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Law enforcement report branded as xenophobic
Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, Lorna Smith, has condemned the second volume of a UK-commissioned law enforcement review, describing it as “repugnant” and “xenophobic.” The 289-page report...
April 22, 2025 at 6:04 AM -
VG parade takes centre stage at 2025 Easter Fest
Virgin Gorda came alive with colour, culture, and celebration on Easter Monday, April 21, as the island hosted its annual parade during the 2025 Virgin Gorda Easter Festival. The parade got underway around noon with a vibrant procession...
April 22, 2025 at 6:00 AM -
Ferry operators urged to adapt as airlift steals business
Amid concerns from ferry operators that direct flights from the United States to the BVI are affecting their business, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has again urged the industry to adapt to the changing travel landscape. Ferry services...
April 21, 2025 at 7:11 AM
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Are BVI fish testing positive for harmful chemicals?
A call has been made for the health authorities to test fish caught in BVI waters for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of harmful chemicals to human health. PFAS is a global problem that enters waterways through...
April 21, 2025 at 7:04 AM -
Fraser supports preclearance for ferry travellers
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has thrown his support behind the idea of introducing preclearance for ferry passengers traveling between the Virgin Islands and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), saying the move could improve the...
April 21, 2025 at 6:23 AM -
Beautiful surroundings should be everyone’s concern
Junior Minister for Tourism Luce Hodge Smith has called on all residents and businesses across the Virgin Islands to take responsibility for keeping their surroundings clean and attractive, saying this would benefit both tourism and...
April 21, 2025 at 6:15 AM
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Premier commended for successful charter talks with USVI
Deputy Premier Julian Fraser has publicly commended Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley, praising his leadership during recent negotiations with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) over charter vessel fees. On April 1, the BVI and USVI...
April 18, 2025 at 6:27 AM -
Pruce signs agreement to begin police vetting and COP recruitment
Governor Daniel Pruce has announced the commencement of a comprehensive vetting process for all officers in the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) and the initiation of a new recruitment campaign for the Commissioner of Police. In...
April 18, 2025 at 6:22 AM -
Time to set a date for independence
Talk show host Claude Skelton Cline has suggested that the Virgin Islands should set a definitive date to declare independence from the United Kingdom. Reacting to a recently published UK report that labels the territory’s law enforcement...
April 18, 2025 at 6:15 AM
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BVI to host King’s Baton Relay in May
The Virgin Islands will host the Glasgow 2026 King’s Baton Relay (KBR) from May 16 to 21, 2025, as part of the lead-up to the 23rd Commonwealth Games. The BVI is the 10th stop on the Baton’s journey through the 74 Commonwealth...
April 18, 2025 at 6:02 AM -
Minimum wage to increase to $7.25 in July, says Premier
The minimum wage in the Virgin Islands will increase from $6 to $7.25 per hour starting in July, Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced on Tuesday evening. He said the change will be implemented in phases, with a further increase...
April 17, 2025 at 7:02 AM -
Airlift prices getting better, Premier says
Airlift prices to the BVI are improving, Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley said during a live radio broadcast yesterday. He gave that indication while also responding to concerns about the impact of increased flights on traditional tourism...
April 17, 2025 at 6:39 AM
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PREMIER: Former Opposition leader has a heart for BVI
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has heaped praise on former Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton, stating he never had to question the senior leader’s patriotism for the Virgin Islands. Premier Wheatley made the comments while drawing a...
April 17, 2025 at 6:15 AM -
Gov’t to reintroduce law for charter vessels
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has signalled that his government will soon reintroduce the updated Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act, 1992 (CRVL) now that successful negotiations with the United States Virgin Islands (USVI)...
April 17, 2025 at 6:04 AM -
Education Minister assures Althea Scatliffe will be rebuilt
Education Minister Sharie de Castro has confirmed that the Althea Scatliffe Primary School will be rebuilt at its original location, with the project now advancing through the design and planning phase in partnership with non-profit...
April 17, 2025 at 6:01 AM
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Gov’t to formally reject new UK report
The government has signalled its intention to formally reject the United Kingdom’s new report, which identified corruption within the Virgin Islands’ law enforcement agencies and recommended placing key offices under the governor’s...
April 16, 2025 at 6:25 AM -
We have not mourned Fahie’s conviction
Social commentator Claude Skelton Cline said the Virgin Islands has yet to properly mourn the arrest and conviction of former Premier Andrew Fahie, whose downfall sent shockwaves through the territory and continues to affect its political...
April 16, 2025 at 6:18 AM -
Mather endorses legal guns for BVI civilians
Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy “Buddha” Mather has said he believes the BVI would be safer if residents were given the proper training to carry legal firearms. While speaking in the House of Assembly on April 10, Mather...
April 16, 2025 at 6:15 AM
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BVI, USVI form marine task force to resolve charter fees dispute
The BVI and the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) have agreed to create a joint Marine Task Force to review and resolve policy and regulatory issues affecting charter boat operations between the territories. The agreement follows...
April 16, 2025 at 6:04 AM -
Premier: UK must not force law enforcement changes on BVI
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley has warned against any attempt by the United Kingdom to impose sweeping law enforcement reforms on the Virgin Islands through an Order in Council, calling such action a form of modern-day colonialism. Dr...
April 16, 2025 at 6:02 AM -
Smith defends U-turn on Junior Minister post
Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development Lorna Smith has defended her decision to rejoin the Virgin Islands Party-led government months after declining a similar post following her removal as Deputy Premier. Smith...
April 15, 2025 at 6:45 AM