Local News
Ministry of Environment Takes Action to Ensure Land Distribution on Anegada
The Ministry of Environment Natural Resources and Climate Change took a significant step towards finalizing the distribution of lands to qualified individuals on the island of Anegada. Led by Mr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, an eight-member team embarked on a mission to address this longstanding issue.
During their visit last week, Mr. Smith-Berkeley and his team held a productive meeting with members of the Anegada Lands committee. Expressing optimism, Mr. Smith-Berkeley stated, “We are hopeful that by the end of this calendar year, in collaboration with Anegada residents, they will be able to obtain deeds to their lands.” This statement reflects the commitment of the ministry to fulfill the urgent needs of local Anegadians and ensure that they receive the rightful ownership of their properties.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation, the delegation, along with committee members, conducted site visits to areas of concern on Anegada. These visits allowed them to assess the state of road infrastructure, water supply, and electricity in the subdivisions. This information will be crucial in developing plans to improve the overall living conditions and accessibility on the island.
Mrs. Heather Skelton, Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, with a focus on Crown lands, expressed her satisfaction with the progress made through collaborative efforts. She acknowledged that land ownership has been a persistent issue and emphasized the significance of the progress achieved. Mrs. Skelton stated, “We are not only making strides in terms of land title for Anegadians but also in developing public infrastructure to support the subdivisions.” This holistic approach aims to provide Anegadians with a better quality of life and ensure their wellbeing.
Anegada remains a priority area for the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change for the remainder of the calendar year. Looking ahead to 2024, the ministry plans to equally focus on improving road infrastructure in other government subdivisions, such as Spooners and Nibbs Estates, as well as the sister island of Virgin Gorda. This concerted effort aims to enhance accessibility to lands for all Virgin Islanders.
The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change is dedicated to the responsible stewardship of the lands of the Virgin Islands and its natural resources. With the implementation of a robust legal framework that promotes environmentally-friendly best management practices, the ministry envisions a sustainable and prosperous future for the region.
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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