"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
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 …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Aligning HOA agenda with national plan is wise”
Caribbean territories and other small island states facing climate-change threats received a show of support from leaders around the region following an international meeting last month in St. Kitts and …
Continue reading “Leaders endorse VI’s call for climate help”
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 …
Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has acknowledged that low-paid workers were let down by the government’s sudden decision to delay a minimum-wage increase just before Christmas, but he said the planned …
Continue reading “Premier blames wage-boost delay on cost-of-living concerns”
The House of Assembly passed the 2025 budget with amendments on Dec. 19 after a lengthy debate over two days that touched on the economy, infrastructure, healthcare, the minimum wage …
Continue reading “Economy takes centre stage at budget debate”
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 …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: After 7 years of strife, the VI must emerge stronger”
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 …
Continue reading “FROM THE ARCHIVES, 2017: Down, but not out”
If there was an overarching theme at the ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday, it was that the Recovery and Development Agency gets things done. At a podium set up in front …
A long-time critic of the Virgin Islands’ financial services sector has been appointed as the United Kingdom’s new “Anti-Corruption Champion.” Baroness Margaret Hodge has pledged to end “dither and delay” …
Continue reading “Virgin Islands critic is new UK anti-corruption czar”
At the start of the second of three public meetings held last week to discuss the government’s proposal to expand the Virgin Islands’ main airport, Clive Smith told attendees that …
Continue reading “Government gets earful at airport meetings”
A surprise move this week saw the long-heralded boost to the minimum wage indefinitely delayed without an explanation from Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. The announcement, which drew fire from the …
The government’s latest proposals to expand the runway at the Virgin Islands’ main airport were unveiled at a public meeting the evening of Nov. 26, but major details about the …
Continue reading “Three airport options unveiled at public meetings”
A record 140 brokers attended the Fall Charter Yacht Show last week to meet captains and crewmembers aboard the 53 participating boats, organisers said. The broker number represented a 20 …
More than $2 million will be spent this year on a programme aimed at helping the unemployed back to work, Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said. During his Monday budget address, …
Continue reading “Back-to-work programme to get $2 million this year”
The number of new companies incorporated in the Virgin Islands rose sharply in the second quarter of 2024, according to figures released recently by the Financial Services Commission. The tally …
Of the $100 million loan the government signed Oct. 31, $36 million is earmarked for roadwork. The allocation may fall far short. The cornerstone of leaders’ plan to repair the …
Continue reading “38-mile road project could cost $100m, Penn says”
After a divisive campaign season tainted by mudslinging and racism allegations, Donald Trump won back the United States presidency at 6:34 a.m. Wednesday, handily defeating Vice President Kamala Harris and …
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “In five years, NHI paid five providers $90m”
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 …
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 …
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 …
Continue reading “Quito’s to keep its groove after rebrand, say new owners”
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 …
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton has called for a mass show of public support tomorrow morning at the House of Assembly to back a motion of no confidence in the government. …
Continue reading “Opposition pushes protest to oust government”
Representatives from Nanny Cay continued making their case to residents last Thursday for a $30-$40 million expansion that they hope to complete within three years after they receive the green …
