Local News
Former USVI Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen Remembered for Distinguished Career: Acting Premier Pays Tribute
The passing of former USVI Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen has left the Virgin Islands community saddened. Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, the Acting Premier, expressed her condolences and paid tribute to Senator Hansen in a heartfelt statement.
“I was saddened to learn that former USVI Senator Alicia ‘Chucky’ Hansen passed away yesterday afternoon after a period of illness,” said Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE.
Senator Hansen’s political career was marked by distinction, having entered the political arena in 1986 and serving for an impressive 11 terms as Senator in the District of St. Croix. She earned the record for garnering the most votes in a senatorial election in the district, a testament to her popularity and dedication to public service.
Despite her political achievements, Senator Hansen never forgot her roots in Long Look, Tortola, and maintained close ties to the Territory. She actively participated in the Inter Virgin Islands Council, USVI/BVI Friendship Day celebrations, and other events, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a strong relationship between the US Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.
Throughout her illustrious career, Senator Hansen was a dedicated champion of human rights, displaying unwavering commitment until her final days. Her distinct voice and passion resonated with those she served.
“Over the course of her remarkable political career, Senator Hansen exemplified qualities of courage, professionalism, and compassion. Her contributions as a servant of the people were truly exceptional, and her passing represents a significant loss not only for the residents of the United States Virgin Islands but for the Greater Virgin Islands,” remarked Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE.
Beyond her political endeavors, Senator Hansen was highly regarded as a radio personality, hosting her own show called “Keeping in Touch.” Through this platform, she engaged in discussions spanning politics, interpersonal relationships, and domestic concerns, further showcasing her dedication to public discourse and community engagement.
On behalf of the Government and people of the Virgin Islands, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE, extended her deepest condolences to Senator Hansen’s family, particularly her sister, Ms. Agnes Pickering, and the extended Malone, George, and Pickering families. She offered prayers for comfort during this time of mourning, recognizing Senator Hansen as an illustrious daughter of the soil who will be sorely missed.
The passing of Senator Alicia “Chucky” Hansen leaves a void in the political landscape, but her legacy as a dedicated public servant and passionate advocate for human rights will continue to inspire future generations. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
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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