Local News
Airport Expansion Project Gains Momentum with Successful Tender Opening
The Government of the Virgin Islands has recently announced significant strides in the ongoing Terrance B Lettsome International Airport development project. The BVI Airports Authority has taken a crucial step forward by opening tenders for the development of a business case, following a successful Request for Proposals (RFP) process.
With a total of eight bids received and publicly opened on 4th January, the tendering process garnered interest from both local and international firms. Minister of Communications and Works, Honourable Kye Rymer, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic response, emphasising the government’s steadfast commitment to the airport’s expansion.
Honourable Rymer stated, “This marks a significant step in realising our vision for the Terrance B Lettsome International Airport and the Territory as a whole. The overwhelming interest from reputable firms, both locally and internationally, underscores the importance and potential of this project.”
The next phase involves a thorough evaluation of the received tenders, with plans to enter into a contractual agreement with the successful bidder in the coming weeks. Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Theodore Burke, reaffirmed the Authority’s dedication to keeping the airport development project a top priority.
“It is our intention to maintain momentum on the airport development project until its fruition. The public opening of tenders today marks a significant leap forward in this process as we move closer to solidifying the next steps in the airport’s development,” said Theodore Burke.
Representing the Managing Director, Officer-in-Charge Mr. Elvis Harrigan expressed optimism about the project’s future. “Today is a great day, not only for the Authority but for the entire Virgin Islands as we advance rapidly with the airport development project. We are determined to make this vision a reality, and this marks a crucial step in that journey.”
The evaluation process is anticipated to conclude in the coming weeks, after which the successful bidder will be awarded a contract. The Government of the Virgin Islands and the BVI Airports Authority extend gratitude for the widespread interest and commitment demonstrated by all stakeholders involved in this pivotal undertaking.
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has launched an investigation following an armed robbery at a popular bar in the Sea Cows Bay area late Monday night.
According to police, a group of armed individuals entered the establishment on the night of May 12, demanding valuables from patrons and staff. While no injuries were reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety in the usually tranquil community.
Officers responded to the scene and are actively working to identify those involved. The RVIPF has confirmed that investigators are maintaining close contact with key witnesses and gathering critical information as the inquiry continues.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or who has relevant information to come forward. Tips can be provided confidentially to the Intelligence Unit at 368-9339, or anonymously via Crime Stoppers at 800-8477 (TIPS) or from overseas at (284) 800-8477.
As Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week kicks off from May 12 to 16, health officials in the Virgin Islands are calling on residents to take proactive steps to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.
Acting Deputy Chief Environmental Health Officer Shamelle Thomas said this year’s campaign, themed “Small Bite, Big Threat – Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction,” aims to empower communities to combat the spread of illnesses like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.
“The message is clear,” Thomas emphasized. “While the mosquito may be small, its bite carries a serious threat to public health.”
Officials are urging residents to eliminate standing water around their homes, a critical breeding ground for mosquitoes. “Source reduction is the most effective way to prevent outbreaks and protect our communities,” Thomas added, noting that even small amounts of water can become mosquito nurseries.
However, inconsistent community participation has been a persistent challenge. “People are not maintaining their properties or properly managing stored water, partly due to the intermittent water supply,” Thomas said. “We want to remind the community that vector control is not solely the government’s responsibility, but a shared community effort.”
To mark the week, the Environmental Health Division will host a series of public outreach activities, including an art and poetry competition for students, school visits, and an expo aimed at encouraging behavior change.
Residents are also encouraged to inspect and clean water containers weekly, properly dispose of waste that can collect water, use screens on windows and doors, and wear protective clothing or mosquito repellents when necessary.
Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week serves as a critical reminder of the connection between mosquitoes and the potentially severe illnesses they transmit, underscoring the importance of community action in reducing these risks.
Premier Dr. Natalio Wheatley has credited the British Virgin Islands’ commitment to sweeping governance reforms for avoiding direct rule by the United Kingdom, a critical moment in the Territory’s political history.
Speaking in the House of Assembly, Premier Wheatley highlighted the dedication of public officers who were instrumental in implementing the necessary reforms to preserve local self-governance.
“The period challenged us as British Virgin Islanders to the core and forced us to confront some harsh realities of our governance deficiencies,” Wheatley said. “We had to make the choices necessary to uphold the values imparted to us by our fore parents. We had to defend who we are as a people and protect our future aspirations.”
The reform process, initiated in response to the 2022 British Virgin Islands Commission of Inquiry (COI) Report, required the establishment of new structures, processes, and procedures to strengthen transparency, accountability, and public trust. Despite these challenges, Wheatley praised the resilience of public officers who managed both the reforms and their regular duties under demanding conditions.
“Our public officers developed and implemented the structures, processes, and procedures necessary for the reforms while simultaneously managing daily operations,” he said. “This was especially challenging given the systemic conditions highlighted in the COI Report.”
The Government’s recently submitted Self-Assessment Report to the UK is a critical component in determining whether the Order in Council to partially suspend the British Virgin Islands Constitution will be lifted.
Wheatley expressed optimism that the Territory is now on a path toward greater self-governance, supported by a newly approved Governance Reform Transition Plan, which outlines the next steps in the ongoing transformation.
“Today is a day we should all applaud,” Wheatley said. “It symbolizes our collective resilience and commitment to the ideals that make us British Virgin Islanders and commits us to the pursuit of self-determination.”
Armed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
Mosquito Awareness Week: Virgin Islands Residents Urged to Combat Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Nyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Crime/Police2 weeks agoThree Years After Fatal Shooting, Suspect Reportedly Apprehended in USVI
-
Crime/Police6 days agoMan Detained in Alleged Break-In, Police Notified
-
Crime/Police6 days agoJamari Scatliffe Charged in Free Bottom Nightclub Shooting
-
Uncategorized3 days agoNyron Erickson Shot and Killed in West End
-
Local News2 weeks agoOne Suspect in U.S. Border Case Says He Came from Tortola
-
Crime/Police11 hours agoArmed Robbery Reported at Bar in Sea Cows Bay
-
Uncategorized4 days agoRVIPF Cracks Down on Illegal Motorbikes with Crushing Initiative
-
Uncategorized6 days agoMen Released Without Charge in Firearm Case as Investigation Continues