Local News
Territory’s Centenarians Honoured for Resilience and Wisdom on National Centenarian Day
The Social Development Department of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) paid tribute to the Territory’s remarkable centenarians for their resilience, wisdom, and resourcefulness in celebrating National Centenarian Day on Friday, September 22.
Among those honoured were Mrs. Enelle Smith and Mrs. Emogene A. Creque, both 104 years old, and Mr. Evelyn Hodge, aged 100, residing on Tortola. Additionally, Mrs. Betty Yates, aged 101, Mrs. Floresa George, and Mrs. Iris L. Harrigan, both aged 100, from Virgin Gorda were recognized by the department.
Chief Social Development Officer, Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett, expressed admiration and respect for the centenarians, stating that the gifts presented to them were carefully selected to reflect their favorite items and acknowledge their longevity and ability to navigate the ups and downs of life.
“This is but a small token intended to celebrate their collective resilience, wisdom, and resourcefulness having experienced life’s joys and sorrows for a century and beyond,” Mrs. Malone-Frett said. “As a Territory, we extend heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering faith and contributions to the socio-economic and political developments of the Territory through their differing roles.”
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley, accompanied the team to the homes of the six honorees as part of the day’s activities. Honourable Wheatley distributed gift baskets and conveyed well wishes, love, hope, and blessings.
“It was an honour and privilege to be in the presence of these centenarians, three of whom I know personally and who live on Virgin Gorda,” Honourable Wheatley said. He emphasized the importance of respecting and caring for the elders, recognizing their role as the foundation on which society stands.
National Centenarian Day serves as a celebration of the remarkable lives and contributions of individuals who have reached the incredible milestone of living for a century and beyond. It also provides an opportunity for society to express collective gratitude and respect for their wisdom, experience, and cultural legacy.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development remains committed to strengthening social protection policies and programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality while improving economic security in the Virgin Islands.
Local News
‘UK LABOUR GOV’T CAN MEND FENCES WITH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES’
By Benito Wheatley
5th July 2024
The Labour Party’s landslide victory at the polls presents a fresh opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) to establish a genuine modern partnership with the Overseas Territories (OTs) after 14 years of Conservative Party rule in which the relationship with the Territories was severely strained by heavy-handed UK Government policies and actions that smacked of colonialism, particularly in the Caribbean where Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos are located.
It also did not help that four OT Ministers were appointed between 2021 and 2024 due to UK political instability.
Late in the previous British Government’s term, efforts were made by former OT Ministers Lord Goldsmith and David Rutley to repair the relationship, which achieved limited success.
The UK and OTs did adopt a Joint Declaration in December 2023 that sought to reframe the relationship and encourage the UK Government to consult the Territory Governments on decisions affecting them in order to avoid future impositions and heavy-handed policies.
The Joint Declaration was also meant to improve the UK’s international reputation at the United Nations (UN), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) where it was perceived that the UK had reverted to its imperialist past.
Plans to publish a new OT strategy to guide UK policy going forward were never realised as the electoral clock ran out on Ministers.
The gap left by the Conservatives leaves an opportunity for the new Labour Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. David Lammy to consider their own strategy toward the OTs, which could involve a much better balance in the UK-OT relationship if Labour genuinely wants to improve things.
At the same time, Labour must be careful to not simply see the OTs through the narrow prism of Gibraltar and the Falklands that are the only two Territories mentioned in the party’s manifesto by name and to whom a commitment was made to their defense and right to self-determination. These commitments, however, should be affirmed for all of the inhabited Territories.
The new Labour Government must also not limit the scope of their engagement with the other OTs, particularly in the Caribbean, to company transparency, corporate taxation, security, and marine biodiversity.
To do so would be to repeat the mistake of the Conservatives who narrowly focused on these issues and overlooked the islands as communities of real people living normal lives, who have their own daily challenges as well as aspirations for themselves and their societies.
Critical areas for stronger UK-OT cooperation are climate change, sustainable development, economic resilience, security, democratic governance, and self-determination, which should take into consideration regional specificities.
More immediately, the UK and Caribbean Territories must collaborate on disaster preparedness and emergency response as the highly active Atlantic hurricane season progresses after Hurricane Beryl.
These key areas can also serve as the basis for a new modern partnership between the UK and OTs in which each Territory can thrive and go on to achieve its highest aspirations, supported by the UK in its role as Administering Power.
For a genuine change in the UK’s relationship with the Territories, the new Labour Government and OTs must seize the opportunity to genuinely reset the relationship through proper consultation on UK policy and strategy and OT needs and aspirations.
The UK will also have to tangibly demonstrate its commitment by making available access to the technical assistance and financial resources needed by each inhabited Territory to help them meet their full potential.
The opportunity is now for the UK and OTs to establish a new modern partnership that is fit for purpose in the post-Brexit and post-Conservative era.
Benito Wheatley is a Continuing Policy Fellow at Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge. Feedback can be provided at benitowheatley@gmail.com.
Local News
Revolutionising the Guest Experience with Digicel Business’ Hospitality Solutions
Digicel Business has launched its state-of-the-art Hospitality Solutions, aiming to revolutionise the guest experience in hotels, resorts, villas, and hospitality establishments globally. With a strong focus on innovation and excellence, Digicel Business is enabling the hospitality industry to excel in the digital era.
In a time when guests demand seamless connectivity, personalised experiences, and efficient services, Digicel Business leads the way with solutions that address these evolving needs. The comprehensive suite of Hospitality Solutions offers an array of services and technologies to redefine guest interactions with hospitality establishments.
Key features of Digicel Business’ Hospitality Solutions include:
Reliable & Secure Connectivity: Providing fast, secure internet access throughout the property, allowing guests to stay effortlessly connected for both work and leisure.
Enhanced Guest Experiences: Boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty with customised experiences such as IPTV, Access Control, Push-to-Talk radio, Fixed Voice for front desks and guest rooms, Video Surveillance, Managed Services, and more.
Efficient Operations: Enhancing operational performance and efficiency by reducing manual processes, allowing customers to focus on core activities while Digicel handles the rest.
Security Solutions: Offering user-friendly yet sophisticated solutions to secure customers’ data.
Scalability: Providing adaptable solutions for properties of all sizes, from boutique hotels to large resorts, ensuring a tailored fit for each establishment.
24/7 Dedicated Support: Ensuring prompt resolution of connectivity or technology-related issues with round-the-clock support.
Annill Daniel, Head of Digicel Business (BVI), commented: “We’re dedicated to investing in cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses across various sectors. With the hospitality industry undergoing a significant transformation, digital technologies are at the forefront of this evolution. At Digicel Business, we are committed to helping our partners in the hospitality sector embrace these changes and deliver unparalleled guest experiences. Our comprehensive suite of Hospitality Solutions is designed to enhance operational efficiency, increase guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.”
For more information about Digicel Business Hospitality Solutions and to discover how they can elevate your hospitality establishment to new heights, visit digicelbusiness.com/vg or contact our sales team at 1 284 300 4357.
Crime/Police
Man Injured in Early Morning Sea Cows Bay Shooting
A man sustained injuries after multiple shots were reported around 1 a.m. in the Sea Cows Bay area early this morning, July 5.
The victim is currently in stable condition at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, according to initial reports. A brief statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed that officers found the wounded man at the scene and transported him to the hospital for treatment.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing
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