Local News
Opposition Leader Withdraws from Joint Press Conference with Premier
The Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ronnie W. Skelton, has pulled out of a scheduled joint press conference with Premier and Minister of Finance Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The move comes in the wake of an announcement by His Excellency the Governor John J. Rankin on Friday, January 5, revealing his intention to seek additional powers from the United Kingdom. These powers would enable him to introduce legislation in the House of Assembly, sparking an emergency meeting of legislators from both the government and the Opposition.
Premier Wheatley had earlier made a statement, conveying the unanimous opposition of the entire House of Legislators to Governor Rankin’s proposed powers. It was announced that Leader of the Opposition, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, would join Premier Wheatley in a joint press conference on January 8.
However, in an unexpected reversal, Hon. Skelton declared that the Opposition would hold their own press conference on Tuesday, January 9, instead of sitting with Premier Wheatley. He explained, “As the days went by, we considered the press conference, realising that our stance on constitutional advancement might be compromised by aligning with the Premier and the government. We have decided to hold our own press conference on Tuesday afternoon at three o’clock, with the full Opposition in agreement.”
Despite this decision, Hon Skelton emphasised that all members of the Opposition remain committed to standing in solidarity with the government on constitutional matters. He stated, “While we will address our concerns independently, it’s important to note that the Opposition stands united with the government on issues related to constitutional matters. We will speak in unison to ensure a cohesive approach to these crucial issues.”
The press conference on Tuesday promises to shed light on the Opposition’s perspectives and intentions regarding the proposed legislative changes.
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A crackdown on violent crime in the British Virgin Islands has led to multiple arrests and the seizure of illegal firearms and ammunition, authorities announced Friday, March 28.
In a series of targeted search operations, police recovered a semi-automatic handgun and dozens of rounds of ammunition, marking a significant step in the fight against armed robberies and property crimes across the territory.
As part of the ongoing investigations, the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) conducted a series of search operations on March 25 at five properties linked to suspects in recent armed robberies. Officers recovered a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and 41 rounds of assorted ammunition.
Authorities detained eight individuals in connection with the raids. Three were released after questioning, while five have been formally charged.
Ernest Jacobs, 59, Prynce Jacobs, 19, and a 16-year-old male, all of Josiah’s Bay, have been charged with keeping an unlicensed firearm and two counts of unlawful possession of explosives. A 14-year-old male of Purcell Estate has been charged with two counts of robbery. Ravie Joseph, 43, of Josiah’s Bay, has been charged with overstaying a landing permit.
The charges stem from separate robbery incidents on Tortola on March 3. Police had previously charged and remanded another minor in connection with the same crimes.
Acting Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool lauded officers for their work and underscored the importance of removing illegal weapons from the streets.
“The removal of illegal firearms and ammunition from our communities is a critical step in reducing the threat of violence and protecting innocent lives,” Vanterpool said in a statement. “To date, a total of nine illegal firearms and more than 300 rounds of ammunition have been recovered as part of our intensified operations. We remain resolute in our mission to disrupt criminal networks and bring offenders to justice.”
Authorities continue to urge residents to come forward with any information that may aid ongoing investigations. Tips can be submitted to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477, or internationally at (284) 800-8477.
Travelers from the British Virgin Islands (BVI) are being urged to check their passport validity before visiting the United States, as officials in the U.S. Virgin Islands have begun enforcing the six-month passport validity rule for entry into U.S. territories and the mainland.
According to a recent bulletin issued by the Office of the Deputy Governor in the BVI, the Civil Registry and Passport Office is advising citizens to renew their passports well in advance to avoid disruptions to travel plans.
“The United States Virgin Islands is enforcing the six-month passport validity requirement for entry to U.S. Territories and mainland,” the bulletin stated. “As such, all citizens are encouraged to renew their passports well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.”
The advisory also reminded British Overseas Territories Citizens (BOTC) and British passport holders that they are eligible to renew their passports up to nine months before their expiration date. This early renewal process is designed to prevent last-minute complications and ensure uninterrupted travel.
Authorities strongly recommend that all travelers verify their passport validity before making travel arrangements. The Civil Registry and Passport Office remains available for assistance and inquiries regarding renewal procedures.
For further information, BVI residents are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry and Passport Office at 468-3035.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) have charged Drew Farrell, 42, of The Valley, Virgin Gorda, in connection with a fatal stabbing that claimed the life of Rasheel Thomas Alexander.
Farrell who remains in police custody is expected to appear before the Magistrate’s Court in the coming days.
The charge follows an ongoing investigation into the stabbing incident, which has drawn significant public attention. Police have not yet disclosed details surrounding the circumstances of the attack.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be provided to the RVIPF Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 800-8477. International callers can reach Crime Stoppers at (284) 800-8477.
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