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Virgin Islanders Urged to Make Their Voices Heard in Constitutional Review

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Former Virgin Islands legislator Carvin Malone, spokesperson for the One Virgin Islands Agenda, has called on Virgin Islanders to actively participate and voice their opinions in the ongoing review of the Constitutional arrangement between the United Kingdom (UK) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

This appeal comes as the UK House of Commons’ Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee (PACAC) nears the end of public consultations on the appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for UK Overseas Territories (OTs) in the 21st century.

The PACAC’s deadline for public submissions of evidence on several issues regarding the UK’s Constitutional relationship with the OTs is set for 5 pm London Time on Monday, September 4, 2023. Currently, the BVI is awaiting the report of the Constitutional Review Commission, which will inform the BVI Government representatives’ position during negotiations with UK Government officials to establish a new Constitutional arrangement to replace the existing Virgin Islands Constitution Order 2007.

During a recent One Virgin Islands Agenda Open Forum radio broadcast, Mr. Malone emphasized the need for Virgin Islanders to take personal responsibility for educating themselves on the relevant issues and processes involved in revising the Constitution and advancing the BVI’s political status. He warned that failing to participate in the decision-making process could lead to decisions being made for them by others, with potentially regrettable consequences.

Mr. Malone highlighted the importance of active participation, stating, “Let us compile our responses on these questions so that when the Government writes to the UK on these particular questions, as they should, then it would be one that comes from the bowels of the people and the mindset of the people.”

The UK PACAC is seeking public comments on various questions, including the satisfaction and appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for the Overseas Territories in the 21st century, the engagement of the UK Civil Service with the OTs, the representation of the OTs within different departments across Whitehall, and the protection of the rights and interests of British Overseas Citizens.

Virgin Islanders are encouraged to visit the PACAC’s website for more information on the call for evidence and to make submissions on the questions related to the appropriateness of the current constitutional arrangements for UK’s OTs in the 21st century.

The One Virgin Islands Agenda is a nonpartisan movement organized by concerned Virgin Islanders, focused on encouraging residents to actively participate and learn about the Constitutional Review process. The movement aims to simplify and promote the participation of residents in shaping the future of the BVI.

Virgin Islanders are urged to seize this opportunity to have their say and actively contribute to the ongoing review of the Constitutional arrangement, ensuring that their voices are heard and their interests are represented in the decision-making process.

Crime/Police

Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

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 A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.

Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.

“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”

Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.

“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”

The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.

“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”

Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.

“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”

While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.

“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”

In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”

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Local News

BVI Electricity Corporation Unveils Transparent Billing System, Detailing Fuel Costs

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The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has introduced a revised electricity bill format that provides customers with a clearer breakdown of fuel-related charges, in a move toward greater financial transparency,  The new bill, set to be distributed starting this month, was unveiled at a press conference held at BVIEC’s Long Bush headquarters on Thursday.

The redesigned bill includes additional details aimed at helping customers better understand how fuel costs contribute to their electricity charges. It now displays the cost of fuel per gallon as a surcharge, reflecting the base cost that influences energy pricing. It also shows the BVIEC fuel subsidy per gallon, which represents the amount the corporation offsets to reduce the financial burden on consumers. The customer fuel surcharge per gallon, or net surcharge, reveals the final fuel-related charge customers pay after subsidies are applied.

“This initiative underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Neil Smith, BVIEC’s General Manager. “Customers deserve to know not only what they’re being charged but also how BVIEC is working to support them, particularly in an era of fluctuating energy prices.”

Chief Financial Officer Carmen Sully echoed this sentiment, emphasizing BVIEC’s longstanding efforts to cushion customers from rising fuel costs. She explained that each month, BVIEC makes a substantial financial contribution to help mitigate high energy prices. By including this information in the bill, the corporation is not just offering transparency but also highlighting the value it provides to every household and business in the territory.

Beyond improved visibility into costs, the updated billing system reflects a broader modernization effort in how customer charges are processed and presented.

The new bill format will be implemented for all BVIEC customers beginning in April 2025.

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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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