Local News
D’Moi Hodge Interviewed With 19 NBA Teams

There’s a positive energy in D’Moi Hodge’s camp following his recent MBA showcase in Virginia, United States.
The British Virgin Islands guard has so far done interviews with 19 different NBA teams, proudly sharing his story – an island boy who has battled challenges for a chance to play in the NBA.
“So 30 NBA teams were there, NBA scouts, every NBA team was there. So I played three games. I went two in one. The one game we lose…we lose in double overtime. I averaged 19 points, I shot 50 (percent) from the three point line, 50 percent, 50 percent from the field goal, which is great. So there’s 30 NBA teams. I did 19 NBA interviews… with 19 different teams, which is great. Five teams called (but) I couldn’t put it in my schedule. I was too busy. I had 24 Interviews, but I did 19 of them. Talked about my stories, where I come from. Big up Tortola. They all loved my story, they all loved me,” he shared during a recent Live Facebook feed.
His performance caught the attention of sports writers and scouts. A writer from Noceilingnba wrote:
“His hands at the point of attack are dangerous, and he’ll poke the ball loose any time the opposing guard isn’t careful. Hodge is also a gifted scorer and he was letting it fly from three.”
At the moment, the 6′ 4″, 188 pounds former University of Missouri Tiger is waiting to see what happens next.
“So as of right now, I’m waiting to see what’s going on. I’m probably going to get invited to Chicago for the draft combine,” he shared. The NBA Draft Lottery and NBA Draft Combine is in Chicago in May.
The 2022 Horizon League Defensive Player of the Year is staying in shape, working hard on and off the court to impress the right people in the NBA.
“I’m going to Boston to work out for the Celtics next week. Then I’m going to work out for…the Grizzlies. Then I’m going to work out for San Antonio. More teams are calling. And I’m arranging everything so everything is looking good. But everything is straight right now man, every team looking real promising. I mean, gotta keep working.”
In April, Hodge announced he was entering the NBA draft following one of the Missouri Tiger’s most successful campaigns in years during the 2022-23 season. He finished second on the team with 14.7 points per game, establishing a new school record with 91 steals.
Hodge is the fifth Tiger to make 100 3-pointers in a single season and ranks fourth nationally with 2.60 steals per game, 32nd with 2.86 triples per game and 37th with a three-point clip of 40.0.
He thanks God, his family, friends and the wider BVI community for their continued support.
“God is always first. I interviewed with this NBA team. I ain’t going to call the team name… and I told him about the story…my story, like the hurricane and…about everything that happened when I was…in Tortola. One of the NBA team scouts that was interviewing me. He came up to me after the interview, like it was like, probably a couple hours after and called my phone. He wants to talk to me. So I had seen him at a restaurant, he was like “can I talk to you?” And he was like, I want to pray for you and your island and your family. So he prayed for me and the island of Tortola and stuff like that. So I feel like…I’m looking real good. He took his time to pray for me. That’s just how I feel like God is working. I mean, he didn’t have to come back to me later that night to do that.”
Hodge is staying grounded, but was happy to hear from NBA teams that “I should get drafted, in their opinion, but I was saying it’s not their choice, but they said they feel like I should. So hopefully I do get drafted. I’m going to be at the draft. I want to get my name called for the island, not just for me, but for the BVI. I mean, being first to ever do that. That’s the main goal for me just getting drafted. Not for me, but for everybody back home… supporting me.”
He has been described as a tenacious player who is comfortable on the dribble and able to move into shots effortlessly.
But Hodge is up against a group of very talented players from the United States and across the globe who are all working for a spot in the NBA.
“I see the motivation man. It’s never pressure when you love doing it and the winning hand is bigger than you. I’m saying it’s always, always been bigger than me. So I never looked at it as pressure on my whole life so I can’t do it now.”
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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

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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