Local News

Premier Wheatley Urges Urgent Action on Climate Change in Press Conference

Published

1 year ago

December 9, 2023

Editor

Premier and Minister of Finance, Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Dr. Honourable Natalio D. Wheatley, stressed the critical urgency of addressing climate change and securing vital funding for the Virgin Islands.

In a press conference held on Friday, 8th December, Premier Wheatley asserted that climate change stands as the single greatest threat to the survival and development of small islands like the Virgin Islands. He emphasized that, as small entities contributing minimally to the problem, these islands are experiencing the most severe impacts on the frontlines of the climate crisis.

“Gone are the days when there is a debate about whether climate change is real. We are now living the reality of climate change,” Premier Wheatley declared, highlighting the imminent dangers of exceeding global warming thresholds within the next decade.

Drawing attention to the tangible impacts on the Virgin Islands, Premier Wheatley outlined the potential consequences, from disappearing coral reefs and persistent sargassum landings to increased risks of vector-borne diseases and ‘runaway’ sea level rise threatening coastal communities and infrastructure. He underscored the economic toll, referencing the massive debt incurred after hurricanes like Irma and Maria.

Premier Wheatley stressed the need for adaptation measures to ensure resilience against the multifaceted impacts of climate change. However, he acknowledged the financial challenge, stating, “Adaptation is very costly, more than we can afford.”

Providing insights into recent duty travels, Premier Wheatley shared updates from the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28). He highlighted the crucial role of small islands in climate negotiations, citing their historical leadership in advocating for major victories such as the creation of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Addressing the disparity faced by the Virgin Islands and other UK Overseas Territories in accessing climate funds, Premier Wheatley reported on successful engagements at COP28 with the UK delegation. He expressed satisfaction in securing an agreement for the Territories to be engaged at the start of the cycle for the UK’s negotiating strategy for future COPs.

Moreover, Premier Wheatley revealed positive developments in discussions with Rt Hon Graham Stuart, UK Minister for Energy Security and Net Zero. The UK’s openness to a dedicated Climate Change Fund for its Territories and the agreement for a formal request process were seen as significant strides.

“We have a critical window to ensure our concerns make it into the global negotiations,” Premier Wheatley emphasized, urging collective efforts to build on existing initiatives and establish a robust framework for climate action in the Virgin Islands.

As the government continues its advocacy for international climate funds and a dedicated UK Climate Change Fund, Premier Wheatley invited media collaboration to spotlight the unique challenges faced by the Territories. He emphasized the importance of building on the foundation laid at COP28 to ensure the Virgin Islands is not left behind in the fight against climate change.

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Crime/Police

Tensions Flare as Parents Confront Elmore Stoutt High School Staff Over Contraband Crackdown

Published

2 days ago

February 21, 2025

Editor

PHOTO: Confiscated items displayed in a slideshow at the recent ESHS PTA meeting, highlighting ongoing security concerns.

A crackdown on contraband at Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS) has sparked heated confrontations between parents and school officials, with administrators raising concerns about aggressive behavior from guardians and a troubling rise in prohibited items on campus.

In a letter sent to parents on February 20, Principal Vanessa Garraway revealed that routine searches at the school uncovered a significant amount of contraband and illegal substances among students. The alarming findings prompted stricter policies and the involvement of School Resource Officers from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF). However, instead of cooperation, some parents have responded with hostility.

“We have seen an increase in parents arriving at school and behaving aggressively towards teachers and administrators,” the letter stated. “This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”

The issue of contraband at the school has been growing, and the administration is now taking a tougher stance. Effective February 24, students caught with prohibited items will not only face confiscation but will also be sent home immediately, with an accompanying suspension. Parents will be required to collect their child in such cases.

“We need parents to do more,” Garraway urged in the letter. “It is your responsibility to check your child’s belongings before they leave for school and have open conversations about the importance of following school rules and making positive choices.”

In response to the escalating situation, School Resource Officers have been stationed on campus to curb violent incidents, monitor student behavior, and enforce discipline. Their presence aims to deter misconduct, particularly in light of growing concerns over students making threats, whether serious or in jest. The school has made it clear that any such threats will be reported directly to the RVIPF.

“We are taking a no-nonsense approach,” Garraway wrote, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

The Ministry of Education has also weighed in, calling on parents to take a more active role in supporting efforts to maintain a secure learning environment. “Recent routine inspections continue to uncover prohibited items which pose serious risks to students’ health and well-being,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry reiterated that matters involving weapons, alcohol, and drugs will be referred to the RVIPF and the Social Development Department for further intervention. Additionally, officials reminded parents that mobile phones are not among the approved devices for use during the school day.

“We are reinforcing a Zero Tolerance Policy for any behavior or possession of items that compromise school safety,” the Ministry stated. “Our goal is to provide a safe and secure learning environment where students can focus on their education without unnecessary disruptions.”

As ESHS moves forward with these new measures, school officials and the Ministry of Education continue to uphold policies aimed at ensuring a structured and secure environment for all students.

Entertainment

Caribbean Baking Awards to Stream Live on JTV – Watch the Region’s Best Bakers Compete

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Some of the best bakers from across the Caribbean are gearing up for the Caribbean Baking Awards (CBA), a two-day event celebrating creativity, skill, and the flavours that make Caribbean baking unique. The competition will be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV), so viewers from across the region and beyond can watch the action as it happens.

Bakers from across the Caribbean will go head-to-head in various categories, putting their skills to the test in front of expert judges. The competition will feature teams from:

Virgin Islands (US) – Team Hibiscus Sweets
Trinidad and Tobago – Team Trini Cakes Revellers & Team Flavour Masters Possé
Jamaica – Team Sweet Success & Team The Dynamic Duo
Antigua and Barbuda – Team The Glass Jar & Team Sweet Art 268
Virgin Islands (BVI) – Team Bombshell
Dominica – Team Donmnik Dou
Guyana – Team Sweet Secrets
Barbados – Team Bimstars
Saint Lucia – Team Fruit Boss

The event takes place on February 21-22, featuring live baking, expert judging, and special guest appearances. Chef Kareem Brooks from Saint Martin will be one of the judges, while hosts Julie Mango and Ricky “Daphox” Bertie will keep the energy high throughout the competition. The celebration will wrap up with an After Party on February 22, featuring a live performance by Onyan and the 3 Cylinder.

Viewers can watch live on JTV and be part of the excitement as bakers compete for top honours.

Tickets to attend in person are $10. Secure yours today and don’t miss out!

For more details and to watch the live stream, visit https://tinyurl.com/CBAwithJTVchannel55

Entertainment

Lesley and Lestene Maduro Represent the BVI at Caribbean Baking Awards

Published

2 days ago

February 20, 2025

Editor

Lesley and Lestene Maduro of LSL Bakery in Virgin Gorda will be among the bakers competing at the Caribbean Baking Awards, set to take place in the British Virgin Islands.

LSL Bakery, a well-known establishment in Virgin Gorda, has been serving pastries, cakes, and other baked goods for years. Founded as a family business, it has grown into a recognised name in the local culinary scene.

The Caribbean Baking Awards bring together top bakers from across the region, with teams representing the British Virgin Islands, the US Virgin Islands, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Saint Lucia, Barbados, and Guyana. The competition includes categories such as Best Buttercream Cake, Rising Star, Cake Hero, and Best Cupcakes.

The awards ceremony will culminate in the Masquerade Awards Gala Dinner on Saturday, 22 February, at 5:00 PM at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Road Town, Tortola.

The event will bring together bakers, industry professionals, and guests to celebrate Caribbean culinary craftsmanship.

Voting for the awards opened on 7 September 2024, allowing the public to support their favourite bakers.

The event will also be streamed live on Jahphix Television (JTV).

Unable to attend the event in person? Enjoy the two-day action by securing your tickets for just $10. Click the link below to purchase.

Tickets for the gala dinner are available now. More information can be found at www.caribbeanbakingawards.com.