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NEW APPOINTMENT: Chidi Liburd Is The New HLSCC Director Of Robert Mathavious Institute For Financial Services

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Chidi Liburd is the new Director for the Robert Mathavious Institute for Financial Services (RMI) at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), Paraquita Bay, Parham Town, British Virgin Islands.

President of HLSCC, Dr. Richard Georges in a recent statement from the college said Liburd will be responsible for providing the RMI with leadership in curricular issues, customer service, human relations and ensuring that the organisation’s course offerings are delivered.

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Liburd to the institution to take up management of the RMI. The Institute is well-positioned to deliver the best quality programmes and certification to the financial services industry. Ms. Liburd’s recruitment is meant to allow us to broaden the ambit of the Institute’s influence and impact and we look forward to working with her,” Dr. Georges said.

In response, Liburd said the RMI is in a unique position to upskill and develop individuals’ proficiencies in the ever-changing financial services environment.

“I believe that RMI is uniquely positioned to capitalise on the ever-changing financial services environment. Presently, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G, Quantum Computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping financial services and RMI is in a position to provide the avenues for individuals to upskill and develop their proficiencies.”

RMI is the only professional qualification centre for financial services in the BVI, offering professional programmes since 2002.

Liburd added: “As Director, I am focused on working closely with the RMI team, government, financial institutions, and other organisations to develop and deliver the required face-to-face and online professional programmes and courses to ensure current and potential employees are provided with the knowledge and skills to perform exceptionally well in the current climate. I will also ensure that individuals within the local and regional communities are kept abreast of changes within the global financial industry and are able to meet the CPD requirements of the professional bodies by hosting several in-person and online webinars, seminars, and conferences throughout the academic year.”

Ms. Liburd served as Vice President of Financial and Administrative Affairs at the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College (CFBC) St. Kitts, Chief Financial Officer of National Commercial Bank of Anguilla and Executive Manager of St. Kitts-Nevis-Anguilla National Bank Limited.

Earlier in her career, she taught at the Cayon Primary School St. Kitts and was an adjunct lecturer at the CFBC.

Liburd holds a Master of Science degree (Msc) in International Securities, Investments and Banking from the University of Reading, Reading, United Kingdom; an LLB (Bachelor of Laws) Honours Degree from the University of Essex, United Kingdom and a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Economics and Accounting from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus,

Barbados.

She is currently pursuing a diploma in Legal Practice (LPC) and is a Commonwealth Scholar and a Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA).

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.

In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.

Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.

The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.

“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”

Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.

According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.

“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”

The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.

Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.

For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.

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