Local News
Census Deadline Extended to June 30
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has officially extended the deadline for the ongoing census exercise to June 30. Originally slated for 2020, the census had faced unavoidable delays due to the far-reaching impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CSO is urging citizens to take advantage of this extended period to contribute to the census, emphasizing the significance of every individual’s input in shaping the country’s future policies and resource allocation. The census, a pivotal tool for understanding demographic trends and planning public services, plays a vital role in steering government initiatives.
Minister Hon. Lorna G. Smith, OBE, responsible for statistical services under the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour and Trade, issued a heartfelt plea to the community in a June 2023 statement, stressing the critical importance of participation in this year’s census, operating under the theme: “Participation from you and me, is the key to Census 2023.”
The minister highlighted the census’s central role in ensuring accurate representation and distribution of resources across the Territory. Questions of profound significance will be addressed, encompassing the quality of housing, vulnerabilities to natural disasters, demographic makeup, health conditions, educational levels, employment scenarios, economic drivers, and internet accessibility in households.
The gathered data will serve as a compass guiding the allocation of resources towards bolstering public health, housing, political representation, and education. Hon. Smith underscored the census’s significance in providing a comprehensive understanding of the evolving needs of the dynamic society, enabling the government to respond effectively.
Addressing past reluctance among community members, the Deputy Premier assured residents of the strict confidentiality measures in place, with the Statistical Act of 2005 prohibiting the CSO from disclosing any personal information collected during the census. This commitment is aimed at building trust and encouraging broad community participation.
The minister emphasized that the census’s primary goal is to make informed decisions grounded in evidence, amplifying the voices of all communities and increasing visibility for those who often feel unseen. Highlighting the potential consequences of inaccurate data, Hon. Smith pointed out that without precise census information, adequate planning becomes a challenge, leading to issues like overcrowded classrooms, impractical infrastructure, and underfunded social programs.
Citizens are urged to reach out for additional information or assistance by contacting the office directly at 468-2175/3029. Alternatively, individuals can send their queries via email to cso@gov.vg.
Local News
‘UK LABOUR GOV’T CAN MEND FENCES WITH CARIBBEAN TERRITORIES’
By Benito Wheatley
5th July 2024
The Labour Party’s landslide victory at the polls presents a fresh opportunity for the United Kingdom (UK) to establish a genuine modern partnership with the Overseas Territories (OTs) after 14 years of Conservative Party rule in which the relationship with the Territories was severely strained by heavy-handed UK Government policies and actions that smacked of colonialism, particularly in the Caribbean where Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman, Montserrat and Turks and Caicos are located.
It also did not help that four OT Ministers were appointed between 2021 and 2024 due to UK political instability.
Late in the previous British Government’s term, efforts were made by former OT Ministers Lord Goldsmith and David Rutley to repair the relationship, which achieved limited success.
The UK and OTs did adopt a Joint Declaration in December 2023 that sought to reframe the relationship and encourage the UK Government to consult the Territory Governments on decisions affecting them in order to avoid future impositions and heavy-handed policies.
The Joint Declaration was also meant to improve the UK’s international reputation at the United Nations (UN), Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) where it was perceived that the UK had reverted to its imperialist past.
Plans to publish a new OT strategy to guide UK policy going forward were never realised as the electoral clock ran out on Ministers.
The gap left by the Conservatives leaves an opportunity for the new Labour Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Rt. Hon. David Lammy to consider their own strategy toward the OTs, which could involve a much better balance in the UK-OT relationship if Labour genuinely wants to improve things.
At the same time, Labour must be careful to not simply see the OTs through the narrow prism of Gibraltar and the Falklands that are the only two Territories mentioned in the party’s manifesto by name and to whom a commitment was made to their defense and right to self-determination. These commitments, however, should be affirmed for all of the inhabited Territories.
The new Labour Government must also not limit the scope of their engagement with the other OTs, particularly in the Caribbean, to company transparency, corporate taxation, security, and marine biodiversity.
To do so would be to repeat the mistake of the Conservatives who narrowly focused on these issues and overlooked the islands as communities of real people living normal lives, who have their own daily challenges as well as aspirations for themselves and their societies.
Critical areas for stronger UK-OT cooperation are climate change, sustainable development, economic resilience, security, democratic governance, and self-determination, which should take into consideration regional specificities.
More immediately, the UK and Caribbean Territories must collaborate on disaster preparedness and emergency response as the highly active Atlantic hurricane season progresses after Hurricane Beryl.
These key areas can also serve as the basis for a new modern partnership between the UK and OTs in which each Territory can thrive and go on to achieve its highest aspirations, supported by the UK in its role as Administering Power.
For a genuine change in the UK’s relationship with the Territories, the new Labour Government and OTs must seize the opportunity to genuinely reset the relationship through proper consultation on UK policy and strategy and OT needs and aspirations.
The UK will also have to tangibly demonstrate its commitment by making available access to the technical assistance and financial resources needed by each inhabited Territory to help them meet their full potential.
The opportunity is now for the UK and OTs to establish a new modern partnership that is fit for purpose in the post-Brexit and post-Conservative era.
Benito Wheatley is a Continuing Policy Fellow at Centre for Science and Policy at the University of Cambridge. Feedback can be provided at benitowheatley@gmail.com.
Local News
Revolutionising the Guest Experience with Digicel Business’ Hospitality Solutions
Digicel Business has launched its state-of-the-art Hospitality Solutions, aiming to revolutionise the guest experience in hotels, resorts, villas, and hospitality establishments globally. With a strong focus on innovation and excellence, Digicel Business is enabling the hospitality industry to excel in the digital era.
In a time when guests demand seamless connectivity, personalised experiences, and efficient services, Digicel Business leads the way with solutions that address these evolving needs. The comprehensive suite of Hospitality Solutions offers an array of services and technologies to redefine guest interactions with hospitality establishments.
Key features of Digicel Business’ Hospitality Solutions include:
Reliable & Secure Connectivity: Providing fast, secure internet access throughout the property, allowing guests to stay effortlessly connected for both work and leisure.
Enhanced Guest Experiences: Boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty with customised experiences such as IPTV, Access Control, Push-to-Talk radio, Fixed Voice for front desks and guest rooms, Video Surveillance, Managed Services, and more.
Efficient Operations: Enhancing operational performance and efficiency by reducing manual processes, allowing customers to focus on core activities while Digicel handles the rest.
Security Solutions: Offering user-friendly yet sophisticated solutions to secure customers’ data.
Scalability: Providing adaptable solutions for properties of all sizes, from boutique hotels to large resorts, ensuring a tailored fit for each establishment.
24/7 Dedicated Support: Ensuring prompt resolution of connectivity or technology-related issues with round-the-clock support.
Annill Daniel, Head of Digicel Business (BVI), commented: “We’re dedicated to investing in cutting-edge solutions that empower businesses across various sectors. With the hospitality industry undergoing a significant transformation, digital technologies are at the forefront of this evolution. At Digicel Business, we are committed to helping our partners in the hospitality sector embrace these changes and deliver unparalleled guest experiences. Our comprehensive suite of Hospitality Solutions is designed to enhance operational efficiency, increase guest satisfaction, and drive revenue growth.”
For more information about Digicel Business Hospitality Solutions and to discover how they can elevate your hospitality establishment to new heights, visit digicelbusiness.com/vg or contact our sales team at 1 284 300 4357.
Crime/Police
Man Injured in Early Morning Sea Cows Bay Shooting
A man sustained injuries after multiple shots were reported around 1 a.m. in the Sea Cows Bay area early this morning, July 5.
The victim is currently in stable condition at Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, according to initial reports. A brief statement from the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) confirmed that officers found the wounded man at the scene and transported him to the hospital for treatment.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing
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