Gov’t & Governor mum on 10% tariff imposed on VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- US President Donald J. Trump’s latest executive order, which establishes a baseline 10% tariff on all US imports beginning April 5, 2025, has sent shockwaves through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), sparked retaliation from China and the European Union, and set the stage for a significant realignment in global trade.
This Week We Feature Young Professional Fabion G. Lettsome
By Marlon G. Eleazer
In the ever-evolving world of body art, few names resonate with passion, dedication, and vision quite like Mr Fabion Gladston Lettsome, who with some eight years of tattooing experience, has not only refined his craft but has also transformed it into a mission—one that merges artistry, client satisfaction, and industry evolution.
Cost of electricity in VI could increase with Trump's tariffs- BVIEC GM
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI— Due to the ongoing global tariff war, the price of electricity could increase for Virgin Islanders.
Environmental concerns force relocation of Romalia Smith Clinic on Anegada
THE SETTLEMENT, Anegada, VI- The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) has informed that the Romala Smith Clinic in Anegada has been temporarily relocated due to environmental concerns.
53 new cancer cases detected in VI in 2024- NHI Medical Director
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- At least fifty-three new cancer cases were detected in the Virgin Islands (VI) in 2024, Medical Director of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Dr Domnick Frazer has said.
Local entertainment & reflections kickstart VP Bank’s 30th anniversary year
WICKHAM'S CAY II, Tortola, VI- To begin celebrations for its 30th anniversary in November 2025, VP Bank (BVI) Limited hosted an evening filled with local entertainment and moments of reflection on its shared success.
Republic Bank (BVI) Ltd joins Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Republic Bank (BVI) Limited has announced its official recognition as a member of the Virgin Islands Deposit Insurance Corporation (VIDIC).
BVIEC revises customers’ electricity bill format for more transparency
LONG BUSH, Tortola, VI- When the next electricity bill cycle comes around, customers of BVI Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) will notice more information provided in their bills.
10% tariff on VI as President Trump announces sweeping global tariffs
WASHNGTON DC, USA— US President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, confirmed the institution of the trade levies against more than 180 countries, including a 10% tariff hike on the Virgin Islands (VI) imports into that jurisdiction, and other Caribbean territories.
VI participating in One Guyana 3×3 Quest Basketball Tournament
HOMESTRETCH AVENUE, Georgetown, Guyana- The Virgin Islands (VI) will be represented at the One Guyana 3×3 Quest Basketball Tournament set to take place at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown, Guyana, from April 5-6, 2025.
Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill ensures VI retains Cat 1 status- Hon Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE, (AL), the Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development, said amendments to the Merchant Shipping Bill will ensure the Virgin Islands (VI) retains its Category 1 status.
Over $60K raised during 2024 Walk for the Cure
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The funds raised during the 2024 CIBC Caribbean Walk for the Cure campaign in the Virgin Islands, totalling over $60,000, were officially presented to the BVI Cancer Society and National Epidemiologist Ms Harmony Brewley-Massiah to support cancer research, patient care, and awareness initiatives, on March 27, 2025.
Acting CoP Vanterpool urges all officers to embrace new direction of RVIPF
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) held its second General Force Meeting for 2025, as efforts continue to improve policing in the Virgin Islands (VI).
Hon Fraser opposes giving powers to governor in maritime legislation
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The House of Assembly of the Virgin Islands convened on Monday, March 31, 2025, to debate a sleuth of amendments, including the Merchant Shipping Amendment Bill, during which time, a strong bipartisan consensus emerged in favour of reducing the statutory powers of the Governor, shifting more authority to elected ministers, the Premier, and even the Cabinet collectively.
USVI appoints 1st female Chief of Police; Will the VI do the same?
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- In a historic move that coincides with the conclusion of both US Virgin Islands History Month and Women’s History Month, Governor Albert A. Bryan Jr has appointed Lieutenant Deborah Hodge as Chief of Police for the [US] Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) in the St Thomas-St John District.
Airgasm & Warthog triumphant in Round Tortola Race for Nanny Cay Cup
NANNY CAY, VI- Racing in the 52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival got underway on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with the legendary Round Tortola Race for the Nanny Cay Cup.
VI's real estate market plummets! ‘Where have the buyers gone?’— Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—The Virgin Islands' real estate sector is presently experiencing a sharp decline with transactions plummeting to historic lows- to millions of dollars annually- that is predicted to have direct adverse implications for the Territory’s economic stability.
BVIHSA receives DNV re-accreditation
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), under which the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital falls, has received Det Norske Veritas (DNV) re-accreditation.
Opposition Leader questions omission of HM Customs from enforcing maritime laws
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—In yet another heated legislative debate, Opposition Leader Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6), on Monday March 31, 2025, launched a blistering critique of a sweeping new Maritime Enforcement Bill, slamming several of its provisions as a dangerous overreach of authority that could trample on civil liberties and place unchecked power into inexperienced hands.
Vendors locked out of Craft Alive for years of unpaid rent
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Two cruise ships were in today, April 1, 2025, however, not everyone in Craft Alive was able to benefit as close to 15 vendors were locked out of their booths today.
Stop 'badgering' the Premier- Bishop Cline to Hon Walwyn
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- Clergyman Bishop John I. Cline has called on the new Leader of the Opposition, Hon Myron W. Walwyn (R6), to refrain from badgering Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
'People willing to build more marinas but encountering difficulties'- Hon Skelton
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition Member Hon Ronnie V. Skelton (AL) has said the Virgin Islands (VI) should be put in a position where larger vessels are encouraged to register their vessels here.
Truck knocks out power in Fat Hogs Bay & Long Swamp
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- Residents of Fat Hogs Bay and Long Swamp on the eastern end of Tortola were left without power this morning, April 1, 2025, after a pickup truck struck a utility pole in the Fat Hogs Bay area.
Inmate who stabbed prison officer had 'mental health challenges'- Prison boss
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- His Majesty's Prison (HMP) has confirmed Virgin Islands News Online's first and accurate story about a stabbing incident at the prison on March 30, 2025.
HLSCC welcomes Fulbright Scholar Dr Hope K. McCoy
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI – As part of its strategic goal to promote innovative pedagogy, the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) has welcomed distinguished scholar, researcher and Stanford University lecturer, Dr Hope K. McCoy, as its second Fulbright Scholar.
52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival starts today, March 31
PEG LEGS, Nanny Cay, VI- The 52nd BVI Spring Regatta & Sailing Festival gets underway with registration today, March 31, 2025, with the Sailing Festival scheduled to start tomorrow, April 1, 2025, and the 3-day Spring Regatta on April 4, 2025.
HMP inmate Shakeel Ryan allegedly stabs prison officer
BALSAM GHUT, Tortola, VI- Sometime after 1:00 PM yesterday, Sunday, March 30, 2025, there was an altercation at His Majesty Prison in Balsam Ghut on the main island of Tortola.
Postal services have to ‘adapt or risk falling behind’ - Premier Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—While Postal services have always been the backbone of communication and commerce, in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, “we must adapt or risk falling behind.”
HoA continues today, March 31, 2025; No voting in of new Deputy Speaker
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Legislators in the Virgin Islands will return to the House of Assembly (HoA) today, Monday, March 31, 2025, for the continuation of the Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
Hon Vincent O. Wheatley claps back @ criticisms by Hons Skelton & Penn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has said the issues brought up by two former Health Ministers of the territory, Hons Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) and Marlon A. Penn (R8), now Members of the Opposition, are being addressed.
UPDATE: Francis Lettsome 3-peats as Inter Primary Schools Track & Field Champs
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Francis Lettsome Primary School have achieved an impressive 3-peat at the Inter-Primary Schools Athletics Championships.
VI showcased @ Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix
SAN FRANCISCO, California, USA – The ‘Sailing Capital of the Caribbean’ was properly showcased the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) sponsored the highly anticipated Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix (SailGP), which took place from March 22- 23, 2025, at the prestigious Golden Gate Yacht Club in California.
‘BV Islanders are concerned about the incidence of cancer’- Hon Smith
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Financial Services and Economic Development and Territorial At Large Mamber, Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE has commended Minister for Health and Social Development Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) for bringing the Tobacco Products Control (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to the House of Assembly, citing concerns of cancer in the territory.
VISTS needs some TLC- Hon Walwyn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Newly minted Leader of the Opposition Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has said critical institutions such as the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) are in dire need of investment, innovation, and visionary leadership.
Katrina Lindsay 5th in age group of World Masters Athletics Indoor 10K
ALACHUA COUNTY, Florida, USA – Reigning female road runner in the Virgin Islands, Katrina Lindsay put in an incredible performance in the 10K at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in Florida, USA on March 29, 2025.
US national arrested @ airport, single round of ammo found in luggage
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Islands, VI- A national of the United States was arrested following ammunition being found in his luggage at the Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport.
Premier to lead the charge for the strengthening of gun laws
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said he will personally champion the strengthening of the Virgin Islands (VI) gun laws.
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USVI: Homeless population reaches crisis level
VI CONSORTIUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, USVI- The U.S. Virgin Islands is facing a deepening homelessness crisis, with emergency shelters at capacity, waitlists closed, and critical housing shortages affecting some of the territory’s most vulnerable residents. As the number of unsheltered individuals continues to grow, lawmakers and service providers are sounding the alarm over limited resources, rising demand—particularly among women with children—and the urgent need for a coordinated, territory-wide
FSC warns STABLEGROWTHCAPITAL is a fraud, stay away
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- The BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) has issued a warning to the public that they should not conduct business with STABLEGROWTHCAPITAL.
President Trump's tariffs could affect shipping to the VI by Tropical
WASHINGTON D.C., USA- The catastrophic effects that proposed tariffs by the United States could have on American-owned shipping companies and U.S exporters and Caribbean businesses that ship with Tropical Shipping has been documented through testimony made before the U.S Trade Representative (USTR) by President and Chief Executive Officer of Tropical Shipping, Mr Tim Martin.
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