As excitement builds for the 2026 Virgin Islands Emancipation Festival, residents and visitors are being reminded that celebrating responsibly is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.With thousands expected to attend the Territory’s premier cultural celebration, authorities are urging vendors, bartenders, parents, guardians, and festival-goers to do their part in preventing underage drinking and promoting responsible alcohol consumption throughout the festivit...

The Department of Immigration has officially welcomed 102 new Belongers of the Virgin Islands following a Belonger Status Award Ceremony held on Thursday, July 16, at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College.The ceremony recognised 102 individuals who were granted Belonger status under the Immigration and Passport Act, with 80 recipients approved under Section 16(3) and a further 22 under Section 16(6). During the event, the new Belongers recited the Territorial Pl...

Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands — The British Virgin Islands once again celebrated fashion, culture and creativity as Summer Sizzle BVI 2026 successfully delivered another memorable showcase, bringing together designers, models, industry professionals and fashion enthusiasts for an evening of Caribbean-inspired elegance and international flair.Now in its 16th year, Summer Sizzle BVI has grown into one of the Caribbean’s leading fashion and lifestyle events, continuing to e...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, Virgin Islands — Popular Virgin Islands entertainer TeeJaay whose legal name is Tiejie Henley, has been charged with firearm-related offences after police allegedly recovered a loaded handgun during a routine patrol in the Fat Hogs Bay area.According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the incident occurred shortly after midnight on Tuesday, July 21, when officers conducting routine patrols observed a male allegedly engaging in illegal ...

Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands — The British Virgin Islands Chess Federation (BVICF) has announced the national teams that will represent the Territory at the 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15–28, 2026.The announcement was made on International Chess Day, celebrated annually on July 20 to commemorate the founding of FIDE (the International Chess Federation) in 1924.This year’s selection marks another import...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has launched stakeholder consultations aimed at developing a national roadmap to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health concern in the Virgin Islands.The initiative aligns with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Cervical Cancer Elimination Strategy and brings together representatives from international health organisations, government agencies, private sector partners, civil society groups, and healt...

The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has announced its operating schedule for the upcoming 2026 Emancipation Festival holiday period, advising customers, shipping agents, vessel operators and other stakeholders of adjusted hours at Port Purcell.As the Territory prepares to celebrate Emancipation Festival, the Ports Authority is encouraging members of the public and maritime stakeholders to plan accordingly and extends best wishes for a safe, enjoyable and memora...

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wishes to inform the public that the server issues which affected the processing of driver’s licence transactions have been successfully resolved.Customers may now proceed with driver’s licence services as normal. The DMV extends its sincere appreciation to the public for their patience, understanding, and cooperation during the period of disruption.The Department apologises for any inconvenience caused and thanks the public for their continued ...