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Caribbean Territories Unite Against Governor’s Bid for Additional Powers
In a stand against the Governor of the British Virgin Islands, H.E. John J. Rankin’s plea for expanded authority, the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Caucus made their unified objection clear during an urgent virtual assembly on Thursday, January 11.
The gathering, was attended by key figures including Dr. The Hon. Ellis Webster, Premier of Anguilla; The Hon. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda (represented by The Hon. Walter Roban, Deputy Premier); Dr. The Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley, Premier of the British Virgin Islands; The Hon. Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, Premier of the Cayman Islands; The Hon. Joseph E. Farrel, Premier of Montserrat (represented by Ms. Debra Lewis, Director of International Affairs); and The Hon. Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, underscored their unwavering dedication to democratic governance and the preservation of the British Virgin Islands’ autonomy.
“We affirm that the Governor’s request is unjustified and unnecessary based on the progress already made and the commitment of the Government to completing governance reforms and continuing to uphold good governance,” the Caucus asserted.
Hon. Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands and Dean of the Caribbean Ots Caucus, stressed the importance of supporting the elected Government of the British Virgin Islands and urged the UK Government to reject the Governor’s request.
“We stand in full solidarity and support the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands and urge the UK Government to decline the Governor’s request for additional powers,” Premier Misick stated, highlighting the potential setback to democratic governance and the principles outlined in the Joint Declaration for a Modern Partnership agreed upon in December 2023.
The Caucus expressed their desire for collaborative efforts between the Government of the British Virgin Islands and the Governor’s Office, supported by additional technical assistance from the UK Government, to complete all outstanding governance reforms.
Additionally, the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories Caucus called on the UK Government to adhere to the timeline outlined in the Order in Council, set to be lifted by May 2024, ensuring the return of full constitutional and democratic rights to the people of the British Virgin Islands.
The Caucus is committed to remaining engaged with the British Virgin Islands and will provide effective assistance in implementing remaining governance reforms, should the need arise. They reaffirm their dedication to a modern partnership with the UK that respects democratic principles and the rights of Overseas Territories’ governments and peoples.
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Scrub Island Resort Hosts 2024 Billfish Series, Crowns Champions
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Four Men Cleared of Murder Charges in 2020 Killing of Matthew Daly
Four men accused of the 2020 murder of Matthew Daly were acquitted today after Justice Rajiv Persad upheld a No Case submission presented by their defense attorneys. Edward Crooke, Dajshon Benjamin, Micah Ormond, and K’Vawn Choucoutou had been on trial for five weeks for Daly’s killing on September 10, 2020. The trial, which began on September 16, 2024, concluded with the judge directing the jury to return Not Guilty verdicts for all defendants.
Crooke, Ormond, and Choucoutou left the High Court as free men, with no other legal matters pending. However, Benjamin remained in custody due to a separate guilty plea in a case before the Magistrate’s Court, as confirmed by his attorney, Michael Maduro.
The defense team included Attorney-at-Law Stephen Daniels for Crooke, Valston Graham for Choucoutou, and Valarie Stevens-Gordon for Ormond. The jury, consisting of seven women and two men, heard testimony throughout the trial before being instructed by Justice Persad to clear the defendants of the charges.
Before dismissing the men, Justice Persad urged them to contribute positively to society and avoid returning to the courts. “Make this a turning point,” he advised as they were formally released.
However, after the verdict, officers of the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force attempted to serve notices of appeal to the men outside the courthouse. This action was met with strong opposition from the defense attorneys, who argued that the notices were prepared before the judge’s decision was announced. The lawyers advised their clients not to accept the appeal documents, which the men complied with.
Despite the officers’ claims that the documents were timestamped after the judge’s ruling, the defense refused to acknowledge the service, leading to a tense standoff in the courthouse yard.
The case remains in legal limbo as both sides weigh their next steps.
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Quick Action by Firefighters Prevents Major Loss at Tortola Auto Group
A swift response by the Fire and Rescue Services averted what could have been a significant disaster for Tortola Auto Group (TAG) after a fire broke out at one of their storage sites. The blaze, which occurred at the Duff Bottom location behind the Island Department Store, threatened a large number of vehicles but was brought under control before causing widespread damage.
According to reports, the fire started in an area where numerous cars were stored. However, the quick actions of the firefighters, along with TAG staff members, prevented the flames from spreading to the majority of vehicles. Workers were able to relocate most of the cars to safety before the fire could escalate.
A source close to the company stated: “We were able to move most of the cars, thankfully. Yes, we lost a few to the fire, but the vast majority are safe and undamaged.”
While some losses were reported, the combined efforts of the Fire and Rescue Services and TAG’s team ensured that the potential for major damage was minimised. The cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, and further details are expected as investigations continue.
More information will be provided as it becomes available.
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