It was a masterful stroke.  The Hon. Speaker, on Tuesday, demonstrated her independence, competence and control of the Hon. House.  And if she represents the future of leadership in the Territory, the ship of state is in good hands.The proceedings allowed other things to emerge, principal among them, the fact that when the leaders of a democratic land disregard the principles of democracy, bad things happen.The fireworks in the Hon. House this week had their genesis last August when th...

Mr. Henry Prince has been appointed District Officer for Virgin Gorda, effective 3rd February 2025.As District Officer, Mr. Prince will coordinate various Government activities on Virgin Gorda to ensure departmental objectives are met, serve as a focal point for all official inquiries as well as manage the Government Administration Building facilities.Mr. Prince brings more than 20 years of leadership and managerial experience to the role and has previously served as Director of Facilities for t...

The newly formed political Alliance launched just a couple weeks ago, showed up at the House of Assembly session yesterday Tuesday, February 11th with an obvious renewed, united vigour for the people’s business. With a no nonsense attitude, they moved a motion for the Second Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth HoA to be suspended due to a breach of the Standing Orders. Opposition Members Hon Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) and Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6), lead an immediate challenge ...

Agriculture and Fisheries Month will be observed this year with activities designed to highlight the ingenuity and resilience of the local sectors.The month’s observance which will be held from March 8 to 29 will feature activities including exhibitions, markets, and a panel discussion aimed at fostering meaningful conversations about food security, sustainability, and technological advancement in agriculture and fisheries.The events are expected to provide a platform to local producers, f...

The British Virgin Islands’ investment in its institutional framework and economic development has designated the territory’s sovereign credit rating as investment grade BBB/A-2 by S&P. The rating was accompanied by a “stable” outlook, indicating that the BVI is on sound footing as a hub for global financial services and warrants increased investor confidence. The internally self-governing territory was noted for a prudent approach to managing public finances and work...

Government ministers and senior officials were engaged in a crucial meeting aimed at shaping the future direction of the Virgin Islands today.The event brought together ministers, permanent secretaries, department heads, to engage in critical discussions focused on the operationalisation of key legislative measures and strategic plans for the Territory.Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, shared insights into strengthening government communication and policy effectiv...

The Ministry of Health pushes Love Safely, Wrap It Up And Get Tested campaign.

The RVIPF released a statement mid afternoon today Monday February 10th, seeking to clarify information released on an alleged altercation between the Acting COP Jacqueline Vanterpool and the Assistant COP Pam Trevillion. In doing so, the RVIPF attempted a play on words and moved to try to discredit media in the Virgin Islands. Guavaberry Media, a reputable news house in the Virgin Islands, released an article on Monday morning February 10th regarding an alleged altercation between ACP Trev...

Information reaching our newsroom this morning is alleging that Assistant Commissioner of Police Pam Trevillion MBE has been sent on leave pending investigation into an alleged assault on Acting Commissioner of Police, Jacqueline Vanterpool. We understand there was an altercation where the Assistant is said to have assaulted the Acting COP, and was immediately sent on leave. Late last year, we received initial reports where Trevillion was denied an extension on her tenure by the Public Serv...

We do not know if our government is making plans for the return of the deportees from the United States.  No one has said anything about which we are aware.If we accept the analysis of the deporter, then it stands to reason that amongst the deportees are hardened criminals: People who have nothing left to lose and are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice.  Themselves!It is precisely what makes those terrorists who blow themselves up for the cause, so dangerous.  The value of the...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development has secured a grant from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) supported by Direct Relief.The grant was secured under the Enhancing Health Infrastructure and Resilience Project (EHIR), in the sum of USD250, 000 and is intended to assist with the development and improvement of health infrastructure and effectively address health challenges associated with climate change in the Territory.The funds will also be used for the procurement of ...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has officially enacted the Public Procurement (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, as part of its ongoing commitment to ensuring accountability and transparency.  The amendments to the Public Procurement Act, 2021, were gazetted on 30 January 2025 and aims to streamline the process for awarding government contracts and improve procurement procedures within the public sector.Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio D. Wheatley commented on the new...

The Government of the Virgin Islands announced on Saturday, February 1, 2025, that American Airlines successfully operated six flights to the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.  Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer said that this significant event highlights the growing confidence in the Territory’s airlift capabilities and its vibrant tourism sector.Minister Rymer added that, “The operation of multiple flights from American Airlines greatly en...

The WINBVI Ambassador Mrs. BVI 2022/2023, Dr. Arliene T. Penn, is reminding women to prioritise their health and well-being, taking control of their reproductive health with confidence.A SIMPLE SWAB Campaign: Free Pap Screenings & ConsultationsIn partnership with Eureka Medical Clinic, Penn Medical Centre, The Wellness Center Clinics, and B&F Medical Complex, this campaign offers free Pap screenings and consultations for:Women aged 21-29 who are sexually active and have never had a Pap t...

‘What is to become of our beloved country?’The Minister for National Security is talking.It was good to hear him on one of the talk magazines this week discussing his efforts to improve the capacity of the police to fight crime and that was welcomed.Also welcomed was his respect for the position of the Acting Police Commissioner who has one of the toughest jobs in the Territory and who needs all the support she can get.We never congratulated Ms Vanterpool on her ascension to the &lsq...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continues its unwavering efforts to combat violent crime and maintain public safety in the Territory.Following search operations conducted in Cane Garden Bay during the early hours of Friday, January 24, 2025, four individuals have been formally charged in connection with the recovery of two 9mm firearms with a total of twenty (20) rounds of ammunition.Charged are:• Kadeem Callwood, 22, of Cane Garden Bay• Kaheem Callwood, 22, of Cane Garde...

The Premier’s Office will host a series of town hall meetings to discuss the 48 Recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) and their profound impact on the governance of the Virgin Islands.Premier and Minister of Finance Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley stated that the upcoming town hall meetings with residents are a vital part of his government’s commitment to transparent governance and meaningful public participation.The Premier said, “The COI re...

Green VI, in collaboration with the BVI Farmers Network, is happy to welcome Charles Dowding, world-renowned agricultural educator, to the Virgin Islands for workshops on the “No Dig” farming method, how to do it and why it suits the Virgin Islands. There will be workshops on Tortola, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke from February first to the ninth. The workshops are open to all free of charge.. This exciting visit is part of Green VI’s ongoing mission to see food and ...

Rescuers from the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) were joined by maritime protection crews from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos Islands for a two-week training programme, delivered in partnership with HM Coastguard and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), and facilitated by RNLI trainers.The programme, designed to ‘train the trainers’, developed attendees’ search-and-rescue capabilities so that participants can redistri...

More than 21 environmental and technical officers have completed training in water quality monitoring, data analysis and storage.The training session was organised by the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change in collaboration with H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Center Resource Management and Environmental Studies (CERMES) and Spatial Innovision Ltd .Project coordinator, in the ministry Ms. Atoya George said one of the primary objectives of the Resilience, Sus...