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Virgin Islands Athletes Return from Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games with Positive Experience

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The delegation from the Virgin Islands (UK) has returned home after participating in the Trinbago 2023 Commonwealth Youth Games, held in Trinidad and Tobago from August 4th to 11th. The team, consisting of five athletes aged 14 to 18, competed in track and field events during the 7th edition of the Games.

Sprinter J’Den Jackson showcased an impressive performance, qualifying for the 100m semifinals with a time of 11.19 in the heats. Although he placed 8th in the semifinals with a non-advancing time of 11.27, his efforts were commendable. The event was won by English runner Teddy W Wilson, with fellow national Ebuka Nwokejie taking second place and Shaquane G Gordon of Jamaica securing third place.

In the 200m event, J’Den ran a time of 22.37, finishing fourth in heat 4 and qualifying for the semifinals. However, he placed 6th in the semifinals with a non-advancing time of 22.24. Samuel Ogazi of Nigeria emerged as the winner in the finals, with Dean Patterson from Scotland and Rusciano Thomas-Riley from England securing second and third place, respectively.

Jonathan Lynch represented the Virgin Islands in the 800m semifinals, finishing 6th with a non-advancing time of 1:59.64. The event concluded with Kelvin Koech of Kenya taking the victory, followed by Miles Waterworth of England in second place and Caleb McLeod of Scotland in third.

A’Sia McMaster and Cristal Daly participated in the long jump event, with A’Sia achieving a longest mark of 5.56m and securing 9th place. Unfortunately, Cristal did not make a mark. Jah’Kyla competed in the high jump but did not achieve a mark in her event.

The athletes concluded their participation in the Commonwealth Youth Games with the Closing Ceremony at Pigeon Point Beach Facility in Tobago on August 11th.

“The athletes displayed great teamwork, and we can be extremely proud of their conduct both on and off the field,” said Chef de Mission Ms. Ericca Frederick. “These youth-oriented Games aim to provide an opportunity for athletes to engage in friendly competition, build friendships, and experience the diverse cultures across the Commonwealth. Our athletes embraced this mission and return home enriched by their experience in Trinidad and Tobago.”

The team was accompanied by coach Erwin “Redz” Telemaque, and Mr. Ephraim Penn, President of the BVICGA, was present to support and encourage the athletes.

“The Commonwealth Youth Games serve as a pathway to the senior Commonwealth Games and other major events, and the exposure our five athletes gained from this competition will greatly benefit their future athletic careers,” commented President Penn. “Under the guidance of their coach, the constructive takeaways from their experience at Trinbago 2023 will serve them well going forward.”

The Games saw the participation of over 1000 athletes from 71 nations and territories across the Commonwealth, competing in events from seven different sports, including athletics, aquatics, beach volleyball, cycling, FAST5 netball, rugby sevens, and triathlon.

Traditionally held every four years, with the first event taking place in Edinburgh, Scotland in 2000, the date and host for the next Commonwealth Youth Games have yet to be decided.

Local News

Fraser Appointed to Lead Environment and Planning in Cabinet Reshuffle

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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.

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Visa-Free Access for Guyanese Effective From Nov. 1 

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 A Welcome Change, but with Mixed Reactions

The introduction of a visa-waiver for Guyanese travelling to the British Virgin Islands, aimed at deepening ties with the oil-rich nation, has prompted mixed reactions from both Guyanese residents in the territory and those at home.

Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. Natalio Wheatley confirmed that as of November 1, citizens of Guyana would no longer need a visa to visit the British Virgin Islands for up to six months, whether for tourism or business. 

This move eliminates the often lengthy and complicated visa application process that had previously been a barrier for many.

“This step strengthens the bond between our countries and the region, facilitating greater ease in travel, trade, tourism, and investment. It underscores our shared vision of regional cooperation and opens new opportunities for people-to-people exchange. Many of our Caribbean brothers and sisters already benefit from visa-free access to the BVI, and we are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana, a giant in our Caribbean community,” Premier. Wheatley said during a press conference on September 30.

For many Guyanese, particularly those who have lived and worked in the BVI for more than two decades, the visa process had been a source of frustration. 

Long-time resident Natasha, who has called the BVI home for more than twenty years, welcomed the change, describing it as long overdue.

“It really is about time that this was done,” Natasha smiled. “I’ve lived in the BVI for over twenty years and was very annoyed when I had to get a visa after being granted a work permit. Made no sense to me, but what can I say—when you’re in another man’s country, you adhere to their rules.”

The issue was first raised during a 2023 trade mission, when both the BVI government and private sector visited Guyana.

The British Virgin Islands is keen to position itself as a key player in Guyana’s burgeoning oil industry, offering specialised services in finance and other sectors. 

At the same time, the Guyanese government is keen to ensure its citizens have the freedom to travel internationally with ease. Reflecting this shift, the United Kingdom in 2022 has also eased visa restrictions for Guyanese nationals.

While some share Natasha’s relief, others in Guyana are less enthusiastic. For many, the BVI has not been a primary travel destination, particularly as Guyana has gained visa-free access to the United Kingdom and streamlined visa procedures for European Schengen countries. 

A Guyanese, who resides in Georgetown, added that, “After we’ve been given visa-free access to the UK and we can now get our Schengen visa right here in Guyana, the BVI is not really at the top of my bucket list of places to visit.”

Indeed, the perception that this new policy will lead to a surge of visitors from Guyana appears exaggerated. 

A Guyanese who previously visited the BVI voiced her appreciation for the Territory but downplayed the likelihood of a major influx. 

“I love the BVI, and yes, I would visit again,” she said, “but this notion that we are going to be passing through in the hundreds to take up permanent residence in the BVI is utter foolishness. I am quite happy being home.”

The exemption reflects a broader move by the BVI government to ease restrictions for Caribbean nationals, pushing for regional unity and enabling greater mobility across islands with historical and cultural links. Guyana, with its vibrant economy and close community ties across the Caribbean, is seen as an important partner in this vision. 

While some are ready to embrace the opportunity, others view it as an optional advantage in an increasingly accessible world.

As the BVI opens its doors, the hope is that this policy will facilitate more meaningful exchanges between the two countries. 

But whether it will lead to significant shifts in travel patterns remains to be seen. 

In the words of Premier Wheatley, “We are pleased to extend this offer to Guyana,” but for many Guyanese, the decision may simply be a convenience, not a game-changer.

 

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Crime/Police

RVIPF Alerts Residents to Surge in Cryptocurrency Blackmail Scams

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The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has issued a warning to the public following a wave of blackmail scams targeting residents across the islands. Numerous individuals have reported receiving disturbing text messages demanding cryptocurrency payments, specifically in bitcoin, under threat of exposing allegedly compromising photos or sensitive information if they fail to comply.

RVIPF officials are advising residents to avoid responding or engaging with these messages. The police emphasize that scammers often exploit fear to pressure victims into payment, and any interaction can increase one’s vulnerability to further scams. Instead, recipients are encouraged to report these messages to the RVIPF for investigation and support.

“The RVIPF is actively investigating these cases to safeguard our communities,” said Detective Chief Inspector Kenrick Davis. “We urge residents to report any suspicious messages immediately and to avoid any communication with unknown or threatening contacts.”

To help reduce exposure to scams, the RVIPF advises the public to enhance their online privacy settings, particularly on social media, and to limit the sharing of personal information online.

If you receive or wish to report a blackmail attempt, please contact the RVIPF’s Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 for assistance and guidance.

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