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.”
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.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
-
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 News2 weeks agoTAG and CIBC Caribbean Host Second Annual Season of Giving Sales Event
-
Local News6 days agoBVI Returns to OECS Swimming Championships, Secures Silver Medal