Local News
BVI On Shutdown as Tropical Storm Philippe Strikes
Government buildings, schools and businesses are closed on Wednesday due to Tropical Storm Philippe which continues to bring heavy downpours across the British Virgin Islands.
The territory is currently under a flash-flood warning, which will remain in effect throughout October 4.
The government has issued a statement advising residents to exercise caution as thunderstorms, flash flooding, and strong winds are expected throughout the day.
“The Virgin Islands is under a flash-flood warning. As Tropical Storm Phillipe continues to affect the Territory, thunderstorms, flash flooding and strong winds are expected throughout the day,” a government statement said.
Tropical Storm Philippe, which originated over 10 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean, is projected to bring significant rainfall, potentially reaching up to a foot, across the territory and certain parts of the Leeward Islands.
Having made landfall on Barbuda on Monday, October 2, the storm is currently centred approximately 120 miles northeast of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands. Peak winds are estimated to be around 45 mph.
Residents are strongly urged to remain indoors and be mindful of the life-threatening rip currents occurring along portions of the Atlantic coasts of the northern Leeward Islands, the British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico throughout the middle of this week.
Philippe is the 16th named storm of the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season and the 17th to achieve tropical storm status.
Local News
Virgin Islands Premier Concludes Key Talks in London, Sets Stage for Stronger UK Partnership
Entertainment
Thirteen Restaurants to Serve Up Lobster Delights at Anegada Lobster Festival 2024
Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Search Underway After Vessel Capsizes Off Jost Van Dyke, One Dead, One Missing
-
Local News2 weeks ago
Oil Spill Forces Temporary Road Closure in Fish Bay
-
Local News1 week ago
Thirty-Six Naturalized as British Citizens in Ceremony at Government House
-
Education2 weeks ago
Eighty Virgin Islands Public Officers Complete Customer Service Training
-
Elections 20232 weeks ago
Virgin Islands Releases 2024 Preliminary Voters List for Public Review
-
Local News2 weeks ago
British Virgin Islands Premier Leads Delegation to London for Key Talks on Governance, Finance, and Climate Change
-
Local News1 week ago
Major Road Rehabilitation Projects Underway
-
Education3 days ago
HLSCC Expands Global Educational Pathway with CMI Level 3 Diploma