INTERDICTED OFFICERS STILL GETTING PAID

Twelve Royal Virgin Islands Police Force officers currently interdicted from duty continue to receive partial salaries, some for up to eight years so far. This is according to the Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool who made the comments during deliberations before the Standing Finance Committee in 2024. The suspended officers, primarily sergeants and constables, … Continued

TOURISM NUMBERS DRAW POLITICAL DEBATE

Opposition Leader Hon. Ronnie Skelton challenged the government’s celebration of record tourism numbers, arguing that the territory’s high proportion of cruise ship visitors overshadows more economically significant overnight stays. The criticism comes as the Virgin Islands marks a milestone of 1,092,139 tourist arrivals in 2024, a 9.8% increase from 2023. While cruise visitors accounted for … Continued

TOURISM SUMMIT HAILED A HUGE SUCCESS

The two-day Tourism which concluded last week has been hailed a success and a step in the right direction. Some 160 stakeholders joined in the summit which featured local, regional and international speakers. The first of its kind has been hailed by Junior Minister of Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith as a catalyst for the industry. … Continued

OPPOSITION PLANS TO REINTRODUCE NO-CONFIDENCE MOTION

Members of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition have accused Premier Dr. the Hon. Natalio Wheatley of manipulating the parliamentary process to avoid accountability, but they have vowed to reintroduce a Motion of No Confidence in the House of Assembly. During a press conference on Friday, January 17, Second District Representative Honourable Melvin Turnbull criticized the premier’s … Continued

Winair to Launch Airlift to Montserrat for upcoming months

Winair is pleased to announce the start of flights to Montserrat in support of the upcoming St. Patrick’s Festival. Recognizing the anticipated surge in travel demand during this festive period, Winair will operate flights to and from Montserrat throughout February and March 2025. This enhanced service will ensure seamless travel for visitors and residents alike … Continued

HEALTH MINISTER AND OFFICIALS EXPLORE VIABILITY OF POCKWOOD POND INCINERATOR

Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Vincent Wheatley, along with a team of health officials, recently met to discuss the future of the Pockwood Pond incinerator, which remains non-operational and critical to the territory’s waste management system. The discussions included Mr. Andy Hooker, President and General Manager of Pennram Diversified Manufacturing Corporation, a company … Continued

PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP POLICY

The Government of the Virgin Islands has initiated a public consultation on a proposed policy aimed at defining access rights to the register of beneficial ownership, a critical step in aligning with global standards for financial transparency. As an international finance hub, the British Virgin Islands (BVI) remains committed to combatting illicit finance and maintaining … Continued