The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) proudly welcomed the Villa Vie Odyssey on its inaugural call to the British Virgin Islands, docking at the cruise pier for several daysin Road Harbour. This momentous occasion was commemorated with a plaque exchange ceremony held onboard the vessel. The event was attended by representatives from the BVIPA, BVI Tourist Board, Tortola Pier Park Ltd., the ship’s Captain Valentin Giuglea, his officers as well as Island Shipping Trading Ltd thelocal agent.Villa V...

The jury’s verdict is in.The motion of no confidence first submitted by His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition on 26 August cannot be discussed in the People’s House before some date in 2025 to be determined by the Speaker with the concurrence of the Leader of Government Business. So says the Rules of the House.This is the first motion of no confidence, of which we are aware, that has created such a hullabaloo in the House and a rumpus in the community.At heart is a question of solidar...

The Territory proudly welcomed the Disney Treasure to Tortola yesterday, Wednesday 27th November. The Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, on its inaugural call to the British Virgin Islands with 2978 passengers and 1713 crew.A plaque exchange ceremony onboard the ship marked the occasion, with Captain Marco Nagara, Minister of Communication & Works Honourable Kye Rymer, BVI Ports Authority officials, BVI Government representatives, Youth Empowerment Project ...

There are reports reaching our newsroom of shots fired in the Towers area of West End late this afternoon Wednesday November 27th. Two separate shootings have been reported on Tortola this afternoon, November 27, 2024.According to reports, a gunman opened fire on a white rental Jeep as it was exiting a dock area. We understand several shots were fired, with two bullet holes being visible on the windshield of the white rental jeep that the apparent target was driving. He was able to exit the vehi...

Our newsroom was reliably informed some six months ago of the possible appointment of Red Cross Director Stacey Lloyd as the new Labour Commissioner.At that time, our newsroom reached out to then Minister of the subject Honourable Lorna Smith on the matter who said that it was under consideration, but was being ‘shelved’ for the moment.The conversation and queries on the appointment reignited just a couple weeks ago with our newsroom being inundated with calls and messages in relatio...

Thirty-Five (35) individuals are now registered as British Citizens after being previously Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens.During a ceremony held at the Government House on November 7, the individuals recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as well as the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.The new citizens also received congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.Gove...

His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce has assented to the Public Service Management Act, 2024, marking the completion of Recommendation B36 of the Commission of Inquiry’s Report.Recommendation B36 expressed that the Public Service Management Code be finalised and transitioned into an Act. The Act sets out a historic shift and formally establishes guidelines for the management and operations of the Public Service of the Virgin IslandsActing Governor, Mr. David D. Archer said that the as...

We got through the hurricane season;Unscathed.For us, Ernesto aside, we had good fortune this year. Not a single named hurricane came to our shores in the 2024 season despite projections.We are grateful and should let that gratitude be known. Prayer has its place but it is so misused in BVI officialdom that suspicion surrounds any mention of it outside of its designated spaces.But the future is uncertain. We are living with climate change but the incoming leader of the free world does not entert...

Two persons have now lost their lives in deadly accidents with the past 48 hours.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a significant breakthrough in investigating a string of burglaries throughout the Territory.A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.The 17 year old has been charged with four (4) counts of Burglary and Criminal Damage.“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring tha...