Local News
US Virgin Islands Women’s Basketball Team Claims Gold at CAC Games
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, the United States Virgin Islands women’s basketball team emerged victorious, securing the gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games in El Salvador. The enthralling final game took place on Wednesday, June 28, where they outplayed the Dominican Republic winning the game 76-72.
Leading the charge for the US Virgin Islands was Anisha George, who showcased her exceptional talent with an impressive 26 points and 10 rebounds. Imani Tate made significant contributions to the team’s success with 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Natalie Kleeman-Day added 12 points and 5 rebounds to solidify their victory.
The road to this remarkable triumph was not without its challenges. The team faced an initial setback during pool play, suffering a loss in overtime to the 35th-ranked team with a score of 96-84. However, they quickly rebounded and showcased their resilience in the semifinal contest against the 10th-ranked Puerto Rico squad. In a nail-biting match, the US Virgin Islands secured a razor-thin victory with a score of 61-60.
This victory over Puerto Rico held significant historical importance, as it marked the first time since June 15, 1966, at the 10th Central American and Caribbean Games, that the Virgin Islands triumphed over their Puerto Rican counterparts.
Throughout the tournament, the US Virgin Islands women’s basketball team displayed their prowess, securing victories against Centro Caribe with a score of 70-55 and Mexico with a score of 79-69.
The team’s success would not have been possible without the contributions of their talented roster. Alongside Anisha George, the team consisted of Shomyra Francis, November Morton, Kadasha Barry, Kaya Evans, Naja Ngongba, Lanese Bough, J-Naya Ephraim, and Keshara Romain. Their collective efforts and unwavering dedication played a vital role in securing the gold medal for the US Virgin Islands.
The US Virgin Islands women’s basketball team’s gold medal triumph at the CAC Games is a testament to their skill, perseverance, and teamwork. They have brought immense pride to the US Virgin Islands and have solidified their place among the top basketball teams in the region.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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