Local News
Hurricane Tammy Maintains Category 1 Strength as it Approaches the Virgin Islands”
Hurricane Tammy maintains its Category 1 strength as it approaches the Virgin Islands.
As of 5 am on Saturday, October 21, the Virgin Islands has been placed under a tropical storm watch, indicating that tropical storm conditions are possible within the territory. With Tammy getting closer, the region can expect gusty winds and heavy rainfall.
The marine conditions surrounding the territory could become hazardous as early as mid-morning due to the strong winds associated with the storm. As the day progresses, the weather conditions are expected to deteriorate even further. Rainfall amounts could potentially reach up to 4 inches by Sunday.
Residents are advised to remain cautious as Tammy is projected to pass in close proximity to the Virgin Islands. Any westward shift in its path could amplify the impact on the territory. Currently, Tammy is located approximately 300 miles east-southeast of Road Town, with sustained winds of 80 mph and moving northwest at a speed of 9 mph.
The Department of Disaster Management emphasizes the importance of staying informed and prepared for the potential effects of the storm. Residents are urged to follow all official updates and advisories and to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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