Last Thursday morning, attorneys, judges and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley followed Dame Janice Pereira and a police honour guard to the Multi-purpose Sports Complex for a special sitting of …
Audit blasts 2019-2022 contracting procedures
The government tendered fewer than half of the major contracts it awarded between 2019 and 2022, and it often passed over the lowest offer for the rest, according to a …
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Money watchdog to get new powers
The BVI Financial Investigation Agency is expected to get extra powers to combat money crime and terrorism financing under a bill the House of Assembly passed on Tuesday. Premier Dr. …
Insults fly as no-confidence vote bumped again
Heated exchanges erupted in the House of Assembly on Tuesday evening after Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley suddenly changed the parliamentary agenda and further delayed a motion of no confidence …
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Minister pledges to boost sister islands healthcare
Nearly two months after a death on Virgin Gorda sparked a public outcry about healthcare shortcomings on the sister islands, Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley stood in the …
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Virgin Islands takes leadership role in regional UN body
Countries from across the Americas have elected the Virgin Islands to serve in a leadership role in the United Nations body responsible for advancing the Caribbean’s economic and social development. …
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Water payments to go online
Starting in January, residents will be able to pay their water and sewerage bills online, Communications and Works Minister Kye Rymer announced Friday in the House of Assembly. Describing the …
Study probes cruise sector in region
A preliminary economic study examining the cruise industry’s impacts in the Caribbean will be presented this week at a conference in St. Maarten, according to Communications and Works Minister Kye …
In five years, NHI paid five providers $90m
On Friday in the House of Assembly, Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley disclosed the amounts the National Health Insurance programme paid to the top five local healthcare providers …
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FROM THE ARCHIVES, 2010: Quake rocks Haiti
On June 7, The BVI Beacon turned 40. To celebrate, it is re-publishing some of the biggest stories from its archives over the past four decades. The article below originally …
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Seven of 52 homes sold at Joes Hill
More than two years after the Social Security Board began marketing the 52 homes at its Joes Hill Manor Estate development, seven have been sold and another seven sales are …
Picturing history, with AI’s help
On Monday, the government unveiled “official portraits” of the 10 national heroes named during last year’s Heroes and Foreparents Day. The portraits of the five who lived most recently are …
Virgin Islands heroes celebrated on Monday holiday
H. Lavity Stoutt Community College encouraged residents to interview an elder. The premier unveiled “official portraits” of the territory’s national heroes and a plan to build a new park in …
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FirstBank glitch gives customers a scare
Many FirstBank VI customers woke Tuesday morning to find their account balances at zero due to a glitch the bank later described as an “operational issue.” Though officials were silent …
Governor has assented to 4 of 15 COI bills
Four of the 15 bills the House of Assembly passed recently pursuant to recommendations from the Commission of Inquiry have now received assent from Governor Daniel Pruce, according to Premier …
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Trident downsizing hold ‘lessons,’ Smith says
Recent downsizing at one of the territory’s largest financial services firms shows that the sector needs to be adaptable and diverse, then-deputy premier Lorna Smith said Friday. Trident Trust has …
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Students take stand against bullying
“Respect is what you choose or you will lose,” declared a bright yellow sign designed by students from Leonora Delville Primary School. The slogan was among several similar messages displayed …
Premier fires Lorna Smith
A dramatic shake-up of the government yesterday saw Lorna Smith ousted as deputy premier and opposition member Julian Fraser crossing the floor of the House of Assembly to replace her. …
Premier meets with London rep at UN
Following the United Nations’ recent adoption of a “Pact for the Future” to further sustainable development and other global goals, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley met last week with a …
Virgin Islands repped at Dominica health meeting
The region’s health priorities should include mental-health literacy, non-communicable diseases, investigative medicine and climate-change resilience, according to Health and Social Development Minister Vincent Wheatley. Mr. Wheatley made the call during …
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‘Unsound’ man throws rocks at students
A “man of unsound mind” threw rocks at students who provoked him on Friday at St. George’s Primary School, according to a letter the school sent parents the same day. …
FROM THE ARCHIVES, 2008: Obama victory sparks celebrations, motorcade
On June 7, The BVI Beacon turned 40. To celebrate, it is re-publishing some of the biggest stories from its archives over the past four decades. The article below was …
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Quito’s to keep its groove after rebrand, say new owners
Quito’s Luxury Inn and Gazebo Restaurant are being formally relaunched under new names after they were purchased by a company chaired by Virgin Islands businessman Mark Vanterpool. The accommodation side …
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In first, medical school coming
In a move the government hopes will boost the economy and expand educational opportunities in the Virgin Islands, the territory’s first medical school is set to open next August after …
Beef Island flights taking off
Another regional airline has announced new routes to and from the Virgin Islands, further boosting the territory’s expanding connections to the rest of the Caribbean and beyond. The Haiti-headquartered carrier …