JAMAICA MONITORING CASE AFTER TWO FOUND DEAD IN JETBLUE AIRCRAFT

Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft during a routine inspection at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Monday night. The grim discovery has sparked an international investigation, with officials working to determine both the identities of the deceased and how they accessed … Continued

USVI TO MARK NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR JIMMY CARTER

The U.S. Virgin Islands will observe January 9, 2025, as a local holiday to honour former President Jimmy Carter, following President Biden’s declaration of a National Day of Mourning. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued an Executive Order declaring the holiday and will travel to Washington to attend Carter’s State Funeral at President Biden’s invitation. … Continued

YOUNG NAMED AS NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF T&T

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced Saturday that Energy Minister Stuart Young will succeed him as Trinidad and Tobago’s next head of government, following a two-day parliamentary retreat in Tobago. Rowley revealed during a news conference at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort that Young, who also serves as Minister in the Office of … Continued

U.S. CONGRESS CERTIFIES DONALD TRUMP’S WIN

Congress formally certified Donald Trump’s presidential election victory Monday, exactly four years after his supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block certification of his defeat. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 election, presided over the peaceful ceremony as constitutionally required, receiving a standing ovation from Democrats … Continued

2025 VI ICON AWARDS TO PRESENT NEW CATEGORIES

The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has officially opened applications for its highly anticipated Virgin Islands Training Academy, offering life-changing opportunities for young individuals across the territory. This year, the Academy is seeking 50 motivated and energetic participants, ranging from 10th-grade students to college-level individuals, to join its next cohort and gain invaluable experience in event … Continued

PAHO LAUNCHES AVIAN FLU DASHBOARD

The Pan American Health Organization has launched an interactive dashboard to monitor avian influenza A(H5N1) cases throughout the Americas and Caribbean, providing real-time data for regional health authorities. The new platform tracks outbreaks in birds, mammals, and humans, incorporating data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Between January and December 2024, the dashboard … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY COMMENDS REGIONAL PAGEANT

Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley lauded the recent hosting of the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant in the British Virgin Islands, highlighting its significant contribution to the territory’s tourism product. Speaking about the event, Wheatley commended the quality of the show and praised those responsible for organizing such a prestigious occasion. The … Continued

T&T’S PM ROWLEY ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has announced his intention to resign before the end of the current term of his People’s National Movement (PNM), which concludes in August this year. Dr. Rowley, 75, who has served in public office for 45 years, shared the news during a recent address in Tobago, … Continued

SMITH URGES GOVERNMENT TO PRIORITIZE WORKERS’ WELFARE

Territorial At-Large Representative Lorna Smith has strongly criticized the government’s decision to postpone the long-promised minimum wage increase, describing the delay as “immoral.” Speaking during the 2025 budget debate in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, December 18, Smith urged the government to prioritize workers’ welfare and fulfil its commitment to raising the minimum wage. … Continued

BVI WELCOMES LIAT 2020 WITH DAILY FLIGHTS FROM THE CARRIER

LIAT 2020 Limited returned to the British Virgin Islands on Sunday, launching its inaugural flight to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport and signaling a renewed commitment to regional air travel. The airline’s comeback marks a significant milestone for Caribbean connectivity, with government officials celebrating the return of a carrier that has long been integral … Continued