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.
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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