One of the best ways to be ready to react quickly and safely in case of an earthquake is to regularly practise the DROP, COVER and HOLD earthquake safety response, said Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn.“Emergency responders and disaster researchers have seen that the more persons practise DROP, COVER and HOLD, the more likely they are to respond safely to an earthquake,” Mr. Penn said as the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) prepared for the annual ShakeOut earthquake...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is alerting the public about a recent increase in commercial and residential burglaries across thecommunities in East End, Tortola, particularly within the Greenland and Long Look areas.In the past week alone, more than seven burglaries were reported, prompting heightened concerns and additional measures by the RVIPF to safeguard affected communities.The recent spate of break-ins, impacting both homes and businesses, underscores the need for resident...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is alerting the public to a recent increase in blackmail scams. Multiple residents have reported receiving alarming text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically bitcoin, accompanied by threats to release compromising photos or personal information if they did not comply.RVIPF strongly advises individuals who receive these messages not to respond or engage in any way. Scammers often use fear tactics to coerce people into paying, and e...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging the safe use of pharmaceuticals as part of #MedicineSafetyWeek.#MedSafetyWeek is being observed from November 4 to 10.  This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines in the right way to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur. Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Serv...

The Taddy Bay Airport on Virgin Gorda is temporarily closed to all fixed-wing operations to make way for essential runway rehabilitation following recent heavy rainfalls.Officer in Charge, Ms. Diana Maduro said the closure is necessary as the heavy rains impacted operations at the airport.  She has assured the public that updates will be provided on the resumption of services.The BVI Airports Authority extends apologies for any inconvenience the closure may cause and is grateful t...

I learned many things at the feet of Mrs. Ingah Smith but two stand out.  She always remarked that:“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” (King Solomon)“ Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” (Alexander Pope (1688–1744))On Tuesday 5th November, the world will change regardless of the candidate that Americans select.  The stakes are high.  The BVI economy is fueled by the Americans and we know that when the US economy falters, we fa...

Governor Daniel Pruce has assented to the Immigration & Passport (Amendment) Act 2024 today, Friday November 1, bringing the bill into law. The Act was passed in the House of Assembly, and had been on the Governor’s desk since the early part of summer. 

Public Officers across the Virgin Islands will be observing Public Service Week 2024 from November 10 to 16 under the theme, “Unity in Service: Our Public Service Standing Together”.The week is observed annually with an aim of encouraging togetherness through friendly competition and activities. The week also provides opportunities for community engagements and allows the Territory to show appreciation for the work of public officers.Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. said he ...

In an apparent email to staff members just minutes ago, the HR Director of the BVI Tourist Board confirmed that Walters would be staying on as the Events Manager on a contractual basis effect today, Friday November 1.  Dirk Walters resigned from the organisation in mid July, just at the start of Festival season. His departure date was scheduled for end of October.  When asked about his abrupt resignation from the Board, Walters hinted to the bureaucracy in being able to &lsqu...

The Premier is providing funding through yet another SAP to offer former Speaker Julian Willock a contract with the Premier’s Office, as an Advisor. Willock who was arrested and charged earlier this year with conspiracy to provide false information to a person employed in the public service, conspiracy to uttering a forged document, and being a public official using his office for gratification, is said to allegedly be under serious financial strain. The former Speaker, unde...

Both the Virgin Gorda based teams reached the final after defeating their opponents last weekend, VG dealing with Wolues FC after a penalty shootout.The game had ended all square at 2-2 after TeZahria Noble netted the second of her brace in the 58th minute of normal time to level the scores. Earlier Eva Carey had put Wolues ahead in the 3rd minute before Noble scored in the 14th to make it 1-1. An own goal put Wolues back in front in the 44th minute before Noble sent the game to penalties. She a...

The Department of Disaster Management encourages all Virgin Islands residents to join the Territorial earthquake exercise ShakeOut, which will be held locally on November 14 at 2:00 p.m.Persons can register for the exercise at www.surveymonkey.com/r/shakeout2024.Participants should practise the safer earthquake response of DROP, COVER and HOLD. Individuals and organisations may also wish to reduce their risk of earthquake damage or injury by reviewing their earthquake procedures, assembling...

Most of the money to go towards rebuilding Territory’s infrastructure.

Virgin Gorda United leapfrogged over Lion Heart FC to go top of the National League with a resounding 8-0 victory over new boys Avengers FC on Sunday 27th October at the Virgin Gorda Recreation Ground.

The Government of the Virgin Islands will be hosting the 67th Session of the Caribbean Meteorological Council (CMC67) from November 18 to 22.Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, said the important gathering will bring together a delegation of ministers, permanent secretaries, and directors from across the region who are responsible for meteorology.Honourable Rymer stated, “The Caribbean Meteorological Organisation (CMO) collaborates with various weather and clima...