The government has asked police to investigate recent reports of illegal sand mining at locations including Long Bay, Beef Island, officials said. At Long Bay, the mining has compromised the …
Grey-listing ‘not a setback,’ Smith claims
The government has scrambled to put a brave face on the news that the Virgin Islands was recently placed on a “grey list” of jurisdictions subject to increased scrutiny by …
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Water declared ‘critical’ priority
To address the widespread water shortages that have infuriated residents in recent months, the government has allocated $8 million and made an official declaration that will allow it to bypass …
Funds, staff low as clinics face struggles
The clinic in East End has closed its doors. Staff at the Anegada clinic recently fell ill because of poor working conditions. Major repairs at the main clinic on Virgin …
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Only 10% of $100m loan drawn down
Only $10 million of the government’s $100 million loan from CIBC Caribbean bank has been drawn down so far, according to Premier Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. That $10 million was made …
EDITORIAL: Hurricane season is here
Have you prepared for this year’s Atlantic Hurricane Season? If not, you’re already behind. The official season started on June 1, meaning that a major storm could form at any …
UK review could tip VI onto ‘grey list,’ expert says
Britain’s recent inquiry into the Virgin Islands’ law-enforcement agencies could tip the scales when global financial watchdogs consider whether to sanction the territory next month, according to a leading expert. …
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New strategy to guide money-crime fight
More reforms to combat money crime are on the way as the Virgin Islands works to avoid censure from international financial watchdogs. With a crunch meeting of the Paris-based Financial …
EDITORIAL: Another Library Week with no national library
We are glad the government celebrated Library Week, and we don’t doubt that the public officers organising school visits and promoting digital services did their best. However, it is shameful …
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Minimum wage to go up after delay
The lowest paid workers in the Virgin Islands will belatedly get a wage boost after a high-profile salary increase was snatched from them shortly before Christmas. But instead of the …
USVI adds to chorus of Trump warnings
In the Caribbean, calls have grown louder for United States President Donald Trump to rethink his tariff trade war due to price hikes expected across the region. Democrat Stacey Plaskett, …
Money-crime reforms to expand cops’ powers
Police surveillance powers are set to expand under one of three bills the House of Assembly passed Friday as part of ongoing efforts to comply with international anti-money-crime standards. The …
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West End port bids dwarf budget
After more than 15 years of broken promises and false starts, the future of the long-delayed West End ferry terminal has been thrown into serious doubt once again after private-sector …
Leaders endorse VI’s call for climate help
Caribbean territories and other small island states facing climate-change threats received a show of support from leaders around the region following an international meeting last month in St. Kitts and …
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New incorporations spiked in Q2
The number of new companies incorporated in the Virgin Islands rose sharply in the second quarter of 2024, according to figures released recently by the Financial Services Commission. The tally …
38-mile road project could cost $100m, Penn says
Of the $100 million loan the government signed Oct. 31, $36 million is earmarked for roadwork. The allocation may fall far short. The cornerstone of leaders’ plan to repair the …
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Two more community centres refurbished
More than seven years after Hurricane Irma, the government has finished repairing the fifth and sixth community centres damaged by the storm. In two ceremonies held last week, the Ministry …
EDITORIAL: Funds from new loan must be spent wisely
The government’s plan to borrow $100 million to rebuild critical public infrastructure is a big step in the public sector’s long-delayed recovery from the 2017 hurricanes. However, given the scale …
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Skelton: pay flub may cost $19 million
Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton warned this week that government’s accidental overspend on public service pay raises could cost $19 million instead of the $13 million previously estimated by Premier Dr. …
Old Admin Building gets exterior work under $74k contract
After delays caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto, preliminary rehabilitation works are under way on the exterior of the Old Administration Building on Main Street, government announced. The work is an …
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Virgin Gorda health crisis sparks cries and demands
With emotion audible in her voice, Charlene Henderson spoke slowly in short sentences that commanded the room’s attention. “Bucky was dying. He could hardly breathe. He was breathing through his …
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First-half tourism record driven by cruise ships
The first six months of 2024 set a tourism record, bringing the most visitor arrivals of any first half in Virgin Islands history and causing Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley …
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Businesses urged to prep for storms
With another three months of hurricane season stretching ahead, businesses in the territory have been warned to get their disaster plans up to speed. The call came as BVI Finance …
Bidders to visit site of planned West End port today
Thanks to a recent green light from the Caribbean Development Bank, the procurement process for the construction of a new West End ferry terminal is moving ahead following years of …
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For many, Ernesto cut power for days
The day after Tropical Storm Ernesto passed over the territory, BVI Electricity Corporation General Manager Dr. Neil Smith told ZBVI Radio that he expected power to be restored by last …