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.
Soaring electricity bills, rising fuel prices and increasing import costs are placing growing pressure on households and businesses across the British Virgin Islands, prompting Claude Skelton Cline to warn during his Honestly Speaking radio program on May 19 that the territory should prepare for more difficult economic conditions and consider whether emergency measures may be needed to ease the burden.
Speaking on ZBVI Radio, Skelton Cline said the territory was entering a period of prolonged financial strain and urged residents, businesses and government officials to plan accordingly.
“The most dangerous position to be in right now is to be unprepared,” Skelton Cline said. “This thing is only going to intensify.”
Skelton Cline said higher utility costs were affecting nearly every sector of the economy, from households struggling to pay monthly bills to businesses facing decisions about staffing and operating expenses.
“These monthly utility bills are so exorbitant,” he said. “There is a domino effect of whether you can keep the same amount of staff.”
He questioned whether the government should consider using reserve funds and other measures to help stabilize fuel prices and provide relief to consumers.
“At what point does any of that trigger that creates a national state of emergency in this country?” Skelton Cline asked.
Skelton Cline noted that the territory has reserve funds and argued that policymakers should examine whether some of those resources could be used to reduce the impact of rising costs.
“There’s no reason why we should not be locking in fuel prices,” he said.
In addition to government action, Skelton Cline encouraged residents to take practical steps to reduce household expenses, including limiting electricity use and unplugging appliances when not in use.
“There are some things that are beyond our control, but there are some things that are within our control,” he said. “We must control those things.”
Skelton Cline said the British Virgin Islands had navigated difficult economic periods before and urged residents not to lose confidence.
“We cannot surrender to our frustration,” he said. “We cannot surrender to our cynicism and our skepticism.”
His comments come as consumers and business owners continue to face higher costs for electricity, fuel and imported goods, increasing concerns about the broader impact on employment, household budgets and the territory’s economy.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards has announced 64 nominees across 13 categories for its 2026 ceremony, recognizing individuals and organizations for contributions in fields including sports, entrepreneurship, media, music, agriculture and public service, founder and executive producer Kareem Nelson Hull said.
The Virgin Islands Icon Awards was established to recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic development of the Territory.
The Ministry of Health and Social Development is monitoring an outbreak of hantavirus linked to the cruise ship MV Hondius that has resulted in several confirmed cases and three deaths, but Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, Minister for Health and Social Development, and Dr. Ronald Georges, Chief Medical Officer, said Monday that the risk to the Virgin Islands remains low.
The ministry said the reported cases involve passengers and crew aboard the Dutch expedition vessel, which was operating outside the Caribbean region. Health officials said there is no evidence of any cases in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the Caribbean.
Honourable Wheatley said the ministry is working with regional and international partners, including the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance systems.
“At this time, the risk to the Caribbean, including the Virgin Islands, is considered low,” Dr. Georges said. “We are utilizing enhanced surveillance systems and maintaining routine port health inspections and preparedness protocols to ensure the continued protection of public health.”
Hantavirus is a rare but potentially serious disease that is primarily transmitted through contact with infected rodents or their droppings, urine or saliva. Human-to-human transmission is extremely uncommon.
The ministry said the rodent species typically associated with the virus are not commonly found in Caribbean environments, further reducing the likelihood of local transmission.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with rodents and areas where they may be present, safely clean and disinfect areas contaminated by rodent waste, maintain proper sanitation and waste disposal, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever or respiratory distress.
Early symptoms of hantavirus can resemble the flu but may progress to more serious respiratory complications if not treated promptly.
“We will continue to work closely with regional and international partners to ensure that any potential risks are identified early and managed effectively,” Dr. Georges said. “Protecting the health and safety of our residents remains our top priority.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development said it will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
Rising Costs Will Intensify, Skelton Cline Warns as He Suggests Emergency Measures
Coronavirus disease 2019
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