The Constitutional Review Commission Report was laid on the table during the Eighth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly on Wednesday, 31st January, 2024.The comprehensive report, which is 288 pages, is divided into six chapters and eight appendices.  The Commission in its Terms of Reference was required to consider, among other things: the aspirations of the people of the Virgin Islands; how the executive ministerial government can be held to account in the HOA (e.g....

UK Minister for the Overseas Territories (OTs), David Rutley arrived in the Territory yesterday, Sunday 4 February for high level meetings with the sitting Government and other relevant stake holders.  “The Commission of Inquiry has identified serious governance and reputational issues, but progress on implementing its recommendations has been too slow, with agreed deadlines missed. That is why I am here: to listen and understand from those working directly on the reforms how the...

The opportunity presented itself under the name, Daniel Pruce.  The Fourth Estate categorized him as the 15th Governor of the Virgin Islands.  And when, on Monday, 29th January, HE the Ag. Governor, Mr. David Archer and Dr Allison Flax-Archer celebrated the appointment, HE, Governor Daniel Pruce, accompanied by his wife, Ms. Rachael Morgan, took his seat at Government House as His Majesty’s Representative in the Territory of the Virgin Islands.It seems unfair to King Edward ...

The BVI Community has been thrown into unexpected mourning once more with the sudden and tragic deaths of two young men. The males who were involved in the fatal accident which occurred on Tuesday afternoon January 30th at the bottom of Joes Hill have been identified as 32-year-old Henderson Legair and 23-year- old Kenroy Joseph. Joseph was taken by ambulance to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, while Legair was pronounced dead at the scene.Details surroun...

The eyes of global media, particularly in the neighboring US Virgin Islands, have been fixed on the unfolding case of Andrew A. Fahie, who was arrested in April of the previous year. The trial, which has drawn significant attention, has sparked interest and concern due to its potential impact on the reputation of the British Virgin Islands.On January 29, 2024, prosecutors in a Miami federal court presented their case against Fahie, alleging that he conspired to traffic cocaine from South America...

The Virgin Islands Festivals and Fairs Committee (VIFFC) has long been a cornerstone of the cultural and economic landscape of the British Virgin Islands. However, recent developments have raised concerns about the future of this iconic institution, as its ticket booth sits occupied amid speculation about its fate.As the 70th Anniversary of Festivals approaches, the question arises: is the occupation of the VIFFC ticket booth a strategic move to raise funds for the milestone celebration, or does...

Governor Designate Mr Daniel Pruce arrived in the Territory this evening, 26th January, with his wife Ms Rachael Morgan.  Mr Pruce will be sworn in as the Governor of the British Virgin Islands on Monday, 29th January.Mr Pruce said “I’m delighted to have arrived in BVI.  Rachael and I were very grateful for the warm welcome at the airport.  I look forward to being sworn in as Governor on Monday.  It will be a privilege to serve the people of the islands and t...

All BVI will soon be on trial.Truth be told, a single individual will be, so there is no reason everyone should feel compromised, let down, complicit.  But they do.It is almost the feeling that people of African descent have experienced over the decades when one of their number, albeit a stranger, commits a crime anywhere in the world.  They have felt judged and personally and silently blamed by the international community.Andrew Alturo Fahie’s rise to prominence must have b...

On Thursday, January 18, 2024, while conducting a stop and search operation on Virgin Gorda, Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force stopped a vehicle containing three male occupants. During the search two firearms; a Rifle and Hand Pistol, multiple rounds of ammunition, and a substantial quantity of drugs believed to be cannabis were found.Akeem E. Joseph, 37, of St Croix, USVI and Kyreek Gardner, 22 of The Valley, Virgin Gorda were jointly charged with Possession of a Prohibited Fire...

His Majesty’s Customs is observing its 2024 Customs Week from January 21 to 27.The week of activities commenced with a church service at the St. Georges Anglican Church in Road Town on January 21. Throughout the week, various social events will take place to honor and appreciate the dedication of the hardworking officers who have contributed tirelessly throughout the year of 2023 and those that have retired within that time.International Customs Day will also be recognised on Friday, Janua...

Virgin Islands residents are encouraged to create or revise disaster plans as they plan their activities for 2024.Director of Disaster Management, Mr. Jasen Penn said that the turning of the year is an opportunity to reflect on lessons learned and improve going forward.“Last year, the Virgin Islands experienced a number of minor earthquakes, a major flooding event, and two close passes of tropical cyclones,” Mr. Penn said, adding, “Having an action plan for how to deal with the...

Member States and territories of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court (ECSC) gathered in Grenada and via online mediums to mark the opening of the 2024 Law Year with a special sitting.The sitting held on January 12 also saw the final address delivered by retiring Chief Justice Janice Pereira, a Virgin Islander.In the Virgin Islands, the opening of the year was marked by a special church service at the Apostolic Faith Church in Road Town and a special sitting in the Civil Court Room on Tortola.Chi...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has charged one additional male in relation to the armed robbery at House of Luxury Jewelry Store at Tortola Pier Park in July 2023. Vernon Bernard, 32, of Manuel Reef, was charged with Robbery, Handling Stolen Goods, and Possession of the Proceeds of Criminal Conduct. He will appear before the Magistrate’s Court at the next available sitting.In July of 2023, the RVIPF responded to reports of an armed robbery at Tortola Pier Park, where two masked men ...

Detectives of the Major Incident Team of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force arrested one person for questioning in connection with the September 3rd, 2023, murder of 25-year-old Azim Yonnas of Butu Mountain. This arrest follows an extensive investigation spanning just over three months.Initial enquiries revealed that Yonnas was in the Long Bush area when he was pursued by two armed, masked individuals and was fatally shot.While the investigation remains ongoing, the Royal Virgin Islands Polic...

The news, when it was confirmed, was shocking.  Heads hung in silence; Dark shadows crossed the hearts of the listeners; Mouths stood agape in consternation; And expressions of disbelief were uttered while the public waited for someone to say that it was not so.The Premier could not, in that moment, touch the valiant lady, who, with all she promised to offer on her inaugural call to the BVI, was no match for the strong emotions that racked his body, disfigured his face and brought tears of ...

UPDATEOur newsroom has been informed that all Members of the HOA were in fact not invited to the Governor’s Departure Ceremony.However, both the Premier and the Leader of the Opposition were ‘no shows’We understand the Premier was tardy in getting to the Ceremony although it had started some 20 minutes late. The Opposition Leader we understand is heading to Jost Van Dyke for the opening ceremony of the new school complex, although the ceremony starts at midday and the boat depa...

As the sun sets on his tenure, His Majesty's Governor of the British Virgin Islands, John James Rankin CMG, prepares to bid farewell to the people of the Virgin Islands and make his exit from Governor House. Amid a backdrop of mixed sentiments and unfulfilled expectations, Governor Rankin will deliver his final message today, marking the end of his term in the British Overseas Territory.The Governor's tenure has been marked by a series of challenges and accomplishments, as well as ongoin...

In an exciting move for both the player and the team, D’Moi Hodge is set to sign a G-League contract with the Portland Trail Blazers today. This opportunity will pave the way for Hodge to reclaim his 2-way contract with the team, provided that he meets performance expectations on the court.Hodge, a former member of the Los Angeles Lakers, recently found himself waived from the team. During his time with the Lakers, he had the privilege of playing alongside some of the NBA’s top talen...

In a recent statement, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has issued a warning concerning a troubling increase in underage drinking incidents across the Territory as 2023 drew to a close. The Family and Juvenile Unit within the force has expressed concern over the illegal consumption of alcohol by juveniles during recent festivities, which has resulted in a number of young individuals needing medical attention.According to the Liquor Licence Ordinance in the British Virgin Islands, it is stri...

Guavaberry Media has received reports of yet another accident in the Baughers Bay area moments ago, with indications that it is of a serious nature. The ambulances and police were seen heading towards the scene, suggesting an urgent response from emergency services.The details surrounding the incident remain limited at this time, but Guavaberry Media is committed to providing the public with accurate and up-to-date information as soon as it becomes available. Our team is actively monitoring the ...