Local News
Xmas in July 2023 Event Organizers Donate $6,000 to Beyond the Reef
Wally Castro Marine, the organizers of the Xmas in July 2023 event, have made a generous donation of $6,000 to Beyond the Reef, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to marine environmental education and preservation. The donation was made possible through the sale of official reusable tumblers, which were part of the event’s environmental protection initiatives.
Wally Castro, owner of Wally Castro Marine and the main organizer of the event, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about beach and ocean conservation. “This initiative reflects our desire to create awareness on the importance of protecting our beaches and to send the message that our event takes beach and ocean conservation very seriously,” he stated. “With this donation, we support a local organization that reflects our environmental protection beliefs.”
During the Xmas in July event, members of Beyond the Reef were present to sell the official merchandise. Representatives from local nonprofit organizations, including the Virgin Gorda Rotary Club and Valley Sound Lions Club, also participated in the event by preparing local dishes to raise funds for their respective organizations.
Kendyl Berna, founder of Beyond the Reef, expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that it will help their organization continue to raise awareness about marine environment protection in the British Virgin Islands. “Our oceans are a precious resource, but they are also very fragile. Those who enjoy the beach and sea must do so responsibly,” Berna emphasized. She also commended the event organizers for their environmental care initiatives and encouraged them to continue implementing such efforts in the future.
The Xmas in July event, held on July 22, 2023, was a resounding success, attracting over 5,500 people and 400 vessels to Pond Bay Beach in Virgin Gorda. This edition of the event broke attendance records, making it the most successful in its history. Attendees from Puerto Rico, the British Virgin Islands, and other countries came together to celebrate this traditional summer event.
The event was organized by Wally Castro Marine, Marcos Rivera, and the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission. Wally Castro Marine, based in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, is a leading boat dealer representing renowned brands such as Riviera Yachts, Boston Whaler, Bertram, Regulator, Belize, Nor-Tech, and Azimut Yachts.
Xmas in July 2023 official Tumbler photos by Mar Javierto
Young people using the official tumbler photos by Mar Javierto
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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