Local News
Four Athletes to Represent the Virgin Islands (UK) at 2023 Pan American Games
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.
The Crown Lands Management Bill, recently introduced by the Virgin Islands government, under the leadership of the Honourable Dr. Natalio Wheatley, Premier and Minister of Finance, is set to transform the utilisation and safeguarding of land resources for the future.
“At the core of this bill lies a commitment to transparency and the interests of the community,” declared Premier Wheatley. “We have carefully crafted these regulations to reflect our historical context, current challenges, and aspirations for the future.”
The bill sets out strict criteria and processes for the disposal and leasing of Crown Lands, ensuring decisions are made transparently and in the best interest of the community. Key components of the legislation include sustainability, affordability, suitability for development, eligibility criteria and responsible management.
Furthermore, the bill mandates the establishment of a comprehensive Land Use Plan, a strategic tool to guide future land allocation and mitigate the adverse impacts of unsuitable development.
Dr. Ronald Smith-Berkeley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, echoed Premier Wheatley’s sentiments, urging residents to familiarise themselves with the bill’s contents.
“The Virgin Islands Crown Lands Management Bill is crucial in shaping our collective future,” remarked Dr. Smith-Berkeley. “It is imperative for every member of our community to engage with this legislation, as it holds the key to our development and prosperity.”
The bill, which governs the administration, management, development, and use of all Crown lands, has already garnered attention and anticipation among residents. To encourage public participation, the government has made the bill accessible on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website, bvi.gov.vg, inviting feedback and comments from citizens.
A stabbing incident that occurred on May 12 at His Majesty’s Prison, resulted in inmate Shakeel Ryan being transported to Dr. Orlando Smith Hospital for medical treatment.
Meanwhile, another individual has been apprehended and is currently being questioned at the Road Town Police Station.
Ryan, who is incarcerated for conspiracy to murder, remained hospitalised at the time of publication.
Circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear, and further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
The retaining wall at the Social Security-funded homes in Joe’s Hill Manor Estate sustained substantial damage after heavy rains inundated the territory on May 7 and 8, leaving significant damage at multiple sites across the area.
Fortunately, no injuries have been reported thus far, but efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of all affected areas.
In addition to the damage at Joe’s Hill Manor Estate, the torrential rains caused widespread flooding on the streets, with businesses on Flemming Street bearing the brunt of the floodwaters. The situation was compounded by erosion, landslides, and flash flooding on Virgin Gorda, rendering access to North Sound via Valley impassable and posing hazardous conditions for residents.
As a result of the adverse weather conditions, several banks across the region, including Bank of Asia (BVI), CIBC Caribbean, First Bank Virgin Islands, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) and VP Bank (BVI), were forced to close their doors.
In a precautionary move to prioritise public safety, all public schools across the territory were closed. However, as of today, May 9, they have reopened, except for Elmore Stoutt High School, which will resume face-to-face sessions on Friday, May 10th, 2024.
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