In a press conference held yesterday 22 March 2024, the media attempted to get an update from Premier Natalio Wheatley on the situation surrounding negotiations with the Thomas family regarding the Ellis Thomas Downs in Sea Cows Bay. The Premier commented that he “doesn’t want to comment as negotiations are ongoing.”Information reaching Guavaberry Media today Saturday 23 March however, indicates that no negotiations are ongoing with the family. The family had apparently requested a meeting to...

North Sound by night is a beauty and when it is inhabited by the considerable number of vessels that were anchored there on Tuesday evening, one begins to understand the sheer potential of the tourism industry in the British Virgin Islands.But what happens in the North Sound is not distinctive in the BVI.  There are other bays and coves scattered amongst our sixty islands, rocks and cays where boaters find their special anchorage that helps them with unforgettable memories.They are hooked and be...

In an unprecedented move, the Virgin Islands has emerged as the first jurisdiction to embrace the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s innovative e-litigation portal, marking a significant leap forward in the digital transformation of the criminal justice system. This cutting-edge initiative introduces an online platform for managing criminal cases, allowing legal documents such as indictments and complaints to be filed electronically.The launch of this criminal module signifies a pivotal advancem...

In a profoundly personal revelation that has touched hearts across the globe, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, has bravely disclosed her diagnosis of cancer. The news was delivered through a moving statement recorded in the serene gardens of Windsor Castle, shedding light on her recent journey since major abdominal surgery in January. The diagnosis, which came as a profound shock to both the Princess and her family, has sparked a unified wave of support and admiration for her resilience and ope...

"Is it an angel? Is it a plane? Nope, it’s SpaceX lighting up the BVI night like a cosmic party!" But before we get carried away dreaming about hitching a ride on a rocket, let’s dive into the world where AI is the ultimate sidekick in our human-led saga. It’s a story full of twists, turns, and a hearty dose of reality checks, all served up with a side of fun.The ChatGPT Chronicles: Your AI BFFImagine ChatGPT and its digital crew as the helpful neighbors who occasionally can't help but overhe...

In a concerning development from the Virgin Islands, UK, reports have emerged of a group of individuals, identified as Haitians along with Europeans and Eastern Europeans, being let out into the waters of the North Sound area of Virgin Gorda. Eyewitnesses state that these people were abandoned to swim ashore at various locations, highlighting a distressing incident that sheds light on the persistent issue of human trafficking in the region.This event comes against the backdrop of a troubling glo...

Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico – In a groundbreaking revelation that bridges the past and the present, archeologists from the National Park Service have confirmed the identity of the HMS Tyger, a storied 18th-century British warship, within the confines of Dry Tortugas National Park, off the coast of Key West, Florida. This significant find not only offers a glimpse into maritime history but also highlights the enduring spirit of human resilience and ingenuity.Constructed in 1647, t...

In an electrifying conclusion to the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School Debates, Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has emerged as the victorious champion, clinching the title against St. George’s Secondary School. The final round, held on Monday, 18 March 2024, at 1:56pm, was not just a display of academic prowess but a testament to the determination and hard work of students and educators alike.The winning team, comprised of Naomi Onwufuju, Adrianne Thomas, and Kande Richard...

In a critical announcement made on Friday, March 15, 2024, the Environmental Health Division of the Virgin Islands has issued a public recall for Fratelli Beretta’s Ready-to-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products due to potential underprocessing. This recall concerns the brand’s ready-to-eat Coppa products, identified by establishment numbers “EST. M47967 or M7543B” either within the USDA mark of inspection or marked in inkjet on the package front. While these products boast a range of best-by dates,...

Tortola, BVI – The Rotary Club of Tortola is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 Grand Raffle, a momentous event aimed at garnering support for critical health initiatives within the community. The grand kick-off is set to take place on March 15, 2024, at the Bamboushay Lounge, commencing at 6:30 pm.This year's Grand Raffle offers a spectacular Grand Prize of $25,000.00 cash, with the drawing scheduled during the Emancipation Festival 2024. Other cash prizes include a second prize of 5,...

Tortola, British Virgin Islands - In an era where global publishing power lies at our fingertips, the recent controversy involving Deputy Governor David Archer and social media platform Mika Barry brings to the forefront a critical debate: the balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility that comes with it. Today, Archer publicly refuted claims made in a viral video by Barry, which falsely identified him as a corrupt official. This incident not only raises questions about the uncheck...

A Legacy Reborn by Ms. Perline Scatliffe-Leonard from Public Service to Community Pillar.

In a significant development that underscores the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) commitment to becoming a leading force in the global digital finance arena, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith of the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade made a compelling statement on March 15th. Smith emphasized the territory's strategic vision and efforts towards establishing itself as a global digital assets hub, showcasing the BVI's proactive approach to embracing the opportunities presented by the digital ...

In a significant update from the British Virgin Islands' International Tax Authority (ITA) on February 5, 2024, the tax landscape for cross-border financial information sharing has expanded. The ITA announced the inclusion of new jurisdictions in its Common Reporting Standards (CRS) lists, marking a pivotal step in the BVI's commitment to global tax transparency and compliance.The CRS, a brainchild of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), serves as the cornerstone fo...

In a proactive measure to enhance tsunami preparedness, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) of the Virgin Islands is extending an invitation to its residents to partake in the upcoming Caribe Wave 2024 exercise. Scheduled for March 21, this regional drill is a critical part of the islands’ comprehensive strategy to improve tsunami readiness and response capabilities.The significance of this exercise has been further underscored by the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apa...

The telltale signs are there.  Othello the Moor (Shakespeare) surfaces. He saw what he believed to have been evidence that condemned his wife as unfaithful and he acted upon them.  And, too late, after Desdemona was dead, he realized that it was a carefully laid plot to destroy him.Scholars often remark in disgust: ‘He could have asked!!’Well, BVI is asking.What are we to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?We admit we are not kit and kin because we have always been manage...

In a significant turn of events, Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has had his murder conviction overturned, marking a dramatic shift in a legal saga that has captivated not only Jamaica but fans worldwide. The 48-year-old artist, known for his major hits like "Clarks," "Ramping Shop," and "Summer Time," was originally sentenced to life in prison in 2014, with a minimum of 35 years to be served, later reduced to 32-and-a-half years, for the murder of his associate Clive ...

In a nerve-wracking incident on the evening of Wednesday, March 13, 2024, passengers aboard InterCaribbean Airways Flight JY634 experienced a harrowing return to Antigua after their aircraft encountered a critical engine failure shortly after takeoff. The flight, originating from Antigua and destined for Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands, was carrying a diverse group of passengers, including British Virgin Islanders, Belongers, residents, and tourists.Approximately five minutes into the ...

In the heart of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a significant cultural dilemma emerges, casting a long shadow over a deeply rooted tradition that has united communities for countless generations. The ongoing dispute at Ellis Thomas Downs, a pivotal venue for horse racing in the BVI, poses a threat to the future of this sport, which is intricately woven into the islands' cultural fabric and identity. With the traditional August Tuesday Festival Horse Race approaching, the Virgin Islands communi...

In an inspiring event this past Friday, the Grade 5 students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in the Virgin Islands took their learning experience to an extraordinary level. Nineteen young scholars, under the guidance of their teacher, Candia McFarlane, participated in a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly, showcasing not only their understanding of governance but also their vision for the future of their territory.The students, each acting as the newly elected Premier of the Virgin Island...