Local News
Department of Disaster Management Hosts Community Preparedness Meetings on Sister Islands
The Department of Disaster Management (DDM) is taking proactive steps to enhance community-based resilience by organizing community preparedness meetings on the sister islands. In collaboration with the Sister Islands Programme, the DDM has already conducted meetings in North Sound, Valley, and The Settlement, with the final meeting scheduled for today, October 18th, at the Jost Van Dyke Methodist Church Annex.
Cecil Jeffrey, Community Relations Officer at the DDM, highlighted the importance of these sessions in enabling sister islands residents to meet the DDM team and acquire valuable knowledge on preparing for and responding to hazards. Mr. Jeffrey emphasized the significance of empowering individuals to take action after a disaster, ensuring they do not feel helpless in the face of adversity.
During the meetings, residents have received practical tips on hurricane preparedness and handling other hazards. They have also been educated on contingency and disaster planning, staying informed, and considerations for emergency shelter. Moreover, DDM and Sister Islands Programme officers have engaged attendees in discussions about training opportunities and community evacuation planning.
The officers have also taken the opportunity to inform residents about the upcoming ShakeOut earthquake preparedness exercise, scheduled to take place on October 19th. By sharing this information, the DDM aims to raise awareness and encourage participation in this important drill.
Residents seeking further resources can access a range of valuable tools on the DDM’s website, including a hurricane tracking map, templates for family and business emergency plans, and tips for preparing for storms and other hazards.
Through these community preparedness meetings and the provision of resources, the DDM is actively promoting a culture of preparedness and resilience among sister islands residents. By empowering individuals and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, the DDM aims to enhance the Territory’s ability to effectively respond to emergencies and protect its communities.
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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