Local News
Virgin Gorda Resident Receives Keys to New Home Through Housing Recovery Assistance Programme
Just ahead of the holiday season, Virgin Gorda resident Mr. Sydney Wheatley has received the keys to his brand new home, courtesy of the Ministry of Health and Social Development’s Housing Recovery Assistance Programme.
This marks the latest in a series of successful handovers, with Mr. Wheatley being one of three sister island residents benefiting from the program in the past three months.
Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley emphasised the Ministry’s commitment to supporting residents on the Sister Islands. “This handover on Virgin Gorda highlights the Ministry’s dedicated work in ensuring residents on the Sister Islands get the help they need,” stated Honourable Wheatley.
Expressing gratitude to the team involved, Honourable Wheatley added, “I must thank the contractor, my team at the Ministry. For us, this is another project that has been well-executed in a timely fashion. We’ve been doing these social homes all over the Territory, and we intend to continue doing them. So, I am pleased we can handover yet another house for 2023.”
The recipient of the new home, Mr. Sydney Wheatley, conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Development.
The contractors responsible for building the house, K&C Construction, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Noting the festive season, they highlighted the joy of providing the beneficiary with a new place to call home.
The Housing Recovery Assistance programme, initiated after the hurricanes of 2017, has been instrumental in rebuilding and repairing homes. Since its inception, over 25 homes have been constructed, and more than 200 have been repaired, underscoring the program’s impact on the lives of residents.
Vincent Wheatley
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has made a major breakthrough in addressing a string of burglaries that had left communities across the Territory on edge. A 17-year-old male from Jost Van Dyke has been arrested and charged in connection with multiple burglaries in Butu Mountain, East End, Great Mountain, and Mount Healthy.
The young suspect faces four counts of burglary and one charge of criminal damage, marking a significant development in the RVIPF’s efforts to combat crime in the region.
“This arrest demonstrates our commitment to addressing the concerns of our residents and ensuring that offenders are held accountable,” said Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool. She also called attention to the broader issue of youth involvement in criminal activities, emphasizing the need for community collaboration to tackle the problem. “It will take an all-hands-on-deck approach to solve this serious problem,” Vanterpool added.
While the arrest represents progress, police officials urge residents to remain vigilant. The RVIPF continues to seek information related to these burglaries and encourages the public to come forward with tips.
Anyone with relevant details can contact the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or submit tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or 1-284-800-8477.
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.
Teen Arrested in Connection With Series of Burglaries Across Virgin Islands
Animal Lover Celebrates Birthday by Raising $2,500 for BVI Humane Society
Virgin Islands Doubles Residency Requirement for Belonger Status
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