The holiday season has started in earnest.  Although we do not, of our own accord, celebrate halloween and thanksgiving, we get caught up in the spirit in support of our guests and guest workers.  But we do celebrate the Christmas season with all our might.Consequently, we recognize, according to the words of Solomon, that “to everything there is a season.”And the time of the season has come to lay down our pen.We thank those who have been dedicated readers of our Friday bl...

The public is notified of an increase in social engineering attacks targeting WhatsApp users.Social engineering is a manipulation technique used by attackers to trick individuals into soliciting funds, revealing confidential information, granting unauthorized access, or performing actions that compromise security.Please be aware of the following:· Attackers may pose as friends, colleagues, or government officials.· They often use urgency or fear tactics to pressure you into acting....

Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports will focus on access and equity for every child in the Virgin Islands when it observes Special Education Day 2024 on Friday.Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie de Castro said this year’s Special Education Day observance will be held December 6 and follows the inclusive equation, ‘Everyone+ Accessibility+ Acceptance= Exceptionality’.Honourable de Castro said, “On Special Education Day we celebra...

Team Warriors, has been crowned the champions of the just concluded Public Service Week 2024.The team represented by Public Officers from the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports and the Ministry of Health and Social Development amassed a total of 1325 points in the week of activities followed by Team Supersonics who placed 2nd with 1150 points. The supersonics represented the Governor’s Group, Constitutionally Established Offices/Departments and the Ministry of Environment, Nat...

The BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) recently hosted its inaugural Career Expo to showcase career paths available at the corporation and engage the public in discussions about the future of energy in the Virgin IslandsThe expo featured interactive displays, live demonstrations by line-workers, and opportunities for attendees to engage directly with the corporation’s professionals. This initiative showcased current advancements within the company and also aimed to inspire young individua...

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially ended November 30. With 18 named storms and 11 hurricanes with five major hurricanes causing damage around the Atlantic and Caribbean; 2024 was the ninth consecutive above average hurricane season.Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn said that the destructive power of hurricanes means residents should remain prepared all year long.“It is vital that all of us in the Virgin Islands stay vigilant at the end of a record breaking season,”...

Government of the Virgin Islands is continuing consultations with the public on the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport.To this end, the Ministry of Communications and Works, in collaboration with the BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA), conducted a series of meetings last week across the Territory to update the public on the current status of the airport expansion business case and the potential benefits associated with the expansion.Minister for Communications and W...

The Government of the Virgin Islands hosted the first ever OECS-Pool Procurement Services (OECS PPS) Chief Medical Officers and Chief Pharmacists meeting from November 26 to 28.The meeting was held in partnership with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in an effort to ensuring the consistent availability of high-quality, affordable medicines across member states. Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ronald Georges said as a member state, the VI will benefit from better pricing on all heal...

Our newsroom is receiving information on a gun related incident earlier this afternoon in the McNamara area.We're understanding that the incident was an armed robbery incident, and that fire was opened on Police, and they retaliated. We will bring you more, as we know more. 

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.