Ahead of public consultations on a plan to expand access to the territory’s company-ownership register by June, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has warned against granting unrestricted access until all other jurisdictions are prepared to do the same. Instead of giving in to United Kingdom pressure...
January 24, 2025
January 24, 2025
Summit to inform tourism plan
After Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley called for a “shared vision” last Thursday at the first Virgin Islands Tourism Summit, Shereen Flax-Charles had a question. “What are the plans to balance cruise tourism with the other areas of tourism?” she asked, adding that she believes the...
January 23, 2025
No-confidence vote still in works
On Friday, opposition members repeated a claim they have been making for four months, insisting that Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley should be ousted over his alleged failure to tackle rising crime, economic problems, crumbling infrastructure, and other issues facing the territory. In response, they plan...
January 20, 2025
Rollout bumpy for online entry system
Government has launched a new online entry system for travellers to the Virgin Islands, but implementation delays and a bumpy rollout have drawn complaints in recent days. The “Online Embarkation/Disembarkation Card System” — which is designed to replace paper entry cards and reduce wait times...
January 20, 2025
New law year opens
Acting Chief Justice Mario Michel opened the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court’s 2025 law year on Friday in St. Lucia, highlighting the recent implementation of the e-litigation portal in all member states, the court’s use of AI technology, and the launch of a public education programme,...
January 20, 2025
FSC aims to ‘drive’ change as well as regulate
The Financial Services Commission has signalled a stronger stance in the year ahead. Outlining key ambitions for the next 12 months, agency head Kenneth Baker stressed the need to adapt to a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Mr. Baker, who is managing director and CEO of...
January 17, 2025
College celebrating 35 years
Standing before a handful of faculty and staff on Monday at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, Professor Emeritus Arthur Richardson recounted the school’s history. “On Jan. 14, 1990, the British Virgin Islands Community College held its opening ceremony at the Omar Hodge Building in Road...
January 16, 2025
Police, cybercrime bills rushed through HOA
Over the past 10 days in the House of Assembly, the government fast-tracked two bills designed to boost law enforcers’ authority, drawing criticism from opposition members irked by Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s decision to expedite each bill’s three readings in one sitting. The proposed amendments...
January 16, 2025
‘Fat Cat’ nabbed for shooting near ESHS
Police have apprehended one of two men wanted in connection with the attempted murder of K’zhari Stoutt, who was seriously injured when he was shot shortly before 1 p.m. on Nov. 8 in Long Bush near Elmore Stoutt High School. Shemoi Carey, 22, of Huntums...
January 13, 2025
New year, new bird count
The team of birders piled into a truck on Anegada on Monday to make the usual route around the island for the National Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird Count. Led by Nancy Pascoe, the deputy director for science, research and environmental policy at the National...
January 13, 2025
Tourism plan delayed again
As the government gears up to host a tourism summit next week, the completion target for a long-delayed national tourism plan has been pushed forward again — this time until at least October, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. The premier, who is also the...
