This past weekend, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of operations resulting in significant seizures and the arrest of an individual in possession of a prohibited firearm and drugs. The operations were part of the ongoing effort to enhance public safety and curb illegal activities within the community.Firearm Seizure and ArrestOn Friday, August 31, officers of the Virgin Gorda Police Station responded to a report concerning a possible firearm possession at a local ...

The Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade, has opened applications for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Grant Programme.The initiative aims to support business development and economic growth within the Territory.The first round of grants is now open for applications and will end on September 30.Application forms are available on the Government’s website (www.gov.vg). Eligible businesses interested in applying should c...

Minister of Health and Social Development the Honourable Vincent Wheatley has extended condolences to the family of Mrs. Rita Frett-Georges, MBE on her passing.Honourable Vincent Wheatley said his ministry is grateful for Mrs. Frett-Georges’ contribution to the health sector.“Mrs. Georges provided invaluable contributions to the Virgin Islands and has left an indelible mark in the field of nursing, mental health, and healthcare.  For this, we are grateful.  We offer her sur...

Our newsroom is overwhelmed with calls from irate and heartbroken community members of Virgin Gorda.  Reports are of a death in the Virgin Gorda community last night, Friday August 30th of one of their beloved residents. Our newsroom is understanding that the gentleman went to the clinic last night for care, but the Doctor was not there, the Clinic was closed. The gentleman we are being informed, subsequently passed away. Members of the community are outraged over the incident.&nb...

The shoe fell on Monday.  It was the day a number of groups and individuals in the Territory had the opportunity to appear before the famed UN Committee of 24 to give views and opinions about self-determination.  A similar parade was held on Tuesday.The Diplomat, of course, owned the moment for he does considerable and good work with the committee to ensure that the BVIs story as a non-self-governing Territory gets heard.BVI is one of 17 such territories in the world and the Diplomat, ...

Our newsroom has been duly informed of yet another air chase in action in the East area. We understand that a law enforcement helicopter is in full pursuit of a go fast boat. We will update you as further info becomes available. 

Dame Janice Pereira DBE, retired Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court has been appointed by His Majesty King Charles III to His Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council. She is the first Virgin Islander to sit on the Privy Council.Dame Janice M. Pereira, DBE, LLD was sworn in as the first female Chief Justice of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court on 24th October, 2012.  She joined the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court as a High Court Judge in ...

Premier Wheatley continues to express optimism, but has also acknowledged the possibility that the BVI may only meet some aspects of the deadline.

The Police Week Planning Committee of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) under the leadership of then Deputy Commissioner Alwin James, decided in 2020, to raffle a vehicle as a fund-raising project during that year’s Police Week activities. Mr. Shan Mohammed of Tortola Auto Group (TAG) very happily gave his support to the idea and assisted with acquiring a 2019 Ford Ranger XLT pickup truck. Other kind sponsors were NAGICO Insurance, Delta Petroleum, KAD Pools, PST Law and Travel...

On Friday, August 23, 2024, one male was arrested and subsequently charged, following an intelligence-led, stop-and-check operation, which was part of a concerted effort to address recent incidents of public disorder.Romario Morgan, 28, of Chalwell Estate, was charged with Possession of a Controlled Drug. He was granted bail in the sum of $5,000 and is scheduled to appear at Magistrate’s Court on August 29.During continuing patrols and checks on Saturday, August 24, two additional males we...

Just around 10pm last night, Sunday August 25th, our newsroom received reports of what appeared to be a high speed air and sea chase in the Towers, West End area. It is suspected that the US Coast Guard along with the RVIPF were in pursuit of a vessel.We also understand that shots were fired, however, it is not clear who fired the shots.Meanwhile, further reports were received of a police chase of what appeared to be gunmen in the Hawks Nest area, and unconfirmed reports suggest that one vehicle...

Last night, Saturday, August 24, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continued its special operation, conducting intelligence-led stop and checks, targeted patrols, and searches in designated hotspots.During the search of a location at Purcell Estate, Tortola, a team of officers encountered two (2) suspicious males known to be on bail with nightly curfew conditions. The individuals attempted to flee on foot but were pursued and arrested by the officers.A subsequent search of their poss...

The Governor has assented to the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act 2024.The amendment seeks to update the 2013 Act by creating a comprehensive range of assistance including basic income grants, hardship allowances and shock response grants.Governor Daniel Pruce said “This is a big step forward towards supporting the most vulnerable people in the Virgin Islands. It also represents a vast improvement to the previous grants systems and goes toward addressing the COI recommendation to reform l...

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has received a "No Objection" from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to advance the procurement process for the construction of the West End Ferry Terminal and temporary facility.  As a result, the four shortlisted firms have officially been issued the bid documents, marking a significant step forward in the project’s progress.Bidders now have until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 25th October, 2024 to submit their bids....

Drugs and offensive weapon seized during operation.

Anyone can make a mistake, and we have all done from time to time.  “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”Nevertheless, with the cost of that mistake bordering $20M per year, for all time, we have a problem.  But larger problems loom that a supplementary additional provision (SAP) cannot fix.How is it possible to under-budget for a wage increase to the tune of $20 million if it were not a deliberate attempt to split the expenditure for the sake of a balanced bud...

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the Free Bottom area after 2 pm today, Wednesday, August 21. Although no individuals were present when officers arrived, spent shell casings were recovered at the scene, which was then secured. Detectives are currently investigating the incident.Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool addressed the incident, stating, "In response to this serious matter, the Police hav...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reporting an increase in the number of dengue fever (DF) cases, including severe dengue requiring hospitalisation.National Epidemiologist, Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah said that while the current number of cases remains below the epidemic threshold, public health officials are closely monitoring the situation. “The Surveillance and Vector Unit has been keenly monitoring the local situation given the on-going outbreaks in other Caribbean...

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 ...