Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull, Second District Representative, is urging the Government of the Virgin Islands to devote more resources and attention towards developing sports and recreation in the territory. He maintains the current budget allocation remains inadequate to properly foster local athletic talent. During recent budget proceedings, Turnbull acknowledged a revised $556,000 recreation facility expenditure, … Continued

Honourable Myron Walwyn, Sixth District Representative, recently voiced scepticism on 2024 budget expectations for VI financial services amidst looming overseas threats. Noting anticipation of a $206 million industry revenue, he warned against complacency.   Referencing underwhelming mid-year fiscal updates on sector performance, Walwyn said he has been left with concerns. Walwyn further highlighted pending public beneficial … Continued

Honourable Julian Fraser, Third District Representative, remains unconvinced that the government’s plan to acquire Joes Hill Manor Estate will effectively aid first-time Virgin Islands homebuyers. He contends they still face being priced out without major subsidies from the government.   Fraser noted that the original pitch for Joe’s Hill development promised affordable properties for new owners. … Continued

The RATED Programme is facing renewed criticism over chronically late payments to participants. Second District Representative the Honourable Melvin Turnbull is leading calls for reforms to the government-run short-term job program. Launched to aid unemployed residents, the RATED Programme has been plagued by fiscal mismanagement according to Turnbull, leaving participants without payment months after delivering … Continued

As his time in office draws to a close, Governor John Rankin delivered heartfelt final Christmas remarks to the people of the Virgin Islands last week. Looking back on 2023, he celebrated many of the Territory’s achievements. In the world of sports, he acknowledged locals who shined on the international stage. Additionally, the Governor gave … Continued

Residents and businesses on Virgin Gorda will soon enjoy expanded banking services right in their community.  Ninth District Representative Vincent Wheatley recently announced that Banco Popular plans to extend its operating hours on the sister island. Currently open just three days per week, the lone Virgin Gorda branch of Banco Popular will shift to a … Continued

The Government of the Virgin Islands has decided to purchase the Joe’s Hill Manor Estate for $20 million. Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley announced the plan to acquire the property from the Social Security Board (SSB) during recent budget proceedings.  According to the Premier, the goal is to improve access to homeownership for first-time buyers who … Continued

Honourable Karl Dawson, Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, says substantially increasing local food production is one of his top priorities for the Virgin Islands.   Dawson said that, in his first 6 months in office, he recognized that scaling up agriculture and fisheries is critical to enhancing the Territory’s self-sufficiency and cutting expensive food imports.   … Continued

Former legislator “The Action Man” Mark Vanterpool is urging the Government of the Virgin Islands to begin much-needed upgrades to the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport on Beef Island.  Speaking recently at an event attended by Communications and Works Minister Hon. Kye Rymer, Vanterpool stressed the importance of not becoming overwhelmed by the scope of … Continued