PRIVATE DONORS STEP UP TO UPHOLD U.S. COMMITMENTS TO U.N.

Former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s philanthropy arm announced last Thursday that it will provide funding to cover the U.S. contribution to the United Nations’ climate body, stepping in after United States President Donald Trump withdrew the country from the Paris Agreement and ended federal climate financing. Bloomberg Philanthropies said it and other unnamed “U.S. … Continued

BVI WISHES U.S. WELL DESPITE RESERVATIONS ABOUT TRUMP

Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley has voiced optimism that the newly sworn-in United States President Donald Trump will be able to bolster the United States’ economic strength, a critical factor for the Virgin Islands’ own prosperity. At a press conference on Thursday, Premier Wheatley acknowledged the BVI’s substantial economic reliance on the United States, … Continued

PENN CALLS FOR BETTER ALLOCATION OF UNSPENT BUDGET EXPENDITURES

Eighth District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn has proposed redirecting unspent budgetary funds toward direct economic investments, stating that there is a need for improved financial management in the British Virgin Islands. Speaking at a recent Opposition press conference, Penn highlighted the recurrent issue of unspent funds allocated for expenditure in 2023 and 2024, pointing to … Continued

OPPOSITION ADVOCATES OPENING COMMITTEE PROCEEDINGS TO PUBLIC SCRUTINY

Opposition members are advancing efforts to make House of Assembly committee proceedings public, with specific focus on opening Public Accounts Committee deliberations to public scrutiny. Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton endorsed the move toward transparency during a recent media inquiry from 284 Media, noting similar practices in other parliamentary systems. Eighth District Representative Marlon Penn revealed … Continued

PREMIER OUTLINES TRANSITION PLAN TO HAVE ORDER IN COUNCIL LIFTED

At a press conference earlier today, Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley provided an update on the Virgin Islands’ progress in implementing the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry. He outlined the path towards governance reform, a process crucial to lifting the Order in Council that threatens to suspend the territory’s Constitution. Premier Wheatley recounted … Continued

MATHER CRITICIZES GOV’T PRIORITIES AMID SOCIAL CONCERNS

Territorial At-Large Representative Stacy Mather called for a comprehensive approach to youth development, criticizing the government’s prioritization of entertainment spending over crucial social programs. Speaking at a recent press conference, Mather emphasized that while parents bear great responsibility for young people’s development, they require robust social support systems to succeed in raising the next generation. … Continued

TOURIST SUES USVI PORT AUTHORITY

A Virginia couple is suing the USVI Port Authority and several contractors over a 2023 fall at Cyril E. King Airport that resulted in multiple surgeries, according reports from local press there. Timothy Fadool of Amherst, Virginia, claims he suffered severe injuries after falling on a poorly maintained pathway while following directions to the Hertz … Continued

WALWYN CRITICIZES RUSHED LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Opposition lawmaker Hon. Myron V. Walwyn criticized the government’s practice of rushing important legislation through the House of Assembly while warning against compromising civil liberties in the name of law enforcement. Speaking at a press conference on Friday the Sixth District Representative highlighted concerns over recent bills, including the Police Act and Computer Misuse and … Continued

GOV’T UNDER FIRE OVER ANEGADA PROMISES

Residents of Anegada continue to wait for land titles promised over a year ago, while development by non-residents progresses on the island, Territorial At Large Representative Lorna Smith said during a recent press conference. The delay contradicts Premier Natalio Wheatley’s previous pledge to provide deeds to Anegadians, a move he said would dramatically impact their … Continued