Local News
Green Light – Governor Lifts Flash Flood Warning as Tropical Storm Philippe Recedes from BVI
British Virgin Islands Governor John Rankin has officially lifted the flash flood warning status on Wednesday afternoon and urged drivers to remain cautious of rockfall and flooding as Tropical Storm Philippe moves away from the territory.
“Starting at 1:00 in the afternoon, I gave the green light for the Territory. However, caution is still required. Rockfalls, pools of water, and other potential hazards can still pose a threat to motorists, so everyone who decides to drive today should exercise extreme caution,” announced Governor Rankin on October 14.
Tropical Storm Philippe, which formed over 10 days ago in the Atlantic Ocean, delivered substantial rainfall of up to three to four inches in certain communities and parts of the Leeward Islands.
Philippe boasts maximum sustained winds of 45 mph with occasional higher gusts, and is situated approximately 715 miles south of Bermuda.
On Wednesday morning, government buildings, airports, schools, and businesses remained closed as the British Virgin Islands was placed under a flash flood warning.
Governor Rankin added that “winds and rain caused by Tropical Storm Philippe have reduced significantly. I can also report that in those areas where flooding was observed last night and this morning, the waters have drained away.”
The Governor expressed gratitude towards all essential workers who diligently cleared debris, restored power to affected areas, and ensured the safety of the community throughout the storm.
He also commended the Director of Disaster Management and his team for their coordinated response efforts.
“Many thanks to all of our essential workers who have worked hard to clear debris, restore power to those areas where it was lost, and ensure we were able to get through this storm as safely as possible. My thanks also to the Director of Disaster Management and his team for their efforts in coordinating our collective response. For now, be sure to continue monitoring updates and stay safe.”
The territory will continue to closely monitor updates regarding the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season. Philippe is the 16th named storm of the season and the 17th to achieve tropical storm status.
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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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