Last night, Saturday, August 24, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) continued its special operation, conducting intelligence-led stop and checks, targeted patrols, and searches in designated hotspots.During the search of a location at Purcell Estate, Tortola, a team of officers encountered two (2) suspicious males known to be on bail with nightly curfew conditions. The individuals attempted to flee on foot but were pursued and arrested by the officers.A subsequent search of their poss...

The Governor has assented to the Public Assistance (Amendment) Act 2024.The amendment seeks to update the 2013 Act by creating a comprehensive range of assistance including basic income grants, hardship allowances and shock response grants.Governor Daniel Pruce said “This is a big step forward towards supporting the most vulnerable people in the Virgin Islands. It also represents a vast improvement to the previous grants systems and goes toward addressing the COI recommendation to reform l...

The Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA) has received a "No Objection" from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to advance the procurement process for the construction of the West End Ferry Terminal and temporary facility.  As a result, the four shortlisted firms have officially been issued the bid documents, marking a significant step forward in the project’s progress.Bidders now have until 10:00 a.m. on Friday, 25th October, 2024 to submit their bids....

Drugs and offensive weapon seized during operation.

Anyone can make a mistake, and we have all done from time to time.  “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.”Nevertheless, with the cost of that mistake bordering $20M per year, for all time, we have a problem.  But larger problems loom that a supplementary additional provision (SAP) cannot fix.How is it possible to under-budget for a wage increase to the tune of $20 million if it were not a deliberate attempt to split the expenditure for the sake of a balanced bud...

Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) responded to a report of shots fired at a home in the Free Bottom area after 2 pm today, Wednesday, August 21. Although no individuals were present when officers arrived, spent shell casings were recovered at the scene, which was then secured. Detectives are currently investigating the incident.Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool addressed the incident, stating, "In response to this serious matter, the Police hav...

The Ministry of Health and Social Development is reporting an increase in the number of dengue fever (DF) cases, including severe dengue requiring hospitalisation.National Epidemiologist, Ms. Harmonie Brewley-Massiah said that while the current number of cases remains below the epidemic threshold, public health officials are closely monitoring the situation. “The Surveillance and Vector Unit has been keenly monitoring the local situation given the on-going outbreaks in other Caribbean...

HMS TRENT has departed the Virgin Islands after a busy few days assisting with the clean-up following Tropical Storm Ernesto.  On a routine visit to the islands as part of the Royal Navy’s support to the British Overseas Territories, HMS TRENT docked at the Tortola Pier Park on Thursday 15 August with 84 personnel on board.During courtesy calls on Governor, Daniel Pruce, and Premier, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, HMS TRENT’s Commanding Officer, Tim Langford, readily offer...

Early morning reports of gunfire in the Purcell area, have residents disturbed. Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force have confirmed that they did respond to a report of shots fired in Purcell Estate shortly after 1 a.m. this morning Tuesday August 20th. While no individuals were present upon RVIPF’s arrival, the scene was secured, and an investigation is reportedly currently underway. The Territory continues to struggle with gun related violence, with no end in ...

Events continue to undress us and it is painful to accept when we realize how high flown BVI was for a season.Ernesto, as hurricanes go, was a non-event but it showed our soft underbelly.  We lost too many trees and the shrubs no longer hide indiscriminately disposed garbage.The infrastructure continues to be stressed.  Water accumulates in Town as if it were a riverbed and the consistency of this occurrence tells us that we need a sustainable solution.Perhaps it is time to call in the...

The BVIHSA wishes to inform the Virgin Gorda Community that the Nurse Iris O’Neal Clinic (NIOC)is temporarily closed due to a low voltage situation. This situation is a result of the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto, which caused an issue with our power supply.To remedy this situation, services at the NIOC have been temporarily relocated.Temporary Location:- 2nd Floor of the Vanterpool Administrative Building- Hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM- Contact: (284) 440-1661Home Care Services:Home care s...

At the highly anticipated DJ Swagga Festival Countdown in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), the vibrant music scene witnessed a remarkable feat as Harella, the beloved BVI soca diva, claimed the top spot with her infectious hit single "Remember." Known for her energetic performances and catchy tunes, Harella's triumphant return to the spotlight has reignited excitement among fans and music enthusiasts in the BVI.The festival countdown, which showcased the hottest tracks in the BVI,...

The Ministry of Finance is encouraging all relevant businesses and individuals to participate in the 2024 Business Conditions Survey. This survey is designed to assess changes in the business community, record market trends, and ultimately contribute to analysing the state of the economy.According to Financial Secretary, Mr. Jeremiah Frett, “A Business Conditions Survey provides the Government with information that can be used to predict changes in business conditions and assess the curren...

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) is expanding its regional network with the introduction of new flights to the Virgin Islands from October 14.This achievement marks a significant milestone for both the airline and the Territory and .is the result of a dedicated collaborative effort between the BVI Airports Authority, Caribbean Airlines, and key stakeholders.Minister of Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer, expressed enthusiasm for the introduction of the services. "We are well pleased that...

Kalik Aaron, son of prominent business man Enos Aaron and Karen Smith Aaron, has been identified as the victim in Sunday night’s shooting in the Overseas Territory of Anguilla. Two others were confirmed by Anguilla police to be injured as well. Their identities have not yet been released.Following the incident, Anguilla police are said to have detained a group of individuals headed back to the Virgin Islands, as part of their ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting. There are no...

“There is no bigger stage in the world for athletes than the Olympic stage.  And BVI has been attending Olympic Games for the last 44 years.  The Games started about 3,000 years ago in Ancient Greece.  Athletes competed bare feet and nude and both the competitors and the audience were male.  Women joined in 1900 and, since then, a lot about the games and attire has changed.With a single exception, the 2024 quartet to the Paris Olympic Games on behalf of the BV...

UpdateThe Royal Anguilla Police Force has confirmed a shooting incident at Road Well Road (around the Sandy Ground Pond) around 9:40 PM tonight.Tragically, one person is deceased, and two others are currently receiving medical attention for gunshot wounds.Officers responded quickly, and the scene is now cordoned off as investigations continue. RAPF are assuring the public that it appears to be a targeted incident involving individuals not from Anguilla.Earlier ReportEarly reports flood...

Initial reports indicate that former disgraced Premier Andrew Fahie gets eleven (11) years. Over the weekend, Fahie’s attorney, Richard Della Fera, submitted a collection of letters, which include heartfelt testimonials from Fahie’s wife, daughters, and other members of the BVI community, portraying Fahie as a highly respected man in his community.Fahie was convicted in Miami earlier this year on conspiracy to import a controlled substance and money laundering after allegedly ag...

The rumor mill has been alive and well in the Territory for centuries.  In 1790, it got several revolting slaves killed.  They heard that the British Parliament freed all slaves but the planters refused compliance.Where there’s smoke, there’s fire for in 1789 and every year until 1806, William Wilberforce presented a Bill to the British Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade.Charles James Fox was an able ally.  He championed abolition in the House of Commons. ...

The rumor mill has been alive and well in the Territory for centuries.  In 1790, it got several revolting slaves killed.  They heard that the British Parliament freed all slaves but the planters refused compliance.Where there’s smoke, there’s fire for in 1789 and every year until 1806, William Wilberforce presented a Bill to the British Parliament for the abolition of the slave trade.Charles James Fox was an able ally.  He championed abolition in the House of Commons. ...