The premier has called for more international funding to tackle climate change at the start of a hurricane season that meteorologists expect to be very active. Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley …
June 6, 2024
June 4, 2024
Premier predicts tourism boom
Tourism is set to “shoot through the roof” following a post-Hurricane Irma high last year, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley has predicted. At a public event to mark his government’s …
May 23, 2024
Government touts first-year record
In an elaborate three-hour ceremony that featured dancers, saluting children, and the Rocky theme song, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley touted his government’s first year in office in a “territorial …
April 19, 2024
Marine base handed over
After their base sustained major damage from hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, marine police now have a new, expanded building that they will share with customs and immigration officers. …
April 18, 2024
Burt Point sewage plant back online
The Burt Point sewage treatment plant is operational again for the first time since it sustained major damage during Hurricane Irma in 2017. Extensive repairs on the facility were completed …
March 16, 2024
Native trees planted at Long Bay
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 …
February 29, 2024
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” …
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February 12, 2024
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 …
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January 26, 2024
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 …
January 22, 2024
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 …
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November 17, 2023
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, …
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September 18, 2023
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 …
September 7, 2023
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 …
September 7, 2023
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 …
August 31, 2023
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 …
July 10, 2023
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 …
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July 5, 2023
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 …
June 21, 2023
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 …
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June 8, 2023
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 …
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January 20, 2023
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 …
January 1, 2023
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 …
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October 21, 2022
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 …
September 9, 2022
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 …
September 9, 2022
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 …
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September 6, 2022
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 …
