On Thursday, January 18, 2024, while conducting a stop and search operation on Virgin Gorda, Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force stopped a vehicle containing three male occupants. During the search two firearms; a Rifle and Hand Pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a substantial quantity of drugs believed to be cannabis were found.Akeem E. Joseph, 37, of St Croix, USVI and Kyreek Gardner, 22 of The Valley, Virgin Gorda were jointly charged with Possession of a Prohibited Fire...

His Majesty’s Customs is observing its 2024 Customs Week from January 21 to 27.The week of activities commenced with a church service at the St. Georges Anglican Church in Road Town on January 21. Throughout the week, various social events will take place to honor and appreciate the dedication of the hardworking officers who have contributed tirelessly throughout the year of 2023 and those that have retired within that time.International Customs Day will also be recognised on Friday, Janua...

Virgin Islands residents are encouraged to create or revise disaster plans as they plan their activities for 2024.Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn said that the turning of the year is an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and improve going forward.“Last year, the Virgin Islands experienced a number of minor earthquakes, a major flooding event, and two close passes of tropical cyclones,” Mr. Penn said, adding, “Having an action plan for how to deal with the...

Member States and territories of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) gathered in Grenada and via online mediums to mark the opening of the 2024 Law Year with a special sitting.The sitting held on January 12 also saw the final address delivered by retiring Chief Justice Janice Pereira, a Virgin Islander.In the Virgin Islands, the opening of the year was marked by a special church service at the Apostolic Faith Church in Road Town and a special sitting in the Civil Court Room on Tortola.Chi...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has charged one additional male in relation to the armed robbery at House of Luxury Jewelry Store at Tortola Pier Park in July 2023. Vernon Bernard, 32, of Manuel Reef, was charged with Robbery, Handling Stolen Goods, and Possession of the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct. He will appear before the Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting.In July of 2023, the RVIPF responded to reports of an armed robbery at Tortola Pier Park, where two masked men ...

Detectives of the Major Incident Team of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force arrested one person for questioning in connection with the September 3rd, 2023, murder of 25-year-old Azim Yonnas of Butu Mountain. This arrest follows an extensive investigation spanning just over three months.Initial enquiries revealed that Yonnas was in the Long Bush area when he was pursued by two armed, masked individuals and was fatally shot.While the investigation remains ongoing, the Royal Virgin Islands Polic...

The news, when it was confirmed, was shocking.  Heads hung in silence; Dark shadows crossed the hearts of the listeners; Mouths stood agape in consternation; And expressions of disbelief were uttered while the public waited for someone to say that it was not so.The Premier could not, in that moment, touch the valiant lady, who, with all she promised to offer on her inaugural call to the BVI, was no match for the strong emotions that racked his body, disfigured his face and brought tears of ...

UPDATEOur newsroom has been informed that all Members of the HOA were in fact not invited to the Governor’s Departure Ceremony.However, both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition were ‘no shows’We understand the Premier was tardy in getting to the Ceremony although it had started some 20 minutes late. The Opposition Leader we understand is heading to Jost Van Dyke for the opening ceremony of the new school complex, although the ceremony starts at midday and the boat depa...

As the sun sets on his tenure, His Majesty's Governor of the British Virgin Islands, John James Rankin CMG, prepares to bid farewell to the people of the Virgin Islands and make his exit from Governor House. Amid a backdrop of mixed sentiments and unfulfilled expectations, Governor Rankin will deliver his final message today, marking the end of his term in the British Overseas Territory.The Governor's tenure has been marked by a series of challenges and accomplishments, as well as ongoin...

In an exciting move for both the player and the team, D’Moi Hodge is set to sign a G-League contract with the Portland Trail Blazers today. This opportunity will pave the way for Hodge to reclaim his 2-way contract with the team, provided that he meets performance expectations on the court.Hodge, a former member of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently found himself waived from the team. During his time with the Lakers, he had the privilege of playing alongside some of the NBA’s top talen...

In a recent statement, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has issued a warning concerning a troubling increase in underage drinking incidents across the Territory as 2023 drew to a close. The Family and Juvenile Unit within the force has expressed concern over the illegal consumption of alcohol by juveniles during recent festivities, which has resulted in a number of young individuals needing medical attention.According to the Liquor Licence Ordinance in the British Virgin Islands, it is stri...

Guavaberry Media has received reports of yet another accident in the Baughers Bay area moments ago, with indications that it is of a serious nature. The ambulances and police were seen heading towards the scene, suggesting an urgent response from emergency services.The details surrounding the incident remain limited at this time, but Guavaberry Media is committed to providing the public with accurate and up-to-date information as soon as it becomes available. Our team is actively monitoring the ...

January 17th, 2024 - Cane Garden Bay, Mayaba: Earlier today, an unfortunate accident occurred on the way to Cane Garden Bay via Mayaba, causing concern among residents and authorities alike. A vehicle overturned, leading to the blockage of the area and prompting a call for emergency services. The extent of the injuries is yet to be confirmed, but initial photos received indicate that medical attention will be required.The incident has raised questions about the state of road safety in the area, ...

Kenroy Chinnery of Jost Van Dyke who was pulled from the sea earlier today, January 15 has died.The incident is understood to have happened early morning while Chinnery was out on his boat. He is said to have had a seizure and fell off the boat, and the boat may have made impact with his body, causing severe injury. He was rescued by VISAR but succumbed to his injuries. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and JVD community. 

As Guavaberry Media, we pause to pay homage to a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the BVI community. Carvin Malone, a man of many words and unyielding convictions, has embodied the spirit of dedication and service, making a profound impact in numerous spheres of life. His presence will be sorely missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within our hearts.Carvin Malone's influence transcended boundaries, encompassing athletics, politics, community ser...

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley who is the Minister responsible for Tourism, was paid a courtesy call from Team Leader and Tourism Technical Specialist Ms. Maria Fowell from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS) and supporting consultant and Tourism Policy and Development Advisor, Dr. T. Jennifer Edwards.The OECS Commission representatives are on island will be engaging with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustain...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is mourning the loss of former Chief Inspector Mr. Wellington Junior Romney also known also known as “Butch”.Mr. Romney joined the organization in 1973, as a constable and received training at the Regional Police Training Center in Barbados.  He served with the organization until 1978, at which time he resigned and migrated to the United States.  Upon his return to the territory in 1982, he rejoined the organization and the...

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of Members and Staff of the House of Assembly, on the recent passing of Former Legislator Carvin Malone.Mr. Malone’s contributions to our Territory were immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on both our legislative landscape and the hearts of those he served. As the Minister for Health and Social Development, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, particularly during the height of the Covid-19 pa...

Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, paid a courtesy call to the Virgin Islands to view first-hand the progress of works done since the hurricanes of 2017. He also held meetings with representatives from the BVI Athletic Association and viewed ongoing works at the A O Shirley Grounds.Lord Sebastian Coe also spoke with athletes about his athletic career and provided answers in relation to the difficulties and motivational drivers that kept him going during his Olympic appearances.Min...

Young Adaejah Hodge, Virgin Islander and rising star at Montverde Academy's Track and Field team, secured a remarkable victory in the girls' invitational 300m event, leaving spectators in awe with her breathtaking time of 36.97 seconds. Hodge's exceptional speed and athletic talent were on full display during this standout performance, solidifying her status as a promising young athlete in the track and field world.From the onset, Hodge surged ahead of her competitors and maintained ...