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
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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