Local News
“The British Virgin Islands Takes the Show on the Road with Fall Tourism Roadshows
The British Virgin Islands is gearing up for a series of exciting tourism roadshows this fall. The Business Development Team of the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board & Film Commission (BVITBFC) will be taking their show on the road to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and New York, New York in October.
On October 10th, the BVITBFC, along with their tourism industry partners, will be hosting a roadshow at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale. The event will feature presentations from top travel advisors, showcasing what’s new and exciting in the British Virgin Islands. Partners such as Guana Island, Virgin Gorda Villa Rentals, The Moorings, and Virgin Hotel Collection will be in attendance, providing valuable insights into the destination.
The roadshow will then move to New York City on October 11th, where it will be held at Virgin Hotels New York City. The BVITBFC and their partners will once again present to key travel advisors, highlighting why the British Virgin Islands should be their clients’ number one choice. The evening event will also include live entertainment and a special recognition for the travel advisors who have been the top sellers of British Virgin Islands travel.
Delma Maduro, Chairman of the BVITBFC, will be attending both roadshows, emphasizing the importance of these face-to-face meetings with travel advisors. This will be the first time the BVITBFC has had the opportunity to meet advisors in person since the pandemic, and they are eager to express their gratitude for their commitment to selling the destination.
Perla George, Director of Business Development in North America, explained the purpose of the roadshows, stating, “We are excited to meet our top-producing travel advisors and share the latest developments in the destination. These roadshows are a testament to our continued partnership and commitment to a robust tourism industry.”
The British Virgin Islands roadshows promise to be informative and engaging events, providing travel advisors with valuable insights into the destination. With their industry partners by their side, the BVITBFC is ready to showcase all that the British Virgin Islands has to offer and solidify their position as a top choice for travelers.
A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.
Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations
Young Scientists Honored in British Virgin Islands for Groundbreaking Water Research
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers
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