Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn has claimed that the government’s recently announced $100 million loan is being used as a political bargaining tool to entice lawmakers into crossing the political aisle. During the budget debate in the House of Assembly, […]
Archive for December, 2024
Tourism summit scheduled for January 2025
The BVI is set to host a pivotal tourism summit in January 2025 that seeks to reshape the territory’s tourism strategy. Junior Minister for Tourism and Culture Luce Hodge-Smith recently explained the summit’s role in engaging industry stakeholders to collaboratively […]
RATED programme more about bush-cutting than job creation?
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy ‘Buddha’ Mather has raised concerns about the government’s RATED programme, describing it as more focused on bush-cutting than meaningful job creation. During the budget debate in the House of Assembly, Mather questioned the programme’s effectiveness in […]
Gov’t must invest more in agriculture — Dawson
Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr Karl Dawson is urging the government to prioritise investments in agriculture and fisheries to boost food security in the Virgin Islands. During a recent government programme, Dr Dawson outlined a plan to make […]
CXC to help create customer service certification for gov’t workers
The Virgin Islands Public Service Learning Institute (VIPSLI) has announced plans to elevate customer service across the Territory through a partnership with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to create a specialised course for public servants. VIPSLI Director Connie George revealed […]
BVI welcomes Christmas Day baby
As the clock struck into the early hours of Christmas Day 2024, the territory celebrated the arrival of its newest resident, marking a heartwarming start to the holiday. Kayla Lewis gave birth to a healthy baby boy weighing 4.105 kilograms […]
Governance reform shows maturity, says Premier
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has suggested that recent governance reforms demonstrate the BVI’s maturity and readiness for greater autonomy. During a recent GIS interview, Dr Wheatley emphasised that the reforms, born out of the Commission of Inquiry (COI) process, demonstrate […]
Social Security assistance bump coming in January
Residents relying on Social Security assistance can expect an increase in their monthly benefits starting in January 2025. Health Minister Vincent Wheatley made the announcement during the House of Assembly’s budget debate. Wheatley, who represents the Ninth District, explained that […]
Fireman on gun charges granted $50K bail
A 25-year-old fireman was granted $50,000 signed bail on Tuesday, December 24, after appearing before the Magistrate’s Court on firearm-related charges. Carlon O’Neal, of Butu Mountain, was charged with unlawful possession of explosives and carrying a firearm without a license. […]
Public reacts to BVIBA’s crackdown on minimum card spending fees
Residents have taken to social media to share their reactions to a notice issued by the BVI Banks Association (BVIBA) on December 10, 2024, regarding compliance with card transaction policies. The BVIBA cautioned merchants against imposing minimum spending requirements for […]