Following a daylight armed robbery on July 1 and a high-speed boat chase last week, National Security Council leaders acknowledged concern among community members about violent crime and asked for …
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 …
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 …
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, …
Continue reading “Three of four party leaders field questions”
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 …
Continue reading “Interview: Wheatley says turmoil strengthened VIP”
Premier: UN, VI relations ‘stronger than ever’
As part of its legal obligation to support the world’s non-self-governing territories, the 77th United Nations General Assembly recently adopted its annual resolution to support the Virgin Islands. In that …
Continue reading “Premier: UN, VI relations ‘stronger than ever’”
Meetings with United Kingdom leaders delayed
Following the recent leadership shakeup in the United Kingdom, senior UK officials have postponed meetings with leaders in the Virgin Islands and other overseas territories. Former OT Minister Jesse Norman …
Continue reading “Meetings with United Kingdom leaders delayed”
After 20 years, public service compensation review starts
Asked to identify their primary job-related concern, 79 percent of Virgin Islands public officers who took a recent survey mentioned insufficient pay. Those concerns may soon be addressed with the …
Continue reading “After 20 years, public service compensation review starts”
Premier, governor attend Queen’s funeral
The world watched this week as Queen Elizabeth II was laid to rest following her death on Sept. 8, and Virgin Islands leaders joined in mourning both here and in …
Premier, guv tout reform progress
Despite a missed deadline to publish the Register of Interests by June 30, Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said on July 1 that they are pleased …
No direct rule for now as UK accepts unity government’s proposal
The wait is over. Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley announced on Wednesday morning that the United Kingdom will not suspend parts of the Virgin Islands Constitution …
Continue reading “No direct rule for now as UK accepts unity government’s proposal”
Wheatley promises change ‘at every level’
As the Virgin Islands awaits a decision from the United Kingdom on a possible period of direct rule, the new National Unity Government is promising a “fresh start” with widespread …
Continue reading “Wheatley promises change ‘at every level’”
Government makes plans ahead of UK decision
The territory waited in limbo after the newly formed National Unity Government privately sent the United Kingdom a proposal last week to make reforms locally without the two-year dissolution of …
Continue reading “Government makes plans ahead of UK decision”
UPDATE: House votes to oust Premier Andrew Fahie
With 10 votes in favour and one absence from Health and Social Development Minister Carvin Malone, the House of Assembly unanimously passed a no-confidence resolution on Thursday calling to revoke …
Continue reading “UPDATE: House votes to oust Premier Andrew Fahie”
HOA offers plan to avoid direct UK rule
In an attempt to avoid the partial suspension of the Constitution and a temporary takeover of the Virgin Islands government by the United Kingdom, VI political leaders are proposing that …
UK overseas territory minister visits VI
Amanda Milling, the United Kingdom minister responsible for the overseas territories, visited the Virgin Islands this week to discuss topics including Russia sanctions, other diplomatic affairs and public company registers. …
Wheatley calls for focus on climate financing
Deputy Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley recently called for a focus on climate financing for the 14 associate member countries of the United Nations Economic Commission of Latin America and …
Continue reading “Wheatley calls for focus on climate financing”
After teacher “sickout”, education minister seeks $2 million to fix school system
A high school campus shuttered so cleaners could rid it of mould. A primary school classroom temporarily unusable after ceiling tiles collapsed. Stipends and back pay for teachers that have …
Continue reading “After teacher “sickout”, education minister seeks $2 million to fix school system”