Local News
Tropical Storm Lee Approaching Leeward Islands with Potential to Become a Major Hurricane
Antigua and Barbuda Meteorological Services issued a Tropical Cyclone Alert for Antigua and Barbuda, the rest of the Leeward Islands, and the British Virgin Islands as Tropical Storm Lee approaches the region. At 5:25 AM ECT on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, Lee was reported to be approaching hurricane strength and is expected to rapidly intensify into an extremely dangerous hurricane by the weekend.
While the forecast track of Lee remains uncertain due to its notable distance away from the islands, most forecast models suggest that the center will likely pass a relatively safe distance north of the northern Leeward Islands. However, there is still a possibility that a tropical storm or hurricane watch may be issued sometime Thursday.
In the worst-case scenario, Lee poses a minor threat to the islands, with the potential to cause limited impacts from storm-force winds and high seas, resulting in minor disruptions to daily life. It is important to note that this assessment is subject to change as the system moves closer to the area and new information becomes available. To ensure safety, residents are strongly advised to have their hurricane disaster plans prepared and ready to implement at short notice. They are also urged to stay actively vigilant and monitor the progress of the cyclone closely.
As of 5 AM, the center of Tropical Storm Lee was located near latitude 13.7 North and longitude 44.6 West, approximately 1260 miles east-southeast of the Leeward Islands and 1460 miles east-southeast of the British Virgin Islands. The storm is moving west-northwest at a speed of 14 mph, with a slight reduction in forward speed expected in the next few days.
Maximum sustained winds have increased to around 65 mph with higher gusts. Continued steady to rapid strengthening is forecasted, and Lee is expected to become a hurricane later today and a major hurricane in a couple of days. Tropical-storm-force winds extend outward up to 80 miles from the center, and the estimated minimum central pressure is 997 mb.
On its forecast track, Tropical Storm Lee could be near the islands late Friday or Saturday as a major tropical cyclone. Hazardous seas are likely to impact the islands, and there is a possibility of minimal storm-force winds. However, the specific impacts, if any, remain uncertain due to the limited confidence in the eventual path, size, and intensity of the system.
At this time, there are no watches or warnings in effect. Residents are advised to closely monitor Tropical Storm Lee and ensure that they have their hurricane season plans prepared. The next update will be issued shortly after 11 AM by Forecaster Bernell Simon.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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