Local News
Vijay Bissoondutt Awarded Honorary MBE for Transforming Animal Welfare in the BVI
In a momentous Investiture ceremony held at Government House on September 5, Mr Manog Bissoondutt MBE, affectionately known as ‘Vijay’, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to animal welfare as the Shelter Manager of the BVI’s Humane Society.
Vijay’s unwavering dedication and compassionate efforts have earned him the prestigious Honorary MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire).
Governor John Rankin CMG, who presided over the ceremony, acknowledged the challenges faced by shelter managers. “Running the shelter can be a selfless task, sometimes heart-breaking and sometimes frustrating,” Governor Rankin empathized. “Much of the work is not carried out in the limelight and is not always realized or recognized. But through his daily, weekly, and yearly commitment, for his passion and for making a difference for many hundreds of animals who have gone on to live better lives, he is deserving of reward and recognition.”
Vijay, known for his deep love and empathy for animals, has dedicated his life to the welfare and protection of vulnerable creatures in the British Virgin Islands. His tireless efforts have not only saved numerous lives but have also inspired a community of animal lovers to rally behind the cause.
Under Vijay’s exceptional leadership, the BVI Humane Society has achieved remarkable milestones. Through successful adoption drives, educational outreach programs, and the implementation of innovative animal care practices, the shelter has witnessed a significant improvement in the lives of countless animals. Vijay’s unwavering commitment has provided hope and a second chance to creatures that were once abandoned or neglected.
Expressing his gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him, Vijay dedicated the award to the entire team at the BVI Humane Society. “I am truly humbled and honored to receive this recognition,” Vijay humbly stated. “I share this award with my dedicated colleagues at the Humane Society, without whom none of this would have been possible. Together, we will continue our mission to protect and care for animals in need.”
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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