Following a daylight armed robbery on July 1 and a high-speed boat chase last week, National Security Council leaders acknowledged concern among community members about violent crime and asked for …
July 27, 2023
July 21, 2023
British territories meet with Caribbean Development Bank
In the wake of Hurricane Irma, the Virgin Islands discovered that its relatively high per-capita gross domestic product made it ineligible for certain forms of development assistance and concessionary financing …
Continue reading “British territories meet with Caribbean Development Bank”
June 1, 2023
Direct Miami flights to launch today
As the territory prepared for the launch today of daily direct flights between Beef Island and Miami, a test flight that landed on May 25 was dubbed a success. When …
May 11, 2023
Premier, governor attend coronation
As one of his first orders of international business since his re-election last month, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley joined world leaders in witnessing the coronation of King Charles III …
May 11, 2023
New government not a ‘coalition’ in usual sense
After newly elected National Democratic Party representative Lorna Smith left the opposition and formed a government with the Virgin Islands Party, the term “coalition” was tossed around frequently. But in …
Continue reading “New government not a ‘coalition’ in usual sense”
May 6, 2023
VIP-led government announces ministries
The new House of Assembly is taking shape. The past week saw the appointment of Progressive Virgin Islands Movement leader Ronnie Skelton as opposition leader and the setting of ministerial …
April 20, 2023
Three of four party leaders field questions
For more than 20 years, a party system has dominated Virgin Islands politics, and this year may be no different. As in 2019, four parties are contending the general election, …
Continue reading “Three of four party leaders field questions”
April 20, 2023
Interview: Wheatley says turmoil strengthened VIP
This interview is one of three conducted with party leaders ahead of the 2023 general elections. To read the others, click here. It was a baptism of fire. Dr. Natalio …
Continue reading “Interview: Wheatley says turmoil strengthened VIP”
February 18, 2023
Premier says order in council won’t lift soon
Despite recent progress, the Commission of Inquiry reforms need to continue and go further before the United Kingdom will lift the order in council that allows the governor to partially …
Continue reading “Premier says order in council won’t lift soon”
February 16, 2023
House of Assembly delays Police Act for further review
Citing past incidents where he was a “victim of police abuse,” Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley announced Friday that the House of Assembly would delay its planned debate on the …
Continue reading “House of Assembly delays Police Act for further review”
February 6, 2023
EDITORIAL: Press conferences a big step toward transparency
Kudos to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley for hosting regular press conferences ever since he was appointed premier last May. At sessions held every few weeks — often flanked by …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Press conferences a big step toward transparency”
February 2, 2023
15 of 50 Commission of Inquiry reforms complete
The National Unity Government has made steady progress on the reforms promised following the Commission of Inquiry, but amid various challenges it is now asking the United Kingdom to extend …
Continue reading “15 of 50 Commission of Inquiry reforms complete”
January 26, 2023
Wheatley meets with Overseas Territories minister in London
The day after returning from a trip to the United Kingdom to meet with the newly appointed minister for overseas territories, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said he wasn’t able …
Continue reading “Wheatley meets with Overseas Territories minister in London”
October 18, 2022
EDITORIAL: Government, governor must collaborate on reform promises
This month brought good and bad news as Governor John Rankin and Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley both reported on the first three months of the ongoing Commission of Inquiry …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Government, governor must collaborate on reform promises”
September 29, 2022
Loans worth $50 million sought for recovery
The government is seeking at least $50 million in new loans to fund hurricane recovery projects, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley said during a press conference on Friday. “I’m hopeful …
Continue reading “Loans worth $50 million sought for recovery”
July 28, 2022
Remittance tax slashed in half
As part of efforts to ease economic pressure on residents, government is halving a remittance tax imposed in 2020, Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley announced during a press conference on Friday. …
May 16, 2022
EDITORIAL: Now is the time for transparency
Throughout his Commission of Inquiry, Sir Gary Hickinbottom demonstrated an unshakeable commitment to transparency. As a result, his findings have currency in the Virgin Islands community, which was able to …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Now is the time for transparency”
May 13, 2022
Premier hoping for UK word on direct rule ‘very soon’
Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley hopes the territory will hear “very soon” whether the United Kingdom will impose direct rule for two years here, he said in a press conference …
Continue reading “Premier hoping for UK word on direct rule ‘very soon’”
May 6, 2022
EDITORIAL: No way to go but up. The COI shows how.
The Virgin Islands hit rock bottom last week with the arrest of Premier Andrew Fahie in Miami on disturbing drug allegations. Fortunately, there is a way up. The roadmap is …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: No way to go but up. The COI shows how.”
May 6, 2022
‘Unity government’ sworn in, but UK still silent
Hours after the House of Assembly voted to revoke Andrew Fahie’s premiership on Thursday, Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley was sworn in to head a new “national unity government” that is …
Continue reading “‘Unity government’ sworn in, but UK still silent”
