"The light that comes from wisdom never goes out"
Over the past five years, the government spent nearly $3.5 million on foreign travel expenses including accommodation, transportation, subsistence and warm clothing allowances, according to Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. …
For more than six years, the government has been collecting a $10 levy from most non-cruise ship visitors as required by the 2017 Environmental Protection and Tourism Improvement Fund Act. …
Continue reading “New law aims to free up millions from tourist levy”
Former government minister Carvin Malone died suddenly on the morning of Jan. 14, shocking the community and drawing a flood of tributes and condolences. He was 64. “Carvin Malone was …
Continue reading “Virgin Islands mourns former health minister Malone”
The people have spoken, and the territory’s democratic machinery has processed their input and delivered a government headed by Premier Dr. Natalio “Sowande” Wheatley. Though voters did not give Dr. …
The at-large race in the general election proved a challenging arena for the incumbent Virgin Islands Party, which secured only one of the four seats available in a blow to …
Following the revelation Monday night that the incumbent Virgin Islands Party did not gain enough wins for a clear majority, electeds entered closed-door discussions on forming a coalition government. Now, …
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”
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”
Political party leaders fielded questions on issues including unpaid increments, rooting out corruption in the civil service, and projects like the Joes Hill housing development while participating in two debates …
There are only two weeks until Polling Day, and campaigns are heating up to a frantic pace. With Progressives United Chairman Julian Fraser officially entering the race on April 1, …
Continue reading “With two weeks to go, campaigns heating up”
Less than a month out from Polling Day, candidates have been ramping up efforts to secure voters’ support by holding launches, speaking one-on-one with voters, and slinging accusations of dishonesty …
Continue reading “Campaigns highlight District 3, sister islands”
Last weekend was packed with green, red and blue campaign launches. Decrying crumbling infrastructure, insufficient social programmes, lagging schools and other issues plaguing the Virgin Islands, candidates for the April …
As campaigns heat up for the general election due by May 12, the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement launched a partial line-up, and at least two independent candidates entered the fray …
Junior Minister for Trade and Economic Development Shereen Flax-Charles has thrown an early wild card into the line-up of candidates for the coming general election, tendering her resignation from the …
Last September, Opposition Leader Marlon Penn told the House of Assembly about an “incident” that occurred during the 2019 budget process after he walked outside the HOA and noticed a …
Continue reading “Government mum on communications consultants”
Premier Andrew Fahie called for greater transparency in government as he reported April 16 on planned measures that would establish a legally binding ministerial code of conduct. “The ministerial code …
Seated next to Premier Andrew Fahie during a surprise press conference at Village Cay, Alvera Maduro-Caines announced Monday afternoon that she had resigned from the National Democratic Party and will …
Continue reading “Alvera Caines-Maduro, D-6 rep, crosses the aisle to Virgin Islands Party”
The day of former Premier Ralph O’Neal’s funeral will be a public holiday, according to a proclamation by acting Governor David Archer Jr. published in the government’s Gazette on Friday. …
Continue reading “Public holiday declared for day of first premier’s funeral”
The House of Assembly passed a $427,657,383 budget on Friday after two days of debate. The Appropriation Act 2019 “is now in its final stage before it can be fully …
Julian Willock has a controversial past. He was dismissed from the public service in 2012 following allegations of impropriety, he was briefly imprisoned in 2016 after he allegedly missed scheduled …
The people have spoken, and the message is clear. The Virgin Islands Party’s win was a ringing declaration that voters want a change. It is also clear what form they …
Continue reading “EDITORIAL: VI wants change, and new government must bring it”
After long-time Virgin Islands Party leader Ralph O’Neal retired in 2015, Third District Representative Julian Fraser took the reins. The result was a resounding 11-2 loss to the National Democratic …
Continue reading “Andrew Fahie promises big things from a VIP government”
Water issues and tourism were at the forefront of the agendas of the two Virgin Islands Party candidates who launched their campaigns over the past week: John Samuel in District …
Continue reading “VIP’s John Samuel, Arlene Smith-Thompson launch in D-3 and D-6”
Though most of his fellow candidates are political newcomers, Virgin Islands Party Chairman Andrew Fahie believes his own 20 years as First District representative and the VIP’s storied history set …
Continue reading “Virgin Islands Party emphasises experience”
The general election could come as late as April 16, but in a campaign meet-and-greet on Saturday on Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Islands Party Chairman Andrew Fahie (R-D1) predicted that …
Continue reading “With full slate, Virgin Islands Party hits the campaign trail”
