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  • Enis Adams Primary Warns of Stranger Giving Items to Students at Festival Grounds. ||. ICE Immigration Enforcement Begins in U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico || DPP Appeals Dismissal of Breach of Trust Charges Against Walwyn and Stevens || Ponce Health Sciences University Opens First Medical School in the BVI This August || Government Seeks New Investors for Prospect Reef Redevelopment || ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
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Local News

BVI Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association Officially Launched

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Government today presented twenty thousand dollars to the newly launched British Virgin Islands Yachting, Hotel and Tourism Association (BVIYHT) during a simple ceremony at PRIME Lv3 in Road Town, Tortola.

Minister for Health and Social Development Vincent O. Wheatley presented the cheque to the Interim Director Sharon Flax-Brutus at the association’s launch event on May 4.

The BVIYHT is the tourism arm of the BVI Chambers of Commerce and Hotel Association (BVICCHA).

The formation of the new association was approved in December 2022 by BVICCHA board to effectively represent businesses in the tourism sector.

The BVI is a major destination for tourists from across the world, with more than half a million holidaymakers on record in 2022.

Know for its natural beauty and Caribbean charm, tourism is a major financial contributor to the territory’s economy employing more than sixty percent of the workforce.

Education

Enis Adams Primary Warns of Stranger Giving Items to Students at Festival Grounds

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Parents of students attending Enis Adams Primary School have been urged to warn their children against accepting candy and other items from strangers following concerning reports from the school’s administration.

In an official notice issued by  a representative of the school, concerns were raised regarding an individual unaffiliated with the institution distributing items to students at the Festival Grounds. The individual’s identity and intentions remain unclear, prompting the school to take immediate action.

“It was reported that a person who is not a parent or affiliated with the school has been giving items to students,” the statement read. “We urge parents to have discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting items from strangers.”

The school emphasised that students would be advised not to take or consume any such items, and faculty members would also address the matter directly with students.

This incident has sparked concerns about student safety, particularly for those who rely on government transportation services to and from the Festival Grounds. While no harm has been reported, the school administration is taking a proactive approach to prevent any potential risks.

Local authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on the matter, but parents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity near school transportation areas.

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Local News

Driver Suffers Seizure, Triggers Multi-Vehicle Accident in Road Town

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At least one person was hospitalized following a chaotic multi-vehicle accident in Road Town shortly before 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

According to eyewitness accounts, a white truck lost control near the roundabout, barreling across the area before coming to a halt near Supa Value. The truck’s erratic movement caused significant damage to at least six vehicles in its path.

Reports indicate that the truck’s driver suffered a seizure, leading to the loss of control. Emergency services responded swiftly, and the injured individual was transported to the Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital for treatment. The extent of the injuries remains unknown at this time.

The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force was on the scene to assess the situation and coordinate recovery efforts. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.

Further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available.

 

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Crime/Police

DPP Appeals Dismissal of Breach of Trust Charges Against Walwyn and Stevens

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The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is formally challenging the decision by Senior Magistrate Tamia Richards to dismiss breach of trust charges against former Education and Culture Minister, Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, and his former assistant secretary, Ms. Lorna Stevens. The charges stemmed from alleged mismanagement and budgetary improprieties in the construction of a perimeter wall at the Elmore Stoutt High School.

On January 21, Senior Magistrate Richards ruled that there was insufficient evidence to proceed with the case, effectively bringing an end to the prosecution’s arguments. However, just two days later, on January 23, the DPP filed an appeal, contending that the magistrate exceeded her jurisdiction, improperly rejected substantial evidence, and delivered an unreasonable decision.

The case against Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens was rooted in the controversial construction project, initiated in December 2014 during Mr. Walwyn’s tenure. The project, aimed at building a perimeter wall around the high school, has been marred by allegations of mismanagement and public funds misuse.

According to a 2018 Auditor General report by Sonia Webster, the project suffered from budget overruns, contract splitting into over 70 work orders, and the use of unlicensed contractors. The report highlighted that over $1 million was spent, yet the wall remained incomplete. Ms. Webster’s findings prompted a police investigation in 2019.

Both Mr. Walwyn and Ms. Stevens were arrested and charged with breach of trust in October 2022. Prosecutors alleged that the duo failed to exercise proper oversight, leading to unnecessary expenditures and diminished value for taxpayer dollars.

In her January 21 ruling, Magistrate Richards found that the prosecution’s evidence was insufficient to establish a case against the defendants. Legal experts noted that the decision posed significant questions about the strength of the prosecution’s strategy.

The appeal filed by the DPP argues that the magistrate disregarded critical evidence that impacted the merits of the case. The filing also suggests that the dismissal was unreasonable given the severity of the allegations.

The Elmore Stoutt High School perimeter wall project has been a flashpoint of public criticism for years. During the 2021 Commission of Inquiry (COI), led by Sir Gary Hickinbottom, the project was described as “extraordinary” in its mismanagement. The COI report echoed concerns raised by Ms. Webster, particularly regarding the use of multiple unlicensed contractors and the resulting inefficiencies.

Sir Gary’s report noted that the project’s structure increased costs and complexity, further delaying its completion. He recommended that the police investigation continue without interference, emphasizing the need for accountability in public spending.

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