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.
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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