A shooting incident in close proximity to the Elmore Stoutt High School in the Long Bush area of Road Town has left one man seriously injured and prompted an immediate lockdown at the school.

According to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF), the injured man was transported to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment. His condition remains unknown at this time. Details about the suspected assailant or potential motives are still unclear.

The incident, which took place on Pickering Avenue shortly before 1 p.m. today, November 8, led the school administration to enact the lockdown as a precautionary measure to safeguard students and staff. Shortly afterward, parents received official communication from the school, reassuring them that the lockdown had been lifted and that students were safe.

“We understand that such news can be concerning, but please rest assured that all necessary measures were taken to ensure everyone’s safety,” the school stated. “The school day is continuing as normal, and students are safe and secure.”

Authorities have encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Parents and guardians with questions are also encouraged to reach out directly to the school for further updates on student safety. Further details will be shared as they become available.

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Tortola Auto Group (TAG) and CIBC Caribbean are teaming up once again for the Season of Giving Sales Event, taking place this Saturday, November 9, with exclusive holiday deals, substantial savings, and flexible financing on a range of popular vehicles.  The event will be held in the CIBC Caribbean parking lot in Road Town and will offer customers an opportunity to drive home their dream cars with exceptional deals and bonuses.

“We’re thrilled to offer our customers fantastic deals on reliable, stylish vehicles this holiday season,” said Shan Mohamed, Managing Director of TAG. “The Season of Giving Sales Event is focused on bringing value to our community, and with CIBC Caribbean as our partner, we’re able to provide even greater savings through competitive financing options.”

During this one-day event, customers can receive up to $2,000 cashback on select purchases and complimentary one-year NAGICO Insurance coverage on eligible vehicles. Featured models include the budget-friendly Hyundai Grand-i10, starting at just $248 per month, and the sleek Changan CS35 Plus for $345 per month. Those seeking a touch of luxury will find enticing incentives on models such as the Hyundai Palisade, Changan UNI-K, Honda CR-V, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

CIBC Caribbean, partnering with TAG, is offering up to 100% financing on car purchases and will waive all loan application fees exclusively for this event. Fabian Devonish, CIBC First Caribbean’s BVI Country Manager, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are excited to join TAG for the second consecutive year and to extend competitive car loan rates to customers. Through our LoanStore, eligible buyers can secure immediate loan approvals, making the car-buying process even smoother.”

To enhance the seasonal spirit, customers pre-approved for financing will be eligible for a CIBC credit card with a waived application fee, an offer valid until January 31, 2025.

Don’t miss the chance to drive into the holidays with unbeatable deals. Join us at the CIBC Caribbean parking lot on November 9 to explore TAG’s extensive selection of vehicles and take advantage of these limited-time offers.

For more information, contact Tortola Auto Group at (284) 494-2600 or visit www.tagbvi.com.

Deputy Premier, Honourable Julian Fraser, has been appointed to lead the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, taking on expanded responsibilities that now include Building Inspection, Electrical Inspection, Housing, and Town and Country Planning. His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Daniel Pruce, formalised these changes through newly signed instruments of appointment, marking notable shifts in ministerial portfolios across key government departments.

The restructuring affects multiple ministries, beginning with the Premier’s Office, which will now oversee Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Veterinary services, previously managed under Environment. Additionally, Constitutional Advancement has been added as a formal subject of the Premier’s Office, strengthening its focus on constitutional issues.

Further changes see the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development gain oversight of Statistics, a function moved from Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, as well as District Councils, formerly managed by the Premier’s Office.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade has been renamed the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Its newly broadened remit includes Cooperatives, Industrial Development (including Incentives), Immigration, and the Registration Apprenticeship Training Employment Development (RATED) Programme, along with Weights and Measures.

The Ministry of Communications and Works will now oversee Alternative Energy, a responsibility previously under the Ministry of Environment, reflecting the government’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

The Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr Natalio Wheatley, remains responsible for the Premier’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sustainable Development, and the Ministry of Financial Services, Economic Development, and Digital Transformation. Dr Wheatley will be supported by Junior Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries, Honourable Dr Karl Dawson, and Junior Minister for Culture and Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith.

These adjustments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline government responsibilities, aligning ministerial remits to meet the evolving needs of the Virgin Islands. Under Section 56(1) of the Virgin Islands Constitution Order, 2007, the Governor, with advice from the Premier, holds authority to assign ministerial responsibilities in writing, facilitating this latest reorganisation in service of the Territory’s administrative goals.