Local News
BVI Olympic Committee AGM Highlights Positive Trajectory for Sports in the BVI
The BVI Olympic Committee/Commonwealth Games Association convened for its 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on December 7 at the Road Reef Plaza offices in Tortola, unveiling a promising outlook for sports in the British Virgin Islands.
In a gathering attended by members of the BVIOC/BVICGA Executive Committee and representatives of the member National Federations, President Ephraim Penn provided a comprehensive overview of the committee’s activities throughout 2023. This included major events such as the 2023 San Salvador CAC, 2023 Trinbago Commonwealth Youth Games, and Santiago 2023 PanAm Games.
President Penn expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of National Federations and volunteers, acknowledging their dedication and hard work in contributing to the significant progress made in various sports. “We’ve witnessed impressive strides in athletics, squash, and volleyball, and look forward to hosting notable regional and national tournaments in 2024,” remarked President Penn.
The BVIOC/BVICGA annual report covered a spectrum of topics, ranging from updates on the BVI National Anti-Doping Commission to insights from the International Olympic Committee, PanAm Sports, and Commonwealth Games Federation. Treasurer Mark Chapman presented financial statements, shedding light on grants available through Olympic Solidarity and Panam Sports.
Gloria Leola Fahie, Member at Large, shared updates on the Women in Sports Commission, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to fostering gender equality in sports. New recruit Mrs. Sophia Brewely-Massiah, set to become the Office Manager in January 2024, discussed the upcoming Safeguarding program.
Athlete Representative and BVIOC Athletes’ Commission Chair, Ashley Kelly OLY, announced the 1st Annual Athletes Forum & Sports Psychology Workshop scheduled for December 16 at the Multipurpose Complex.
Representatives from National Federations, including Archery, Athletics, Cycling, Football, Rugby, Sailing, Softball-Baseball, Squash, Taekwondo, Tennis, and Triathlon, shared their annual reports, underlining the collective commitment to sports development.
President Ephraim Penn and Secretary General Lloyd Black are set to attend The USOC / Panam Sports Athlete 5th Americas Best Practice Symposium on December 9-10 in Miami. Meanwhile, track and field athlete Deya Erickson will represent the BVI at the Panam Sports Awards event on December 9.
Looking ahead, the focus turns to the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics, scheduled for July 26 – August 11 in France, where Tahesia Harrigan-Scott OLY will once again serve as the Chef de Mission, steering BVI’s representation at the international sporting event.
In an inspiring act of generosity, Russ Roschman, an avid animal lover, marked his birthday in an extraordinary way—by dedicating it to the furry residents of the BVI Humane Society. Instead of accepting gifts, Roschman launched a GoFundMe campaign that raised an impressive $2,500 for the shelter.
Roschman spent the day with the shelter’s animals, earning the gratitude of staff and the community alike. The funds raised will be directed toward the running costs of the current shelter, providing vital resources to care for the animals.
The BVI Humane Society, in a heartfelt post, expressed their appreciation, calling Roschman an “amazing animal lover” and extending a “big furball thanks” for his kindness.
This act of selflessness shines a light on the ongoing needs of shelters like the BVI Humane Society, which rely on donations and community support to provide essential care for animals in need. Roschman’s gesture is a reminder of the impact individuals can make, one paw at a time.
The Immigration and Passport (Amendment) Act, 2024, signed into law by Governor Daniel Pruce on November 1, introduces significant changes to the Territory’s immigration policies. Among the most notable amendments is the doubling of the residency requirement for individuals seeking Belonger status, extending the period from ten to twenty years.
The legislation also establishes an Immigration Appeals Board to handle challenges and disputes, reflecting the government’s commitment to enhancing the transparency and accountability of the immigration process. Premier Natalio Wheatley described the amendments as a step forward in refining the system. “We are committed to ensuring that the process is transparent and equitab
Governor Daniel Pruce
le,” the Premier said in a statement.
While the new law introduces robust measures to regulate and manage immigration, it has drawn mixed reactions. One key point of contention is the lack of new pathways for children born in the Virgin Islands to non-Belonger parents. Critics argue that this omission leaves a gap in addressing a demographic often caught in legal limbo.
The amended law also tasks a newly created Quota Setting Committee with advising the Board of Immigration on annual quotas for residence and Belonger certificates. This ensures that quotas align with the Territory’s capacity and strategic objectives.
However, the law is not yet in effect. It will commence on a date to be announced by the Premier in the official Gazette. Applications submitted before this date will be processed under the previous legal framework, providing clarity for those already in the system.
The government has framed these changes as part of its broader strategy to ensure sustainable growth and prosperity for the Virgin Islands. “These amendments are designed to support the Territory’s long-term goals while maintaining fairness for all residents,” a government statement emphasised.
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
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