Local News
Kyron McMaster Honoured with OBE for Exceptional Contributions to Sports
Kyron McMaster has been bestowed with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty The King, recognising his remarkable contributions to sports in the British Virgin Islands.
At the tender age of 21, McMaster clinched the British Virgin Islands’ inaugural Commonwealth Games medal, securing the gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 Games held in Gold Coast, Australia. This triumphant moment unfolded in the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricane, which not only wreaked havoc on homes and livelihoods but also claimed the life of McMaster’s coach and mentor, Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels.
Undeterred by the challenges posed by the hurricane, McMaster has gone on to achieve significant milestones in his athletic career. He has claimed victory in the Diamond League on two occasions, secured another gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and earned a silver at the 2023 World Track and Field Championships in Budapest—marking the first-ever medal for the British Virgin Islands at this prestigious championship event. Notably, McMaster also made history as a finalist, securing fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games despite the adversities imposed by COVID-19 restrictions. During this event, he clocked a National Record time of 47.08.
Beyond his athletic prowess, McMaster dedicates his time to giving back to the community. During visits to his homeland, he actively supports and inspires young individuals, drawing on his own experiences growing up in Tortola to impart valuable life lessons. Additionally, McMaster champions grassroots sports, collaborating with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth Affairs, and Sports to ensure that these initiatives receive the necessary investment.
In response to the prestigious honour, McMaster expressed his gratitude, saying, “It is truly an honor to receive this award. This was not anticipated or expected, but I am filled with gratitude to the people of the BVI who have recommended and continue to support me on this journey of my life. To represent the BVI has always been my dream, and this award illustrates the gratitude of my country and the wider UK family that, as an individual, no matter how small the territory, we can make a significant contribution and be recognized for such. To my fellow athletes, I can assure you that my reach is but a small step compared to where you can go, and now that this door is open, I implore you all to continue to promote the BVI in a positive light but also to recognize that the sky is truly the limit with real commitment and dedication.”
His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG expressed his delight at McMaster’s well-deserved recognition, stating, “I am delighted that this award has been made in recognition of Kyron’s outstanding achievements and unparalleled service to the Virgin Islands. With his two Commonwealth Gold Medals and World Champion Silver medal, Kyron has placed BVI on the sporting map across the world and given cause for national celebration even in some of the most challenging times in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricane. Off the track, Kyron continues to inspire, using his own experience to motivate young students and athletes. I offer my warmest congratulations to Kyron.”
Crime/Police
Prison Superintendent Addresses Attack on Officer at Balsam Ghut

A correctional officer was attacked by an inmate with known mental health challenges at His Majesty’s Prison on Sunday, March 30.
Superintendent of Prison Jay Kendall in a statement confirmed that immediate action taken by officers involved to ensure everyone’s safety.
“Our team responded rapidly and with professionalism,” Kendall said. “The situation was de-escalated with appropriate force to ensure the safety of all individuals involved, and the incident was brought under control within minutes.”
Kendall assured the public that both the officer and the inmate received medical attention at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital and were treated and released the same day.
“I am relieved that both the officer and the inmate are now in stable condition. We are grateful for the medical team’s prompt and compassionate care,” Kendall noted. “Their quick intervention was critical in managing what could have been a much more serious situation.”
The superintendent also praised his staff for their vigilance and quick thinking in responding to the crisis.
“This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of corrections work, where staff must often balance security with managing complex mental health needs,” he stated. “I want to commend my officers for their professionalism. Their actions prevented further harm, ensuring that the situation was contained swiftly.”
Kendall reiterated that the prison continues to face challenges in managing inmates with mental health issues, a concern that has prompted ongoing efforts to strengthen safety and rehabilitation programs.
“For the past 18 months, we’ve worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Development and the Governor’s Office to enhance safety protocols, improve officer training, and introduce mental health awareness initiatives,” he explained. “We’ve also upgraded protective equipment and communication tools to ensure our officers can respond effectively in critical situations.”
While Kendall acknowledged progress, he stressed that continuous improvement is essential.
“We are committed to enhancing our procedures and resources to uphold the highest standards of care, security, and rehabilitation,” he said. “Mental health remains a priority, and we will continue to work with our partners to develop better interventions that support both institutional security and inmate well-being.”
In closing, Kendall expressed his appreciation for the collective efforts of those involved in managing the situation.
“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in responding to this incident,” he said. “We remain committed to the safety, security, and well-being of both our staff and the individuals in our care.”
Local News
BVI Electricity Corporation Unveils Transparent Billing System, Detailing Fuel Costs

The British Virgin Islands Electricity Corporation (BVIEC) has introduced a revised electricity bill format that provides customers with a clearer breakdown of fuel-related charges, in a move toward greater financial transparency, The new bill, set to be distributed starting this month, was unveiled at a press conference held at BVIEC’s Long Bush headquarters on Thursday.
The redesigned bill includes additional details aimed at helping customers better understand how fuel costs contribute to their electricity charges. It now displays the cost of fuel per gallon as a surcharge, reflecting the base cost that influences energy pricing. It also shows the BVIEC fuel subsidy per gallon, which represents the amount the corporation offsets to reduce the financial burden on consumers. The customer fuel surcharge per gallon, or net surcharge, reveals the final fuel-related charge customers pay after subsidies are applied.
“This initiative underscores our commitment to transparency and accountability,” said Dr. Neil Smith, BVIEC’s General Manager. “Customers deserve to know not only what they’re being charged but also how BVIEC is working to support them, particularly in an era of fluctuating energy prices.”
Chief Financial Officer Carmen Sully echoed this sentiment, emphasizing BVIEC’s longstanding efforts to cushion customers from rising fuel costs. She explained that each month, BVIEC makes a substantial financial contribution to help mitigate high energy prices. By including this information in the bill, the corporation is not just offering transparency but also highlighting the value it provides to every household and business in the territory.
Beyond improved visibility into costs, the updated billing system reflects a broader modernization effort in how customer charges are processed and presented.
The new bill format will be implemented for all BVIEC customers beginning in April 2025.
Education
VI Celebrates Inclusion at Down Syndrome Awareness Event

The Virgin Islands reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and support for individuals with Down syndrome as the Social Development Department, through the Disability Services Division, hosted a Down Syndrome Awareness Motorcade, Sports, and Games Day last week.
Held at Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, the event, themed “Improve Our Support Systems,” brought together families, caregivers, advocates, and community members in a day of celebration and awareness. Participants engaged in interactive games, sporting activities, and discussions aimed at highlighting the importance of strong support networks for individuals with Down syndrome.
The motorcade, a key feature of the event, traveled through Road Town, drawing attention to the cause and encouraging greater societal engagement in disability advocacy. Attendees, including government officials and representatives from various community organizations, echoed the call for continued improvements in support services, accessibility, and awareness initiatives.
Parents and caregivers also took the opportunity to share personal experiences, highlighting both progress and ongoing challenges in securing resources and services for individuals with Down syndrome in the territory.
The Social Development Department expressed gratitude for the community’s participation and reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities through continued advocacy and policy development.
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