Local News
BVI Airports Authority Takes Leadership Role in ACI-LAC Governing Board
The BVI Airports Authority has been elected to serve as an Advisor on the Governing Board of Airports Council International – Latin America and the Caribbean (ACI-LAC).
As of January 2023, ACI boasts 712 members, operating in 1925 airports across 171 countries. The council, organized in a federal manner, comprises ACI World and five ACI Regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific and Middle East, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and North America.
Having joined the council in 2019, the BVI Airports Authority’s recent election to the Advisory role on the Governing Board occurred during the ACI-LAC Annual Assembly Conference and Exhibition in Miami, held from November 5 to 7. Managing Director Mr. Kurt Menal, leading the delegation, reiterated the Authority’s commitment to being a proactive player in regional aviation.
“Our two-year term as an advisor will see the Authority actively contributing to the council’s mission and vision, with a particular focus on air transport liberalization in Latin America and the Caribbean and addressing the perennial issue of intra-regional connectivity,” stated Mr. Menal.
Participating in a panel discussion on air transport liberalization, Mr. Menal emphasized the Authority’s expertise and dedication to shaping the future of aviation in the region. He highlighted the significance of the appointment, positioning the Authority as a leader in aviation and an advocate for regional airports.
“The Governing Board of ACI ensures that policy recommendations represent the collective interests of ACI members. The Authority’s appointment will allow us to provide crucial leadership and act as a strategic link between the Authority and over 700 business partners associated with ACI-LAC,” explained Mr. Menal, foreseeing strengthened collaboration with the Government of the Virgin Islands, particularly in the ambitious Airport development project.
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore Burke, commended the Authority on this significant milestone, stating, “It is indeed an honor for the Authority to champion the cause of smaller airports in the Caribbean. This prestigious appointment recognizes our commitment to excellence and provides an unparalleled opportunity for our staff to be exposed to international best practices and development.”
In addition to the advisory role, the Authority is represented on several ACI-LAC sub-committees, including Safety, Environment, Commercial & Economics, General Aviation, and Human Resources. Staff members specializing in these areas contribute to capacity building and expand their professional networks.
The Airports Council International collaborates with governments, regional ACI members, experts, and international organizations to develop policies, programs, and best practices that advance airport standards globally.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
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