Seven (7) Air Traffic Control Officers at the British Virgin Islands Airports Authority (the Authority) have completed the Aeronautical Meteorology Observer Training Course with a one hundred percent pass rate.The course was a specialised training program to ensure that the Authority continues to meet international standards in aviation safety and operational efficiency and was conducted in collaboration with the Caribbean Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH).Officer in Charge, Mrs. Dia...

The New Horizon Guidance and Counselling Unit will engage in several activities aimed at choosing respect for Anti-Bullying Week 2024.Primary School Counsellor Mrs. Sharon Leonard said bullying in the Territory must end and is encouraging students to trust adults and get the necessary assistance that they may need.Mrs. Leonard said the week of activities will be observed from October 14 to 18 under the theme, “Choose Respect”. She said the theme was chosen as a result of consultation...

As first reported by our media house, the Government of the Virgin Islands is partnering with a local promotion company, now identified as YOLO promotions, to bring Vybz Kartel to the BVI. The date announced is March 2025 for the annual Black On Black event. Our understanding is that the Artist’s fee is some half a million dollars, with the Government covering the full quarter million dollar deposit to sign the Artist. Images and videos released over the past few days show Steve Paril...

Information reaching our newsroom is that a second male Teacher at the Elmore Stoutt High School is now under investigation for molesting a female student.The details are unclear, however, we understand the Teacher has been sent on leave. Our newsroom reached out to the Police who have confirmed that a second incident is under investigation, and that a press release will be forthcoming. Just a few weeks ago, at the opening of the school year, our media house reported an incident involv...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has charged J’Quoi Lloyd, 26, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, with drug-related offenses, including Possession of a Controlled Drug with Intent to Supply to Another and Untrue Declaration and Importation of a Controlled Drug.The charges follow a joint operation between RVIPF officers and Customs officials at the Road Town Ferry Terminal on September 9, 2024. During routine inspections, a quantity of suspected cannabis was recovered from a package ...

Chairman Delma Maduro and Director of Tourism Clive McCoy sat in silence

You can tell a lot about a lady by the way she keeps her home.  And based on its condition, you may choose to make some rational decisions.  Will you accept an offer of food or drink?  Would you allow carnal knowledge to be shared?  Will you return?His Majesty’s loyal Opposition has been plaguing the government about the unkempt state of the Territory for some time and so have we.The failing infrastructure is outstanding; Healthcare which can bankrupt any governmen...

The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to enhancing the Territory’s Road infrastructure and has completed works on the East End Road on Jost Van Dyke.Construction work included the installation of a new drainage system, a large gabion retaining wall and the restoration of the road itself. Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye M. Rymer stated that these road improvement initiatives align with the Government’s vision of "Building a Better Road Netwo...

The Office of Gender Affairs hosted two one-day The Office of Gender Affairs hosted two one-day workshops on Gender Mainstreaming/ Analysis for gender focal points in government organisations and statutory bodies.The main aim of the workshop was to advance gender awareness across the Virgin Islands and equip gender focal points with fundamental tools for gender analysis and gender mainstreaming.Participants were also engaged in practical group exercises in gender analysis utilising gender and se...

Public and private schools across the Territory will engage in activities aimed at encouraging students to develop a love for reading when the Territory observe Reading is Fun Week 2024.Education Officer with the responsibility for English, Mrs. Janice George-Harris says the week will be observed from October 7 to 11 under the theme, “Reading Transforms You”.Mrs. George-Harris said, “The public is also invited to find time to read and share excerpts from books with other p...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has appointed five members to the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Grant Selection Committee. This committee will oversee the MSME Grant Programme, which aims to provide financial support to local small businesses, stimulate innovation, create jobs, and foster sustainable economic growth.Following a formal application process and subsequent Cabinet approval, the appointments became effective on October 1, 2024. The newly appointed committee members ...

Information reaching our newsroom indicates that the Premier and Minister for Finance, the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, is gearing up to spend close to one million dollars to bring Vybz Kartel to the BVI. We understand that he is working closely with a prominent local promoter. The Premier has come under heavy fire for what appears to be constant mismanagement of the Territory’s funds, most recently funding a failed million dollar music festival earlier this year. He has been dubb...

 Mr. Joseph Smith-Abbot and Ms. Tasha Bertie have been confirmed as Permanent Secretaries within the Ministries of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Health and Social Development, respectively.Their appointments were confirmed having served in an acting capacity and is in accordance with Section 24 (1) of the Service Commission Regulations.As Permanent Secretaries, Mr. Smith-Abbot and Ms. Bertie are responsible for guiding the day-to-day delivery of their mini...

The Government of the Virgin Islands has said that it is actively monitoring the strike by the dockworkers at ports along the eastern seaboard of the United States that is affecting ports from Maine to Texas.“I am pleased to inform you that the British Virgin Islands Port Authority (BVIPA) has confirmed that all scheduled shipments for October are expected to proceed without interruption. Meanwhile, the West Palm Beach Port, a vital hub for Tropical Shipping—the primary carrier for o...

Newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean Mr. Simon Springette is paying a two day visit to the Virgin Islands.  Mr. Springette’s visit is scheduled for October 1 to 2 and marks a significant step in strengthening collaboration on sustainable development initiatives.Mr. Springette will present his credentials to Premier Dr. Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley and engage in discussions on the importance of joint efforts in addressing the Virgin Isla...

The British Virgin Islands Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has partnered with Back to Life Limited, a UK-based life support training company, to enhance the emergency response skills of healthcare professionals across the Territory. This collaboration is a key component of BVIHSA’s strategic plan to achieve accreditation from the Resuscitation Council UK (RCUK), setting a new benchmark for emergency care in the Territory.Back to Life Limited, with more than 32 years of experience in lif...

We have heard the story told, over the years, of the noble Queer Esther and the part she played in saving the lives of her people from the hubris of Haman.  Her genius was in involving her people in the solution.Our Representatives, the 13, have been busy.  They are almost daily in the people’s House passing legislation to comply with the prescriptive dictates of Sir Gary Hickinbottom’s COI report.Their hard work, we hope, will contribute to the tapestry of good govern...

Seven Centenarians were honoured by the Social Development Department for reaching the incredible milestone of 100 years.Mrs. Enelle Smith and Mrs. Emogene Augusta Creque both 105 years old, Mr. Evelyn Hodge 101 and Ms. Christeen Hodge 100 residing on Tortola; Mrs Betty Yates age 102, Mrs. Floresa George and Mrs. Iris Leonel Harrigan both age 101 were honoured by the department for their wisdom and contributions to the Virgin Islands community, as the Territory observed National Centenarian Day ...

Director to Waste Management, Mr. Marcus Solomon has praised the efforts of the Virgin Islands community for its contribution to the recycling programme.Mr. Solomon said 46 bales of plastics were exported to Honduras during this month for recycling which shows that the community diverted almost 700,000 plastic bottles away from our waste stream. The director said the concept of recycling is relatively new to the Virgin Islands and that it is was a pleasure to see that the programme is growi...

Officials from the Public Health Unit and the Environmental Health Division are uniting forces and forging an alliance with the community to reduce mosquito breeding.Chief Environmental Health Officer Mr. Lionel Michael said “We want to take action at the community level to reduce mosquito breeding and mosquito breeding sites. We will be coming into communities with high mosquito indices to see how we can work together to reduce vector issues within those communities.”The health offi...