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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K’Meeya Chung and Dakarai Wheatley-Adams were crowned Miss and Mr. H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) tonight during the 2025 edition of the Mr. & Miss HLSCC Pageant, held at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium.
Themed “The Dream of a Visionary,” the pageant is part of a series of events commemorating HLSCC’s 35th anniversary. Five students competed for the titles, which recognize outstanding student ambassadors.
Female contestants Chung, Shakira Hendrickson, and Jmya Mark competed in five segments: Introduction and Business Wear, Ambassadorial Presentation, Talent, Evening Wear, and the Question and Answer round. Male contestants Wheatley-Adams and Shimei Peters also took part in the same categories.
The competition began on Friday, May 30, with the personal interview segment, followed by the main event this evening. The pageant aims to develop leadership and public speaking skills, and winners will receive scholarships and represent the College at various engagements throughout the year.
The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins today, June 1, and runs through November 30. Forecasts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Colorado State University (CSU) indicate an above-average season, with heightened activity anticipated across the Caribbean region.
NOAA projects 13 to 19 named storms, including 6 to 10 hurricanes, of which 3 to 5 could become major hurricanes (Category 3 or higher). CSU’s forecast aligns closely, predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes, and 4 major hurricanes.
Several climatic factors contribute to the anticipated increase in storm activity. Sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea remain warmer than average, providing additional energy to fuel storm development. Additionally, the expected transition from El Niño to La Niña conditions is likely to reduce wind shear in the tropics, further facilitating storm formation and intensification.
For the Caribbean, the implications are significant. CSU estimates a 66% probability of at least one major hurricane tracking through the region this season, compared to the historical average of 47%.
In response to the heightened activity forecast, NOAA has implemented several enhancements to its forecasting and communication strategies. The National Hurricane Center will now issue forecasts and storm tracks up to 48 hours before a storm’s potential formation, allowing for earlier warnings. Updated storm cones will include inland warnings and nationwide inundation mapping to better visualize flood risks. New rip current risk maps will also be provided when tropical systems are present.
As the season begins, residents in hurricane-prone areas are advised to prepare accordingly. This includes assembling emergency supplies, reviewing evacuation plans, and staying informed through official channels. While forecasts provide an overview of expected activity, the specific paths and impacts of individual storms can vary, underscoring the importance of readiness and vigilance throughout the season.
For real-time updates and detailed forecasts, individuals are encouraged to monitor information from the National Hurricane Center and local emergency management agencies.
Karelynne Jimenez and Aiden Thompson claimed top honors in the Environmental Health Division’s first-ever Art and Poetry Competition, held in observance of Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week 2025. The initiative encouraged youth participation in promoting mosquito control through creative expression, focusing on the dangers of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and the importance of eliminating breeding sites.
The competition aimed to engage children in spreading awareness about source reduction—the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds—as a key public health measure. Students ages 8 to 11 were eligible to participate in the poetry segment, while the art category was open to those between the ages of 12 and 17.
Karelynne Jimenez, a Grade 7 student at Elmore Stoutt High School, secured first place in the art category. Her schoolmate, U’Nyah Stoutt, a Grade 10 student, was awarded second place. In the poetry division, Aiden Thompson, a Grade 5 student at Alexandrina Maduro Primary School, earned the top spot, while Jeanee James of Pelican Gate School placed second.
During a brief award ceremony hosted at the Environmental Health Division’s offices, the winners presented their work to a small audience that included their parents and members of the Division.
Acting Chief Environmental Health Officer, Ms. Henrietta Alexander, commended the participants for their effort and engagement.
“Participants focused their work on the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the results were nothing short of impressive,” Ms. Alexander said. “The depth of research and artistic expression displayed highlighted both talent and a strong understanding of the public health issue.”
Ms. Alexander also noted that the Division hopes to continue the initiative in coming years, citing the quality and enthusiasm of the entries as a positive indicator for future programs.
The competition forms part of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes across the Virgin Islands.
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