Tsunamis are rare, but they can be catastrophic, and the Virgin Islands must prepare for them just as it prepares for hurricanes each year. Kudos, therefore, are due to the …
EDITORIAL: Long Bay restoration an example for all beaches
We applaud the ongoing restoration efforts at Long Bay on Beef Island, which are part of a well-conceived management plan designed to repair and protect one of the Virgin Islands’ …
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EDITORIAL: After Fahie guilty verdicts, a time for healing and reform
After a United States judge confirmed a jury’s guilty verdicts against Andrew Fahie on drug-conspiracy charges, the territory he once led must now come to terms with the case’s conclusion. …
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EDITORIAL: Ideas for a brighter 2024
There is much to do in 2024. This year is an opportunity for a fresh start following six difficult years that started with Hurricane Irma in 2017 and continued with …
EDITORIAL: 2023 was a year of healing and laboured progress
As the Virgin Islands approaches the New Year, it’s prudent to reflect on the many high points of 2023 and to analyse what could have gone better. In many ways, …
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EDITORIAL: COP28 a big deal for Virgin Islands
What happened in Dubai this month at the United Nations Climate Change Conference won’t stay in Dubai. It will have wide-ranging ramifications for the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean …
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EDITORIAL: Sewer contracts are progress, but leaders must stay focused
We were heartened by the latest round of contracts signed to advance the much-delayed sewerage project in East End/Long Look, where residents have long suffered from untreated waste running in …
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EDITORIAL: Is crime at a tipping point?
Crime in the Virgin Islands appears to be approaching a dangerous tipping point where the rule of law and the institutions that ensure it are at risk of being overwhelmed. …
EDITORIAL: Philippe a reminder to stay vigilant
The recent passage of Tropical Storm Philippe was a timely reminder that Virgin Islands residents should remain vigilant through the end of the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season and beyond. Philippe …
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EDITORIAL: Crown land reform a long time in coming
We are delighted that the government plans to launch a public crown land register that can be viewed online. Even better, the register is only one part of ongoing reforms …
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EDITORIAL: Prospect has prospects
We are glad that the new government is jump-starting long-delayed plans to redevelop the Prospect Reef Resort. To hear Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley tell it, leaders seem to be …
EDITORIAL: Six years after Irma, all is not well
The past year has seen the most progress yet on the government’s protracted recovery from hurricanes Irma and Maria. Unfortunately, that’s not saying much. First, though, the good news: The …
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EDITORIAL: Airport project won’t work without full transparency
For more than a decade, a disturbing lack of transparency has surrounded multiple governments’ unsuccessful efforts to expand the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport. The new government must turn over …
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EDITORIAL: Much to celebrate, much to remember
In the coming days, we hope that everyone will partake in a post-pandemic August Emancipation Festival that promises to be one for the record books. But amid the revelry, the …
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EDITORIAL: Are Virgin Islands airports in crisis?
Something is terribly wrong at the territory’s airports, and the BVI Airports Authority owes the public a full and candid explanation. On July 17, for the second time in less …
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EDITORIAL: Public disservice
We are alarmed by recent signs that the government is increasingly struggling to provide the most basic public services. Perhaps the most glaring example is electricity. In large sections of …
EDITORIAL: Airports closure was unacceptable
Today, American Airlines will launch direct service between here and Miami — a major step toward resolving the access issues that have plagued the territory for decades. As the service …
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EDITORIAL: Now it’s time to get to work
The people have spoken, and the territory’s democratic machinery has processed their input and delivered a government headed by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Though voters did not give Dr. …
EDITORIAL: Vote, but do it wisely
A democracy is only as strong as the citizens who participate meaningfully in its affairs. And that goes double for any democracy facing the sort of turmoil that has beset …
EDITORIAL: Proposed culture policy is most welcome
Kudos to the government for drafting the five-year Virgin Islands Culture and Heritage Policy and Strategy, which promises to preserve, revitalise and study a cultural heritage that has been neglected …
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EDITORIAL: Come out of the gutter, please
The election campaigns are just getting under way, but already too many candidates are sliding inexorably toward the gutter. Before this trend gets out of control, the parties and independent …
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EDITORIAL: Prepare now for the height of storm season
This Atlantic Hurricane Season has been eerily quiet so far, but with storm activity expected to intensify in the coming weeks the territory must not let down its guard. In …
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EDITORIAL: Open the interests register with no restrictions
Our first draft of this editorial praised legislators for passing a bill last month to finally make the Register of Interests public, thereby promoting the sort of government transparency that …
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EDITORIAL: Celebrating and remembering
As the first fully in-person August Emancipation Festival in three years gets under way, we encourage everyone to celebrate while also remembering the reason for the annual observance. On Aug. …
EDITORIAL: Next year’s general election must not derail reforms
With a general election due early next year, there is a very real danger that a divisive campaign season could derail the ongoing governance reforms and trigger direct rule by …
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