TWO LIFEGUARDS SERVE ENTIRE TERRITORY AS OFFICIALS SEEK FUNDING SOLUTIONS

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The Virgin Islands’ entire beach safety programme currently operates with only two lifeguards stationed at Josiah’s Bay and Smuggler’s Cove, Chief Fire Officer Zebulon McLean reiterated during Standing Finance Committee deliberations. During questioning from Second District Representative Hon. Melvin Turnbull about lifeguard staffing levels, McLean explained these two beaches were designated for coverage amid limited … Continued

WHITE RESIGNS AMID BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS

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USVI Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White has resigned amid federal allegations of bribery and bid manipulation involving a $1.43 million security camera contract. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the resignation, naming Assistant Commissioner Vincent Roberts as acting head of the department. Federal prosecutors allege White demanded $16,000 in bribes from Mon … Continued

LA WILDFIRES DEATH TOLL RISES TO 24

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The death toll from Los Angeles’ devastating wildfires climbed to 24 on Sunday as officials warned of new dangers from fierce winds forecast through midweek. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner attributed 16 deaths to the Eaton Fire near Pasadena and eight to the Palisades Fire along the Pacific coast. Sixteen people remain missing, with … Continued

FEDERAL INDICTMENTS TARGET USVI OFFICIALS

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Three prominent Virgin Islands officials, including two former members of Governor Albert Bryan Jr.’s Cabinet, face federal indictments tied to a fraud case involving Mon Ethos founder David Whitaker, who has already pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery. Former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Jenifer O’Neal, and … Continued

2024 BECOMES EARTH’S HOTTEST YEAR

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The year 2024 has officially become Earth’s hottest on record, with global temperatures soaring past the critical 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time, international climate monitoring agencies announced Friday. The European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service calculated a staggering 1.6°C (2.89°F) rise above pre-industrial levels, while Japan and the UK reported … Continued

PENN RAISES URGENT CONCERNS OVER INCOMPLETE SOCIAL HOME REPAIRS

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Critical repairs to a social home in the Eighth District have stalled after reaching the programme’s $100,000 funding limit, leaving an elderly resident in potentially dangerous living conditions, officials revealed during a recent Standing Finance Committee deliberations. District Representative Hon. Marlon Penn brought the urgent matter before the committee, expressing deep concern that the resident had … Continued

PREMIER EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER ARMED TEENS AND RISING CRIME

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Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is calling for an end to escalating gun violence in the Virgin Islands, particularly among the youth. Speaking during the House of Assembly session on Tuesday, January 7, the premier expressed grave concern over recent incidents, including shootings near schools and reports of teenagers carrying firearms. Dr. Wheatley highlighted … Continued

JAMAICA MONITORING CASE AFTER TWO FOUND DEAD IN JETBLUE AIRCRAFT

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Authorities are investigating the deaths of two people whose bodies were discovered in the landing gear compartment of a JetBlue aircraft during a routine inspection at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Monday night. The grim discovery has sparked an international investigation, with officials working to determine both the identities of the deceased and how they accessed … Continued

USVI TO MARK NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING FOR JIMMY CARTER

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The U.S. Virgin Islands will observe January 9, 2025, as a local holiday to honour former President Jimmy Carter, following President Biden’s declaration of a National Day of Mourning. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has issued an Executive Order declaring the holiday and will travel to Washington to attend Carter’s State Funeral at President Biden’s invitation. … Continued

YOUNG NAMED AS NEXT PRIME MINISTER OF T&T

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Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley announced Saturday that Energy Minister Stuart Young will succeed him as Trinidad and Tobago’s next head of government, following a two-day parliamentary retreat in Tobago. Rowley revealed during a news conference at the Magdalena Grand Beach & Golf Resort that Young, who also serves as Minister in the Office of … Continued