Local News
Prisoners at His Majesty’s Prison Successfully Complete Skills of Life Programme
Thirteen prisoners at His Majesty’s Prison were recently awarded completion certificates for their successful participation in the transformative Skills of Life Programme.
Aligned with the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) curricula, the initiative aims to address offending behaviour and focuses on crucial areas such as Financial Management, Anger Management, Health, and Conflict Resolution.
The eight-week programme demanded full commitment, with inmates actively participating in classes, completing diverse exercises, and engaging in both group and individual tasks. Successful completion was contingent upon consistently exhibiting positive behaviour throughout the course, promising a transformative journey for those involved.
Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent O. Wheatley, praised the rehabilitation efforts during the closing ceremony, stating, “The commitment shown by these individuals is commendable. It is a testament to the effectiveness of rehabilitation initiatives in our correctional system.” He pledged ongoing support for expanding rehabilitative offerings and highlighted collaborative efforts with the Prison Visiting Committee (PVC) and the Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) to enhance rehabilitation outcomes.
Superintendent of Prisons, Mr. Jay Kendall, expressed pride in the achievements of both inmates and the dedicated team. He emphasised the prison’s commitment to elevating rehabilitation services, stating, “This success is just the beginning. We are working towards expanding our Rehabilitation Team to provide more comprehensive support.” Key roles, including a General Counsellor, a Drug Counsellor, a Restorative Justice Officer, and additional teachers, are part of the planned expansion.
Mr. Kendall stressed the importance of engaging in offending behaviour programmes, saying, “Our focus is on reducing risks, aiding inmates’ progress through sentences, and preventing future victims. We are forging a path toward positive change and brighter futures for these individuals.”
The Ministry of Health and Social Development, through His Majesty’s Prison, remains committed to inmate rehabilitation while concurrently enhancing their health and social well-being.
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.
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