Local News
Grand Cultural Extravaganza to Mark Culmination of Culture and Tourism Month
A Vibrant Blend of Local Cuisine, Literary Arts, and Cultural Exhibits Await Attendees
In celebration of Culture and Tourism Month, the Department of Culture is set to host a Cultural Food Fair, Book and Art Expo today, November 24.
The event promises to immerse both residents and visitors in the rich tapestry of Virgin Islands culture through a captivating fusion of local delicacies, literary arts, and artistic expressions.
Deputy Director of Culture, Ms. Anne Lennard, expressed her enthusiasm for this staple event, highlighting its significance as one of the most anticipated occurrences during the month-long celebration. Anticipating a broader audience, Ms. Lennard revealed that this year’s food fair would go beyond the culinary realm, incorporating additional cultural traditions, activities, and exhibitions into the day-long festivities.
“We are thrilled to present not only your favorite local foods but also a mini book and art expo, showcasing and promoting the exceptional work of Virgin Islands creatives,” said Ms. Lennard, extending an open invitation to everyone to join the grand celebration. “It promises to be a grand time,” she added.
Commencing at 10:00 a.m. at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the day’s activities will unfold against the backdrop of the Territorial dish of fungi and fish, complemented by an array of local delights such as johnny cakes, saltfish, peas soup, stewed mutton, fish in mayonnaise sauce, maubi, ginger beer, limeade, and golden apple, as well as gooseberry juice.
A highlight of the day will be the Caribbean Insurers Limited Coconut Tart Competition, featuring 21 of the Territory’s finest bakers showcasing their culinary talents. Adding a melodic touch to the event, fungi bands like Zion Sounds and Four Strong will provide live entertainment, while cultural icon Mr. Elmore Stoutt will conduct a storytelling session, weaving tales that entertain, inform, and promote the rich traditions and values of the Virgin Islands.
Book enthusiasts will have the opportunity to peruse and purchase works from local authors, including Janice Nibbs, Andria Flax, Hildegarde Flax Shaw, Janice George Harris, Arona Fahie Forbes, Marilyn Malone Bass, Gracia Wheatley Smith, Catlyn Benjamin, David Turnbull, and the Late Carlile Scott.
The Cultural Food Fair, Book and Art Expo aims to create a lively atmosphere, offering attendees the chance to engage in culturally significant experiences through local cuisine, literary arts, metal craft, pottery, and other heritage exhibits and cultural activities.
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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