January 17th, 2024 - Cane Garden Bay, Mayaba: Earlier today, an unfortunate accident occurred on the way to Cane Garden Bay via Mayaba, causing concern among residents and authorities alike. A vehicle overturned, leading to the blockage of the area and prompting a call for emergency services. The extent of the injuries is yet to be confirmed, but initial photos received indicate that medical attention will be required.The incident has raised questions about the state of road safety in the area, ...

Kenroy Chinnery of Jost Van Dyke who was pulled from the sea earlier today, January 15 has died.The incident is understood to have happened early morning while Chinnery was out on his boat. He is said to have had a seizure and fell off the boat, and the boat may have made impact with his body, causing severe injury. He was rescued by VISAR but succumbed to his injuries. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and JVD community. 

As Guavaberry Media, we pause to pay homage to a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark on the BVI community. Carvin Malone, a man of many words and unyielding convictions, has embodied the spirit of dedication and service, making a profound impact in numerous spheres of life. His presence will be sorely missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire and resonate within our hearts.Carvin Malone's influence transcended boundaries, encompassing athletics, politics, community ser...

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley who is the Minister responsible for Tourism, was paid a courtesy call from Team Leader and Tourism Technical Specialist Ms. Maria Fowell from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States Commission (OECS) and supporting consultant and Tourism Policy and Development Advisor, Dr. T. Jennifer Edwards.The OECS Commission representatives are on island will be engaging with officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustain...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is mourning the loss of former Chief Inspector Mr. Wellington Junior Romney also known also known as “Butch”.Mr. Romney joined the organization in 1973, as a constable and received training at the Regional Police Training Center in Barbados.  He served with the organization until 1978, at which time he resigned and migrated to the United States.  Upon his return to the territory in 1982, he rejoined the organization and the...

It is with profound sorrow and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences, on behalf of Members and Staff of the House of Assembly, on the recent passing of Former Legislator Carvin Malone.Mr. Malone’s contributions to our Territory were immeasurable, leaving an indelible mark on both our legislative landscape and the hearts of those he served. As the Minister for Health and Social Development, he demonstrated unwavering commitment, particularly during the height of the Covid-19 pa...

Lord Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, paid a courtesy call to the Virgin Islands to view first-hand the progress of works done since the hurricanes of 2017. He also held meetings with representatives from the BVI Athletic Association and viewed ongoing works at the A O Shirley Grounds.Lord Sebastian Coe also spoke with athletes about his athletic career and provided answers in relation to the difficulties and motivational drivers that kept him going during his Olympic appearances.Min...

Young Adaejah Hodge, Virgin Islander and rising star at Montverde Academy's Track and Field team, secured a remarkable victory in the girls' invitational 300m event, leaving spectators in awe with her breathtaking time of 36.97 seconds. Hodge's exceptional speed and athletic talent were on full display during this standout performance, solidifying her status as a promising young athlete in the track and field world.From the onset, Hodge surged ahead of her competitors and maintained ...

A pleasant Happy New Year to all!I wish you a year filled with love, happiness, health and peace.In my role as Minister for Health and Social Development, I am also the Chairman of the 36th OECS/PPS Policy Board Meeting and the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Health and I want to take a pro-active approach to health issues. In October, 2023, OECS Health Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Chief Medical Officers, and our Regional Development Partners came together in the Virgin Islands and agre...

The Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre has announced that its students, aged 16 years and older, are embarking on a Workforce Job Apprenticeship Programme.Five students namely Rawlston Williams III, Jaquan Wintz, Kimani Smith, Mya Donavon and Shamario Patrick are enrolled in the apprentice programme this year and will be exposed to a wide range of career pathways, enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.The students will work alongside professionals in their chosen fields, ...

After being rushed to the Orlando Smith Hospital early this morning, former Health Minister has died. We extend condolences to his family, friends and the wider Virgin Islands. We will bring a full story shortly. 

The British Virgin Islands community is in mourning following the passing of Grace Flax-Waters, a prominent figure in the local tourism and hospitality industry. Grace, who hailed from Virgin Gorda and was a key player in the sector, served as the leader of Little Dix Resort and made significant contributions to the growth and development of tourism in the region. Her impact was felt not only in the business world but also in the community through her dedicated service and involvement in various...

More power to the Governor!That single line in a press conference to talk about the progress made on the COI has ignited a firestorm and a forceful response from the front benches;  As it should.Now, those in charge, demand a recant and they have called for the voices across the aisle to join in solidarity because there may be infringements on the Constitution.And the Constitution is a ‘sacred cow.’But that solidarity should have begun with a joint statement from both sides that...

Residents of Districts 7 and 8 were startled by the sound of gunshots early Friday evening, marking the first shooting incident of the year in the area. The incident, which occurred before 8pm, has left the community on edge as authorities work to gather more information.According to reports received by our news room, a male individual, believed to be a native of Jamaica, was the victim of the shooting. Following the incident, the victim was quickly attended to and transported from the scene in ...

In a dazzling display of talent, beauty, and poise, the Miss OECS pageant in Dominica on Friday, January 12th, brought together five delegates representing the diverse and vibrant cultures of the OECS region. Among them was the esteemed representative from the British Virgin Islands, Miss Anika Christopher, whose journey through the pageant was a testament to grace, resilience, and the spirit of learning.Despite the fierce competition, Miss BVI Anika Christopher did not secure a placement in the...

Mrs. Bethsaida Smith-Hanley has been appointed Clerk of the House of Assembly, effective December 31, 2023.As Clerk, Mrs. Smith-Hanley will oversee the daily operations of the House of Assembly, including the coordination of official functions, the management of House of Assembly sittings, the preparation of Order Papers as well as the supervision of all staff within the Office of the House of Assembly.               &nbs...

Late Friday evening, Premier the Honourable Natalio Wheatley made a statement following the damning COI report given by Governor John Rankin. During the statement, he announced a joint press conference with himself and the Leader of the Opposition the  Honourable Ronnie Skelton, to be held today Monday 8 January. Our news room can confirm that the BVI Press received an invitation on Sunday afternoon just after 2:00pm to a press conference to be held at the Premier’s conference ro...

In December of 2020, as Governor Jaspert’s term came to a close, and after a tenure of turmoil, specifically under the 2019 elected leadership of an Andrew Fahie led Government, Governor Jaspert announced a Commission of Inquiry for the Territory. He noted that there were mounting concerns of questionable governance and widespread corruption in Government; as well as high level crimes being perpetrated at the very top echelons of Government. A Commission of Inquiry was initiated to be...

The Governor in his final COI Quarterly update to the Territory before he departs, has laid a scathing report on the Natalio Wheatley (R7) led Government.  The Governor in his report has stated that the Government has continuously failed to meet deadlines despite repeated chances, reschedules and opportunities. In expressing his disappointment, he has once again extended the deadline to November of 2024, however, is seeking additional powers for the Office of Governor, to ensure comple...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced that significant progress is being made in the ongoing airport development project.To this end, the BVI Airports Authority has opened tenders for the development of a business case which is crucial to the project’s success following a recently concluded RFP process.The tendering process attracted interests from both local and international firms and saw a total of eight (8) bids being received and publicly opened on January 4.Minister of C...