Local News
BVI Awaits Governor’s Response to EZ Shipping’s Complaint Over Press Conference Statements

Governor John Rankin
Residents of the British Virgin Islands are anticipating Governor John Rankin’s response to a complaint filed by local businessman Clyde Chalwell with the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Office pertaining to statements made during a press conference in March.
Less than two months before his departure in December from the position of governor, Rankin found himself the subject of an official complaint filed by the owner of EZ Shipping through Stokoe Partnership Solicitors.
In the October 13 letter to the United Kingdom (UK) Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs Office James Cleverly, Chalwell’s legal team highlighted two troubling statements made by Rankin when questioned by the media about the territory’s Covid-19 security measures during a March 3.
“I leave others to speculate as to why the former Premier might have been so opposed to what was the deployment of the more effective method for deterring activity in the waters,” the Governor said regarding the former Premier Andrew Fahie choosing EZ Shipping over the UK Navy ship to secure the territory’s waters.
Chalwell’s legal firm highlighted that “this statement is a deliberate attempt to insinuate misconduct on behalf of our client” given the fact that former Premier Fahie had been arrested by United States federal agents and charged with money laundering and drug trafficking.
The company was paid $1.2 million by the government, and according to Chalwell attorneys, the EZ Shipping report had been sent to the DPP and Police “to assess whether any offences were committed according to the contracts.
Additionally, on the effectiveness of the barges provided by EZ Shipping as a security defence, the Governor Rankin said: “I was frankly immediately unconvinced as to their effectiveness.”
“This comment amounts to the Governor giving evidence of his opinion in a press conference when the subject matter he opines has been referred to the relevant authorities for investigation into potential civil recovery proceedings and/or criminal; prosecution,” highlights Chalwell’s legal firm.
The attorneys stressed that “this comment was entirely inappropriate and represented the Governor descending into the arena when it was not his place to do so.”
Following the publication of the letter’s contents by the local press this week, Governor Rankin has refrained from providing an official comment on the allegations.
Concluding his term as the territory’s Governor, which began in January 2021, the seasoned diplomat plans to retire from diplomatic service in December.
He has spent his tenure diligently supervising the government’s implementation of the recommendations arising from the Commission of Inquiry, initiated in January 2021 by former Governor Gus Jaspert.
On April 4, 2022, Commissioner Sir Gary Hickinbottom submitted his comprehensive 946-page findings from the CoI, revealing instances of corruption in government, abuse of office, and other serious dishonesty within public office in recent years.
Following the arrest and subsequent resignation of Premier Fahie, party and independent politicians united to form a coalition government, preventing the UK from suspending the BVI’s constitution for two years.
This arrangement also provided residents with the opportunity to rebuild their trust in the government before the 2023 general elections, leading to the reappointment of Natalio Whealtkey as premier.
Rankin will be succeeded as the Governor by Daniel Pruce, who will assume the position in January 2024.
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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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