Local News
Royal Knights Cricket Club Accuses BVICA Of Disregarding T20 Rules

Royal Knights Cricket Club has accused the British Virgin Islands Cricket Board (BVICA) of bullyism and disregarding the established rules of the T20 Tournament with the cancellation of the final.
In a statement issued today, Royal Knights Cricket Club said they were prepared to play in the final match against Vikings Cricket Club as agreed following the cancellation of the semi-finals due to rain, but it was cancelled by the BVICA due to a disagreement over replaying semi-final matches that were cancelled due to rain on April 23.
“We take a firm stand for what is right and fight against self-serving interests, bullyism and illegality in BVI cricket. Many of you have contacted us about our participation in a semi-finals game today, 14th May 2023 based on a flyer circulated by the BVI Cricket Association.
Please be advised that our club is prepared to play in the finals of the ongoing T20 tournament as the semi-final was rained out on the 23. April, 2023. Our position was clearly communicated to the BVICA and therefore, the flyer is false advertising,” the statement pointed out.
The BVI Cricket Board had advertised semi-finals between Royal Knights, Vikings, Cavaliers and Under The Tree to be played yesterday, May 14.
According to Royal Knights Cricket Club, the “BVICA rules make no provision for the semi-finals to be replayed should the game be affected by weather. Instead, in the event of rain, the rules clearly state that the top teams in each group will advance to the finals. Once the BVICA became aware of the rules, they met with the four semi-final teams — Royal Knights, Cavaliers Cricket Club, Under The Tree and Vikings. At that meeting, the rules were upheld and the decision was made to play the finals Royal Knights vs Vikings — the two top teams in each group.”
The statement added that BVICA’s cancellation of the final game “is a travesty and will go down in BVI cricket history as one of the darkest moments for the sport as the integrity of the board was compromised by external forces loyal not to the sport, but to special interests. The BVICA canceled the finals to entertain a feeble excuse as to why the semi-finals should be replayed. This is where cricket took a back seat. High-level collusion by BVICA board members with an obvious conflict of interest, because of the teams involved, continued to make decisions instead of recusing themselves.”
The matter was sent to the regional cricket body Leeward Islands Cricket Association (LICA) which acknowledged that the tournament rules for rained-out games are flawed but still recommended that the two semi-finals be played.
“Like the BVICA, LICA appears eager to give Cavaliers and to a lesser extent Under The Tree, another opportunity to play in the finals. Both the BVICA and LICA acknowledged that the rules for the tournament are flawed. Strangely, the BVICA expects Royal Knights to play the semi-final under the very rules that LICA and BVICA both agree are flawed,” the statement stressed.
Royal Knights Cricket Club thanked their fans and noted that “history will show that at one of the weakest points of cricket in the BVI is when the Royal Knights Cricket Club stood for what is right.”
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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