Local News
BVI Adaejah Hodge and Jamaican Alana Reid To Face Off In Carifta 100m Tomorrow
One of the big questions at this year’s 50th Carifta Games is will British Virgin Islands young star Adaejah Hodge dominate the track and again take home the coveted Austin Sealy Award.
The 16-year-old 200m U20 world recold holder will run her first race – 100m – tomorrow evening, Saturday, April 8 in Nassau, Bahamas.
She is up against another outstanding young runner – Alana Reid of Jamaica.
Commentator Ricardo Chambers during today’s opening ceremony in the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium said he is looking forward to seeing the matchup between the BVI and Jamaica.
“The big event for me to look forward to on day number one is the Under 20 Girls 100m, a straight up class. Alana Reid out of Jamaica versus Adaejah Hodge of the British Virgin Islands. Hodge trying to become only the seventh athlete to win back to back Austin Sealy Award. If she is to repeat as (the) Austin Sealy Award winner, you get the feeling she will have to win the 100m tomorrow night and it will be absolute fire.
Hodge proudly wore the colours of the territory during the march pass alongside her 29 teammates.
She goes into the games just weeks after being named the MileSplit50 Athlete of the Year in the United States.
The teenager has had an impressive season, racing 22.33 and smashing a national record in the 200m that re-set a new World U20 record at New Balance in Boston.
But it was her performance at the 2022 Carifta Games in Jamaicia that gained her regional stardom.
Hodge was named the most outstanding athlete, winning the 100m in 11.29, the 200m in 23.42, and gold in the long jump with a distance of 6.20 metres.
The Carifta Games were inaugurated by Austin Sealy, then president of the Amateur Athletic Association of Barbados in 1972.
The main goal behind the well known junior regional competition ( Under 17 and Under 20) is to improve relations between Caribbean countries using sports.
A total of 28 countries are participating in this year’s games which concludes on April 10.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Crime/Police5 days agoTwo Charged with Gun Possession Following Vessel Search in Frenchman’s Cay
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoShots Fired Near ESHS: Man Injured, High School Goes Into Lockdown
-
Crime/Police1 week agoK’Shawn Martin Wanted for Questioning in Shooting on Sandbox Road
-
Local News5 days agoTola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
Local News2 weeks agoVirgin Islands Coach Earns Bodybuilding PRO Card in The Bahamas
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoTortola Welcomes Exclusive Japanese Dining at 1748 Sushi Bar
-
Local News1 day agoVirgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
-
Local News7 days agoBVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal