Opposition Leader Marlon Penn sought a comprehensive list of Cabinet decisions during a recent House of Assembly sitting, but Premier Andrew Fahie declined to provide it, first claiming that it …
Demolition progresses at admin complex
Demolition and waterproofing work has progressed at the Ralph T. O’Neal Administration Complex this year despite complications caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Transportation, Works and Utilities Minister Kye …
All schools allowed to bring back students
The new academic year is fast approaching, and government announced this week that all private and public schools will be permitted to have students return for in-person instruction. The recent …
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New USVI-based health services chair approved
During an emergency meeting on July 29, the House of Assembly approved the appointment of a new BVI Health Services Authority Board chairman, Moleto Smith Jr., who is based in …
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August Festival events postponed
Last year’s August Emancipation Festival was marked with a mashup of virtual and in-person events featuring live-streamed musical showcases and poetry competitions as well as small traditional markets and food …
EDITORIAL: Vaccine drive is a good move
The evidence is clear. Covid-19 vaccinations save lives, and they probably could have prevented most, if not all, of the tragic deaths from the disease the territory has seen so …
Clerk: HOA was ‘overwhelmed’ with Covid applications
The Commission of Inquiry called House of Assembly Clerk Phyllis Evans to testify on July 14, asking her why incomplete applications for pandemic aid were accepted, how ministers decide who …
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First VI Day celebrated quietly
With Virgin Islandsthemed balloons decorating tables, the territorial song playing from speakers, tarts and guavaberry rum being shared, and employees sporting T-shirts with popular sayings like “One hand can’t clap,” …
In inquiry, ex-top cop Matthews slams barge plan
During a hearing before the Commission of Inquiry last month, former Police Commissioner Michael Matthews slammed the government’s decision to rent three barges to help patrol the territory’s borders in …
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Mental Health Month tackles Covid-19
For Dr. Virginia Rubaine, Mental Health Month takes on added importance this year as the community struggles with the Covid-19 pandemic. “We’re going to be providing information about adapting after …
Fahie calls seaport opening a ‘success’
The recent seaport reopening has come with some “teething pains,” but it has been an overall success, Premier Andrew Fahie said on April 29 in the House of Assembly. Between …
New unemployment numbers released
In the latest update on how the pandemic has affected unemployment in the Virgin Islands, government said more than 14 percent of employees at businesses reporting to the Department of …
More students allowed on campus for final term
As students prepare for the final term of the 2020-21 school year, more of them will be permitted to attend class in person following recent decisions by Cabinet. But schools …
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EDITORIAL: Government should explain funeral case
The government should explain in detail the circumstances that led to funeral-goers being exposed to Covid-19 last month in a potential super-spreader event even as the territory apparently jumped from …
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Premier mum on number of biz grants paid out
Premier Andrew Fahie still hasn’t said how many of 1,258 businesses approved for stimulus grants have received their cheques as part of a $6.5 million initiative launched last year to …
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Government saw $30 million revenue shortfall during 2020
Legislators have often discussed the financial hardship caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but they hashed out some of the details during last week’s House of Assembly sitting. The territory was …
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EDITORIAL: Kudos to pandemic heroes
March 11 marked the first anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s declaration of the Covid-19 pandemic, which brought a year of extraordinary challenges for this territory and the rest of …
Border barges cost $360k per month
Though the Virgin Islands reopened to tourists at the start of December, the seaports remain closed to international travel, and government is continuing with measures to fortify border patrols. To …
Ports opening pushed with four days’ notice
The government isn’t equipped to monitor both the Covid-19 vaccination rollout and a long-promised sea border reopening, which therefore has been pushed back another 45 days to April 15, the …
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49th Spring Regatta postponed until 2022
The annual BVI Spring Regatta and Sailing Festival has been pushed back for a second year due to complications arising from the Covid-19 pandemic, organisers announced Friday. “As much as …
Opposition leader calls for ‘stimulus 2.0’
As the first anniversary of the Covid-19 pandemic approaches, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn recently highlighted a need for additional relief while addressing the pandemic, the tourism industry and other economic …
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3,000 masks and counting
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, Virgin Islands resident Denise Carson made it her goal to ensure that everyone in need of a face mask was able to get …
Cabinet relaunches meeting summaries
As conversation about the importance of good governance buzzes in the community, officials recently relaunched a transparency measure they had discontinued shortly after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. On …
‘Temporary layoffs’ get longer
The workforce furlough extension passed in the House of Assembly last year has been prolonged by another month and now lasts through the end of February, government announced. The move …
14th governor sworn in
Governor John Rankin first visited the Virgin Islands not on vacation, but to lend his support as leader of a fellow overseas territory in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma in …