A joyful Mr. Lealdo Thomas was appreciative to the Ministry of Health and Social Development as he became the latest recipient of a social home.Mr. Thomas and his wife expressed gratitude to the Housing Unit team at the Ministry of Health for their efforts in helping them secure what they described as their retirement gift.Mr. Thomas said, “I appreciate everyone for their assistance and I am happy the wait has come to an end right now. I give the father thanks for blessing me with this gif...

The calendar listed it as a holiday to mark the birthday of BVIs first Chief Minister, Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, so we celebrated on Monday.  We went as far as to reenact the first sitting of the 13th Legislative Council under him as Chief Minister (now Premier).  But we wonder if the sitting Legislators understand what made Stoutt a legend in our eyes?It was not because he was a saint or did everything correctly.  After all, his name is tied up with the Bates Hill fiasco that was t...

In an unprecedented move that has caught the attention of both the business community and local residents, the Virgin Islands (UK) House of Assembly debated on 7th March 2024, a proposal that could see companies facing penalties for not submitting their statistical data. This legislation signals a significant shift in how the government plans to enforce transparency and accountability among the corporate entities operating within its jurisdiction. But is this a genuine call for transparency, or ...

In a surprising turn of events, the British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (FSC) has issued a stark warning against TONBRIDGE GLOBAL GROWTH LIMITED, a company falsely claiming to be a legitimate broker-dealer in investments.According to the FSC, this firm has been masquerading as a licensed entity, deceitfully attracting customers and investors under the guise of being an authorized investment business. However, the truth unveiled by the FSC paints a very different picture. TONBRID...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning concerning the discovery of unsafe levels of lead in ground cinnamon sold at discount retailers nationwide, including Dollar Tree and Family Dollar. This alert is especially crucial for residents of the Virgin Islands who shop off island, who are advised to examine their spice cabinets for potentially contaminated products. The risk of prolonged exposure to this contaminated spice is significant, posing a particular danger to child...

Wednesday, 6 March 2024, Tortola, British Virgin Islands - In a landmark announcement that underscores the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) dedication to global tax compliance and transparency, the Premier and Minister of Finance revealed that the territory has been officially removed from France's blacklist of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. This development marks a significant turning point for BVI, reaffirming its status as a leading international financial center.For years, the shado...

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean, Andrew Fahie, the former Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI), has been found guilty in a high-profile case that underscores the region's intense battle against narcotics trafficking. The guilty verdict, delivered by a Miami court, marks a significant chapter in the Virgin Islands' history, highlighting the deep-rooted challenges of corruption and drug trafficking facing the territory.Andrew Fahie, 53, was c...

In an impactful statement delivered on March 5th, 2024, by the Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, the Virgin Islands government has firmly committed to enhancing its financial regulatory framework. This declaration was made during the Ninth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands and centers around the recent Mutual Evaluation Report (MER) conducted by the Caribbean Financial Action Task For...

In a landmark decision on November 29, 2023, the UK Supreme Court has paved the way for the British Virgin Islands (BVI) to intensify its efforts against online fraud, setting a significant legal precedent that could transform how the BVI tackles the growing menace of cryptocurrency scams and other forms of digital deception. The ruling, which centers on the use of injunctions against individuals not yet identified as having committed any wrongdoing, marks a critical turning point in the legal b...

Major Midnight Maritime Operation: Joint Task Force Intercepts Cocaine-Laden Vessel Off Tortola's Coast in Record-Breaking Seizure.

Residents reported Police via land, sea and air, in pursuit of a lone vessel on water that appeared questionable.

In an unprecedented collaborative effort to bolster security across the Caribbean, the United States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have joined forces in a sweeping crackdown on the illicit firearms trade that has long plagued the region. Dubbed Operation Hammerhead, this initiative marks a significant stride towards disrupting the flow of illegal firearms from the US to the Caribbean, shining a beacon of hope for communities besieged by gun violence.The operation, spearheaded by the US D...

In a bold move set to redefine the labor market in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands' Minimum Wage Advisory Committee (MWAC) has recommended a significant increase in the minimum wage to $8.75 per hour. This proposal not only aims to combat exploitation but also to offer substantial support to the lowest earners in the territory, marking a notable shift from the current minimum wage standards in the region, particularly when compared to the British Virgin Islands' (BVI) $6.00 per hour ra...

In a high-stakes operation that reads like a scene from an action movie, the British Royal Navy's HMS Trent, in collaboration with the US Coast Guard, has successfully intercepted a significant drug shipment in the Caribbean, dealing a substantial blow to drug traffickers operating near the Virgin Islands. The operation resulted in the seizure of narcotics worth an estimated £290.66 million, marking one of the largest drug busts in the region to date.The drama unfolded south of the US ...

In a significant development that promises to position the British Virgin Islands (BVI) at the forefront of the global sailing scene, the BVI Spring Regatta has officially become part of the prestigious Caribbean Maxi Multihull Series. This integration is anticipated to bring a wave of opportunities, from economic boons to cultural exchanges, setting a new course for the archipelago’s future.Economic Winds Fill BVI's SailsThe inclusion of the BVI Spring Regatta in the Caribbean Maxi Mu...

In a groundbreaking move that is reshaping the future of medical education and its accessibility, Albert Einstein College of Medicine has unveiled a tuition-free initiative, courtesy of a historic donation by Ruth L. Gottesman, Ed.D. This unprecedented gesture, the largest of its kind in the country, not only sets a new precedent for educational philanthropy but also serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity for aspiring medical students from the Virgin Islands and beyond.For decades, the soari...

The recent escape of three dangerous prisoners from South St George Police Station in Grenada has caused widespread concern across the Caribbean. The incident, which resulted in the tragic murder of two American tourists, has not only tarnished Grenada's reputation but has also put the spotlight on regional security and the safety of tourists visiting the Caribbean. The British Virgin Islands (BVI), alongside other Caribbean destinations, are now on high alert, grappling with the potential r...

In a significant push towards fostering democratic participation, the Virgin Islands has launched a continuous voter registration and transfer initiative, inviting all eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote. Amid the serene beauty of the Virgin Islands, a profound call to action resonates, urging Belongers—citizens recognized under the Virgin Islands Order Constitution of 2007—to step forward and register.To qualify, individuals must be 18 years of age or older, domiciled ...

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...