MAGA and BRICS
By Dickson C. Igwe
The Virgin Islands best understand that World is in a dangerous place. The doomsday clock has moved closer to midnight. The reason is that the election of Donald Trump has moved USA to the right politically and socially. However, the rise of China and BRICS has been checkmating for the USA’s power dreams. China will take Taiwan shortly and the USA may miscalculate and make a military move in the Pacific. It will be a terrible mistake.
Horseracing in STT suspended after several horses euthanised
ESTATE BOVONI, St Thomas, USVI- Horse racing returned to St Thomas, US Virgin Islands last year, 2024, for the first time since the devastation of Hurricane Irma in September 2017. The last race card, which saw participation from a couple of Tortola horses, was held on December 22, 2024; however, it is now unclear when another event will be held.
4 charged following firearms & ammo discovery in CGB
CANE GARDEN BAY, Tortola, VI- Four men have been formally charged in connection with the recovery of two 9mm firearms and twenty rounds of ammunition.
Is it the Opposition that should face a Vote of No Confidence?
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— They were supposed to be the most formidable Opposition in Virgin Islands history, a united force standing against the government, ready to hold the administration accountable and fight for the people. Instead, they have become a house of cards—weak, chaotic, and consumed by egos and personal ambitions.
D9 Rep welcomes opening of The Lotus Center in Valley, VG
VALLEY, Virgin Gorda, VI- The Lotus Center has opened a new location in Valley, Virgin Gorda, offering massage, spa, and yoga services.
Students suspended for illegal substances @ schools
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Ministry of Education has released a statement expressing deep concern of recent reports of illegal substances at secondary schools in the Territory.
Grenada’s Noel & Redhead batter VI Combined Renegades in BVICA T20 showdown
GREENLAND, Tortola, VI- Explosive half-centuries from Ragel Noel and Derrol Redhead catapulted Grenada CC to a 157-run win over VI Combined Renegades when the two teams met in the BVI Cricket Association (BVICA) T20 Tournament at Greenland Playfield on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Sea Cows Bay’s new ‘roller coaster road’ all part of the plan—PWD Director
PARHAM TOWN, Tortola, VI—As the Ministry of Communications and Works pushes ahead with extensive roadworks across the territory, Director of Public Works Department Mr Jeremy W. Hodge, during a site visit in Parham Town on January 29, 2025, clarified the necessity of the elevated road sections, particularly in areas like Sea Cows Bay, where concerns have been raised about their height.
Caribbean search & rescue teams boost expertise in VI
ROAD REEF, Tortola, VI—A two-week search-and-rescue training programme was conducted in the Virgin Islands (VI) from January 13 to 24, 2025, bringing together rescue teams from the Virgin Islands Search and Rescue (VISAR) and maritime protection units from Anguilla, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, Montserrat, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
More confusion emerges: 3 show their heads in Opposition palace coup
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— After much speculation that there was intense disunity in the Opposition and that Honourable Myron V. Walwyn (R6) and others were planning to overthrow the Leader of the Opposition in a shameless power grab, three Opposition members have emerged as the culprits.
Enough is enough; End 'deadly' right-hand drive imports—Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— Social and political commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline is once again demanding the government take decisive action against the importation of certain types of vehicles, citing their negative environmental impact and contribution to congestion in the Territory since, "This is our home. If we’re not even going to follow our own rules and laws, then who will.”
Inter-Secondary School Debates begin February 5
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The annual Inter-Secondary School Debates begin on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the New Testament Church of God International Worship Centre’s Activity Hall.
Governor to bring in 'UK support' for Acting CoP Vanterpool
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- As part of plans for 2025, Governor Daniel Pruce intends to bring in reinforcement from the United Kingdom (UK) to assist Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool.
Mrs BVI Globe delegates appeal for more engagement & financial support
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Virgin Islands (VI) will be well represented at the 2025 Mrs Globe pageants, with three accomplished women set to showcase their talents and advocacy on the international stage.
VI told to brace for Trump-Era fallout
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— Former government consultant Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a stark warning to the Virgin Islands, urging authorities and residents to prepare for the inevitable consequences of US President Donald J. Trump’s policies.
'Now is the time to build' on VI's tourism product- CTO Head
PETER ISLAND, VI- Secretary-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Mrs Dona L. Regis-Prosper has said the Virgin Islands (VI) as a tourism destination checks all the boxes and needs to build on that.
FSC & FIA issue guidance on effective ongoing monitoring
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI - The BVI Financial Services Commission (the FSC) and BVI Financial Investigation Agency (the FIA) have issued guidance on ‘An Effective Approach to Ongoing Monitoring’.
Public needs to ‘buy into’ proposed RVIPF changes- Elvin G. Grant
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Talking Points co-host Elvin G. Grant has told Governor Daniel Pruce that the public needs to buy into his proposed changes to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF).
TAG hosting 'Deals 2 Love' Valentine's sales event throughout February
SLANEY POINT, Tortola, VI- This Valentine’s Day, let your heart race for more than romance and fall in love with the car of your dreams as Tortola Auto Group (TAG), the Virgin Islands' #1 dealership, hosts the "Deals 2 Love" Valentine’s Car Sales Event, happening all February long, from February 1 to February 28, 2025.
Take Opposition Leader on Asia trip for ‘Mano-a-Mano’ dialogue—Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI – Outspoken political commentator and former government consultant Pastor Claude O. Skelton-Cline is urging the Premier and Minister of Finance, Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7), to take Opposition Leader Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL) with him on his upcoming Asia-Pacific visit to facilitate an open and constructive dialogue about the future of the Virgin Islands.
5 Virgin Islanders on ICE’S list for deportation
WASHINGTON DC, USA- The United States (US) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) non-detained docket lists five citizens of the Virgin Islands with final orders of removal by country of citizenship.
2024 Festival Report handed over to HoA- PS Smith-Abbott
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—Permanent Secretary Joseph Smith-Abbott has finally confirmed that the 2024 Festival and Affairs Report has been prepared and submitted to the House of Assembly (HoA) of the Virgin Islands.
Water & Sewerage Dept customers can pay bills online from Feb 1
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—Customers of the Water and Sewerage Department (W&SD) in the Virgin Islands will soon enjoy the convenience of paying their bills online, with the Ministry of Communications and Works launching its online payment portal on Monday, January 27, 2025.
BVITB reps ‘Nature's Little Secret' @ IMM North America 2025 in New York
JAVITS CENTER, New York, USA—The British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITB&FC) proudly showcased its offerings at the prestigious International Media Marketplace (IMM) in New York last week, an event that has solidified itself as one of the most influential media networking platforms in the global travel industry.
Acting CoP Vanterpool is doing a 'fantastic job’- Gov Pruce
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Governor Daniel Pruce has said he is confident in Acting Commissioner of Police (CoP) Jacqueline E. Vanterpool but stopped short of saying whether or not she is being eyed for the position permanently.
CIBC staff donate 2024 hurricane provisions to FSN
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- CIBC Caribbean donated dry goods to the Family Support Network (FSN) on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
Local football coaches benefit from CONCACAF Train the Trainer's Workshop
EAST END, Tortola, VI- The BVI Football Association (BVIFA) hosted an “impactful” Train the Trainer’s Workshop from January 24 -26, 2025, in collaboration with CONCACAF.
Hons Fraser & Wheatley say they were never in favour of new derelict site
SEA COWS BAY, Tortola, VI- It seemed like Deputy Premier Julian Fraser, RA (R3) and Health Minister Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) were caught off guard by how the relocation of derelict vehicles to Havers occurred.
Losing our ambition, freedom, youth & country
Alred C. Frett
Turning Bad Conclusions into Good Solutions:
We are in the last days of the 1st Month in a New Year, and those who survived the past year may give thanks and praise to their leaders and Gods of mercy, while those who did not, may have a totally different opinion... It may be nice to be optimistic, but we live in a real World, and we should reason according to the evidence... Our failure to make it what it could be, means that others will make it what it shouldn’t be.
ICE announces immigration enforcement efforts in USVI & Puerto Rico
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, ST Croix, USVI- The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in collaboration with the US Department of Justice (DOJ) and other federal law enforcement entities, has launched immigration enforcement efforts in the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. These efforts are aligned with the President Donald J. Trump's Executive Order titled “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” signed on January 20, 2025.
Kedrick E. Malone ‘very comfortable’ with scrutiny CoI legislation received in HoA
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Governance Reform Delivery Manager Mr Kedrick E. Malone has said he is satisfied with the legislation passed in the House of Assembly as part of implementing Commission of Inquiry (CoI) recommendations.
‘We will ensure our voices are heard & our needs addressed- UKOTA President
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – “Together, we will harness our collective strengths to address the challenges we face, such as climate change and economic resilience, and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead for our territories.”
VI will continue to collaborate with UK to bring CoI chapter to a close- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— "We will continue to work collaboratively with the United Kingdom Government to bring this chapter in the life of our developing Virgin Islands to a close,” Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) stated, as he gave an update on the final tasks to be done to get the Order in Council to suspend the Virgin Islands’ constitution lifted.
Infinity, Washed Ballers & Next Level Athletics win SVA 3X3 Championships
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Infinity, Washed Ballers & Next Level Athletics have emerged as champions of their respective categories in the Sports Vision Academy (SVA) 3X3 Basketball Championships on Saturday, January 25, 2025.
Public consultations on Registers of Beneficial Ownership access launched
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI—The Virgin Islands government continues to take marked steps toward reinforcing its commitment to global transparency and collaboration by launching a consultation on access to beneficial ownership information.
Hon Lorna G. Smith’s territory-wide beautification project begins in East End
EAST END, Tortola, VI— A kaleidoscope is sweeping through the East End, Tortola area, as the ‘Roots to Resilience Paint the Community Project’ has taken off in high-gear.
Phyllis Evans Out; Loren K. Ryan-Rymer In as VI's Registrar of Interests
ROAD TOWN, Tortola VI—Mrs Loren K. Ryan-Rymer has officially been appointed as the Registrar of Interests for the Virgin Islands, succeeding Ms Phyllis Evans who has retired after a distinguished career in public service.
RVIPF launches Park It, Forget It campaign as vehicle thefts increase
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) is launching a "Park It, Lock It, Forget It" initiative highlighting critical, proactive steps that motorists and rental companies can take to safeguard vehicles and reduce theft risks.
Multi-car accident in Road Town
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Sometime after 10:00 AM today, Saturday, January 25, 2025, a three car accident occurred in the Road Town area close to the Wickhams Cay 1 roundabout.
‘I stored derelict vehicles on my property for years without pay'- Ashley Ritter speaks
COX HEATH, Tortola, VI- With all the controversy over the storage of derelict vehicles on Tortola and reports of residents in Havers who are demanding that the derelict vehicles be removed from the new site, one landowner involved is speaking out.
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