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  • 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 || Multiple Arrests Made for Offenses Ranging from Criminal Damage to Immigration Violations || RVIPF Report Multiple Assault Arrests Across the Territory || Police Ramp Up Arrests for Firearm and Explosives Offenses Across the Territory || Police Crack Down on Property Crimes Across the Territory || South African National Charged in Fatal Marine Collision Granted Bail || Ralph T. & Edris O’Neal Foundation Champions Education with Book Donation |||| ADVERTISEMENT: Need a banner in a hurry? Look no further than JAHPHIX DESIGNS. Our high-quality banners can be delivered to you in 24 hours or less. Tel: (284) 340-1995 or email us at mail@jahphix.com ||
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Virgin Islands Passes Bills to Boost Shipping and Maritime Authority for Economic Growth

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The Government of the Virgin Islands has taken significant steps to enhance the capacity of the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority to compete internationally. Two important bills, namely the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority Act and the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act 2022, were passed in the House of Assembly on September 12. These bills aim to empower the authority to strategically respond to market trends and intensify its focus on revenue-generating activities. It is anticipated that these measures will contribute to maintaining and expanding the Territory’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), ultimately leading to real income increases for residents.

Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley, expressed the significance of these acts, stating, “Today we propose an additional improvement to our Register and Maritime Administration by establishing the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry as the Virgin Islands Shipping and Maritime Authority.” Premier Wheatley emphasized the need for the Virgin Islands to adapt and remain competitive as markets and commercial environments evolve.

The Virgin Islands Shipping Registry (VISR) is the authorized agency under the Merchant Shipping Act, and this amendment act will authorize the Authority to replace the Virgin Islands Shipping Registry. Additionally, the act grants the Authority the power to appoint the Director, Surveyors, and the Registrar of Ships.

Premier Wheatley highlighted that the establishment of the Authority aligns with the Government’s objectives of economic diversification and expanding the Territory’s revenue-generating capacities. The transition is expected to enhance the Territory’s company registration for the ownership and operation of shipping companies, as well as increase the overall marketability of the Virgin Islands as a maritime tourism destination.

Director of the VI Shipping Registry, Mr. John Samuel, explained that the establishment of an autonomous Board will bring the VISR in line with international standards and the Red Ensign Group of flags, which includes the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and Isle of Man. This autonomous status will separate VISR from the Central Government administration, providing several advantages such as effective financial management, enhanced responsiveness, improved administrative functions, and fewer bureaucratic constraints for commercial transactions.

To further solidify its position as an effective and modern service provider, government officials are set to attend the Monaco Yacht Show this weekend. This prestigious broker event will offer the VI Shipping and Maritime Authority an opportunity to showcase its capabilities.

The Government of the Virgin Islands remains committed to effective revenue management and economic diversification through the implementation of robust economic policies and decision-making processes.

Education

Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book

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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.

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Entertainment

FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation

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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.

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Business

BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations

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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.

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