Starting in August, for the first time in almost a year, Virgin Gorda residents will have access to full banking services, government announced last week. “Following a series of meetings …
April 12, 2019
April 5, 2019
VI attends ACS for first time
Premier Andrew Fahie led a delegation to the Eighth Summit of Heads of Government of the Association of Caribbean States in Managua, Nicaragua last week, the first time a head …
April 5, 2019
Premier unveils a ‘transitional budget’
Premier Andrew Fahie said that the 2019 budget, which he detailed at the House of Assembly on Tuesday, mainly reflects the past administration’s efforts but that his government was able …
April 5, 2019
New plans unveiled for West End port
The new West End port of entry, various versions of which were proposed even before Hurricane Irma destroyed the existing structure, will be about 27,000 square feet under the latest …
April 5, 2019
Cabinet holds retreat on Scrub Island
The new Cabinet held an “Executive Briefing Retreat” at the Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina on March 20 under the theme “Looking Ahead: The Cabinet’s Executive Mandate.” “This retreat …
March 16, 2019
VI avoids EU blacklist, but remains on ‘grey list’
On Tuesday, the European Union added 10 more jurisdictions to its expanding blacklist, tripling the number of jurisdictions already listed. The Virgin Islands was not one of them. In an …
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March 7, 2019
New government reshuffles ministries
During a Friday ceremony held to swear in the new government ministers, Premier Andrew Fahie announced an extensive reshuffling of the previous ministerial portfolios. “I’m an unconventional leader for an …
March 7, 2019
Gourmet fundraiser nets record $22K for VISAR
Guests at the Governor’s Gourmet Gathering on Friday had two years of gluttony to make up for — and they easily did. Virgin Islands Search and Rescue Operations Director Julie …
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March 5, 2019
What happened: Why the VIP won
This article originally appeared in the Beacon’s print edition on Feb. 28. As it became clear on Monday evening that the Virgin Islands Party would make up the next government, …
February 21, 2019
Potential coalition would be first in 33 years
For the youngest voters in next week’s general election, a coalition government may be an unfamiliar concept. For their entire lives, Virgin Islands politics has been dominated by a two-party …
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February 18, 2019
Andrew Fahie promises big things from a VIP government
After long-time Virgin Islands Party leader Ralph O’Neal retired in 2015, Third District Representative Julian Fraser took the reins. The result was a resounding 11-2 loss to the National Democratic …
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February 7, 2019
Three to run at-large for Progressives United
Progressives United announced its first two at-large candidates on Monday night during a “pep rally” in Sea Cows Bay: Verna Smith and Rajah Smith will both run under the banner …
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February 7, 2019
VIP’s John Samuel, Arlene Smith-Thompson launch in D-3 and D-6
Water issues and tourism were at the forefront of the agendas of the two Virgin Islands Party candidates who launched their campaigns over the past week: John Samuel in District …
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January 31, 2019
VIP not in support of airport expansion
The Virgin Islands Party is “not in support” of the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. Lett- some International Airport at this time, according to party Chairman Andrew Fahie. Speaking …
January 25, 2019
Virgin Islands Party emphasises experience
Though most of his fellow candidates are political newcomers, Virgin Islands Party Chairman Andrew Fahie believes his own 20 years as First District representative and the VIP’s storied history set …
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January 23, 2019
Iris O’Neal Medical Centre now due next month
The estimated cost to complete the Iris O’Neal Medical Centre on Virgin Gorda is some $900,000, and the facility is expected to be finished in February, according to Health and …
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January 22, 2019
Peebles Hospital cost tops $114 million
This article originally appeared in the Beacon’s print edition on Jan. 17. The total cost of the new Peebles Hospital has exceeded $114 million, Health and Social Development Minister Marlon …
January 21, 2019
With full slate, Virgin Islands Party hits the campaign trail
The general election could come as late as April 16, but in a campaign meet-and-greet on Saturday on Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Islands Party Chairman Andrew Fahie (R-D1) predicted that …
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December 28, 2018
Government hopes to rebuild Palm Grove Shopping Centre
The government will soon invite proposals for rebuilding the Palm Grove Shopping Centre, which was demolished in August after being gutted by Hurricane Irma, according to Premier Dr. Orlando Smith. …
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December 22, 2018
Ronnie Skelton replaces Andrew Fahie at helm of opposition
At-large representative Ronnie Skelton has been appointed opposition leader, replacing First District Representative Andrew Fahie, Governor Gus Jaspert announced Friday. Mr. Jaspert said he received a letter from Mr. Skelton …
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November 22, 2018
Reopened clinic renamed for West End midwife Theresa Smith Blyden
Years ago, nurse Theresa Smith Blyden singlehandedly delivered babies for the entire West End community, including helping save the life of a mother of twins. And on Tuesday, she was …
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October 18, 2018
Lawmakers punt on human rights law
The establishment of the long-delayed Human Rights Commission has been postponed once again. Last week, after debating a bill designed to bring forward the commission, House of Assembly lawmakers broke …
October 5, 2018
Attorney General sides with speaker amid candidate rumours
Attorney General Baba Aziz issued a legal opinion on Tuesday backing Speaker of the House Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe’s decision to continue serving in her role despite press reports indicating that she …
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October 4, 2018
First Cabinet decisions made public
In a long-awaited move to increase government transparency, the first set of weekly Cabinet decisions was released to the public last Thursday. “The publicising of Cabinet decisions marks another milestone …
July 20, 2018
West End customs and immigration now housed in trailer
West End customs and immigration will be temporarily housed in a 20-foot trailer donated this week, according Anthony McMaster, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works. Meanwhile, designs …
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