ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Caribbean banking landscape is poised for a significant transformation following reports that Butterfield Bank has finalized a deal to acquire the regional operations of CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank in several territories, including the Virgin Islands.The acquisition marks one of the most consequential banking developments in the region in recent years and is expected to reshape competition, customer services, and financial operations across multiple...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Premier Natalio Wheatley is facing growing public scrutiny over government’s planned Transitional Facility and Social Complex in Long Look, as debate continues over the location, purpose and long-term impact of the controversial project.The proposed facility, which is expected to provide temporary housing and social support services for vulnerable residents, has sparked mixed reactions among members of the Long Look and East End communities. While government ...

LONDON, United Kingdom — A 67-year-old woman has been convicted of manslaughter nearly five decades after the death of her five-year-old stepdaughter in a case that has shocked the United Kingdom and renewed attention on historic child abuse investigations.Janice Nix was found guilty by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court for the 1978 death of Andrea Bernard, who suffered catastrophic burns after being forced into a scalding hot bath at the family’s home in Thornton Heath, South London.T...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola — The Virgin Islands government is preparing to move ahead with a scaled or phased expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport while awaiting final approval from the United Kingdom for the territory’s larger runway extension project.Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley said ongoing delays from British authorities have frustrated efforts to begin the long-discussed airport expansion, prompting discussions about advancing portions of the project that may not ...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola — Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Lorna Smith has defended the government’s decision to effectively dismantle the Virgin Islands Trade Commission, arguing that the statutory body had become financially unsustainable and unnecessarily bureaucratic before it was fully operational.  The move follows the passage of the Virgin Islands Trade Commission (Suspensory) Act, 2023, which halted implementation of the Trade Commission es...

The financial burden of court proceedings linked to the aftermath of the British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) has become a growing point of public concern, with questions intensifying over legal spending, accountability, and transparency within the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).Recent exchanges involving Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Governor Daniel Pruce, and the DPP have highlighted tensions surrounding the disclosure of public funds used in high-profile pro...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Anticipation is building for the 2026 Virgin Islands Icon Awards (VIcons), as organisers prepare for another major celebration of culture, creativity, entrepreneurship and national achievement across the Virgin Islands.The annual red-carpet awards ceremony has quickly become one of the territory’s most talked-about entertainment and recognition events, honouring outstanding Virgin Islanders, residents and members of the diaspora who have made significant cont...

The Speaker of the House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands, the Honourable Corine George-Massicote, today announced the launch of the inaugural newsletter, ‘House Matters’. The launch coincides with the 75th anniversary of the restoration of legislation in the Virgin Islands. ‘House Matters’, the name chosen by the Speaker, will provide residents with regular updates on legislative activities, regional and international engagement, and the standards that guide the work of...