Local News
Virgin Islands Government Takes Bold Steps to Upgrade Road Infrastructure
The Government of the Virgin Islands has recently announced a tender notice for Asphalt Paving and Road Markings to address the extensive road network in the Territory.
The project aims to cover over thirty-eight miles of primary roads and is seen as a crucial step in improving the quality and durability of the road infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Minister for Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, during his statement at the Fifth Sitting of the First Session of the Fifth House of Assembly. In his address, Minister Rymer expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Finance for their unwavering support and commitment to secure the necessary loan funding. This funding will enable the Ministry of Communications and Works to comprehensively address the Territory’s road network, a task that has been long overdue.
“In the interim, we have started, in several areas, to upgrade the primary road network,” Minister Rymer disclosed. He highlighted the recent completion of a stretch of road in Fish Bay as a prime example, demonstrating the government’s dedication to improving road infrastructure. Additionally, several other areas, including Ballast Bay, Great Mountain, Sabbath Hill, Hope Hill, and Little Dix Hill, have witnessed comprehensive works, including retaining walls, slipper and kerb walls, and overlaying to create high-quality roads that meet international standards.
Minister Rymer emphasized the critical role of proper drainage in road development and longevity, stating, “We understand the importance of drainage in the development and longevity of any road network; therefore, we have included over nineteen miles of curb walls and over nineteen miles of slipper drains to accompany the road reconstruction works.” He further explained that these drainage works are essential to prevent water from deteriorating the roads, which is a common issue in the region.
Highlighting the inadequacy of the current road patching efforts by the Public Works Department, Minister Rymer made it clear that such short-term solutions are insufficient to address the multi-layer deterioration that plagues many of the Territory’s roads. He stressed that all thirty-eight miles of road will be addressed comprehensively, ensuring that once the works are completed, Virgin Islands roads will meet the high quality and expectations of any roadway, anywhere in the world.
For those interested in delving deeper into the Minister’s statement and the government’s comprehensive road infrastructure plans, the full statement can be viewed on the official Government of the Virgin Islands website at www.bvi.gov.vg.
The Ministry of Communications and Works remains committed to ensuring the continued development and maintenance of public infrastructure, in line with international standards. This commitment aims to make public utilities reliable and affordable, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors in the Virgin Islands.
Education
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
Dr Kedrick Pickering, former legislator and renowned obstetrician, has achieved international recognition with the release of his book, Walk in Faith & Medicine: Daily Lessons & Insights from a Doctor’s Handwritten Journal. Published on December 12, the 139-page Kindle edition has swiftly become the number one New Release in Obstetrics & Gynaecology on Amazon, earning Dr Pickering a place among Amazon’s International Best Sellers.
Walk in Faith & Medicine provides readers with a deeply personal account of Dr Pickering’s tenure as the only Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in the British Virgin Islands for nearly three decades. The book intricately weaves his medical experiences with his spiritual reflections, offering profound insights into the challenges of practising medicine in a setting where resources were often limited, but faith and resilience were abundant.
Through heartfelt anecdotes, Dr Pickering recounts the joys and struggles of his career, from the miracle of delivering life under difficult circumstances to the strength he found in spirituality when faced with adversity. Each chapter sheds light on the delicate balance between clinical expertise and moral contemplation.
The book’s release has received widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences in both medical and spiritual communities. Its success highlights Dr Pickering’s unique ability to capture the human side of healthcare while addressing universal themes of faith and hope.
Walk in Faith & Medicine is available exclusively as a Kindle edition and is already being hailed as an inspirational must-read.
The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) brought smiles to the faces of over 100 children in the British Virgin Islands with a generous donation of Christmas gifts. The initiative, held on December 16, was a collaborative effort between the FCCA, the Government of the Virgin Islands, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP).
The festivities took place at YEP Headquarters in East End, where children were treated to a festive celebration. Staff from the MSC Virtuosa Cruise Ship donned Santa Claus and other character costumes, adding to the magic of the occasion. The event also received sponsorship from Diamond International.
Premier and Minister of Finance Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley expressed his gratitude for the FCCA’s ongoing commitment to the Virgin Islands community. “The leadership of the FCCA is a thoughtful group of individuals. For more than two decades, their gift-giving has brought smiles and filled hearts with joy and hope during this special time of year,” said Premier Wheatley. “On behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands, I extend our sincere thanks to the FCCA and their co-sponsors for their generosity.”
Minister for Ports Hon. Kye M. Rymer highlighted the FCCA’s enduring partnership with the territory. “Their commitment to gift-giving for over 20 years deserves our acknowledgment,” said Rymer. He also commended the BVI Ports Authority for its collaboration with the FCCA in supporting such initiatives.
Director of YEP Hon. Stacy Mather shared his appreciation for the FCCA’s efforts. “This marks our second time receiving gifts from this initiative. We are incredibly fortunate and grateful for this generosity,” he said. “Thanks to the kindness of FCCA, Diamond International, and others, our Christmas celebrations begin a little earlier.”
The event was moderated by Deputy Secretary in the Ministry of Communications and Works, Ms. Haley Trott, and attended by Junior Minister for Tourism Hon. Luce Hodge-Smith, Deputy Director of YEP Ms. Bianca Dougan, and other community leaders.
As the festive season brings increased consumer activity, the British Virgin Islands Bank Association (BVIBA) has issued a stern reminder to merchants across the territory regarding compliance with card transaction policies.
The association warns that imposing minimum spending requirements or charging additional fees for card payments is not only against their merchant agreements but also violates regulations established by major payment networks, VISA and Mastercard.
The advisory, issued on Wednesday, December 18, warns that merchants engaging in these practices are in breach of their contractual obligations with their respective financial institutions. “We request that all merchants immediately cease these practices to ensure compliance,” the statement read.
The BVIBA comprises several prominent financial institutions, including Bank of Asia (BVI) Limited, CIBC Caribbean, FirstBank PR, National Bank of the Virgin Islands, Popular, Republic Bank (BVI) Limited, and VP Bank (BVI) Limited.
For inquiries or guidance on compliance, the BVIBA advises merchants to contact their respective banks promptly.
Former Legislator Dr Kedrick Pickering Becomes International Best-Selling Author with New Book
FCCA Spreads Holiday Cheer in the British Virgin Islands with Christmas Gift Donation
BVI Bank Association Warns Merchants Against Card Transaction Violations
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