The Virgin Islands welcomed more than one million visitors in 2024, marking only the second time the territory has achieved this milestone since its first million-visitor year in 2016, Premier Natalio Wheatley announced. Tourist arrivals reached 1,092,139 in 2024, representing a 9.8% increase from 994,896 visitors in 2023, according to the Central Statistics Office. The … Continued
Twelve Royal Virgin Islands Police Force officers are currently interdicted from duty, primarily for breach of trust offences, Acting Commissioner Jacqueline Vanterpool revealed Wednesday. Speaking at a press conference, Vanterpool said the affected officers, mostly sergeants and constables, face charges including aggravated bodily harm, assault, and theft. Vanterpool also provided a brief insight into how … Continued
Four high-ranking USVI officials, including current Sports Commissioner Calvert White, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges alleging they participated in separate bribery and fraud schemes involving government contracts. White appeared in District Court alongside former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and government contractor Benjamin Hendricks. All four were released on … Continued
The Princess of Wales announced Tuesday her cancer is in remission, sharing the news during a visit to the Royal Marsden Hospital in London where she received treatment earlier this year. Kate expressed gratitude for the medical care she received at the world-leading cancer center, known for its pioneering research. “We couldn’t have asked for … Continued
The British Virgin Islands will host its first-ever Tourism Summit next week at the newly reopened Peter Island Resort, marking what Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley describes as a strategic move to elevate the territory’s tourism sector. The event will feature keynote addresses from various industry professionals representing local and regional agencies. Premier Wheatley … Continued
China’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed claims about an “unknown” respiratory virus as fearmongering, stating the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has been documented for at least 60 years. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Wednesday that respiratory infections in China are currently lower than last year’s levels, despite typical winter increases in the Northern Hemisphere.The World Health … Continued
The Virgin Islands’ entire beach safety programme currently operates with only two lifeguards stationed at Josiah’s Bay and Smuggler’s Cove, Chief Fire Officer Zebulon McLean reiterated during Standing Finance Committee deliberations. During questioning from Second District Representative Hon. Melvin Turnbull about lifeguard staffing levels, McLean explained these two beaches were designated for coverage amid limited … Continued
USVI Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White has resigned amid federal allegations of bribery and bid manipulation involving a $1.43 million security camera contract. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the resignation, naming Assistant Commissioner Vincent Roberts as acting head of the department. Federal prosecutors allege White demanded $16,000 in bribes from Mon … Continued
The death toll from Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires climbed to 24 on Sunday as officials warned of new dangers from fierce winds forecast through midweek. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner attributed 16 deaths to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and eight to the Palisades Fire along the Pacific coast. Sixteen people remain missing, with … Continued
Three prominent Virgin Islands officials, including two former members of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s Cabinet, face federal indictments tied to a fraud case involving Mon Ethos founder David Whitaker, who has already pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery. Former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Jenifer O’Neal, and … Continued
