After facing criticism for delaying assent to two bills that would decriminalise and legalise medical marijuana, Governor Gus Jaspert said last Thursday that the matter is now in the hands …
December 17, 2020
December 13, 2020
Premier slams governor over call for reform
During what may have been Governor Gus Jaspert’s last press conference before he steps down in January, he called for governance reforms and transparency measures and told the media that …
Continue reading “Premier slams governor over call for reform”
November 5, 2020
Jaspert gives final throne speech today
Governor Gus Jaspert is preparing for the end of his tenure at the start of the new year, when he will be replaced by current Bermuda Governor John Rankin. But …
October 19, 2020
EDITORIAL: Sniping at the UK is not the way toward independence
As the Virgin Islands prepares for a constitutional review, Premier Andrew Fahie should stop picking petty fights with the United Kingdom. Instead, he should use diplomacy to lay the groundwork …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Sniping at the UK is not the way toward independence”
July 24, 2020
Virgin Gorda shelters prep for hurricanes
Nearly two months into a hurricane season predicted to be more active than usual, officials are stepping up efforts to prepare shelters and create a disaster plan for each sister …
Continue reading “Virgin Gorda shelters prep for hurricanes”
July 19, 2020
Governor okays consumer law, layoff extension
The House of Assembly passed 14 pieces of legislation last month, including bills to legalise gambling and medical marijuana in the territory. The majority still await assent from Governor Gus …
Continue reading “Governor okays consumer law, layoff extension”
July 3, 2020
Speaker requests apology from governor
Speaker of the House Julian Willock kicked off the 11th sitting of the House of Assembly on June 26 by seeking a formal apology from Governor Gus Jaspert regarding a …
July 2, 2020
Governor supports constitutional review
During a Tuesday afternoon press conference, Governor Gus Jaspert gave updates on the recent Black Lives Matter march, environmental grants, the coming constitutional review, hurricane preparedness, and other topics. However, …
June 12, 2020
House nixes motion to censure governor
Last week in the House of Assembly, elected leaders delayed the Consumer Protection Bill and other government business and spent at least 10 hours debating a motion to “reprimand” Governor …
June 3, 2020
Pandemic complicates hurricane season
Though hurricane season is nothing new to most Virgin Islands residents, preparation work for it may look quite different this year. Governor Gus Jaspert offered a reminder that although the …
May 28, 2020
Premier, governor trade jabs over Protocols
“How much money do we allow for Covid-19?” Premier Andrew Fahie asked last Thursday during a press conference. “That, no one can answer. How much are we going to put …
Continue reading “Premier, governor trade jabs over Protocols”
March 20, 2020
1st cohort since Brexit become British citizens
A cohort of freshly registered British citizens, the first from the Virgin Islands since the United Kingdom withdrew from the European Union on Jan. 31, celebrated their new status last …
Continue reading “1st cohort since Brexit become British citizens”
February 21, 2020
Governor okays bill decried by free-speech groups
In a move feared by international free-speech advocates, Governor Gus Jaspert announced last week that he had assented to a cybercrime amendment that they predict will stifle free speech and …
Continue reading “Governor okays bill decried by free-speech groups”
February 17, 2020
Another bill triggers free-speech alarms
In the midst of harsh criticism from free-speech advocates about a cybercrime amendment that took effect last Wednesday, the House of Assembly is now considering another proposed law that has …
February 6, 2020
Territory wary as Brexit arrives
“The UK is now outside the European Union,” Governor Gus Jaspert said during a Monday press conference. “But there are some important messages for people in the BVI in terms …
February 6, 2020
Cops to get financial and cybercrime training
A team from the United Kingdom will help train Virgin Islands police in building financial investigation skills, Governor Gus Jaspert told reporters Monday during his latest press conference. As part …
Continue reading “Cops to get financial and cybercrime training”
February 5, 2020
COMMENTARY — Guv explains likely Brexit impacts
The United Kingdom is set to leave the European Union tomorrow with a deal. This deal includes a newly negotiated withdrawal agreement, whereby the UK will enter an implementation period …
Continue reading “COMMENTARY — Guv explains likely Brexit impacts”
January 24, 2020
Fahie defends bill opposed by free-speech advocates
Despite media organisations abroad strongly opposing parts of a cybercrime bill that awaits Governor Gus Jaspert’s assent, Premier Andrew Fahie doubled down on his support for the legislation this week. …
Continue reading “Fahie defends bill opposed by free-speech advocates”
December 19, 2019
Guv: 2019 ‘a year of change’
During a final meeting with the press before the end of the year, Governor Gus Jaspert gave updates on various issues in the territory, as well as a year-in-review that …
November 25, 2019
Throne speech lists planned laws
Governor Gus Jaspert outlined the government’s legislative agenda under the theme “Going Green, Going Smart” during his annual Speech from the Throne last Thursday, repeating many unfulfilled promises laid out …
November 8, 2019
UK and VI in ‘technical’ talks on new recovery plan
The government is in discussions with United Kingdom officials about the new Recovery to Development Plan, which was submitted to the UK on Sept. 27 as part of ongoing efforts …
Continue reading “UK and VI in ‘technical’ talks on new recovery plan”
June 13, 2019
Medals awarded at Queen’s birthday event
Hundreds of Virgin Islands residents marched into the Festival Village Grounds on Friday for a parade and ceremony to celebrate the 93rd birthday of Queen Elizabeth II. Governor Gus Jaspert …
June 11, 2019
D-4 residents deliver petition to governor
Fourth District residents and opposition members delivered a petition to Governor Gus Jaspert on Tuesday calling for Mark Vanterpool to be sworn in as Fourth District representative and citing a …
Continue reading “D-4 residents deliver petition to governor”
June 5, 2019
Governor: UK will not take over government
Governor Gus Jaspert emphasised the importance of environmentally sustainable practices during a press conference last Thursday at Government House. It was one of several points he made during the “Catch …
Continue reading “Governor: UK will not take over government”
April 5, 2019
Cabinet holds retreat on Scrub Island
The new Cabinet held an “Executive Briefing Retreat” at the Scrub Island Resort Spa and Marina on March 20 under the theme “Looking Ahead: The Cabinet’s Executive Mandate.” “This retreat …
