Local News
BVI Barracudas Swim Team Brings Home 20 Medals from VISF 2023 Short Course Championships

The BVI Barracudas Swim Team made their mark at the VISF 2023 Short Course Championships, returning home with 20 medals.
Over the weekend, 16 swimmers ranging in age from 7 to 16 competed against the St. Thomas Swimming Association, Inc. Stingrays and the St. Croix Dolphins.
Saturday’s events kicked off with a resounding victory in the Mixed 8 & under medley relay.
The star of the show, Arun Bissoondutt, aged 9, clinched four gold medals. He secured the top spot in the Boys 8 & Under category in the 100m Individual Medley (2:02.56), 25m Butterfly (26.22), and 50m Backstroke. Bissoondutt also secured second place in the 50m Breaststroke (59.21).
William Vergel, aged 7, secured a bronze medal in the Boys 8 & Under 25m Breaststroke with a time of 33.94.
Skylar Steer, aged 8, clinched two silver medals in the Girls 8 & Under category, finishing second in both the 25m Freestyle (24.69) and 25m Breaststroke (31.94).
Naya Bissoondutt, aged 7, captured a gold medal in the 25m Backstroke (29.33) and a bronze medal in the 25m Breaststroke (33.17).
Lily Carey, aged 11, secured two silver medals in the Girls 9-10 category 50m Breaststroke (52.65) and the 100m Breaststroke (2:00.25), and a bronze medal in the 50m Backstroke (54.31).
Princess Samantha Vergel, aged 13, finishing second in the Girls 11-12 category in the 50m Freestyle (45.55) and third in the 50m Backstroke (52.27).
Jemima Peliwan, aged 11, secured a bronze medal in the 11-12 Swimmer category in the 50m Freestyle with a time of 48.18.
Charlie Potgieter, aged 14, clinched a silver medal in the 50m Butterfly (40.50) and two bronze medals in the 100m Individual Medley (1:38.30) and the 50m Backstroke (42.41).
Jack Morris, aged 16, left his mark in the Boys 15-17 category, securing a silver medal in the 50m Butterfly (38.78) and a bronze medal in the 100m Individual Medley (1:26.47).
In addition to individual success, the team performed captured the silver medal in the Mixed 8 & Under Freestyle Relay and Girls 8 & Under Freestyle Relay.
Due to the lack of a dedicated training pool and the unavailability of training flags, the team conducted their training sessions at Bananakeet Restaurant once a week and had three vital training sessions at Nanny Cay in the week leading up to the Championship Meet. The team wishes to express their sincere appreciation to these generous sponsors.
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
Crime/Police
BVI Police Make Strides in Robbery and Property Crime Investigations

A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Local News
U.S. Six-Month Passport Validity Rule Enforced for British Virgin Islands Travelers

Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
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