There is a comforting myth that patriotism means unquestioning loyalty to those in power. It does not.True citizenship often requires something far more difficult: courage.History teaches us that doing the right thing is not always safe. There are moments when citizens must choose conscience over comfort, principle over popularity, and truth over silence. Those choices can come at a cost. They can lead to ridicule, social isolation, the loss of friendships, threats to livelihoods, and in some so...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The Gideons of the British Virgin Islands have donated a supply of New Testament Bibles to the British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) in a gesture aimed at providing comfort and spiritual support to patients, visitors and healthcare workers.The donation was formally presented on June 18 by Gideons representatives Joseph “Ed” DeCastro and Ian Nathaniel. Receiving the donation on behalf of the BVIHSA was Chief of Operations Cedorene Malone-Smith.The c...

Former Speaker of the House of Assembly Julian Willock repeatedly declined to say whether he has formally been hired as a special adviser to Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley, despite persistent questioning during the Talking Points radio programme yesterday, June 22.The issue has been the subject of public discussion since March, when Premier Wheatley confirmed that his office was seeking to engage Willock as a special adviser. At the time, the Premier said no contract had be...

The Premier of the Virgin Islands has indicated that government is actively working toward the introduction of civil partnerships to provide legal recognition for same-sex couples, a development that has renewed debate across the Territory on constitutional rights, equality and international obligations.The comments come against a backdrop of long-standing legal and political tension over the absence of formal recognition for same-sex relationships in the Virgin Islands, where same-sex marriage ...

After years of promises, delays and repeated assurances from government officials, Cabinet has finally approved the National Tourism Policy, a document intended to guide the future development of the Virgin Islands’ most important economic sector.The approval came during Cabinet’s meeting on June 17 and marks what government officials describe as a major milestone in establishing a coordinated and sustainable framework for tourism development.The move is particularly significant because the Te...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Governor of the Virgin Islands, Daniel Pruce, has paid tribute to Sarah Penney following her sudden passing, describing her as a beloved member of the Virgin Islands community whose contributions to the arts and environmental advocacy touched countless lives.In a heartfelt statement, Governor Pruce said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of Penney’s death, noting that her passion, energy and commitment left an indelible mark on the Territory.Penney was widely known fo...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is urging residents across the Virgin Islands to make healthier food choices and adopt better eating habits as the Territory observes Nutrition Month.Public Health Nutritionist Patrice Maduro said the annual observance provides an important opportunity to highlight the critical role nutrition plays in maintaining good health, preventing chronic illnesses and improving overall quality of life.“Good nutrition is the foundation of healthy communities,”...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — The Cabinet Office has announced the appointment of six individuals to the Physical Planning Authority, with the appointments officially published in the latest edition of the Virgin Islands Official Gazette.According to a notice issued by the Cabinet Office, Richard C. deCastro, Shane Winter, Chad Skelton, Dion Jennings, Dion Crabbe, and Diehdra Potter have all been appointed to serve on the Authority. The appointments took effect retroactively from April 15, 2026.Deta...