Local News
Miss BVI Unveils Hidden Treasures at Miss Jaycees Pageant’s Diamond Jubilee
The stage is set for a dazzling display of beauty, talent, and culture as the Miss Jaycees Pageant celebrates its diamond jubilee – 60 years of glitz and glamour. This prestigious pageant, the longest running in the region and the third longest running in the world, attracts queens from all corners of the Caribbean. And this year, all eyes are on Miss British Virgin Islands, Jareena Penn, as she prepares to represent her territory on this illustrious stage.
With the theme “Celebrating 60 years of Vibrancy, Culture, and Talent,” the Antigua Recreation Ground (ARG) will come alive on July 31st at 8pm. Ten stunning contestants, including representatives from the British Virgin Islands and the US Virgin Islands, will vie for the highly coveted title of Miss Jaycees Queen 2023.
The pageant promises a spectacle like no other, with mesmerizing segments that showcase the contestants’ grace and poise. The Opening Number will be a feast for the senses, as countries proudly exhibit their vibrant cultural wear, giving the audience a glimpse into the rich heritage of each nation.
As the competition progresses, the spotlight will shine on the contestants as they sizzle in swimwear, radiating confidence and beauty. The evenwear segment will captivate the audience as the queens grace the stage in elegant attire, exuding sophistication and style.
Adding to the excitement of this milestone event, past queens will make a special appearance, adding a touch of nostalgia and honoring the legacy of the Miss Jaycees Pageant. It’s a momentous gathering of beauty, talent, and sisterhood, as these queens from the past and present come together to celebrate 60 years of excellence.
In the midst of this grand celebration, Miss British Virgin Islands, Jareena Penn, takes center stage. In her promotional video, she invites viewers to “Find your hidden treasure!” as she explores the breathtaking beauty of the British Virgin Islands. Jareena’s charisma and passion shine through as she showcases the hidden gems of her beloved territory, enticing the world to uncover its wonders.
The Miss Jaycees Pageant’s diamond jubilee promises to be an unforgettable event that celebrates the essence of the Caribbean.
So mark your calendars and immerse yourself in the celebration of 60 years of vibrancy, culture, and talent as you witness the crowning of the next Miss Jaycees Queen.
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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Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
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