"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
Although the government did not internationally launch the Climate Change Trust Fund this month as previously promised, we are encouraged to see the initiative finally gaining real momentum after so …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: A welcome reboot for the climate fund”
The Virgin Islands’ long-delayed climate fund didn’t launch internationally this month as previously planned, but a VI delegation has been laying the groundwork to roll it out next year instead. …
We fear we spoke too soon. Last November, we praised the Virgin Islands government for preliminary steps that should have boosted transparency surrounding the proposed expansion of the Terrance B. …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Government must stop backpedaling on airport transparency”
The National Democratic Party and Progressive Virgin Islands Movement both added election candidates over the past week, pulling largely from the pool of political veterans but also giving a platform …
Continue reading “Parties pit experience against new candidates”
Besides questioning current members of the House of Assembly over the past week, the Commission of Inquiry also called former members as it sought information about elected officials’ interests. Like …
Before discussing whether the Virgin Islands should pursue greater autonomy from the United Kingdom during the upcoming constitutional review, panellists at a Nov. 8 forum offered ideas about what is …
In 2015, few at-large candidates had as extensive a resume as Dancia Penn, who ran as an independent in that year’s general election. The former legislator was the first deputy premier, …
Continue reading “Independent candidates pushing for a fresh look”
In April 2017, legislators passed the Environmental Protection and Tourism Improvement Fund Act, establishing a $10 levy for non-cruise-ship visitors entering the Virgin Islands. The law — which took effect …
Continue reading “Eco-levy cash caught in government debate”
Health and Social Development Minister Ronnie Skelton plans to lead a new political party into the upcoming general elections, which are now due by April 16 after a surprise announcement …
Continue reading “Skelton splitting from NDP; guv moves election deadline up to April”
Three-time legislator and Fifth District representative Delores Christopher died on Tuesday. She was 70. Ms. Christopher, the third woman ever elected to the territory’s legislature, was known as a fierce …
Continue reading “Deputy Speaker Delores Christopher dies at 70”
The establishment of the long-delayed Human Rights Commission has been postponed once again. Last week, after debating a bill designed to bring forward the commission, House of Assembly lawmakers broke …
Attorney General Baba Aziz issued a legal opinion on Tuesday backing Speaker of the House Ingrid Moses-Scatliffe’s decision to continue serving in her role despite press reports indicating that she …
Continue reading “Attorney General sides with speaker amid candidate rumours”
In 2012, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour issued four contracts for the development of the now-nonoperational BVI Fishing Complex, covering the installation of equipment such as walk-in freezers, …
Continue reading “Audits criticise “pervasive” government contract splitting”
Expatriates making more than $100,000 a year will soon be able to process their work permits much faster than lower-earning employees, according to Government Information Services. The “executive work permit …
Continue reading “High earners to get work permits faster, government says”
United Kingdom officials assured overseas territories delegations last week that their European Union privileges would remain in place throughout the 21-month transition period after Brexit begins on March 29, 2019, …
Continue reading “Territories to retain EU benefits through 2020, UK says”
Abigail O’Neal is looking to a peculiar ally in the fight to make the territory more waste efficient and food secure: worms. The managing director of Green Technology (BVI) Limited, …
Continue reading “Green Tech to use worms for organic waste composting”
Deputy Premier Dr. Kedrick Pickering departed the territory on Sunday to serve in Premier Dr. Orlando Smith’s stead during the Joint Ministerial Council meetings in the United Kingdom, according to …
Continue reading “Pickering heads to UK for Brexit Joint Ministerial Council”
By the end of next week, the National Democratic Party could have a new leader for the first time since its inception in 1999. Both Ronnie Skelton, the minister for …
Continue reading “National Democratic Party may face leadership shakeup”
More than two dozen protesters took to the streets of Road Town on Friday afternoon, demanding “more accountability” and “better money management” from the government of the Virgin Islands. “We …
Continue reading “Marchers demand accountability, transparency from government”
House of Assembly lawmakers unanimously passed the 2018 Appropriation Act on Friday, budgeting for a deficit for the first time in recent memory. The budget passed with amendments, and though …