The Government of the Virgin Islands is giving unemployed and underemployed residents a chance at new opportunities, with the launch of a new Registration Drive under its RATED Programme. This initiative, named “Coming to a District Near You,” brings the program’s opportunities directly to communities across the islands, ensuring maximum accessibility and impact. The drive … Continued
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force is urging greater vigilance against underage drinking across the territory after a worrying number of incidents as 2023 came to a close. The Family and Juvenile Unit cautioned that several juveniles engaged in illegal underage alcohol consumption during recent festivities, resulting in some needing medical care. Under the Liquor … Continued
The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has issued a strong rebuke of Governor John Rankin’s request for additional powers to implement reforms recommended by the Commission of Inquiry (COI). In a statement, OECS Heads of Government expressed “alarming concern” over the evolving situation in the BVI and “strongly condemned” any efforts to undermine the … Continued
Efforts are underway to determine a fitting name for the newly re-constructed Jost Van Dyke Primary School. During the 2024 Deliberations of the Standing Finance Committee, the committee was told by the Acting Chief Education Officer that research is underway to inform local officials in the naming process. It was also noted at the time … Continued
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports increasing circulation of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) across the Americas in recent weeks. In a recent epidemiological update, PAHO said higher levels of acute respiratory infections have been observed since late August 2023, especially in North America, the Andean region, Brazil, and the Southern Cone. … Continued
The BVI Fire Services Chief Fire Officer Zebalon McLean has again called for serious attention to be given to the dangerous shortage of lifeguards employed to patrol the Territory’s beaches. This has been a long-standing issue in the Territory, spanning over a decade, with worrying recent statistics only adding to the seriousness of the matter. … Continued
The issue of derelict vessels continues to stir debate in the Territory. ”Where is the RDA with that? Is any progress being made or what are the challenges with that project?” These were among the questions directed to the Recovery and Development Agency regarding the removal of derelict yachts from the Territory’s waters during the … Continued
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed a shooting incident that left one male injured on Friday, January 12th. Members of the public reported hearing multiple shots fired in East End after 7:30 pm. Police later confirmed the incident stating that “details are unclear” at this time, and that more information will be forthcoming … Continued
In recent testimony to the Standing Finance Committe, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) characterized her office as “one of the most misunderstood, undervalued, underappreciated and oversubscribed government departments.” She stated this is reflected in the “continued fight for adequate funding and human resources.” Despite shortcomings, the DPP said her office works tirelessly to fulfill … Continued
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is facing a mounting workload, including a significant influx of cases from the Commission of Inquiry (COI) Unit. As of November 2023, the DPP reported receiving approximately 68 major matters from the COI Unit for review and potential prosecution, with 6 more coming from other agencies … Continued
