Virgin Islanders still a minority in the workforce; A mere 26%
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The currently available statistics from the Central Statistics Office of the Virgin Islands Government shows that Virgin Islanders are outnumbered in the workforce. They make up a mere 26.9%.
Vybz Kartel arrives! ‘I bring good vibes’
TRELLIS BAY, Beef Island, VI- “It’s going to be an amazing concert,” Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, born Ajidja A. Palmer, promised on landing at Terrence B. Lettsome International Airport this afternoon, Thursday, March 13, 2025.
Could the VI receive visa sanctions for using Cuba’s overseas medical mission?
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- On February 25, 2025, US Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio announced restrictions on visas for both government officials in Cuba and any others worldwide who are “complicit” with the island nation’s overseas medical-assistance programmes.
Bishop Paul A. Ricketts elected new President of BVI Christian Council
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Bishop Dr Paul A. Ricketts has been elected the new President of the BVI Christian Council (BVICC).
Vybz Kartel concert: 'Some persons can’t even find a place to stay- Premier
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has defended the decision to invest $220,000.00 in the Black on Black Concert featuring Jamaican Dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, born Ajidja A. Palmer, this weekend.
'Employers aren’t hiring people for what they know anymore'- Education CEO
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Chief Education Officer Mrs Orlandette R. Crabbe has said teaching should be student-centred and not about what the teachers want.
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ESHS wins 2025 Inter-Secondary School Debate
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- For the second year in a row, Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) emerged victorious in the finals of the 2025 Inter-Secondary Schools Debate Competition on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, edging out the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS).
VI-based Albiono is 1st Caribbean cycling team registered with UCI
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Caribbean cycling history has been created, with the Virgin Islands-based Albiono Cycling Club Ltd successfully registering with Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). It is the first professional team from the Caribbean region registered with UCI.
4 arrested & charged following firearms, ammo & drugs seizure
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI– Officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) executed early morning operations on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, leading to the arrest of four individuals and the recovery of illegal firearms, ammunition, and drugs.
‘We are not a serious people; We are busy playing politics’- Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI— Commentator and pastor Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a blistering critique of the Virgin Islands elected legislators, warning that the 13 legislators in the House of Assembly (HoA) have failed miserably to adequately prepare the Territory for the inevitable economic and social fallout from the policies of newly elected US President Donald J. Trump.
Artistes for Vybz Kartel show begin arriving on Thursday- Steve E. Parillon
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As excitement reaches fever pitch ahead of the highly anticipated "B.O.B Black On Black" concert in the Virgin Islands (VI) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, principal event promoter Mr Steve E. Parillon has confirmed that all preparations are in place for what is set to be a historic musical showcase featuring Vybz Kartel, born Ajidja A. Palmer, and a star-studded lineup.
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5 VI cricketers nominated for CWI Breakout T20 Tournament selection
GREENLAND, Tortola, VI- The BVI Cricket Association (BVICA) has nominated five local youth cricketers for potential selection in the upcoming Cricket West Indies (CWI) Breakout T20 Tournament 2025.
‘We have to travel…people need to grow up’- Premier Wheatley
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI- With his usual critics ready to pounce whenever members of the government have to travel for official business, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has said travel is necessary as his government is working hard for the people of the Virgin Islands.
Aircraft heading to VI makes emergency landing in USVI; STT airport closed until 2PM
VI CONSORTIUM
CHARLOTTE AMALIE, St Thomas, USVI- The Cyril E. King Airport in St Thomas, US Virgin Islands, remains temporarily closed following an emergency landing by a private aircraft that was originally en route to the Virgin Islands from Martinique. The plane, carrying one pilot and two passengers, experienced a critical mechanical issue mid-flight, prompting the diversion to St Thomas.
Will Opposition Leader Skelton be ousted by the Alliance?
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While the Opposition remains in a state of confusion, fighting for power and with big egos, the Government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) continues to strengthen his team and outmanoeuvre the political and social critics. The incumbent government now enjoys an 8-seat majority in the 13-elected-member House of Assembly (HoA).
Dr the Hon Karl Dawson no longer a Jr Minister; To be Deputy Speaker
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- While announcing the return of former Deputy Premier Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL) to his government today, March 11, 2025, Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) also announced that Dr the Honourable Karl Dawson (R1) has been relieved of his Junior Minister portfolio.
UPDATE: Hon Smith will be Minister of State for Financial Services & Economic Dev’t- Premier
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- As first and accurately reported by our News Centre today, March 11, 2025, Opposition Member and Territorial At Large Representative Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE has returned to the government of Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7).
Women's softball champs Synergy receives $3500 from CIBC
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The reigning National Women’s Softball Champions, Synergy, has received financial support from CIBC Caribbean in the Virgin Islands (UK). The softball team has received $3,500.00.
Skelton-Cline warns of ‘undeclared war’ on VI'S financial services sector
BAUGHER'S BAY, Tortola, VI— Commentator Claude O. Skelton-Cline has issued a stark warning over what he perceives as the mounting global pressures on the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector, describing the situation as an "undeclared war" that could severely impact the Territory’s economy.
Premier blasts Marine Association President Andrew Ball as 'disingenuous'
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Premier and Minister of Finance Dr the Hon Natalio D. Wheatley (R7) has described as "disingenuous" a letter from the Chairperson of the Marine Association of the BVI, Mr Andrew Ball, who claimed there was no consultation on the amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act and that persons in the marine industry were afraid of being victimised for speaking up.
Akeem Hopkinson sentenced to 32 years in prison
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Akeem Hopkinson, who was found guilty of the April 2021 murder of Catherine Pickering on February 25, 2025, was today, March 10, 2025, sentenced in the High Court.
Virgin Cruises volunteers help paint walls in Roots to Resilience Programme
EAST END, Tortola, VI- Some 8 walls have been painted in the East End/Long Communities through the Roots to Resilience Programme organised by At Large Representative Hon Lorna G. Smith, OBE.
ICE conducts immigration raid in St Thomas
VI CONSORTIUM
ESTATE DOROTHEA, St Thomas, USVI- On Sunday morning, March 9, 2025, a residence in Estate Dorothea was the target of what appeared to be an immigration enforcement action, coinciding with a nationwide crackdown by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
‘$2.5M dedicated to upgrading our schools’ in 2025- Hon de Castro
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The Government of the Virgin Islands will be investing more than two million dollars this year in the upgrading of the Territory’s schools.
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Last national football coach 'resigned, we didn’t let [him] go’- BVIFA President
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The President of the BVI Football Association (BVIFA), Mr Avanell Morton, has set the record straight regarding the departure of Mr Christopher M. Kiwomya, arguably one of the most successful coaches the Virgin Islands has had.
Agriculture & Fisheries Minister admits challenges in executing plans
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries Dr the Hon Karl Dawson (R1) has admitted his ministry has fallen short in executing plans decided upon for the sector in the Territory.
VI told it has unique opportunity for ‘protected’ poultry sectors
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- As bird flu continues to impact egg availability and push up prices, the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture in the US Virgin Islands, Dr Louis E. Peterson, has said the Greater Virgin Islands has a unique opportunity to invest in a poultry sector that is protected by the surrounding ocean.
'We need an Official House of the Premier'- Claude O. Skelton-Cline
BAUGHERS BAY, Tortola, VI- Commentator Mr Claude O. Skelton-Cline is calling for the establishment of an “Official Residence” for the Premier of the Virgin Islands, arguing that such an institution is essential to nation-building and a further assertion towards political and economic self-determination.
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Egg prices surge in USVI & across US
VI CONSORTIUM
FREDERIKSTED, St Croix, USVI- The US Department of Justice has initiated a probe into the dramatic surge in egg prices across the country, a development that has drawn attention from both consumers and policymakers amid an ongoing avian influenza outbreak and rising cost-of-living concerns.
Human Rights legislation efforts resuscitated after a 10-year hiatus
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI— The Government of the Virgin Islands has commenced renewed public consultations on the Human Rights Commission Bill 2025, a long-anticipated piece of legislation that seeks to establish an independent body to investigate human rights violations and ensure compliance with both national and international standards.
'Obesity is a serious public health issue' in VI- Health Minister Wheatley
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- On March 4, 2025, the Virgin Islands joined the global community in observing World Obesity Day under the theme “Changing Systems, Healthier Lives.”
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Agriculture & Fisheries Month activities begin today
PARAQUITA BAY, Tortola, VI- Agriculture and Fisheries Month officially started today, Saturday, March 8, 2025, with the Agriculture and Fisheries Exhibition at Paraquita Bay.
USVI Governor praises BVI's people & leadership
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- Governor of the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Albert A. Bryan Jr. has lauded the people and the leadership of the Virgin Islands (VI).
Speak2Someone online counselling service launches Mar. 10
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Young people in the Virgin Islands will soon have an online space where they can connect with professional counsellors as ‘Speak2Someone’, an online counselling chat service, will be launched on Monday, March 10, 2025, by the BVI’s Youth U-Turn Project (the NPO).
VI to host CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, & Field Safety Training
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The 2025 CARILEC Lineworkers Rodeo, Symposium, and Field Safety Training will be held in the Virgin Islands from April 25 to 27, 2025.
BVICC reiterates its opposition to the upcoming Vybz Kartel concert
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- The BVI Christian Council (BVICC) has reiterated its disapproval of the upcoming March 15, 2025, YOLO Promotions Black on Black concert featuring Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel (born Adidja Azim Palmer).
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BVIFA announces 2 new full-time appointments
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI- Football in the Virgin Islands received a major boost with the appointment of a new full-time Head Coach and full-time Women’s Director by the BVI Football Association (BVIFA).
The threat from World War 3
By Dickson C. Igwe
The Virgin Islands sits in a world gone off the rails. The USA, the most powerful country in the world appears ruled by a rogue leader. The nickname Comrade Krasnov is appropriate.
Vehicles collide @ West End; Injuries reported
WEST END, Tortola, VI- There has been a serious vehicular accident at West End, Tortola and injuries have been reported.
UPDATE: VI & USVI agree to ‘crunch the numbers’ again on charter fee hike
PASEA ESTATE, Tortola, VI- Following what was described as “intense” negotiations between the Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands regarding charter fees increase for USVI-based boaters today, March 7, 2025, both parties have agreed to go back and “crunch the numbers” and the VI has pledged to hold off on the amendments to the Commercial Recreational Vessels Licensing Act until an agreement on a fair increase is met.
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