Local News
BVI Women’s Team Shows Improvement at Senior Caribbean Squash Championships
The BVI’s Women’s Team exhibited a much-improved performance in their second team match against Jamaica at the Senior Caribbean Squash Championships.
Zoe Sorrentino and Natalie Fay put up a strong fight, pushing their games to extra points.
Mandi Atack managed to secure the BVI’s first game against Melissa Lue Yen, although she eventually lost in a closely contested four-game match.
Squash Captain Laure-Astrid Wigglesworth also delivered a solid performance in her first CASA tour, but Mia Todd proved to be a formidable opponent on the day.
The match results were as follows:
– Jess Davies beat Zoe Sorrentino 11-2, 13-11, 11-5
– Karen Anderson beat Natalie Fay 12-10, 11-7, 11-4
– Melissa Lue Yen beat Mandi Atack 11-4, 9-11, 11-7, 11-8
– Mia Todd beat Laure-Astrid Wigglesworth 11-1, 11-1, 11-6
Later in the evening, the BVI ladies faced the formidable team from Guyana, who are the top seeds and expected to retain their title. The Guyanese team displayed their dominance from start to finish, not allowing the BVI players to settle into their rhythm.
In the over 60’s competition, Winston Findlay faced off against Mark Sealy of Barbados in his second match. Mark, the undeniable number one seed in the over 60’s event, was celebrating his birthday on this day. He is no stranger to the BVI and its players, as he often participates in the annual Meridian Masters Tournament held in November at the Tortola Sports Club.
Squash is an incredibly physical sport, and the fact that Winston gives away ten years to his opponents puts him at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, Winston always gives his all on the court. Although his efforts were in vain, he delighted the spectators with several impressive winners. Win or lose, Winston is always a crowd pleaser. He will play his final match on Friday, August 25.
As the Senior Caribbean Squash Championships continue, the BVI team continues to showcase their talent and determination as they compete against some of the best squash players in the Caribbean.
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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