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Local News

Four Athletes to Represent the Virgin Islands (UK) at 2023 Pan American Games

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Four athletes will represent The Virgin Islands (UK in track and field and sailing at the upcoming 2023 Pan American Games. Eldred Henry (shot put), Djimon Gumbs (discus throw), Deya Erickson (100m hurdles), and Thad Lettsome (men’s ILCA 7 laser) will compete in the 19th edition of the Games scheduled to take place from October 20 to November 5, 2023, in Santiago, Chile.

Deya Erickson will have the honor of being the flag bearer and leading the contingent at the Opening Ceremony on October 20. This will be the second Pan American Games appearance for Eldred Henry and Thad Lettsome, while Djimon Gumbs and Deya Erickson will be making their debut.

The track and field events are set to commence on October 30, with Djimon Gumbs competing in the discus throw at 6:40 pm EST. Deya Erickson will be participating in the 100m hurdles heats at 5:45 pm EST on October 31, and Eldred Henry will showcase his skills in the shot put at 4:25 pm EST on November 3. The track and field events will be held at the Coliseo del Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez in Ñuñoa, Región Metropolitana.

Thad Lettsome’s sailing races will take place from October 28 to November 5, between 11:00 am and 5:30 pm, at Cofradia Nautica del Pacífico in the Valparaiso region.

Mark Chapman has been appointed as the Chef de Mission for Santiago 2023. Speaking about the upcoming Games, Chapman expressed his confidence in the organizers’ efforts to provide comfortable accommodations and excellent competition venues. He also highlighted that this will be the Virgin Islands’ 11th Pan American Games participation, having competed in every edition since the 9th.

Ephraim Penn, President of the BVI Olympic Committee, extended his congratulations to the athletes for securing their spots at the Games and acknowledged the dedication and hard work they have put in throughout the season. He emphasized that the Pan American Games will be the last major competition of the year before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and wished the athletes success in their endeavors.

In addition to his role as President of the BVIOC, Ephraim Penn will also attend the PanAm Sports AGM ahead of the Games as a member of the PanAm Sports Technical Commission, representing the Virgin Islands (UK).

The 2023 Pan American Games is expected to host approximately 6,909 participants from 41 countries in the Caribbean and Americas, competing in 39 sports. The Games provide an excellent opportunity for athletes to qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. For those unable to attend the event in person, the Games will be streamed live on the Panam Sports Channel on YouTube.

Education

VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

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The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.

Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.

The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.

Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.

The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.

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Crime/Police

BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

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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.

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Local News

U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

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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.

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