The BVI Ports Authority (BVIPA) proudly welcomed the Villa Vie Odyssey on its inaugural call to the British Virgin Islands, docking at the cruise pier for several daysin Road Harbour. This momentous occasion was commemorated with a plaque exchange ceremony held onboard the vessel. The event was attended by representatives from the BVIPA, BVI Tourist Board, Tortola Pier Park Ltd., the ship’s Captain Valentin Giuglea, his officers as well as Island Shipping Trading Ltd thelocal age...

The jury’s verdict is in.  The motion of no confidence first submitted by His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition on 26 August cannot be discussed in the People’s House before some date in 2025 to be determined by the Speaker with the concurrence of the Leader of Government Business.  So says the Rules of the House.This is the first motion of no confidence, of which we are aware, that has created such a hullabaloo in the House and a rumpus in the community.  At heart is a...

The Territory proudly welcomed the Disney Treasure to Tortola yesterday, Wednesday 27th November. The Treasure, Disney Cruise Line’s newest and most innovative ship, on its inaugural call to the British Virgin Islands with 2978 passengers and 1713 crew. A plaque exchange ceremony onboard the ship marked the occasion, with Captain Marco Nagara, Minister of Communication & Works Honourable Kye Rymer, BVI Ports Authority officials, BVI Government representatives, Youth Empo...

There are reports reaching our newsroom of shots fired in the Towers area of West End late this afternoon Wednesday November 27th. Two separate shootings have been reported on Tortola this afternoon, November 27, 2024. According to reports, a gunman opened fire on a white rental Jeep as it was exiting a dock area. We understand several shots were fired, with two bullet holes being visible on the windshield of the white rental jeep that the apparent target was driving. He was able to exit th...

Our newsroom was reliably informed some six months ago of the possible appointment of Red Cross Director Stacey Lloyd as the new Labour Commissioner. At that time, our newsroom reached out to then Minister of the subject Honourable Lorna Smith on the matter who said that it was under consideration, but was being ‘shelved’ for the moment. The conversation and queries on the appointment reignited just a couple weeks ago with our newsroom being inundated with calls and message...

Thirty-Five (35) individuals are now registered as British Citizens after being previously Naturalised as British Overseas Territories Citizens.During a ceremony held at the Government House on November 7, the individuals recited the Oath of Allegiance to His Majesty the King, as well as the Pledge of Loyalty to the United Kingdom.The new citizens also received congratulatory remarks from His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce and Registrar General, Mrs. Tashi O’Flaherty-Maduro.Gove...

His Excellency the Governor, Daniel Pruce has assented to the Public Service Management Act, 2024, marking the completion of Recommendation B36 of the Commission of Inquiry’s Report.Recommendation B36 expressed that the Public Service Management Code be finalised and transitioned into an Act. The Act sets out a historic shift and formally establishes guidelines for the management and operations of the Public Service of the Virgin Islands Acting Governor, Mr. David D. Archer said that ...

We got through the hurricane season;Unscathed.  For us, Ernesto aside, we had good fortune this year.  Not a single named hurricane came to our shores in the 2024 season despite projections.We are grateful and should let that gratitude be known.  Prayer has its place but it is so misused in BVI officialdom that suspicion surrounds any mention of it outside of its designated spaces.But the future is uncertain.  We are living with climate change but the incoming leader of the f...

Two persons have now lost their lives in deadly accidents with the past 48 hours.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a significant breakthrough in investigating a string of burglaries throughout the Territory.A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.The 17 year old has been charged with four (4) counts of Burglary and Criminal Damage.“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensurin...

An early morning accident in the East End area has left one dead and two injured. We are not certain of the details surrounding the accident, however, witnesses are confirming that speed could have played a part. We understand the young man that lost his life had caught a ride with the vehicle. We extend condolences to the family of the deceased. Guavaberry will bring you any updates on this breaking news.

We’re understanding that two suspicious bags have been discovered at the Terence B Lettsome International Airport this afternoon Wednesday, November 20th. The area has been cordoned off. We will update you as further information becomes available.

Tortola Pier Park Ltd. (TPPL) has had a successful “STAND OUT: Elevate Your Sales, Connect & Engage" training session, held in collaboration with Lemoneight, and the BVI Tourist Board on Friday November 15th 2024, at BVI Finance conference room.The workshop, facilitated by Lemoneight, a leader in tourism-based consulting and training, empowered participants with practical tools to enhance customer interactions, boost sales, and create unforgettable guest experiences.The high energ...

The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, which was assented to by Governor Daniel Pruce on Friday, November 1, 2024, introduces important amendments to the Territory's immigration laws.However, there are no new provisions or pathways for granting residence status to children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. This has been a contentious issue for many residents, for some time. It is important to note that the amended law will come into force on a date appoint...

The Territory welcomed the inaugural call of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma to Virgin Gorda today, Tuesday 19th November. The luxury cruise vessel is the newest luxury vessel to join the Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection and is slated to spend the day in Virgin Gorda.The Ilma is currently on a six-night round trip cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico with 273 passengers and 382 crew members onboard. After the vessel departs the Territory, she returns to Puerto Rico t...

After years of anticipation, the Virgin Islands Retired Public Officers Association (VIRPOA) has officially been formed, marking a significant milestone for retired public officers in the Territory. This newly established organization aims to serve as a platform for advocacy, engagement, and inspiration for retirees, empowering them to continue making meaningful contributions while enjoying their post-service years.The interim executive board, led by President Pete Smith, has been appointed to g...

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Jr. will act in the Office of Governor from 17 November to 22 November, in the absence of His Excellency, the Governor Mr. Daniel Pruce, who is out of the Territory.Mr. Archer’s appointment is in accordance with section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007 which states, “During any period when the office of Governor is vacant, or the Governor is absent from the Virgin Islands or is for any other reason unable to perform the func...

We must stop UK territories laundering money, say politicians Margaret Hodge and Andrew Mitchell.

“Money doesn't make the man but the man isn't made without it.In little under 180 minutes, the Premier told us on Tuesday that he hopes to collect about $408M in revenue in 2025.  It is our money that he collects on our behalf and we can have a wishlist on how it is spent.Of course, we must bear in mind that at least 85% of the Territory’s fiscal commitments are set in stone.I remember where I was when I read Sebastian Junger’s ‘The Perfect Storm,’ the ...

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...