Monday, March 4 – Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have charged three persons in relation to the firearms, ammunition, and drugs found on Friday, March 1, in Purcell Estate.Seantroy Hanley, 36 and Jahkeema Charles, 32, both of Fat Hog’s Bay, were jointly charged with two counts of Keeping a Firearm without a License, two counts of Unlawful Possession of Explosives, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Drug wi...

In a landmark move that heralds a new era for individuals with roots in the Virgin Islands, the UK government has unveiled a groundbreaking pathway to British citizenship, specifically aimed at rectifying historical oversights in nationality laws. This initiative promises to extend citizenship opportunities to a wider array of people connected to the British Overseas Territories, including the Virgin Islands, who were previously left in limbo due to outdated legal frameworks.For decades, certain...

Remembering A Leader Who Put the Virgin Islands And Its People First.

In a distressing incident that has captured the attention of the British Virgin Islands community, an investigation is underway following a serious car accident involving a Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) officer. The crash, which occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, March 1, in Duff's Bottom, has raised serious concerns and prompted calls for accountability and transparency.Responding to the scene after the incident was reported just after 7 am, law enforcement officers ...

On Friday, March 1, Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force conducted a planned operation in the vicinity of the basketball court in Purcell Estate.During the search, two firearms, several rounds of ammunition, a large quantity of marijuana, and a quantity of crack cocaine were found. Four persons were taken into custody for questioning in relation to items found.The RVIPF is urging persons who may have knowledge of persons in possession of illegal firearms to confidentially call the C...

The little man is watching.  He has been following the voyage of ship BVI since she left port some 60 years (1967) ago when ministerial government was granted.  He knew, in those days, that the ship was not in good condition.  We were an agrarian community.  The population was under 10,000; Money and jobs were scarce; The infrastructure was nonexistent.  Roads, if they could be called that, were as wide as a hair’s breadth; Getting to the Cottage Hospital...

In a pivotal shift towards revamping its immigration system, the Virgin Islands government has rolled out a new policy aimed at streamlining the way people can achieve Residence and Belonger Status. The policy, recently approved by the Cabinet, seeks to address long-standing concerns, including the residency period required for eligibility, the establishment of clear guidelines for granting status, and setting annual quotas. It also tackles the pathway to Residence Status for children, particula...

Reports out of Trinidad indicate that Carlos Sutherland, a resident of the Virgin Islands, was gunned down in his homeland Trinidad shortly after 5:00pm yesterday evening February 29.Mr. Sutherland is said to have died at the scene of the crime - the home of his Mother, Mount Zion Road, Arima, Trinidad.Details surrounding the killing are sketchy at this time, however, images on social media have shown the bloodied body of Sutherland lying at the entrance to the home. We understand that the ...

Mrs. Rhonda Victor Pinnock to Represent British Virgin Islands at Mrs. Globe International Pageant in Hainan, China.

The Government of the Virgin Islands will be addressing illegal development on the Territory’s Crown lands as well as removal of derelict vehicles, boats and heavy equipment machinery on these lands.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment Natural Resources and Climate Change Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley stated that as per the newly instituted Crown Land’s Policy under the subject of Monitoring and Control, the policy authorises the Ministry of Environment to remove or demolis...

Officers of the RVIPF found eleven illegal immigrants at an abandoned building on Virgin Gorda in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 29. Subsequent investigations uncovered an additional three immigrants at the same location and further inquiries suggests that there are more that have not yet been found.The RVIPF seeks assistance in identifying and apprehending these persons; if you notice anyone unfamiliar, please contact the Virgin Gorda Police Station at 368-5690 or the Immigration...

The RVIPF can confirm a report received regarding an unresponsive male in Apple Bay at approximately 10:45 am on February 27.Preliminary investigations suggest that the male, who entered the territory as a tourist, was surfing when witnesses noticed him experiencing difficulties and brought him ashore, where resuscitation efforts were initiated. He was subsequently transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.The investigation into this incident is ongo...

As the House of Assembly was called into session on 20 February with a focus on question and answers, frustrations took center stage. Of interest were the frustrations of the Minister responsible for Communications & Works, as Representative for the 8th electoral District posed questions in relation to his plans to fix the water woes in the Territory. As the Minister rose to his feet to address the question, tension could be felt, frustration radiating in his firm response:“I...

His Majesty Prison held its first debate His Majesty Prison held its first debate between male and female inmates as part of its ongoing rehabilitative initiative.The initiative was a partnership between the prison and the New Life Baptist Church and is expected to be an annual event. The female and male debate team argued over the moot, ‘Why is the rate of reoffending so high and what can the prison do to reduce the numbers.’Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vinc...

The Office of Gender Affairs Coordinator Miss Patricia Hackett is stressing the importance of healthy professional relationships in the workplace to ensure high levels of productivity.Miss Hackett while addressing educators at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) at their staff meeting, highlighted the importance of proper communication in the work place as this prevents misunderstanding and misinformation which can foster animosity between co-workers.Miss Hackett said, “As we tr...

“We lost a good soldier because of our timidity, fear and silence.  In BVI, we believe that speaking out is a recipe for victimization, so we avoid ‘the road less traveled.’But unless there is real dialogue in this community, it will never develop to its true potential.In the end, we blame thirteen (the Representatives) when the fault may lie with one (self).He was eloquent, charismatic, strategic, kindhearted, industrious, vindictive, strong-willed, publicly pious, bold, ...

The verdict of ex-premier Andrew Fahie has been in limbo since its announcement on 8th February 2024. He remains locked up in Miami after being convicted of cocaine smuggling and other charges. U.S. District federal Judge Kathleen Williams has still been unable to resolve doubts raised by two jurors after the announcement of the verdict. She initially gave the parties a deadline of 15th February to determine a way forward. Those submissions were completed. However, yesterday, Tuesday during...

In an exhilarating display of talent and determination, young athletes Jamelia Chambers and Tyrique Charles have stamped their mark on the track and field scene, securing their spots in the upcoming 2024 Carifta Games. The dynamic duo, hailing from Top Notch and Raw Skills track clubs have showcased exceptional prowess in their respective events, igniting a spark of hope and pride within the local community.At just 13 years old, Tyrique Charles astounded spectators with a remarkable leap, scalin...

Minister for ommunications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer has announced that the residents of Jost Van Dyke have been reconnected to the British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) grid.Honourable Rymer said electricity was restored this evening after efforts were being made for some time to reconnect the residents to the grid. He added, “The favourable weather and calm waters have allowed divers to make some strides in the restoration efforts, to completion.”General M...

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FOUND ON COOPER ISLAND.