The British Virgin Islands has been placed on Fodor’s list of destinations to reconsider visiting in 2025. The alarming article was released yesterday Wednesday, November 13th.  The BVI is listed under ‘Destinations That Are Beginning To Suffer’The article speaks to the condition of the Territory and the impact of cruise tourism on the destination. “British Virgin IslandsThe emphasis on cruise tourism is keeping tourist dollars out of resident’s hands, and...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has announced significant advancement in public safety and security measures through the ongoing upgrade and expansion of CCTV cameras to street surveillance cameras across the island of Tortola. Following the successful completion of the initial CCTV installation in July 2023, this upgrade marks a pivotal step toward ensuring comprehensive coverage and heightened security across key areas.Last year, a total of seventy (70) CCTV cameras were installe...

A criminal gang known as "Money Boys" (MB), is actively operating on Tortola stated a press release from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) late this afternoon, Tuesday November 12th. The gang consists of approximately 25 young men, aged 17 to 25, from various communities across the Territory. The members of Money Boys are reportedly in possession of unlicensed firearms and have been linked to multiple violent incidents, including a shooting on Friday, November 8, 2024,...

The Public is being advised that due to the current weather conditions and ongoing Flash Flood Warning, clinic services and outpatient appointments at BVIHSA facilities may experience delays or cancellations.  Updates from the relevant authorities are being closely monitored and adjustments will be made accordingly.Patients with scheduled appointments are encouraged to stay tuned for further updates, as services may be accommodated later this morning if conditions improve. 

The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is urging the public to stay off the roads this morning as safety assessments are made. There has been heavy rainfall overnight, leaving major areas across the Territory flooded. The Virgin Islands has been placed  under a flash flood warning due to the weather. “PUBLIC URGED TO STAY OFF THE ROADSWith heavy rainfall over the last 24-hours, flooding has occurred in low-lying areas. For the safety of work crews and motorists, th...

All public schools are closed across the Territory today, Monday November 11th, due to weather conditions.“Dear Parents and Community Members,Due to adverse weather conditions forecasted for today, Monday, 11th November, 2024, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) has advised the closure of all public schools in the territory. This decision is to ensure the safety of our students and staff as cloudy spells with showers and thunderstorms are expected to impact the territorythroughout ...

 “King Duncan (Macbeth) said of the Thane of Cawdor: “There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face. He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust.” Then he bestowed the honour of being Thane of Cawdor on his trusted General, Macbeth, who was already Thane of Glamis. The world changed on 5th November 2024.  The Americans voted on familiarity, taxes and national sovereignty.  We expect they will be more aggressive ab...

UpdateRVIPF StatementPolice responded to a report of a shooting in the Long Bush area shortly before 1pm this afternoon.Details surrounding the incident are unclear and officers are currently on the scene. More details would be provided as they become available.-End-Guavaberry Media is presently on the scene and understands that the shooting did not occur in close proximity of the school, however, the victim collapsed in front of the ESHS on Pickering Street. Police are currently on th...

Road Town Wholesale (RTW) has lowered the age requirement for their Senior Discount Program to 60. “We’re thrilled to lower the age requirement for our Senior Discount Program at RiteWay!” RTWAnother of their Community First initiatives, this one causing waves across the Territory, and just in time for the Christmas season. “Seniors enjoy exclusive savings on the essentials they love every day. It’s our way of giving back to those who give so much.” ...

One of the best ways to be ready to react quickly and safely in case of an earthquake is to regularly practise the DROP, COVER and HOLD earthquake safety response, said Director of Disaster Management Jasen Penn.“Emergency responders and disaster researchers have seen that the more persons practise DROP, COVER and HOLD, the more likely they are to respond safely to an earthquake,” Mr. Penn said as the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) prepared for the annual ShakeOut earthquake...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is alerting the public about a recent increase in commercial and residential burglaries across thecommunities in East End, Tortola, particularly within the Greenland and Long Look areas.In the past week alone, more than seven burglaries were reported, prompting heightened concerns and additional measures by the RVIPF to safeguard affected communities.The recent spate of break-ins, impacting both homes and businesses, underscores the need for resident...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is alerting the public to a recent increase in blackmail scams. Multiple residents have reported receiving alarming text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically bitcoin, accompanied by threats to release compromising photos or personal information if they did not comply.RVIPF strongly advises individuals who receive these messages not to respond or engage in any way. Scammers often use fear tactics to coerce people into paying, and e...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development in collaboration with the Uppsala Monitoring Centre (UMC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) is encouraging the safe use of pharmaceuticals as part of #MedicineSafetyWeek.#MedSafetyWeek is being observed from November 4 to 10.  This year’s theme centres on the importance of using medicines in the right way to prevent side effects, and to report side effects when they do occur. Chief of Drugs and Pharmaceutical Serv...

The Taddy Bay Airport on Virgin Gorda is temporarily closed to all fixed-wing operations to make way for essential runway rehabilitation following recent heavy rainfalls.Officer in Charge, Ms. Diana Maduro said the closure is necessary as the heavy rains impacted operations at the airport.  She has assured the public that updates will be provided on the resumption of services.The BVI Airports Authority extends apologies for any inconvenience the closure may cause and is grateful t...

I learned many things at the feet of Mrs. Ingah Smith but two stand out.  She always remarked that:“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty.” (King Solomon)“ Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.” (Alexander Pope (1688–1744))On Tuesday 5th November, the world will change regardless of the candidate that Americans select.  The stakes are high.  The BVI economy is fueled by the Americans and we know that when the US economy falters, we fa...

Governor Daniel Pruce has assented to the Immigration & Passport (Amendment) Act 2024 today, Friday November 1, bringing the bill into law. The Act was passed in the House of Assembly, and had been on the Governor’s desk since the early part of summer. 

Public Officers across the Virgin Islands will be observing Public Service Week 2024 from November 10 to 16 under the theme, “Unity in Service: Our Public Service Standing Together”.The week is observed annually with an aim of encouraging togetherness through friendly competition and activities. The week also provides opportunities for community engagements and allows the Territory to show appreciation for the work of public officers.Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer, Jr. said he ...

In an apparent email to staff members just minutes ago, the HR Director of the BVI Tourist Board confirmed that Walters would be staying on as the Events Manager on a contractual basis effect today, Friday November 1.  Dirk Walters resigned from the organisation in mid July, just at the start of Festival season. His departure date was scheduled for end of October.  When asked about his abrupt resignation from the Board, Walters hinted to the bureaucracy in being able to &lsqu...

The Premier is providing funding through yet another SAP to offer former Speaker Julian Willock a contract with the Premier’s Office, as an Advisor. Willock who was arrested and charged earlier this year with conspiracy to provide false information to a person employed in the public service, conspiracy to uttering a forged document, and being a public official using his office for gratification, is said to allegedly be under serious financial strain. The former Speaker, unde...

Both the Virgin Gorda based teams reached the final after defeating their opponents last weekend, VG dealing with Wolues FC after a penalty shootout.The game had ended all square at 2-2 after TeZahria Noble netted the second of her brace in the 58th minute of normal time to level the scores. Earlier Eva Carey had put Wolues ahead in the 3rd minute before Noble scored in the 14th to make it 1-1. An own goal put Wolues back in front in the 44th minute before Noble sent the game to penalties. She a...