The multi-faceted community development programme, Roots & Resilience: Together We Thrive, presented by the Territorial At-Large Representative, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE, was launched on Friday, 6th December, 2024. The Paint the Town: Community Beautification Project was identified as the firstproject to be implemented. East End along with Long Look and Anegada communities were chosen to be the first recipients of the initiative. Hon. Smith, stated, “The Terrance B. Lettsome Inte...

In a recent communication from the British Virgin Islands Banking Association, businesses were advised to refrain from charging a minimum for card purchases or imposing of processing fees on card transactions. While the association claims that such practices are illegal, it does not reference any specific laws or provisions to support this assertion. In fact, our initial review indicates that there is no existing legislation in the BVI prohibiting businesses from charging fees for credit card tr...

Green VI happily invites all VI residents to join in and help make the Holiday Season bright, green and sustainable!  Let’s embrace eco-friendly ways to say “Happy Holidays” and “I Love You” by re-thinking past customs and embracing creative new approaches to gifting, shopping, cooking, decorating and more. Here’s some tips for a “VI Green” Season of caring, sharing and living healthier:  Gift Experiences Instead of Things by gifting...

Deputy Governor, Mr. David Archer, Jr. is acting in the Office of Governor until 6th January, 2025 in the absence of His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, who is out of the Territory.Deputy Governor Archer, Jr’s appointment is in accordance with section 37 (1) (a) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007 which states, “During any period when the office of Governor is vacant, or the Governor is absent from the Virgin Islands or is for any other reason unable to perf...

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has been made aware of a video circulating on social media that appears to advocate for the use of violence as a form of political expression. Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Kenrick Davis stated that the contents of the video may involve material that crosses the threshold for serious criminal offenses. He emphasized that while everyone has the constitutional right to freedom of expression, it does not permit individuals to express anything without ...

More than 400 public officers received a detailed presentation on the provisions of the Public Service Management Act, 2024 and their role in ensuring its smooth implementation.The Public Service Management Act, 2024 sets forth a historic shift for the Public Service, serving as a mechanism that will help to guide the continued transformation of the Public Service into a world-class organisation.The Act also formally establishes systems of accountability and transparency, including requiring cer...

Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Financial Investigation Agency, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Attorney General’s Chambers have undergone a specialist UK-funded two-week training course, delivered by the UK’s National Crime Agency Proceeds of Crime Centre.From 26 November to 6 December, a cohort of law enforcement officers and officials from the Virgin Islands had the opportunity to expand and strengthen their capabilities in financial inv...

More than Seven Hundred (700) public officers were honoured for their years of service during a recent Public Service Employee Recognition Ceremony.The officers received a certificate and tokens of appreciation for their 10, 20 and 30 years of service during the ceremony held in November.The ceremony was held jointly by the Office of the Deputy Governor and Department of Human Resources as part of Public Service Week and was was aimed at collectively recognising public officers who have displaye...

His Majesty's Customs Department is calling on the public to join the fight against illicit drug trafficking after a significant drug seizure this week.This appeal follows the successful interception of a major drug importation operation by officers of His Majesty's Customs Department. The seizure took place during a routine inspection on December 10, 2024, when officers discovered a substantial number of packages containing green vegetable matter suspected to be cannabis.Acting Commissi...

LIAT Airlines (2020) Limited made its inaugural flight to the Virgin Islands through the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, on the evening of Sunday, December 8, marking a significant milestone in enhancing regional connectivity. The flight to the Virgin Islands symbolises a renewed commitment to providing reliable and affordable air travel across the Caribbean. Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the Virgin Islands, expressed his enthusiasm for this new service; “...

The Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports’ Inter-Secondary School Chess Tournament will see seven schools in the Territory vying for the title of Chess Champion from December 12 to 13.The seven registered secondary schools in the tournament include Bregado Flax Educational Centre, Claudia Creque Educational Centre, Ciboney Centre for Excellence, Cedar International School, Elmore Stoutt High School, St. George’s Secondary School and the Virgin Islands School of Technical St...

Local not-for-profit, Green VI, sent their Executive Director, Charlotte McDevitt, and Operations Director, Dylan Penn, to the 2024 PROMAR (Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea) Annual Meeting & Summit held in Medellín, Colombia. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, PROMAR  is a testament to growing international cooperation in addressing the challenges of plastic pollution. The eight Caribbean states involved in the project, the B...

Local not-for-profit, Green VI, sent their Executive Director, Charlotte McDevitt, and Operations Director, Dylan Penn, to the 2024 PROMAR (Prevention of Marine Litter in the Caribbean Sea) Annual Meeting & Summit held in Medellín, Colombia. Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, PROMAR  is a testament to growing international cooperation in addressing the challenges of plastic pollution. The eight Caribbean states involved in the project, the B...

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...