While detailing his recent efforts to shore up relations with the United Kingdom during a May 16 press conference, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley also announced the creation of the …
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 …
Meet the Candidates
As voters head to the polls today and Monday, they have plenty of choices. The 42 candidates for the 13 House of Assembly seats — who include 25 district hopefuls …
EDITORIAL: VI strong, but government recovery far behind
For the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma, we asked a handful of residents to grade the territory’s recovery on a scale of one to ten. Their scores averaged nearly seven, …
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RDA completed 7 projects in 2021
The Recovery and Development Agency oversaw seven projects last year and is looking to complete more in 2022, including works at the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, RDA acting CEO …
Main Street stays up late
Christmas shopping metamorphosed into an informal barbecue and dance party last Thursday night in hopes of coaxing night-time shoppers to a small but thriving area across from the Road Town …
COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for better gov’t
The institution of government matters, and it is legit. Nonetheless, the government is often criticised, maligned and raked mercilessly over hot coal. Some of the criticism is self-inflicted and well-deserved. …
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Vaccinated can soon skip BVI Gateway
Starting Oct. 1, fully vaccinated travellers entering the territory will no longer have to register online through the BVI Gateway portal, Premier Andrew Fahie announced Tuesday night on Virgin Islands …
Young leaders tackle self-determination
During the historic first session of the second Virgin Islands Youth Parliament on March 11, young representatives drew on extensive research as they shared their hopes for the territory’s future …
As legislature turns 70, HOA looks ahead
As he spoke about the 1950 restoration of the Legislative Council, Premier Andrew Fahie compared the Virgin Islands to a lab rat that doesn’t realise the familiar glass borders to …
EDITORIAL: Last month’s press conference should be repeated weekly
Kudos to government for hosting a comprehensive press conference last month in a format that we hope will become the new normal going forward. The session was ideal for several …
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Alvera Caines-Maduro, D-6 rep, crosses the aisle to Virgin Islands Party
Seated next to Premier Andrew Fahie during a surprise press conference at Village Cay, Alvera Maduro-Caines announced Monday afternoon that she had resigned from the National Democratic Party and will …
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Premier: New court facilities coming soon
A new Magistrates’ Court is currently being designed and planned as part of the first phase of the “Halls of Justice” project, according to Government Information Services. Premier Andrew Fahie …
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Junior ministers trade places with no notice
Fewer than nine months after their original appointment, the government’s two junior ministers traded places on Monday, Premier Andrew Fahie announced the next day. As of Monday, Shereen Flax-Charles (R-at …
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8 cops get ‘close protection training’
Eight officers from the Armed Response Unit of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force recently completed a six-week “Close Protection Training” course conducted by the Bermuda police. The first cohort …
Revised recovery plan submitted to UK
Cabinet has approved and submitted a revised Recovery to Development Plan to the United Kingdom as part of efforts toward securing a loan guarantee. Premier Andrew Fahie said Monday that …
538 apply for ‘1,000 jobs’ initiative
A new programme designed to boost employment in the territory was received with interest from hotels and other businesses last week. Claude Skelton-Cline reached out the BVI Chamber of Commerce …
Government ‘on the way’ to loan guarantee
After weeks of criticising the United Kingdom’s conditions for a recovery loan guarantee, Premier Andrew Fahie returned from a visit to London and said this week that his government is …
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Gov’t recovery drags amid funding woes
In the weeks after Hurricane Irma, the recovery effort roared to life. With the help of funding and personnel from the United Kingdom and other partners, the Virgin Islands government …
EDITORIAL: Recovery has come far, but all is not well
In the two years since Hurricane Irma devastated the Virgin Islands, the territory has made astonishing progress that should make residents proud. Nevertheless, all is not well with the longer-term …
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Public officers trained to use drones
Police, fire fighters and other public officers recently completed training in using drones for disaster response. The three-day DARTdrones’ Basic Flight Training for Disaster Response, which concluded Friday, included classroom …
COMMENTARY — Gov’t warned of early grumbling
Smart politicians pay heed to early disenchantment from voters. Why? Because to be forewarned is to be forearmed. Voter grumbling and voter discontentment at specific matters usually mark the beginning …
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COMMENTARY — Ideas offered for new gov’t
Congratulations to our newly elected members in the Virgin Islands House of Assembly, and God’s blessings throughout your term. The campaigning was quite short. As a result, many candidates did …