Local News
Virgin Gorda Community Angry Over Ongoing Water Disruption
Says Government Is Making Conflicting Statements Over Water Disruption Caused By Sargassum Seaweed At Handsome Bay
Residents and the business community of Virgin Gorda are extremely angry over the continued water disruption caused by sargassum seaweed at Handsome Bay after being assured by the Ministry of Communications and Works early this month that a permanent solution was being sought.
The Ministry of Communications and Works and the Handsome Bay water company, Aqua Design, both acknowledged that due to the overwhelming amount of sargassum seaweed, the pre-filtration system of the open sea intake was partially blocked disrupting the water distribution level in The Valley.
Earlier this month, Minister Kye Rymer apologised for the inconvenience caused by the reduced water supply and assured residents that a long-term solution would be implemented in the upcoming months.
The Ministry also stated that plant operators would continue to monitor the intake condition and make necessary adjustments.
However, the water woes have persisted, causing frustration within the entire community. Residents have reported water disruptions occurring twice daily, from noon to 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
An angry resident, who requested anonymity, expressed disappointment in the lack of transparency from the sewerage department and water plant.
“So the water and Sewerage Department don’t have enough respect for the public to tell us what the issues are. We are the ones affected and we have a right to know what’s happening,” a frustrated resident, who asked to remain anonymous, told JTV. “And if the Director and the Minister both touting that the water situation has been rectified then why water off for most of the day.”
Plant production had to be reduced to maintain adequate pressure to the equipment. Failure to maintain over 30 psi to the equipment could result in catastrophic equipment failure.
Another expressed their frustration, stating that “water shuts off twice a day. Some areas now water for over a week. At-Large members (are) quiet, conflicting answers from (the) government.”
The sentiment that the water issues in Virgin Gorda are being disregarded by those in positions of authority is shared by both residents and business owners in The Valley.
Minister of Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration Vincent Wheatley serves as the Ninth District Representative, while At-Large members elected in the 2023 general elections are Deputy Premier Lorna Smith, Education Minister Sharie deCastro, Opposition Leader Ronnie Skelton and Stacy Mather.
“I bet At-Large members don’t even have a clue. Does anyone really care? I’m just disgusted,” JTV was told.
There was some change when the tide shifted the sargassum seaweed last weekend, allowing for increased plant production.
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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