Phew! It's a relief that nobody lost their lives during what turned out to be an unexpected test on Friday in Tortola. Kudos to everyone involved for averting what could have been a disastrous situation. However, the events that unfolded during the drill underscore a critical need for better communication and coordination in emergency preparedness exercises.

As the Caribbean Community (Caricom) evolves, member states and territories grapple with the complexities of deeper integration, particularly concerning the free movement of people. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), currently an associate member, stands at a crossroads, deliberating the potential shift to full membership with cautious consideration of this policy.The BVI’s Stance: A Delicate BalancePremier Natalio Wheatley's recent statements underscore a nuanced position: recognizing ...

The Catch a Fire Reggae Festival in Soweto, South Africa, recently became the stage for an unforgettable performance by the Virgin Islands' beloved reggae star, Pressure Busspipe, now warmly embraced with the Zulu name Bongani, meaning “one who is grateful.” This reggae sensation, renowned for hits like "Virgin Islands Nice," "Lion is a Lion," "Jah Love," "Reset & Restore," and "Show Love," has been welcomed with open arms int...

In a disturbing development from the serene waters of the Caribbean, the international and local communities have been shaken by the actions of three escaped prisoners from Grenada. The suspects, now facing a slew of serious charges, are accused of hijacking a catamaran and the resulting presumed murder of a U.S. couple, casting a shadow over the region known for its paradisiacal allure and vibrant sailing culture.The individuals in question, Ron Mitchell, a 30-year-old with a background in sail...

Road Town, Tortola – The vibrant energy of BVI Arts' production of "Bugsy Malone" engulfed The Moonstone Nightclub this Sunday at 11 AM, transforming the historic Noel Lloyd Building on Flemming Street into a bustling hub of theatrical talent and community spirit. As a first-time visitor to the Moonstone, the venue's sleek, modern-industrial charm offered a striking backdrop to a performance that was anything but ordinary.An Array of Talent on DisplayThe cast, comprised e...

ReportThe communities of Cane Garden Bay and the Challwell area in the Virgin Islands UK are abuzz with the intriguing mystery of tagged racing pigeons that have recently made unexpected appearances. These pigeons, each bearing unique tags, have sparked a wave of curiosity and brought the local population together in a shared quest for answers.An Enigmatic BeginningIt all started when a racing pigeon, sporting a distinctive combination of gray, black, and white feathers and tagged with a green a...

Great news for the Virgin Islands and environmental enthusiasts: The government of Trinidad and Tobago has successfully halted the oil leak from a barge that capsized off Tobago's coast, initially carrying up to 35,000 barrels of fuel oil. This achievement marks a significant victory for regional environmental protection efforts and mitigates potential risks to the Virgin Islands’ cherished marine and coastal ecosystems.The spill, which had posed a considerable threat to the marine bio...

In a significant crackdown on narcotics trafficking within the Caribbean’s azure waters, two individuals from the British Virgin Islands have been sentenced to nearly five years in prison by a federal court for their involvement in a major cocaine smuggling operation. The case, which unfolded near St. Croix, has cast a spotlight on the persistent challenges the region faces in combating the flow of illegal drugs.Emmanuel Tolentino-Lebron, 22, and Shannon John, 37, both hailing from Road To...

In a remarkable display of teamwork and quick response, the Coast Guard and Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) executed a successful operation to save three individuals from a catamaran in distress near the British Virgin Islands early Thursday morning 7 March.The 33-foot catamaran, named the Quartz, found itself in peril after running aground on the treacherous rocks of Horseshoe Reef, about six nautical miles southeast of Anegada. The incident occurred in the early hours, with the vessel...

In a thrilling display of school spirit and athletic prowess, Flemming House 3 emerged victorious once again in the cheerleading competition at the ESHS Sports Day, while Carlise House secured the coveted title in track and field events after a 12-year drought.The culmination of days of preliminary events and weeks of intense preparation, the ESHS Sports Day on March 8th showcased the talents and dedication of students from various houses. Dressed in their signature colors of Red, White, and Bla...

A joyful Mr. Lealdo Thomas was appreciative to the Ministry of Health and Social Development as he became the latest recipient of a social home.Mr. Thomas and his wife expressed gratitude to the Housing Unit team at the Ministry of Health for their efforts in helping them secure what they described as their retirement gift.Mr. Thomas said, “I appreciate everyone for their assistance and I am happy the wait has come to an end right now. I give the father thanks for blessing me with this gif...

The calendar listed it as a holiday to mark the birthday of BVIs first Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, so we celebrated on Monday.  We went as far as to reenact the first sitting of the 13th Legislative Council under him as Chief Minister (now Premier).  But we wonder if the sitting Legislators understand what made Stoutt a legend in our eyes?It was not because he was a saint or did everything correctly.  After all, his name is tied up with the Bates Hill fiasco that was t...

In an unprecedented move that has caught the attention of both the business community and local residents, the Virgin Islands (UK) House of Assembly debated on 7th March 2024, a proposal that could see companies facing penalties for not submitting their statistical data. This legislation signals a significant shift in how the government plans to enforce transparency and accountability among the corporate entities operating within its jurisdiction. But is this a genuine call for transparency, or ...

In a surprising turn of events, the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) has issued a stark warning against TONBRIDGE GLOBAL GROWTH LIMITED, a company falsely claiming to be a legitimate broker-dealer in investments.According to the FSC, this firm has been masquerading as a licensed entity, deceitfully attracting customers and investors under the guise of being an authorized investment business. However, the truth unveiled by the FSC paints a very different picture. TONBRID...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning concerning the discovery of unsafe levels of lead in ground cinnamon sold at discount retailers nationwide, including Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. This alert is especially crucial for residents of the Virgin Islands who shop off island, who are advised to examine their spice cabinets for potentially contaminated products. The risk of prolonged exposure to this contaminated spice is significant, posing a particular danger to child...

Wednesday, 6 March 2024, Tortola, British Virgin Islands - In a landmark announcement that underscores the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) dedication to global tax compliance and transparency, the Premier and Minister of Finance revealed that the territory has been officially removed from France's blacklist of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. This development marks a significant turning point for BVI, reaffirming its status as a leading international financial center.For years, the shado...

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean, Andrew Fahie, the former Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has been found guilty in a high-profile case that underscores the region's intense battle against narcotics trafficking. The guilty verdict, delivered by a Miami court, marks a significant chapter in the Virgin Islands' history, highlighting the deep-rooted challenges of corruption and drug trafficking facing the territory.Andrew Fahie, 53, was c...

In an impactful statement delivered on March 5th, 2024, by the Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, the Virgin Islands government has firmly committed to enhancing its financial regulatory framework. This declaration was made during the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands and centers around the recent Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) conducted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task For...

In a landmark decision on November 29, 2023, the UK Supreme Court has paved the way for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to intensify its efforts against online fraud, setting a significant legal precedent that could transform how the BVI tackles the growing menace of cryptocurrency scams and other forms of digital deception. The ruling, which centers on the use of injunctions against individuals not yet identified as having committed any wrongdoing, marks a critical turning point in the legal b...

Major Midnight Maritime Operation: Joint Task Force Intercepts Cocaine-Laden Vessel Off Tortola's Coast in Record-Breaking Seizure.