PART TWO: WHEN INDEPENDENT NEWSROOMS COME UNDER PRESSURE By Guavaberry Media

PART ONE: CATHY RICHARDS, DEPORTATION AND THE QUESTION OF MERCY By Guavaberry Media

Cabinet has noted the reappointment of five members to the Prison Visiting Committee for a further three-year term, effective August 1, 2026, through July 31, 2029.The reappointments were made in accordance with Section 41 of the Prison Rules, 1999.The members reappointed to the committee are: Mrs. Nolma Chalwell – Chairperson Mr. Gregory Smith Mr. Sendrick Chinnery Mr. Kenrico Wheatley Mrs. Sarah L. Potter WashingtonThe Prison Visiting Committee forms part of the oversight framework for the Te...

Cabinet has approved a series of amendments to regulations governing the financial services sector in the Virgin Islands, along with two Bills that are to be introduced in the House of Assembly.The approved regulations cover trade mark fees, beneficial ownership, business companies and limited partnership fees.The regulations approved by Cabinet are: Financial Services (Trade Marks Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 BVI Business Companies and Limited Partnerships (Beneficial Ownership) (Amendme...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has formalised its Centenarian Programme through a newly approved policy framework, doubling the one-time grant for eligible Virgin Islanders who reach 100 years old from $5,000 to $10,000.The policy was highlighted in a statement delivered in the House of Assembly on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, following Cabinet’s approval of the framework governing the longstanding programme.Since 2002, the Government has honoured Virgin Islanders who attain the remarkabl...

Cabinet has approved the proposed dates for the observance of public holidays in the Virgin Islands in 2027, including the anniversary of the birth of the Territory’s first Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, and the Sovereign’s Birthday.In accordance with Section 2(b) of the Public Holidays (Amendment) Act, 2000, Cabinet decided that the Governor should issue a proclamation appointing Monday, March 8, 2027, as the public holiday commemorating the anniversary of Hamilton Lavity Stoutt’s b...

The project to remove and responsibly dispose of 33 derelict vessels from Sea Cow’s Bay Harbour has entered another important stage, with separation, processing and disposal activities now underway at Pockwood Pond.The removal of the vessels marked a significant achievement in efforts to improve the Territory’s marine environment. However, completing the safe processing and disposal of the recovered vessels and materials is essential to bringing the project to completion.According to the proje...

ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI — Cabinet has approved four applications for Non-Belongers Land Holding Licences, allowing the applicants to proceed under the applicable legal framework governing land ownership by persons who do not belong to the Virgin Islands.The approval forms part of Cabinet’s decisions concerning landholding in the Territory, where the acquisition of property by non-belongers is subject to specific legal requirements.Non-Belongers Land Holding Licences regulate the ability of per...