During a debate on the “Tourist Board (Amendment) Bill, 2024,” Hon. Marlon Penn, Member for the 8th District, raised concerns about the legality of the BVI Tourist Board’s continued assumption of duties which are still legally held by the Virgin Islands Festival and Fairs Committee. Penn argued that without proper legislative action, the Tourist Board’s … Continued
The Territory is bracing for another period of extreme heat, with officials warning of potentially dangerous conditions lasting through Thursday. The Department of Disaster Management issued an alert Tuesday, forecasting temperatures in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32-34 Celsius) and heat index values exceeding 103°F (39°C), particularly during midday hours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. … Continued
Government officials are defending the pace of reforms following another missed deadline, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes over rigid timelines. Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith stressed that democracy should not be rushed while acknowledging significant progress in the reform process. Smith acknowledged challenges related to stringent deadlines, suggesting that the approach to the timeline … Continued
The Government of the Virgin Islands is actively seeking solutions to address the territory’s high insurance costs, with recent efforts including discussions with global insurance leaders in the United Kingdom. Deputy Premier and Minister for Financial Services, Labour and Trade, Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, reported that during the recent official visit to the United … Continued
The Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines has announced a US$10,000 gift to Vincentian Olympic athlete Shafiqua Maloney in recognition of her groundbreaking performance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves made the announcement during a welcome reception for Maloney, who has returned home after her stellar season on the … Continued
Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley has issued an apology to the residents of Anegada for their recent power struggles while outlining plans for a more stable energy future. Speaking on Tola Radio VI earlier this week Wheatley expressed hope that the island’s electricity woes would become “a thing of the past” … Continued
The appropriateness of using WhatsApp for official government communications has come under scrutiny following a controversial resignation request sent to BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) Chairman Ron Potter. Health Minister Vincent Wheatley reportedly used the messaging app to ask Potter to step down, a request Potter publicly refused. During a recent House of Assembly sitting, … Continued
Climate change took center stage during the recent official visit to the United Kingdom, as noted by Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley and Deputy Premier Hon. Lorna Smith. During a reception for the BVI delegation, Premier Wheatley delivered a keynote speech highlighting the negative impacts of climate change on the Virgin Islands. He updated … Continued
The potential removal of Ron Potter as Chairman of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) is likely to be discussed at an upcoming Cabinet meeting, according to Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley. This development follows reports that Health Minister Vincent Wheatley requested Potter’s resignation via WhatsApp Message. Potter, whose term is scheduled to last three years, … Continued
Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley defended a recent official visit to the United Kingdom emphasizing the importance of relationship-building despite calls for more tangible outcomes. The premier stressed the significance of establishing a working relationship with the new Labour administration in the UK. He went on to highlight the need to sensitise new parliamentarians … Continued
