The new governor of the Virgin Islands was sworn in to office Monday after arriving in the territory three days earlier. Upstairs in the House of Assembly building, Daniel Pruce …
Unite BVI to help rebuild primary school
A rebuild of the Althea Scatliffe Primary School in Road Town is among the education projects set to start this year under a memorandum of understanding signed Monday between government …
Governor bids farewell
In January 2021, Governor John Rankin arrived in the Virgin Islands days after his predecessor dropped a political bombshell by announcing a Commission of Inquiry into possible corruption in the …
New school opens on Jost Van Dyke
More than six years after the former Jost Van Dyke Primary School was badly damaged by Hurricane Irma, officials unveiled a new $4.3 million building that is now housing students …
Branson’s cruise line makes first visit
Boarding Richard Branson’s new cruise liner, Valiant Lady, leaders and other guests from around the territory mingled and laughed on Sunday, eager to sample the experience of an adults-only cruise. …
Premier suggests that top cop should take leave during review
Governor John Rankin has ordered an “independent review” of complaints against Police Commissioner Mark Collins following a petition about him signed by multiple police officers, Mr. Rankin said during a …
Continue reading “Premier suggests that top cop should take leave during review”
Lawmakers pass $470 million budget
Courts, pensions, resources for the opposition, roadworks and other infrastructure, healthcare, the airport expansion project, housing costs and more were debated for nearly two days before the House of Assembly …
EDITORIAL: Coral die-off is a crisis for the Virgin Islands
An environmental disaster is unfolding before our eyes, but it is receiving far too little attention and response. Historic heat waves this summer are causing a massive coral bleaching event …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: Coral die-off is a crisis for the Virgin Islands”
Government salary revamp promised January 1
A new salary structure for the public service is due to take effect Jan. 1, and related consultations with public officers are ongoing, the Deputy Governor’s Office announced Friday. The …
Continue reading “Government salary revamp promised January 1”
Premier wishes cheer at Christmas Party
The 3G’s performed at Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley’s Christmas party on Dec. 9 at the rooftop Prime Restaurant in Road Town. In his opening remarks, Dr. Wheatley thanked outgoing …
EDITORIAL: COP28 a big deal for Virgin Islands
What happened in Dubai this month at the United Nations Climate Change Conference won’t stay in Dubai. It will have wide-ranging ramifications for the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: COP28 a big deal for Virgin Islands”
Premier heads delegation to COP28 climate meeting
A Virgin Islands delegation led by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley arrived in Dubai, United Arab Emirates last week to attend the United Nations’ most important global meeting on climate …
Continue reading “Premier heads delegation to COP28 climate meeting”
Overseas territories ministers meet with UK leaders in London
The United Kingdom’s planned overseas territory strategy, public company registers, and other topics were on the agenda this week in London when OT leaders met with senior UK officials at …
Continue reading “Overseas territories ministers meet with UK leaders in London”
EDITORIAL: HOA should stop bickering and get down to business
Elected officials’ recent squabbles in the House of Assembly reflect a failure to work together and carry out the important business of governing the Virgin Islands. During the HOA meeting …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: HOA should stop bickering and get down to business”
Crime spike leaves leaders explaining
Following a string of high-profile crimes in recent days, law enforcers are increasing police patrols across the territory, reviewing school security, and strengthening the border, among other measures, leaders said …
Public asked to help cops curb crime
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 …
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”
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 …
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 …
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”
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 …
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”
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”
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”
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”