ROAD TOWN, Tortola, BVI — The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced an immediate change to the administration of visa waivers, with newly issued waivers now carrying a maximum validity period of two years.Under the revised policy, visa waivers will no longer remain valid for the remaining life of the holder’s passport. Instead, all visa waivers issued going forward will be granted for a maximum period of two years, regardless of when the applicant’s ...

HUNTUM’S GHUT, Tortola, BVI — Frustration, exhaustion and anger are mounting among residents facing continued interruptions in the water supply, with some families now describing the situation as nothing short of a water crisis.A desperate plea from a Huntum’s Ghut resident, now entering her fourth day without running water, has once again brought the Territory’s ongoing water accessibility issues into sharp focus.“We are desperately pleading with the Mini...

TORTOLA, BVI — Public outrage is mounting across the British Virgin Islands after many residents and businesses reported receiving electricity bills in August that were significantly higher than usual, with some customers claiming their monthly costs had doubled.The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has acknowledged the sharp increase, attributing the bills to what it says were unprecedented fuel costs during July 2026, while announcing that customers will receive a credit on their ...

PHILIPSBURG, St Maarten — The Government of Sint Maarten has been ordered to pay more than US$44,000 in damages, plus interest and court costs, to an American tourist who suffered a serious hamstring injury after stepping into a pothole on a public road.The ruling, which has drawn attention to the legal responsibility governments may face for poorly maintained infrastructure, comes as the British Virgin Islands continues to grapple with widespread public frustration over the Terr...

Twenty-one-year-old Jason Smith has been remanded in custody after being convicted of three counts of robbery and one count of possession of proceeds of criminal conduct in connection with a 2023 armed robbery outside UP’s Cineplex.The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed on Friday, August 21, that court proceedings in the matter concluded on July 30, 2026, when Smith was found guilty of all four offences.The convictions stem from an incident on June 11, 2023, at approximate...

ROAD TOWN, Virgin Islands — Prospective political candidate Sandra Phillip Hodge has outlined a series of commitments she says will guide her service if given the opportunity to serve as an elected member of Parliament, pledging to reject political favoritism, discrimination, the exploitation of foreign workers and silence on key national issues.In what she has titled a “Declaration of Service,” Hodge said her approach to public service would be guided by the pri...

Two men have been arrested and charged following a physical altercation during the Rise and Shine Tramp on August 4, as the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continues investigations into other public safety incidents that marred the 2026 Emancipation Festival.The RVIPF announced on Friday, August 21, that its investigations into the altercation have resulted in charges against 20-year-old Raykoy Larch of Long Bush and 26-year-old Makai Francis of Little Dix Hill.Francis was charged on A...

Road Town, BVI — August 18, 2026: A 20-year-old man has been arrested and charged following the recovery of a firearm and ammunition during a police operation in Baughers Bay.Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), including members of the Armed Response Unit and Special Patrol Team, conducted a stop and check in the area on Saturday, August 15.During the operation, police identified the individual as 20-year-old Vern Frett and reportedly found him in poss...