Local News
Missing Brazilian Nationals Confirmed Safe In St. Maarten
– Health issues during the cruise Lead to BVI Stay
Ana Carolina Thorne and Diego Cabral, reported missing on January 7 in the British Virgin Islands, have been confirmed safe. Ms. Thorne reassured the public via a Facebook post under JTV’s story, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support.
“Thank you all for the concern. We are fine,” Ms. Thorne stated in her post.
The Brazilian nationals, who arrived in the territory on Saturday, January 6, via the cruise ship Costa Pacifica, were reported missing by the Department of Immigration after failing to return to the vessel, triggering a widespread search.
According to Ms. Thorne’s recent update, the couple encountered health issues during the cruise, prompting them to stay in the British Virgin Islands. Despite the initial concerns, they have since taken a flight to St. Maarten and plan to continue their journey.
“Had some health troubles on the cruise and stayed in BVI. Today we took the flight to St. Maarten – SXM and will continue our trip. Big hug to all of you. Loved the island.”
On January 7, JTV discovered Ms. Thorne’s Instagram stories at 4 pm, indicating her presence at Devil’s Bay, Virgin Gorda. Video clips and photos accompanying the posts served as confirmation of her location.
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Tola Radio Battles Legal Dispute Over Shutdown, Calls for Public Support
Tola Radio VI 100.5 FM, known as “the people’s radio,” has been off the air for 14 days amidst a legal standoff with Caribbean Cellular Telephone Limited (CCT). Managing Director Floyd P. Burnett, also known as “Heritage,” is urging public support as the station navigates what he describes as a targeted attack on freedom of speech and locally-owned businesses.
Mr. Burnett alleges that despite meeting all payment requirements and deadlines, CCT refused to accept Tola Radio’s payment and later disabled the station’s broadcasting equipment. “They physically touched our equipment and locked them off, despite written legal letters asking and instructing it not to be done,” he stated.
The dispute follows CCT’s October announcement terminating its service agreement with the radio station. CCT clarified that Tola Radio could retain its services if it became a paying customer, but according to Burnett, his payment was rejected without justification.
The controversy escalated when Burnett claimed an attempt was made to have him arrested and charged with attempted murder. “The public was to wake up and hear the radio off along with hearing I was arrested and charged, but God is greater than man!” he said.
Efforts to secure an extension for relocating Tola Radio’s equipment were also denied, Burnett said. Additionally, an urgent injunction filed in the High Court was postponed by a visiting judge until November 22 without hearing any arguments.
The ongoing shutdown has left eight employees without income, caused significant financial losses, and breached client agreements. Burnett criticized government officials for their lack of action, accusing them of failing to address the issue despite the government being a major client of CCT.
“Like most problems facing the BVI, they can’t [find] no way to help us! Even though the government is the tower people’s biggest client,” Burnett remarked.
Burnett is calling on the public to boycott CCT in protest. “Plug out the phone, plug out the chip, don’t pay your bill! We need to make a statement to corporate BVI today!” he urged.
He framed the situation as a broader fight for “freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of information,” asserting that the attack on Tola Radio sets a dangerous precedent for other local businesses.
Despite the challenges, Burnett assured Tola Radio’s listeners and partners that the station will resume broadcasting soon. “We will be back on air shortly, hopefully before the day is out,” he promised.
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