed in the Atlantic, signaling a possible early start to the 2024 hurricane season according to forecasters. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) is monitoring an area of low-pressure producing showers and thunderstorms about 900 miles northwest of the Cabo Verde Islands. In their latest special tropical weather … Continued

TWO ARRESTED FOR KILLING OF KEMO LETTSOME

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged two individuals in connection with the April 30, 2023 murder of Kemo Lettsome in Long Look, Tortola.  The accused, 32-year-old Vernon Bernard of Manuel Reef and 28-year-old Jelani Marquis of Hannah’s Estate, were taken into custody following an intensive year-long investigation into the fatal … Continued

TWO VIRGIN ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVALS AIM FOR UNIFIED TOURISM BOOST

With two major music festivals soon taking place in the Virgin Islands, questions have arisen about why the long-running Virgin Islands Music Festival and the new One VI Music Festival are being held as separate events. BVI Tourist Board Events Manager Dirk Walters has provided insight into the situation. According to Walters, the key reason … Continued

NEW CRUISE LINES, ECONOMIC DATA COMING FOR BVI CRUISE TOURISM

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer provided an update on the territory’s cruise tourism sector following his attendance at the recent Seatrade Global Conference.  A key announcement was that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is expected to deliver an updated economic impact study focused on cruise passenger spending patterns in the British Virgin … Continued

CO-PARENTING SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS CHILD PROTECTION THROUGH HEALTHY FAMILY DYNAMICS

The Social Development Department hosted a conscious co-parenting seminar this month aimed at emphasizing the link between positive co-parenting and safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. The event was part of activities recognizing Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the Virgin Islands. Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, stated that … Continued

GOVERNMENT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BILL

The government is calling on residents to review and provide feedback on the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2024 currently open for public consultation.  The Bill outlines provisions to establish the VI Human Rights Commission, detailing its powers, functions, and composition. As drafted, the Commission would consist of five commissioners with equal gender representation, including … Continued

CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK PRESIDENT RESIGNS AMID INVESTIGATIONS

Dr. Hyginus ‘Gene’ Leon has resigned with immediate effect from his position as president of the Barbados-based Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). The surprising resignation comes after months of being placed on administrative leave as an internal investigation proceeded at the regional financial institution. In a three-page letter sent to the CDB by his St. Lucian … Continued

AIR QUALITY ADVISORY ISSUED FOR BVI

 Residents of the Virgin Islands are being urged to take precautions due to deteriorating air quality caused by a large plume of Sahara dust enveloping the territory. The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has issued an advisory stating that air quality levels could reach unhealthy ranges within the next 24 hours. The dust plume is … Continued

MINISTER DE CASTRO OPENS LIBRARY WEEK 2024

Hon. Sharie de Castro, Minister for Education officially opened Library Week 2024 on Monday with a written statement to the public. This year’s theme is “Libraries: Moving full STEAM Upstream,” highlighting the integral role libraries play in advancing science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). In a statement released Minister de Castro emphasized the significance … Continued