As questions rage over the extent of government involvement in the crisis-hit Bank of Asia, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has lashed out at what he called “slanderous” claims regarding a …
June 28, 2025
May 16, 2025
Governor won’t disclose police-vetting deal
Virgin Islands police officers are not being “tricked” into providing personal financial information under a controversial new vetting system launched last week after lengthy delays, Governor Daniel Pruce said Friday. …
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May 15, 2025
UK on brink of big COI decisions
The endgame for the three-year-long Commission of Inquiry reform process has begun in earnest as the governor and premier each unveiled their final analysis ahead of pivotal decision-making by London …
May 12, 2025
After a decade of delays, climate fund could soon get millions
Efforts to tackle climate change in the territory may soon be eligible for long-delayed funding from a pot that has grown to almost $6 million. After sitting empty for a …
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May 8, 2025
Government completes COI self-assessment
The Cabinet has received the Commission of Inquiry self-assessment report it hopes will persuade London to lift the threat of direct rule, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. The government …
April 24, 2025
United Kingdom to vet Virgin Islands cops for now
The United Kingdom Home Office will soon vet all Virgin Islands police officers, in part because the territory’s Police Service Commission is not yet up to the task, Governor Daniel …
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April 10, 2025
Security review sets stage for UK-VI spat
Claiming that corruption and organised crime have seriously undermined security in the Virgin Islands, the second volume of a scathing law-enforcement review lays out a 10-year reform plan that would …
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March 24, 2025
New minister role could be first for OTs
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s bid to create a new “minister of state” role in his government could be an attempt to expand the Cabinet “through the back door,” according to …
February 19, 2025
EDITORIAL: Register of Interests a shameful COI fail
The House of Assembly and Governor Daniel Pruce should be ashamed of themselves for leaving in place absurd rules limiting the public’s access to HOA members’ Register of Interests. In …
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February 14, 2025
Premier hits back at UK critics
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has hit back against claims that he says unfairly portray the Virgin Islands as a “rogue state” when it comes to fighting financial crime. Mr. Wheatley …
January 31, 2025
Government spreads word about COI reforms
As the government continues implementing the reforms recommended by the 2022 Commission of Inquiry report, it will also work to educate residents about the effort and seek public input on …
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January 23, 2025
No-confidence vote still in works
On Friday, opposition members repeated a claim they have been making for four months, insisting that Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley should be ousted over his alleged failure to tackle rising …
January 23, 2025
Walwyn wall case tossed
A magistrate tossed out charges against two former Virgin Islands education officials on Jan. 21, effectively ending a criminal case linked to a 2014 wall project at the Elmore Stoutt …
January 14, 2025
EDITORIAL: Aligning HOA agenda with national plan is wise
We are cautiously optimistic about the sensible plans included in the legislative agenda unveiled in the recent Speech from the Throne even though the to-do list appears overly ambitious for …
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January 9, 2025
Cops probe video allegedly pushing violence
Police have been investigating a video circulating on social media that they said appeared to advocate violence as a form of political expression. They did not provide further details about …
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January 9, 2025
Throne speech pegged to plan
The first Speech from the Throne in two years emphasised the elected government’s determination to push ahead with the six broad goals laid out in the territory’s National Sustainable Development …
December 28, 2024
EDITORIAL: After 7 years of strife, the VI must emerge stronger
The past 12 months have not been easy for the Virgin Islands, but 2024 nevertheless brought glimpses of the light at the end of a tunnel the territory entered when …
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November 29, 2024
Premier hails ‘reset’ with Britain
Britain is seeking a “reset” of relations with the Virgin Islands and other overseas territories, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said following discussions in London between United Kingdom ministers and OT …
November 22, 2024
EDITORIAL: UK minister missed the mark on transparency
For decades, successive governors and other United Kingdom leaders have pressured the Virgin Islands government to be more transparent. They are right to do so. But the UK must also …
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November 14, 2024
UK leaves direct rule on table until 2025
London will not decide until next year whether to lift its threat to impose direct rule on the Virgin Islands, according to United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty. The …
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November 7, 2024
OT minister visits, avoiding press and public meetings
United Kingdom Overseas Territories Minister Stephen Doughty visited the Virgin Islands this week to assess the recent Commission of Inquiry reforms and meet with leaders eager to convince him that …
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October 31, 2024
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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October 22, 2024
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 …
October 11, 2024
Law enforcers trained in emergency care
In a move linked to the recent Commission of Inquiry recommendations, nearly 50 law enforcement officers have completed a certified course on emergency care and treatment in disasters. The one-week …
October 3, 2024
COI reforms off gov’t desk, premier says
After the House of Assembly passed the last of five bills to reform statutory bodies last Thursday, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley boasted this week that his government has completed …
