Akeem Pickering, former employee of The British Virgin Islands Ports Authority (BVIPA) has been brought back and appointed Managing Director of the Ports effective 1st November 2023.The position became available after the arrest of former Port Boss Oleavine Maynard in Miami April 2022 on drugs and money laundering charges. She later pleaded guilty to the charges. Mr. Pickering's appointment was approved by the Cabinet of the Virgin Islands for an initial period of two years, in accordan...

The Minister for Financial Services, Labour & Trade, the Honourable Lorna Smith OBE, moved a motion in the House of Assembly yesterday Tuesday 31 October to temporarily suspend the Trade Commission Act for up to one year, 12 months. The Minister said that she needed time to review the Act to ensure its viability and effectiveness. The Act came into effect on 21 November 2022, through Statutory Instrument S.I. 103 of 2022.The Minister said after assuming office at the end of April 2023, it be...

The Public Service 101 course attended by 120 public officers has been labelled a ‘resounding success’.Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. said the launch of the Public Service 101 course was a momentous occasion in the Department of Human Resources’ history, and by extension, the continued success and development of the Public Service.The Deputy Governor said, “A lot of dedication was put into ensuring we develop this course into the incredible vision that was caste...

The Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital has received high praises for its processes and level of care from the St. Lucian Minister for Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs Honourable Moses Jean Baptiste.Honourable Jean Baptiste was on an official visit to the Virgin Islands where he attended the OECS Council of Health Ministers meeting.On a visit to the hospital, Honourable Jean Baptiste said he was very pleased with the processes and level of care, and that he has learned a lot from the Virgin Island...

We thought Agriculture would have become the third economic pillar for the Territory when Hon. Omar Hodge conceived the idea of building greenhouses.However, the very sector they were developed to assist, made such a ruckus that Hon. Hodge lost his equilibrium and, just like that, the people forgot about ‘the people’s man.’ The green houses, over $5 million of investment, were left for Hurricane Irma to blow away without having produced as much as a single tomato for the T...

Government of the Virgin Islands will continue its focus on the preservation and advancement of the Territory’s culture in activities to observe Culture and Tourism month.Director of Culture Dr. Katherine Smith said the month of activities will begin on November 1 and will be observed under the theme, “Our Virgin Islands, Our Story: Tell Your Story”. Activities planned for the month will also highlight the historical significance of key heritage sites in the Virgin Islands, and...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed a contract for the rehabilitation of the roadway from Hodges Creek Marina to Paraquita Bay at the Cutlass Tower.The contract in the amount of Two million, three hundred and eighty six thousand, fifteen dollars and ninety-nine cents ($2,386,015.99) was awarded to Northam Construction Ltd and is expected to be completed in a six (6) month timeline.Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley stated that his Government is committed ...

Following queries to our news room regarding an incident of drugs and money drifting into the ferry dock in Road Town, our news room has confirmed with Police that 8-9 kilos of cocaine did float into the Road Town Ferry dock last night Saturday 28 October. The drugs were removed from the water by the RVIPF. No confirmation by Police of money being found.The Police have also confirmed to our media room that there have been other incidences of drugs washing in along the coastline, and they su...

An update from the RVIPF indicate that the autopsy on British UK Officer France who was assigned to the RVIPF, has been completed and is in their possession. There are however, further tests being done and the RVIPF is awaiting those results before further updates to the public. On 7 October 2023, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force responded to a report of a submerged vehicle in the Waterfront area, close to Queen Elizabeth II Park. Upon arrival, they discovered a white Kia S...

With a long awaited mix-tape set to be released on October 27, R. City, the dynamic musical duo composed of brothers Theron and Timothy Thomas will have their first LIVE, in person event at Virgin Gorda’s Yacht Harbour’s, More for 2024 on December 31, 2023.The album titled, This is Not a Drill...This is Really Happening, is the first music released by the group, since 2017. The brothers, who are originally from the US Virgin Islands have had over a decade of international success as ...

“The terror is creeping closer and closer into our lives.  People no longer feel comfortable going to the office because no one knows anyone’s connections and whether it is safe to be in their presence.They especially do not know when the thief will come and, while we have been fortunate that s(he) is content to take cash and chattel, we have no idea when that extends into taking lives.We have become like any prosperous country where security in offices is huge.  For now, o...

A notice from Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority Mr. Kurt Menal, is informing the traveling public that all airports in the Territory have reopened as of 8:00 am this morning, Sunday 22nd October.Mr. Menal has advised that the decision to reopen the airports was made after the tropical storm watch issued for the Territory was discontinued and it was determined safe to do so. Travelers are encouraged to contact their respective airlines if they have any concerns with their fligh...

TAMMY STILL CAT 1 AS IT APPROACHES THE VIRGIN ISLANDS.

Ms. Ayana Glasgow has been appointed Executive Director of International Business Regulations in the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade.Ms. Glasgow brings to the post over 25 years of experience in the field of financial services and will be cultivating enhanced collaboration between the Government of the Virgin Islands and key stakeholders within the financial services sector to advance business development, strategic objectives, and policy initiatives.Additionally, the Executive ...

Minister of Health and Social Development, Hon. Vincent Wheatley is pleased to announce the commencement of the Quality/Infection Prevention and Control Week (QIPC), which runs from 15 to 28 October 2023. The theme for the 2023 observance is "Celebrating the Fundamentals of Infection Prevention."The theme calls to return to the foundational practices of infection prevention which will be amplified throughout the days of observance by the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA); which wi...

A statement from the RVIPF confirm Police responded to a shooting incident at DHL’s office in Fish Bay shortly after 7pm this evening. One person was injured and has been transported to Dr. Orlando Hospital for treatment.Officers are on the scene and investigations are active. More information will be provided as they become available.

Following a meeting of the European Union’s (EU’s) Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) today (17 October 2023), the British Virgin Islands (BVI) has been removed from the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions (Annex I).In a statement, the EU Council noted that the “British Virgin Islands  was removed from the list as it has amended its framework on exchange of information on request (criterion 1.2) and will be reassessed in accordance with the OECD ...

She sleeps the sleep of the just!And nothing, and no one, can wake her from that slumber unless, of course, if it is true that: “…the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise…….First.”At least, that was her lifelong belief.When they returned to the BVI after studying in Canada, Jennie Wheatley and her husband, Charles, were a dynamic duo.  Her dream...

A donation receptacle has been set up inside the One Stop Mall for donations toward former disgraced Premier Andrew Fahie. Our newsroom has received evidence over the past couple months of the former Premier’s alleged requests for financial support from residents in the Territory, now an official receptacle has been set up. While in the seat of Premier, Andrew Fahie and his Government passed what was eventually dubbed the ‘Greedy Bill’. The Bill provided for large pay...

An incident involving students that turned into utter mayhem in and around the ESHS  campus yesterday 9th October, has left students, parents and residents confused based on responses by the management and Ministry responsible for the school. What the Ministry of Education Is Reporting:Incident Overview: On the mentioned date, an incident occurred on the campus that involved an alleged retaliation in connection with a stolen bike. During the altercation, one student left the campus pre...