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BVIAA Commemorates Naomi Onwufuju’s Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism Achievement
The BVI Airports Authority (BVIAA) marked a historic moment for the Virgin Islands as they celebrated Naomi Onwufuju’s crowning as the Regional Junior Ambassador of Tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress. Ms. Onwufuju is the very first Virgin Islands Ambassador to attain this prestigious designation.
The event, held in the Turks and Caicos Islands, saw Ms. Onwufuju competing against representatives from 14 other Caribbean islands and emerging as the first Virgin Islands Ambassador to secure this prestigious title.
The BVIAA ceremony held at the TB Lettsome International Airport was attended by Junior Minister of Tourism Honourable Luce Smith, representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Works, the Authority’s Sole Shareholder, the Director of Tourism, and members of the Authority’s Board and executive team.
During her presentation at the 2023 Regional Tourism Conference, Ms. Onwufuju highlighted the natural beauty of the Virgin Islands and emphasized that it is not just any tourist destination, but a paradise that should be enjoyed by all. She emphasized the importance of accessibility, stating that it is not only a responsible tourism policy but also a moral obligation.
Honourable Luce Smith commended Ms. Onwufuju for her composed demeanor during the competition and her eloquent responses to the mystery questions. The Junior Minister also took the opportunity to recognise the unwavering support of Ms. Onwufuju’s family, teacher, and the BVI Tourist Board, whose dedicated efforts played a significant role in preparing her for this momentous achievement.
Dr. Drexel Glasgow, Deputy Financial Secretary, expressed his elation at witnessing the Virgin Islands’ triumph on the regional stage. He commended Ms. Onwufuju for her unwavering commitment and hard work, stating, “It is truly gratifying to see the Virgin Islands shine on this platform. We have high expectations for Ms. Onwufuju’s future endeavors and wish her the best as she continues to progress.”
Mr. Kurt Menal, Managing Director at the BVI Airports Authority, offered her an internship opportunity during school breaks and emphasised the crucial role that airports play in the tourism infrastructure and encouraged young people to consider pursuing careers in this field. He stated, “The BVI Airports Authority is wholeheartedly committed to inspiring other young individuals in the Virgin Islands to become ambassadors for tourism. I urge you to look to Ms. Onwufuju’s remarkable journey as a testament to what one can achieve with vision and persistence.”
Director of Tourism, Mr. Clive McCoy, celebrated Ms. Onwufuju’s victory and underscored its significance for the Territory and its thriving tourism industry. Mr. McCoy expressed his confidence that this win marks the beginning of a winning streak for the Virgin Islands, stating, “We are determined to bring home the title every year going forward.” He also acknowledged the hardworking and dedicated team at the BVI Tourist Board, who played an instrumental role in assisting Ms. Onwufuju with her preparations for this historic achievement.
Chairman of the Board, Mr. Theodore Burke, acknowledged tourism as the lifeblood of the Virgin Islands and praised Ms. Onwufuju’s role in promoting the Territory as a top-notch destination. He expressed his belief that her efforts will undoubtedly boost tourism and transform the Virgin Islands’ airports into the gateway to exciting adventures, relaxation, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
Mrs. Elvia Smith-Maduro, representing the Ministry of Communications and Works, also spoke at the event, highlighting the collective pride felt by the government in Ms. Onwufuju’s outstanding accomplishment.
The BVI Airports Authority also recognized their stakeholders, Seven-Fourteen Cafe and Silver Airlines, for their generous contributions to Ms. Onwufuju for her accomplishments.
The British Virgin Islands Airports Authority is responsible for managing and operating the airports of the British Virgin Islands. Their mission is to ensure the accessibility and convenience of air travel to and from the British Virgin Islands, promote tourism, and provide an exceptional travel experience for visitors and residents alike.
The Marine Safety Investigation and Reporting Authority has recorded 10 vessel-grounding incidents between February and December this year, including four between October and December, prompting Chief Marine Accident Investigator in the Premier’s Office, Jerome Padmore, to call on vessel owners and operators to heighten vigilance while navigating Virgin Islands waters.
“This is a significant number and it is concerning, especially given that the marine tourism season is just beginning,” Mr. Padmore said. “It highlights the urgent need to reinforce strict situational and navigational awareness when operating in local waters.”
He said the incidents primarily involved bareboat charter catamarans and occurred under varying conditions, but all shared common contributing factors: reduced situational awareness, inadequate passage planning, and over-reliance on electronic navigation systems.
Mr. Padmore said most groundings are preventable and typically result from human error rather than mechanical failure. Common causes include lapses in concentration, misinterpretation of navigation tools, incorrect assessments of shallow areas, and excessive dependence on electronic charts.
“In regions like the Virgin Islands, operators must remain vigilant due to the complex geography, which includes numerous islands, cays, reefs, shoals, and submerged rock formations,” he said. “These elements can change with tides and weather, making attention to detail essential.”
He also warned that groundings pose serious environmental risks, including damage to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and marine habitats. Even one incident, he said, can cause long-term ecosystem harm and require costly restoration efforts.
The MSIRA is urging all vessel operators—including charter crews, private owners, commercial operators, and bareboat charterers—to reaffirm their commitment to safe navigation. Recommendations include reviewing bareboat charter qualification criteria, ensuring proper briefings, consulting cruising guides and local charts before departure, following designated channels, monitoring water depth, observing navigational buoys, and reporting hazards.
All marine accidents, including groundings, must be reported to the MSIRA within 24 hours, as required under the Virgin Islands Merchant Shipping (Accident Investigation and Reporting) Regulations 2020.
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National Parks Trust Marks Arbour Day With Native Tree Planting at The Baths and Spring Bay
The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands observed Arbour Day 2025 on Nov. 21 with native tree plantings at The Baths National Park and Spring Bay National Park, part of an ongoing effort to restore natural vegetation and strengthen coastal ecosystems.
In a statement posted on its official Facebook page, the Trust said the plantings support the replacement of invasive species and the long-term health of two of the Territory’s most visited natural sites. Officials said the initiative aligns with broader conservation priorities across the national park system.
“Arbour Day is an opportunity to give back to the land that sustains us,” the Trust said. “These plantings contribute to the resilience of our coastal landscapes and help ensure these sites remain healthy for generations to come.”
Alongside the plantings, the Trust’s annual Arbour Day Plant Sale is being held at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens from Nov. 17 through Nov. 28. The sale features a variety of fruit trees, including Suriname cherry, lemon, sugar apple, sugarcane fruit, and starfruit, as well as other native species. The Trust also made available the Ylang Ylang tree, known for its fragrant yellow blossoms used in perfumery.
Residents were encouraged to take part in Arbour Day by planting trees in their communities or visiting the Botanic Gardens to purchase native species. The Trust noted that public participation plays a vital role in advancing environmental stewardship across the Territory.
Arbour Day observances highlight reforestation, biodiversity, and the importance of native vegetation — key components in safeguarding the ecological integrity of the Virgin Islands.
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Government Retracts Bulletin on Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions Amid Public Confusion
The Ministry of Labour and Workforce Development of the Government of the Virgin Islands has officially retracted a bulletin issued yesterday November 11, regarding the status of Indefinite Work Permit Exemptions.
Individuals previously granted indefinite exemptions under the categories of Marriage or Minister’s Discretion were instructed to submit renewal applications, while those under the Education category must now apply for a standard work permit. The Ministry emphasized that work permit exemptions are a privilege, not a status, and encouraged eligible residents to apply for residence status instead.
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