Pointing to longstanding concerns about poor governance in the territory, outgoing Governor Gus Jaspert on Monday announced a wide-ranging commission of inquiry that will probe allegations of potential corruption, political …
Government ministers hit the road
Virgin Islands culture and art were central during a week of community meetings hosted by government ministers throughout the territory, but leaders also addressed issues including the development of Road …
Interview: Departing governor reviews tenure
After arriving just 16 days before Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands in 2017, Governor Gus Jaspert has since been largely focused on the territory’s recovery and the Covid-19 …
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HOA passes disaster management bill
The YouTube livestream of the House of Assembly’s Jan. 5 sitting concluded with members recessing into a closed-door committee that House Speaker Julian Willock said would resume at 10 a.m. …
Sugg still not replaced as OT minister
British overseas territories stand on the precipice of historic moments including the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines, the implementation of Brexit, and the fallout from the United Kingdom’s decision to cut …
Irma housing aid stops taking applications
Though the government’s Housing Recovery Assistance Programme was allocated a $9 million boost in May under the umbrella of a Covid-19 pandemic stimulus package funded mostly by the Social Security …
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Plans in motion to clear Pockwood scrap
Leaders recently commended the territory’s WE RECYCLE programme, which they said diverted an estimated 3,328 tonnes of recyclable materials from the incinerator and landfill to two established recycling centres. “This …
New Year’s baby born just before midnight
When Marcia Jennings was nearing her due date, she believed she would have a December baby. But the father, Marcus Maduro, had a feeling the baby would come in January. …
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Brexit trade deal brings changes to all overseas territories
Last Thursday marked the end of 2020, but also the last day of the “transition period” to the start of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union. As a …
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HOA debates disaster bill, passes other laws
In recent months, Virgin Islands leaders have placed focus on the role of self-determination in the territory’s future development as they plan a review of the 2007 Constitution. The House …
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Long-awaited District 7 road completed
On Saturday morning residents of the Seventh District celebrated the reopening of an access road they say has been needed for 30 years. Brady Ghut Road, located near Hodges Creek, …
Holiday event boosts animal shelter
Django the dog had two items on his list to Santa Claus this year, according to his owner Claudia Delahoy: for Covid-19 to be gone so he can visit all …
‘Conservative’ Covid-era budget passes
After discussing the financial challenges and uncertain future tied to the Covid-19 pandemic, the House of Assembly passed the $402 million 2021 budget on Tuesday. “Are we out of the …
As legislature turns 70, HOA looks ahead
As he spoke about the 1950 restoration of the Legislative Council, Premier Andrew Fahie compared the Virgin Islands to a lab rat that doesn’t realise the familiar glass borders to …
A ‘green’ house: HOA to go paperless
The year 2020 marks the 70th anniversary of the restoration of the territory’s legislature, and as the year comes to a close members are taking action to make the House …
In midst of JMC, OT minister resigns over aid cuts
As Premier Andrew Fahie and other overseas territory leaders met online with their United Kingdom counterparts last week during the annual Joint Ministerial Council meeting, the UK minister in charge …
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‘Glice’ skating comes to pier park
A bit of winter wonder came to the Virgin Islands last week with the official launch of an artificial ice-skating rink at Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Saturday. …
UN pushes for decolonisation
The United Nations is doubling down on efforts to support the decolonisation of overseas territories, with a dedicated committee recently approving nearly two dozen resolutions to that end for the …
Virgin Islands readies for Tuesday reopening
A week before the border reopening, more details on the official entry protocols were announced and the online portal for applying to enter the Virgin Islands went live. But businesses …
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Food Fete to boost struggling restaurants
When BVI Tourist Board officials began discussions about hosting the sixth annual BVI Food Fete this year, they faced a tough decision, according to BVITB Chairwoman Kenisha Sprauve. “When the …
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Richard Georges named VI’s 1st poet laureate
On Friday evening, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College President Dr. Richard Georges was appointed the Virgin Islands’ first poet laureate. But when accepting the three-year position during a ceremony at …
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Budget address pushes airport, pier expansion
The World Bank has forecasted the “deepest global recession in eight decades” because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the Virgin Islands is not exempt. Estimates show a $22 million dip …
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What’s next for the VI Constitution?
Before discussing whether the Virgin Islands should pursue greater autonomy from the United Kingdom during the upcoming constitutional review, panellists at a Nov. 8 forum offered ideas about what is …
Premier congratulates Biden, Harris
Premier Andrew Fahie extended congratulations from the Virgin Islands to United States President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris on Saturday, shortly after news outlets called the election in …
House agenda addresses life amid Covid-19
While this year’s Speech from the Throne delivered by Governor Gus Jaspert last Thursday in the House of Assembly repeated many familiar promises for digital advancement and overhauls of major …
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