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Students Tobias Evans, Dinneiqua Cameron and Tykai Fahie Win Rotary Club of Tortola Anti-Litter Campaign Poster Competition

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Tobias Evans of Century House Montessori School, Dinneiqua Cameron of Joyce Samuel Primary School and Tykai Fahie of Elmore Stoutt High School are the winners of the Rotary Club of Tortola Anti-Litter Campaign poster competition.

A statement from the club said children from ages 6-16 were tasked with designing a poster that would send a strong message to the community against littering and encouraging proper garbage disposal as one of their primary activities for the Rotary year 2022 – 2023.

The committee received more than 50 amazing submissions from six schools across Tortola with Century House Montessori students submitting the most entries.

The competition, held in collaboration with Green VI and the Department of Solid Waste, was launched in December 2022.

The club recently added the environment as a new focus to target a behaviour change by reaching the wider community via the involvement of schools.

Club President Valerie Georges-Thomas thanked all the children who submitted entries, noting that the artwork was truly impactful.

“We can think of no better way to convey the anti-litter message than through children’s art and we heartily congratulate and are grateful to all of the schools and the students who participated in the competition. They delivered truly impactful works of art that gave the judges a lot to think about in their deliberations. We really hope that the general public will pay attention to the messages the children are sending through their art and consider changing their behaviour in relation to littering,” said Georges-Thomas.

The judges for the competition were renowned local artist Reuben Vanterpool, artist Debi Carson of Art Without Limits and Ellie Crespi, a member of the Club and lover of children’s art.

Winners have already received their prizes, but according to the statement, other students will receive their awards soon.

“The main thrust of the campaign is a series of messaging initiatives that the Club will put forth with the aim of impacting the mindset of the general public to result in gradual positive change in attitude and behaviour towards littering and the management of waste. The Club intends to host a neighbourhood beautification competition and undertake some clean up/beautification projects in various areas around the Virgin Islands as part of the campaign, teaming up with various strategic partners through the course of the campaign,” the statement explained.

Winners

Age  6-7

Tobias Evans- Montessori

Shanea John- AMPS

Nia Loi Wright- Cedar International

Honourable mention: Kiara Sorrentino – Montessori

Age  8-11

Dinneiqua Cameron- JSPS

Ashanti Partab- AMPS

Tianna DaSilva- JSPS

Honourable mention: Maggie Nolan- Montessori

Age 12-16

Tykai Fahie- Elmore Stoutt High School

Sara Augustine- St. George’s Secondary

Mary Torio- St George’s Secondary

Honourable mention: Zara Pascoe- Cedar International

The winning submissions will be incorporated into the Rotary Club of Tortola anti-litter campaign with artwork being featured on posters, billboards and recyclable shopping bags.

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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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.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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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.

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Local News

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

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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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