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UPDATE: VI boat captain Jose Miguel Hodge charged for alien smuggling in USVI
ANNABERG BEACH, St John, USVI- United States Attorney Delia L. Smith announced on February 27, 2025, that Jose Miguel Hodge, 31, of the Virgin Islands, was charged with alien smuggling.
Man charged following Monday’s high-speed chase
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Police have arrested and charged Morgan Maduro with Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Drug and Reckless and Negligent Act following a high-speed chase that ended in Sea Cows Bay on Monday, February 24, 2025.
Initial contact made with DR to strengthen relations
SANTIAGO, Chile- Initial contact has been made with the Dominican Republic (DR) as the Virgin Islands intends to strengthen economic cooperation with the neighbouring country in several areas, including trade and agriculture.
VI legislators must stand firm in face of USVI’s trade & travel policy shifts- Pastor Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—Renowned social and political commentator, former government consultant, and Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a stark warning about the potential economic impact of recent measures proposed by United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Governor Albert Bryan Jr., since calling for a coming together of all 13 legislators in the House to stand firm confronting the latest exogenous threat.
Increased public assistance grants tied to cost of living challenges- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Government of the Virgin Islands has increased Public Assistance Grants to vulnerable residents, Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), announced during a statement to the House of Assembly (HoA) on February 25, 2025.
Go back to your country if you want to change VG Easter Festival date- Flax-Charles
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Mrs Shereen D. Flax-Charles has challenged persons who want to change the dates of the Virgin Gorda Easter Festival to go back to their country of birth.
ESHS & VISTS advance to finals of Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Competition
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) and the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS) emerged victorious in the semi-finals of the 2025 Inter-Secondary School Debate Competition.
BVI SDA School adds archery to Inter-House Sports Programme
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Some school sports history was created on Sunday, February 23, 2025, when the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School in Sea Cows Bay included archery in its Inter-House Sports Programme for the first time.
‘Our unity problem is an immigration problem’- Pastor Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Political commentator and former government consultant Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has reignited the debate on immigration and national unity in the Virgin Islands, asserting that the country’s struggle for cohesion is fundamentally tied to its approach to immigration policies.
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Lawfirm for Tamir Lake’s family seeks $2.5M settlement in wrongful death case
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- The legal battle over the tragic death of 22-month-old Tamir Lake has intensified, as attorneys representing his mother, Rhonda Jeremiah, demand a $2.5 million settlement from Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI)and other responsible parties. The demand follows claims of negligence, inadequate care, and wrongful actions that ultimately led to the child’s death while in state custody.
VI seeking ‘greater presence’ in China’s AI powerhouse sector Qianhai- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Government of the Virgin Islands has plans to “functionalise” a key Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with China’s Shenzhen’s special free trade innovation zone, Qianhai, by 2026.
Praise Adonai staging fundraising concert Saturday ahead of Orlando tour
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- under the theme ‘One Love, One Gospel, One God', Gospel group Praise Adonai will be holding a concert this weekend, Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 7:00 pm at the BVI Seventh-day Adventist School in Sea Cows Bay, Tortola.
‘Amicable solution’ reached with Chalwell family for road works to continue- Gov’t
HODGE’S CREEK, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands has announced it has reached an agreement with the Chalwell family for road works to continue at Hodge’s Creek.
Hon Fraser met Silicon Valley investors during CARICOM summit in Barbados
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – There is immense potential—tangible and otherwise—for the Virgin Islands to benefit from, including major international investment, according to Deputy Premier Honourable Julian Fraser RA (R3), following his participation in the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM that took place in Barbados from February 19-21, 2025.
ESHS resumes in-person learning tomorrow, Feb 26
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Students of Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) will return to the classroom tomorrow, February 26, 2025, since the water issue in Road Town has been resolved.
Akeem Hopkinson guilty of 2021 Murder
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- According to reports reaching our news centre, Akeem Hopkinson was found guilty of the 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering today, February 25, 2025.
Hon Marlon A. Penn debunks reports he is making a political shift
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Eighth District Representative and Opposition Member Honourable Marlon A. Penn has made it clear his recent trip to the Asia-Pacific Region with a delegation led by Premier Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) was not an indication he is ready to cross the floor, reaffirming that his commitment remains with the people of the Virgin Islands rather than any particular party.
Chalwell family blocks roadwork on disputed land @ Fat Hogs Bay
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- A family in Fat Hogs Bay is actively protesting the use of its family property for a stretch of roadway in Fat Hogs Bay on Tortola, going as far as putting down poles on the disputed area.
Hon Turnbull apologises for ‘sit down & shut up’ remark to Hon de Castro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— In a bid to bring closure to a recent controversy, Opposition Member Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2) issued a formal and public apology to Minister for Education, Youth Affairs and Sports Honourable Sharie B. de Castro (AL) for remarks made during a heated exchange in the House of Assembly (HoA), saying his remarks—though derogatory—were made in jest.
UPDATE: Large amounts of marijuana reportedly found following high-speed chase
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- Reports reaching our News Centre are that the high-speed chase involving a male in a Suzuki Jimny and police on February 24, 2025, yielded significant amounts of marijuana.
Safeguards against harassment needed in Customs Management Bill- Hon Skelton
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Giving his contributions to the Customs Management Duties Amendment Number 2 Act of 2025, on Monday, February 24, 2025, during the Third Sitting of the Second Session of the Fifth House of Assembly (HoA), Opposition Leader Hon Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) opined that safeguards need to be put in place to prevent abuse of power.
Choosing between the walls of slavery & the balls of bravery
Alred C. Frett
When the Ditch for your Enemy becomes the Grave for Yourself:
Soon we will exit February... Whereas, in past years we would be celebrating Black History Month and Martin Luther King’s Speeches, somehow, these were replaced by Sounds of Sanctions, and Threats of Tariffs... Things are being done to our detriment, and the false Optimists are seated at the back of the boat, focused on where we have been, rather than the New Masters and destination of their Slave Ship.
Some students suffer from severe mental health challenges- CEO Orlandette R. Crabbe
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- With indiscipline being a persistent issue in schools, Acting Chief Education Officer (CEO) Orlandette R. Crabbe has disclosed that the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports exhausts a multitude of approaches and interventions before deciding to remove a student from school either temporarily or permanently.
UPDATE: ESHS to hold virtual classes tomorrow as water issues continue
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has been forced to suspend in-person classes tomorrow, Tuesday, February 25, 2025, due to the continuation of water issues.
Gov't advances pension reform as current method 'unsustainable'
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Government of the Virgin Islands is taking decisive steps to transition from the current non-contributory Defined Benefit Pension Plan to a Contributory Pension Scheme, given the unsustainability of the present system, and the escalating financial burden on the state.
Premier shares Opposition’s concern about snr public servants stuck in acting positions
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The power to confirm high-ranking public service appointments does not rest with the government of the Virgin Islands but rather with the Governor’s Office and the Public Service Commission, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D Wheatley (R7) had to remind the Opposition Members of the House of Assembly (HoA) recently.
UPDATE: St George’s, Enid Scatliffe & Bregado Flax win BDO football titles
GREENLAND, Tortola, VI- St George’s Primary, Enid Scatliffe Primary and Bregado Flax Educational Centre-Primary Division were crowned champions of their respective divisions when the BDO Schools Football League Finals were contested at Greenland Field on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
NLBC honours 4 VI Unsung Heroes
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- In the spirit of giving honour where honour is due, the New Life Baptist Church recognised four Virgin Islanders who have contributed to the history of the Virgin Islands.
Valentine’s Day baby receives breastfeeding support
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The first baby born on Valentine’s Day at the D. Orlando Smith Hospital received a specially curated Breastfeeding Support Basket, in an effort to promote maternal and infant health through breastfeeding.
74 children benefit from SVA’s Volleyball Festival on VG & Tortola
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Sports Vision Academy (SVA) continues to play a major role in not only keeping sports alive at the youth level but also providing young athletes with the right techniques.
USVI: Arrest Warrant issued for Sex Offender who failed to register
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- The [US]VI Department of Justice is seeking 42-year-old Steven Thomas Greeran for failing to update his mandatory sex offender registration. Authorities urge the public to report any sightings as law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to locate him.
‘Hold our feet to the fire’- Hon Melvin M. Turnbull
FAT HOGS BAY, Tortola, VI- Members of the Opposition splinter, the Alliance, continue to make their case to the voting public, even as they have been criticised for fostering disunity and disregard for the duly appointed Opposition Leader and their party leaders.
Road closed from Paraquita Bay Road to Hodges Creek until Feb 26
HODGE'S CREEK, Tortola, VI- The public is notified that the Paraquita Bay Road, from the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to Hodges Creek, is closed to vehicular traffic until Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
West End Ferry Terminal Project faces review as bids soar $79M over budget
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—With the lowest submissions of bids for the New West End Ferry Terminal Project far exceeding the project’s estimated budget of $15 million, an immediate reassessment of the project’s scope and requirements is being done.
Revised handbook on international cooperation & information exchange published- FSC
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- The revised version of the Handbook on International Co-operation and Information Exchange, A Guide for Regulators and Judicial and Law Enforcement Officials was published by the BVI Financial Services Commission (FSC) on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Govt mulls automated maintenance & operations for new Paraquita Bay Water Treatment Plant
SHENZHEN, China—The Virgin Islands Government is actively investigating the potential of automation in the maintenance operations of its upcoming water treatment facility at Paraquita Bay, following observations made during a recent visit to a cutting-edge plant overseas.
Hon Walwyn denies being the cause of NDP’s split
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has vehemently denied being the cause of the split of the National Democratic Party (NDP), but instead implied it was someone else’s bruised ego.
BVIHSA receives 4 new dialysis machines
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Dialysis Unit of the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) received a major boost with the arrival of new dialysis machines.
Photo of the Week: After 13 years Hon Julian Fraser back on regional stage
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, WI- After some 13 years on the opposition benches from 2011 to 2024 the veteran and seasoned statesman Hon Julian Fraser RA (R3) is back on the regional stage as a Cabinet Minister of the Virgin Islands Government.
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