The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association observer mission declared last week’s election to be “well-administered,” but it also highlighted the relatively low voter turnout compared to previous elections. “Following a lively campaign, …
VIP-led government announces ministries
The new House of Assembly is taking shape. The past week saw the appointment of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement leader Ronnie Skelton as opposition leader and the setting of ministerial …
Opposition comes out swinging
The new opposition members presented a united front while making their first public appearance together on April 27 during a press conference. Expressing collective frustration, they gave a blow-by-blow account …
Film aims to help save sea turtles
When the Association of Reef Keepers carried out its annual tagging exercise 15 years ago, it found 172 green sea turtles and 328 hawksbill. Last year, those numbers had dropped …
Six Atlantic hurricanes predicted this year
Around 13 named storms, including six hurricanes, are likely to form this year during the Atlantic Hurricane Season, according to recent predictions by meteorologist Dr. Philip Klotzbach of the Tropical …
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District councils coming soon to territory
The Cabinet recently approved the formation of district councils to help advance the development of communities across the territory, government announced Saturday. As a next step following the April 5 …
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Cabinet approves culture policy
In a move designed to protect and develop the territory’s culture, the Cabinet recently approved the Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy 2023 to 2028, government announced Saturday. …
The Road to the New Government: Election Night and What Followed
As results from the general election began to arrive on Monday night at the Multi-purpose Sports Complex, supporters lining the bleachers yelled and pumped their fists in the air every …
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Election: What made the difference?
The at-large race in the general election proved a challenging arena for the incumbent Virgin Islands Party, which secured only one of the four seats available in a blow to …
House of Assembly recalled to validate ‘fast-track’ belongerships
Governor John Rankin used his discretionary powers under the Constitution to recall the House of Assembly on April 17 so that it could pass a law to validate the status …
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Residents protest over landfill smoke
About 10 residents affected by smoke from the Pockwood Pond landfill held a protest outside the House of Assembly on April 17, voicing their concerns over health issues caused by …
Rules eased for paying lawyers from frozen assets
Following the implementation of wide-ranging new sanctions after the Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, Governor John Rankin has been swamped with requests for the licence needed to use frozen …
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BVIIAC ‘incubation period’ extended
The BVI International Arbitration Centre opened its doors in 2016, and it was supposed to become financially independent after being financed and overseen by the Financial Services Commission for a …
With Lorna Smith, VIP forms a government
Following the revelation Monday night that the incumbent Virgin Islands Party did not gain enough wins for a clear majority, electeds entered closed-door discussions on forming a coalition government. Now, …
Coalition likely after no party wins majority
The Virgin Islands Party won six of 13 seats in the House of Assembly on Polling Day, falling one shy of the majority needed to form a government, election officials …
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Three of four party leaders field questions
For more than 20 years, a party system has dominated Virgin Islands politics, and this year may be no different. As in 2019, four parties are contending the general election, …
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Interview: Wheatley says turmoil strengthened VIP
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. It was a baptism of fire. Dr. Natalio …
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Interview: Skelton asks for a chance for PVIM
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement was born in …
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Interview: Fraser rallies against VIP re-election
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. Progressives United leader Julian Fraser is running solo …
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Five post-COI reports tabled in House of Assembly
Days before voters are scheduled to head to the polls to choose a new House of Assembly, five post-Commission of Inquiry reports were tabled on Monday during a special emergency …
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Indies go their own way
Parties have dominated Virgin Islands politics for the past quarter century, but this year 10 independent candidates have opted to go their own way. Their numbers are higher than in …
Meet the Candidates
As voters head to the polls today and Monday, they have plenty of choices. The 42 candidates for the 13 House of Assembly seats — who include 25 district hopefuls …
Election observers arrive in VI
Members of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association arrived in the Virgin Islands this week to observe the territory’s 2023 general elections. Fatoumatta Njai, a member of the National Assembly of the …
Advance polling begins today
Today is the start of advance polling, and Monday is when most voters will head to the polls. Here is what voters need to know as they prepare to cast …
Campaigns highlight education, social needs
Candidates have been making their final appeals for voters’ favour over the past weeks in the leadup to the April 24 general election. The Progressive Virgin Islands Movement and National …
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