The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the Virgin Islands has unveiled the winning design for the commemorative license plate celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Emancipation Festival.Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer, congratulated Mr. Shaquille Bell on his submission and winning graphic design.  "Mr. Bell's contribution to our 70th Festival Celebrations speaks to the liberty of the celebrations, and symbolises the spirit of freedom while marking this histori...

It could only be described as bedlam (a scene of uproar and confusion).  The last time someone shot at such a high profile American politician was when John Hinckley Jr shot Ronald Reagan in 1981.Now, 43 years later, Donald Trump is part of that history due to the attempt on his life by Thomas Matthew Crooks.We always believed that nothing destroys friendships and communities like politics and religion.  But politics, for the moment, is poised to destroy the world if Carl Von Clausewitz’s quote...

Information reaching our newsroom is alleging  that Events Manager at the BVITB, Dirk Walters, has resigned with immediate effect. Information surrounding the circumstances of his departure are ‘sketchy’ at best. Walters departure is the second in a matter of six weeks, of senior staff that has left the BVITB under questionable circumstances. Reports of concerns continue to point at serious issues with top Management at the Board, mostly citing egregious levels of mismanagement. We will bring ...

Justice was served in the High Court on Friday, July 12, as Rohan Williams was found guilty on both counts for the murder and rape of Lenia Green, an incident that shocked the Georges Northside community in 2019.Williams' conviction marks the culmination of relentless efforts by the RVIPF and the dedicated team at the Director of Public Prosecutions office. This verdict brings a sense of closure and justice to the family of Lenia Green and the community at large, who have been profoundly affecte...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force wishes to inform the public about the continued situation relating to the theft of motor vehicles on Tortola.For two months, between May 11, 2024, and July 11, 2024, the RVIPF received and investigated eight reports regarding vehicles being taken without theconsent of the owners. Seven of those vehicles were registered as rental cars while the remaining one was registered for private use. In all cases, the keys were left in the vehicles either by the owner o...

The President of the BVIOC said that the Territory was batting above its weight and size class to have 4 athletes qualify for the Paris Olympics later this month.Kyron McMaster, OBE, in the 400m hurdles will likely give the Territory its best chance at a medal since he has the most experience competing in major international tournaments including the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.The sensation, Adaejah Hodge, will run the women’s 200m and one of the fastest 60m sprinters, Rikkoi Brathwaite, will enter...

The RVIPF is continuing its investigation into the April 30, 2023, murder of Kemo Lettsome of Long Look, Tortola.On Monday, July 8, 2024, officers of the Major Incident Team charged Andraes Norford with Murder. Norford is currently an inmate at His Majesty’sPrison. On April 24, 2024, Vernon Bernard and Jelani Marquis were also charged with this crime.The charging of Norford underscores the RVIPF's commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice.Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is urgently alerting the public about a significant surge in dinghy thefts throughout the Territory. These incidents, occurring most frequently between 7 and 10 p.m., seriously threaten our boating community. To combat this alarming trend, the RVIPF strongly advises all boat owners and charter companies to bolster the security measures for their dinghies.To assist in preventing dinghy theft, the RVIPF recommends the following proactive steps for dinghy owner...

A massive fire has broken out in South Valley, Virgin Gorda tonight, Monday July 8.The local fire truck along with other local Contractors have mobilized to try to bring the fire under control. The BVIAA has also been engaged. We will keep you updated as information breaks on the situation. 

 Officers of the Criminal Investigations Department have made significant progress in the investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at Ups Cineplex shortly after 10 pm on Saturday, July 6.Denston Johnney, 30, of Huntum’s Ghut, has been formally charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Firearm with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence, and Unlawful Possession of Explosive.He remains in custody pending his appearance at the Magistrate's Court.

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force are investigating a report received of an attempt to smuggle contraband into His Majesty's Prison on Friday, July 5, 2024.As part of the investigation, a Police Constable was arrested for questioning and released, pending further investigation. The officer, who our media house understands to be Constable Zain Bronstorph, was immediately interdicted from duty. Bronstorph was promoted to Constable in 2022 and celebrated as a top Police Recruit.The ...

Police have confirmed to our newsroom that the suspect in last night’s shooting at UP’s Cineplex has been apprehended and is now in Police custody. Information is that an Auxiliary Officer of the RVIPF was shot while out attending a movie.Details are still unclear. We will bring further information as it becomes available. 

Victim is said to be in stable condition.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has noted a concerning increase in reports of missing vehicles, particularly those left unlocked overnight throughout the Road Town area. Alarmingly, some of these stolen vehicles have been subsequently used in the commission of other crimes, posing a significantthreat to community safety.The RVIPF strongly advises all residents to take the following precautions to help prevent vehicle theft:1. Ensure that all doors and windows are securely locked whenever y...

The RVIPF Police have confirmed a shooting incident at the UPS Cineplex tonight Saturday, July 6, 2024. The incident is said to have occurred sometime around 10pm. We understand Police one female was injured and that she was transported to the Dr. D Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment.The circumstances surrounding the incident is unclear, however, the injured individual is said to be in stable condition at the hospital.Our sources have indicated that the shooting victim is in training to become...

The Caribbean Posh Weekend 2024 concluded with resounding success, solidifying its reputation as the ultimate gathering for Caribbean and Caribbean American women. From June 28-30, 2024, Harbor 360 Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, hosted a transformative experience filled with empowerment, celebration, and inspiration.The highlight of this year's event was the inaugural Caribbean Posh Icon Woman Awards. Friday evening saw a prestigious ceremony honoring exceptional...

They made us memorize Portia’s speech on ‘Mercy,’ (Merchant of Venice) but it was Shylock’s that caught my imagination for it spoke of a certain expectation of egalitarianism.“Hath not a Jew eyes? Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions; fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons, subject to the same diseases, healed by the same means, warmed and cooled by the same winter and summer as a Christian is?”July, stand by:We are no longer standing by.  Hurr...

There are reports of an early morning shooting incident in the Sea Cow’s Bay Area. The incident is said to have occurred around 1am today, 5 July. Early reports indicate a shoot out between a number of persons and many rounds of ammunition being discharged. We understand one person has been injured, receiving some 5 shots and was rushed to the D Orlando Smith Hospital. The individual who has been identified as a male, is presently undergoing surgery. We will bring further information as more de...

On Thursday, July 4, 2024, the RVIPF arrested a previous House of Assembly Speaker in relation to two ongoing criminal investigations.The first investigation relates to Visa Waivers issued between 2018 and 2022 and the second investigation relates to a forged document presented to the BVI Immigration Department in 2022.As a result Julian Willock, 56, of Sea Cows Bay, was charged with one count of a Public Official Using his Office for Gratification, contrary to section 83 of the 2013 Criminal Co...

The BVI Health Services Authority’s (BVIHSA) Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services continues to receive grand recognition for its “Be Mindful” mental health campaign. The team has received kudos from both the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA).Both nods of recognition were in response to the 2023 series of impactful initiatives and collaborations. Such partnerships featured a collaboration with a British consultant and sister Ove...