Last Thursday morning at Long Bay on Beef Island, Angela Burnett-Penn pointed to a bushy tree growing on a sand dune near the ocean. “This is the enemy. This is …
Money laundering report brings threat of ‘grey list’
A major international report released Monday raises serious concerns about the territory’s ability to deal with money laundering and other financial crime, leading one expert to warn that “red lights” …
Continue reading “Money laundering report brings threat of ‘grey list’”
Peter Island blames Covid for rebuild delays
The Covid-19 pandemic was to blame for the four-year delay in reopening Peter Island Resort, operators told the Beacon. The upmarket tourist property has been shuttered since sustaining heavy damage …
Continue reading “Peter Island blames Covid for rebuild delays”
Peter Island Resort to reopen this year
After a protracted rebuild following the hurricanes of 2017, the landmark Peter Island Resort will reopen in time for the next tourism season, operators announced last week. The upmarket holiday …
Delayed National Emergency Operations Centre promised by late this year
More than six years after Hurricane Irma destroyed the National Emergency Operations Centre in McNamara, a new facility is slated to be completed in the fourth quarter of this year …
Continue reading “Delayed National Emergency Operations Centre promised by late this year”
Government promises to tackle high insurance costs
As natural disasters caused by climate change drive up insurance prices here and abroad, the government is planning a raft of measures to ease the burden in the Virgin Islands, …
Continue reading “Government promises to tackle high insurance costs”
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 …
Government Irma recovery plods on
During the eye of Hurricane Irma on Sept. 6, 2017, senior government officials in charge of the disaster response were forced to evacuate the very building that was supposed to …
Six years later, residents remember
The past six years have dealt some serious blows to the Virgin Islands community as residents worked to rebuild from hurricanes Irma and Maria, then had to deal with the …
Stage set for new learning centre
As the sixth anniversary of hurricanes Irma and Maria nears, the students at Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre will return to class at the Valerie O. Thomas Community Centre in …
Marina Cay opens for first time since Irma
For the first time since Hurricane Irma devastated Marina Cay in 2017, the eight-acre island near Trellis Bay reopened on June 30 with a bar and grill that will be …
Continue reading “Marina Cay opens for first time since Irma”
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: First post-pandemic class enters world of opportunity
Congratulations to the members of the Class of 2023, who overcame formidable challenges to get where they are today. First, they survived Hurricane Irma, which transformed the territory. Then they …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: First post-pandemic class enters world of opportunity”
Contracts signed for social homes on JVD, VG
Contracts were recently signed for the construction of three new social homes on the sister islands as part of the Housing Recovery Assistance Programme, government announced. Two homes will be …
Continue reading “Contracts signed for social homes on JVD, VG”
New ESHS buildings open
A new school semester is starting in an exciting way for students at Elmore Stoutt High School as they become the first to attend class at newly opened buildings on …
After Covid work, Harrigan honoured by king
During the Covid-19 pandemic, BVI Tourist Board Marketing Manager Lynette Harrigan quickly became known as the go-to source for travellers struggling to navigate the territory’s fast-changing entry protocols. In honour …
Continue reading “After Covid work, Harrigan honoured by king”
Gov’t Programme Hands over 18th Home
More than five years after Hurricane Irma, another resident has received a brand-new home to replace the one she and her family lost in the 2017 storms, government announced. Thanks …
Community reflects on passage of Irma
Amid rain and wind that lasted much of the week, leaders and other community members reflected on the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma, with a largely virtual remembrance of how …
VI has come a ‘long’ way with recovery, but some still struggling
“I would say we have a lot to be proud of,” Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a recent press conference when asked about the upcoming fifth anniversary of …
Continue reading “VI has come a ‘long’ way with recovery, but some still struggling”
Irma, then and now: Five years later
The Virgin Islands has transformed in the five years since it was devastated by Hurricane Irma on Sept. 6, 2017. Scroll down to compare scenes photographed shortly after Irma to …
Five years after Irma: Private sector leaves goverment far behind
To understand the Virgin Islands’ recovery five years after Hurricane Irma, consider Sopers Hole. The bay — which was devastated by the storm, with yachts turned topsy-turvy and buildings ripped …
Continue reading “Five years after Irma: Private sector leaves goverment far behind”
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, …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: VI strong, but government recovery far behind”
Five years later, Virgin Gorda sports arena reopens
Nearly five years after Hurricane Irma battered the Anthonie Jeffery Caines Sports Arena in Virgin Gorda, the refurbished facility officially reopened to the public during a Saturday handover ceremony. “This …
Continue reading “Five years later, Virgin Gorda sports arena reopens”
UK loan guarantee off the table
Several recovery projects are far behind schedule as the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Irma approaches, but Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a Aug. 8 press conference that the …
Peter Island mum on re-opening
One of the Virgin Islands’ flagship resorts is still rebuilding five years after Hurricane Irma, but the owners have been tightlipped about its progress. Although Peter Island Resort and Spa …