“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...

There have been a lot of conversations over the past year about self-determination and I have come to realize in a conversation last week on Umoja that we do not all have the same basic understanding of what it is, and that it is not a new conversation but an ongoing one since 1950. I was amazed when I did my research paper on the Political Development of the Virgin Islands for my Virgin Islands History course at HLSCC in 2015 and learnt how much I did not know about my own history but...

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force responded to reports of gunfire in the Crabbe Lot area on October 3 after 9 pm. Preliminary investigations unveiled that a male individual had discharged a firearm with the intent to harm another.Kyle Baronville, a 34-year-old resident of Carrot Bay, was promptly apprehended and subsequently charged with multiple offenses related to this incident, which include Carrying an Unlicensed Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with the Intent to Endanger Li...

Following Friday’s drug bust in the Road Reef area, and further operations on the same day in relation to the bust, police have seized two assault rifles, and a significant amount of assorted ammunition, and cocaine. Four men were also arrested and later charged in relation to the recovered items.Detectives have charged 27-year-old Omari Roberts of Hannah's Estate with two counts of Keeping a Prohibited Firearm without a Licence and three counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosive...

Earlier today, 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 their arrival, they discovered a white Kia Soul fully submerged in the water. The public, showing remarkable solidarity, immediately assisted both the police and fire officers at the scene. After a period of effort, they noticed an unresponsive male inside the vehicle.The lone male occupant was later recovered from the vehicl...

Rains reminiscent of the August 2017 deluge took place on Tuesday this week.  Tropical Storm Philippe was slowly passing by and wanted to remind us of our powerlessness in the face of nature out of control.The way water, finding its level, took over public roadways, moved debris and damaged vehicles, tells us that we still do not understand how to build proper roads with adequate drainage.Of course, when we try to engage the experts, loud voices advocate for ‘home grown’ wi...

Ministry of Education has cleared the Ivan Dawson Primary School for return to classes today Friday 6 October. However, word to our newsroom confirms Parents have pushed back due to major concerns post Tropical Storm Phillipe and will not send their children back until certain requirements are met. Most alarming is that our newsroom understands the school was flooded with sewerage filled water and must be completely cleaned before parents return their children to the environment. Areas...

Former Educator, cultural & historical Icon Jennie Wheatley passed away Thursday night 5 October. She was 84. Jennie Wheatley was a long-standing member of the Virgin Island’s intellectual community, and has worked to preserve and share the islands' history and culture for numerous years. She was also an Educator, primary and secondary school, and later moving on to the HLS Community College. She also served on the college's Board of Governors from its founding in 1990 and...

As you no doubt will have observed, the winds and rain from Tropical Storm Philippe’s passage have reduced significantly. I can also report that in those areas where flood waters were observed last night and this morning, the waters have drained.As of 1:00 p.m., I am issuing an all-clear for the Territory. However, caution is still required. Rock falls, ponding, and other issues may still pose a threat to motorists, so all who choose to drive today must be extremely careful.Many thanks to ...

Mr. Kurt Menal, Managing Director of the BVI Airports Authority is informing the travelling public of the closure of the Territory’s Airports due to the effects of Tropical Storm Phillipe, and the Virgin Islands being under a Flash Flood Warning.Mr. Menal advised that once the “all clear” is given by the Department of Disaster Management, an assessment of each airport will be conducted, and a further press release issued to announce the reopening of airports.Passengers with con...

The public is notified that due to the continued effects of Tropical Storm Phillipe, all Government offices are closed today, October 4, 2023.The Virgin Islands is under a flash-flood warning. As Tropical Storm Phillipe continues to affect the Territory, thunderstorms, flash flooding and strong winds are expected throughout the day.Following an assessment of the state of Government offices, further notice will be issued regarding reopening.