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.
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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