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.
Click below audio link
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force has confirmed that Tarik Aaron was arrested shortly before midnight on Friday, April 17, on extradition orders issued by authorities in the United States Virgin Islands, and has since appeared before the Magistrate’s Court.
According to police, the arrest was carried out in connection with a request from USVI authorities, though further details have not been disclosed.
Aaron appeared before the Magistrate’s Court today and was denied bail.
Further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office has announced an increase in fees for United Kingdom passports, effective April 8, 2026.
According to the office, the revised fees apply to new, renewal and replacement passport applications, as well as other related services.
Under the new structure, the cost for a new, renewal or replacement adult passport has been set at £116.50, while the fee for a child passport is £75.50. Adult frequent traveller passports will cost £130.50, and child frequent traveller passports £89.50.
The fee for changes to an existing passport will also be £116.50. In addition, a delivery fee of £14.32 will apply.
The Civil Registry and Passport Office advised that the updated fees are now in effect and apply to all relevant applications submitted on or after April 8.
A bill proposing wide-ranging changes to the Virgin Islands’ electoral system was introduced in the House of Assembly today, Tuesday, April 22, by Premier and Minister of Finance, Honourable Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
The proposed Elections (Amendment) Act, 2026, is based on consultations with stakeholders and recommendations from observer missions, as well as input from the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections.
“This is the Elections Amendment Act 2026, following extensive deliberations with a number of entities, including a committee of the House who looked at recommendations of various observer missions that came to The Virgin Islands,” Hon. Wheatley said during the continuation of the Second Sitting of the Third Session of the Fifth House of Assembly.
He said the bill also builds on work undertaken by the previous House of Assembly. “Also, the last House of Assembly looked at a number of recommendations that were forwarded through the Deputy Governor’s Office and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections,” he said.
Hon. Wheatley said the proposed amendments were developed through discussions on changes to the Elections Act. “We had very extensive discussions about amendments to the Elections Act, and of course, those recommendations were used to make this Amendment Act. This received its first reading some time ago, and now we are here to debate this Elections Act, so that it can therefore become law,” he said.
The bill introduces several reforms to the electoral framework, including expanded access to voting through mobile and curbside options for individuals with physical limitations and the formal use of assistive technologies for voters with disabilities.
It also provides for the establishment of a Department of Elections and an Elections Advisory Committee to oversee voter registration and election administration.
Additional provisions include a formal Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates, along with new rules governing campaign donations and political financing.
The legislation also proposes restrictions on the announcement of major public grants or projects shortly before an election, aimed at addressing potential incumbency advantages.
The bill has already received its first reading and is expected to be referred to a committee when the House of Assembly resumes on April 30, 2026, at 10 a.m., where it will undergo further review as part of the legislative process.
Tarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
Civil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
Hon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Crime/Police6 days agoTwo Men Arrested in Free Bottom After Police Recover Modified Firearm, Drugs and Ammunition
-
Crime/Police17 hours agoTarik Aaron Arrested on USVI Extradition Warrant
-
Elections 202319 hours agoHon. Wheatley Introduces Elections Amendment Bill in House of Assembly
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoMystiq Flax Charles Wins Best Look of the Night at Style Week Event
-
Local News18 hours agoCivil Registry Announces Increase in U.K. Passport Fees Effective April 8
-
Elections 20235 days agoWalters Elected NDP Vice President as Party Finalizes Leadership Team
-
Crime/Police1 week agoSix New Police Vehicles Added to RVIPF Fleet to Strengthen Operations
-
Entertainment2 weeks agoThree Contestants Confirmed for Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant in Tortola