Governor Gus Jaspert, who has served the Virgin Islands for just over three years, announced today that current Bermuda Governor John Rankin will take his place at the start of …
September 16, 2020
September 13, 2020
Remembering Irma in the Covid age
A recent uptick in cases of Covid-19 in the Virgin Islands meant that community members couldn’t host any sort of large gathering on Sunday to reflect on the past three …
September 13, 2020
Hundreds left out of housing programme
Shortly after hurricanes Irma and Maria caused an estimated $572 million in damage to nearly 7,000 residential buildings across the territory, Virgin Islands leaders announced a plan to spend more …
September 13, 2020
Details of re-entry process released
Work-permit holders and other non-nationals seeking to re-enter the territory are asked to apply at least two weeks ahead of their intended travel date, according to a Sept. 4 update …
September 4, 2020
Bill would reform farming and fishing industries
The spotlight has turned to more sustainable practices as the Virgin Islands looks to create a more self-sufficient food industry, and an early iteration of proposed legislation is designed to …
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September 3, 2020
Border relaxation coincides with Covid spike
While the Virgin Islands moves to the orange “Manage It” phase of its pandemic plan as a result of increased Covid-19 transmission in the community, Tuesday also marked the first …
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September 2, 2020
Gambling law guts rules in original bill
Gambling is now officially legal in the Virgin Islands, but it may not be as tightly controlled as legislators previously claimed. When Premier Andrew Fahie introduced the controversial gambling bill …
September 1, 2020
Government launches mental health campaign
In an attempt to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support in the Virgin Islands amid the Covid-19 pandemic, a new educational campaign launched with a virtual meeting broadcast last Thursday …
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September 1, 2020
HOA approves reshuffle of 2020 budget
Because of government revenue losses during the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Assembly recently decided to adjust the 2020 budget, approving $77 million in extra spending and shuffling tens of …
August 26, 2020
Nursing bill would open door for diversity in field
Proposed legislation regulating the licensing, practice and discipline of nursing and midwifery is awaiting debate in the House of Assembly. The Nurses and Midwives Act 2020 came for a first reading …
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August 26, 2020
Another contract signed for admin building
Repair work will accelerate at the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex following the signing of a contract to install impact-resistant windows and doors, officials said last week, adding that plans …
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August 14, 2020
Fire breaks out in Pockwood landfill
Clouds of black smoke billowed from the landfill behind the Pockwood Pond incinerator after the area caught fire on Monday, but by the following day the flames had abated and …
August 14, 2020
Natalio Wheatley is deputy premier
For the fifth time since the February 2019 election, the territory has a new deputy premier. This time, however, he is here to stay. Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and …
August 13, 2020
ESHS hosts ‘drive-in’ graduation
Embracing the theme of “Three years, three obstacles, one mission,” the Elmore Stoutt High School held its first-ever drive-in graduation ceremony last Thursday, which was broadcast live through the government’s …
August 13, 2020
New college grads prepare for new VI
Students shared video messages recounting their days at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College during a semi-virtual graduation celebration on Aug. 2 that coincided with the college’s 30th anniversary. “As we …
August 11, 2020
Privy Council ruling could cost VI $30 million
After spending more than six years in court and seven figures in legal fees, Chuck Peterson said a tear came to his eye this month when he won his case …
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August 10, 2020
Stamp Act, six other bills become law
The House of Assembly has been busy passing more than a dozen bills in a recent marathon of sittings. Seven of them, which were Gazetted on July 28, have now …
July 31, 2020
Festival report sheds light on last year
After the government failed to provide legally mandated annual reports on Festival spending for three years, Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, Fisheries and Agriculture Minister Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley recently broke …
July 31, 2020
House votes to review 2007 Constitution
As the Virgin Islands prepares to celebrate emancipation, elected leaders also turned to the history books this week before greenlighting a constitutional review. Premier Andrew Fahie referenced the political groundswell …
July 31, 2020
Virtual graduation ceremonies continue
Graduates from the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies showed strength and resilience in completing their studies amidst the ongoing recovery from the 2017 hurricanes, and host Ronn Grant of …
July 29, 2020
Telecommunications commission eyes $23m in uncollected levies
The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission failed to collect nearly $23 million in levies due from licensed operators since 2007, and it now has been charged with getting those funds, Premier Andrew …
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July 24, 2020
Graduating in a pandemic
“Congratulations, Zawie,” one commenter wrote on Cedar International School’s live broadcast of the senior graduation ceremony on June 25. “U made yr family proud. U jst end one journey but …
July 24, 2020
Scaled-back August Festival is on
Though the celebrations will look notably different from typical years, the August Emancipation Festival will still happen in the coming weeks despite the complications of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to …
July 24, 2020
Bridges burnt over unpaid government bills
The Transportation, Works and Utilities Ministry recently has struggled to secure the services of some construction vendors who refuse to assist until they get paid for past work, according to …
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July 24, 2020
Endangered species law passes House
A bill designed to protect the Virgin Islands’ natural resources passed the House of Assembly on Monday following a full day of closed-door deliberation. The Trade In Endangered Species (CITES) …