Top newsmakers of 2022

The year 2022 will no doubt go down in history as a turning point for the Virgin Islands. As the events unfolded, BVI News captured every important moment so it is only fitting for us to highlight the major issues and news figures that the territory encountered in 2022. 

Scandals

This event dealt a major blow to the BVI. On any given day, the stories relating to the arrest and incarceration of former Premier Andrew Fahie and his two co-accused drew the most attention of our readers last year. 

In short succession to the initial news about the Fahie arrest was the release of the Commission of Inquiry report which presented several damning findings that ultimately led to an overarching recommendation for a UK takeover.

Prominent legislative figures

Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley — This first-term legislator was thrown into a bigger spotlight after he took up the mantle of Premier in April 2022 following the arrest of the disgraced former Premier, Andrew Fahie.

Deputy Premier Kye Rymer — This government minister is credited for playing a key role in landing a deal with American Airlines that will commence direct flights between mainland USA and the BVI as of June this year.

Opposition Leader Julian Fraser — This senior legislator is believed to be the shadow orchestrator behind the proposal for the cross-partisan National Unity Government when the United Kingdom threatened to suspend the BVI’s constitution in 2022. If this is true, Fraser might be largely responsible for blocking a UK takeover.

Prominent public officers/figures

The year 2022 was arguably not a good year for a number of public officers and public figures. There were several high profile arrests of members of this group who are accused of grossly missing the mark in the execution of their public duties. Chief among them is the arrest of former legislator Myron Walwyn — a case which has garnered a lot of attention from the general public and criticism from the territory’s Director of Public Prosecution. Another honourable mention in this category was the arrest of the former Director of the International Affairs Secretariat, Najan Christopher who was charged with breach of trust in relation to the Fahie matter.

Prominent sport figures

Kyron McMaster — a 400-metre hurdles champion and national treasure was definitely the most dominant sports figure of 2022. For all his exploits at major athletic events over the past two years, the government gave him a cheque valuing $38,000 in September 2022.

*Honourable mention: Philippe Leroy who secured the BVI’s first gold medal at the 2022 Pan American Masters Road Cycling Championship held in Colombia. 

Prominent environmental issue

In July 2022, more than 40 whales were found dead along the shore of the eastern end of Anegada. The circumstances of their death were not revealed but the event reiterated the need to protect the marine resources of the BVI which contribute significantly to life and livelihood in the BVI.

Prominent talk shows

Talk shows across the territory did not relent or hold back in expressing their views on the numerous issues that came to the fore in 2022. Whether listeners and viewers agreed or disagreed with their perspectives, these talk show hosts provided an avenue for residents to hear from, or about, the top newsmakers of the year. They also exercised their fundamental right of freedom of expression by stating their views on important matters of the day. Here are some we think deserve honourable mentions in no particular order:

Talking Points — Hosted by Violet Gaul, Damion Grange & Elvin Grant
Morning Braff — Hosted by Heritage (and many co-hosts)
Honestly Speaking — Hosted by Claude Skelton Cline
Cut Deep — Hosted by Cindy Rosan
Real Talk — Hosted by Karia Christopher
Umoja — Hosted by Edju En Ka
Hot Seat — Hosted by Carl Dawson, Julian Gordon and Walwyn Brewley