HMS TRENT has departed the Virgin Islands after a busy few days assisting with the clean-up following Tropical Storm Ernesto.  On a routine visit to the islands as part of the Royal Navy’s support to the British Overseas Territories, HMS TRENT docked at the Tortola Pier Park on Thursday 15 August with 84 personnel on board.During courtesy calls on Governor, Daniel Pruce, and Premier, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, HMS TRENT’s Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, readily offer...

Early morning reports of gunfire in the Purcell area, have residents disturbed. Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have confirmed that they did respond to a report of shots fired in Purcell Estate shortly after 1 a.m. this morning Tuesday August 20th. While no individuals were present upon RVIPF’s arrival, the scene was secured, and an investigation is reportedly currently underway. The Territory continues to struggle with gun related violence, with no end in ...

Events continue to undress us and it is painful to accept when we realize how high flown BVI was for a season.Ernesto, as hurricanes go, was a non-event but it showed our soft underbelly.  We lost too many trees and the shrubs no longer hide indiscriminately disposed garbage.The infrastructure continues to be stressed.  Water accumulates in Town as if it were a riverbed and the consistency of this occurrence tells us that we need a sustainable solution.Perhaps it is time to call in the...

The BVIHSA wishes to inform the Virgin Gorda Community that the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic (NIOC)is temporarily closed due to a low voltage situation. This situation is a result of the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which caused an issue with our power supply.To remedy this situation, services at the NIOC have been temporarily relocated.Temporary Location:- 2nd Floor of the Vanterpool Administrative Building- Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM- Contact: (284) 440-1661Home Care Services:Home care s...

At the highly anticipated DJ Swagga Festival Countdown in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the vibrant music scene witnessed a remarkable feat as Harella, the beloved BVI soca diva, claimed the top spot with her infectious hit single "Remember." Known for her energetic performances and catchy tunes, Harella's triumphant return to the spotlight has reignited excitement among fans and music enthusiasts in the BVI.The festival countdown, which showcased the hottest tracks in the BVI,...

The Ministry of Finance is encouraging all relevant businesses and individuals to participate in the 2024 Business Conditions Survey. This survey is designed to assess changes in the business community, record market trends, and ultimately contribute to analysing the state of the economy.According to Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett, “A Business Conditions Survey provides the Government with information that can be used to predict changes in business conditions and assess the curren...

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is expanding its regional network with the introduction of new flights to the Virgin Islands from October 14.This achievement marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the Territory and .is the result of a dedicated collaborative effort between the BVI Airports Authority, Caribbean Airlines, and key stakeholders.Minister of Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer, expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of the services. "We are well pleased that...

Kalik Aaron, son of prominent business man Enos Aaron and Karen Smith Aaron, has been identified as the victim in Sunday night’s shooting in the Overseas Territory of Anguilla. Two others were confirmed by Anguilla police to be injured as well. Their identities have not yet been released.Following the incident, Anguilla police are said to have detained a group of individuals headed back to the Virgin Islands, as part of their ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting. There are no...

“There is no bigger stage in the world for athletes than the Olympic stage.  And BVI has been attending Olympic Games for the last 44 years.  The Games started about 3,000 years ago in Ancient Greece.  Athletes competed bare feet and nude and both the competitors and the audience were male.  Women joined in 1900 and, since then, a lot about the games and attire has changed.With a single exception, the 2024 quartet to the Paris Olympic Games on behalf of the BV...

UpdateThe Royal Anguilla Police Force has confirmed a shooting incident at Road Well Road (around the Sandy Ground Pond) around 9:40 PM tonight.Tragically, one person is deceased, and two others are currently receiving medical attention for gunshot wounds.Officers responded quickly, and the scene is now cordoned off as investigations continue. RAPF are assuring the public that it appears to be a targeted incident involving individuals not from Anguilla.Earlier ReportEarly reports flood...

Initial reports indicate that former disgraced Premier Andrew Fahie gets eleven (11) years. Over the weekend, Fahie’s attorney, Richard Della Fera, submitted a collection of letters, which include heartfelt testimonials from Fahie’s wife, daughters, and other members of the BVI community, portraying Fahie as a highly respected man in his community.Fahie was convicted in Miami earlier this year on conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering after allegedly ag...

The rumor mill has been alive and well in the Territory for centuries.  In 1790, it got several revolting slaves killed.  They heard that the British Parliament freed all slaves but the planters refused compliance.Where there’s smoke, there’s fire for in 1789 and every year until 1806, William Wilberforce presented a Bill to the British Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade.Charles James Fox was an able ally.  He championed abolition in the House of Commons. ...

The rumor mill has been alive and well in the Territory for centuries.  In 1790, it got several revolting slaves killed.  They heard that the British Parliament freed all slaves but the planters refused compliance.Where there’s smoke, there’s fire for in 1789 and every year until 1806, William Wilberforce presented a Bill to the British Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade.Charles James Fox was an able ally.  He championed abolition in the House of Commons. ...

The Safe Haven Transitional Centre (SHTC) has concluded its Feminine Hygiene Drive Outreach Initiative launched in May.The initiative aimed to provide essential hygiene products to women in need across the Virgin Islands. Donations received included various essential items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, toilet papers, combs, mouthwash, bath soaps and feminine towels.Director of Safe Haven Transitional Centre Mrs. Nellville Bronstorph said ninety-four (94) feminine hygiene packs we...

I want to send my best wishes to the people of the Virgin Islands as they prepare to celebrate Emancipation Day.This year marks 190 years since the abolition of the horrific slave trade throughout the British Empire.It is also the 70th year of the Virgin Islands' Emancipation Festival. I pay tribute to the organisers of the extensive programme of events, featuring local performers, artists, vendors and many other participants from the community.I wish everyone a joyful and safe celebration.&...

Persons wishing to travel by public transportation (taxi/bus) to various communities on the eastern and western ends of the Virgin Islands are asked to use  the Market Square bus stop. Buses are readily available to transport passengers on a first-come, first-served basis.The current schedule is as follows:First pick-up (East End): 5:30 a.m.Last pick-up (East End): 8:00 p.m.First pick-up (West End): 5:30 a.m.Last pick-up (West End): 5:25 p.m.The motoring public is asked to refrain from occu...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has pledged $400,000.00 to the Governments of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada to assist with the countries’ hurricane relief efforts.Premier and Minister of Finance, and Minister for Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley made the announcement while addressing the opening ceremony of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) 11th Council of Ministers: Environmental Sustainability (COM:...

Dancehall entertainer Vybz Kartel and his co-accused were set free this afternoon Wednesday July 31st, after the Court of Appeal ruled against retrying them for the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams.The decision was made by a three-judge panel, including Justices Marva McDonald-Bishop, Paulette Williams and David Fraser.The Privy Council remitted the case back to the Jamaica Court of Appeal to decide whether there should be a retrial, after the accused’s appeal was taken to the...

Four students from the Elmore Stoutt High School ESHS and one student from the Hamilton Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) were selected to represent the Virgin Islands in Athens Greece for the Robotics Global Competition in September. The students Mr. Jayron Gibson, Ms. Mickayla Jack, Mr. Kamouri Anthony, Ms. Judiah Case, Mr. Elian Jones were the top students who passed the rigorous quizzes, tests and student criteria during the course of the two (2) week Robomindset Summer Camp....

The National Security Council (NSC) convened a special meeting today Monday 30th July, following two unrelated shootings, over the weekend of 27 and 28 July 2024, resulting in the death of one male. The NSC expresses its condolences to family and friends directly impacted by these two heinous and brazen acts of violence.The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) updated NSC on the incidents and set out the next steps in their investigations. The NSC was grateful for the quick response by the ...