WHITE RESIGNS AMID BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS

USVI Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White has resigned amid federal allegations of bribery and bid manipulation involving a $1.43 million security camera contract. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the resignation, naming Assistant Commissioner Vincent Roberts as acting head of the department. Federal prosecutors allege White demanded $16,000 in bribes from Mon … Continued

LA WILDFIRES DEATH TOLL RISES TO 24

The death toll from Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires climbed to 24 on Sunday as officials warned of new dangers from fierce winds forecast through midweek. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner attributed 16 deaths to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and eight to the Palisades Fire along the Pacific coast. Sixteen people remain missing, with … Continued

FEDERAL INDICTMENTS TARGET USVI OFFICIALS

Three prominent Virgin Islands officials, including two former members of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s Cabinet, face federal indictments tied to a fraud case involving Mon Ethos founder David Whitaker, who has already pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery. Former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Jenifer O’Neal, and … Continued

2024 BECOMES EARTH’S HOTTEST YEAR

The year 2024 has officially become Earth’s hottest on record, with global temperatures soaring past the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time, international climate monitoring agencies announced Friday. The European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service calculated a staggering 1.6°C (2.89°F) rise above pre-industrial levels, while Japan and the UK reported … Continued

PENN RAISES URGENT CONCERNS OVER INCOMPLETE SOCIAL HOME REPAIRS

Critical repairs to a social home in the Eighth District have stalled after reaching the programme’s $100,000 funding limit, leaving an elderly resident in potentially dangerous living conditions, officials revealed during a recent Standing Finance Committee deliberations. District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn brought the urgent matter before the committee, expressing deep concern that the resident had … Continued

PREMIER EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ARMED TEENS AND RISING CRIME

Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is calling for an end to escalating gun violence in the Virgin Islands, particularly among the youth. Speaking during the House of Assembly session on Tuesday, January 7, the premier expressed grave concern over recent incidents, including shootings near schools and reports of teenagers carrying firearms. Dr. Wheatley highlighted … Continued

JAMAICA MONITORING CASE AFTER TWO FOUND DEAD IN JETBLUE AIRCRAFT

Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft during a routine inspection at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Monday night. The grim discovery has sparked an international investigation, with officials working to determine both the identities of the deceased and how they accessed … Continued

USVI TO MARK NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR JIMMY CARTER

The U.S. Virgin Islands will observe January 9, 2025, as a local holiday to honour former President Jimmy Carter, following President Biden’s declaration of a National Day of Mourning. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued an Executive Order declaring the holiday and will travel to Washington to attend Carter’s State Funeral at President Biden’s invitation. … Continued

YOUNG NAMED AS NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF T&T

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced Saturday that Energy Minister Stuart Young will succeed him as Trinidad and Tobago’s next head of government, following a two-day parliamentary retreat in Tobago. Rowley revealed during a news conference at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort that Young, who also serves as Minister in the Office of … Continued

U.S. CONGRESS CERTIFIES DONALD TRUMP’S WIN

Congress formally certified Donald Trump’s presidential election victory Monday, exactly four years after his supporters violently stormed the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to block certification of his defeat. Vice President Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 election, presided over the peaceful ceremony as constitutionally required, receiving a standing ovation from Democrats … Continued