International
Kyron McMaster Makes History as Youngest BVI Recipient of Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Kyron McMaster was honoured with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by His Majesty The King, recognising his outstanding contributions to sports in the British Virgin Islands.
26-year-old McMaster, the 31st BVI recipient of the OBE, is now the youngest Virgin Islander to receive this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of the first awardee, Sir Olva Georges, in 1960.
The list of distinguished individuals who have received the OBE over the years reflects a legacy of outstanding service to the British Virgin Islands, with Kyron McMaster’s name now etched among the esteemed recipients.
At the age of 21, McMaster secured the British Virgin Islands’ inaugural Commonwealth Games gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2018 Games in Gold Coast, Australia. This triumph came amidst the aftermath of the devastating 2017 hurricane, which claimed the life of McMaster’s coach and mentor, Coach Xavier “Dag” Samuels.
Undeterred by adversity, McMaster has achieved remarkable milestones in his athletic career, claiming victory in the Diamond League, securing gold at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, and earning a silver at the 2023 World Track and Field Championships in Budapest—the first-ever medal for the British Virgin Islands at this prestigious event. McMaster also made history as a finalist, securing fourth place at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, clocking a National Record time of 47.08.
Beyond his athletic achievements, McMaster dedicates himself to community service, actively supporting and inspiring young individuals in his homeland and championing grassroots sports initiatives.
Expressing his gratitude for the prestigious honour, McMaster stated, “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 recognised for such.”
His Excellency Governor John Rankin CMG applauded McMaster’s recognition, stating, “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.”
List of OBE Recipients Over the Years:
- Mr. Kyron McMaster – 2023
- Ms Lynette Harrigan – 2022
- Mr. Peter Haycraft – 2020
- Mrs. Rosalie Adams – 2018
- Mrs. Eileene Parsons – 2013
- Mrs. Lorna Ginerva Smith – 2011
- Mr. Reynold Stanley O’Neal – 2005
- Mrs. Edris O’Neal – 2003
- Dr. Robin Erskine Tattersall – 2001
- Mrs. Eugenie Etheline Todman-Smith – 2000
- Miss Dancia Penn – 2000
- Dr. Daniel Orlando Smith, MBE – 2000
- Rev. Julian Clarke – 1999
- Mrs. Ruth Evans – 1999
- Dr. Charles Hugo Wheatley – 1996
- Mr. Audley Maduro – 1993
- Mr. Marvie Elton Georges – 1989
- Mr. Clarence M Christian – 1983
- Dr. Q W Osborne – 1980
- Mr. Percy Chubb (Hon) – 1978
- Mr. J A Frost – 1977
- Mr. Kenneth Bain – 1976
- Mr. Ivan Dawson – 1976
- Mr. Ralph T O’Neal – 1975
- Mr. Howard R. Penn – 1974
- Mr. I G Fonseca – 1973
- Mr. Carlton DeCastro – 1972
- Mr. McWellington Todman – 1970
- Mr. Henry O Creque – 1968
- Mr. Jospeh Reynold O’Neal – 1967
- Sir Olva Georges – 1960
The United States has announced that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is under indictment on federal drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, formally asserting that the Venezuelan leader faces criminal prosecution in U.S. courts.
The announcement, made amid sharply escalating tensions between Washington and Caracas, confirms that Maduro is accused of conspiring to flood the United States with cocaine in coordination with armed groups and corrupt officials. U.S. prosecutors allege that Maduro played a central role in a criminal enterprise that used Venezuela as a key transit hub for narcotics destined for American cities.
The case remains pending in U.S. federal court, with American officials saying the indictment will stand until Maduro appears before a judge.
The BVI Airports Authority is advising the traveling public of current regional airspace restrictions resulting from a notice issued by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The notice affects U.S.-registered aircraft and U.S.-based carriers operating within the Caribbean region. As a result, flights to and from the Virgin Islands may be subject to delays, diversions, rescheduling, or cancellations, depending on individual airline routing and operational decisions.
The Authority emphasized that these restrictions are outside its control and are being managed directly by the affected airlines in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
Passengers are strongly advised to:
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Contact their airline directly for the most current and accurate information regarding flight status; and
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Confirm flight details before traveling to the airport, as schedules may change with limited notice.
The BVI Airports Authority said it remains in close communication with airline partners and relevant aviation stakeholders and will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.
The Authority thanked the public for its understanding and cooperation, noting that safety remains the top priority.
Former President Donald J. Trump claimed on Saturday, January 3, that U.S. forces had detained Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Venezuela’s first lady Cilia Flores Mr. Maduro and removed him from Venezuela during an overnight military operation.
In a statement posted in the early hours of Saturday, Jan. 3, Mr. Trump said American forces had carried out what he described as a decisive operation in and around Caracas, asserting that Mr. Maduro and Ms. Flores were taken into custody and flown out of the country. Mr. Trump did not specify which U.S. agencies were involved or where Mr. Maduro was being held.
There was no immediate confirmation from the White House, the Pentagon, or the State Department. As of early Saturday, U.S. officials declined to comment, and no formal announcement had been issued by the Biden administration or military leadership.
Reports of explosions in Caracas circulated on social media shortly before 2 a.m. local time. Journalists from CNN reported hearing multiple blasts and observing power outages in parts of the capital, though the cause and scope of the incidents remained unclear.
Venezuela’s vice president, Delcy Rodríguez, said in a televised address that the government had not been able to confirm the whereabouts of Mr. Maduro or Ms. Flores. She accused the United States of what she called a “criminal military aggression” and said Venezuela had placed its armed forces on high alert. Her claims could not be independently verified.
In Washington, Senator Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, said he had been briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who told him that Mr. Maduro had been detained under longstanding U.S. criminal indictments. Senator Lee said the operation was intended to enforce an arrest warrant and ensure the safety of U.S. personnel involved.
Mr. Maduro has been indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice since 2020 on charges including narcotrafficking, narco-terrorism, and conspiracy to import cocaine into the United States. U.S. prosecutors have accused him of leading the so-called Cartel of the Suns, allegations Mr. Maduro has repeatedly denied, calling them politically motivated.
For years, the U.S. government has offered millions of dollars in rewards for information leading to Mr. Maduro’s arrest. Until now, the charges had not been enforced through direct military action.
Legal experts said any U.S. military operation on Venezuelan soil would raise immediate constitutional questions, particularly in the absence of congressional authorization. Senator Lee himself has previously expressed concern over presidential war powers and the lack of a formal authorization for the use of military force.
Across Latin America, governments have historically opposed foreign military intervention in the region, and diplomatic reaction was expected to be swift. As of Saturday morning, Venezuelan state media had not acknowledged any detention of Mr. Maduro, and his location remained unknown.
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