Local News
Kinisha Forbes Appointed as Director of Programme Strategy for Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency
Kinisha Forbes has been appointed as the new Director of Programme Strategy for the Virgin Islands Recovery and Development Agency (RDA), effective September 12.
The RDA is thrilled to have Ms. Forbes join their team and lead the development of immediate and long-term plans while overseeing the Programme Strategy Department.
In her new role, Ms. Forbes will be working closely with Chief Executive Officer Anthony McMaster to engage with and implement the provisions outlined in the signed Memorandum of Understanding between the RDA and the Ministry of Finance. Her responsibilities will also include directing the assessment and refinement phase of the planning process and providing strategic input throughout the project cycle. Collaborating with key partners, Ms. Forbes will tackle complex projects and contribute to the overall success of the RDA’s initiatives.
Ms. Forbes brings a wealth of experience to her new position. She joined the RDA in February 2019 as the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation, where she successfully developed the Monitoring and Evaluation Results and Value for Money frameworks. These frameworks have been instrumental in tracking the RDA’s project implementation and ensuring the achievement of set goals.
Before joining the RDA, Ms. Forbes held the position of Head of the Macro Fiscal Unit and worked as a Policy Analyst in the Ministry of Finance for an impressive seven years. During her tenure, she led the government’s macroeconomic and fiscal forecasting, research, and policy analysis program. Her contributions included the preparation of the annually-updated Medium Term Fiscal Plan and the reform of Central Government’s planning and tracking frameworks to prioritize results.
Prior to her work in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Forbes served as a Research Officer at the International Labour Office (ILO) in Geneva, Switzerland. Her research at the ILO focused on the impacts of the global economic crisis on inequality and vulnerable groups, with a specific emphasis on the role of public policy in mitigating these impacts.
Ms. Forbes holds a Master’s degree in Social Policy and Planning from the London School of Economics and Political Science. She also earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Women’s Studies, and Spanish from Georgetown University. With research interests spanning inequality, fiscal space for public investment, and the political economy of crises, Ms. Forbes continues to expand her knowledge and skills. Earlier this year, she achieved an Executive Certificate in Economic Development from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.
Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Ms. Forbes stated, “I am humbled by the confidence that the Board and Management of the RDA has placed in me to provide strategic input into the continued contribution of the Agency in our Territory’s recovery and development story. I look forward to helping to chart the way forward for the Agency in supporting the Government to tackle our development challenges.”
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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