The Caribbean tourism industry experienced a robust year in 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic arrival numbers by 0.8%, according to the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO). This positive trend marks a significant recovery for the region, driven by a surge in international arrivals and a revitalized hotel sector. Dona Regis-Prosper, Secretary-General of the CTO, delivered the “Caribbean Tourism … Continued
Dancehall star Vybz Kartel, whose real name is Adidja Palmer, has had his 2014 murder conviction overturned by the Privy Council in London. The court ruled on Thursday, March 14th, 2024, that attempts to bribe jurors during the original trial a decade ago rendered the verdict unsafe. Kartel, 48, was sentenced to life imprisonment in … Continued
On Friday, 8th March, the Grade 5 students of the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School had the unique opportunity to participate in a Special Sitting of the House of Assembly. Led by Teacher Candia McFarlane, 19 students engaged in a mock legislative session where they proposed constitutional changes aimed at benefiting the Virgin Islands. In this simulated … Continued
The British Virgin Islands is positioning itself to emerge as a world-leading hub for the burgeoning digital assets sector, anchored by a robust new regulatory framework and ecosystem for innovative fintech businesses, according to Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services Hon. Lorna Smith, OBE. Addressing the International Arbitration Centre conference, Smith outlined the Territory’s … Continued
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is encouraging Virgin Islands residents to participate in the 2024 Caribe Wave regional earthquake and tsunami exercise set for March 21. The purpose of the exercise is to evaluate Territorial tsunami response plans, increase tsunami preparedness, and improve coordination throughout the region. Director of Disaster Management Mr. Jasen Penn … Continued
In a recent session of the House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker and Territorial At-Large Representative Hon. Stacy Mather brought attention to a longstanding question perplexing the community: the purpose of the enigmatic third lane adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth II Park. Directing his inquiries to the Minister for Communications and Works, Hon. Kye Rymer, Mather … Continued
The Virgin Gorda Easter Festival Prince and Princess Show is gearing up to showcase some of the brightest young talents on the island this weekend. On Saturday, March 16th at 6 pm, the Jeffery Caines Sports Arena will come alive with energy, poise, and youthful exuberance as four contestants take the stage. Leading the princess … Continued
Virgin Atlantic has set its sights on offering more affordable flight options between the Caribbean and Europe while collaborating with Barbados on an ambitious tourism vision for the island nation to attract increased visitors. During a recent visit to Barbados, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss expressed his desire to see bolder entrepreneurial development and shoreline … Continued
Governor Daniel Pruce has approved deportation orders for two men convicted in separate firearm-related incidents in the Virgin Islands. The decisions, dated March 8th, were published in an extraordinary edition of the Gazette on March 13th. The men facing removal from the Territory are Roget Antoneil Simmon and Paige Shere Chan Weeks. Simmon was arrested … Continued
The High Court of the Virgin Islands has published its annual jury list, kicking off the process of revising and finalizing the pool of eligible jurors for 2024. In accordance with standard procedures, the Registrar and four court assessors will convene from March 18-20, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the court’s location on the 4th … Continued
