Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.

Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.

“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”

The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.

“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”

The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.

Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.

“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”

Mrs. Esmie Estene Turnbull-Stoutt has become the first Virgin Islander to receive the newly enhanced Centenarian Grant of $10,000, introduced by the Government of the Virgin Islands to honor residents who reach the milestone age of 100.

This significant update to the Centenarian Grant, which doubles the previous amount of $5,000, reflects the Territory’s commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of its senior citizens. The grant increase was recently approved by the Cabinet as part of broader efforts to support the aging population.

Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, praised Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt for reaching this remarkable milestone, emphasizing the impact of her life and the legacy of her generation.

“Mrs. Turnbull-Stoutt, like many of our centenarians, has played a vital role in shaping the Virgin Islands through her wisdom, hard work, and unwavering commitment to community and family,” Minister Wheatley said.

He further commended the Social Development Department for its efforts to honor seniors, adding, “As people live longer, it is essential that they also live better — with dignity, a sense of purpose, and the full support of their families and communities.”

The Virgin Islands is currently home to seven other centenarians:

• Mrs. Enelle Smith, 106 years

• Mrs. Emogene Creque, 105 years

• Mrs. Betty Yates, 103 years

• Mrs. Floresa George, 102 years

• Mr. Evelyn Hodge, 101 years

• Mrs. Iris Harrigan, 101 years

• Mrs. Christeen Hodge, 101 years

The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains dedicated to improving the well-being of seniors and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve for their lifelong contributions to the Territory.

– First American Pontiff in Catholic Church History

The College of Cardinals has elected Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of Chicago as the 267th pope of the Roman Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV, marking the first time an American has ascended to the papacy in the Church’s two-millennia history.

The announcement came at 6:07 p.m. local time, when white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signaling the successful conclusion of the conclave’s fourth ballot. Shortly thereafter, Cardinal Protodeacon Dominique Mamberti proclaimed the traditional “Habemus Papam” from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Appearing before a jubilant crowd in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV offered his first apostolic blessing and addressed the faithful with a message of peace: “Peace be with all of you! I want this salute of peace to enter your heart, reach your families, and all people, and all the peoples, and the whole world.”

Born in Chicago in 1955, Robert Prevost is a member of the Order of St. Augustine. He spent decades serving as a missionary in Peru, where he taught theology and held various administrative roles within the Church. In 2023, he was appointed to lead the Vatican’s Congregation for Bishops, a position that placed him at the heart of the Church’s global leadership.

Pope Leo XIV’s election is seen as a unifying choice amid ideological divisions within the Church. His background reflects a commitment to inclusivity and dialogue, values that align with the synodal approach emphasized by his predecessor, Pope Francis. In his initial remarks, Pope Leo XIV expressed a desire for a Church that is “engaged with the modern world and always looking for peace, charity and being close to people, especially those who are suffering.”

The new pontiff faces a range of pressing challenges, including fostering unity within a polarized Church, addressing global conflicts, and continuing efforts to reform Church governance and address past abuses. His leadership will be closely watched as he navigates these complex issues.

Pope Leo XIV’s election has been met with congratulations from leaders around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump lauded the historic moment, stating, “It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our … .”

As the Catholic Church enters this new chapter under Pope Leo XIV’s guidance, the faithful and observers alike look forward to the direction he will set for the global community of believers.