4.8 MAGNITUDE QUAKE RATTLES BVI AND NEIGHBORING TERRITORIES

Residents across the British Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands experienced shaking early Sunday morning after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake struck the region around 8:23 am.  According to preliminary data from the United States Geological Survey, the quake originated approximately 78 kilometers or 48 miles from Road Town, Tortola, at a depth of … Continued

SOPHIE BAY ROAD REOPENED TO MOTORISTS

The Sophie Bay road is reopened to the public after the completion of necessary clean-up efforts following the incident involving an overturned truck that left the road covered in debris and fuel on Friday. Following the initial incident, the road was covered in sand, much to the confusion of some members of the motoring public. … Continued

PREMIER WHEATLEY SIGNS BVI INITIATION PLAN WITH UNDP

Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio Wheatley has formalized a new partnership between the Virgin Islands and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) by signing the BVI Initiation Plan. Four key focus areas were identified: 1. The Blue Economy 2. The Digital Economy   3. Governance and Sustainability 4. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation Through the Initiation Plan, … Continued

TRUCK OVERTURNS AT SOPHIE BAY

A truck has overturned at Sophie Bay leaving the road littered with debris just as many Virgin Islanders are preparing to leave their homes. Motorists on Tortola, particularly those traveling to or from East End on the morning of Friday, 26 April, are urged to take precautions during their morning commute and consider alternate routes. … Continued

TWO ARRESTED FOR KILLING OF KEMO LETTSOME

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has arrested and charged two individuals in connection with the April 30, 2023 murder of Kemo Lettsome in Long Look, Tortola.  The accused, 32-year-old Vernon Bernard of Manuel Reef and 28-year-old Jelani Marquis of Hannah’s Estate, were taken into custody following an intensive year-long investigation into the fatal … Continued

NEW CRUISE LINES, ECONOMIC DATA COMING FOR BVI CRUISE TOURISM

Minister for Communications and Works Hon. Kye Rymer provided an update on the territory’s cruise tourism sector following his attendance at the recent Seatrade Global Conference.  A key announcement was that the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) is expected to deliver an updated economic impact study focused on cruise passenger spending patterns in the British Virgin … Continued

CO-PARENTING SEMINAR HIGHLIGHTS CHILD PROTECTION THROUGH HEALTHY FAMILY DYNAMICS

The Social Development Department hosted a conscious co-parenting seminar this month aimed at emphasizing the link between positive co-parenting and safeguarding children from abuse and neglect. The event was part of activities recognizing Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month in the Virgin Islands. Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, stated that … Continued

GOVERNMENT SEEKS PUBLIC INPUT ON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BILL

The government is calling on residents to review and provide feedback on the proposed Human Rights Commission Bill, 2024 currently open for public consultation.  The Bill outlines provisions to establish the VI Human Rights Commission, detailing its powers, functions, and composition. As drafted, the Commission would consist of five commissioners with equal gender representation, including … Continued