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

SPACEX STARSHIP EXPLODES AND DISRUPTS FLIGHTS IN THE REGION

SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight ended in destruction Thursday after achieving a rare booster capture, marking another dramatic chapter in the development of the world’s largest rocket. The spacecraft, carrying 10 dummy satellites, broke apart approximately eight and a half minutes into flight after its engines shut down one by one during ascent. The last … Continued

USVI OFFICIALS PLEAD NOT GUILTY IN CORRUPTION CASE

Four high-ranking USVI officials, including current Sports Commissioner Calvert White, pleaded not guilty Friday to federal charges alleging they participated in separate bribery and fraud schemes involving government contracts. White appeared in District Court alongside former Police Commissioner Ray Martinez, former Budget Director Jenifer O’Neal, and government contractor Benjamin Hendricks. All four were released on … Continued

WHITE RESIGNS AMID BRIBERY ALLEGATIONS

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

FEDERAL INDICTMENTS TARGET USVI OFFICIALS

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

JAMAICA MONITORING CASE AFTER TWO FOUND DEAD IN JETBLUE AIRCRAFT

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

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

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

PAHO LAUNCHES AVIAN FLU DASHBOARD

The Pan American Health Organization has launched an interactive dashboard to monitor avian influenza A(H5N1) cases throughout the Americas and Caribbean, providing real-time data for regional health authorities. The new platform tracks outbreaks in birds, mammals, and humans, incorporating data from the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH). Between January and December 2024, the dashboard … Continued

T&T’S PM ROWLEY ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION

Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley of Trinidad and Tobago has announced his intention to resign before the end of the current term of his People’s National Movement (PNM), which concludes in August this year. Dr. Rowley, 75, who has served in public office for 45 years, shared the news during a recent address in Tobago, … Continued