De dollarization
By Dickson C. Igwe
The South were former colonies of European empires. Today they are emerging economic and military powers. China leads the global south in a world that is heading towards multi-polarity. The World Order of Bretton Woods, Dollarization, and accompanying institutions, is in decline as the South rises.
Premier Wheatley slams ‘deliberate opposition mis-information’ on tourism stats
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) and Minister for Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), addressing concerns raised by Opposition Members about the state of the tourism industry, dismissed it as outright ‘misinformation’ during a comprehensive and fiery rebuttal in the House of Assembly's (HoA) Budget Debate for the proposed spending by the administration for 2025.
USVI shines in 2025 Caribbean Travel Awards
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- The U.S. Virgin Islands has been recognised as a leading Caribbean destination, earning top accolades in four categories in the 2025 Caribbean Travel Awards.
Hon Lorna G. Smith OBE appointed to Public Accounts Committee
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI — Honourable Lorna G. Smith OBE (AL) has been officially appointed to the House of Assembly's (HoA) Public Accounts Committee (PAC), following a motion passed unanimously by members during its December 19, 2024, sitting.
Lorie A. Freeman tipped to be Director of Social Security Board
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Virgin Islander Ms Lorie A. Freeman has been approved by Cabinet to become the new Director of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) Social Security Board.
Tourism ‘glass is more than half full’- Hon Dr Dawson
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1) has expressed optimism about the Virgin Islands’ (VI) tourism sector.
District 6 Christmas Carol Competition happening tonight
STONE HAVEN, Tortola, VI- The District 6 Christmas Carol Competition will take place tonight, December 19, 2024, in Stone Haven.
USVI: Bank fraud & money laundering charges added in woodpile scandal case
VI CONSORTIUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, USVI- A second superseding indictment in what has become known as the woodpile scandal lays new charges of bank fraud, money laundering, and false statements on loan and credit applications against Darin Richardson, alleging fraudulent behavior in the construction and purchase of two separate properties on St. Thomas.
District 9 cleanup moves to Handsome Bay
HANDSOME BAY, Virgin Gorda, VI- Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) has invited members of the community to come out and support this month’s cleanup at Handsome Bay.
‘Develop a plan’ to address issues- Hon Turnbull
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The absence of a comprehensive economic strategy and revenue mismanagement in government agencies were among key issues raised during the 2025 Budget Debate in the House of Assembly (HoA) on December 18, 2024, by Honourable Melvin M. Turnbull (R2), Member of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition.
Premier Wheatley says he’s ‘optimistic’ about VI’s future
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said he is optimistic about the future of the Virgin Islands (VI) and that the economy is growing.
‘I am not encouraged by this budget’- Hon Walwyn
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Opposition member Hon Myron V. Walwyn (R6) has said he is not encouraged by the 2025 budget as a citizen of the Virgin Islands (VI).
OFWO appeals for change to systematic challenges faced in VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Overseas Filipino Workers Organization (OFWO) in the Virgin Islands (VI) has emerged as a vital support system for more than 4,000 Filipino migrants living and working in the Territory, amplifying their voices and addressing systemic challenges faced by the community locally.
RVIPF investigating video calling for violence
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation into a video appearing to advocate for the use of violence as a form of political expression.
Holiday Lighted Boat Parade in VG on this year
NORTH SOUND, Virgin Gorda, VI- The annual Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will take place on Virgin Gorda on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2024.
Paid article: Flex Delivery Plus Returns Better & Stronger! with Revolutionizing Delivery in VI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- In 2018, a bold vision was born—a vision that aimed to transform how deliveries, from food to packages, were handled in the British Virgin Islands. In 2019, we incorporated the company and began developing the app, and in 2020, we launched in the midst of the pandemic.
Dame Pereira ‘happy to have the opportunity’ to sit on JCPC
LONDON, England, United Kingdom- Daughter of the Virgin Islands (VI) and beloved Caribbean jurist, the Right Honourable Dame Janice M. Pereira, OBE, concluded her first sitting on the Judiciary Committee of the Privy Council (JCPC) on December 13, 2024.
One lady religious protest
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- A lady staged a one woman protest in the capital city, Road Town, today Tuesday, December 17, 2024.
Gov’t reminds bars to seek permission to remain open past midnight
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As holiday celebrations continue across the Virgin Islands (VI), the government has issued a notice reminding bar owners of the process to obtain permission to remain open beyond midnight on special occasions.
USVI- Over 5,900 tax refunds mailed to Virgin Islanders ahead of holidays
VI CONSORTIUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St. Thomas, USVI- In keeping with a pledge made recently by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., more tax refund checks have been mailed out to Virgin Islanders ahead of the holidays.
FCCA & Diamonds International partner for Annual Gift Exchange
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) held its Annual Gift Exchange in the Virgin Islands (VI) on Monday, December 16, 2024.
Mr David D. Archer Jr is Acting Governor
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Deputy Governor Mr David D. Archer Jr is acting in the Office of Governor into the New Year in the absence of Governor Daniel Pruce.
Vehicle catches fire near Joe’s Hill
JOE’S HILL, Tortola, VI- Information reaching our News Centre is that a car burst into flames a short distance from the top of Joe’s Hill today Monday, December 16, 2024.
Spanish Town streets light up with annual Parade of Lights
SPANISH TOWN, Virgin Gorda, VI- The Parade of Lights in Virgin Gorda occurred on Sunday, December 15, 2024, as cars decorated in Christmas lights lit up the streets.
‘The more we cut the more it rains’- Bush Cutters on public road
LONG TREACH, Tortola, VI- Through the Registration, Apprenticeship, Training, Employment and Development (RATED) programme from the Premier’s Office along with a clean-up campaign spearheaded by the Department of Waste Management (DWM), landscaping and bush cutting in all communities have been ongoing.
HoA Standing Finance Committee concluded, Budget Debate later this week!
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Legislators, Heads of Public Bodies, and Central Government along with Permanent Secretaries engaged in an over three weeks exercise called Standing Finance Committee (SFC).
Preparing to survive against political AI
By Alred 'AC' Frett
Facing the Road Ahead; For Better or Worse:
The God of Nature & Laws of Balance is the manifestation of change, but not all change is good… We have turned a Corner – a bad corner – in the History of the World, and even the extremes we now see in Climatic Changes, portrays this abnormality… The stealing of the US Elections by Artificial Intelligence placed the World in Crisis, and while America maybe feared internationally, she is no longer respected.
ATU Trust brings holiday cheer @ annual grocery giveaway
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Virgin Islands (VI) community came alive on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with the 2024 Annual Grocery Giveaway organized by ATU General Trust (BVI) Limited.
BVIOC to create Safeguarding Commission
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The BVI Olympic Committee (BVIOC) is creating a Safeguarding Commission to better protect its athletes, especially the youth when they travel for sporting activities.
Delilah Pease shines @ Canadian Junior Open
NIAGRA, Ontario, Canada—The Virgin Islands (VI) delivered a more than stellar performance at the 2024 Canadian Junior Open, held from December 7 to 10, 2024, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario with local, Delilah Pease, leading the charge for the Territory securing the top accolade in her category.
FSC launches Beneficial Registry Regime
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- The BVI Financial Services (FSC) has announced the launch of the Beneficial Registry Regime at its annual Meet the Regulator (MTR) on Thursday, 12th December 2024, at the Eileen L. Parsons Auditorium of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).
Jae’Nyiah Defreitas is FLPS Angel of Christmas
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Jae’Nyiah Defreitas was crowned the first ever Francis Lettsome Primary School (FLPS) Angel of Christmas on Thursday, December 12, 2024.
Sheryl Phillip & Thomas Richardson win inaugural bowling championship
DUFFS BOTTOM, Tortola, VI- Sheryl Phillip and Thomas Richardson emerged winners of the inaugural Bishop’s Cup Bowling Championship.
Skelton-Cline urges reflection, preparation & authenticity during holiday season
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI—During his final broadcast of Honestly Speaking for 2024 on December 10 on ZBVI 780 AM, Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline called for citizens of the Territory to engage in much needed introspection, charting a way forward, with more “authenticity” in portraying themselves as a people.
Law enforcement personnel complete UK-funded training course
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, Financial Investigation Agency, Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Attorney General’s Chambers underwent training to strengthen their capabilities in financial investigations.
ESHS Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament champions
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – In a riveting culmination to the 2024 Inter-Secondary Chess Tournament, Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) emerged victorious, clinching first place in both the junior and senior categories.
USVI: Richmond shooter opens vehicle door before killing victim
VI CONSORTIUM
RICHMOND, St. Croix, USVI- The V.I. Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Bureau is investigating a fatal shooting that took place on Friday, December 13. The incident, which occurred near the basketball court in the DeChabert Housing Community in Richmond, resulted in the death of a male victim and marked the 42nd homicide in the U.S. Virgin Islands this year.
Public offficers recognised for their many years of service
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Over seven hundred (700) public officers were recognised for their service during a Public Service Employee Recognition Ceremony which was held by the Office of the Deputy Governor and the Department of Human Resources.
Suspected cannabis worth over $700K found by Customs
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has reported the interception of a large quantity of suspected cannabis.
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Trump and de dollarization 2
By Dickson C. Igwe
Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again Agenda has one Achilles Heel. A weakness that will test the limits of US power and Trump’s ability to drive his America First Agenda: the rise of the South. The South were former colonies of European empires. Today they are emerging economic and military powers. The US hegemony over the globe may be ending.
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