In a concerning development from the Virgin Islands, UK, reports have emerged of a group of individuals, identified as Haitians along with Europeans and Eastern Europeans, being let out into the waters of the North Sound area of Virgin Gorda. Eyewitnesses state that these people were abandoned to swim ashore at various locations, highlighting a distressing incident that sheds light on the persistent issue of human trafficking in the region.This event comes against the backdrop of a troubling glo...

Dry Tortugas National Park, Gulf of Mexico – In a groundbreaking revelation that bridges the past and the present, archeologists from the National Park Service have confirmed the identity of the HMS Tyger, a storied 18th-century British warship, within the confines of Dry Tortugas National Park, off the coast of Key West, Florida. This significant find not only offers a glimpse into maritime history but also highlights the enduring spirit of human resilience and ingenuity.Constructed in 16...

In an electrifying conclusion to the Ministry of Education’s annual Inter-Secondary School Debates, Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has emerged as the victorious champion, clinching the title against St. George’s Secondary School. The final round, held on Monday, 18 March 2024, at 1:56pm, was not just a display of academic prowess but a testament to the determination and hard work of students and educators alike.The winning team, comprised of Naomi Onwufuju, Adrianne Thomas, and Kan...

In a critical announcement made on Friday, March 15, 2024, the Environmental Health Division of the Virgin Islands has issued a public recall for Fratelli Beretta’s Ready-to-Eat Charcuterie Meat Products due to potential underprocessing. This recall concerns the brand’s ready-to-eat Coppa products, identified by establishment numbers “EST. M47967 or M7543B” either within the USDA mark of inspection or marked in inkjet on the package front. While these products boast a ran...

Tortola, BVI – The Rotary Club of Tortola is thrilled to announce the launch of its 2024 Grand Raffle, a momentous event aimed at garnering support for critical health initiatives within the community. The grand kick-off is set to take place on March 15, 2024, at the Bamboushay Lounge, commencing at 6:30 pm.This year's Grand Raffle offers a spectacular Grand Prize of $25,000.00 cash, with the drawing scheduled during the Emancipation Festival 2024. Other cash prizes include a second pr...

Tortola, British Virgin Islands - In an era where global publishing power lies at our fingertips, the recent controversy involving Deputy Governor David Archer and social media platform Mika Barry brings to the forefront a critical debate: the balance between freedom of speech and the responsibility that comes with it. Today, Archer publicly refuted claims made in a viral video by Barry, which falsely identified him as a corrupt official. This incident not only raises questions about the uncheck...

A Legacy Reborn by Ms. Perline Scatliffe-Leonard from Public Service to Community Pillar.

In a significant development that underscores the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) commitment to becoming a leading force in the global digital finance arena, Deputy Premier Lorna Smith of the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade made a compelling statement on March 15th. Smith emphasized the territory's strategic vision and efforts towards establishing itself as a global digital assets hub, showcasing the BVI's proactive approach to embracing the opportunities presented by ...

In a significant update from the British Virgin Islands' International Tax Authority (ITA) on February 5, 2024, the tax landscape for cross-border financial information sharing has expanded. The ITA announced the inclusion of new jurisdictions in its Common Reporting Standards (CRS) lists, marking a pivotal step in the BVI's commitment to global tax transparency and compliance.The CRS, a brainchild of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), serves as the corner...

In a proactive measure to enhance tsunami preparedness, the Department of Disaster Management (DDM) of the Virgin Islands is extending an invitation to its residents to partake in the upcoming Caribe Wave 2024 exercise. Scheduled for March 21, this regional drill is a critical part of the islands’ comprehensive strategy to improve tsunami readiness and response capabilities.The significance of this exercise has been further underscored by the devastating eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga H...

The telltale signs are there.  Othello the Moor (Shakespeare) surfaces. He saw what he believed to have been evidence that condemned his wife as unfaithful and he acted upon them.  And, too late, after Desdemona was dead, he realized that it was a carefully laid plot to destroy him.Scholars often remark in disgust: ‘He could have asked!!’Well, BVI is asking.What are we to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland?We admit we are not kit and kin because we hav...

In a significant turn of events, Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has had his murder conviction overturned, marking a dramatic shift in a legal saga that has captivated not only Jamaica but fans worldwide. The 48-year-old artist, known for his major hits like "Clarks," "Ramping Shop," and "Summer Time," was originally sentenced to life in prison in 2014, with a minimum of 35 years to be served, later reduced to 32-and-a-half years, for the ...

In a nerve-wracking incident on the evening of Wednesday, March 13, 2024, passengers aboard InterCaribbean Airways Flight JY634 experienced a harrowing return to Antigua after their aircraft encountered a critical engine failure shortly after takeoff. The flight, originating from Antigua and destined for Beef Island in the British Virgin Islands, was carrying a diverse group of passengers, including British Virgin Islanders, Belongers, residents, and tourists.Approximately five minutes into the ...

In the heart of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a significant cultural dilemma emerges, casting a long shadow over a deeply rooted tradition that has united communities for countless generations. The ongoing dispute at Ellis Thomas Downs, a pivotal venue for horse racing in the BVI, poses a threat to the future of this sport, which is intricately woven into the islands' cultural fabric and identity. With the traditional August Tuesday Festival Horse Race approaching, the Virgin Islands com...

In an inspiring event this past Friday, the Grade 5 students of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School in the Virgin Islands took their learning experience to an extraordinary level. Nineteen young scholars, under the guidance of their teacher, Candia McFarlane, participated in a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly, showcasing not only their understanding of governance but also their vision for the future of their territory.The students, each acting as the newly elected Premier of the Virgin Island...

In a profound shock to the British Virgin Islands, the legal and wider community mourns the untimely death of Jamal S. Smith, a preeminent attorney and public servant, whose life was tragically cut short in a suspected act of homicide on March 12, 2024. Smith, a towering figure in the legal profession, was found deceased in his Manuel Hill residence, sending ripples of grief and disbelief across the territory and beyond.Jamal S. Smith, the visionary founder and principal of THORNTON SMITH, was c...

Early reports reaching our newsroom indicate that prominent attorney and former head of the Labour Tribunal Jamal Smith was found dead in his Duff’s Bottom home just a short while ago. Reports are yet to be fully confirmed but we understand that this is a homicide and police are still on the scene. The revelation has shocked the Territory and thrown many into deep concern and mourning.We will bring you further updates as this tragedy unfolds.We extend our deepest condolences to M...

Phew! It's a relief that nobody lost their lives during what turned out to be an unexpected test on Friday in Tortola. Kudos to everyone involved for averting what could have been a disastrous situation. However, the events that unfolded during the drill underscore a critical need for better communication and coordination in emergency preparedness exercises.

As the Caribbean Community (Caricom) evolves, member states and territories grapple with the complexities of deeper integration, particularly concerning the free movement of people. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), currently an associate member, stands at a crossroads, deliberating the potential shift to full membership with cautious consideration of this policy.The BVI’s Stance: A Delicate BalancePremier Natalio Wheatley's recent statements underscore a nuanced position: recognizing ...

The Catch a Fire Reggae Festival in Soweto, South Africa, recently became the stage for an unforgettable performance by the Virgin Islands' beloved reggae star, Pressure Busspipe, now warmly embraced with the Zulu name Bongani, meaning “one who is grateful.” This reggae sensation, renowned for hits like "Virgin Islands Nice," "Lion is a Lion," "Jah Love," "Reset & Restore," and "Show Love," has been welcomed with open arms int...