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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.

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.

In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.

As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.

Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.

Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.

The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.

Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.

“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”

Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.

According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.

“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”

The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.

Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.

For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.

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